INTRODUCTIONS
Greetings! This is Chapter IV, Part I of the Ansteorran New Members Guide, an
Introduction to the Society of Creative Anachronism. If you have arrived here prior to
reading Chapter III, then by all means, scroll down and select it.
Live The Dream!
The Honorable Lord Michael de la Mare
Anno Societatus XXXI
Copyright © 1991 by M. G. Mayer, revised 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997
Lord Barat has generously provided the icons located in the section concerning awards.
Most members create a persona, a person that they could have been had they actually lived during the middle ages. While some members choose only a name, others enjoy creating and developing an entire &history& of their family. Such details might include a time and place of birth, and perhaps their travels or adventures. Your local Herald will be happy to assist you with ideas for selecting a name and/or developing a persona. Begin by selecting a country and time period that you're interested in, for example, France, late 12th century. Developing your persona can be as vague or as detailed as you like. You may wish to read Trouble At Tramecourt, THL Michael's Persona Story, to get a glimpse about persona development.
When meeting other members, you will often be asked your name. Until you decide upon a permanent Society name, one suggestion might be to alter your current modern name. For instance, you might respond by saying, &I'm John/Susan of Loch Soilleir& by using your modern first name and inserting the name of your local Branch behind it. In order to register your name with the Herald's Office, your choice will have to meet Society guidelines. You will have to select a name that parents would have given a child during the time period in which the SCA studies. In addition, you must choose one that will set you apart from others using the same name. Finally, you may not take the name of any historical or legendary person, nor may you use or imply any titles of nobility.
The Tunic is a simple period style costume that is both stylish and simple to create. Most of us started out with one or two of these garments. This type of garb is quite appropriate for both sexes and adjustments can be made to the garment length and sleeve pattern to suit your preference for style. Directions for creating such garb can be obtained from your Hospitaler or by contacting this author for pattern design and variation. Choose a natural, woven-look material in primary, solid colors.
For accessories, add a pouch or drawstring purse which fits your belt, a small dagger, and a stylized cross or pendant suspended from a chain. For shoes, choose leather ankle boots or simple slippers (the Chinese type works well), or moccasins without fringe.
There are a few clothing restrictions which you must keep in mind. Do not wear a PLAIN white, red, yellow, or green belt. These have special meaning in the Society. White belts are reserved for Knights, red belts for Squires, yellow belts for Protégés, and green ones for Apprentices. In addition, a plain white scarf worn over the shoulder is reserved for Dons, while red ones are reserved for Cadets. Crowns, tiaras, and metallic headbands are reserved for nobility and should not be worn. With regards to jewelry, PLAIN gold chains are reserved for Knights.
Courteous and honorable behavior is expected from all members at all times. Such conduct is ordinary good manners with a few special considerations. Listed here are some basic points concerning Society courtesy and etiquette.
* Try to use the correct form of address when talking to another member. If you don't know their appropriate title, a simple &milord& or &m'lady& will do.
* Pay heed to the Herald while he/she is talking or making an announcement. In Court, never talk or distract others.
* Always ask permission before entering a pavilion or private meeting. Most people will ask you to join them once you introduce yourself.
* While most members are eager to show off their possessions, be courteous and ask permission to handle any weapons, armor, equipment, or crafts.
* Some members wear swords or daggers as part of their costume accessories. It is customary to loudly state &CLEAR& before drawing forth a weapon to show someone. NEVER DRAW A WEAPON IN AN OFFENSIVE MANNER.
* The Society strives to create an illusion of a period atmosphere. Do your best to cover and conceal modern items such as soda cans, tape players, ice chests, etc. Always use period looking utensils and drinking vessels and wear clothing which has a period appearance.
* Always leave a site cleaner than you found it. This reflects on your honor and, permits the use of such facilities again.
By and large common sense and a polite attitude will serve you well. When in doubt about something, ask. Most of us remember when we were new to the Society and are willing to answer any questions you may have. With a little practice and time, you will come to learn the customs and manners that exist.
