One of the greatest attributes of the SCA is its cultural willingness to recognize ability on the tournament field, in the arts & sciences, and through dedicated service by way of each kingdom’s system of Awards.
These awards are given by The Crown and are based on recommendations submitted by the populace. Usually, the Crown will consult with others as to the accuracy and appropriateness of the recommendation. Some of the Kingdom awards confer membership in an Order, and some of these Orders are polled by the Crown to see what the consensus is regarding the recommendation. But, anyone can send in an award recommendation for anyone else, and the King and Queen will consider it.
The Calontir Award structure is set up in three “tiers” or rankings. From low to high, these are Awards, Grants, and Patents of Arms. Each award has a series of equivilant orders. In addition to these regular awards, there are a number of special awards that sit outside of this three-tiered structure. Many of the badges for Calontir awards incorporate elements of the kingdom’s arms: the colors purple and gold, and the cross of Calatrava. Citizens of Calontir may wear badges of the various awards they have received, sewn upon their cloaks or garb, or hung from ribbons.
Looking instead for the information about and images of the kingdom’s heraldry and populace badge? Find that on the Calontir Kingdom Heraldry page or consult Calontir’s Digital Heraldry Library.
Award of Arms | Grant of Arms | Peerages | Other Awards
Award of Arms (AoA)
The most common award given is the bare Award of Arms. It is generally the first award that people receive in the SCA, and can be given for recognition of service, promise in the Arts, Sciences, Fighting, or Archery. The AoA is widely considered to indicate that the individual is involved and active enough in the SCA to be a real asset to the Society, rather than just someone who occasionally shows up at meetings or fighting practice. Receiving an AoA means that the individual is now a Lord, Lady or Noble, and should be addressed as such.
A note on the Fyrd of Calontir: The Fyrd is composed of four separate but equal branches: armored combat fighters (Iren-Fyrd), archers (Boga-Fyrd), equestrians (Eo-Fyrd), and cut and thrust combatants (Stile-Fyrd). An individual may be a member of multiple branches. Members of the Fyrd are known as Fyrdmen.
Order of the Torse
Given to those individuals or groups who have provided service above that normally expected of citizens of the kingdom. Companions of the Torse may place the initials CT after their names, and may bear the order’s badge. Groups created of this order may bear a pennon of this badge upon a crossbar with the group’s arms or badge.
Blazon: (Fieldless) A torse with mantling in alternating bands of purpure and Or. Badge
Registered in December 1980
Order of the Leather Mallet
Given to those whose work in the sciences has shown promise and growth in their chosen craft(s) and some knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the practice of said sciences. Companions of the Leather Mallet may place the initials CLM after their names, and may bear the order’s badge.
Blazon: Purpure, on a pale dovetailed argent three leather mallets proper.
Badge Registered in October 1982
Order of the Golden Calon Swan
Given to those who have shown promise and growth in their chosen art(s) and some knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the practice of said art(s). Companions of the Calon Swan may place the initials CGCS after their names, and may bear the order’s badge.
Blazon: Purpure, a swan naiant Or.
Badge Registered in October 1987
Order of the Iren-Fyrd
Companionship in the Order of the Iren-Fyrd is recognition of accomplishment as an armored, rattan fighter. Kingdom Law specifies that only those who are authorized in at least two weapon systems and proficient in at least one weapon systems may be made Fyrdmen. Generally, the fighter must demonstrate a fair amount of skill at arms, be honorable on and off the field, and be active in promoting fighting. The Fyrd is a polling Order, and potential members are usually discussed before being recommended to the Crown. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Fyrdmen may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Sable, on a pile embattled between two spears in pile argent, a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in October 1982
Order of the Boga-Fyrd
Companionship in the Order of the Boga-Fyrd is recognition of accomplishment as an archer. Kingdom Law specifies that only those who are proficient in at least one archery system may be made Fyrdmen. Generally, the archer must demonstrate a fair amount of skill at archery, be honorable on and off the field, and be active in promoting archery. The Fyrd is a polling Order, and potential members are usually discussed before being recommended to the Crown. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Fyrdmen may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Sable, on a pile embattled between two bows in pile argent, a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in August 1989
Order of the Eo-Fyrd
Companionship in the Order of the Eo-Fyrd is recognition of accomplishment as an equestrian. Kingdom Law specifies that only those who display proficiency in at least one equestrian weapon system, demonstrate support for the Calontir army on the equestrian field, and whose conduct is consistently honorable both on and off the field may be made Fyrdmen. The Fyrd is a polling Order, and potential members are usually discussed before being recommended to the Crown. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Fyrdmen may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Sable, on a pile embattled between two snaffle bits in pile argent, a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in October 2011
Order of the Stíle-Fyrd
Companionship in the Order of the Stíle-Fyrd is recognition of accomplishment as a cut and thrust, steel fighter. Kingdom Law specifies that only those who are authorized in cut and thrust weapon systems, show competence (proficiency) in at least one weapon system, demonstrate support of the Calon Army and potential for leadership—should include the ability to carry out standard Calontir Army commands—and display honorable behavior both on and off the field may be made Fyrdmen. The Fyrd is a polling Order, and potential members are usually discussed before being recommended to the Crown. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Fyrdmen may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Sable, on a pile embattled between two swords in pile argent, a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in 2016
Top | Award of Arms | Grant of Arms | Peerages | Other Awards
Grant of Arms (GoA)
The Grant of Arms level of awards is the second tier of recognition for skill and/or accomplishment. Like with the AoA awards, the final decision on all GoA awards is the Crown’s, usually based on recommendations received from the different GoA Orders. Any GoA award indicates a high level of achievement in a particular area, and is usually only given to those individuals who have been active in that endeavor for years. Any individual who receives a GoA should properly be referred to as His Lordship/Her Ladyship [First Name], and addressed Your Lordship/Ladyship (though this is a fairly uncommon practice in Calontir).
