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S.C.A. Service

Retaining at the Baronial Level

Nova Schola, Hartshorn Dale – Saturday, March 4, 2023

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A collaboration between Dame Ysmay de Lynn, Sheik Jibril ibn Ammar, TH Lady Cailleach Dhe ingen Chiarain

Notes truncated and edited from Retainer Roundtable 101

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What are the basics?

 

  • What do I wear?

Please wear clothes and shoes that are in good condition and are comfortable enough to walk, or stand in place for long periods of time.  Even though you are not the main focus of attention, you will still be highly visible, and you represent the Crown or Coronet.  Please do not wear clothes with stains or rips, and do wear shoes that you can walk over a variety of surfaces including grass, gravel, mud, and dirt.

 

  • How do I act?

Please remember that how you act is an extension of the Royals or Baronet.  You are there to make them look good!  While retaining, you need to be conscious of both your actions and facial expressions.  When in public, please be formal! Don't refer to the royals as “Insert Name(s) Here.” They are His/Her/Their Highness or His/Her/Their Majesty, His/Her/Their Excellency. When They are "off-duty" then we can all be more familiar, if that is a comfort they have extended to you. Remember, if They are in garb, They are "on" and so are we… even if They're not wearing Their Crowns/Coronets.

 

  • What do I bring with me?

When retaining, self-care is also important.  You need to take care of yourself to take care of Them! Please bring your own drinking vessel, sunblock (should already be applied before your shift starting) and any snacks you think you may need to keep up your energy.

 

  • What can I be expected to do?

When retaining, you may be asked to get something from the royal room/tent, fill drinking vessels, give tissues, organize favors, carry items like a parasol, or even hold the Royal Crowns/Baronial Coronets if they need to use the bathroom.  Typically, the crowns are removed before using the facilities as to no fall off in the middle of taking care of business.  It is important to treat the crowns with the upmost care and respect.  When holding crowns, do not drape them over your wrist, twirl, spin, or even jokingly put them on. They should be held palm side up, across your open palms. Do not grab it like a horseshoe/tambourine.

 

  •  What should be in a retainer bag? Is a retainer bag necessary?

When retaining there may or may not be a bag for you to carry.  That bag carries the wishes of TRM/TRH/B&B, and what is inside is your responsibility.  There may be personal items such as a wallet or cell phone, and must be kept safe.  Tissues are highly recommended!

 

  • Gifts! What information to get?

Every time someone gives something to Them, or does something for your Royalty, write it down on the notebook in the retainer bag.

Please include:

  • The event or the date

  • Who: both SCAdian and mundane names and addresses),

  • What Shire or Barony they are located in

  • Item they gave, or what they did

 

 

Do’s and Don’ts

 

-DO be on time (or slightly early) for your shift

-DO give any important information to the person taking over from you for their shift.

-DO be respectful and courteous when speaking to TRM/TRH/B&B and others.

-DO offer food and drinks to TRM/TRH/B&B, especially when standing in the sun for long periods.  Keep everyone (including yourself!) hydrated, and healthy.

-DO offer to take/hold items for TRM/TRH/B&B – typically they should not hold more than one item.  These things could include their drinking vessel, parasol, weapon, or anything you hold within the retainer bags.

-DO accept “NO” for an answer when offering to hold or get something for TRM/TRH/B&B.

-DO give space to TRM/TRH/B&B for them to have private conversations, if you are needed, they will look for you.  Please do not wander away while you are still on duty. 

-DO know where the retainer bag is at all times!

-DO take turns retaining during court.  Get your number in line-up before court, and know who is in front and behind you.

-DO be aware of the time and Their schedule.  Carry a watch or small clock on your person and check it frequently. Also, make sure you know what Their schedule for the day is.  A written copy will be in the Royal retainer bag, for reference. Let the Royalty/Baronet know when it is approaching time for Them to be somewhere. If They have to be at more than one place at once (it does happen!), let Them know all of the places They are supposed to be, and They will decide which ones to go to in which order, and which ones to skip if necessary.

 

-DON’T join in conversations that your Royalty may be having with other people unless you are spoken to, and invited to join in the conversation.

-DON’T repeat anything you overhear in conversation.  Not everything is meant to be public knowledge, and you may overhear thing that may be confidential, even if that’s not expressly stated.  Some items of discussion may be subject to legal liability, as well.

-DON’T lean on the backs of thrones during court. Also, there really should be very little, if any, chatter, giggling, or talking to the people behind the thrones. This is distracting and takes away the special moment from the person being called into court

-DON’T fidget in court.

-DON’T be a paparazzi.  If you have a friend getting an award during court, let the next retainer know, and kindly step to the side, away from the thrones, to take pictures.  Do not use your phone or camera where anyone can see.  If you *must* take pictures, then do so discreetly.  Remember, if your phone can see other people, other people can see your phone.

-DON’T leave the Royals/Baronet alone.  At times, They may have to go to various meetings that you cannot attend. Wait outside for Them. Don't go away and plan to come back when it is over; it may get out early or They may need you to do or get something for Them. If it is necessary for you to leave Them alone while you go get something for Them, be as quick as possible and make sure They stay where They are so that you can find Them again.

-DON’T forget – YOU ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN.  If things start to get to be too much for you, PLEASE don't suffer silently.  Let your partner or head retainer know, so that we can help. Overworking yourself won't make the reign any easier for anyone, and is likely to sour you on the SCA. It is much better for everyone involved if you cut back on your duties and let someone else take up the slack, rather than burn yourself out.

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