You may come to hear the term &Order of Precedence&. This is the placing of people, in order, according to their ranking or standing. Those with the highest ranks come first, and so on. As such, a &March of Precedence& would be a procession of people, by rank or standing, being presented to The Crown or Their Representatives, at Court. The following list should help convey the ranking system in such a procession:
ORDER OF MARCH
01. Visiting Crowns
02. Crown Prince & Princess of Ansteorra
03. Visiting Crown Prince & Princes
04. Territorial Princes & Princes
05. Dukes & Duchesses
06. Counts & Countesses
07. Viscounts & Viscountesses
08. Barons & Baronesses in Fief
09. Visiting Barons & Baronesses in Fief
10. Peers:
Knights of the Society (KSCA)
Mastery of Arms (MSCA)
Master/Mistress of the Laurel (ML)
Master/Mistress of the Pelican (MP)
11. Court Barons & Baronesses
12. Ansteorran Grant Orders:
Order of the Iris of Merit (CIM)
Order of the Star of Merit (CSM)
Order of the White Scarf of Ansteorra (WSA)
13. All other Grants of Rank
14. Ansteorran Grace Awards:
King's Gauntlet of Ansteorra (KGA)
Queens Glove of Ansteorra (QGA)
15. Ansteorran Arts & Kingdom Service Awards:
Award of the Sable Thistle of Ansteorra (THISTLE)
Award of the Sable Crane of Ansteorra (CRANE)
16. Ansteorran Principality Orders & Awards:
Circle of the Ascending Star (CAS)*
Gilded Thorn of Ansteorra (GTA)*
Order of the Aristotelis Descipuli (OAD)*
17. Ansteorran Baronial Service Orders: (In Order of the Creation of the Baronies)
Order o/t Misty Star [Stargate] (OMS)*
Order o/t Astral Clarion [Stargate] (OAC)*
Sodality o/t Sentinels of the Stargate (SSG)
Order o/t Tread o/t Stepes (OTS)*
Order o/t Oak o/t Steppes (OOS)
Order o/t Cap and Bells of Bjornsborg (OCBB)*
Order o/t Ursa Majoris of Bjornsborg (OUMB)*
Unnamed order for Bjornsborg (bjo)
Order o/t Silent Trumpet of Bordermarch (OSTB)
Order o/t Halberd of Bryn Gwlad (OHBG)*
Order o/t Dreigiau Bryn [Bryn Gwlad] (ODB)
Order o/t Heart o/t Sable Storm [Namron] (OHSS)
Order des Cotes Anciennes [Eldern Hills] (OCA)
Order o/t Raven's Heart [Raven's Fort] (ORH)
Order o/t Azure Keystone [Elfsea] (AKE)
Unnamed order for Wiesenfeurer (wei)
Order o/t Serpent's Toils of Loch Soilleir (STLS)
18. Ansteorran Awards for Service to Shires and to Children:
Award of the Sable Comet (COMET)
Award of the Compass Rose (CRA)
19. All Other Awards of Arms
20. Kingdom Honors:
Order o/t Motley Sash of Ansteorra (CMS)
Award of the Queen's Rapier of Ansteorra (AQR)
Award of the Rising Star of Ansteorra (ARS)
Sable Falcon of Ansteorra (FALCON)
Lion of Ansteorra, Defender of the Dream (LION)
Lady of the Rose (LR)
21. Principality Honors:
Order o/t Madonnas of Ansteorra (OMA)*
Pillars of Ansteorra (PILA)*
22. Foreign Baronial Honors
(*Denotes these Orders are Closed):
AWARDS
In A.S. XII, Ansteorra was created as a principality of Atenveldt. Two years later it became the seventh kingdom in A.S. XIV. The arms of Ansteorra are: Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable within a laurel wreath vert, in chief a crown of three points, all within a tressure sable, overall issuant from base a demi-sun gules:
The awards common to the Society are established in Corpora and consist of Peerages, Grants of Arms and Award of Arms. While no kingdom may create awards conferring a Peerage, they may create Orders or Awards conferring a Grant, or Award, of Arms. Each kingdom has the right to determine the precedence of awards in each category in relation to the other awards of the same category. The only exception being that the Orders of Knight, Mastery of Arms, Pelican and Laurel are all ranked equally. While they may be placed in precedence before or after the other peerages, there is no difference in precedence between them.
