On a one-to-one basis you may have respect for these people, the work they have done, the skills they have developed, or the knowledge that they have gathered. This respect is a good thing, for respect for one another is the root of chivalrous behavior, and therefore a major component of the SCA. Like most clubs and organizations, there is a more formal and institutional recognition process that exists in the SCA: Awards.
Awards are given by the King and Queen, in an attempt to recognize the achievements and contributions made by individuals in the Kingdom. They are not meant to substitute for individual respect, but rather to show respect on the Kingdom level, and to hold the individual up as an ideal.
The King and Queen base Their decision on who deserves what awards on recommendations submitted by the general populace. Usually, the Crown will consult with others as to the accuracy and approriateness 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.
Having decided on what awards They wish to give, the King and Queen also must decide where and when They wish to give those awards. Usually, They prefer to announce awards at events the prospective recipient is attending. Also usually, They will announce an award during "Court", so that all those in attendance will witness the presentation, and know who has been honored by the Crown.
The Calontir Award structure is set up in three "tiers" or rankings: Awards of Arms & AoA Orders; Grants of Arms & GoA Orders; and Patent of Arms & PoA Orders. In addition to these regular awards, there are a number of special awards.
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 or Lady, and should be addressed as such.
The Order of the Torse: "Torse".
Companionship in the Order of the Torse is recognition of continued service to the Society, typically as an officer or having organized a successful event or two, or some such. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Torse may wear the badge of the Order.
The Order of the Golden Swan of Calontir: "Swan"
Companionship in the Order of the Golden Swan of Calontir is recognition of accomplishment in the Arts. Such accomplishment is usually seen in the quality of the finished product of a couple of Arts projects (making garb, weaving, calligraphy, et cetera), or as improvement in the performing arts. Most recipients have also been active in promoting the Arts, either through teaching or some related endeavor. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Swan may wear the badge of that Order.
The Order of the Leather Mallet: "Leather Mallet".
Companionship in the Order of the Leather Mallet is recognition of accomplishment in the Sciences. Such accomplishment is usually seen in the quality of the finished product of a couple of Science projects (making wine, armoring, leatherwork, et cetera). Most recipients have also been active in promoting the Sciences, either through teaching or some related endeavor. If the recipient does not already have an AoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Leather Mallet may wear the badge of that Order.
The Order of the Iren-Fyrd: "Fyrd".
Companionship in the Order of the Iren-Fyrd is recognition of accomplishment as a fighter. Kingdom Law specifies that only those who are proficient in at least two weapons 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 promiting 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.
The Order of the Saethwr-Fyrd: "Fyrd".
Companionship in the Order of the Saethwr-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 promiting 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.
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).
The Grant of Arms: "GoA".
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 really not qualified for any of 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. That tradition has mostly lapsed, with no real harm for the Kingdom.
The Order of the Cross of Calontir: "Cross".
Companionship in the Order of the 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 by organizing new groups, et cetera. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Companions of the Cross may wear the badge of the Order.
The Order of the Calon Lily: "Lily"
Companionship in the Order of the 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 Lily may wear the badge of that Order.
The Order of the Silver Hammer: "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.
The Order of the Iren-Hirth: "Huscarls".
Companionship in the Order of the Iren-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as a fighter. Tradition specifies that only those who are proficient in all weapons systems may be made Huscarls. Generally, the fighter must demonstrate a great degree of skill at arms, be honorable on and off the field, and be active in promoting fighting through marshalling, teaching, et cetera. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
The Order of the Saethwr-Hirth: "Archer Huscarls".
Companionship in the Order of the Saethwr-Hirth is recognition of high accomplishment as an archer. Tradition specifies that only those who are proficient in all archery systems may be made Huscarls. Generally, the archer must demonstrate a great degree of skill at archery, be honorable on and off the field, and be active in promoting archery through marshalling, teaching, et cetera. If the recipient does not already have a GoA, the award bestows one. Huscarls may wear the badge of that Order.
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).
Patent of Arms: "PoA".
Unlike the AoA and GoA, the PoA is not given "bare"; it is only granted in conjunction with one of the three Peerage Orders, if the recipient does not already hold a Patent.
Order of the Pelican: "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'.
Order of the Laurel: "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.
Order of Chivalry: "Knight" or "Master/Mistress-at-Arms"
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.
At the time of being elevated into the Order of Chivalry the recipient decides whether to become a Knight or Master/Mistress-at-Arms. Knights are required to be in fealty to the Crown, Masters/Mistresses have that option. Masters/Mistresses-at-Arms generally become such because of reasons of personna (for example, the Vikings did not have `knights', so Master Brummbar is a Master at Arms). 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.
