TRIBAL AND CLAN HIERARCHY AND LAWS FOR TRIBE WODEN THOR

MISSION STATEMENT:

Tribe Woden Thor is a private, family oriented organization, dedicated to the education and entertainment of the general public regarding the political structure and life styles of the Germanic and Norse peoples of northern Europe. We shall achieve this through discussions, shows and events based on the time period of 800-1200 AD.

The Tribe Woden Thor governs itself through the Tribal High Chieftain and the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council is made up of the Chieftains of each of the nine respective Clans and two positions acting as advisory to the Tribal High Chieftain. Laws and changes to laws can be made by either the Tribal High Chieftain or the Tribal Council, however Council laws cannot be implemented without the approval of the Tribal High Chieftain and laws made by the Tribal High Chieftain cannot be implemented without the approval of a majority vote of the Tribal Council.

The nine clans are to follow the same basic political structure as that of the Tribe. The hierarchy or chain of command is as follows:

1. Tribal High Chieftain (Hoher Häuptling)
2. Tribal First Sword (Erste Klinge), (advisory position to the Tribal High Chieftain, 2nd in command for the Tribe)
3. Tribal First Defender (Erster Verteidiger), (advisory position to the Tribal High Chieftain 3rd in command for the Tribe, Tribal Law Holder)
   _{A: Tribal Herald and Historian (Verkünder), (secretary to the Tribal Council under the direction of the Tribal Law Holder)}
4. Tribal Council Member and Clan Chieftain (Häuptling)
   _{A: Clan Council Members (consisting of at least a Clan First Sword and a Clan First Defender)}

The positions listed above including duties and privileges of those positions are defined as follows:

TRIBAL HIGH CHIEFTAIN (HOHER HAUPTLING):

The Tribal High Chieftain is to lead Tribe Woden Thor and settle disputes between the Clans. The High Chieftain is also to represent the Tribe in dealings with other tribes and peoples. During times of crisis the Tribal High Chieftain gains absolute authority over all aspects of the Tribe. A time of crisis is declared and annulled by the unanimous vote of the Tribal Council. The Tribal High Chieftain can be removed by a unanimous vote by the Tribal Council and a new Tribal High Chieftain selected in trial by combat and approved by a unanimous vote of the Tribal Council.

DUTIES OF THE TRIBAL HIGH CHIEFTAIN (HOHER HAUPTLING):

1. To make all reasonable efforts to be present at all Tribal Council meetings and all Tribal events or designate the Tribal First Sword to stand in his stead.
2. To be able to maintain rapid communication with all members of the Tribal Council and be available for communication with all members of the Tribe.
3. Standing before all the Tribe as an example of honor, courtesy, and virtue, upholding all aspects of the Code of Conduct (see also Tribe Woden Thor Code of Conduct) and encouraging these traits in all members of the Tribe Woden Thor.
4. To facilitate and maintain a regular schedule of Tribal Council meetings and preside over such meetings.
5. To relinquish any office held, other than Tribal Chieftain, for the duration of the reign. So as to act in the best interests of the Tribe as a whole by being a true and faithful servant of the Tribe, to uphold people’s rights, to work for the benefit of the Tribe, and maintain a Chief’s justice amongst all Tribe members. If the Tribal High Chieftain was a Clan Chieftain previously they must appoint a Regent to govern their clan and sit on the Tribal Council in their stead. However the Tribal High Chieftain shall retain the right to use the Title of Chieftain of their respective clan when listing their Titles.
6. Maintain and retain any and all files and papers required for operation of the Tribe and relinquishing them in whole to a successor should that become necessary.
7. To lead all public relations and encourage care in the use of hospitality and welcome to new and prospective members.
8. To watch over and encourage the practice of various arts and sciences within the Tribe.
9. Certain regalia and properties may exist which will remain the property of the Tribe, but will remain in the possession of the Tribal High Chieftain. The care and maintenance of such will be the responsibility of the Tribal High Chieftain, and its use will remain the sole prerogative of the High Chieftain. Regalia and properties no longer needed by the Tribe will be entrusted to the Tribal Herald and Historian for historical display within the Tribal Great Hall.

