Moot (Lore)

A moot is the primary governing method in the Hofborg. In a moot all full members have a voice and decisions are made by majority. (This is also an authentic method of governance for the Nords and Germanic tribes on Earth.)

• A moot can be called by anyone, but are traditionally held on the first Sundas of each month in Hofborg.
• At least one officer must be present for it to be a moot.
• Leadership, policy and law are all determined collectively by the moot.
• The moot handles all legal issues or grievances which can not be settled by individuals.
• Challenges are issued at the moot.

What your character probably knows about moots

The average Skyrim character is likely familiar with the concept of a moot, as the moot was a central part of the eastern/western Skyrim split.

However, depending on where in Skyrim your character grew up, your local village may or may not have used the tradition, in part or whole. The Saebjorn Crew however uses the moot for all of its crew decisions, as did Hofborg prior to the Saebjorn's arrive. Consequently, the moot is a tradition for both groups.

• Most important moots, specifically ones involving laws or legal issues, are overseen by a priest or clever practitioner who is also acting as law speaker.

• Only actual members of the town or crew have a voice at the moot. However, an outsider, recruit or newcomer may be given a voice if another member feels that their inclusion is vital to the discussion. Those who are not members are welcome to witness a moot but are asked to stand outside of the moot circle to indicate their position.

• Moots are typically held in a circle or other sacred space. The moot circle in Hofborg is at the standing stones in the Spirit Wood. However a moot can be called any time a formal discussion is needed. It's not uncommon for the process to be used in its most casual form for even the simplest of discussions. The expectation that everyone has a voice is common to those regions where the moot is traditional.

• Topics are presented and discussed one at a time, and everyone is expected to stay on topic.

• Depending on the topic (examples below) each person will be given a chance to present their opinion. They will be expected to stand if everyone else is sitting, or expected to step to the middle if everyone is standing. Sometimes a horn or speaking staff is passed to indicate who has the floor. Only the topic presenter should interrupt or question the speaker, and only if they feel that the topic needs to be adjusted or clarified further.

• It is generally understood that not all topics are open for discussion. If you were to ask someone what is and what isn't up for discussion you'd get the following general understanding.

Discussions, such as what should we do, are up for everyone's opinion and input. Discussions may involve more than one round if the topic is complex.

Disputes, much like Discussions are open to everyone's opinion but as opposed to a discussion which might go to a second round until a cooperative discussion is made, a dispute can be resolved with a simple vote as to who is and who isn't the party at fault.

Appointments, such as who is captain, one of the mates, even the Quartermaster and Borgmester are up for challenge under two assumptions;

One, the person challenging is willing to do the job and understands that if they fail at it after challenge they will be removed from the position and not be allowed to challenge until the moot feels they have re-earned the right.

Two, the person is of a reasonable equivalent rank or seniority to challenge. This is a very subjective decision and in the case of disagreement, the law speaker will rule. This is generally agreed to keep "new or unknown people with superior combat skills to come in and take over as leaders". Answers like "you have not been here long enough to challenge Person X", or "You've not earned the right to challenge Person X" are normal answers to deny a challenge. Challenges are only done at moots.

Decisions, sometimes a simple vote is needed, in which case you are allowed to give your opinion and vote, but typically alternative options are not added on, but this is a soft rule.

(I think I forgot one and didn't write it down, but I'll add it if I think of it.)

In conclusion, a moot is an organized process of giving everyone a voice and making decisions best for the community. They are generally considered to be a sacred process and are treated with respect and solemnity.

Disclaimer and Copyright

This page may contain a mix of ESO canon and Hofborg fanon. This guild project, including the player homes, the story arcs, the add-on and the wiki, is the combined effort of an entire team of incredibly talented writers, builders and programmers. ESO canon has been credited to its source site and Fanon contributors are on the Copyright page.