Answer 11: Type of Consort

"Which is more important to you and why...

...to rule with your significant other (ie, the person you love)?

...or to rule with someone you know will make a good ruler?"

The easy, and hopefully obvious answer is BOTH. But, I understand the basis of the question. If I had to choose, which would I? Considering my situation has changed a tad since this question was probably asked originally, it makes for a interesting question to ponder.

Ideally, I'd hope that my consort would be both, and since I was not seeing anyone when I decided to fight in Crown, I was resolved that my Consort would be someone who would make a good ruler. But now that I am seeing Isolda, that puts a different outlook on it. However, since she is new to the SCA, I don't think it would be fair to her or Calontir if she was my consort at this time, but I would consider her in the future. That would be a baptism by fire and putting more stress on the reign that will already be there.

Now I was just speaking specifically to my situation right now. If you mean generally speaking, and the person could not be both my significant other and a good ruler, then I would probably lean towards someone who is a good ruler for my first reign. If this wasn't my first reign, then I would go with my significant other. And this is with the assumption that we both think she would be able to handle being Queen, or that she even wants to be Queen.

In the end, the best scenario would be that my consort would be both someone I love, and someone who would be a good ruler.

Answer #7: Consort Criteria

"7) What do you see as necessary criteria for your Crown "significant other"? Optional? Best case scenario?"

I assume you mean Consort here. I think the first criteria is that we get along, and work well together. If we can't get along, then everything else will be harder. I feel it best that we are of like mind. We don't have to agree on everything, but at least understand each other.

The second criteria is that she is knowledgeable of the SCA and how things are done. Best case scenario is that she was Queen once before. I think it'd be easier if one of us has done it before so we both are not stumbling around. But I plan on having good advisers so it shouldn't be a problem. I just think it might make it easier.

Lastly I'd want her to have a strong personality. So that she'd enjoy herself, and be able to be a good queen without doubting herself, or letting criticism bother her. She'd have to be kind, and able to deal with various types of people, including myself. :)