PRIVILEGES OF THE TRIBAL HIGH CHIEFTAIN (HOHER HAUPTLING):

1. To make and repeal laws, policies and procedures as the High Chieftain deems necessary subject to the approval of the majority Tribal Council.
2. To receive gifts made to the position of the Tribal High Chieftain and use such treasure or possessions during his reign, but they must be maintained and preserved for a successor should that be necessary.
3. To receive personal gifts in his capacity as Tribal High Chieftain and retain those gifts should their reign end.
4. The sole right to call for an emergency meeting of the Tribal Council, outside of the routine meeting schedule.
5. The right to unrestricted access to all areas of the Tribal Forum.
6. The rights to a clear and unobstructed view of the principal activity of an event as long as the High Chieftain is an observer and not an active participant.
7. The right to declare “Seclusion” should the need present itself. Seclusion is defined as a ring, ten foot in radius surrounding the High Chieftain’s person which may be freely entered only by the Tribal First Sword and the Tribal First Defender. All other members of the Tribe may enter the ring only upon invitation by the High Chieftain. Seclusion is not intended to remain for a lengthy period of time and should not exceed 1 hour.

TRIBAL FIRST SWORD (ERSTE KLINGE):

The Tribal First Sword is a non voting position upon the Tribal Council, to act as an advisor to the Tribal High Chieftain. He is appointed by the Tribal High Chieftain and approved by a majority vote of the Tribal Council and can be any member of any Clan, regardless of position or title. This becomes an added responsibility and does not affect or negate any position, title, duty, or privilege held prior to appointment as Tribal First Sword. Thus a Clan Chieftain with a voting position on the Tribal Council can be named Tribal First Sword and still retain his seat on the council and full voting privileges. The main role of the Tribal First Sword is to have the ability to act in the Tribal High Chieftain’s stead when he is unable. This includes acting as second in command of the Tribe during times of crisis and acting as Tribal High Chieftain as necessary. While in the guise of Tribal High Chieftain the Tribal First Sword assumes all duties of the High Chieftain including article V under Duties of the Tribal High Chieftain. Thus if he is a Clan Chieftain and a member of the Tribal Council, someone else from the Clan must be appointed to take over his duties while he is Acting Tribal Chief. In the event that the Tribal First Sword is needed to act as Tribal High Chieftain, the Tribal First Defender will assume his responsibilities.

DUTIES OF THE TRIBAL FIRST SWORD (ERSTE KLINGE):

1. To make all reasonable efforts to be present at all Tribal Council meetings and all Tribal events and to act in the stead of the Tribal High Chieftain at these meetings and events if necessary.
2. To be able to maintain rapid communication with the Tribal High Chieftain and all members of the Tribal Council and to be available for communication with all members of the Tribe.
3. Standing before all the Tribe as an example of honor, courtesy, and virtue, upholding all aspects of the Code of Conduct (see also Tribe Woden Thor Code of Conduct) and encouraging these traits in all members of the Tribe Woden Thor.
4. To assist the Tribal High Chieftain to facilitate and maintain a regular schedule of Tribal Council meetings and preside over such meetings if necessary.
5. To uphold a smooth continuity of leadership as Acting Tribal High Chieftain if the need should arise.
6. Maintain and retain any and all files and papers required for operation as Tribal First Sword, and relinquishing them in whole to a successor should that become necessary.
7. To assist the Tribal High Chieftain in all public relations and encourage care in the use of hospitality and welcome to new and prospective members.
8. To watch over and encourage the practice of various arts and sciences within the Tribe, and to promote safety and professionalism in the combat practices and training of all existing, new, and prospective members. The Tribal First Sword or his designee will act as the safety officer for all Tribal combat functions and his word on the use and safety of weapons, armor, technique, and all aspects of combat is FINAL.
9. Certain regalia and properties may exist which will remain the property of the Tribe, but will remain in the possession of the Tribal First Sword. The care and maintenance if such will be the responsibility of the Tribal First Sword, and its use will remain his sole prerogative. Regalia and properties no longer needed by the Tribe will be entrusted to the Tribal Herald and Historian for historical display within the Tribal Great Hall.

