Middle Kingdom Protocol Handbook
Please Note: This HTML document is presented here as a direct port from the PDF document for reference purposes only, as it is understood that not all may access PDF documents from all devices. If in doubt, please consider the PDF document to be the best authority.
March AS XXXX
Copyright 2006 by The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This handbook is an official publication of The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., a not-forprofit organization dedicated to researching and recreating pre-17th century European history. Copies of this document can be downloaded at www.midrealm.org/heraldry/.
Members of The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., may photocopy this work in whole or in part for SCA use provided proper credit is given and no changes are made to the content. The contents of the document are posted at http://www.midrealm.org and further reproduction on other internet sites is expressly forbidden.
March 2006 edition written by Ron Sargent (Master Thorvald Redhair) and proofread by Elise Fleming (Countess Alys Katharine), Joann Tibbetts (Mistress Elena de Vexin), Susan Earley (Maestra Margherita Alessia, called Ghita), Dale Niederhauser (Hauptmann Konrad Mailander), Kevin Conlin (Baron Rory mac Feidhlimidh), Monti Greenawalt (Baroness Anna of the Western Hill), Cynthia Wong McCowin (Maestra Gwenhwyvar Nocturnal), Amy Reed (Baroness Alexandra dei Campagnella), and M.L. McGuire (Lady Aibell Suil-uaine, called Suilean).
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................. 4
Protocol .............................. 5
The Royal Sanctum .............................. 5
Sitting in State .............................. 5
Wandering Crowns .............................. 6
Empty Thrones .............................. 6
Court Protocol .............................. 7
Feast Protocol .............................. 8
Tournament Protocol .............................. 9
Example of the Litany of Honors .............................. 9
Proper Use of Titles .............................. 10
Title Stacking .............................. 10
The Martial Styles .............................. 11
Alphabet Soup .............................. 11
The Customs of Crown Tournaments .............................. 12
The Customs of Coronation .............................. 13
Seating Arrangements at Royal Court .............................. 15
Table of Precedence of the Middle Kingdom .............................. 19
Order of Precedence of the Middle Kingdom .............................. 22
Baronial Order of Precedence .............................. 24
Kingdom Order of Precedence .............................. 25
Awards, Titles, and Styles of the Middle Kingdom ................... 26
Sumptuary Customs of the Middle Kingdom .............................. 46
Crowns and Coronets .............................. 46
Badges .............................. 46
Chains and Spurs .............................. 47
Belt and Baldrics .............................. 47
Achievements .............................. 47
Pennsic Ceremonies .............................. 50
Opening Ceremonies .............................. 50
Great Court/Closing Ceremonies .............................. 53
Introduction
Today, protocol is usually used in the context of information technology or scientific experimentation rules. But for the SCA protocol is the occasionally mysterious thing that helps make the magic of court possible. Protocol gives us our structure for ceremonies, the things that gives dignity to the SCA.
In portions of the Middle Ages protocol was a very confusing, detailed dance done by the nobility. It was the formulary of etiquette to be observed the by the head of state and their officers in official ceremonies and functions.
This handbook should help the herald, retainer, and Royalty understand and navigate some of the more common situations that occur in the SCA – court, feast, tournaments, Pennsic and more.
This is a living document, that will continue to be updated and adjusted as we deal with the changing world of the SCA and the Middle Kingdom.
My deepest thanks to Master Thorvald Redhair, who did the majority of the legwork and writing for this. He is truly the master of protocol.
Rory mac Feidhlimidh Draco
It has been years in the making, but here is the first version of the Middle Kingdom Protocol Handbook. It is an attempt to put down on paper the customs and traditions practiced in the Midrealm, to help educate others in the obscure art of protocol. As with most writings, I am sure that errors, changes and omissions will be discovered after this project is complete. Please report these to the Dragon Herald or the Minister of Protocol, so this document may be kept current.
Putting together this handbook was not a task that was done alone. While most of the content is based off my writing or collating, it was vastly improved with the help of a handful of others. I would like to thank Countess Alys Katharine, Mistress Elena de Vexin, Maestra Margherita Alessia (Ghita), Hauptmann Konrad Mailander, Baron Rory mac Feidhlimidh, Baroness Anna of the Western Hill, Maestra Gwenhwyvar Nocturnal, Baroness Alexandra dei Campagnella, and Lady Aibell Suil-uaine (Suilean) for their contributions to making this handbook a success.
Master Thorvald Redhair Middle Kingdom Minister of Protocol
Protocol
Protocol in the SCA can be defined as the forms of ceremony and etiquette practiced by a Kingdom. Each Kingdom has its own customs and traditions that provide the basis of protocol and help define the personality of that Kingdom. Protocol provides us the guiding principles for how an activity should be performed, either to maintain our customs and traditions, or to detail correct manners when dealing with others at events, feasts, tourneys, and courts.
One of the functions of protocol is the proper ranking of gentles according to their honors, awards and orders into the Order of Precedence. This then defines for us how to show proper respect to, or properly address, these gentles based upon their rank.
At the inter-kingdom level, protocol gives us the procedures for handling and showing proper respect to visiting royalty. These guidelines are used at Pennsic War and the other inter-kingdom wars. This includes determining who goes first at court and in which order to sit everyone on the dais.
While this handbook is an attempt to codify current protocol for the education of the populace, it should be noted that protocol is dictated by Royalty, and is not written in stone. Over time, customs and traditions will change and evolve to adapt to the needs of the Kingdom. There may also be special needs of the ruling monarchs that will cause a change in protocol during Their reign.
The Royal Sanctum
The Royal Sanctum of the Middle Kingdom is defined by Midrealm Law:
II-300 The area encompassed by a ten-foot circle around the throne shall be considered
the Sanctum Mediterraneum and as such may not be entered save by the Great Lords and
Ladies of State and those having received leave from the Crown to do so. The Sanctum
Mediterraneum shall be extended to the edge of the Lists at all Tournaments.
Sitting in State
When the Royalty is sitting upon Their thrones, but not holding court, then They are considered to be “Sitting in State”. While They are sitting in state, it is proper to show respect with a bow or curtsy if you pass by Them. If They are not engaged in a meeting, it is generally acceptable for members of the populace to approach to speak with Them or conduct other business. Since personal presentations are typically not done in court, this becomes is a great opportunity to accomplish this.
When approaching the Crown while sitting in state, be sure to look to see if there are others that are waiting their turn to speak with Their Majesties. If not, then wait outside the Royal Sanctum until Their Majesties acknowledge you. They may ask you to wait a few moments if there is something that has Their attention. When They are ready to receive you, They will signal for you to come forward.
At the edge of the Royal Sanctum stop and bow or curtsy to the Crown of the Middle Kingdom. Then bow to any other royalty in the sanctum in the order of precedence as They are seated. This is done by looking at the center couple, bow to the couple to the left, then to the couple to the immediate right. If there are more, alternate between left and right until you have shown respect to all royal couples in the sanctum. Then finally approach the kneeling cushion, bowing once more to the Crown and kneel before them.
Note: It is the custom of the Midrealm that only members of the Order of the Chivalry may enter the sanctum armed. Therefore, weapons should be removed prior to approaching the thrones.
When done with the business before the royalty, stand up, bow to the Crown, and back up until you are about ten feet away. Again, it is proper to show respect to the assembled royalty, this time in reverse order, starting with the last couple you bowed to and finishing with the Crown.
Wandering Crowns
When the Crown is up and walking about the event site, the ten foot sanctum rule should still be practiced. If They should pass by, it is proper to bow or curtsy to acknowledge Them. If the physical limitations of the site prevent the application of the sanctum rule, do not worry about. It is okay to pass Their Majesties in a narrow hallway, just bow or curtsy as you pass by.
If Royalty should enter a room, it is proper for all to stand until They give leave to be seated again. When They stand up to leave, all should rise until They have departed the room.
Empty Thrones
In some kingdoms, it is tradition to show respect to the thrones within the Royal Sanctum, even if Their Majesties are not currently occupying them. The Middle Kingdom seems to be mixed on this custom. Some will bow or curtsy as they pass by, while others prefer to show their respect to Their Majesties directly. The choice is yours to make according to your beliefs.
Court Protocol
Court is where the royalty meets with the populace in an official capacity. The Crown will usually sit on Their thrones, attended by Their champions and retainers, and conduct any business between the royalty and the populace. This is where visiting royalty and ambassadors are officially acknowledged, fealties are taken, gifts received, law changes and other proclamations are read aloud, and awards and honors are bestowed.
When a court is to be held, it will typically be announced in advance, and the stage will be set up. The dais (which may be a raised dais, or just a particular area on the floor or ground) is usually set with the thrones of the royal family, and seats are commonly arranged for the populace. If possible, a center aisle will be left for the procession. The kingdom banner will typically be hung centered behind the thrones, and by custom, it should be higher than any others. If separate banners for the king and queen are used, they should be positioned on Their respective sides, visible to the audience.
When the seneschal, heralds and signets take their position on the dais, court is about to begin. At the approach of Their Majesties, the court herald will call for all to rise. As the royal family processes toward the dais, it is proper to bow to show respect when They pass. If there are any visiting royalty, They will be invited to join the court. Again, it is proper protocol to show respect as They process by. Once the royalty have sat upon the thrones, They will give the audience leave to be seated as well.
The actual order of business in court is at the discretion of the Crown. In lieu of any special order, the heralds will generally schedule incoming presentations first, then the outgoing business.
If called into court, whether to make a presentation to the Crown or to receive an award, the protocol is the same. One should stop approximately ten feet from the thrones and bow to the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, then bow to any other royalty on the dais in the order of precedence as They are seated. This is done by looking at the center couple, bow to the couple to the left, then to the couple to the immediate right. If there are more, alternate between left and right until you have shown respect to all couples on the dais. Then finally approach the kneeling cushion, bowing once more to the Crown and kneel before them.
Note: It is the custom of the Midrealm that only members of the Order of the Chivalry may enter the sanctum armed. Therefore, weapons should be removed prior to approaching the thrones.
When done with the business before the royalty, stand up, bow to the Crown, and back up until you are about ten feet away. Again, it is proper to show respect to the assembled royalty, this time in reverse order, starting with the last couple you bowed to and finishing with the Crown. Then turn and return to the audience.
Note that safety is the overriding concern in court. It is important to be aware of the edge of a raised dais when backing away. If there are stairs or uneven ground involved, it is okay to turn before leaving the dais. No one wants an accident because of protocol customs.
At the end of court, the court herald will call for all to rise again. As the royal family processes away, it is proper to bow to show respect when They pass. Once They have cleared the back of the audience, court is over.