Many of the awards' insignias and badges often incorporate the kingdom colors of gold and black, and the main charge of the kingdom's arms, known as the Ansteorran Star.
The titles of Court Baron and Court Baroness convey a Grant of Rank. These titles are usually bestowed upon territorial Barons and Baronesses when they step down. They are also given to those subjects whose service, ability, deeds, and grace merit such rank in the eyes of the granting Crown. Court Barons and Baronesses rank just above the Grant Orders.
Grants of Rank are also given in conjunction with the following:
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Order of the Star of Merit (CSM) is granted to those gentles who have served the kingdom far beyond that which is normally expected. The badge of the order is: "Argent, on a fess Or fimbriated, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable." The insignia is a gold garter edged with black and charged with a sable Ansteorran Star, worn either above the left elbow or below the right knee . |
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Order of the Iris of Merit (CIM) is presented to those gentles who have consistently shown outstanding work in the arts and sciences. The badge of the order is: "Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points voided sable, surmounted by a natural rainbow proper." The insignia is a ribbon tinctured in spectrum worn on the left shoulder. |
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Order of the White Scarf of Ansteorra (WSA) is granted, in consultation with members of the order, to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and chivalry in rapier combat, service to the kingdom and its people, and a courtly demeanor. The order's badge is: "Sable, on a pale argent between two rapiers, guards to center, proper, in chief a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable." The insignia is a white scarf worn about the left shoulder or above the left elbow. |
Awards of Arms (AOA) may be given at the pleasure of the Crown, or in conjunction with the following awards:
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Award of the King's Gauntlet (KGA) is presented by the King to those who have served Him well and faithfully, above and beyond what is normally expected of a subject of Ansteorra. Holders of the King's Gauntlet are entitled to carry a leather or cloth gauntlet bearing a sable Ansteorran Star and the granting King's cypher. This award may be received by an individual more than once, in different reigns and/or from different rulers. |
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Award of the Queen's Glove (QGA) is presented by the Queen to those who have served Her well and faithfully, above and beyond what is normally expected of a subject of Ansteorra. Holders of the Queen's Glove are entitled to carry a cloth or leather glove bearing the Queen's Rose and the granting Queen's cypher. This award may be received by an individual more than once, in different reigns and/or from different rulers. |
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Award of the Sable Thistle (THISTLE) is bestowed to those who have shown expertise in a specific area of the Arts and Sciences. This award can be received more than once for expertise in different fields. Holders of the Sable Thistle are entitled to wear a medallion or pin bearing the badge of the award: A blue thistle sable, slipped and leaved Or. |
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Award of the Sable Crane (CRANE) is granted to those who have served the kingdom beyond that which is normally expected. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a gold medallion or pin depicting the award's badge: "Or, a crane in its vigilance sable, armed, orbed, membered, crested and throated Or, fimbriated sable, bearing in its dexter claw a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable." |
In addition to these kingdom awards, each barony is permitted by the Crown to have a single active service order that confers an Award of Arms to its recipients:
Barony of Bordermarch: Order of the Silent Trumpet (OSTB) "A baldric gules singly striped and tasseled azure." Holders wear the baldric over the left shoulder.
Barony of Bryn Gwlad: Order of the Dreigiau (ODB) "Or, a wyvern erect gules, maintaining a halbberd palewise sable, overall a triple-peaked mountain issuant from base vert." The badge of the order is is sewn on a ribbon sable triply striped argent.
Barony of Elfsea: Order of the Azure Keystone (AKE) "A crennelated keystone azure, charged with two bars wavy Or." The badge is worn as a pendant.
Barony of Eldern Hills: Order des Cotes Anciennes (OCA) "Argent, a mountain of three peaks issuant from base gules." The badge of the order is worn as a pendant.
Barony of Loch Soilleir: Order of the Serpent's Toils (STLS) (Badge and insignia unavailable at this time).
Barony of Namron: Order of the Heart of the Sable Storm (OHSS) "A pile wavy Or." The badge of the order is worn as a pendant on a black ribbon around the neck.
Barony of Raven's Fort: Order of the Raven's Heart (ORH) "A raven's head erased contourny sable, holding in its beak a heart gules."