PRIVILEGES OF THE TRIBAL FIRST SWORD (ERSTE KLINGE):

1. To gain unrestricted access to all files and papers held by the Tribal High Chieftain required for operation of the Tribe.
2. To receive gifts made to the position of the Tribal First Sword and use such treasure or possessions during his appointment, but they must be maintained and preserved for a successor should that be necessary.
3. To receive personal gifts in his capacity as Tribal First Sword and retain those gifts should the appointment end.
4. The right to unrestricted access to all areas of the Tribal Forum.
5. The right to a stop or halt any Tribal combat event at any time and to bar any individual from competing in Tribal combat events until they are cleared by a vote of the Tribal Council and Tribal High Chieftain.
6. The right to freely enter a Tribal High Chieftain’s declared “Seclusion” and if need be, forcefully bar any other Tribal Member, with the exception of the Tribal First Defender from entering the ring without the expressed invitation of the High Chieftain.

TRIBAL FIRST DEFENDER (ERSTER VERTEIDIGER):

The Tribal First Defender is a non voting position upon the Tribal Council, to act as an advisor to the Tribal High Chieftain. He is appointed by the Tribal High Chieftain and approved by a majority vote of the Tribal Council and can be any member of any clan, regardless of position or title. This becomes an added responsibility and does not affect or negate any position, title, duty, or privilege held prior to appointment as Tribal First Defender. Thus a Clan Chieftain with a voting position on the Tribal Council can be named Tribal First Defender and still retain his seat on the council and full voting privileges. The main role of the Tribal First Defender is to be in charge of events and public relations for the Tribe, acting as Master of Ceremony for events, setting and maintaining event schedules, and facilitating communication between all Clans. Duties also include acting as third in command of the Tribe during times of crisis and acting as Tribal High Chieftain if the Tribal First Sword is unable to overtake those responsibilities. In the event that the Tribal First Defender cannot assume these responsibilities, a tourney shall be held and the winner shall assume the role of Acting Tribal High Chieftain. In the event that the Tribal First Defender is needed to act as either Tribal First Sword or Tribal High Chieftain, the Tribal Herald and Historian will assume his responsibilities.

DUTIES OF THE TRIBAL FIRST DEFENDER (ERSTER VERTEIDIGER):

1. To make all reasonable efforts to be present at all Tribal Council meetings and all Tribal events and to act in the stead of the Tribal First Sword or possibly the Tribal High Chieftain at these meetings and events if necessary.
2. To be able to maintain rapid communication with the Tribal High Chieftain and all members of the Tribal Council, and to be available for communication with all members of the Tribe.
3. Standing before all the Tribe as an example of honor, courtesy, and virtue, upholding all aspects of the Code of Conduct (see also Tribe Woden Thor Code of Conduct) and encouraging these traits in all members of the Tribe Woden Thor.
4. To assist the Tribal High Chieftain to facilitate and maintain a regular schedule of Tribal Council meetings and preside over such meetings if necessary.
5. Maintain and retain any and all files and papers required for operation as Tribal First Defender, and relinquishing them in whole to a successor should that become necessary.
6. To assist the Tribal High Chieftain in all public relations and encourage care in the use of hospitality and welcome to new and prospective members.
7. To watch over and encourage the practice of various arts and sciences within the Tribe, and to promote historical accuracy to all existing, new, and prospective members.
8. To oversee the display of historical properties held at the Tribal Great Hall.
9. To oversee and guide the work of the Tribal Herald and Historian.
10. Certain regalia and properties may exist which will be remain the property of the Tribe, but will remain in the possession of the Tribal First Defender. The care and maintenance if such will be the responsibility of the Tribal First Defender, and its use will remain his sole prerogative. Regalia and properties no longer needed by the Tribe will be entrusted to the Tribal Herald and Historian for historical display within the Tribal Great Hall.

