Articles of the Free Trader Errant Venture
Captained by Lord Thomas BonaVenture

for clarification click the article number


Ship’s Articles
Article I.
This is a game and as such is meant to be fun and entertaining.


Article II.
Everyone shall have a vote in affairs of the moment and a share in the fresh provisions, strong drink
( IF OF LEGAL AGE) and other treasure to the sum of:
Captain and quartermaster shall have three shares and vote
The Master Gunner shall have two and one half shares and vote
Officers shall have two shares and vote
Junior officers shall have one and one half shares and vote
Crew shall receive one full share and vote
Swabbies shall have one half share and vote.


Article III.
Anyone that shall desert the ship or quarters in time of battle or fail in commitment without justifiable
excuse shall face punishment at the discretion of the company.


Article IV.
If anyone shall steal anything in the ship or bring dishonor or discredit to the ship shall face the
punishment at the discretion of the company.


Article V.
The captain shall decide if an offense merits punishment.  Punishment will be decided by majority vote,
with the exception of marooning, which requires a unanimous decision.  The quartermaster shall be
responsible for administering ships justice, unless the person being punished IS the quartermaster, then
this responsibility shall fall to the next highest ranking Officer


Article VI.

If anything is said in confidence, either one on one or with the crew present, you shall keep the trust of
confidence.  Your word is your bond, and your honor is everything.  Failure to do so shall face
punishment at the discretion of the company.


Article VII.
All quarrels that a compromise can not be reached, shall be ended on shore by duel of sword.  The
winner of the duel shall be declared the victor of the quarrel.  If one or more of the participants of the
quarrel are non-fighters, champions may be selected.


Article VIII.
The laws and traditions of Society corpora will be upheld to the best of your ability.  Without these, the
Errant Venture would have no safe ports to call home.  You will endeavor to be a paid member and
remain such.


Article IX.
As a member of this company, you will be an active participant within the realm of the Society for Creative
Anachronism.  Mundane responsibilities are fully understood, but you will wholeheartedly support our
society by either: learning, teaching, or serving these fine people.  The society benefits from our
participations and activities.  There is always something you can learn, or something you and teach.  Your
duty to the ship is to do what you can, as best as you can.  This means that you should be able to:  change
a diaper, cook a tasty meal, plan an invasion, provide for the defense of your ship and company, brew
some ale, design a building, dye spun wool, build a wall, arrange an encampment, take orders, give
orders, write a sonnet, balance accounts, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, design a new outfit,
analyze a new problem, research information, fight efficiently, and die gallantly ( for a good cause)  while
singing your company’s favorite song.  For any skill that you don’t know, find someone to teach you, for
any skills that you have, be available to teach.


Article X.
Each crew shall keep his armor, sword, and piece at all times clean and ready for action, and close at
hand.  Court will be mandatory armed.


Article XI.
If at any time we meet with a mariner and that person signs the articles with out the consent of our
company, shall suffer such punishment as the captain and company think fit.


Article XII.
If you agree to a Galley Mistress or Master for a time, know well this.  Such is your 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,
lend them a hand, and let them enjoy a clean galley after meal time has passed.


Article XIII.
Article 13.  HA!  Thought there wouldn't’t be one eh?  When it hits the sails, as it eventually will, take it
with grace and dignity!


Article XIV.
Gentlemen and Ladies will be given escort after nightfall.  Period!!!  The only exception will be given to
these crew member’s who give security to the rest of the populous and your company.


Article XV.
A member of our company chooses, they may freely give an oath of service to the Crown or its
representatives, or even an oath of fealty.  This does not bind the rest of the company, family or any
traveler on board.


Article XVI.
There will be no conflicts in multiple obligations, so long as you continue to uphold all of your
obligations.  By failing in the other obligations outside of the Errant Venture, you bring dishonor to your
company.  Choose well your paths of service and know your responsibilities.  Ask your company for
advice as well as your captain.  Know the path you have agreed to.


Article XVII.
Those 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.


Article XVIII.
Let no one talk of breaking with these articles for a period of one year from the date signed by the
captain unless someone feels the spirit of article I is being violated.


Article XIX
No crew member can be forced to sign these articles.  By signing here in you do so of your own accord,
without coercion, force, or threat of pain.  Do not place your mark if you can not uphold the articles
contained herein.