Cynagua Awards

The Ruxton Award

This is the premier service award of the Principality. It carries with it an Award of Arms, if the recipient does not already have one. Since this award is to honor those who have given of their time without thought of personal glory or gain, there is no token. This award is limited to two per reign. (Note:Awards of Arms granted with the Ruxton are listed in the Kingdom list of Awards of Arms.)

Description from the Laws of Cynagua (July, 2022): Upon recommendation by the Peers of this Principality, the "Ruxton" is bestowed by the Coronets of Cynagua on those members of the populace who have performed extraordinary service to the Principality. Extraordinary service is defined as that service which is above and beyond all general standards of duty as exemplified by holding offices or Autocrating events, without thought of personal gain or glory, over an extended period of time.

Numbers: The Ruxton is presented with a specific number, which is important to the recipients. The numbers listed here are as close as we can get based on scanty record keeping. If you find you have evidence that the numbers as shown are not correct, please let us know.

This award started out as an award in the (then) Barony of Golden Rivers, and became a Principality award when Cynagua was named a Principality.

Listing of all Recipients of The Ruxton Award

Scutiferus Cynaguae (Shieldbearer of Cynagua)

The secondary service award in the Principality shall be called the Scutiferus Cynaguae (Shieldbearer of Cynagua) and be awarded by Their Highnesses for exceptional service to the Principality. This award may only be given to individuals. The collective recipients of this award shall be known as the Scutiferuli Cynaguae (Shield bearers of Cynagua). The token of this award is a small bronze shield suspended from a black ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of the Scutiferus Cynaguae

Au Coeur de le Cygne Noir (Heart of the Black Swan)

There are many who serve the Coronet and the Principality of Cynagua; however, there is an individual whose dedication to the Prince (Sovereign) goes so far above and beyond the normal course of Loyalty, Service and Duty that the Prince must recognize this essential and meaningful service. As such, it is right and proper that the Prince (Sovereign) honor this extraordinary individual with induction into the Order of the Heart of the Black Swan (Order Au Coeur de la Cygne Noir). This award may be given no more than two times per reign. The recognition may only be given by the Sovereign of the Principality (Prince or Princess by Right of Arms).

Listing of all Members of the Order Au Coeur del le Cygne Noir

The Order of the Gilded Swan

The coronet may honor those fighters who have added to the pageantry on the field of honor by the display of period armor while on the field of combat. This award is limited to two per reign. The token for the order is a bronze pendant of a helm with torse and mantling in the form of a swan.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Gilded Swan

The Order of the Melan Pteron Cynagua

The Melan Pteron Cynagua is awarded by the Coronet for Achievement in the arts and sciences. The Coronet can only offer this award to a person for any art or science performed within the Principality or for the benefit of the Principality. The token is a black feather.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Melan Pteron Cynagua

The Order of the Winged Harp

Upon successful completion of the Bard of Cynagua's term, he/she shall be inducted into the Order of the Winged Harp, which shall be comprised of past bards of Cynagua who successfully completed their terms. The token of the Order shall be “(Fieldless) A harp argent winged Or”, in the form of a pendant. The wings are "down", to differentiate the medallion from that of the Bard of Cynagua, where the wings are up.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Winged Harp

The Cynaguan Quill

The Quill of Cynagua serves to honor those who have contributed time and expertise to the promotion and enrichment of the scribal arts. The Coronet charges the Sable Swan Scribe to be prepared to recommend active scribes to the Coronet upon request, in order that these scribing efforts may be acknowledged. Active shall be defined as recent work on successfully completed Principality Official documents, such as award scrolls, charters, letters of marque and specific letters of import. The Quill of Cynagua shall be awarded at the pleasure of the Coronet.

The award token shall take three forms: a bronze feather, recommended to be awarded upon the presentation in court of the scribe’s first completed document; a silver feather, for continuing support of the Principality through scribal arts; and a gold feather for outstanding and unremitting service in the scribal arts over time. The form (bronze, silver, gold) shall be specified in the court report and published in the awards list.

Listing of all Recipients of The Cynaguan Quill

The Honor of the Copper Spoon

The Cynaguan Cooking award, this is earned the same way as the Wooden Spoon at Kingdom level -- by winning a cooking contest. The token is a copper spoon hung from a ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of the Honor of the Copper Spoon

The Lumen Cynagua

The recipient of the Lumen Cynagua is the victor of the Arts and Sciences Championship of the Principality, and for the following year is the Principality Artisan, whose job it is to give instructions to all who would learn from the victor. The token is simply described as the "Championship Token" at this time.

