Standards of the MVA

Authenticity Standards and guide for Ulfgard tribe members

As a member of MVA, it is crucial to uphold the highest standards of authenticity in our reenactments. This handbook outlines the expectations and guidelines for maintaining historical accuracy in our portrayal of Viking-age Scandinavia and surrounding areas that were documented to be involved with Norse peoples.

1. Clothing and Appearance

• Materials: Use natural fabrics such as wool, linen, and leather. Avoid modern synthetic materials.
• Colors: Dyes should be consistent with those available during the Viking age, such as blues, reds, yellows, and browns.
• Patterns: Clothing patterns should be based on archaeological finds and historical records. Know what you’re wearing. (i.e. “this tunic is based on a find from Birka,” this pin, this brooch, these shoes etc etc
• Accessories: Jewelry, belts, and other accessories should be replicas of historical artifacts.

2. Weapons and Armor

• Construction: Weapons and armor must be functional replicas made of period-appropriate materials like iron, steel, and wood.
• Safety: While authenticity is important, safety modifications are permitted to prevent injury during reenactments. All weapons must be inspected and approved by Stalari (combat captain) prior to live action
• You must be approved by Jarl before actual fighting.

3. Camp Life

• Tents: Use canvas or wool tents based on historical designs.
• Furniture: Wooden furniture should be simple and functional, reflecting the Viking age.
• Cookware: Utilize replicas of pottery, iron, and wood cookware for food preparation and consumption.
• Mundane: All modern items must be out of site. Throw a fur over your purse, hide the coffee thermos etc etc if you see someone elses stuff or public left items, attend to it.

4. Manners

• Be considerate: Vulgar language within earshot of public will not be tolerated.
• Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with the social customs and manners of the period. Always ALWAYS conduct yourself in an honorable fashion. We strive to honor and make our ancestors proud.

5. Education and Research

• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing research to improve your knowledge and authenticity.
• Documentation: Keep records of sources and references for your reenactment gear. Shannon loves to laminate research for the info books.

6. Public Interaction

• Informative: Be prepared to educate the public about Viking-age culture accurately. (This means public speaking)
• Respectful: Portray the Vikings respectfully, avoiding stereotypes and misconceptions.
• Entertainment: Not only are we an educational group but we are entertainers. We participate in keeping the public engaged in and interacting with what we do.
• Parade: Most of our public events require participation in daily parade. Everyone is encouraged to learn the warrior chant “Hakkerskaldyr” by Heilung for parades.
• Combat: No fighting or training is allowed within 10ft of public.

7. Review Process

• Authenticity Committee: An authenticity committee (High council) will review members gear and knowledge.
• Feedback: Constructive feedback will be provided to ensure continuous
improvement. Always ask your tribe for feedback and support. We are here to build each other up and learn together.

8. Respect and Integrity

• Respect: Treat all members and the public with dignity and respect.
• Integrity: Act with honesty and uphold the values of MVA in all activities.

9. Safety and Responsibility

• Safety: Prioritize the safety of yourself and others during all MVA events and reenactments. (know how to reach security, know where fire extinguishers are)
• Responsibility: Take responsibility for your actions and their impact on the organization and its reputation. People look up to us and what we do, whether we know them or not, people know us. Always be aware of your actions. Lead by example.

10. Authenticity and Excellence

• Authenticity: Strive for historical accuracy in your portrayal and reenactment gear. “We don’t claim to be historically accurate but we AIM TO BE.”
• Excellence: Aim for continuous improvement in your knowledge and skills.

11. Conflict Resolution

• Communication: Address conflicts or disagreements through open and constructive dialogue.
• Mediation: Seek mediation from the High Council if conflicts cannot be resolved amicably.

12. Alcohol and Substance Use

• Alcohol: Consume alcohol RESPONSIBLY AND MODERATELY at events where it is permitted (not many allow). Any and all containers MUST be out of site and disposed of properly. (if mom catches you, you’ll get grounded)
• Substances: Illegal substances are strictly prohibited at all MVA events and activities.

13. Harassment and Discrimination

• Zero Tolerance: MVA has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind, from each other or from patrons. If you dont have anything nice to say, walk away.
• Reporting: Report any incidents to the High Council for appropriate action.

14. Preservation of Property

• Care: Take care and respect of MVA property, event sites, AND the environment during events.
• Restoration: Ensure that all sites are left in the same or better condition than found.

15. Compliance with Laws

• Laws: Comply with all local, state, and federal laws during MVA activities (we don’t have $ to bail you out.)
• Regulations: Adhere to the regulations of event venues, ask what’s allowed and what's not if you’re unsure.
• Meetings: Monthly meetings 1 st Saturday of every month (starting Nov 2024) either via Zoom/Google meet or in person is where important information will be presented. Weekly meetings Thursday night at 8pm are or upkeep and accountability.