A “bare” GoA is rarely given, and is one of the more unusual awards in Calontir. Generally, those individuals who receive this award have been of non-specific service to the Kingdom, and who are not yet ready to enter the GoA Orders listed below. An early tradition in Calontir (inherited from our mother kingdom) was to give a bare GoA to any Kingdom officer after six months in office if that individual did not already have a GoA through one of the GoA Orders. This tradition has largely fallen out of use over time.
A note on the The Huscarls, or the Hirth of Calontir: The Hirth is composed of four separate but equal branches: fighters (Iren-Hirth), archers (Boga-Hirth), equestrians (Eo-Hirth), and cut and thrust combatants (Stíle-Hirth). An individual may be granted membership in all branches.
Order of the Calon Cross
Companionship in the Order of the Calon Cross is recognition of continued and extensive service to the Society. Typically this comes as a combination of several types of service: prolonged service as a local officer (probably in more than one office), having organized a number of successful events, fulfilling the duties of a Kingdom office or Guild position, seeing a specific need and finding a solution to it at the Kingdom level, or helping to promote the growth and well being of the Kingdom. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Calon Cross may wear the badge of the Order.
Blazon: Or, a cross of Calatrava within a bordure purpure.
Badge Registered in May 1990
Order of the Silver Hammer
Companionship in the Order of the Silver Hammer is recognition of high accomplishment in the Sciences. Such accomplishment is usually seen in the quality of the finished product of numerous Science projects (making wine, armoring, leatherwork, et cetera), along with teaching, helping to judge competitions, hosting workshops, and doing research. Most recipients have a specific area of concentration and general knowledge of related fields. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Silver Hammer may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Sable, a smith’s hammer a bordure argent.
Badge Registered in October 1996
Order of the Calon Lily
Companionship in the Order of the Calon Lily is recognition of high accomplishment in the Arts. Such accomplishment is usually seen in the quality of the finished product of numerous Arts projects (making garb, weaving, calligraphy, et cetera), along with teaching, helping to judge competitions, hosting workshops, and doing research. Most recipients have a specific area of concentration and general knowledge of related fields. If the recipient does not already have an GoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Calon Lily may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Per pale Or and purpure, a fleur-de-lys within a bordure counterchanged.
Badge Registered in July 2001
Order of the Iren-Hirth
Companionship in the Order of the Iren-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as an armored, rattan fighter. Iren-Hirth members include individuals meeting certain minimum requirements; including prowess in all rattan weapon systems with expertise in at least two. The fighter must also have demonstrated support for the Calontir army during interkingdom-level conflicts. Other qualifications considered shall include leadership, activity level and teaching. Said individual must also always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two battleaxes in saltire argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in October 1982
Order of the Boga-Hirth
Companionship in the Order of the Boga-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as an archer. Boga-Hirth members include individuals meeting certain minimum requirements; including prowess in all archery systems with expertise in at least two. The archer must also have demonstrated support for the Calontir army during interkingdom-level conflicts. Other qualifications considered shall include leadership, activity level and teaching. Said individual must also always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, in pale two strung bows in saltire argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in August 1989
Order of the Eo-Hirth
Companionship in the Order of the Eo-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as an equestrian. Tradition specifies that only those who individuals meeting certain minimum requirements; including authorizations in general riding, mounted games, and as a groundsman and who show expertise in at least two equestrian weapon systems. The Rider must also have demonstrated support for the Calontir army during interkingdom-level conflicts. Other qualifications considered shall include leadership, activity level and teaching. Said individual must also always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two chamfrons argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in October 2011
Order of the Stíle-Hirth
Companionship in the Order of the Stíle-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as a cut and thrust steel fighter. Stíle-Hirth members include individuals meeting certain minimum requirements; including prowess in all steel weapon systems with expertise in at least two. The fighter must also have demonstrated support for the Calontir army during interkingdom-level conflicts. Other qualifications considered shall include leadership, activity level and teaching. Said individual must also always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
Blazon: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, in pale two rapiers in chevron crossed at the tips argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in September 2017
Top | Award of Arms | Grant of Arms | Peerages | Other Awards
Peerages (Patents of Arms)
The Patent of Arms level of awards is the third tier of recognition for skill and/or accomplishment. Like with the AoA and GoA awards, the final decision on all Peerage awards is the Crown’s. Unlike the AoA and GoA, the Crown is required to consult with the Peerage Order before elevating an individual into membership in the Order. Recommendations for such elevation are usually generated within the Order, but anyone may recommend someone they believe to be deserving of a peerage. Any PoA award indicates an extremely high level of achievement in a particular area, generally characterized as mastery (though this does not imply that further improvement in knowledge or skill is impossible).