From the Laws of Cynagua (July, 2022): The Minister of Arts & the Minister of Sciences, acting in concert, will be responsible for scheduling a series of eight (8) competitions (four art and four science competitions) over the course of the year to determine the individual with the foremost skill in the medieval Arts and Sciences. Starting with Spring Coronet and ending with Winter Investiture, an Arts competition, as well as a Sciences competition will be held at each Principality event. These will serve as the basis for the yearly Arts & Sciences Championship, or “Lumen Cynagua.” To be eligible for the Championship, a competitor must enter a minimum of four (4) of these eight (8) competitions. While multiple items may be entered in a competition, only the highest score in each competition will count toward the Championship. The competitor with the highest total of four scores will be named Champion. The competition will be open and limited to those residing in the Principality throughout the entire year. The winner will be awarded the “Lumen Cynagua” in court at the Spring Coronet following the last competition, i.e. Winter Investiture, and styled Champion of Arts and Sciences as well as the Principality Artisan for the following year.

Listing of all Recipients of the Lumen Cynagua

The Torse Cynagua

The Coronet may award the Torse Cynagua to a fighter who has shown particular courtesy, chivalry and/or valor in the Coronet lists. This award is to be given out at the Coronet tourney after the lists and may be given only once per reign. The token for this award is a torse of Argent, Sable, and Or ribbons.

Listing of all Recipients of the Torse Cynagua

The Circlet of Gallantry

The Coronets may bestow this award to those of their populace who they feel display a vigorous or courageous nobility of spirit and/or behavior. There will be no more than two awards given per reign. The token is a wreath adorned with a red ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of the Circlet of Gallantry

The Circlet of Honor

This award is bestowed by the Coronet to those who are a source or cause of respect, by displaying a nobility of mind or integrity, and adhering to a strong ethical code. There will be no more than two awards given per reign. The token of this award is a wreath adorned with a white ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of the Circlet of Honor

The Cynaguan Medal of Honor

This is given by their Highnesses to those fighters who have demonstrated valor, bravery and skill in times of war. The token is a metal swan suspended from green and red ribbons.

Listing of all Recipients of the Cynaguan Medal of Honor

The Solea Argentea

The Coronet may honor those members of the populace who have contributed their time, efforts and knowledge to the promotion and enrichment of the Equestrian Arts throughout the Principality of Cynagua. The token for this award is a small silver horseshoe. Formerly the Argenteum Solae.

Listing of all Recipients of the Solea Argentea

The Ordo Gladius Ater

The Ordo Gladius Ater is to be given by the Coronet to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in all aspects of Rapier. The token for this order shall be a gold toned triangular pendant, embossed with a black rapier pointing upwards. This was changed from changed from Gladius Aquilus, Nov. 2004.

Listing of all Members of the Ordo Gladius Ater

Black Swan's Archer

Formerly the Saethwyr Eithriadrol, Their Highnesses may honor those members of the populace who have excelled in their skills and knowledge of Archery, whether it be on the archery field or in war. The token for this award is a roundel of polished Yew.

Listing of all Past and Current Black Swan's Archers

The Cynaguan Varie Peritus

Cynaguan martial arts encompass a wide range of skills, including heavy/rattan weapons, rapier/steel combat, missile weapons, thrown weapons, siege weapons, equestrian, and more not listed here. There is a determination shown by all who commit time and patience to the skills in each of these, but special consideration must be given to those who participate in two or more disciplines.

The token is a single inverted sword with an arrow hung by a cord or ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of The Cynagua Varie Peritus

Crusader of Cynagua

This honor is for those who attended war with Their Highnesses and their service helped support the Coronet at war. The token is a personal medallion from the Prince.

