Too long; didn’t read: A list of the awards and orders unique to Drachenwald, and their badges and insignia. Click to submit a recommendation via online form. Looking for images of the awards? You can find them on the Drachenwald Google workspace.
It is the happy custom of the SCA for the Crown Rulers to recognise contributions to the kingdom with awards. They give honour to those who make our game more fulfilling by working at events and behind the scenes. Individuals may be recognized for striving for excellence in martial combat, arts, sciences, and many other areas within the SCA.
Some awards are recognised across the Society, and are defined in the SCA’s founding documents. From Corpora, IV, G:
The Crown may present Awards of Arms, the titles of Court Baron and Court Baroness, and Grants of Arms in accordance with the laws and customs of the kingdom.
The symbols of Drachenwald’s kingdom awards are all things that the recipients can wear. From the kingdom’s early days, the award and order regalia have been jewellery and accessories. For example, the Panache is a badge for holding feathers in your hat, the Lindquist Ring is a ring, and the Silver Guard is a wristband.
Drachenwalders have interpreted these regalia broadly and lovingly, so you may see many variations of these badges in wearer’s accessories, for every era of history, and to suit every persona.
Following the historic practice of medieval heralds keeping lists of who showed up to what battle and what they wore, like a sort of medieval gossip columnist/paparazzo, we now keep an online database of who has received what, and when. The Order of Precedence (OP) records all awards given in Drachenwald, from its earliest days. You can search it here: Order of Precedence (OP)
The Crown decides who to recognise based on recommendations from the people of Drachenwald. You can email their Majesties, or send a recommendation via a form online.
Awards Given by the Crown of Drachenwald
Royal Peerages
The Royal Peers of Drachenwald receive a Patent of Arms (PoA) at Their decoronation provided the Monarch stepping down did not already have a PoA or Bestowed Peerage prior to Their coronation.
Order of the Rose
All Consorts of Drachenwald are inducted into the Order of the Rose upon the successful completion of their first reign, unless they are already members.
Landed/Territorial Baronage
In Drachenwald, the Landed/Territorial Baronage is Granted Arms upon successful completion of their first term provided they do not already have a GoA or higher ranking accolade.
Court Baronage
In Drachenwald, the Court Baronage can be given for any reason the Crown decrees. It often carries a Grant of Arms.
Bestowed Peerages
The Peerage Orders are polling orders. Admission to the Peerage Orders shall be accompanied by a Patent of Arms to those recipients who do not already possess a Patent of Arms.
The Chivalry
The Chivalry consists of two equal parts: Knighthood and Mastery of Arms. No one may belong to both parts of the order at one time. When a member is admitted to the Chivalry by the Sovereign, the choice of which part of the order to join is made by the new member. The candidate must be considered the equal of his or her prospective peers with the basic weapons of tournament combat. To become a Knight, the candidate must swear fealty to the Crown of his or her kingdom during the knighting ceremony. Masters of Arms may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so.
The Order of the Laurel
Candidates must have attained the standard of excellence in skill and/or knowledge equal to that of his or her prospective peers in some area of the Arts or Sciences. The candidate must have applied this skill and/or knowledge for the instruction of members and service to the kingdom to an extent above and beyond that normally expected of members of the Society. Members of the Order of the Laurel may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so.
The Order of the Pelican
Candidates 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. Members of the Order of the Pelican may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so.
The Order of Defense
Candidates must be considered the equal of his or her prospective peers with the basic weapons of rapier and/or cut-and-thrust combat. 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. Members of the Order of the Defense may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so.
Ordo annuli (the Order of the Ring) or the Ordo annulorum (the Order of the Rings)
The Ring is an order dedicated to excellence and example at an extraordinary level. The Order is in the gift of the Crown and, while wise monarchs seek and use the advice of their court, there is no poll of current members before an appointment is made.
When the Crown appoints someone to the Ring, the new companion’s arms are confirmed by Grant of the Crown.
The Ring comprises three orders or companies: Ordo hirundinis, Ordo cygni, and Ordo alae.
The badge of the order is ‘(Fieldless) A gemmed ring sable.’ (A ring from the side with a gem on top all black.)
Ordo Hirundinis
Artemidorus of Daldis, the 2nd Century Greek diviner, wrote that dreaming of a swallow was a good omen for work (and business and marriage). In classical literature and art the Swallow’s song was paired in chorus with that of the nightingale, each as beautiful as the other.
Those who labour to enable the special beauty that is Drachenwald, and thereby create beauty of their own; are brought together as Companions of Ordo hirundinis (the Company of the Swallow) because they have distinguished themselves by superior service within the Kingdom.