Feast Protocol
At the beginning of feast, the Crown will process in, usually accompanied by other guests of the head table. At the approach of Their Majesties, the feast herald will call for all to rise. As the royal family processes toward the dais, it is proper to bow to show respect when They pass. If there are any visiting royalty, it is proper protocol to show respect as They process by. Once the royalty have taken Their seats, They will give the feast hall leave to be seated as well.
It is the privilege of the highest ranking non-royal gentles to offer toasts to the royalty. The feast herald should see to the organization of the toasting, though sometimes it will be the Royal Chamberlain, or even the peers themselves.
The first toast of a feast is made after the first course has been delivered to the tables. The first toast of feast is always made to the King and Queen, whether or not They are in attendance. Sometimes, the Crown will be toasted as a couple, sometimes as individuals. In this case, the sovereign is toasted first, followed by the consort.
The second toast is made to the Crown Prince and Princess. It is the privilege of the second highest ranking non-royal gentle to offer this toast.
If there are other members of the Midrealm royal family, such as during a time when the kingdom has a territorial principality, then the toasting continues through the royal family. Each successive toast should be made by the next gentle in the order of precedence.
Once the Midrealm royal family has been toasted, any visiting royalty, or Their kingdom, shall be offered a toast. This will typically be done by any royalty in attendance.
After all of the toast to royalty have been made, then it is acceptable for others to offer appropriate toasts. Good taste should rule whether a toast is acceptable. Near the end of feast, the presiding royalty will most likely offer a toast to the cooks and servers.
If you should cross the hall near the head table, it should be treated as though the royalty is sitting in state and give a courtesy bow as you pass.
At the end of feast, the head table does not typically process out of the hall. If it is Their wish to do so, the feast herald will see to this.
Tournament Protocol
If royalty is present at a tournament, a royal presence will be set up on one side of the list field. It is customary to provide the royalty an unobstructed view of the list field. Therefore, no one is to set up their own presence between the sanctum (the area occupied by the thrones and the royal entourage, frequently under a tent) and the list field. If it is necessary to pass by the royal presence, pass behind, if possible. If you have business with the Crown, it is acceptable to approach them as usual, but keep Their view of the list field open.
The Call-to-arms and Litany set the structure for the tournament. In the Call-to-arms the herald alerts the fighters to who is be ready to fight. Usually the list minister will give the tourney herald a set of cards indicating the first three bouts in the tourney. The herald should go to the center of the list field, face the majority of the fighters and announce:
“Will Fighters A & B report to the list”
“Fighters C & D should be arming themselves.”
“Fighters E & F, prepare to arm.”
Typically, honors are rendered during the first round and again during the final round of the tournament. The Litany of the fight presents to the fighters the honors and reasons for their fight. Honors go to the Crown (acknowledging that we fight on royal lands with royal permission), to the fighter’s inspiration (for a fighter does not fight for his/her own honor, but for that of his lady/her lord), and to the opponent (to show respect and honor, and to acknowledge the good sportsmanship of our society). The herald will oversee the rendering of the honors during the first and final rounds. Once the tournament is underway, and at the Presiding Marshal's discretion, the marshal may instruct the combatants to acknowledge all honors as previously given to shorten the preliminaries, or to do such honors as they desire, and then begin the bout.
Example of the Litany of Honors:
Do honor unto the Crown of the Middle Kingdom (or Their representative).
If the Crown is present the person reciting the litany should point in their direction. If the Crown is not in attendance at the event then the person reciting the litany should chose a direction for the honors to the Crown to be given. If the Crown is not present but the Territorial Prince/Princess or local Baron/Baroness is then, or Their representative, can be added and the person reciting the litany should point in their direction.
Do honor unto the one who inspires you this day.
Each fighter will give what honor is their custom to the one they fight for. This can be a simple salute in their direction or much more elaborate. If the one who inspires them is not present this is often a salute in the direction of wherever they are or towards the heavens.
Do honor unto your most worthy opponent.
The two combatants salute each other.
Pay heed to the marshals.
This last is spoken if there is a herald reciting the litany to turn control of the list back over to the marshals. The herald should then exit the list.
Remembrance of the honors:
Remembering those honors previously given…
And the marshal goes on to start the fight.
Proper Use of Titles
Titles are defined as “a formal appellation attached to the name of a person or family by virtue of office, rank, hereditary privilege, noble birth, or attainment or used as a mark of respect.” Since the SCA focuses on the achievements of the individual, it does not recognize family, hereditary privilege or noble birth, but the rest of the definition still applies.
The SCA title system is loosely based upon the English structure. However, it serves only as a basis, as there are many discrepancies between the two. Some are minor variations caused by the nature of our Society, while others are blatantly inaccurate. The SCA has developed its own culture with regards to titles and honors, many of which are too entrenched in our customs to correct at this point.
Title Stacking
One of the more common protocol mistakes made in the SCA is known as “title stacking”. Title stacking is the use of multiple titles before a name. It is usually intended as recognition of multiple peerages or nobility a gentle has earned throughout their SCA career. All too frequently, it is used in front of new members to the Society to impress them when referring to senior members of our nobility. Unfortunately, these new gentles now think that is the correct way to address others, and the error gets repeated. A classic example of title stacking would be Duke Master Master Baron Moonwulf Starkaaderson. While he has earned each of those titles, referring to him as such is not proper form.
The correct manner is to use only one title before the name. Typically, if the person has a preference, that title will be used. If no preference is indicated, and the person in question has multiple titles earned, then use the highest title or pick one that is most appropriate for the situation. In casual conversation, His Grace would be referred to as Duke Moonwulf. If he is in a martial environment, such as on the list field, it would be appropriate to address him as Duke Moonwulf, or Master Moonwulf (as a Master at Arms). If he is in his barony, he could be styled as Baron Moonwulf (or Baron Rivenstar). At a Pelican meeting, Master Moonwulf would be fitting. If it is a formal occasion, when you want to announce all of his accomplishments, then he could be styled as:
His Grace, Duke Moonwulf Starkaaderson, Count, Companion of the Order of Chivalry, Companion of the Order of the Pelican, Baron Rivenstar, Companion of the Order of the Dragon's Heart, Companion of the Order of the Willow, Companion of the Order of the Silver Oak, Recipient of the Purple Fret, Recipient of the Doe's Grace, Recipient of the Dragon's Tooth, Companion of the Order of the Dragon's Barb, Companion of the Order of the Cavendish Knot, Companion of the Order of the Royal Vanguard
In this example, only the title Duke precedes his name. “His Grace” is a form of address, and not a title. The rest of his accomplishments follow his name, and there is no limit on how many one can use, other than entitlement.
There are some period cultures that did use some title stacking. If the name and titles are in that particular language, then it is acceptable to use multiple titles. Most western European cultures, however, did not.
The Martial Styles
Middle Kingdom law allows some members of the martial orders to use special styles. These include Sergeants and Captains of the Red Company, Warders of the Bronze Ring, and Foresters of the Greenwood.
Corpora – VIII.D.3 states “names and terms that imply relationships between Society members (such as apprentice, page, squire, etc.) or that carry vocational connotations (religious, military, scholarly, etc.) may be used in the Society on an informal basis, subject to the following restrictions: They must not assert or imply noble rank or territorial jurisdiction.”
The Middle Kingdom styles for the martial orders would obviously classify as a military vocation. This means that they are acceptable for use in informal situations. On the list field, or in casual conversation, it would be acceptable to say Captain Caelan O'Rogallaig. However, in court or during the processional of Crown Tourney, the correct form would be His Excellency, Baron Caelan O'Rogallaig, Captain of the Red Company.
Alphabet Soup
As gentles actively participate in the SCA over time, they tend to collect several honors. Kingdom law allows the use of post-nominal letters after their name to indicate which honors they have earned. When entitled to multiple letters, they should be listed in order of precedence, the highest honor being closest to the name. In the event that two awards are of the same rank, then the one earned first would be listed first.
Using His Grace as our example again, he would be:
Duke Moonwulf Starkaaderson, M.S.C.A., O.P., C.D.H., C.W., C.S.O., A.P.F., A.D.G., R.D.T., C.D.B., C.C.K., C.R.V.
The Customs of Crown Tournaments
Traditionally, spring Crown Tournament is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, with the Kingdom Arts and Science competition being held on the Saturday of that weekend. They will be hosted by the same local group, but the sites might be different each day. Fall Crown Tournament is held in the second half of October, or as close as possible, depending on site availability. Kingdom Law contains requirements for scheduling these events.
The morning court is held to present the combatants and consorts of the day’s tourney. Seldom is there any other business conducted at this court. The couples are lined up in order of precedence. At the preference of Their Majesties, this can be determined by the rank of the combatant, the rank of the consort, or, most often, the highest rank of the couple. Once the line has been formed, the heralds will announce the combatants one at a time. Depending on the wish of Their Majesties, the herald will also announce the consort or They may desire the combatant to announce the one whose favor they bear that day.
Once all of the couples have been announced and processed before Their Majesties, the court will continue with a few words from the Dragon Herald, the Kingdom Seneschal, and the Earl Marshal. Finally, Their Majesties will address the couples as a group with any final words of inspiration. Then, the Tournament begins.
Opponents are chosen at random during the first round, and then follow the standard double elimination tree. Traditionally, the tournament is a double elimination up to the final round, which is usually the best two out of three bouts. This is, however, up to the desires of Their Majesties and other variations have been used.
Typically, honors are rendered during the first round and again during the final round of the tournament. Traditionally, they are to the Crown, to the fighter’s consort, and to the opponent. The herald will oversee the rendering of these honors and the marshal will remind them during the intermediate rounds.
Before the start of the final round, the remaining two combatants and their consorts are again introduced to Their Majesties. The consorts will then be invited to sit on the dais with Their Majesties, with the Order of the Rose in attendance. As the combatants arm for the final round, the Order of Chivalry will enter the list field and observe the bouts from the edge.
The Investiture of the victor and his or her consort as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of the Middle Kingdom is traditionally the first order of business at evening court.
The Customs of Coronation
The last court of the outgoing Majesties is held in the morning of Coronation day. During this court, Their last awards are given, frequently to those that have served Them loyally throughout Their reign, though not restricted to such. As the end of Their court draws near, They release most of Their retainers and champions. Once They have complete the last of Their business, the Coronation ceremony begins.
There is a standard Coronation ceremony in the Boke of Ceremonies, but the incoming King and Queen are not required to use it. Occasionally, They will write Their own ceremony to fit Their own personality, though it will probably follow the same formula as presented in the standard ceremony. It is customary that the King and Queen wear the Ancient and Honorable Crowns of the Middle Kingdom for this ceremony.
