Awards in the SCA
One of the more unusual aspects of the SCA is that people walk around using medieval titles for each other. Initially this system of titles was added just for mediaeval atmosphere but over time it developed into a meritocratic system that not only adds to the historical feel, but which is also used to reward courtesy, effort and skill. This system of medieval titles are now won or earned in the SCA.
Helping clean up after events, training and teaching people, running events, and hundreds of other valuable contributions to the society are recognised through the use of SCA awards. Being a mediaeval club we use medieval awards and titles based on actual period titles.
It is worth noting that the awards structure is there to add to the SCA and should not be taken too seriously. Don’t worry about knowing the correct title or not. It’s nice when it’s used to add atmosphere but simply using ‘my lord’ or ‘my lady’ preserves the courteous medieval feel without risk of offence. Feel free to ask people about their title if you’re unfamiliar with it. Often the title indicates knowledge in a field and can help you find teachers and people willing to share their knowledge. For example a Knight in the SCA is a very skilled armoured fighter. All knights are so because that’s one of the criteria for achieving the award of knighthood. So, if you find a knight the odds are he or she will be able to offer useful advice on your fighting.
As you can see from this, we make little distinction between men and women in the fighting arts. While women were not made knights in period we’re an equal opportunity society in all we do. Anachronistic, yes, but when you think about it, it follows closely the idealised form of Chivalry.
Awards are given out by the serving ceremonial head of the group. Anyone can recommend anyone else for an award and then the ceremonial heads responsible decide whether or not to grant it. It’s up to them, but recommendations carry weight as the King or Princess or Baron, cannot know the good deeds performed by all of their subjects.
Here is a list of the titles that convey an honorific in manner of address. (you’ll find a lot of this information in the essay on etiquette as it’s relevant to both topics. If you’ve read the essay then you probably can skip the rest of this section without missing anything). It’s important to remember that this is not as strict as the listing makes it seem. Anyone to whom you have not been introduced may simply be called my Lord or my Lady without offence. The titles are there to add pomp to courts and to aid the feel of the Society. Don’t let them put you off.
Awards of Arms - The recipient is addressed as Lord or Lady followed by their first name.
Baron or Baroness - A Baron or Baroness is referred to as ‘Your Excellency’ or Baron “name” or Baroness “name”. They normally wear a simple coronet of some sort.
Grant of Arms – Addressed as Lord or Lady followed by their name. Some kingdoms use ‘Honourable Lord’ and ‘Honourable Lady’ followed by first names or as His Lordship / Her Ladyship and you’ll find some of that used in Drachenwald. It’s not institutionalised or prohibited so people often use which ever they like. When speaking to a GoA holder simply referring to them as Lord / Lady “name” is quite common.
Patent of Arms - Only the peers of the Society hold Patents of Arms. The peers are split into four groups, the group in which a Peer is in, determines the form of address appropriate. These groups are; the members of the Order of the Laurel, Order of the Pelican, Order of Chivalry and lastly Royal Peers. Members of the Order of the Pelican and Laurel are style Master “name” and Mistress “name”. Members of the Order of Chivalry are styled Sir “name” if in Fealty to the Crown when elevated to membership of the order and thus Knights. If they do not swear fealty to the Crown at that time they are Masters of Arms and are know as Master or Mistress “name”. The titles Sir and Knight are used by both men and women, though Ladies may chose to use the title Dame if they prefer.
Royal Peers - Royal Peers are those who have served as ceremonial heads of principalities or kingdoms. Previous territorial Prince/Princesses, (having ruled a term as titular Prince or Princess of a Principality within the Kingdom) are given the titles of Viscounts and Viscountess when they step down, as a reward for their hard work. They are normally addressed as ‘Your Excellency’ or Viscount / Viscountess “name”. Similarly, someone who as reigned once as King or Queen will step down with the award of the title of Count/Earl and Countess, also know as “Your Excellency” or Count and Countess “name”. Finally, the highest title awarded in perpetuity for reigning over a Kingdom for two terms are the titles of Duke and Duchess. They are known as Duke “name” or Duchess “name” or as “Your Grace”. Lost yet? Don’t worry, it is normal for those with such titles, to wear small coronets – similar to crowns but not quite in the same league as a Royal Crown. If you have to address someone wearing one, who has not been introduced to you, the default would be “Your Excellency”.
