The SCA or Society for Creative Anachronism is an international non-profit organization. Within the SCA there are 20 different Kingdoms, which further contain smaller groups called principalities, baronies, and shires. Pictured above is the SCA known world, a map with all the kingdoms that currently exist in the SCA. Here in Falcon's Gate we are part of the Kingdom of Northshield.
The SCA encompasses pre-17th century history and seeks to recreate the Middle Ages as they "should have been" leaving out the less pleasant and dangerous parts of history. Any historical activity that was done pre-17th century that you can think of is done in the SCA, if it was done in the past, someone in the SCA probably does it. From arts and sciences to historical combat, the SCA has it all.
So how did this all get started? Well, the SCA started with a party at Berkeley, a medieval studies major and her friends though it would be fun to dress up in medieval clothing and hold a tournament. From there it has grown immensely, spreading across the world. The name Society of Creative Anachronism came about when someone has to put a name down for reserving a space, what came to their mind was the Society for Creative Anachronism, and since they put that on the reservation, it has stuck.
The SCA Kingdoms are further divided into smaller areas, Principalities, Barony's, and Shires. While there are only 20 Kingdoms, there are many more than 20 SCA groups, if you are ever curious about other SCA groups that are around in the Midwest, Northshield has a list of local groups, Home : Groups : Local Groups List (northshield.org). The local group that Falcon's Gate works with is the Shire of Falcon's Keep, the Shire is how we stay connected to the SCA, our Marshals and most of our loaner gear come from the shire.
For more info about the SCA, feel free to take a look at their website; Society for Creative Anachronism (sca.org)
There are 2 types of combat that are at the forefront of the SCA, rapier combat, and heavy armor combat. Rapier combat is a type of historical fencing, combatants wield steel rapiers and face off against each other. Unlike Olympic fencing combatants in SCA rapier fencing and move in any direction, and may use offhand weapons, such as a dagger, buckler or even another rapier. Rapier combatants can also participate in melee scenarios, where a line of fighter's lines up against another line of fighters.
Armored combat or "heavy" combat in the SCA is where participants wear a full suit of armor, with required armor being, the head and neck, knees, and elbows. As well as the kidneys and floating ribs. Combatants can armor more than the requirements if they wish, but they must meet all the requirements in order to fight in heavy combat in the SCA. Combatants use swords made out of rattan, rattan is used because it doesn't splinter like wood, and is more durable. Armored combatants have many different weapon options, the first style that heavy combatants learn is sword and shield, from there they can use 2 swords, a pole arm or great weapons, spears, and whatever they can think of that fits within the weapon requirements. In armored combat for the SCA there are authorizations for 1 handed weapons, 2 handed weapons, Spears, Combat Archery, and Siege Combat.
Along with these forms of combat there are also 2 other forms of combat that exist in the SCA, although they are less common, those being cut & thrust and rebated steel armored combat. Cut and thrust is very similar to rapier combat, but with some slight changes to the rules. In cut & thrust shorter blades are allowed than in normal rapier combat, with the minimum blade length in cut & thrust being 24'. In cut & thrust unlike normal rapier combat in the SCA percussive cuts are allowed, this being the case there are higher armoring requirements, with back of the head protection, as well as elbow, knee, and hand protection being required. Armored combat with rebated blades operates similarly to normal heavy armor combat, with the main differences being that rebated used steel weapons and has higher armor requirements. Rebated combat is not currently very widespread in Northshield, and is in more of an experimental stage.
Going along with the Combat there are a couple of other Marshal activities, Archery, and Thrown weapons. Some archers participate in armored combat and do combat archery, in melee scenarios combat archers use safe arrows with blunt tips that are large enough to not go through any helmets, as well as low powered bows. Archers also do target archery, and at some SCA events there are archery competitions. Thrown weapons includes throwing knife, axes and spears. Thrown weapons are thrown at targets, and like archery at some SCA events there are thrown weapons competitions. Although we do not currently do archery or thrown weapons in Falcon's Gate, we are in the works of adding archery and combat archery and can point you in the direction of people who can help you if you are interested in thrown weapons.
Terms for Combat:
HOLD! – a cry meaning “Stop whatever you are doing and freeze in place until you see where the hazard is!” Normally used during combat, but it's been extended to cover all forms of activity.
Marshal – a specially trained person who oversees martial activities for safety purposes. A Knight Marshal holds this office in a local group. The Earl Marshal holds this office in a principality or kingdom. Marshals also run archery, youth combat, and other martial activities.
