Current Articles for the Free Trader 'Dream Chaser', as amended and approved:
No politics, no power plays, no ego trips.
No steel, fisticuffs, arguing or fighting among the Brothers. Only when absolutely necessary shall brother draw steel against kin, and then it shall be in tournament style only. Them that draws first blood, not the killing, shall be declared the victor. This does not include society tournaments.
NO boisterous drunkenness, illegal substances, in public or private. No compromising if minor. Each brother shall burden their own load and therefore be entitled to their share of the bounty.
Yer Captain and brothers give ye their trust and friendship. FAIL THIS NOT! Things said in confidence, be them to a single brother, or to the crew are to be kept in that confidence. Ye word must be as strong as ye steel and as sharp as ye wit. (Privateers are known to have VERY sharp wits!)
NONE WILL BE TOLERATED!
We are not the saints of the seas, but let us be a living example to those who live upon the land. Gentleman, honor ALL ladies. Ladies, be worthy of ALL honor.
There will be peace in camp or on board ship at all cost. Each visitor shall be given hospitality or courteously asked to leave if given no other options. The tradition of wine, food, and safety will be upheld. No one shall be called stranger, only a friend, not yet met.
These will be upheld by the best of ye strength. Without these the Dream Chaser would have no safe ports to call home. Ye will endeavor to be a paid member and remain such.
There will be no conflicts, so long as ye continue to uphold all of ye obligations. By failing in other obligations outside of the Dream Chaser, ye bring dishonor to ye brothers. Choose well ye paths of service and know ye responsibilities. Ask of ye brothers advice and ye Captain. Know ye path.
Thems who bring visitors on board as guests or travelers are themselves responsible that these visitors know the articles and they will endeavor to uphold them.
If ye agree to a Galley Mistress or Master for a time, know well this. Such is not ye responsibility to clean as well. If ye uses the galley or reaps the rewards of the Mistress’s or Master’s hard work, thank them and let them enjoy a clean galley after meal time has passed.
Ye will endeavor to be an active participant within the realm of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Mundane obligations are fully understood, but ye will wholeheartedly endeavor to support our Society by teaching, learning or serving these fine people. By ye actions the Society is made greater and by ye inaction made the lesser. Give of yerself freely and often and ye will be amazed at the bounty ye shall reap. Your duty to the ship is to be what you can, the best that you can. From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs. A crew member should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, provide for the defense of your Ship and brothers, butcher a hog (or other tasty comestibles), conn the Ship, design a building, tie knots, arrange an encampment, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, research new information, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, and die gallantly (for a good purpose!) Specialization is for insects. For any skills that you lack, find someone to teach you. For any skills that you have, find someone to teach them to.
Ye Captain may freely give an oath of service to the Crown or its representatives, or even an oath of fealty, this does not bind the crew, family or any traveler on board. Unless in the case of crew or household member’s so choosing. Each must make ye own mind but remember our goal is to serve as example in our service within this Society.
Gentlemen and Ladies will be given escort after night fall. Period!! The only exception will be given to these brothers crazed enough to give security to the rest of the populace and ye brothers.
Slavery, indentured service and other such IDIOCY shall not be tolerated. Freemen ye are and freemen ye shall ever remain. Each of ye sign these articles without coercion, force, or threat of pain. Don’t place ye mark if ye cannot uphold them.
By our hand,