We do not actively recruit people to join the theod. It
is up to the person who is interested in finding out more
to tell us of their interest. Some people are curious about
what it is we do . We are willing to answer questions and
help people outside of the theod to understand our ideas
and practices. If someone wants to know something about the
theod, they have to make the effort to contact us. We do
allow people who are not Theodish to attend our gatherings
for purposes of getting to know us and deciding whether or
not they would like to be a member of the theod. It is
certainly reasonable that someone wants to know what they
are getting themselves into before making a commitment.
Sometimes a person likes coming to our events but doesn't
want to be a part of the theod. They remain good friends of
ours yet outside of our tribe. We call these people
"goodfolk." The criteria for becoming "goodfolk" is that we
have known a person for a while, we like them and know them
to be honorable and trustworthy. Certain courtesies are
extended to goodfolk and we enjoy having them around.
Goodfolk may decide that they would like to be Theodish
after all and ask to enter a theod as a thrall.
In Sweartfenn Theod, all members have been Theodish thralls. Even the Hlaford Sweartfennes was once a thrall in the Winland Rice. After many years of experience, we have learned that the custom of thralldom works well when appropriately applied. There are certain experiences that help to bind people together and cannot be replicated any other way. This is one of the many reasons why we continue to use the method. Anyone who wishes to become part of Sweartfenn Theod must do so as a thrall. Once we have a good idea whether or not they would be a fit with the theod, the scirif will let the individual know if they have been accepted as a thrall. Not all comers will be accepted. Each theod has its own sort of group personality and some people will fit into the group and others won't. At this point in the process, we want the person to have a good working knowledge of what our expectations of them will be. We also want to make sure that their idea of what it means to be in Sweartfenn Theod matches the reality of what it is to be in Sweartfenn Theod. When expectations don't match up, it tends to create problems for everyone involved.
Once a person has been accepted as a thrall, they will
be given detailed information about the next step.
The new thrall will meet with their new "owner" and observe
customs acknowledging their status as a thrall. When this
has been done, the person is now considered chattel in
regards to their dealings as part of Sweartfenn
Theod. A thrall isn't actual physical property.
Thralls are not abused in any way, physically bound or
asked to do anything that is harmful. One's status as a
thrall in Sweartfenn Theod only has a context within the
setting of the theod and its events. Outside of our
events the person is as free as the rest of us.
During this period of "enslavement", the thrall will learn
the thew of the theod and prove their worth. The
thrall may not participate directly in any of the theod's
symbles or blots. They are required to be present, to watch
and to learn but may not participate. At the theod's
fainings they will be expected to perform various tasks.
These are usually simple menial tasks. and take note of
what is going on during the event. They will be given
"homework" to complete outside of our events. The work done
at theod gatherings and the manner in which the thrall
approaches their instruction provides members of the theod
with some context to judge the person's worth. All of
this is entirely voluntary on the part of the thrall. No
one is coerced to perform any task that they do not want to
do.
At any time a thrall may be "set loose". Being "set loose" means the Theodsman responsible for instructing the thrall has decided that the thrall would not be a good fit for our theod. This person is no longer considered a thrall and will not be allowed into the theod. An individual may also choose to "run away" for any reason and without comment. Once they have been "set loose" or "run away" they will not be accepted as a thrall a second time. No loss of honor or face is implied by either occurrence. It means that either the theod or the thrall felt that the thrall and theod were not a good match. Being accepted as a thrall does not mean an individual will be accepted as part of the theod. If a thrall has shown the characteristics we look for in theodsfolk, they will be allowed the privilege of membership in the theod. If they do not, then they will not be allowed entry to our innangard.
In many ways the thrall is the most free member of the theod. They can leave if they wish with no loss of honor. They are not responsible for their actions if they commit some sort of faux pas while a thrall. A thrall has no responsibilities other than those that are directly assigned to them and these are minor compared to the difficulty of those carried by the Hlaford and his thegns. The abuse of thralls, be it verbal, physical or otherwise is not allowed and is dealt with straight away. Neglecting a thrall by not actively providing instruction and encouragement is also unacceptable. The thrall's mentor holds a great deal of responsibility and Sweartfenn's lord and scirif take that very seriously. New thralls are instructed on how such issues are to be addressed when they are informed of their acceptance. There are certainly downsides to be being a thrall. For those who succeed in becoming a member of the theod, the rewards are numerous.