Heavy Weapons – armored combat with rattan versions of swords, polearms, and spears.
Melee – martial combat with many participants on each side.
Lists / List Field – the roped-off area for combat. Also called “the eric” in the West Kingdom. The List Table is the location where competitors sign in and where the Minister of Lists keeps track of the paperwork necessary to actually run the tournament.
Bear-Pit- a type of tournament/competition where there is a line of people waiting to fight, with fights happening (1 or more) once one of the fights is over the next person in line will fight. In some bear pits the winners will stay in, and in some the losers will stay in, this will be stated at the start of the bear pit.
Tournament/Tourney – a competition in SCA fighting or fencing. Some styles of tournaments are: Pasd’Arms, Bearpit, Double-Elimination, Round-Robin, and Ransom tourneys.
Authorization- Before competing in SCA combat one must first become authorized, there are many different authorizations for different types of weapons or different fighting styles. Before authorizing in heavy fighting or rapier combat one must read the handbooks of their associated kingdom (for us here in Falcon's Gate, we must read the Northshield handbooks, Rapier Handbook, Armored Combat Handbook.) To be authorized you must primarily show safety, for your initial authorization safety is the main concern, for advanced authorization it is expected that you show some proficiency as well as safety. The fist authorization you will complete for heavy armor fighting will be 1 handed weapons, and the initial authorization must be completed with a sword and shield, the marshal authorizing you may also ask you to fist with 2 swords as once you do your initial 1 handed weapons authorization you may use any combination of 1 handed weapons, whether that be 2 swords, 2 axes, an axe and a shield, and whatever combination you can think of. The other authorizations for heavy armor are, 2 handed weapons, spears, combat archery, and siege weapons. For rapier combat the first authorization you will complete is single sword, once you complete your single sword authorization you may authorize in secondary weapons. Secondary authorization include; dagger, ridged parry, non-ridged parry, and case (using 2 swords). There are also cut and thrust authorizations, including 1 handed weapon, and 2 handed weapons.
Common General Terms:
SCA Name – the name someone uses in the Society.
Persona – the person that you are acting as in the SCA. Your persona can be detailed or simple – starting with the time period and country you are from, all the way to knowing the details of your persona’s place in society or your family history.
Populace – the inhabitants of a kingdom or local group; the people present at an event.
Court – a gathering where the King and Queen of a kingdom make announcements and present awards. Rulers of principalities hold Principality courts, and landed Barons and Baronesses hold Baronial courts.
Mundane – used to mean “non-SCA”, “everyday”, “in real life”. We encourage the use of the word “modern” instead, as we’re aware that “mundane” can sound disrespectful.
Period – of the time period studied in the SCA (pre-17th-century); also used to mean “authentic”
Garb – clothing approximating that worn pre-17th century. Required at all events except some local meetings and activities. Note; don’t worry if you don’t have garb especially if you are new most people at events will not care if you are not wearing garb. If you need garb to wear to events just ask and we will help find gard for you to wear.
Kingdom- The SCA’s “Known World” is divided into twenty regions called kingdoms, and within the kingdoms there are hundreds of local SCA groups – Cantons, Shires, and Baronies.
Northshield- The kingdom in which Falcon’s Gate resides, Northshield encompasses a large part of the midwest in the US, and a portion of Canada.
Oyez (OH-yay) – an attention-getting call, usually preceding an announcement, which means to stop talking and listen.
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A note on courts- courts occur at SCA events and the great portion of court is the royalty giving out awards for those who have earned them. There are many awards that are given out, and you need not know what all of them mean, but generally it means they have contributed a lot, or have done something cool. In the kingdom of Northshield where Falcon’s Gate resides we say “Vivat!” during court when awards are given, and as a kind of cheer for the royalty.. Vivat: long live! (used to express acclaim or support for a specified person or thing).
About People:
SCAdian (SKAY-dee-an) – a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Also used as an adjective to mean “of the SCA.”
Gentle – any person
Chivalry – Peers recognized for their great skill on the tourney field, as well as for qualities of courtesy
and grace. Companions of the Chivalry are the Knights, who swear fealty to the Crown, and Mastersof-Arms, who do not.
Master of Defense – a Peer recognized for their great skill at rapier and/or cut-and-thrust combat, for qualities of courtesy and grace, for their willingness to teach others, and for service to the kingdom
Laurel – a Peer recognized for mastery of an art or science as well as for qualities of courtesy and grace.