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.
The titles given are standard; any Royal Peer may use any of the accepted equivalencies in another language (such as Herzog instead of Duke).
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.
Outside of the three-tiered system of awards (AoA, GoA, PoA) in Calontir, there are a number of special awards and titles. Here is a brief discussion of these items.
Territorial Barons and Baronesses:
Territorial Barons and Baronesses are the Crown's representatives to a Barony, holding these lands in fealty at the pleasure of the Crown. While there is a great variety of Baronial leadership style across the Society, in Calontir the Baronial Coronet has come to be a central focus for leadership and direction in the Barony, working with the Baronial officers to help insure the smooth functioning of the group. Barons & 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 & Baronesses:
Court Barons and Baronesses are 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 (retiring Territorial Barons & Baronesses may be granted permission to continue to wear their gold coronets, if those are personal property). The award carries an AoA if the recipient does not already have one.
MISC. AWARDS
Sword of Calontir: (Sword)
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.
Queen's Endorsement of Distinction: (Q.E.D.)
This is an award left entirely to the discretion of the Queen, usuall 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:
1. The combatant or archer who best demonstrates chivalric behavior on the field (also, by extension, the gentle who inspires a combatant to such behavior).
2. The individual who best exemplifies gentle and courteous behavior.
3. The individual who best exemplifies the ideals and goals of the Society.
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.
AWARDS V: Champions, the Royal Household, and gentles who wait upon the Crown.
The obligations of the Crown are many, and the King and Queen need a lot of help during Their reign. Each Crown establishes a formal Royal Household as They see fit, in addition to having an informal network of friends and helpers who lend a hand as needed. Though every reign is a little different, there are some traditional positions more or less common to all. These are honorary titles that carry no award, though some of them do convey a temporary position in the Order of Precedence, and all have a major impact on the functioning of a reign.
King's Champion:
Traditionally, the King's Champion is a close friend of the King who is trusted with defending the King's honor when it is impossible or inappropriate for the King to do so Himself. Usually the King's Champion bears the Greatsword of State, wears a circlet and tabbard designating his/her postion, and stands just behind the King during official Courts. Often the King's Champion is an integral part of the reign, organizing some of the support staff (such as the King's squires, if he has such) to help with regalia. In the past the King's Champion has frequently been the Crown's representative in Huscarl meetings, and occasionally in other GoA meetings.
Queen's Champion:
Traditionally, the Queen's Champion is a close friend of the Queen who is trusted with defending the Queen's honor when it is impossible or inappropriate for the King to do so Himself (or the Queen Herself, if she fights). Usually the Queen's Champion bears the Axe of State, wears a circlet and tabbard designating his/her postion, and stands just behind the Queen during official Courts. Often the Queen's Champion is an integral part of the reign, organizing some of the support staff (such as the Ladies in Waiting) to help with regalia. In the past the Queen's Champion has frequently been the Crown's representative in Fyrd meetings, or as the Crown sees fit.
Chamberlain:
The Chamberlain is generally a sort of "Chief of Staff" for the Crown, helping the Crown keep track of meeting times, organizing Court business, perhaps taking notes or distributing royal correspondence as the Crown sees fit. The Chamberlain is frequently trusted with the most delicate information and responsibilities, and is often given full control of overseeing the rest of the Royal Household. A competent Chamberlain can help to make a reign go smoothly, and allow the King and Queen to be at Their best at all times.
Thegns:
Thegns (pronounced "thanes") are created by the Crown at the Crown's pleasure, in recognition of special service as counselor to the Crown. As such, they function as information sources and special advisors for the Crown. Thegns may designate themselves by appending "Thegn (King or Queen's last name)" to their own name, during and after the reign.
Ladies (and Lords) in Waiting:
There are basically two types of LiW: permanent and temporary.
Permanent LiW usually are (or become) close friends of the Crown who are willing to travel to events and help with all the work that the Crown needs done, from assisting with getting the Crown dressed to making sure that everything is packed away in the right place at the end of the event. They come to know the Crown's preferences and personal habits, and usually help coordinate with the temporary LiW.
Temporary LiW are gentles from a local group where the Crown is attending an event who help out the Crown by providing information about the event, the site, and so forth. They usually also assist the permanent LiW with their duties.
Terras,
Shire of the Standing Stones,
Kingdom of Calontir