Listing of all Crusaders of Cynagua

The Order of the Black Swan

The Order of the Black Swan is to be awarded by the Princess to those combatants who fought and reached the final round of the Coronet Lists, but failed to prevail. The token is a triangular silver pendant marked with a silver swan holding a sword. The token is passed down to the newest member. A smaller version of the token is also given to the member to keep.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Black Swan

The Order of the Swan's Heart

This is given to the Consort of the Black Swan (runner-up in the Coronet Lists), the token is a stone of worth in the shape of a heart hung from a white (argent) ribbon.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Swan's Heart

The Cynaguan Order of Grace

It is the sole prerogative of the Consort of Cynagua to bestow this award to those persons felt to be exceptional in courtesy and chivalry. There will be no more than two awards given per reign. The token is a a gold tone "C" with a crystal suspended from its base.

Listing of all Members of the Cynaguan Order of Grace

The Order of the Friendly Castle

This is given for "high hospitality". The token is a swan above an heraldic "Friendly Castle" (a two towered castle with its gate raised) dependent from a black ribbon. This Order was a polling Order until about 2010.

From the Laws of Cynagua (July, 2023): The Order of the Friendly Castle may be offered to those the Coronet finds deserving of great honor for the qualities of "high hospitality" by:

1. Cheerfully providing shelter, feeding or clothing members of the populace to the fullest extent their means allow.

2. Graciously sharing their information and knowledge with anyone who would seek it.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Friendly Castle

The Order of La Courtesia

The Order of La Courtesia may be offered to those the Coronet finds deserving of great honor for exhibiting the following behavior:

1. Courtesy and friendliness; not only manifested by gallantry in the presence of the known and titled, powerful, but in the presence of the as yet unknown, the meek and humble.

2. Grace and forbearance in times of stress as well as in times of peace.

The token is a crystal snowflake pendant from a silver ribbon.

This Order was a polling Order until sometime around 2010.

Listing of all Members of the Order of La Courtesia

The Cygnet

This is an award given to younger members of the realm (under 16 years) for their contributions to the Principality. The token of this award is a black wooden swan suspended from a black ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of The Cygnet

The Swanilīn of Cynagua

The Swanilīn is to be given by the Coronet to those members of the Principality who are 17 years and younger who have shown exceptional skill within one of the three Virtues of the Society - Creativity, Service and Prowess.

The Swanilīn dës Wîges is given by the Coronet to those younger members of the realm who have demonstrated skill and knowledge in any area covered by the Marshallate. Activities include but are not limited to Youth Armored Combat, Youth Rapier Combat, Target Archery, and Equestrian. The token for this award shall be a hatching Cygnet armed with a spear.

The Swanilīn dës Ambetes is given by the Coronet to those younger members of the realm who have provided service deemed worthy of recognition.The token for this award shall be a Cygnet bearing a book.

The Swanilīn dër Kuntz is given by the Coronet to those younger members of the realm who have demonstrated skill and knowledge in the Arts and/or Sciences. The token for this award shall be a Cygnet bearing a paintbrush.

Listing of all Recipients of The Swanilīn Recognitions

The Hearth Stone

The Hearth Stone is awarded to those who continuously exhibits a medieval encampment, thereby enhancing the ambiance of the Current Middle Ages for all. The token is a piece of landscape jasper within a setting of silver.

Listing of all Recipients of the Hearth Stone

The Cambium Award

The Cambium is awarded to those who maintain a well developed persona, thereby adding to the spirit of the Society. The token for this award is a small wooden heart dependent from a gold ribbon.

From the Laws of Cynagua (July, 2022): The Cambium Award (cambium: a thin formative layer between the xylem and phylum of most vascular plants that gives rise to new cells and is responsible for secondary growth-Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary) may be awarded by Their Highnesses upon recommendation by one or more of the peers residing in the Principality, to a person who exhibits a cheerful willingness to actively participate in the establishment and preservation of the ambiance (milieu vital) of the Current Middle Ages by:

1. Adopting a persona.

2. Wearing apparel appropriate to the time/space of the persona.

3. Demonstrating at least a beginning level of understanding of the mode, manner, mores, and mood of the persona.

4. Expressing an interest in learning the culture as expressed by the language, arts, crafts, sciences, religion, social structure, or habits of the persona.

Listing of all Recipients of The Cambium Award

The Order of the Legend of the Raven -- Individual

Upon recommendation by the Peers of this Principality, the Legend of the Raven is given by the Coronets to those individuals that have reached ‘legendary’ status within the Principality. “Legendary” is defined as such - that through diverse service, strength of personality, and enduring commitment to the community of the Principality of Cynagua, these individuals have helped create a tapestry of history that would not be complete if these individuals should be absent. The Coronet may bestow this Order to no more than two individuals. Recipients may only receive this Order once, except in the case that the individual is part of a group.There shall be a scroll for this award that will include a raven above and a swan below in the style of the artist’s choice plus the number assigned during the presentation of the award.