Pelican – a Peer recognized for great service to their Kingdom and the SCA as well as for qualities ofcourtesy and grace.
Squire – a student in a formal relationship with a Knight or Master of Arms.
Apprentice – a student in a formal relationship with a Master or Mistress of the Laurel.
Protégé – a student in a formal relationship with a Master or Mistress of the Pelican.
Peers – members of the Chivalry, MoD, Laurel, and Pelican.
Royal Peers – Viscounts, Viscountesses, Counts, Countesses, Dukes, and Duchesses. A Viscount/ess has served as Prince/ess of a Principality. A Count/ess has served as King/Queen of a kingdom once, and a Duke/Duchess has served more than once.
Minister – the gender-neutral version of Mistress/Master for office names.
Mistress/Master – title used by companions of the Orders of the Laurel, Pelican, Master of Defense,and Masters-of-Arms. Also part of some office names, i.e., “Mistress of the Lists”, “Master of Arts & Sciences”
Dame – an alternate title used by female Peers who do not wish to use the title “Mistress” or “Sir”.
OFFICERS
Autocrat / Event Steward – the person in charge of an event.
Chancellor Minor / Minister of Youth / Page School Chancellor – officer in charge of children’s
activities.
Chamberlain – officer in charge of inventorying/maintaining/storing a SCA chapter’s property.
Chatelain(e) / Hospitaller – an officer who helps new members learn about the SCA.
Chronicler – the editor of a group’s newsletter.
Constable – this office, which exists in some kingdoms, has varied responsibilities which might include making sure that the entry gate is manned, ensuring that SCA and modern laws are followed, or taking care of “Lost and Found”.
Exchequer (Chancellor of the Exchequer) – the officer serving as treasurer for a group or kingdom.
Herald – officer who helps participants come up with SCA names and armory; or, the official who makes announcements on the field, or is the Master of Ceremonies for court. Local group heralds are called Pursuivants.
Seneschal – the officer serving as “president” of a local group or kingdom. Acts as the group
administrator and legal representative of the SCA.
TYPES OF EVENTS
Coronation – the event where the Crown Prince and Princess, heirs to a kingdom, are crowned.
Crown Tournament – the tournament held to determine the next heirs to the kingdom.
Investiture – the event at which the new Prince and Princess of a principality (or the new Baron and Baroness of a barony) are installed.
Twelfth Night – an event celebrating the holiday of Epiphany (January 6), held at the beginning
of January. Attendees wear their finest garb, and friends exchange gifts. Schola / Collegium / University / Ithra – events where classes are taught on a variety of subjects.
War – a gathering at which the main activity is one or more battles for large groups of participants, involving the use of fields, woodlands, or other broken terrain. War events can also include other martial activities, along with classes, court, dancing, performances, and merchants.
Other General Terms
Anno Societatis (abbreviated “A.S.”) – The dating system we use in the SCA (translates to “In the Year of the Society”). May 1, 1966 was the first day of the year A.S. I, and May 1st is “New Year’s Day” for each Society year. The years are usually depicted in Roman numerals.
Arms (or device) – the heraldic emblem that identifies a person or entity.
Award of Arms – a Society-wide award given by the royalty. Recipients can use the title “Lord” or “Lady” before their names.
Arts and Sciences – crafts and skills of the Middle Ages/Renaissance which we research and practice in the SCA. Also referred to as “A & S”.
Authorization – the process that fighters and fencers go through to be allowed to participate in combat.
Barony/Shire – types of SCA local chapters. Baronies are generally larger in size, and have a Baron and/or Baroness as their ceremonial heads. Sub-groups within a Barony’s territory are known as Cantons, or in some areas, Ridings or Strongholds. All these groups are officially recognized in the SCA and are administered by a slate of officers.
Bardic Circle – an informal gathering for singing and storytelling. Anyone who attends is welcome to perform appropriate material, but you can just sit and listen if you prefer. A bard is a person who sings, tells stories, recites poetry, etc.
Blue Card – an SCA membership card printed on blue cardstock, indicating that the card holder has a signed waiver on file at the SCA offices.
Crash Space – informal lodgings with members of the group holding an event.
Dayboard – lunch, served at some events.
Demo – a demonstration of the activities in the SCA. SCA participants will usually perform martial, activities as well as arts and sciences for the public.
