The Adrian Empire, Inc. NEW MEMBER'S GUIDE JULY 2002 © 2002 The Adrian Empire Inc., all rights reserved. Anyone is welcome to point out any error or omission that they may find. Imperial Hospitaler hospitaler@adrianempire.org Empress empress@adrianempire.org Emperor emperor@adrianempire.
Page 2 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 WELCOME TO ADRIA It is certainly our pleasure in providing this New Member's Guide to you. We hope it answers many of your questions, and raises just as many new ones. Most of all, We hope it inspires your participation in Adria. If you have any comments you have about anything in this guide, or what is not, that you think other new members would be interested in, please contact the Crown. You're just now at a very exciting time.
Page 3 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 THE MODERN MIDDLE AGES A love of Medieval combat, arts, and politics has brought us all together to ensure that the Age of Chivalry lives on. We're pleased to welcome you to the Empire of Adria. We hope this short introduction will provide you with enough information to know what questions to ask and the best person to ask them of.
Page 4 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 DIVISIONS OF THE EMPIRE Adria is divided into chartered subdivisions, each with geographic borders. You are a member of the chartered subdivision were you physically live for the majority of the year. Within those chartered subdivisions, there are also "estates". These are free-association groups of people that band together by choice. They are the political units that help to decide how Adria should be played.
Page 5 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 RANK As a paying member of Adria, you are rewarded for much of what you do. These are in the form of points. As these accumulate, you can become eligible for knighthood. There are 4 areas of knighthood: arts, archery, combat, and ministry. In each area, there are 3 levels on the way to knighthood & 3 levels after you become a knight.
Page 6 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 TYPES OF EVENTS There are many types of events that happen all the time in Adria. You will need to sign waivers, sign up for activities and competitions, and a site fee may be required. Here are a few of the types of events, and what to expect.
Page 7 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 YOUR FIRST EVENT The more you participate, the more you’ll enjoy Adria. There’s always more to learn and more events to learn it in. Don’t worry if you can’t be at every event. We’ll be here when you can attend! ------------------------------------------MEETINGS AND EVENTS ------------------------------------A meeting is where members of Adria carry on the regular business of the local group.
Page 8 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 --------------------------------------------------- ETIQUETTE----------------------------------------------Courtesy and honorable behavior is at the core of the Empire. It is always best to be too polite! Show respect by addressing others with their proper title, as that title was earned through skill, excellence, or long service. When the King or Queen are present, make a graceful bow or curtsey as you pass them or as they pass you.
Page 9 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 COMBAT We are one of only a few live steel-fighting groups, giving you a feel of fighting that's as close as you're likely to get! Come out and see the different fighting styles so you’ll know which ones you like. To participate in combat, you need to have appropriate equipment beyond the weaponry. There are four types of combat: shinai, schlager, cut-and-thrust, and armored.
Page 10 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 ARCHERY Recently, Adria has expanded to include archery, both target archery and combat archery. Neither style of archery includes the use of modern accessories on the bows (no compound bows, or modern sights, etc.). Target archers have monthly tournaments with set distances for the targets. Combat archery uses modified arrows (quite accurate, but not painful) to bring an element of realism to the battles.
Page 11 of 11 New Member's Guide June 2002 COSTUMING 101: BASIC GARB When you attend events, you should be in medieval clothing. Your costume doesn't have to be elaborate, but should be an attempt to be as medieval as possible. Many subdivisions have loaner costume available. Contact the local Hospitaler or the Crowns to find out if there is something available.
Page 12 of 12 New Member's Guide June 2002 CONTACTS Adria has many ways for you to get your questions answered, and to get to know more about Adria. You are welcome to talk to anyone! -------------------------------------------------- HOSPITALER --------------------------------------------Every region has a Hospitaler whose job it is to answer your questions. They will have a list of the local ministers. They should also have copies of the manuals and guides.