Barony of Stargate: Sodality of the Sentinels of the Stargate (SSG) "Sable, two spears in saltire between two towers in fess argent."
Barony of the Steppes: Order of the Oak of the Steppes (OOS) "Or, on a pale sable endorsed vert, an oak leaf inverted Or."
Barony of Wiesenfeuer - Unnamed Order at this time.
There are two
other awards for service to shires and to children:
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Award of the Sable Comet (COMET) is presented to those who have served a shire, canton, or other non-baronial branch above and beyond what is expected of them. The award may be received more than once, for service to different branches. Holders of the award may wear a medallion or pin bearing the award's badge: "A comet headed of a mullet of five greater and five lesser points fesswise reversed sable." |
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Award of the Compass Rose (CRA) is bestowed upon those who have done exceptional work with the children of Ansteorra, and/or the Ministry of Children. Holders of the Compass Rose may wear a medallion or pin bearing the award's badge: "Per chevron Or and gules, a compass rose sable." |
The following orders and awards do not convey the right to bear arms:
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Order of the Rose (LR) is presented to those who have served the kingdom as consort. The badge is: "A wreath of roses". Currently, Ansteorra is the only kingdom to have a male companion in this order. (Duke Hector Philip Martel sat on the throne as consort when Duchess Rowan Beatrice von Kaempfer won Crown, AS XXIV). |
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Order of the Lions of Ansteorra (LION) may be given a maximum of once per reign, to that person who best embodies the granting Crown's ideals of the Society. Companions of the order are entitled to wear the badge: "Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, overall a lion rampant argent." |
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Award of the Sable Falcon (FALCON) is presented, at the discretion of the Sovereign, to those who have striven to further their skill in heavy weapons combat. The insignia is a cord braided sable and Or tied to a metal ring and worn on the belt. |
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Award of the Queen's Rapier (AQR) is presented, at the discretion of the Queen, to those who have striven to further their skill in rapier combat. They are examples of courtly graces, manners, and chivalry. The insignia is a cord braided gules and argent usually tied to a metal ring and worn on the belt. |
| Award of the Crown's Favor (ACF) | |
| Award of the King's Archer of Ansteorra (KAA) ? | |
| Award of the King's Lancer? | |
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Award of the Rising Star of Ansteorra (ARS) is bestowed on those under the age of eighteen who have made contributions of worth by works, service, or example to the kingdom. Holders of the award may wear a medallion or pin depicting the badge of the Ministry of Children: "Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, overall a point gules." |
This information was derived from several sources, though notably, the Order of Precedence of the Kingdom of Ansteorra. Anyone with updates or corrections should contact Lord Michael (his email address follows at the end of this work) with the appropriate notations.
There are many skills and crafts one can learn in the Society. Do not become overwhelmed by the subjects taught and researched. If you have a special area of interest, talk with the Minister of Arts & Sciences to inquire about instruction or information on such a topic. They may be able to refer you to a member, local or otherwise, who is knowledgeable in that particular field of study. If you don't have a particular interest, the following partial list may assist you in developing one:
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This is list is far from complete. There are many, many areas one may study, research and practice. Remember, just about any appropriate activity known during the middle ages can be learned and performed.
Since the dawn of time, man has striven to distinguish himself from his fellow man. This was accomplished by deed, signs, symbols and badges, and by appearance. Around the beginning of the 12th century, the shield, probably because it was a convenient flat surface, was painted with the owner's design. This personal identification, the Arms, spread to the banner and lance pennon, to the horses' trappings, and to the rider's surcoat, hence the name Coat of Arms. Heraldry developed with remarkable rapidity, perhaps due to practical necessities of the Crusades. After all, an armored knight with a closed visor would be indistinguishable from another.
In the Society, armorial bearings are personally selected by the lord or lady who is to wear them. A number of factors might influence their design. A pun on a name or a reference to a town or other locale. Perhaps an animal renown for its strength, courage or ferocity is chosen. Perhaps it's an object which represents your craft or trade. A great majority of arms have no discernible meaning. The likelihood is that a coat of arms was devised for the best of all heraldic reasons: to distinguish its bearer, at a distance or in the fog of war, from all others. No matter what the choice, your design will add color and atmosphere and shall be uniquely yours.