Dry/Damp/Wet Site – alcoholic beverage policies. Dry sites allow no alcohol. Damp sites permit
wine, beer, and mead, but no hard liquor. Wet sites do not restrict alcohol. “Discreetly” damp or
wet means that the site is normally dry, but the owners will permit alcohol as long as the labeled
containers are kept out of sight and are removed at the end of the event. At any site, local laws
regarding alcohol consumption must be followed.
Event – any Society gathering. You are welcome to attend any events listed on the kingdom calendar. You can take part in the activities, although some martial arts require special equipment, training, and authorization by a marshal.
Farspeaker – slang sometimes used for “telephone”.
Feast – an elaborate meal, usually served in the evening, sometimes accompanied by entertainment.
Feast Gear – a place setting for a feast: at least a plate, bowl, goblet, spoon and knife. You can also include a napkin, fork, tablecloth, candles, etc. Assume you’ll need to bring basic feast gear for any feast unless the announcement says they will be provided
Gate – the place to check in or buy at-the-door admission to an event.
Gold Key – a collection of garb and gear that newcomers can borrow. Contact the group’s Chatelain(e).
Halflings – children (or sometimes, “smalls”). These terms come from modern fictional works; using theword “Children” is fine.
Household – a voluntary association of friends or people with a common interest. Can be organized under whatever rules the members jointly accept. Households have no formal standing in the SCA.
Light Weapons – in some kingdoms, this refers to rapier combat (fencing).
Non–Member Registration (NMR) – an additional $5 (US or Canadian) paid by adult event
attendees who are not paid members of the SCA.
On-board – attending an event and eating the feast provided by the sponsors. The “on-board” price includes the site fee. (Assume you’ll need to bring other meals unless the notice promises them.)
Off-board – offered in some groups: attending an event and bringing your own dinner. The “offboard” price includes the site fee and a seat at a table
Porta-castle/Privy – portable chemical toilets found at outdoor events.
Post-revel – a get-together after the event (“revel”), for socializing and unwinding, usually held in someone’s home. Save the D&D and computer talk for this time.
Site – the place the event is being held.
Site Fee – the cost of admission to an event. Does not usually include the cost of the feast.
Troll Booth – the place to check in or buy at-the-door admission to an event. Staffed by the “troll”.
Augmentation of Arms (Total Presented: 129)
An Augmentation of Arms may be awarded by the Crown to specially honor a person for service to the Kingdom above and beyond the call of duty. Each augmentation is a specific charge at the Crown’s discretion, to be added to the individual’s heraldic arms.
Beare of Northshield (Total Presented: 35)
Given to those who embody the spirit of the Kingdom. No more than one person may be admitted into this Order during any reign. Members of this Order may style themselves "Beares of Northshield". [previously known as Great Bear.]
Bravura (Total Presented: 91)
The award will be bestowed upon gentles who have committed those heroic and specific deeds of valor, courtesy, or prowess in the arts martial and which have increased the renown and reputation of Northshield. This award is for individual deeds as opposed to constant performance. An example of the first might be leading a charge against a greater force at Pennsic, of the last, shooting a 300 IKAC. [previously known as the Nordbandr]
Courtesy of Northshield, Order of (Total Presented: 17)
Admission to this Order may be granted to one who has, over time and with consistency, shown exemplary courtesy. Members are expected to continue conspicuous acts of courtesy, and to encourage others to that same standard of excellence.
Crwth, Order of the (Total Presented: 54)
Given for proficiency in the performing arts (dance, bardic recitation, music, theater, etc.) Blazon:(Fieldless) A crwth argent.
Cypher, Joint King & Queen (Total Presented: 215)
Given for personal service to the Crown
Cypher, Joint Prince & Princess (Total Presented: 21)
Given for personal service to the Heirs
Cypher, King's (Total Presented: 107)
Given for personal service to the King
Cypher, Prince's (Total Presented: 12)
Given for personal service to the Prince
Cypher, Princess' (Total Presented: 14)
Given for personal service to the Princess
Cypher, Queen's (Total Presented: 127)
Given for personal service to the Queen
Gems of Northshield, Order of the (Total Presented: 29)
The Order of the Gems of Northshield may be given to honor groups (ex. Shires, Clans, Fighting Teams) who have, as a group, given outstanding service to the Kingdom. Blazon: Sable, in cross four hexagonal gems argent
Golden Peacock, Order of the (Total Presented: 58)
Award for period appearance and attire in all the arts martial Blazon: Sable, a peacock in its pride within a bordure embattled Or.