The Tanist is summoned or approaches the dais to claim the crown of the Middle Kingdom by right of arms. At this challenge the King will call witnesses to affirm that he is the victor of the Crown Tournament. Traditionally, the Kingdom Seneschal, the Earl Marshal and the runner-up will attest to his victory. If one of these gentles are not available, then a suitable replacement is substituted. This is most likely another Great Officer of State, or one of the senior marshals from the Crown Tournament.
The Tanist kneels before the King and learns the duties of a Sovereign. After acceptance of the responsibilities, the outgoing King removes the Ancient and Honorable Crown and crowns the new King.
After the outgoing King, or the herald, proclaims the new King, the Tanista is summoned into court. She kneels before the Queen and learns the duties of the Consort. After she accepts the responsibilities, the outgoing Queen removes the Ancient and Honorable Crown and gives it to the new King. The new King will then crown His Queen.
After the new King, or the herald, proclaims the new Queen, They sit on Their thrones and begin to take the fealties of Their subjects*. Traditionally, no other business is conducted, unless it cannot wait until the next court later in the day.
At the first court of the new royalty, the first order of business is typically the investiture of the new royal peers (if applicable). These new royal peers are not created, but acknowledged. They have earned and are entitled to their new rank from the moment the new King and Queen are crowned. The ceremony is the public recognition of their new rank. If the new royal peers wish, they may request the ceremony be held at a different time and event.
* In the earlier days of the kingdom, before the fealties for the other peerages were written, the prescribed order for fealties were first the Order of Chivalry, to secure the defense of the land, then the Great Officers of State, to secure the administration of the kingdom, and finally the territorial barons/baroness to secure the land itself.
In recent coronations, the order/philosophy has been:
- Territorial Princes/Princesses – if any – secure the land
- Territorial barons/baronesses – secure the land
- Great Officers – secure the administration of the kingdom
- Chivalry – secure the defense of the land
- Laurels – secure the beauty and function of the land
- Pelicans – secure the backbone service of the land
- Royal Peers – secure the Crown’s linage and past
- Populace – secure the future of the kingdom
Seating Arrangements at Royal Court
Setting the thrones for court and feast is one of those tasks that can cause a great deal of confusion among the retainers. It seems that no two gentles can agree on how the thrones should be arranged. To complicate matters further, new retainers are seeing the stage from a fresh perspective, and sometimes forget to adjust to the different orientation. This article is designed to provide the Royalty and Their retainers a template to work from when setting up court. It is best used in conjunction with the Table of Precedence. The most important rule to remember, however, is that the wishes of the Crown always supersede this document.
There is a simple process that gets applied to the seating arrangements, whether for royal court, baronial court, or feast. While this document uses the singular host and guest, they are always referring to the pairs, e.g., King/Queen, Prince/Princess, Baron/Baroness.
During court the host occupies the central position and the host will typically be the Crown. If it is a regency court, then Their Royal Highnesses, or other appointed regent, will become the host. At a baronial court without the royal family, the Coronet will become the host. As a rule, only royalty will sit on the stage during a royal court. Their Majesties may invite the local baron and baroness to join Them, but very rarely is anyone else invited to sit on the dais.
Feast, however is a slightly different story. In addition to other royalty, Their Majesties may invite anyone else They wish, e.g., royal peers, Great Officers of State, victors of tourneys and competitions, and even the royal babysitter.
The host’s highest ranking guest will take the first position of honor to the immediate right of the host. This is from their perspective, as they look out over the audience. The second highest ranking guest will then take the second position of honor to the immediate left of the host. The next position goes back to the right. This flip flopping continues until there are no more guests of honor. The relative ranks of guests can be determined by the Table of Precedence, which includes the Midrealm Order of Precedence and the relative positions of those not necessarily listed in the OP.
Audience
Fourth Position Second Position Center Couple First Position Third Position of Honor of Honor (Host) of Honor of Honor
Typically, the rank of a non-royal couple is determined by the highest rank of either person. There may be exceptions, however. If the baronial coronet is invited to sit at head table, they might be seated by their baronial rank, even if they hold a higher ranked title.
It is the custom of the Middle Kingdom that when the royal couple sits together, the lady sits to the lord’s right. When visiting royalty from other kingdoms attend court, it is important to discern the proper seating for their royal couple. Not every kingdom follows the same customs as the Midrealm. If the couple has Their own retainers, they will know the proper seating for their kingdom.
In all of the examples that follow, it is assumed that the King is the Midrealm Sovereign. This is done for the sake of simplicity. When the day comes that a lady wins the throne by right of arms, She, as Sovereign, may set the seating as She sees fit.
The following figure is the most common seating for the core royal family: the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess. Typically, the Prince and Princess both would sit to the right of the Queen. This deviation from the norm is used for the purpose of making the stage look balanced. It is the only time a couple is split, and is generally not used if there are others on the stage.
Audience
Crown Crown King Queen
Princess Prince
There are too many possible combinations of visiting royalty to be able to diagram them all. However, below are some examples of more common situations.
Crown with Baronial Coronet:
Audience
King Queen Baron Baroness
Royal family with Baronial Coronet:
Audience
Baron Baroness
Royal family with two Baronial Coronets:
Baron Baroness
Royal family with visiting Crown:
King Queen Prince Princess
Audience
King Queen Prince Princess Baron Baroness
Audience
| Prince | Princess | King | Queen | Visiting King | Visiting Queen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal family with visiting Royal family: | |||||
| Audience | |||||
Visiting Visiting Visiting Visiting
Prince Princess King Queen
King Queen Prince Princess
Royal family with visiting Prince and Princess (either Crown or Territorial):
Audience
| Visiting Prince | Visiting Princess | King | Queen | Prince | Princess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal family with two visiting Crowns: | |||||
| Audience | |||||
| Second Visiting Queen Second Visiting King | King | Queen | First Visiting King | First Visiting Queen | Prince Princess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal family with three visiting Crowns: | |||||
| Audience | |||||
| Second | Second | First | First | Third | Third | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince | Princess | Visiting | Visiting | King | Queen | Visiting | Visiting | Visiting | Visiting |
| King | Queen | King | Queen | King | Queen | ||||
In the above example, the visiting Kings and Queens are seating by order of precedence of Their kingdoms. This is the method used when seating the Kings and Queens of the Known World at Pennsic Court. Notice that as visiting Crowns are added, the Prince and Princess will keep changing sides as Their relative position of honor is superseded by higher royalty.
Finally, remember the first rule: The wishes of the Crown always supersede this document.
Table of Precedence of the Middle Kingdom
The Table of Precedence is not exactly the same thing as the Order of Precedence. While based upon the Middle Kingdom’s Order of Precedence (OP), the Table of Precedence elaborates to include visiting royalty, officers and foreign awards. Strictly speaking, the King of the East holds no precedence by that title in the Midrealm’s OP. However, when He visits, He is accorded a high place of honor. The Table of Precedence shows the relative level of importance of those not found in the OP.
It is important to note that this is technically a guideline of custom and tradition. There may be times when Their Majesties will wish, or need, to deviate from the Table’s list, e.g., when They are trying to build allies for the Pennsic War. This is Their Majesties’ privilege:
"The only person whose precedence is absolute is the Sovereign. The precedence of all others is the Sovereign's prerogative. Even the precedence of those who appear in the official Tables of Precedence varies from time to time. Moreover, there are many varieties of precedence, national and local; and it not infrequently happens that, in the relationship between host and guests, the requirements of courtesy and hospitality override any strict order of precedence." Taken from Debrett's Correct Form, p. 309.
This Table will be most useful in setting up for feast and court. It will allow royal, and baronial, retainers to place guests at head table, or royalty sitting court, in their appropriate positions of honor.
In the listing below, items that are listed in bold type face are found in the Midrealm OP. The other entries are either customary positions in the SCA, or were placed based upon more modern comparisons found in Debrett’s Correct Form, which shows the precedence of England.
™ King and Queen of the Midrealm. ™ Visiting Kings and Queens, by creation of Kingdom. ™ Crown Prince and Princess of the Midrealm. ™ Visiting Crown Princes and Princesses by creation of Kingdom. ™ Midrealm Territorial Princes and Princesses.
ƒ Hosting Principality has precedence, otherwise by creation of Principality. ™ Visiting Territorial Princes and Princesses, by creation of Kingdom, then Principality within Kingdom.
™ Heirs to Midrealm Territorial Principalities. ƒ Hosting Principality has precedence, otherwise by creation of Principality.
™ Visiting Royal Heirs of Territorial Principalities, by creation of Kingdom, then Principality within Kingdom. ƒ If Their Kingdom considers Them as part of the royal family.
™ Visiting Non-Royal Heirs of Territorial Principalities, by creation of Kingdom, then Principality within Kingdom.
ƒ If Their Kingdom does not consider Them as part of the royal family. ™ Great Officers of State of the Middle Kingdom ™ Ambassadors and Emissaries from SCA Kingdoms, by creation of Kingdom. ™ Dukes ™ Counts ™ Viscounts ™ Lesser Officers of State of the Middle Kingdom ™ Knights, Master of Arms, Laurels, Pelicans ™ Midrealm Territorial Barons and Baronesses.
ƒ Hosting Barony has precedence, otherwise by creation of Barony. ™ Foreign Territorial Barons and Baronesses, by creation of Kingdom, then by creation of
Barony. ™ Court Barons and Baronesses, regardless of Kingdom. ™ Companions of the Dragon's Heart. ™ Companions of the Greenwood Company, Bronze Ring, White Lance, Gold Mace,
Evergreen.
™ Foreign Awards and Orders that convey a Grant of Arms. ™ Holders of Grants of Arms ™ Companions of the Willow, Silver Oak.
™ Recipients of the Purple Fret, Queen's Favor, Doe's Grace, King's Chalice. ™ Companions of the Dragon's Barb, Cavendish Knot, White Chamfron, Red Company,
and Recipients of the Dragon's Tooth,. ™ Companions of the Gaping Wound. ™ Foreign Awards and Orders that convey an Award of Arms. ™ Award of Arms.
Order of Precedence of the Middle Kingdom
Sovereign/Sovereign's Consort Tanist/Tanist's Consort Territorial Princes/Princesses Heirs/Heiresses of Territorial Principalities Dukes/Duchesses Counts/Countesses Viscounts/Viscountesses Peers of the Realm Territorial Barons/Baronesses Court Barons/Baronesses Order of the Dragon's Heart Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/White Lance/Gold Mace/Evergreen Grants of Arms Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice Award of the Dragon's Tooth and Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish Knot/White
Chamfron/Red Company Order of the Gaping Wound Awards of Arms
IX-103 Except for Royalty, all placement within the different classifications of the Order of Precedence shall be done according to seniority in that title.