Listing of all Members of the Order of The Legends of the Raven (Individuals Only)

The Order of The Legend of the Raven -- Group

Upon recommendation by the Peers of this Principality, the Legend of the Raven is given by the Coronets to those groups that have reached ‘legendary’ status within the Principality. “Legendary” is defined as such - that through diverse service, strength of personality, and enduring commitment to the community of the Principality of Cynagua, these groups have helped create a tapestry of history that would not be complete if these groups should be absent. The Coronet may bestow this Order to no more than one group per reign. Recipients, may only receive this Order once, except in the case that the individual is part of a group. A group can be defined as a household, fighting group, family, or other described group that play and work as a unit. There shall be a scroll for this award that will include a raven above and a swan below in the style of the artist’s choice plus the number assigned during the presentation of the award.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Legend of the Raven (Groups Only)

Den Grimme Aeling

This award is to be given by the Coronet for the support and effort given to the Principality by peoples that do not reside in the Principality of Cynagua. The token for this award is a late hatching egg, upon a silver coin suspended from a black ribbon.

Listing of all Recipients of Den Grimme Aeling

The Order of the Black Wing

The Order of the Black Wing is given by the Coronet to those who teach any of the following: the various forms of service, the arts and sciences, the combat arts, or any other knowledge and/or skill that accentuates life in these current Middle Ages. The token of this Order is a metal wing, given as either a pin or hanging from a ribbon.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Black Wing

The Order of the Gladsome Gallivant and Whimsical Wander

The Order of the Gladsome Gallivant and Whimsical Wander is given by the Coronet to those individuals who have embraced the sharing of enjoyment, though it be a fierce competition, a happy game, traveling troubadour entertainment or any other activity that elicits laughter and delight.
The token shall be a pair of marked dice on a cord so that a game might be joined at any time.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Gladsome Gallivant and Whimsical Wander

The Order of the Crystal Swan

The Order of the Crystal Swan shall be the exclusive Order bestowed upon and honoring all past Consorts of Cynagua. Each Consort shall induct Their predecessor into the Order at Their Investiture. The token for this award shall either be one acceptable to the Coronet, or a small pendant of a ''crystal swan" strung on a ribbon of white, black or gold.

Listing of all Members of the Order of the Crystal Swan

The Princess' Token

This may be given to any whom the Princess (Consort) feels gave "cheerful" help during her reign. The token is determined by the Princess and varies for each reign.

Listing of all Recipients of the Princess' Token

The Prince's Token

In recognition by the Prince (Sovereign) for those persons who have given Them help and assistance throughout his reign, the Prince may reward them with a personal token of his making. (Note that January 2013, when Mari and Brocc stepped down, they didn't wish to break their tokens out to a separate list for each, and so gave them together ... this was before the Coronet's Favor was created a year later. Due to the complexity of the program code, there is no easy way to get this to display both of their names in the list linked to below.)

Listing of all Recipients of the Prince's Token

Coronet's Favor

This award is for those whose actions and support has been critical to the success of the reign. The token is a medallion depicting a swan.

Listing of all Recipients of the Coronet's Favor

Pearl of the Court

Their Highnesses may honor members of their court by gifting them with a personal token.

Listing of all Pearls of the Court

The Heart of the Princess

There are those members of the populace that go so far above and beyond the normal course of loyalty, service and duty that their deeds touch the heart of the Princess (Consort). The Princess may honor those extraordinary efforts with “The Heart of the Princess.” Similar to the Queens Order of Maintenance, the award was created to honor the one or two persons the Princess feels were vital to her ability to reign. It is not required nor even expected that this award will be given each reign. This award is given by the Princess’ hands, and there will be no more than two awards given per reign.

The token of this award is a cast pewter heart with a coronet and a swan inside it.

Listing of all Recipients of the Heart of the Princess

The Roll of Captains

Their Highnesses may honor the Captain of Their guard by ordering his/her name inscribed upon the Roll. The token is a pendant of a helmet with torse and mantling, suspended from a black ribbon.