The Royal titles in use in the society are:
King and Queen - Correctly called Your Majesty.
Prince and Princess - Called Your Highness.
Titles of Custom but not enshrined in Society Law
These titles are used by custom in this kingdom but while they may indicate dedication in a particular field, they are not counted towards the Order of Precedence for awards.
Don and Donella – Used in some kingdoms to denote a holder of a senior Rapier award called ‘The White Scarf’.
Protégé – An apprentice to a member of the Order of the Pelican. Not a reserved title.
Squire – An apprentice to a Knight or Master at Arms. Not a reserved title.
Apprentice – An apprentice to a member of the Order of the Laurel. Not a reserved title.
Scholar – A student or holder of Drachenwald’s top Rapier award – ‘The Dragon’s Steel.’
Preceptor – The head of the Fencing Academy. An office rather than a title.
Prefect – The top membership rank in the Fencing Academy.
Provost – A member of the fencing Academy between Prefect and Free Scholar.
Free Scholar – A member of the Fencing Academy.
Captain – a title of custom only. Captaincy’s are sold as a fund raiser for the Kingdom.
Admiral - a title of custom only. Admiralcy’s are sold as a fund raiser for the Kingdom.
Royal Artisan – The person who won the annual Kingdom Arts and sciences competition by entering and winning three or more different categories of craft. It’s possible for the competition to be won and for no one to have entered multiple areas of craft, in which case there is no new Royal Artisan.
There are other titles used but these are the common ones that you will encounter in this Kingdom. Quite often you will find titles translated such as Graf for Count or Seignior as Lord etc. as recipients often would like to use their titles as they would have done in the country/culture of their persona.
Kingdom Awards
Each Kingdom has individual awards for service and skill in different areas within the Society. Some of the awards carry Arms at either Award or Grant level. The awards themselves give no title other than the attached Arms where included but the holding of awards does reckon on the Kingdom’s Procedure. Holders of awards may style themselves “Name” Holder of “award name” (for instance: “Lady Catherine, Holder of the Dragon’s Tear”) or if the award is membership in an order then “name” Companion of the “Order name” (for instance: “Lord John, Companion of the Order of the Panache”). This is, however, most uncommon. Mostly one never hears the list of someone’s awards outside of a court or some other very formal setting, even in these settings usually only one award is mentioned.
Here is a list of the Kingdom’s awards and what they are given for, as taken from Kingdom Law with minor editing. Also included in some is the heraldic insignia of the award.
Armigerous Kingdom Awards
(Those that convey the right to display Heraldic Coats of Arms)
Orden Des Lindquistringes - This award was established to honour a former member of Drachenwald, Fahrquar Finley Fahrquarson (John Lindquist). It is presented to those people who have distinguished themselves by long and extraordinary services to the Kingdom, in the manner of this gentleman. Members of this Order shall rank equally with members of the Order of Panache and the Order of the Silver Guard.
Order of the Panache - Presented to those people who have distinguished themselves by long and consistent excellence in the Arts and who have also constantly made their expertise available to the various members of the Kingdom.
Order of the Silver Guard - Presented to those members who have distinguished themselves by chivalry and prowess at arms and at service to combat forms in the kingdom. Members of the Order shall rank equally with members of the Order des Lindquistringes and the Order of Panache.
The Order of the Edelweiss (formerly Marguerite) - This Order is closed (this mean that the new members may no longer be created but previous Companions of this Order still hold the title). It was given to the consorts (member of the ruling couple who did not fight in the tournament) who had served the Principality of Drachenwald as prince/princess, before we became the Kingdom of Drachenwald. Companions of this order may be styled “Lord / Lady of the Edelweiss” as appropriate.
The Order of the Rose - This Order shall be bestowed upon former Royal Consorts of Drachenwald at the end of their first reign. Companions of this Order may be styled as “Lord or Lady of the Rose” as appropriate.