The following awards do not convey any precedence:
Kingdom Augmentation of Arms Royal Augmentation of Arms Order of the Rose Award of the Sapphire Order of the Royal Vanguard Award of the Grove Award of the Dragon's Flight Award of the Dragon's Teeth Award of the Purple Fretty Award of the Silver Acorn Award of the Baton Award of the Dragon's Treasure
IX-102 Awards granted to a branch, guild or other organized group of the Society shall not convey individual precedence to the members of that group.
IX-104 Honors given by organizations below Kingdom level shall not appear in the Kingdom Order of Precedence although they may be used in their appropriate Orders of Precedence, i.e., Baronial awards may be employed in order to define a Baronial Order of Precedence.
Foreign orders and awards will convey precedence according to the armigerous status attached to it, e.g., an award that conveys an Award of Arms will place the recipient at the Award of Arms classification in the Midrealm OP, regardless how high in precedence the award was in the kingdom granting the award.
Baronial Order of Precedence
Barony Date Created A.S.
Northwoods October 31, 1970
5 Middle Marches Date unknown, position estimated. Andelcrag October 4, 1975 10 Rivenstar October 25, 1975 10 Cleftlands May 6, 1978 13 Carraig Ban January 6, 1979 13 Flaming Gryphon October 13, 1979 14 Flame December 10, 1981 16 Illiton June 25, 1983 18 Sternfeld May 27, 1984 19 Shattered Crystal November 19, 1988 23 Red Spears October 13, 1990 25 Fenix May 14, 1994 29 Roaring Waste September 23, 1995 30 White Waters January 31, 1998 32 Cynnabar June 6, 1998 33 Brendoken February 21, 2004 38
Kingdom Order of Precedence
Kingdom Date Created A.S.
West Kingdom May 1, 1966
1 East Kingdom June 1968
3 Middle Kingdom September 1969 4 Atenveldt January 1971 5 Meridies January 1978 12 Caid June 1978 13 Ansteorra June 1979 14 Atlantia May 1981 16 An Tir January 1982 16 Calontir February 1984 18 Trimaris September 1985 20 Outlands June 1986 21 Drachenwald June 1993 28 Artemisia July 1997 32 Æthelmearc September 1997 32 Ealdormere October 1998 33 Lochac July 2002
37 Northshield October 2004
39 Gleann Abhann November 2005
40
Awards, Titles, and Styles of the Middle Kingdom
Glossary of Terms
OP Abbreviation This heading will show the official abbreviation for each award and order, as used in the printed version of the Middle Kingdom Order of Precedence.
Letters Post-nominal letters are those letters that follow a gentle's name, frequently referred to as “alphabet soup”. Kingdom law dictates those awards and order that will allow the use of letters and it should be pointed out that not all honors convey this privilege. When used, they should be listed in order of precedence, not in the order earned.
Title A title is defined as a formal appellation attached to a person or family by virtue of office, rank, hereditary privilege, attainment or as a mark of respect; especially, such as an appellation as an indication of nobility. Typically, titles precede the given name. However, there are cultures in which this is not the case. The titles listed herein are the common English variant. For a list of authorized alternatives, see Corpora Appendix C: Titles of Rank.
Form of Address This is the appropriate style for a gentle of this rank.
Precedence Where the award or order can be found in the Middle Kingdom Order of Precedence.
Reason Given These are the reasons an award or order is usually given. However, it is still at the discretion of Crown.
Law This is where references to the award or order can be found. Some will be found in Corpora, and some will be found in Midrealm Law.
Blazon The heraldic blazon of the badge or regalia as registered with the SCA College of Arms.
First Recipient This is the first recipient acknowledged to have received this award or order according to the online Order of Precedence.
Notes Any historical notes associated with this award or order.
Award of the Dragon's Treasure
OP Abbreviation ADT Letters None Title None Form of Address None Precedence Conveys no precedence Reason Given This is the youth award and is given for exemplary service to the kingdom. Law Midrealm Law XVII-2700 Blazon (Fieldless) A dragon's gamb couped erect maintaining a roundel argent
charged with a pale gules. First Recipient Jacob ben Solomon - Aug 13, 1987 by the hands of TRM Talymar and Eislinn
Notes As an award, it may be granted to the same gentle more than once. The badge of the Award is frequently, but inaccurately, emblazoned with a green (vert) gamb.
Award of the Baton
OP Abbreviation AB Letters None Title None Form of Address None Precedence Conveys no precedence Reason Given This award is given to the youth of the kingdom who have displayed
chivalry and enthusiasm in the martial arts. Law Midrealm Law XVII-2800 Blazon Or, a flanged mace bendwise sinister sable. First Recipient Belle of Flaming Gryphon - Apr 7, 2001 by the hands of TRM Edmund
and Kateryn Notes As an award, it may be granted to the same gentle more than once.
Award of the Silver Acorn
OP Abbreviation ASA Letters None Title None Form of Address None Precedence Conveys no Precedence Reason Given This award is given to the youth of the kingdom who have displayed
enthusiasm and effort in the arts and sciences. Law Midrealm Law XVII-2900 Blazon Argent, on a pale gules three acorns argent.
| First Recipient | Shavana Leigh O'Dell - Apr 7, 2001 by the hands of TRM Edmund and |
| Kateryn | |
| Notes | As an award, it may be granted to the same gentle more than once. |
| Award of the Purple Fretty | |
| OP Abbreviation | APFy |
| Letters | None |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
| Precedence | Conveys no Precedence |
| Reason Given | Granted to a branch, guild, or other organized group of the |
| Society for excellent service. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-308 |
| Blazon | Or, fretty purpure. |
| First Recipient | Barony of Flame - Dec 15, 1973 by TRM Merowald and Gwendolyn |
| Notes | As a group award, this badge cannot be worn by an individual. It should |
| be displayed on or with the group's banner or in some other manner when | |
| the group is assembled. | |
| Award of the Dragon's Teeth |
| OP Abbreviation | ATH |
| Letters | None |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
| Precedence | Conveys no Precedence |
| Reason Given | Granted to a branch, guild, or other organized group of the Society for |
| excellence in group fighting. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-209 |
| Blazon | Argent, on a dance between two broken dragon's teeth vert another argent. |
| First Recipient | Moonwulf's Rangers and Fighters of the Principality of Ealdormere - Aug |
| 17, 1990 by TRM Comar and Lisa | |
| Notes | As a group award, this badge cannot be worn by an individual. It should |
| be displayed on or with the group's banner or in some other manner when | |
| the group is assembled. | |
| Award of the Dragon's Flight | |
| OP Abbreviation | ADF |
| Letters | None |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
Precedence Conveys no Precedence
Reason Given Granted to a branch, guild, or other organized group of the Society for excellence in group archery.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-809
Blazon Argent, a pale vert scaly argent between four pheons vert.
First Recipient Gwyntarian Archers’ Guild and House Darkyard - Aug 17, 1990 by TRM Comar and Lisa
Notes As a group award, this badge cannot be worn by an individual. It should be displayed on or with the group's banner or in some other manner when the group is assembled.
Award of the Grove
OP Abbreviation AG Letters None Title None Form of Address None Precedence Conveys no Precedence Reason Given Given to groups who have shown proficiency in the arts and/or sciences or
exemplary service in furthering such field. Law Midrealm Law XVII-1200 Blazon Per pale Or and argent, a hurst purpure. First Recipient Jaravellir Music Guild - Dec 11, 1993 by TRM Jafar and Catherine Notes As a group award, this badge cannot be worn by an individual. It should
be displayed on or with the group's banner or in some other manner when the group is assembled.
Order of the Royal Vanguard
OP Abbreviation ORV Letters C.R.V. Title None Form of Address Companion of the Order of the Royal Vanguard Precedence Conveys no Precedence Reason Given Those who have served the Crown as King's Champions
or Queen's Champions. Law Midrealm Law XVII-1100 Blazon (Fieldless) A demi-dragon rampant argent. First Recipient The Order was created on Oct 2, 1993. Fifty of the known previous
King's and Queen's champions were inducted at that time by TRM Dag and Ilsa. Notes Induction into this order has been given to other champions, at the discretion of the Crown.