Griffin of Northshield, Order of the (Total Presented: 44)
25 years of continuous authorization and activity in the martial community - Members of this Order may style themselves "Venerable Griffins"
Hearthstead, Award of the (Total Presented: 57)
Given to groups who consistently (or specifically) excel at showing hospitality and hosting events. This award is not just for SCA branches; it is for any body of people that are a "group" (like a household, or archers, or Constables, etc.) Blazon: Sable, a brazier Or enflamed proper within a bordure Or masoned sable.
Pantheon of Northshield, Award of the (Total Presented: 13)
This Award shall be given to one who achieves a heroic and specific deed of valor or prowess in the areas of service or nonmartial arts. This deed shall be one which increases the renown and reputation of Northshield.
Pyxis, Order of the (Total Presented: 77)
Given for putting forth great effort at researching, creating and maintaining a period persona and atmosphere. Blazon: (Fieldless) A cross clechy Or within and conjoined to an annulet argent.
Rose (Total Presented: 22)
The Order of the Rose consists of former Royal Consorts of a kingdom. It is specifically charged with encouraging chivalrous and courteous behavior among all members of the Society. (Fieldless) A wreath of roses. (Registered as both badge and regalia)
Saltire, Order of the (Total Presented: 51)
Membership in this order may be offered to an individual that has shown a proven record of widespread guidance and instruction, enriching the abilities of the Northshield populace. No more than four people may be admitted to this order in any reign. Members of the order may bear the badge: [Blazon] Vert estencely argent, a saltire Or surmounted by a lozenge ploye' argent.
Scroll of Honor (Total Presented: 177)
A record of the worthy deeds of the people of Northshield and its friends. The Kingdom Herald or a deputy cares for the Scroll and insures that it is displayed at court. Principality Scroll of Honor
Vigilant
Vigil for Chivalry (Total Presented: 41)
Vigil for Defense (Total Presented: 19)
Vigil for Laurel (Total Presented: 50)
Vigil for Pelican (Total Presented: 56)
Youth Awards
Bellerophon, Award of (Total Presented: 48)
Given to youth who have displayed prowess and courtesy in any of the Arts Martial.
Compass, Award of the (Total Presented: 62)
Given to youth for exemplary service to the kingdom Blazon: (Fieldless) A pair of compasses Or.
Golden Lamp, Award of the (Total Presented: 14)
Given to youth for achievement in an Art and/or Science
White Owl, Award of the (Total Presented: 11)
Given to youth who demonstrate initiative in teaching.
Award of Arms Bearing
Award of Arms (Total Presented: 1101)
Individuals who have shown consistency of effort over time within the arts, sciences, service or arts martial and willingness to maintain involvement in the SCA.
Black Bolt, Award of the (Total Presented: 111)
Given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalry in artillery activities, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors. Blazon: (Fieldless) A lightning bolt bendwise sinister sable.
Black Flame, Award of the (Total Presented: 444)
Given to those who show proficiency in one or more of the Arts or Sciences, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors. [previously known as the Award of the Balefire] Blazon: (Fieldless) A flame sable.
Cygnus, Award of the (Total Presented: 674)
Given to those who have performed substantial service to the Kingdom of Northshield. Blazon: (Fieldless) A swan naiant contourny Or
Glove, Award of the (Total Presented: 157)
Given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalric comportment in rapier combat, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors. [formerly known as the Queen's Glove; registered as Order of the Glove]
Griffin & Sword, Award of the (Total Presented: 228)
Given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalric behavior in armored combat, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors. [formerly known as the Griffin's Sword] Blazon: (Fieldless) A griffin Or sustaining a sword argent.
Palfrey, Award of the (Total Presented: 28)
Given to those who demonstrate prowess and chivalry in equestrian activities, including a level of participation beyond their own personal endeavors. Blazon: (Fieldless) A horse passant sable charged on the shoulder with a compass rose argent.
Grant of Arms Bearing
Aquila et Fulmen, Order of the (Total Presented: 44)
Given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in one or more of the Artillery Arts. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Artillery and for helping others become involved and proficient. [formerly known as the Aquila] Blazon: (Fieldless) An eagle per pale Or and sable maintaining a lightning bolt sable and a lightning bolt Or.
Black Griffin, Order of the (Total Presented: 95)
Given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Armored Combat. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Armored Combat and for helping others become involved and proficient. [formerly known as Iron Griffin Legion] Blazon: (Fieldless) A griffin sustaining a sword sable.