Order of Defense
Companionship in the Order of Defense is recognition of mastery at steel combat. The recipient is expected to have broad knowledge and skill at fighting, with particular expertise in one or more weapons systems. In addition, the candidate for the Defense is expected to demonstrate the general peerage qualities that would make him or her an embodiment of the ideals of the Society. Members of the Order are addressed as Master or Mistress, and are entitled to wear the badge of the order and a white Livery Collar.
Blazon: (Tinctureless) Three rapiers in pall inverted tips crossed.
Order of the Pelican
Companionship in the Order of the Pelican is recognition of mastery in the field of service to the Society. The recipient is expected to have had major positive impact on the Kingdom and/or Society through prolonged and diversified service, superb performance as an officer, or by creating/redefining an office or particular service. In addition, the candidate for the Pelican is expected to demonstrate the general peerage qualities that would make him or her an embodiment of the ideals of the Society. Members of the Order are addressed as Master or Mistress, and are entitled to wear the badge of the Order and a `Cap of Maintenance’.
Blazon: (Tinctureless) A pelican in her piety.
Order of the Laurel
Companionship in the Order of the Laurel is recognition of mastery of an art or science. The recipient is expected to have broad knowledge of his or her field(s) throughout the SCA period, with such concentration on one or more areas that he or she can aptly be called an “expert “. In addition, the candidate for the Laurel is expected to demonstrate the general peerage qualities that would make him or her an embodiment of the ideals of the Society. Members of the Order are addressed as Master or Mistress, and are entitled to wear the badge of the Order and a wreath of Laurel leaves.
Blazon: (Tinctureless) A laurel wreath.
Order of Chivalry
Companionship in the Order of Chivalry is recognition of mastery at armed combat. The recipient is expected to have broad knowledge and skill at fighting, with particular expertise in one or more weapons systems. In addition, the candidate for the Chivalry is expected to demonstrate the general peerage qualities that would make him or her an embodiment of the ideals of the Society. Common convention is that all Knights are called “Sir” regardless of gender. Masters/Mistresses are entitled to wear a white baldric. Knights are entitled to wear a white belt, spurs, and a chain which symbolizes their fealty to the Crown.
Blazon: (Tinctureless) A circular chain.” and “(Fieldless) A white belt.
Royal Peers
Royal Peers are those individuals who have completed a reign as ruler of either a Principality or a Kingdom. Royal Peers in Calontir are not granted a PoA upon stepping down from the Throne, but are considered to be “Peers of the Realm” nonetheless. The rank and title are automatic with completion of the reign. All Royal Peers are members of Calontir’s Council of Nobles.
- Viscount/Viscountess: Rank and Title of Royal Peers who have completed one or more reigns as Territorial Prince/Princess. They are entitled to wear an embattled coronet, and should be addressed as Your Excellency.
- Count/Countess: Rank and title of Royal Peers who have completed one reign as King/Queen. They are entitled to wear an embattled coronet, and should be addressed as Your Excellency.
- Duke/Duchess: Rank and title of Royal Peers who have completed two or more reigns as King/Queen. They are entitled to wear a coronet embellished with strawberry leaves, and should be addressed as Your Grace.
Top | Award of Arms | Grant of Arms | Peerages | Other Awards
Other Awards
The following awards very and may not themselves convey the right to bear arms or a place in the Order of Precedence:
The Barons
- Territorial Barons and Baronesses: The Crown’s representatives to a Barony, holding these lands in fealty at the pleasure of the Crown and working with the Baronial officers to help insure the smooth functioning of the group. Barons and Baronesses wear coronets of gold embellished with six spheroids or pearls. Appointment to the position of Baron or Baroness of a group carries with it a GoA unless the individual already has such.