Award of the Sapphire
| OP Abbreviation | ASL |
| Letters | R.S.L. |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
| Precedence | Conveys no Precedence |
| Reason Given | Those who exhibit courtesy, grace, and honor to people of all ranks and exemplifies what it means to be the embodiment of the dream. |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-1800 |
| Blazon | (Fieldless) A step-cut gemstone fesswise azure. |
| First Recipient | Osmundus Thorkelsson - September 11, 1999 by TRM Ragnvaldr and Arabella. |
| Notes | This award was originally known as the Award of the Sapphire’s Light. |
| OP Abbreviation | OR |
| Letters | O.R. |
| Title | None by virtue of this Order. However, the recipient will be of County or Duchy rank. |
| Form of Address | None by virtue of this Order. However, the recipient will be of County or Duchy rank. |
| Precedence | Conveys no precedence (see notes). |
| Reason Given | Automatic to Consort upon descending from the throne after one full reign. |
| Law | Corpora VII.A.4.e and Midrealm Law IX-106 |
| Blazon | (Tinctureless) A wreath of roses. |
| First Recipient | Diane Alene - Oct 10, 1970 |
| Notes | The Order of the Rose is a Society-wide Order, though the governance and precedence varies from kingdom to kingdom. In the Middle Kingdom, the Order of the Rose has undergone several changes throughout its history. At one point, it was a polling order and conveyed a Patent of Arms to the recipient. During this time, it ranked equal with the rest of the bestowed peerages. |
| OP Abbreviation | RAug |
| Letters | None |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
| Precedence | Conveys no Precedence |
| Reason Given | Typically for service to the Crown above and beyond the call of duty. |
| Law | None |
| Blazon | At the Crown's discretion |
| First Recipient | The OP is missing data on this award |
| Notes | This is the lesser of the two augmentations. To be registered with the |
| College of Arms, the augmentation must follow most rules for submission. | |
| Kingdom Augmentation of Arms | |
| OP Abbreviation | KAug |
| Letters | None |
| Title | None |
| Form of Address | None |
| Precedence | Conveys no Precedence |
| Reason Given | Given for long and dedicated service to the kingdom above and beyond |
| the call of duty, and when no other award would adequately convey the | |
| esteem in which the recipient is held by Crown and Kingdom. | |
| Law | None |
| Blazon | At the Crown's discretion |
| First Recipient | Barony of Northwoods - Oct 4, 1975 |
| Notes | This is the greater of the two augmentations. Though it conveys no |
| precedence or rank, this is perhaps the highest honor that the Crown can | |
| bestow upon a subject, due to its rarity of use. To be registered with the | |
| College of Arms, the augmentation must follow most rules for submission. | |
| Award of Arms | |
| OP Abbreviation | AoA |
| Letters | A.O.A. |
| Title | Lord/Lady |
| Form of Address | My Lord/My Lady |
| Precedence | After Companions of the Order of the Gaping Wound. |
| Reason Given | Given for many diverse reasons. |
| Law | Corpora VII.A.2.a.1 |
| Blazon | None |
| First Recipient | Haakon Redbeard - Jan 1, 1971 by TRM Franz and Abrizhade |
| Notes | The Award of Arms is Society-wide. Orders and awards from other |
| kingdoms that convey an Award of Arms will be listed in the Midrealm | |
| Order of Precedence at this level. |
Order of the Gaping Wound Order of the Dragon's Barb
| OP Abbreviation | OGW |
| Letters | C.G.W. |
| Title | Lord/Lady |
| Form of Address | Companion of the Order of the Gaping Wound |
| Precedence | Before Award of Arms, and after Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish |
| Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company and the Award of the Dragon’s | |
| Tooth. | |
| Reason Given | Given to those who, on the field of Society combat, had suffered a hurt |
| requiring surgery or other hospital care. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-100 |
| Blazon | None |
| First Recipient | Fuyuzuru Tadashi, Niel ap Daepaed Llyrr of Marlincourt, Randall |
| Longsleeves - May 8, 1972 by TRM Iriel and Morna. | |
| Notes | This Order was closed after Oct 1975 and no new members shall be |
| admitted to the Order. The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the | |
| individual was not already armigerous. | |
| Award of the Dragon's Tooth | |
| OP Abbreviation | ADT |
| Letters | R.D.T. |
| Title | Lord/Lady |
| Form of Address | Recipient of the Dragon's Tooth |
| Precedence | Equal to Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish |
| Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company, before Order of the Gaping Wound, | |
| and after the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's | |
| Chalice. | |
| Reason Given | Given to those who have performed dramatic deeds in the Arts Martial on |
| behalf of the Middle Kingdom, above and beyond service normally | |
| expected of the subjects of the Crown. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-200 |
| Blazon | Or, on a pale vert three fangs palewise Or. |
| First Recipient | Merowald de Sylveaston - Jan 1, 1971 by TRM Franz and Abrizhade |
| Notes | The Award does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not |
| already armigerous. As an award, it can be granted to the same gentle | |
| more than once. This was originally the Order of the Dragon’s Tooth. On | |
| March 25, 2006, the Order was disbanded and all Companions were | |
| converted to Recipients. This was done to reflect actual practice. There | |
| were many recipients that were inducted into the Order multiple times, | |
| which does not make sense. |
OP Abbreviation ODB Letters C.D.B. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Companion of the Order of the Dragon's Barb Precedence Equal to Award of the Dragon's Tooth and the Orders of the Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company, before Order of the Gaping Wound, and after the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice.
Reason Given Given for proficiency on the field of archery or exemplary service in
furthering such field. Law Midrealm Law XVII-800 Blazon (Fieldless) A dragon's tail palewise, barb to chief, within and issuant from
an annulet vert, scaly argent. First Recipient Hans Orwig, Michael O'Flynn, Ricard of Sable Tree, and Robert FitzAlwynn -Aug 13, 1987 by TRM Talymar and Eislinn Notes The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous.
Order of the Cavendish Knot
OP Abbreviation OCK Letters C.C.K. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Companions of the Order of the Cavendish Knot Precedence Equal to Award of the Dragon's Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon’s Barb/White Chamfron/Red Company, before Order of the Gaping Wound, and after the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice.
Reason Given Given to those who have shown proficiency on the field of rapier combat
or exemplary service in furthering such field. Law Midrealm Law XVII-1000 Blazon (Fieldless) Four Cavendish knots conjoined in cross vert. First Recipient John Inchingham, Hoskeld Thorleiksson, Palymar of the Two Baronies,
Alfred of Chester, Eyrny Ormarsdottir, Daibhid Ruadh MaclLachla, and Grimkirk ap Greymoor - May 8, 1993 by TRM Finn and Garlanda Notes The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous.
Order of the White Chamfron Award of the Purple Fret
| OP Abbreviation | OWC |
| Letters | C.W.C. |
| Title | Lord/Lady |
| Form of Address | Companions of the Order of the White Chamfron |
| Precedence | Equal to Award of the Dragon's Tooth and the Orders of |
| the Dragon’s Barb/Cavendish Knot/Red Company, before | |
| Order of the Gaping Wound, and after the Awards of the Purple | |
| Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice. | |
| Reason Given | Given to those who have shown proficiency on the field of equestrian |
| activities or exemplary service in furthering such field. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-1500 |
| Blazon | (Fieldless) A chamfron argent. |
| First Recipient | Pieter van Doorn, Morgan Goldbeter, and Arial of Dragonsmark - Apr 17, |
| 1999 by TRM Dag and Elayna | |
| Notes | The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not |
| already armigerous. | |
| Order of the Red Company | |
| OP Abbreviation | ORC |
| Letters | C.R.C. |
| Title | Lord/Lady |
| Form of Address | Companions of the Order of the Red Company, or |
| Sergeants of the Red Company | |
| Precedence | Equal to Award of the Dragon's Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon’s |
| Barb/Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron, before Order of the Gaping | |
| Wound, and after the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's | |
| Grace/King's Chalice. | |
| Reason Given | Given to those who have shown proficiency and leadership in melee |
| and/or tournament combat. | |
| Law | Midrealm Law XVII-1300 |
| Blazon | Gules, two flanged maces in saltire argent. |
| First Recipient | Seventeen gentles were inducted into this Order on Aug 18, 1994 by TRM |
| Finn and Garlanda | |
| Notes | The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not |
| already armigerous. Companions of the Order will occasionally wear a | |
| red cloak. By Kingdom Law, once a Companion of this Order has been | |
| elevated to the Order of the Chivalry, they may no longer style themselves | |
| as Sergeants of the Order, but may still be addressed as Companions of the | |
| Order. The Order is now essentially a two-tier order, with the second tier | |
| being called Captains of the Red Company. These Captains are | |
| Companions of the Order of the Gold Mace. |
OP Abbreviation APF Letters A.P.F. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Recipients of the Purple Fret Precedence Equal to the Awards of the Queen's Favor/Doe's
Grace/King's Chalice, after the Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak, and before the Award of the Dragon’s Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company.
Reason Given Given for long and devoted service to a group, office, or kingdom. Law Midrealm Law XVII-300 Blazon Or, a fret purpure. First Recipient Caellyn y'Vearn Fitzhugh - Oct 13, 1972 by TRM Andrew and Anne Notes The Award does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not
already armigerous. As an award, it can be granted to the same gentle more than once. It is believed by many that this was once an order, and there are those that style themselves as Companions of the Order of the Purple Fret. A search of kingdom law by the Kingdom Seneschal has not revealed any evidence to support this. More likely, the Order of the Purple Fret was created by scribes who accidentally used the word Order instead of Award. It still happens today.
Award of the Queen's Favor
OP Abbreviation AQF Letters A.Q.F. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Recipients of the Queen's Favor. Precedence Equal to the Awards of the Purple Fret/Doe's Grace/King's
Chalice, after the Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak, and before the Award of the Dragon’s Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company.
Reason Given Given to those that have demonstrated courtesy and chivalry on or off the
field, as well as kindness to those around them. Law Midrealm Law XVII-400 Blazon Azure, a sword proper enfiled of a wreath of flowers argent, slipped and
leaved vert. First Recipient Graca da Alataia, Lars Vilhjalmsson the Fierce, and Otto von Schwartzkatz - Oct 30, 1982 by TRM Talymar and Eislinn
Notes The Award does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous. As an award, it can be granted to the same gentle more than once. The Award was renamed the Award of the Doe's Grace on May 6, 1988.
Award of the Doe's Grace
OP Abbreviation ADG Letters A.D.G. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Recipients of the Doe's Grace Precedence Equal to the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's
Favor/King's Chalice, after the Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak, and before the Award of the Dragon’s Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company.
Reason Given Given to those that have demonstrated courtesy and chivalry on or off the
field, as well as kindness to those around them Law Midrealm Law XVII-409 Blazon Azure, a sword proper enfiled of a wreath of flowers argent, slipped and
leaved Or First Recipient Elen o Ddynevwr, Eliahu ben Itzhak, Charles Stewart O'Connor, and Jenna of Southwinds - May 7, 1988 by TRM Corwin and Shana
Notes The Award does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous. As an award, it can be granted to the same gentle more than once. The Award was formerly called the Award of the Queen's Favor and was renamed on May 6, 1988, in honor of Duchess Eislinn the Patient; the doe was a prominent charge on her arms. In practice, there are two versions of this award. It is given for courtesy and chivalry, as stated in kingdom law, and it is given for service to the crown. In this second variation, the text will generally read "this sign of the Queen's favor, the Award of the Doe's Grace."
Award of the King's Chalice
OP Abbreviation AKC Letters R.K.C. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Recipients of the King's Chalice Precedence Equal to the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace, after the Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak, and before the Award of the Dragon’s Tooth and the Orders of the Dragon's Barb/Cavendish Knot/White Chamfron/Red Company.
Reason Given Given to those that have displayed excellence and authenticity in their
chosen fields. Law Midrealm Law XVII-450 Blazon (Fieldless) A chalice sable. First Recipient Talbot MacTaggart and Freydis Haakonsdottir - Aug 14, 1997 by TRM
Edmund and Kateryn
Notes The Award does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous. As an award, it can be granted to the same gentle more than once.
Order of the Willow
OP Abbreviation OW Letters C.W. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Companions of the Order of the Willow Precedence Equal to the Order of the Silver Oak, after the Grant of
Arms, and before the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice Reason Given Given to those that have shown proficiency, but not yet mastery, in one or
more of the peaceful arts. Law Midrealm Law XVII-500 Blazon Purpure, a willow tree eradicated Or. First Recipient Asdis Stefansdottir, Ilsa von Schonau, Komura Shimitsu, Valthiona
Cuthbert - Jul 19, 1975 by TRM Rolac and Lindanlorien Notes The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous.
Order of the Silver Oak
OP Abbreviation OSO Letters C.S.O. Title Lord/Lady Form of Address Companions of the Order of the Silver Oak Precedence Equal to the Order of the Willow, after the Grant of Arms,
and before the Awards of the Purple Fret/Queen's Favor/Doe's Grace/King's Chalice Reason Given Given to those that have shown proficiency, but not yet mastery, in one or
more of the sciences or in research Law Midrealm Law XVII-600 Blazon Purpure, an oak tree blasted eradicated argent, fructed Or First Recipient Gillian Olafsdottir d'Uriel - Feb 16, 1974 by TRM Merowald and
Gwendolyn Notes The Order does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous.