Order of the Dragon’s Steel - Presented to those members of the foil, epee and schlager fighting community, who exemplify courtesy, chivalry, dedicated patronage to the arts and sciences and show continual service to local branches and the Kingdom of Drachenwald. The members of this order shall have displayed superior abilities in Fencing.
Award of this Order of the Dragon’s Steel shall confer a Grant of Arms unto the recipient. Members of the Order will be charged with instructing and monitoring training of all Rapier weapon fighters.
Before creating a new member of the Order, the Crown must consult with the Order.
Non-Armigerous Kingdom Awards
(do not confer a title)
The Popular Company of Sojourners (PCS)
Presented at the discretion of the Crown to those members departing the Kingdom, who have contributed to Drachenwald.
The King’s Order of the Companions of Albion - The Albion is presented by the King to those of His subjects that He may deem worthy of recognition for exemplary chivalry, courtesy or service. It is recommended that the King present this award no more than one time per reign.
The Companions of this Order shall have the right to display the regalia of the Order, which shall be a black dragon’s claw.
The Queen’s Order of Courtesy - The Order shall be conferred by the Queen of Drachenwald upon such people as She deems worthy, by reason of their exemplary chivalry, courtesy or service to the people of all ranks in this Kingdom and in the Society at Large.
The Queen may, if She sees fit, call upon the members of the Order to assist Her with their aid or advice in encouraging courteous behaviour, whenever She may deem this necessary. The symbol for this award shall be an Edelweiss with a red centre to be worn on a pin or silver chain.
The Sigillum Coronae - This award is given by the King or Queen for service that they wish to reward. It is recommended that each Sovereign and consort present this award no more than three times per reign. Joint awards count as one each.
The Dragon’s Tear - This Award is given at the discretion of the Crown to the steward(s) of an extraordinarily successful event. Members of the Kingdom may receive this Award more than once. Recipients of this award may be styled, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tear” (or, if they have more than one, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tears”).
The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle - The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle is awarded at the discretion of the Crown to those who have displayed notable attention to authenticity.
The Order of the Dragon’s Jewel - This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary behaviour or service. The symbol for this award will be a crystal jewel other than black suspended from a red, black and gold ribbon or cord.
The Order of the Dragon’s Pride - This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary work in the art and sciences.
Awards of the Principality of Insulae Draconis
(Covering the region of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Iceland)
The Principality of Insulae Draconis has it’s own set of awards with which to reward and encourage the members of the SCA within the Principality. They are given by The Vice-regal couple to people who they feel have made a valuable contribution to the SCA in Insulae Draconis.
The Order of Fraid - This is the service award of Insulae Draconis.
The Order of excellence in Arts Martial - This award recognises skill, teaching, and/or service in Martial arts in Insulae Draconis.
The Order of Excellence in Arts and Sciences - This award recognises skill, teaching, and/or service in art and crafts in Insulae Draconis.
The Order of Excellence and Example - This award is given to those who are felt to be exemplary in their all round participation in the SCA.
Recognising People with Awards of Titles
In some cases it’s easy, in others less so. Again, don’t let it bother your overly. In most cases you will be directly introduced to the person in question and then there is no problem. You can always ask a person what correct form of address you should use. In general, Society members are happy to explain things and will not think you are an idiot because you had to ask: everyone started off as a new member once.
The King - Wears a Crown, people bow around Him a lot, usually followed around by His courtiers.
The Queen - Wears a Crown, people bow around Her a lot, usually followed around by Her courtiers.
Prince – Wears a Coronet (a smaller type of Crown).
Princess – Wears a Coronet (a smaller type of Crown).
Duke & Duchess – Wears a Ducal Coronet. This is like a small crown often with leaves forming the upper edge.
Earl/Count & Countess – May wear a County Coronet. This is again a small Crown, the top of which is embattled, i.e. it looks like battlements on top of a castle.
Viscount & Viscountess – Another small crown, other than that it can take any form.
Baron & Baroness – They also wear a small Coronet, it can take any form.
Masters & Mistresses of the Laurel – Most commonly wear a medallion about the neck on which a Laurel Wreath is displayed. The emblem of the Laurel wreath is reserved for use by these people, with one exception. Every Branch of the SCA has a laurel wreath on it’s heraldry.