- Court Barons and Baronesses: Created by the Crown at the Crown’s pleasure for recognition of personal service or service to the Kingdom. Territorial Barons and Baronesses are automatically created Court Baron or Baroness upon retirement from the Territorial Coronet. Court Barons and Baronesses wear a coronet of silver, embellished with six spheroids or pearls. The award carries an AoA if the recipient does not already have one.
Order of the Sword of Calontir
The Sword is granted in recognition of some dramatic deed of combat or military science (development of tactical or strategic theory, et cetera) that has a major impact on Calontir’s fighting performance. This could be heroic combat prowess in the field, self-sacrifice in the performance of assigned duty beyond all reasonable expectation, or innovation of tactics, strategy, or equipment such as to create a dramatic breakthrough in the advancement of SCA military science, to cite a few examples. It is one of the most rare and prized awards given. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom.
Blazon: Sable, a sword inverted, the hilt and quillons a cross of Calatrava, within a bordure argent.
Badge Registered in October 1982
Order of the Keeper of the Flame
An award given to those who, through their appearance, actions, and deeds demonstrate and exceptional amount of honor and courtesy, and exemplify themselves in efforts to create a medieval aura. This award may be bestowed only once per reign. Companions of the Order may place “Keeper of the Flame” after their name and may bear the badge of the order.
Blazon: Or, a flame purpure.
Badge Registered in October 1996
Order of the Queen’s Chalice
An award given (frequently along with an actual chalice) by the Queen to younger members of the Society in recognition of service above that which is normally expected of them. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom.
Blazon: Purpure, a chalice Or, charged with a Cross of Calatrava purpure.
Badge Registered in May 1989
Order of the Falcon’s Claw
An award given to younger members of the Society who have displayed chivalry and enthusiasm in any martial activity. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom.
Blazon: Purpure, in pale three falcon’s feet couped inverted within a bordure Or.
Badge Registered in June 2017
Order of the Purple Feather
An award given to younger members of the Society who have displayed achievement in an Art and/or Science. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom.
Blazon: Or, a feather within a bordure purpure.
Badge Registered in June 2017
Order of the Purple Jess
An award given to younger members of the Society who have displayed exemplary service to the kingdom. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom.
Blazon: Or, on a hawk’s bell purpure a cross of Calatrava Or, a bordure purpure.
Badge Registered in June 2017
Queen’s Endorsement of Distinction
This is an award left entirely to the discretion of the Queen, usually announced at the end of the reign. The Queen may give the Q.E.D. only once in each of three categories, though all may be given to one individual. The award is traditionally accompanied by a badge of Her Majesty’s initials, entwined with a rose. Again, this is a fairly rare award, because not all Queens give out the Q.E.D. in all three categories. While it does not carry armigerous award, it does convey a standing in the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom. The three categories of the Q.E.D. are:
- The combatant or archer who best demonstrates chivalric behavior on the field (also, by extension, the gentle who inspires a combatant to such behavior).
- The individual who best exemplifies gentle and courteous behavior.
- The individual who best exemplifies the ideals of the society.
King’s Favor
An award given at the discretion of the King for personal service to himself or to the Crown. The traditional token is a ring from the King’s hand.
Order of the Rose
Consorts who have successfully completed their reign are bestowed as Companions of the Rose upon investiture as a Count/Countess.
Iren Feran
The title of “Iren Fera” may be bestowed upon individuals who are not citizens of Calontir, who have faithfully stood beside and integrated themselves into the Calontir Army, over numerous occasions, to the level of what may be expected of the regular militia of the Kingdom. Members of the Calon Iren Feran (or Feran of Calontir) may place after their names the initials CIF or the words Iren Fera, and may bear the order’s badge.
Blazon: Sable, between a spear and a battle-axe palewise, on a pale embattled argent a cross of Calatrava, purpure.
Order of the Falcon’s Heart
An award given to those kingdom groups who have provided service to the kingdom above that normally expected of them. The group may place “Bearer of the Falcons Heart” after its name, and companions of the order may bear the badge.
Blazon: (Fieldless) A falcon reguardant sustaining a scepter topped of a cross of Calatrava bendwise sinister Or.
Badge Registered in February 2014
This article compiled from several sources. Content edited by Jonkheer Hugo van Harlo from articles by Mistress Jessa d’Avondale (Marla Lecin) and Herzog Thoman Shadan Secarius. SVG images created by Lord Giovanni Loredan using components of the heraldic graphics created by Mistress Gunnvôr silfrahárr. Other badge illustrations were provided by Mikhail of Lubelska.