Grant of Arms
OP Abbreviation GoA
Letters G.O.A.
Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady
Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship
Precedence After the Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/White Lance/Gold Mace/Evergreen, and before the Orders of the Willow/Silver Oak.
Reason Given Usually given to Great Officers of State after six months service in office, it is also given for distinguished and outstanding accomplishment in any area.
Law Corpora VII.A.2.a.3, Midrealm Law III-101 and Midrealm Law IX-107.
Blazon None
First Recipient Andrew of Seldom Rest and Roland de Tourqrise - Oct 9, 1971
Notes The Grant of Arms is Society-wide. Orders and awards from other kingdoms that convey a Grant of Arms will be listed in the Midrealm Order of Precedence at this level. Great Officers of State will also receive a Dragon Crest with their Grants of Arms. This crest is reserved for Grants of Arms by virtue of service as a Great Officer of the Midrealm.
Order of the Greenwood Company
OP Abbreviation OGC
Letters C.G.C.
Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady
Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companions of the Order of the Greenwood Company or Foresters of the Greenwood
Precedence Equal to the Orders of the Bronze Ring/White Lance/Gold Mace/Evergreen, after the Order of the Dragon's Heart, and before the Grant of Arms.
Reason Given Given to those that have shown excellence in two of three areas of archery; skill, service and the arts and sciences
Law Midrealm Law XVII-1400
Blazon (Fieldless) Upon a hurst of pine trees vert, a pheon inverted Or.
First Recipient Robin Arthur Kyrke, Dughal Mac Donnel, Alexander MacIntosh of Islay, Grant Graeme du Menteith, Neko Me, Arwenna of Kelsley, Aelfric the Kestrell, and Ian Gourdon of Glen Awe - Feb 3, 1996 by TRM Tarquin and Aibhilin
Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already have one. Companions of the Order will also occasionally wear a green hood with white and red trim.
Company of the Bronze Ring
OP Abbreviation OBR
Letters C.B.R.
Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady
Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companion of the Bronze Ring or Warders of the Bronze Ring
Precedence Equal to the Orders of the Greenwood Company/White Lance/Gold Mace/Evergreen, after the Order of the Dragon's Heart, and before the Grant of Arms
Reason Given Given to those who have shown excellence and leadership in rapier combat and who have trained others in these skills.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-1600
Blazon Gules, two rapiers in saltire argent within an annulet Or.
First Recipient Andrew McBain the Purple, Sarah of the Erie Sea, and Garth Brandon -Apr 17, 1999 by TRM Dag and Elayna
Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already have one.
Company of the White Lance
OP Abbreviation OWL
Letters C.W.L.
Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady
Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companion of the White Lance
Precedence Equal to the Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/Gold Mace/Evergreen, after the Order of the Dragon's Heart, and before the Grant of Arms
Reason Given Given to those who have shown excellence in two of three area of equestrian activities; skill, service and the arts and sciences.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-1700
Blazon (Fieldless) A lance argent.
First Recipient Serena Kimbelwyke, Zyriel Nightshade, and Mathilde of Jararvellir - Apr 17, 1999 by TRM Dag and Elayna
Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already have one.
Order of the Gold Mace
OP Abbreviation OGM Letters C.G.M. Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companion of the Order of
the Gold Mace or Captains of the Red Company.
Precedence Equal to the Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/White Lance/Evergreen, after the Order of the Dragon's Heart, and before the Grant of Arms
Reason Given Given to Companions of the Order of the Red Company who have shown both excellence and leadership in melee and/or tournament combat, and who have trained others in these skills.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-2600
Blazon Gules, two flanged maces in saltire within a bordure Or.
First Recipient Alaric le Fevre - Apr 8, 2000 by TRM Finn and Tamara.
Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already have one. By Kingdom Law, once a Companion of this Order has been elevated to the Order of the Chivalry, they may no longer style themselves as Captains of the Order, but may still be addressed as Companions of the Order. This Order is essentially the second tier of the Order of the Red Company. That is why companions are addressed as Captains of the Red Company (not a typo.) When this Order was first established, recipients were styled as Lieutenants of the Red Company. Apparently, the rank of Lieutenant was not used in period, so it was changed to Captain.
Order of the Evergreen
OP Abbreviation OE
Letters C.E.
Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady
Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companion of the Order of the Evergreen
Precedence Equal to the Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/White Lance/Gold Mace, after the Order of the Dragon's Heart, and before the Grant of Arms
Reason Given Given to those who have both taught and shown excellence in one or more of the arts, sciences or research.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-2500
Blazon (Fieldless) A pine tree per pale purpure and Or.
First Recipient Jurgen von Baden - Apr 15, 2000 by TRM Finn and Tamara.
Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already have one.
Order of the Dragon's Heart
OP Abbreviation ODH Letters C.D.H. Title The Honourable Lord/The Honourable Lady Form of Address His Lordship/Her Ladyship or Companions of the Order
of the Dragon's Heart Precedence After Court Baronies, before the Orders of the Greenwood Company/Bronze Ring/White Lance/Gold Mace/Evergreen
Reason Given Given to those who have performed services on behalf of the Middle Kingdom above and beyond service normally expected of subjects of the Crown.
Law Midrealm Law XVII-700 Blazon Argent, a heart vert scaly argent. First Recipient Duncan MacGregor and Roland de Tourgrise - Oct 13, 1973 Notes The Order does convey a Grant of Arms if the individual does not already
have one.
Court Barony
OP Abbreviation Court Letters None Title Baron/Baroness Form of Address Your Excellency, My Lord Baron, My Lady Baroness Precedence After Territorial Baronies, and before the Order of the Dragon's Heart Reason Given Typically, service to the Crown above and beyond that normally expected
by the Crown's subjects. Law Corpora VII.A.2.a.2 Blazon Silver Coronets with six pearls (spheroids), ornamented as they see fit. First Recipient Signy Dimmridaela - Dec 31, 1970 by TRM Franz and Abrizhade Notes The honor does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not
already armigerous. This honor is Society-wide.
Territorial Barony
OP Abbreviation Baron Letters None Title Baron/Baroness Form of Address Your Excellency, My Lord Baron, My Lady Baroness, Baron/Baroness
<Barony Name> Precedence After the bestowed Peerages, before Court Baronies. Reason Given This is an office more than an honor. The populace of the barony votes
for their Coronet, subject to the approval of the Crown. Law Corpora VII.A.2.b.3 Blazon Gold Coronets with six pearls (spheroids), ornamented as they see fit. First Recipient Thorvald inn Grimmi (Northwoods) - Oct 31, 1970 by TRM Franz and
Abrizhade Notes The honor does convey an Award of Arms if the individual was not already armigerous. This honor is Society-wide.
Knight
OP Abbreviation KSCA Letters K.S.C.A. Title Sir/Dame Form of Address Sir Knight/Dame Knight Precedence Equal to the Orders of Master of Arms/Laurels/Pelicans,
after Viscounty, and before Territorial Baronies. Reason Given The candidate must be considered the equal of his or her
prospective peers with the basic weapons of tournament combat. Law Corpora VII.A.4.a Blazon A white belt; also a circular chain. First Recipient Cariadoc of the Bow - Dec 31, 1969 Notes The Bestowed Peerages all convey a Patent of Arms. Although Dame is
the official SCA female title, many prefer to use the title Sir. Knights are required to swear fealty to the Crown. This Order is Society-wide.
Master of Arms
OP Abbreviation MSCA Letters M.S.C.A. Title Master/Mistress Form of Address My Lord/Lady Precedence Equal to the Orders of Knights/Laurels/Pelicans, after
Viscounty, and before Territorial Baronies Reason Given The candidate must be considered the equal of his or her
prospective peers with the basic weapons of tournament combat. Law Corpora VII.A.4.a Blazon A white baldric First Recipient Komura Shimitsu and Moonwulf Starkaaderson -May 29, 1976 Notes The Bestowed Peerages all convey a Patent of Arms. Masters at Arms are
not required to swear fealty to the Crown. This Order is Society-wide.
Order of the Laurel
OP Abbreviation Laurel Letters O.L. Title Master/Mistress Form of Address My Lord/Lady
Precedence Equal to the Orders of Knights/Masters at Arms/Pelicans, after Viscounty, and before Territorial Baronies
Reason Given 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. Furthermore, 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.
Law Corpora VII.A.4.b Blazon A laurel wreath. First Recipient Abrizhade de Medina and Diane Alene - May 8, 1971 by TRM Iriel and
Morna Notes The Bestowed Peerages all convey a Patent of Arms. This Order is Society-wide.
Order of the Pelican
OP Abbreviation Pelican Letters O.P. Title Master/Mistress Form of Address My Lord/Lady Precedence Equal to the Orders of Knights/Masters at Arms/Laurels,
after Viscounty, and before Territorial Baronies
Reason Given 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.
Law Corpora VII.A.4.c Blazon A chapeau; also a Pelican in its piety; also a Pelican vulning itself. First Recipient Cariadoc of the Bow - May 8, 1971 by TRM Iriel and Morna Notes The Bestowed Peerages all convey a Patent of Arms. This Order is
Society-wide.
Viscounty
OP Abbreviation Visc Letters None Title Viscount/Viscountess Form of Address Your Excellency, My Lord Viscount, My Lady Viscountess Precedence After County, before Bestowed Peerages. Reason Given Automatic upon descending from the throne after one full reign as
Territorial Prince or Princess. Law Corpora Appendix C Blazon Coronets embattled, all silver, ornamented as they see fit. First Recipient Ternon de Caerleon and Ghleanna Meghan of Kirkcaldy - Mar 27 1982
for Principality of Calontir Notes A Royal Peer. This honor is Society-wide.
County
OP Abbreviation County Letters None Title Count/Countess Form of Address Your Excellency, My Lord Count, My Lady Countess Precedence After Duchy, before Viscounty Reason Given Automatic upon descending from the throne after one full reign as King or
Queen. Law Corpora Appendix C Blazon Coronets embattled, all gold, ornamented as they see fit. First Recipient Cariadoc of the Bow and Diane Alene - Oct 10, 1970 Notes A Royal Peer. This honor is Society-wide.
Duchy
OP Abbreviation Ducal Letters None Title Duke/Duchess Form of Address Your Grace, My Lord Duke, My Lady Duchess Precedence After Territorial Heirs, before County. Reason Given Automatic upon descending from the throne after second full reign as
King or Queen Law Corpora Appendix C Blazon Coronets with strawberry leaves, ornamented as they see fit. First Recipient Cariadoc of the Bow and Diane Alene - Oct 9, 1971 Notes A Royal Peer. This honor is Society-wide.
