What does a local seneschal do?

The job of a branch seneschal.

The task really is one of overseeing the shire. Not necessarily doing a lot of work yourself, but taking note of how the shire is doing and nudging it along when things seem stalled or when a problem is developing.

Tasks of a seneschal

  • Try to keep your branch focussed on having fun. Keep successes in mind and work on problems in as up-beat a way as possible. Spreading a lack of fun is a death knell for your shire.
  • Try and get your shire together, fact to face, from time to time. Just about all the good things in the SCA some from people talking, getting enthused, and making things happen. Is much easier for things to stagnate when shires don’t get together socially and rely on e-mail. It’ll also be easier for you as seneschal if your shire is enthused and active.
  • Try to defuse any conflicts in your shire as they form. From time to time minor disagreements can flair into nasty faction forming. Keep an eye out for it. Few things drive away new members like a feeling of internal scheming and back biting. If a problem can’t be resolved locally feel free to ask the Regional Seneschal for a list of potential mediators to sit down with the offended parties. Often an outside person willing to listen and help clear the air can help a lot.
  • Send in a report once every three months. Ask for extra time or help with any part of it if you want.
  • Try to have fun. Often having a deputy to assist in the office can help with this.
  • Keep your shire informed of what’s going on.
  • Always keep in mind that the Principality officers are an asset for you to call on. If you have a question, suggestion, or problem, don’t se shy to ask the appropriate regional officer for advice.

Tools of the trade

  • As a shire seneschal you have access to the Insulae Draconis Seneschal’s e-mail list. It’s a good place to discuss any seneschal issues you have, and it’s where a lot of information relevant to your office will be posted.
  • You are also invited to join the Principality officers e-mail list where general planning and discussions for the region are held.
  • The Bealfyr (the Principality newsletter) is happy to carry details of any events and practices you are holding. Just send details to the Insulae Draconis Chronicler.
  • The officers of the Principality and Kingdom are there to support you. Exploit them.

Things to do as you settle in to office

  • Remind the regional seneschal to send the updates of your contact details to the Kingdom and Regional newsletters, and websites.
  • Have your shire website updated with you contact details.
  • It’s recommended you post a brief mail introducing yourself on the Seneschal’s mailing list so that the other seneschal know that you’ve taken up the office.

Where to find stuff