The Language of Heraldry
At first glance, heraldic terminology may appear difficult and incomprehensible. Mastering a few rules will soon have you proficient and versed. A Herald's description of a coat-of-arms is called a blazon. The arms are distinguished by certain colors, metals, and furs and are collectively known as the tinctures. The tincture of the field, or surface of the shield, is the first item in the blazon. The are five (5) colors (red, blue, green, purple, and black) and two (2) metals (silver/white & gold/yellow).
In addition, there are Ordinaries and Charges. An ordinary helps divide the field. Several examples include the Pale, Chevron, Bend or Fess. A charge is an animal or object, real or fictitious, which is portrayed in the design. Examples would include a castle, gauntlet, dragon, tree, horse or lion. Nearly all arms include either an ordinary or a charge, and many have both. As space here is limited, representations of ordinaries and charges are not permissible. Additional information concerning Heraldry can be obtained through your Herald. He/she can assist you with ideas or suggestions and can answer any questions you may have. In addition, they will have the necessary forms necessary to register your device with the Society.
SCA Combat is probably one of the most visible aspects of the Society. It is commonly referred to as simply "fighting". This activity attracts much attention and many new members have joined the SCA after having seen a demonstration of this period martial art.
Participation in SCA fighting is open to anyone who has reached the age of 18. It should be mentioned that men and women both actively participate in this activity. Should you decide to pursue Society combat, your local Marshal can provide you with information concerning armor regulations, the rules of combat, as well as, answer any questions you may have concerning Society fighting.
Before one is allowed to enter his/her first list, a fighter must be "authorized" (qualified). He/she must be sufficiently skilled so that they are not a danger to themselves or others. In addition, the fighter will be expected to know the "Rules of the List" prior to fighting in any Tournament or War. Again, your local Marshal can assist in explaining the steps necessary to become authorized. Such procedures are established to reduce the risk of injury to any/all participants.
No SCA fighting is staged or choreographed. All fights are "live"; the outcome of a list or battle is never pre-determined. The champion of an engagement is decided when one opponent acknowledges that the blow landed by his opponent was of sufficient force to have caused death. Each fighter is on "his/her honor" to determine whether or not a hit is considered a killing blow. The Marshals do not act as referees nor do they decide a match. They are present to merely enforce the safety regulations.
Two types of fighting "styles" exist in Ansteorra: Heavy Armored Combat and Rapier Combat. The former usually involves metal or leather armor, wooden shields and rattan swords. The latter is sometimes referred to "Light Weapons Fighting" and uses modified fencing equipment to simulate fighting techniques of the Renaissance period. If you're interested in either style of SCA combat, contact your Knight Marshal or Rapier Marshal for additional information, equipment requirements and regulations.
There are a number of publications available through the Office of the Stock Clerk. New members may wish to purchase a copy of The Known World Handbook which contains numerous articles on various aspects of the Society and Society life. The Compleat Anachronist series contain information pertaining to a particular subject or field of study. For a complete listing contact the Stock Clerk; their address is listed below (under Membership).
In addition, a paid membership will provide you with monthly issues of the kingdom newsletter, Black Star (in Ansteorra). This periodical contains event listings and other current information. In addition, you will receive quarterly issues of Tournaments Illuminated.
GLOSSARY
A Sustaining Membership is $35 (Check, Money Order , Visa or Mastercard) per year and includes subscriptions to Tournaments Illuminated and an appropriate Kingdom Newsletter. Sustaining Members are elligible to hold office within the Society. Other Memberships are available; contact the Registry Office for further details:
The Society for Creative Anachronism
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Neither the Hon. Lord Michael, nor these web pages, are an offical agent of, nor representatives of, The Society for Creative Ananchronism, Inc., and do not delineate policy. All official inquiries should be directed to the Society for Creative Ananchronism, Inc., PO Box 360743, Milpitas, CA 95036-0743.
The contents of individually maintained world wide web pages are the opinions and research of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official position of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., or the Kingdom of Ansteorra . The content within these individual web pages is the sole responsibility of the author, and, as such, makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information provided herein.