Territorial Heirs
OP Abbreviation Heir Letters None Title Lord Heir/Lady Heiress Form of Address Your Excellency Precedence After Territorial Prince and Princess, before Duchy Reason Given Victor and Consort of Principality Coronet List. Law Corpora VI.A.1.a.4 Blazon Coronets of silver with a single dance, ornamented as They see fit. Notes A member of the Royal Family.
Territorial Prince and Princess
OP Abbreviation Coronet Letters None Title Prince/Princess Form of Address Your Stellar Highness, Your Serene Highness, Your Highness Precedence After Crown Prince and Princess, before Territorial Heirs Reason Given Victor and Consort of Principality Coronet List. Law Corpora VI.A.1.a.1 Blazon Coronets of silver, ornamented as They see fit. Notes A member of the Royal Family.
Crown Prince and Crown Princess
OP Abbreviation Prince Letters None Title Prince/Princess, Crown Prince/Princess Form of Address Your Royal Highness, Your Highness Precedence After King and Queen, before Territorial Prince and Princess Reason Given Victor and Consort of Kingdom Crown List. Law Corpora VI.A.1.a.4 Blazon Crowns of silver, ornamented as They see fit. Notes A member of the Royal Family.
King and Queen
OP Abbreviation Crown Letters None Title King/Queen Form of Address Your Royal Majesty, Your Majesty, Sire, My Liege (if you have sworn
fealty) Precedence Before Crown Prince and Princess Reason Given Victor and Consort of Kingdom Crown List. Law Corpora VI.A.1.a.1 Blazon Crowns of gold, ornamented as They see fit. Notes A member of the Royal Family.
Sumptuary Customs of the Middle Kingdom
Crowns and Coronets
- The King and Queen may wear crowns of gold ornamented as They see fit.
- The Tanist and Tanist's Consort may wear coronets of silver, ornamented as They see fit.
- The Prince and Princess of a Principality may wear coronets of silver, ornamented as They see fit.
- The Heir and Heiress of a Principality may wear coronets of silver, with a single dance, ornamented as They see fit.
- Dukes and Duchesses may wear coronets with strawberry leaves, ornamented as they see fit.
- Counts and Countesses may wear coronets of gold, embattled, ornamented as they see fit.
- Viscounts and Viscountesses may wear coronets of silver, embattled, ornamented as they see fit.
- Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Laurel may wear a laurel wreath.
- Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Pelican may wear a Cap of Maintenance.
- Landed Barons and Baronesses may wear coronets of gold with six pearls (spheroids), ornamented as they see fit.
- Court Barons and Baronesses may wear coronets of silver with six pearls (spheroids), ornamented as they see fit.
- Members of the Populace with an Award of Arms may wear a simple metal circlet, ornamented as they see fit, with no more than one protrusion. The overall height of the band shall not exceed one inch. The circlet shall not resemble any of the coronets listed above.
Badges
- Peers of the Realm may wear the badges of their respective Orders as defined by Society Law.
- Great Lords and Ladies of State may wear the badge of their respective offices.
- Members of the various Kingdom Orders may wear the badges of their respective Orders.
- The Kingdom Arts and Sciences Champion may wear the badge: Gules, a harp within a chaplet of oak leaves argent fructed Or.
- Members of the Populace may wear the badge of the Kingdom: Argent, a pale gules surmounted by a dragon passant vert.
Chains and Spurs
- Unadorned chains of gold are reserved for use by Knights.
- Gold spurs are reserved for use by the members of the Chivalry.
- It is customary that squires wear unadorned chains of silver.
- It is customary that squires wear silver spurs.
Belt and Baldrics
- Simple white belts are reserved for use by Knights.
- Simple white baldrics are reserved for use by Masters and Mistresses of Arms.
- It is customary that squires under the tutelage of a Knight wear simple red belts.
- It is customary that squires under the tutelage of a Master or Mistress of Arms wear simple red baldrics.
- It is customary that apprentices under the tutelage of a Master or Mistress of the Laurel wear simple green belts.
- It is customary that protégé(e)s under the tutelage of a Master or Mistress of the Pelican wear simple yellow belts.
Achievements
The Achievements of the Royal Family are as follows:
- The Sovereign bears Argent, a pale gules, overall a dragon passant vert, in chief an ancient crown Or within a laurel wreath proper; for crest, on a gold helm, issuing from a
- gold crown, a dragon passant vert; the mantling, crimson lined ermine; and for the supporters, two dragons rampant vert.
- The Consort bears Argent, a pale gules, overall a dragon passant vert, in chief an ancient crown Or within a chaplet of roses proper; for crest, on a gold helm, issuing from a gold crown, a dragon passant vert; the mantling, crimson lined ermine; and for the supporters, two dragons rampant vert.
- The Tanist bears Argent, a pale gules, overall a dragon passant vert, in chief an ancient crown Or within a laurel wreath proper and overall for difference a label sable; for crest, on a silver helm ornamented with gold, issuing from a silver crown, a dragon couchant vert; the mantling, crimson lined ermine; and for the supporters, two dragons rampant vert.
- The Tanist's Consort bears Argent, a pale gules, overall a dragon passant vert, in chief an ancient crown Or within a chaplet of roses proper and overall for difference a label sable; for crest, on a silver helm ornamented with gold, issuing from a silver crown, a dragon couchant vert; the mantling, crimson lined ermine; and for the supporters, two dragons rampant vert.
- These should all be displayed upon a compartment on which the supporter can stand. A small hillock is customary and attractive. A pleasant conceit is to use a grassy green hillock for the Summer Sovereign and Consort and a snowy, white hillock for the Winter Sovereign and Consort. The Tanist and Consort should use the compartment appropriate to the same season of Their reign.
All other gentlefolk with registered devices who wish to display them in a full Achievement are strongly encouraged to do so according to the following forms:
- Anyone who has a registered device is entitled to display it with a steel helm, torse, personal crest and mantling. The helm may be displayed either affronty or in profile, whichever better displays the crest.
- Each Armiger may add one supporter and a compartment on which it can stand.
- The badge(s) of any armigerous orders or awards to which the armiger is entitled may be displayed by the supporter. In most cases the supporter will wear them around its neck.
- All nobility (i.e., Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses, Territorial Barons, Territorial Baronesses, Court Barons, and Court Baronesses) Peers, holders of Grants of Arms, and Great Officers of State are entitled to a second supporter. Great Officers of State, holders of Grant of Arms by virtue of past service to the Middle Kingdom as Great Officers of State and Royal Peers (i.e., Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses) of the Middle Kingdom may have a dragon as one of their supporters. No one else may use a dragon support in the Middle Kingdom.
- All nobility may wear upon their helm the appropriate coronet of rank.
- All Royal Peers (i.e., Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses) and Peers may ornament their helms with gold.
- All Peers may surround their arms with the appropriate symbol(s) of their orders: for Knight, a gold chain; for Masters and Mistresses of Arms, a white baldric (after the fashion of the Scottish strap and buckle); for Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Laurel, a laurel wreath; and for Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Pelican, a wreath of feathers charged with goutes of blood.
- Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Laurel may replace or ensign the torse with a chaplet of laurel leaves.
- Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Pelican may replace the torse with a chapeau of any tincture.
- Ladies and Lords of the Rose may surround their arms with a chaplet of roses. Alternately, they may replace the torse with a chaplet of roses.
- Holders of Grant of Arms who have served the Middle Kingdom as a Great Officer of State are entitled, at the Crown's discretion, to bear a Dragon Crest.
- Great Officers of State may display the appropriate Badge of Office pendant from a riband around their arms (or from a Knight's chain, etc., as appropriate).
- A Landed Baron and Baroness may display the Arms of his or her Barony on a banner maintained by one of the supporters.
Restrictions on Crests and Supporters: The choice of crest and supporter(s) is a matter of personal whim. There is no bar to two people using the same crest and supporter(s). There is, however, one restriction: the dragon crest and the dragon supporter may be used only as prescribed above.
Restriction on Mantling: It is customary to use one's livery colors, i.e., the principal metal and color from one's arms, for the two sides of the mantling. However, the use of crimson mantling lined with ermine is restricted to the Royal Family.
Notes on Torses: It is customary (but not compulsory) to use one's livery colors for the torse.
Pennsic Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies mark the official beginning of the Pennsic War. All of the Crowns of the Known World (in attendance) will be present at this function. The ceremony begins with the East and the Middle marching out to the field in front of the fort with their allies and armies. Once all the Crowns are assembled, the East and Middle Kingdoms will banter back and forth until war is declared. The other Crowns declare which side They will be fighting for, and the official war is on.
Planning Meeting
The day prior to Opening Ceremonies, the Pennsic Minister of Protocol typically has a meeting to discuss the details with the principal heralds (or their representative) of each kingdom in attendance. The process/plan for Opening Ceremonies is explained and any questions will be answered.
Formations
About an hour before Opening Ceremonies, the armies of the three principal kingdoms will begin to line up outside the gates of their respective kingdoms. Traditionally, the armies of the other kingdoms will form up with the kingdom they will ally with during the war.
Occasionally, a kingdom will choose not to march with either the East or the Middle Kingdoms, preferring to keep their alliance a surprise until the moment of declaration. Our suggestion for these kingdoms is to muster on the south side of the battlefield and follow the East and Middle formations at their leisure.
In front of the camps of the East and the Middle Kingdoms’ Royalty, hundreds of gentles will be lining up for the march, or just watching the pageantry. Typically, the East and Middle Kingdoms will lead their processions followed by the armies of their respective kingdoms. The other kingdoms are usually lined up behind in descending order of precedence, and it is left to the Brigantia and Dragon Principal Heralds to coordinate this.
One of the problems usually encountered during the formation is blocking roads. Carts and vehicles have a difficult time getting by when the gentles comprising the formations tend to wander out into the road to converse with each other. This could be a real serious problem if emergency services need to get by. We ask that the Brigantia and Dragon Heralds assign a group of heralds/squires/peers to keep the formations off the road as best they can until it is time to step off. It would greatly help if the principal herald of each ally kingdom would assist in keeping their kingdoms to the side as well.
Marching
It is the goal to begin Opening Ceremonies at the time listed. This means that the formations must begin their march about fifteen minutes before the posted time.
In the course of their march, each formation must cross Curry Road at some point. Cooper staff needs to be made aware that a large formation will be crossing the road approximately ten to fifteen minutes before the start of Opening Ceremonies. Æthelmearc will be crossing from the merchant area, the East Kingdom will cross at the main gate near the post office, and the Middle Kingdom will cross at the west gate.
We cannot hold up cars on Curry Road too long, so it is recommended that the East and Middle Kingdoms each provide a senior herald to advise the Cooper Staff where good breaks in their respective formations are. Typically, this will be between kingdoms, but the gate staff does not know our heraldry.