By adhering to these codes of conduct, we ensure that Michigan Viking Alliance remains a community where passion for history, respect for one another, and a commitment to excellence and growth within our tribe are paramount.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to upholding these standards. The following layout is the structure we will base our community off of. Our titles and duties are as follows… We greatly encourage everyone to TRY a little bit of everything. High council seats are limited to 9, but nominations for changing seats and challenges for promotions are allowed yearly at our November Thing. Challenges for promotions will be arranged by high council and set for a public event. (winning over the crowd is key)

Đrall

These individuals have recently applied to join the group or do not yet meet the requirements to advance. They are loaned a thrall kit to use for their first three living history events and encouraged to observe and learn from others, as little else is expected of them besides lending a hand around camp. During this time, they should be asking questions, deciding who and what they want to portray, and researching proper kit and where to buy it. Once they meet the minimum kit requirements, they can choose to advance to either:
Leysingi or Gestr
Hearth Focus
Leysingi

Hearth focused individuals who have attended a minimum of six living history events and have also met the minimum kit requirements fall into this category.

Bóndi

After attending and actively participating in a minimum of twelve living history events and passing the Karl Assessment, Leysingi advance to Bóndi. These individuals have consistently proven that they are both knowledgeable about the Viking Age and committed to the organization and its mission. Members who achieve this important milestone have the right to cast a vote during meetings. They are also eligible for appointment to an officer role.

Hauldr

Bóndi can choose to compete in the Hauldr Challenge, an annual competition that puts their knowledge of the hearth and that of their peers to the test. Individuals who win this competition are awarded the prestigious title of Hauldr, who was a wealthy landholder in Viking Age Scandinavia. Within the group, Hauldr are often relied upon to assist with or organize craft demonstrations, feast preparations, and even oversee other aspects of our encampments.

Combat Focus

Gestr

Combat focused individuals who attended a minimum of six living history events and have also met the minimum kit requirements fall into this category.

Drengr

After attending and actively participating in a minimum of twelve living history events and passing the Karl Assessment, Gestr advance to Drengr. These individuals have consistently proven that they are both knowledgeable about the Viking Age and committed to the organization and its mission. Members who achieve this important milestone have the right to cast a vote during meetings. In addition, they are eligible for appointment to an officer role.

Húskarl

Drengr can choose to compete in the Húskarl Challenge, an annual competition that puts their knowledge of combat and that of their peers to the test. Individuals who win this competition are awarded the prestigious title of Húskarl, who was an elite warrior in service to a chieftain in Viking Age Scandinavia. Within the group, Húskarl are often relied upon to assist with or organize combat demonstrations, training, and even oversee other aspects of our encampments. By winning both the Húskarl Challenge and Hauldr Challenge, motivated individuals who have completed their Karl Assessment can prove their mastery of both combat and the hearth. Hersir is the most prestigious title within the organization. During much of the Viking Age, the Hersir was considered a minor chieftain who owned a farm or a hamlet and raised levies for a Jarl, often leading them on raids and military campaigns. In our group, these individuals typically assist the leadership team as moderators online and as team leaders at encampments. With everyone having a title and a mission, during events, we will alternate hearth and combat duties and interacting with the public. For example, doing demo for the public cooking for the community, or info table duty and participating in our community chores/activities i.e crafting shields, working on ship, training combat High council members;

Pillar members that are available for questions or guidance.

Shannon Jarl and Kevyn Masten Stalari happylittleheathens@gmail.com
Eric Hennings Thulr ehennings58@gmail.com
Kristen Jones Logsudakonr Kristen.jones620@gmail.com
Ben Rymar Drengr benrymar@gmail.com
Allen Drengr and Jaime Bondi McDonald Drengr amcd020810@gmail.com
John Drengr Jennifer Bondi Negus jgruizenga@gmail.com
David Drengr and Julie Bondi Morse dmorse3852@gmail.com
Thomas Karpinski Stalari Thomas.j.karpinski@gmail.com
Nik Holly Stalari nikholly6@gmail.com
Steve and Alison Ciecko tech team michiganvikingalliancetech@gmail.com

Trusted places to purchase accurate and quality kit pieces:
Etsy
Northern traders
Jelling dragon
Perkele Viking Clothes
Grimfrost is also a go to for quick quality items.
We also encourage buying and supporting handmade items from other reenactors such as the Etsy listing’s but the go to that has everything is Grimfrost.

Trusted historical information sites:
Hurstwick.com
Skjalden.com

We encourage everyone to read and research as much as possible OFTEN. Find your own rabbit holes, don’t accept the first article you read to be factual, keep digging.

Note*

This is a VERY expensive hobby. We are an educational group, any payments we receive go to items needed to grow our group. We all pitch in on bringing food and crafts for the tribe. We are all responsible for our own gas and expenses to participate. End of the day tips collected go towards gas for members that drive more than an hour. Side Benefit of membership is occasional events and classes. (i.e Strawbale studio for learning thatch roofing and earthen building as well as registration for out of state event that will be covered - limited)