Masters & Mistresses of the Pelican – wear a depiction of a Pelican piercing its breast with its beak and letting the blood feed its young (the medieval term is, “a pelican in its piety.”) Mostly it’s worn as a medallion, or embroidered on a cloak.
Knights – Wear a white belt and a plain unadorned chain of fealty around their necks. Often wear spurs.Masters of Arms – Wear a white baldric, that is a belt going from shoulder to hip across the body. Often wear spurs.
Companions of the Order of the Dragon’s Steel – wear a braid of red, gols, and black on the left shoulder or arm.
Grant of Arms– No visible insignia
Award of Arms – No visible insignia.
Other ranks and customs
Don or Donella – A white scarf, worn on the left shoulder.
Protégé – Sometimes wear a yellow belt.
Squire – Usually wears a red belt.
Apprentice – Usually wears a green belt.
Prefect – Wears a gold and black brain on the left arm or shoulder.
Provost – Wears a black and red braid on the left arm or shoulder.
Free Scholar – Wears a black braid on the on left arm or shoulder.
Scholar - Wears a red braid on the on left arm or shoulder.
Cadet – Wears a red scarf on this left shoulder if the student of a Don or Donella.
How Awards Are Granted
In general the King and Queen are the only people who can give Kingdom level Awards. They may delegate someone else to present the award after they have officially awarded it but this is rare.
A Prince and Princess may give Awards with the consent of the Crowns but in each case the Crown must specifically allow the award. The crown can give blanket permission for a Prince and Princess to give out kingdom awards but it’s not very common to see that done.
The head of a Principality in Drachenwald (Viceroy and Vicereine) may also give awards within their Principality. These awards do not carry arms. Such awards are individual to each Principality.
Territorial Barons and Baronesses may grant Baronial awards. These awards rank below Kingdom level awards but do count towards precedence. Baronial awards are created by the local Barony and are individual to each Barony.
How does one come to be awarded any of these? Simply by coming to the attention of the Crown or relevant ceremonial head. Usually this is by being recommended in writing to the Crown or Baron/Viceroyl/Prince etc.. If someone does a lot of work for the group and is a chivalrous person and does good deeds, then that person should be recommended for an award. If they fit into the category of one of the awards (by being very good at a particular art or very period in their efforts, for instance), then they should be recommended for the appropriate awards.
Being recommended does not mean you will get the award but it brings the ceremonial ruler’s attention to the good that has been done. Often several recommendations are required before an award will be given.
Who can recommend someone? Everyone has the right to make recommendations. It is a duty of all members to recommend the worthy. If you think someone really deserves an award you should write to the appropriate person who can grant the award in question and let them know what the person in question has done. Simply write a letter and send it explaining whom you are recommending, what they have done to deserve it (and give as much detail as you can) and what events you expect them to attend? There is a pagehere on the Kingdom website, under the King and Queen’s page where all the relevant information is.
It is worth noting that there is a considerable difference in rank in some of the awards. Generally, the three Peerages (Knights, Laurels and Pelicans) require the recommendee to be quite well-known (enough to be easily recognised by the Crown and other members of the Order, say) and truly exceptional in their field: the quickest knighthood of which I have heard in this Kingdom took some four years to achieve, for instance, and the Arts and Sciences practiced by Laurels are usually of professional quality in execution, well researched and have been employed extensively to the benefit of the Kingdom as a whole.
For an Award of Arms, on the other hand, local recommendations usually suffice and the criteria are not-specific (i.e., grounds for recommendation can be anything from Arts & Science stuff such as performing at events or helping others get their garb together, to service activities such as cooking, cleaning, etc., to anything that shows a consistent and notable contribution to the Society). Armigerous Kingdom awards rank above Non-Armigerous ones and are, as the descriptions above indicate, very specific.
None of these points should discourage anyone from recommending another for an award that truly seems deserved. Even if it is not immediately acted upon, the fact that the recommendation has been made will be noticed. On the other hand, it is a good idea not to recommend everyone you know in one fell swoop. At whatever level, awards are a noted and permanent form of recognition for an individual’s contribution to the Society.