As the “land host”, the first kingdom to arrive should be Æthelmearc. They typically march alone from their royal encampment, through the food court, across Curry Road and then straight out to the fort. Once they arrive, the King and Queen of Æthelmearc will take the dais and welcome all of the other kingdoms to Their lands.
The East Kingdom will march off from their encampment, and turn left on Low Road. They will turn right just before the bath house and march across Curry Road. Once they cross, they will go the edge of the troll car lanes and turn left, marching until they meet the Middle Kingdom. They will then turn right and march along side the Middle Kingdom out to the fort.
The Middle Kingdom will proceed from their encampment and turn left just before the barn. At the road, they will turn right and head out the West Gate. Once they cross, they will go the edge of the troll car lanes and turn right, marching until they meet the East Kingdom. They will then turn right and march along side the East Kingdom out to the fort.
When the kingdoms arrive in front of the fort, only the King and Queen are to ascend the dais. The only exception to this should be the Brigantia, Dragon, and Silver Buccle Principal Heralds. Princes and Princesses may stand before the dais, on the ground in front of their kingdom, or they may stand with their armies. Retainers and guards may follow the royalty to the dais, but then veer off and go around to the back when they reach the stairs. The armies should break off from the formation about a hundred yards out and then sweep around to pull in to the side of the audience, even with the left or right edge of the dais.
A banner bearer for each kingdom should take their banner behind the fort. The East and Middle Kingdoms will raise their banners in the upper towers. Once a kingdom has declared which side they will ally with, the banner bearer will hoist their banner on the appropriate side. A herald will be stationed behind the fort to help coordinate this.
Ceremony
Their Majesties of Æthelmearc will open the ceremony with some type of greeting to the attendees of Pennsic and a general message of welcome. If necessary, the Pennsic Minister of Protocol will be on hand to signal when to start.
The sovereigns of the East and Middle Kingdoms will then begin whatever banter/schtick They have devised for the war. Each year, this exchange is different and usually adopts the personality of those involved. The sovereigns will generally plan this out together prior to the start of Opening Ceremonies (frequently the night before). Invariably, the schtick will end with a declaration of war.
The host kingdom will produce the war arrow and offer it to the other kingdom. The arrow will be broken by the opposing sovereign, either by himself, or while both sovereigns hold the arrow. At this point, the cannon will fire, signaling the beginning of hostilities.
The Brigantia and Dragon Principal Heralds will then take turns calling for the declarations of the other Kingdoms. (The host kingdom herald begins.) They will go through the list of kingdoms in order of precedence, beginning with the West. If a kingdom is not represented on the stage, they may skip over that kingdom, unless other arrangements have been made. The normal phrase is “Kingdom of X, how do you declare?”
Once the royalty (or designate) of a kingdom has made their declaration, the banner of that kingdom should rise behind the fort on the side for which they just declared.
After the Laurel Kingdoms of the known world are accounted for, heralds call for the Kingdom of Acre, the Great Dark Horde, and the Great Dark Horde Moritu. HOWEVER, this must be agreed upon by the sovereigns of the East and Middle beforehand. Some sovereigns are opposed to these entities being recognized at Opening Ceremonies.
After the declarations have been made, the host kingdom’s Principal Herald will call for House Darkyard. They are the keepers of the Pennsic War Horn. They will bring forth the horn and present it to the host sovereign. The sovereign will either blow the horn, or offer it to the other sovereign to blow, signaling the start of the war, and the end of Opening Ceremonies. After being blown, the horn is returned to House Darkyard for safe keeping.
End of Ceremony
If the royalty of the East and Middle Kingdoms have any opening speech They wish to make, this would be time to do so.
Because of the near impossibility of making it look good, there is no real recession from the dais. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the royalty should descend the dais and rejoin Their armies. From there, They proceed to whatever order of business awaits them.
Inclement weather plan
In the event of inclement weather, Opening Ceremonies will be held in the barn. The Pennsic Minister of Protocol will make this determination and advise the Brigantia, Dragon, and Silver Buccle Principal Heralds and the Pennsic Royalty Liaison.
Depending on the severity of the weather, the kingdoms may choose to march, or not. If it is not actually raining at the time scheduled for the march, then they may make the march to the barn from their encampments. However, any royal entourage that comes to the barn will be allowed to take the dais (per above rules) upon their arrival. The heralds will not stand on formality in favor of getting the royals out of the weather.
The ceremony will proceed as normal, but without raising the banners on the declaration of the kingdoms.
Great Court/Closing Ceremonies
Planning Meeting
The day prior to Great Court / Closing Ceremonies, the Pennsic Minister of Protocol typically has a meeting to discuss the details with the principal heralds (or their representative) of each kingdom in attendance. The process/plan for Great Court / Closing Ceremonies is explained and any questions will be answered.
Dais Set Up
The dais is typically set up in a long line, about eight feet deep, along the far row of poles in the barn. There are additional pieces placed in front and behind at the center to allow additional room for the principal kingdoms. One of the staircases will also be needed for the front center. The smaller staircases will be used in the back in several places to allow retainers access to the dais.
The thrones should arrive at least two hours prior to the start of court to allow for their proper placement. There will be no room for tables between the thrones. Since the dais is eight feet deep, there will be just enough room for the thrones, space behind them for two retainers, and very little walking space in front.
If the Princes and Princesses wish to attend, the front row of the audience will be reserved for Them, and Their thrones will be set up directly in front of Their respective royalty, or as close as possible. For the viewing enjoyment of the rest of the audience, it is preferred that Their Highnesses do not use a high backed throne.
Banners will not be needed, nor allowed, for court. They are encouraged for use during the procession, however. There is a set of beautiful kingdom banners that were created by Lady Clariel du Vent Argent and she graciously allows us to use them for Great Court / Closing Ceremonies. These will be set up by her crew when the thrones are set up.
The thrones will be set up on the dais with the host kingdom (East or Middle) occupying the center position. The other kingdom will be set up to the right of the host kingdom. The kingdom of Æthelmearc will be set up to the left of the host kingdom, as the land owner. The rest of the kingdoms will be set up in order of precedence starting to the right of the principal three kingdoms, then alternating left, right, left, etc. The thrones will be set directly in front of their respective banners.
Formation
The kingdom processions will be asked to meet on the corner of the battlefield closest to Troll approximately one half hour before the start of Great Court. There is no special line up at this spot, so the royalty may mingle as They wish.
Approximately fifteen minutes prior to the start of Great Court, the Pennsic Minister of Protocol will begin sending the kingdoms to the barn. The first kingdom to process will be Æthelmearc, to allow them the opportunity to greet the other kingdoms as they ascend the dais. The rest of the kingdoms will then process in reverse order of precedence with the East and Middle Kingdoms being last. The host kingdom will be the last kingdom to process. The Pennsic Minister of Protocol will attempt to separate the kingdoms with enough space to prevent any backup at the barn. If the kingdoms go too quickly, they may end up in a queue line, which reduces the dignity of the procession.
Marching
Once released by the Pennsic Minister of Protocol, kingdoms will exit the battlefield and cross at the main gate. This will require notifying Cooper staff that we will need the gate open for the ceremony. Since kingdoms will be marching one at a time, we should not have any problems holding up traffic on Currie Road.
Once across Currie Road, the procession should head toward the bath house and turn right up to the barn. The Deputy Pennsic Minister of Protocol will be stationed in front of the barn to direct the procession to the correct entry point into the barn.
The procession will move toward the dais, where the Kings and Queens will ascend the stage and be greeted by the royalty of Æthelmearc. Princes and Princesses, if They are staying may peel off and find Their thrones. A single guard may peel off to station themselves before their respective thrones. The rest of the entourage will turn right and head to the exit point at the east end of the barn. Any retainers staying for court may peel off when they reach the east end of the dais and make their way behind the stage to their appropriate positions.
Ceremony
After all of the royalty has arrived in the barn, the host kingdom will invite the populace to be seated. Once everyone is seated and comfortable, Great Court will begin with the youngest kingdom. The Pennsic Minister of Protocol will be on hand to signal the herald when to begin, if necessary.
Court business can vary according to the wishes of the royalty of the East and Middle Kingdoms. At a minimum, kingdoms will be allowed to greet the populace, talk about the war, and invite everyone to their particular wars.
Sometimes, kingdoms will be allowed to conduct one (or two) piece(s) of business. Because of the large number of kingdoms, it is requested that any business be a peerage, or of interest to the Pennsic populace. The Pennsic Minister of Protocol will announce at the planning meeting whether business will be conducted during Great Court.
At the conclusion of the youngest kingdom’s court, the second youngest kingdom will begin immediately. This will proceed through the reverse order of precedence. The kingdom of Æthelmearc will not hold court in order, taking the third to last kingdom. The East and Middle Kingdoms will be the last two courts, the host kingdom being last.
Once Great Court business is done, Closing Ceremonies will be held. The East and Middle Kingdoms will typically tally the war points, announcing the winner of each point. Then the overall winner is declared.
House Darkyard will then be called forth to bring the War Horn. The victorious kingdom will then blow the War Horn, signifying the end of Pennsic War. After the horn is blown, it is returned to House Darkyard for safekeeping.
End of Ceremony
The official part of the ceremony being complete, it is now time for the traditional countdown. Any royalty wishing to depart prior to the countdown will be allowed to leave at this time, though They are encouraged to stay.
The Brigantia and Dragon Principal Heralds (or their designates) typically conduct this countdown, starting with the host kingdom. Everyone will be asked to stand up. As the Principal Heralds proceed through the numbered years of Pennsic, everyone is asked to remain standing for the years they attended Pennsic, and sit down when they reached a year they were not present.
When the standing populace numbers about a dozen, or the count is down to Pennsic Four (whichever comes first), all standees are invited to the front of the stage for the final countdown. After the countdown is done, it is typically asked whether Duke Finnvar has still made it to all of the war point battles. (He has apparently made it to all war point battles since Pennsic One.)
After the Pennsic Countdown is complete, the royalty will depart the stage with the host kingdom first, followed by the opposing kingdom, then Æthelmearc. The other kingdoms will follow in departure, alternating sides of the stage.
Dais Tear-Down
The dais does not have to be changed after court. Lady Clariol and her crew will take down the banners immediately after court is over. It is the responsibility of the kingdoms to see to the removal of their thrones. Once Closing Ceremony is over, no one will be around to supervise thrones left behind.
Inclement Weather Plan
In the event of inclement weather at the time of formation/marching, the processional will not take place as planned. The kingdoms are to proceed directly to the barn and process in upon arrival, regardless of order of precedence. After all of the kingdoms have arrived, the Pennsic Minister of Protocol will signal the start of Great Court.