The badge of this order is ‘(Fieldless) A martlet volant Or’. (A flying swallow in profile, head to left, both wings visible)
Ordo Cygni
The Roman poet Juvenal wrote, ‘rara avis in terris nigroque simillima cygno’: a rare bird indeed, in the world, is the black Swan.
The rare companions in Ordo cygni (the Company of the Swan) have distinguished themselves by superior achievement in scholarship, the arts and the advancement of beauty and knowledge in Drachenwald.
The badge of this order is ‘(Fieldless) A swan sable’. (A black swan standing in profile head to left with raised wings.)
Ordo Alae
In the lands of Drachenwald before there was a kingdom, the cavalry of Roman armies were called the ‘allies’: they fought close on the wings (alae) of their companions. Companions in Ordo alae (the Company of the Wing) have displayed superior abilities in their fields of martial activity in Drachenwald.
All Drachenwald’s practitioners of the arts of combat who show high prowess in the eyes of the Crown are united in this order, without distinction among steel fighters, armoured fighters, archers and their other companions in arms.
The badge of this order is ‘(Fieldless) A wing terminating in a hand gules sustaining a sword fesswise reversed proper’. (A red wing ending at the right side in a hand holding a sword horizontally with the tip over the left end of the wing.)
Orders of Merit
Drachenwald has three orders that confer an Award of Arms upon the recipient, if the receiver does not already hold one (as heralds say, ‘are armigerous’).
Orden Des Lindquistringes
This order was established to honor a former member of the Principality/Protectorate, Fahrquar Finley Fahrquarson (John Lindquist). It is now presented to those people who have distinguished themselves by long and extraordinary service to the Kingdom.
The badge of the order is ‘(Fieldless) A ring formed of a wingless dragon in annulo widdershins Or, maintaining in chief with all four legs and mouth a gem gules’. (A ring formed by wingless golden dragon in a counter-clockwise direction, holding in its mouth and limbs a red gem.)
The Order of the Panache
The Panache is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by long and consistent excellence in the Arts (and Sciences) and who have also constantly made their expertise available to the various members of the Kingdom.
The badge of the order is ‘(Fieldless) Issuant to chief from a torteau charged with a bezant pierced sable three feathers gules, Or and Sable’. (A circular red-gold-black emblem, going inwards from rim to centre (red ring, gold ring, black central circle) from the top of which emerge three feathers the left one red, the centre one gold and the right one black.)
The Order of the Silver Guard
The Silver Guard is presented to those members who have distinguished themselves by chivalry and prowess in the arts of combat, including armoured combat, fencing, archery and thrown weapons.
The badge of this order is ‘(Tinctureless) a silver wrist-guard bearing a dragon passant coward, wings addorsed, maintaining in dexter forepaw a sword erect’. (A silver wristguard decorated with a black dragon walking in profile head to left, wings raised, and with its tail between its legs, holding in the right hand a sword in vertical.)
Non-Precedence Awards
The Crown can bestow awards that carry no new precedence, but bear great honour and dignity, and are cherished as such.
The King’s Order of the Companions of Albion
Also known as the Royal Order of the Companions of Albion, ‘the Albion’ is one of the most prestigious awards in our Kingdom. It is given for “untiring service, courtesy and devotion to the needs of others”. It is typically given just once a reign.
The Companions of this Order have the right to display the regalia of the Order, which is ‘(Fieldless) A dragon’s claw inverted sable within and conjoined to an annulet per pale Or and gules’. (In a ring divided vertically in two, the left half gold and the right half red, a black dragon’s paw.)
The Queen’s Order of Courtesy
This award, given at the Queen’s discretion, but typically just once per reign, is for ‘untiring devotion to the ideals of courtesy and for consistent consideration of the needs of others’.
The badge for this award is an Edelweiss with a red center to be worn on a pin or silver chain. (A white edelweiss with red florets.)
Read the story of the Queen’s Order of Courtesy
The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle
The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle is awarded at the discretion of the Crown to those who have displayed notable attention to authenticity.
The badge of this Award is ‘(Fieldless) A dragon passant coward sable charged with a bowl per pale Or and gules’. (A black dragon walking in profile head to left, wings raised, and with its tail between its legs, with on its body a cup divided vertically in two, the left half gold and the right half red)
The Award of the Dragon’s Tear
This Award is given at the discretion of the Crown to the host(s) of an extraordinarily successful event. This award can be received more than once. Recipients of this award may be styled, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tear” (or, if they have more than one, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tears”).
