Order of Masters of Arms

The Order of Masters of Arms is an order of Pagan martial artists.

This Order was created for those who wish to study and honor the spiritual archetype of the questing warrior. Armsmasters (and Armsmistresses) vow themselves to their code of honor, and to a quest for excellence. There are three ranks in the OMA: Brigand, Armsman/Armswoman, and Armsmaster/Armsmistress. Brigands do not have to be Asphodelian citizens; they need have no loyalty to Asphodel or even to the Order, and may come and go as they choose to fighting practices. We have used the term "brigand" as an act of reclaiming; before the term fell into disrepute, it was the name of a type of Celtic freedom fighter dedicated to the warrior goddess Brigid.

Armsmen/Armswomen must be citizens of Asphodel. To move up to the rank of Armsman, one need only request citizenship (and have it be granted) and request Armsman status of the Senior Armsmistress. They will be assigned to an Armsmaster or Armsmistress, who will see that they are trained in whatever martial arts, warrior history and culture, and honorable ethics that are agreed upon between the two. After a period of study not less than one year, they can be initiated publicly into the rank of Armsmaster/Armsmistress.

Armsmasters hold regular fighting practices on a number of different martial arts, including but not limited to traditional eastern martial arts, European-style swordfighting, fencing, wrestling, etc. They provide training for both the Brigantian Order of the Reynard Rampant and the Knightly Order of Blutwasser in the martial arts. They aid with the creation of practice and parade arms for the Kingdom, keeping the weapons and armor in good condition.

Members of the OMA study and honor the spiritual archetype of the questing warrior in all its forms, including the warrior's code of honor. They must be proficient in at least one martial art, able to handle at least one non-firearm weapon, and able to handle an event security position. They must write a paper delineating their code of honor, and why they have chosen and/or constructed it. Unlike the KOB, members are not required to swear fealty to the Crown (and thus do not have to take any etiquette classes!), although an individual OMA member may swear fealty on their own as a private citizen, if they so desire.

Articles:
A Personal Code of Honor by Natalie Daniels, Armsmistress, OMA