Listing of all Those honored to be listed on the Roll of Captains

Defender of Cynagua

There come times when the Coronet Sovereign is unable to be present, yet the weight of His/Her sword should be felt by those who have given cause. So it is that one has been chosen as Defender, to wield his/her sword for the Coronet Sovereign.

At the command of the Coronet Sovereign there will be one lists tournament a year to determine the Defender of Cynagua. That list will be held at May Coronet and will be restricted to unbelted fighters.

The Defender may not succeed him or herself.

Listing of all Current and Past Defenders of Cynagua

Princess' Champion

The Princess of Cynagua, or Prince if he is Consort, has the right to choose, by appointment or by list, a Champion to bear arms for Their protection and the implementing of Their will.

Listing of all Past and Current Princess' Champions

The Rapier Champion of Cynagua

(No description at this time.)

Listing of all Current and Past Rapier Champions (Cynagua)

Prima Spada of Cynagua

There will be a rapier tournament once a year [at the Fall Coronet Tournament] to determine the holder of this title, which is then bestowed at the next Investiture event [January]. It is the duty and privilege of the Prima Spada to step forward and wield his/her blade for the Coronet Sovereign, in Rapier matters. The person who wins this title in combat retains the title for a year. The Prima Spada may not succeed him/herself. The token is a cape in the colors of the Principality of Cynagua embroidered with the device of the Principality.

Listing of all Current and Past Prima Spadas of Cynagua

The Archery Champion of Cynagua

The Archery Champion holds their position from Winter Investiture to Winter Investiture, having won the title in competition. Their duty is to bear the bow on the field of combat and in tournaments to represent the Principality as Archery Champion. They are responsible for the competition to determine their successor. The Archery Champion may not succeed him/herself. Regalia for this office includes a baldric and quiver, and a cape of office.

Listing of all Past and Current Archery Champions (Cynagua)

General of the Army (Cynagua)

Leader of the army of Cynagua as needed.

Listing of all Current and Past Generals of the Army

Standard Bearer of Cynagua

Their Highnesses may honor a fighter residing within the Principality by naming that person as the Principality Standard Bearer for that Reign. Those so honored may be awarded a token of a banner suspended from a ribbon of black and gold. This is a temporary position, which means that it ends the next time a person is named to this position.

Listing of all Current and Past Standard Bearers of Cynagua

Cynaguan Guard

Members of the Cynaguan Guard hold this honor for the duration of the reign of the Prince and Princess who admitted them to the honor. The duties will vary depending on the Royalty. The Coronet may appoint a Knight Counselor to the Cynaguan Guard to assist the Guard in pursuing both prowess and chivalric virtue. Members of the Cynaguan Guard are given to wear a black leather baldric on which the Coronet of Cynagua’s Arms are displayed.

Listing of all Past and Current Members of the Cynaguan Guard

Prince's Huscarl (Cynagua)

The Huscarls are the Prince's (or Princess' if They are Sovereign by Right of Arms) personal guard, for the duration of the reign. There is no specific token ... During the reign of Michael of the Shire, the Prince's Huscarls were called "Fianna Cynaguae", and during the second reign of Walerich von Bredereke, the Huscarls were called "The Black Company."

Listing of all Current and Past Members of the Prince's Huscarls

The Equestrian Champion of Cynagua

(No description at this time.)

Listing of all Past and Current Equestrian Champions (Cynagua)

The Court of Cynagua

The Cynaguan Court is an honor offered to all those who wish to support the Coronet and is selected solely at the discretion of the Coronet. Members of the Cynaguan Court are bestowed a personal favor bearing a design of the Coronet's choosing. There may be a Head of Court listed as well. Created by Cormac and Caoilinn at Cynagua Fall Coronet, October 2021.

Listing of all Members of Current and Past Courts of Cynagua

Cynaguan Artisans

The Cynaguan Artisan is an honor offered to those individuals who are not members of the Order of the Laurel who are pursuing the Arts and Sciences; these Cynaguan Artisans are selected solely at the discretion of the Coronet. Cynaguan Artisans are bestowed a favor designating the honor bestowed upon them. The Coronet may appoint a Laurel Counselor to assist the Cynaguan Artisans in pursuing their Arts and Sciences.

Listing of all Current and Past Cynaguan Artisans