PRIVILAGES OF THE TRIBAL FIRST DEFENDER (ERSTER VERTEIDIGER):

1. To gain unrestricted access to all files and papers held by the Tribal High Chieftain required for operation of the Tribe.
2. To receive gifts made to the position of the Tribal First Defender and use such treasure or possessions during his appointment, but they must be maintained and preserved for a successor should that be necessary.
3. To receive personal gifts in his capacity as Tribal First Defender, and retain those gifts should the appointment end.
4. The right to unrestricted access to all areas of the Tribal Forum.
5. The right to freely enter a Tribal High Chieftain’s declared “Seclusion” and if need be, forcefully bar any other Tribal Member, with the exception of the Tribal First Sword from entering the ring without the expressed invitation of the High Chieftain.

TRIBAL HERALD AND HISTORIAN (VERKUNDER):

The Tribal Herald and Historian is a non voting position upon the Tribal Council, appointed by the Tribal High Chieftain and approved by a majority vote of the Tribal Council and can be any member of any Clan, regardless of position or title. This becomes an added responsibility and does not affect or negate any position, title, duty, or privilege held prior to appointment. Thus a Clan Chieftain with a voting position on the Tribal Council can be named Tribal Herald and Historian and still retain his seat on the council and full voting privileges. The main role of the Tribal Herald and Historian role is to act as an archivist and general historian for “Tribal History.” including records of feasts, attendance at Tribal events, outcomes of tourneys, and such else. They are to attend Tribal Council meetings act as secretary of the minutes, roll taker, and announcer for call to order and introduction of anyone from outside the council who wishes to address the Council. They are to act as an announcer at Tribal Events, for example, heralding the beginning and location of separate events in a tourney. They are also to assist the Tribal First Defender in the maintenance of historical properties for the Tribal Great Hall. In the event that the role of Tribal Herald and Historian is empty, the Tribal First Defender will assume the responsibilities.

DUTIES OF THE TRIBAL HERALD AND HISTORIAN (VERKUNDER):

1. To make all reasonable efforts to be present at all Tribal Council meetings and all Tribal events.
2. To be able to maintain rapid communication with the Tribal High Chieftain and all members of the Tribal Council and to be available for communication with all members of the Tribe.
3. Standing before all the Tribe as an example of honor, courtesy, and virtue, upholding all aspects of the Code of Conduct (see also Tribe Woden Thor Code of Conduct) and encouraging these traits in all members of the Tribe Woden Thor.
4. To assist the Tribal High Chieftain to facilitate and maintain a regular schedule of Tribal Council meetings and preside over such meetings if necessary.
5. Maintain and retain any and all files and papers required for operation as Tribal Herald and Historian, making these records available to anyone on the Tribal Council upon request and relinquishing them in whole to a successor, should that become necessary.
6. To assist the Tribal First Defender when needed.
7. To watch over and encourage the practice of various arts and sciences within the Tribe, and to promote historical accuracy to all existing, new, and prospective members.
8. To maintain the display of historical properties held at the Tribal Great Hall under the oversight of the Tribal First Defender.
9. To oversee and approve the creation of Clan Banners for newly formed clans, under the guidelines set forth in the bylaws, and to historically inter retired banners from clans past.
10. Certain regalia and properties may exist which will be remain the property of the Tribe, but will remain in the possession of the Tribal Herald and Historian. The care and maintenance if such will be the responsibility of the Tribal Herald and Historian, and its use will remain his sole prerogative. Regalia and properties no longer needed by the Tribe will be utilized for historical display within the Tribal Great Hall.

PRIVILEGES OF THE TRIBAL HERALD AND HISTORIAN (VERKUNDER):

1. To receive gifts made to the position of the Tribal Herald and Historian and use such treasure or possessions during his appointment, but they must be maintained and preserved for a successor should that be necessary.
2. To receive personal gifts in his capacity as Tribal Herald and Historian and retain those gifts should the appointment come to an end.

TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBER AND CLAN CHIEFTAIN (HAUPLING):

A Clan Chieftain is to lead their respective Clan and settle disputes between Clan members. The Chieftain is also to represent the Clan in dealings with the Tribe through their role as a voting member of the Tribal Council. During times of crisis the Clan Chieftain gains absolute authority over all aspects of their Clan with the exception of direction or orders from anyone above them in the established hierarchy. A Clan Chieftain can be removed the unanimous vote of the Clan Council.

DUTIES OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBER AND CLAN CHIEFTAIN (HAUPLING):

1. To make all reasonable efforts to be present at all Tribal Council meetings and all Tribal events or designate a proxy to stand in his stead.
2. To be able to maintain rapid communication with all members of the Tribal Council and be available for communication with all members of the Tribe.
3. Standing before all the Tribe as an example of honor, courtesy, and virtue, upholding all aspects of the Code of Conduct (see also Tribe Woden Thor Code of Conduct) and encouraging these traits in all members of the Tribe Woden Thor.
4. To facilitate and maintain a regular schedule of Clan Council meetings and preside over such meetings.
5. To act in the best interests of the Clan by being a true and faithful servant of the Clan, to uphold people’s rights, to work for the benefit of the Clan and Tribe, and maintain a Chief’s justice amongst all Clan members.
6. Maintain and retain any and all files and papers required for operation of the Clan and relinquishing them in whole to a successor should that become necessary.
7. To participate in all public relations and encourage care in the use of hospitality and welcome to new and prospective members.
8. To watch over and encourage the practice of various arts and sciences within the Clan and Tribe.
9. Certain regalia and properties may exist which will remain the property of the Tribe, but will remain in the possession of a Clan Chieftain. The care and maintenance of such will be the responsibility of that Clan Chieftain, and its use will remain the sole prerogative of the Chieftain. Regalia and properties no longer needed by the Tribe will be entrusted to the Tribal Herald and Historian for historical display within the Tribal Great Hall.

PRIVILEGES OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBER AND CLAN CHIEFTAIN (HAUPLING):

1. To participate in the creation and/or repeal of Tribal Laws, policies and procedures through exercise of a voting seat on the Tribal Council, all votes are subject to the approval of the Tribal High Chieftain.
2. To make and repeal Clan laws, policies and procedures as the Chieftain deems necessary subject to the approval of the majority Clan Council as long as such laws, policies and procedures are not contradictory to those of the Tribe.
3. To receive gifts made to the position of the Clan Chieftain and use such treasure or possessions during his reign, but they must be maintained and preserved for a successor should that be necessary.
4. To receive personal gifts in his capacity as Clan Chieftain and retain those gifts should their reign come to an end.
5. The sole right to call for an emergency meeting of a Clan Council, outside of the routine meeting schedule.
6. The right to unrestricted access to all areas of the Clan Forums.
7. The rights to a clear and unobstructed view of the principal activity of a Clan event as long as the Chieftain is an observer and not an active participant.
8. The right to declare “Seclusion” should the need present itself. Seclusion is defined as a ring, ten foot in radius surrounding the Chieftain’s person which may be freely entered only by the Clan First Sword and the Clan First Defender. All other members of the Tribe may enter the ring only upon invitation by the Chieftain, the exception being the Tribal Chieftain who may enter at will. Seclusion is not intended to remain for a lengthy period of time and should not exceed 1 hour. Clan versions of Seclusion work only in a Clan setting and are void in a Tribal setting such as a Tribal Council.

ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW CLANS AND GUIDELINES FOR ALL CLANS:

The Tribe is made up of Clans that have banded together for the mutual benefits of trade and defense. Clans consist of a family group with a leader or Clan Chieftain who spoke for the Clan as a whole. Under the Clan Chieftain is a Clan Council of Elders which would contain the offices of Clan First Sword, Clan First Defender, Clan Herald and Historian, and possible other individual leaders of households within the Clan. Each Clan is autonomous and is responsible for all matters within its own “lands” and regarding its own membership that do not affect the Tribe as a whole. Matters that affect the Tribe as a whole are brought to and dealt with by the Tribal Council and the Tribal High Chieftain. The Tribe Woden Thor shall limit itself to nine (9) Clans. Each clan shall take on of the approved names as their name and standard. Each clan shall construct from textile material, a Clan banner which shall contain at least an image of their Clan totem and the Tribal runes for Woden and Thor The banner shall be colored by at least two colors not already paired by already existing clans. The banner may contain also navy blue, which is the Tribal Color. It may also contain up to four smaller charges. The Clan banner must adhere to all general rules and guidelines of heraldry under direction from the Tribal Herald and Historian. All banners are subject to approval by the Tribal Council Groups wishing to form a new clan must first submit a written “New Clan Application” and each potential member must submit a “New Member Application” to the Tribal Chieftain who will then bring the request to the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council can then choose to approve, deny, or request more information for the application New Clans must have a minimum of four adult members to fill the offices of the Clan. Hierarchy, duties and privileges and names of Offices within a Clan are to mimic that of the Tribe but are not restricted to that number. An established clan may add offices as it sees fit but the composition of the main offices of First Sword, First Defender, and Herald/Historian, must remain untouched. Established Clans whose membership drops below four will not be subject to loss of rights or responsibilities, provided that Clan remains an active and vibrant part of the Tribe maintaining at least two adult members and attempting to grow. All clans should always make efforts to expand and add membership. After the completion of the application process the new clan shall begin a probationary period of one year, under the oversight of the Tribal High Chieftain and the Tribal Council. The Chieftain of the probationary clan will be allowed to sit on the Tribal Council and vote as though they are fully vested on all matters with the exception of those involving their clan directly and its probation. The Tribal High Chieftain will make the decision when the probationary clan Chieftain shall have to sit out a vote. At the end of a year the probation can be:

1. Extended for further evaluation of the clan.
2. Denied, and the Tribal relationship with the clan ended, though the membership shall be encouraged to remain within the Tribe.
3. Approved, and the clan brought to full membership.

A clan cannot admit new members during its probationary period. This is a time for the clan to set itself up for success and find it’s identity within the Tribe. Something that cannot easily be accomplished with the added stresses of new members and ideas added to an unestablished clan. Potential new members may join the Tribe in a singular capacity until the new clan is voted approved from probation and brought to full membership. New clans must hold at least four regular meetings within that year with either the Tribal Chieftain or an appointed advisor in attendance to offer leadership, guidance and experience.

MEMBERSHIP AND ADDMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS:

New members of Tribe Woden Thor are always welcome. All clans should always be searching for new members, but new members are not required to be part of a clan. Membership exists in two separate forms. Clan Membership, or those belonging to an existing or probationary Clan, and Members-At-Large, or members who wish to forgo the protection and benefits of a Clan but still participate regularly if Tribal Functions. Member’s-At-Large must pay an additional 10 dollars a year in adult membership dues, due to the increased paperwork for the Tribe and are strongly advised to seek out and join an existing clan, or gather enough people and support to begin their own clan (should there be an open spot for a new clan). Members-At-Large gain no additional access to any Forums on tribewodenthor.org, other than the general Tribal areas. All new prospective members are to fill out a “New Member Application” form where upon they will be given a date to stand before a Tribal Council Meeting. They are to be presented by the Chieftain of their sponsoring Clan. If the new member intends to join but not be part of a Clan they shall be presented by either the Tribal First Sword or the Tribal First Defender. At this presentation their Probationary Membership shall be approved and the applicant shall sign a copy of the Tribal Code of Conduct which they shall then be expected to adhere to. Probationary members shall be watched closely for three Tribal events and their probation discussed at the next scheduled Tribal Council Meeting. At this Meeting the Tribal Council can decide to:

1. Extend, and the probation lengthened for further evaluation.
2. Deny, and the Tribal relationship with the potential member ended.
3. Approve, and the member brought to appropriate membership level.

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Tribal and Clan Hierarchy and Laws, Version 1.2, 9/21/2006