Brigits Flame, Order of (Total Presented: 197)
Given to those who have shown over time they enthusiastically strive for mastery in the Arts and/or Sciences, endeavoring to provide leadership and displaying courtesy. Members are expected to continue their pursuits in the Arts and/or Sciences and to help others find their own opportunities for enrichment therein. [formerly known as the Bridget's Flame] Blazon:(Fieldless) A torch argent enflamed proper.
Destrer, Order of the (Total Presented: 11)
Given to those who have, over time, demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Equestrian Arts. Members are expected to continue conspicuous activity in Equestrian arts, and to encourage others to become involved and proficient. Blazon: (Fieldless) A compass rose argent sustained by a horse rampant Or.
Hand of Tyr, Order of the (Total Presented: 272)
Given to those who have distinguished themselves over time by performing, with all due courtesy, outstanding service on behalf of the kingdom. Members are expected to continue conspicuous service and to help others find their own opportunities for service. [formerly known as the Order of Tyr] Blazon: (Fieldless) On a hand fesswise sable a Týr rune argent.
Ordo Circini Vitruvii [Order of Vitruvius' Caliper] (Total Presented: 42)
Given to those who, over time, have demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Rapier Combat. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Rapier Combat and for helping others become involved and proficient. Blazon: Sable, a keythong maintaining a rapier in chief a caliper argent
White Scarf of Northshield, Order of the (Total Presented: 27)
Given to those who, over time, have demonstrated great prowess, chivalry, and leadership in Rapier Combat. Members will be responsible for continued, conspicuous activity in Rapier Combat and for helping others become involved and proficient. [This order has been closed] Blazon: Sable, on a pale Or between two compass roses argent a rapier sable
Court Baron/Baroness (Total Presented: 192)
Highest level GOA. The Estate of Court Barony may be bestowed by the Crown to those who have, over time, demonstrated exceptional and continual service to the Crown. Recipients may wear a coronet of silver adorned with six pearls and ornamented as they see fit.
Patent of Arms Bearing
Chivalry (Total Presented: 42)
The Chivalry consists of two equal parts: Knighthood and Mastery of Arms. No one may belong to both parts of the order at one time. When a member is admitted to the Chivalry by the Sovereign, the choice of which part of the order to join is made by the new member. The candidate must be considered the equal of his or her prospective peers with the basic weapons of tournament combat. To become a Knight, the candidate must swear fealty to the Crown of his or her kingdom during the knighting ceremony. Masters of Arms may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so. Blazon: (Fieldless) A circular chain. (For the Order of Knighthood) (Fieldless) A white belt. (For the Order of Knighthood) (Fieldless) A white baldric. (For the Order of Mastery of Arms)|
Defense (Total Presented: 20)
Members of the Order of Defense may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so. The candidate must be considered the equal of his or her prospective peers with the weapons of rapier or cut-and-thrust combat. Members are recognized for their great skill at rapier and/or cut-and-thrust combat, as well as for qualities of courtesy and grace, for their willingness to teach others, and for service to the kingdom. They are addressed as "Master" (name) or "Mistress" (name), and are entitled to wear a white livery collar and to bear the badge of the Order. Blazon: Three rapiers in pall inverted tips crossed.
Laurel (Total Presented: 59)
Members of the Order of the Laurel may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so. The candidate must have attained the standard of excellence in skill and/or knowledge equal to that of his or her prospective peers in some area of the Arts or Sciences. The candidate must have applied this skill and/or knowledge for the instruction of members and service to the kingdom to an extent above and beyond that normally expected of members of the Society. Blazon:(Tinctureless) A laurel wreath.
Pelican (Total Presented: 63)
Members of the Order of the Pelican may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so. The candidate must have attained the standard of service to the Society or any of its branches equal to that of his or her prospective peers, which is above and beyond that normally expected of members of the Society. Blazon: (Tinctureless) A pelican vulning itself. (Tinctureless) A pelican in its piety. (Fieldless) A chapeau gules trimmed ermine.
Royalty
Count/Countess (Total Presented: 39)
Persons who have once reigned over a kingdom. (Fieldless) A coronet embattled, all gold, ornamented as the wearer sees fit. (Registered as both badge and regalia)
Duke/Duchess (Total Presented: 20)
Persons who have reigned over a kingdom two or more times. (Fieldless) A coronet with strawberry leaves. (Registered as both badge and regalia)