Conflict Zones
by Master Pyotr Constantinovich, OP
Updated: 24 Apr 2004

The purpose of conflict zones in event scheduling is to level the playing field. By reducing competition for participants from branches in close proximity, each branch is given the opportunity to hold more successful events. Originally created by Jarl Barak, the conflict zone system has proven successful throughout the years. In order to eliminate confusion caused by the class designation of "Tier I and Tier II", the terminology has been changed to the more descriptive "limited date and open date" events.

Avacal, Summits, and Tir Righ have event precedence and conflict resolution procedures in place. The balance of this essay therefore applies mostly to the regions currently known as Inlands, Rivers, and Western.

Conflict Zones were created using a two hour travel criteria. The boundaries have since been modified by branch decisions. Most people do not know that branches are free to modify their own conflict zones as they feel appropriate. Branch Seneschals should contact the Kingdom Calendar Deputy if modifications are necessary. Principalities contact their Principality Seneschal's office.

Open Date event designation is invoked for events of local interest and/or limited draw. It allows any potentially conflicting branch to also schedule, at either level, for that date.

Limited Date event designation is for major events of regional or greater appeal. This may be invoked for any date on a first to claim it basis, but will not supercede a previously scheduled "Open Date" event. From that point on, a conflicting group may schedule that date only with leave to conflict (permission) from the group holding the "Limited Date" event. This means that if another branch with which you conflict has reserved a date as "Limited Date", you can't avoid the conflict by calling your event an "Open Date" event.

Currently, Rivers and Western have declared, by mutual agreement, that all branches within their region conflict with all other branches within that region. In addition, there are a few specific cross-border conflicts defined. Inlands still has specific conflict areas. Contact the Calendar deputy or the appropriate Principality Calendar Deputy for more specific information or change requests.

If you're planning your event dates, a valuable reference is the online An Tir Events Calendar. This is the most current information and is updated daily for the entire Kingdom.

This system was created to help the individual branches hold more successful events. If it's not working for you, let the Calendar deputy or An Tir Seneschal know.