The badge of this award is ‘(Fieldless) On a goutte per pale Or and gules a dragon passant coward sable’. (A teardrop divided vertically in two, the left half gold and the right half red, with in its center a black dragon walking in profile head to left, wings raised, and with its tail between its legs.)
The Award of the Hospitallers of Albion
The Hospitallers of Albion are those gentles (or groups) in distant lands who make great sacrifice to render aid and support to the Crowns of Drachenwald when they are travelling. Only those persons/groups residing or based outside the Kingdom of Drachenwald may become Hospitallers of Albion.
The badge of the Hospitallers is ‘(Fieldless) On a dragon passant coward sable a wake knot argent’. (A black dragon walking in profile head to left, wings raised, and with its tail between its legs, with on its body a white Wake Knot)
Popular Company of Sojourners (PCS)
This award is presented at the discretion of the Crown to those members departing the Kingdom, who have contributed to Drachenwald. They are expected to recall, to all and sundry, tales of the Lands of Drachenwald.
The members may bear the badge of the company, ‘Barry wavy argent and azure, two flaunches vert’ in whatever manner deemed appropriate to signify membership. (A circle formed by a series of white and blue waves with two convex green fields on the sides.)
Sigillum
The Sigillum (Sigillum Coronae) is given by the King or the Queen, or by both of them together. This is shown in the name. When it says ‘Sigillum Coronae’ only, it is unclear who has given the award.
The Sigillum are awarded for personal service to the Crown(s) that far exceeds any expected measure. The number given during a reign is generally limited to three. This award can be received more than once.
• Sigillum Regis (Sigillum Coronae King) - A black dragon’s head charged with the sigils of the King bestowing it • Sigillum Regina (Sigillum Coronae Queen) - A white edelweiss charged with the sigils of the Queen bestowing it • Sigillum Regis et Regina (Sigillum Coronae King and Queen) - A white edelweiss surmounted by a black dragon’s head bearing the sigils of the Crown bestowing it.
Youth Awards
Youth awards carry no precedence, but bear great honour and dignity, and are cherished as such.
The Order of the Dragon’s Jewel
This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary behaviour or service.
The Order of the Dragon’s Pride
This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary work in the arts and sciences.
Nordmark Awards
As a Principality, the Crowns of Nordmark can also give out awards to the populace.
Carneol of Nordmark
Can be given to the one or those who worked and made an effort to reproduce the feeling of the bright Middle Ages.
The symbol of this award is a red gem.
Enhörning (Unicorn)
Awarded to those children who have distinguished themselves by showing great interest, ability and talent in the arts and sciences.
Badge: A white unicorn alt. a white unicorn head on a background of Nordmark’s colors.
Lejon (Lion)
Awarded to children who have demonstrated chivalrous behavior and actively participated in some form of fighting game for children.
Badge: A white lion on a background of Nordmark’s colours.
Nordmark Malachite
Can be given to the person or those who devoted themselves to studies of the time period recreated in SCA and used the results of these studies for the good of Nordmark.
The symbol of this award is a green gem.
Nordmarks Hare
is given to children who have actively shown great helpfulness and in this have been a role model for others and who have worked enthusiastically in and for the principality.
Badge: A white hare in flight on a background of Nordmark’s colours.
Nordmarks Sparre
Can be given to the person or those who do not live in Nordmark but who have contributed to Nordmark’s well-being.
Salladins Ring
Awarded to those who have shown unusual courtesy, consideration and chivalry.
Gyllene Bandets Orden (Golden Ribbon)
Awarded for hard and persistent work for the principality as well as a willingness to make one’s knowledge available to others.
The symbol of this order is a golden ribbon worn on one’s clothing.
LjusOrden (Light)
For those who have demonstrated skill in the arts and sciences, as well as the willingness to share their knowledge with others.
The symbol of this award is a burning candle in Nordmark’s colors of blue and black.
Vita portens Väktare (White Portal)
Given to those who have proven chivalrous, skilled in the use of weapons, and willing to teach others. This award is given to all types of fighting games approved in the principality.
The symbol of this award is a silver medallion in the shape of a gate, hanging from a black chain.
Aarnimetsä Awards
As a Barony, the Baron and Baroness of Aarnimetsä can also give out awards to the populace.
Marshlights are bourne by Aarnimetsians primarily in two forms, the ancient where on a triangular pearl lined base, small roses made of ribbon show the lights and the modern where the lights are shown as cords trimming a tablet woven band. Some have created unique variants such as a pearl emboidered hat pin, that has a piece of the tablet woven band in the center and the lights as rings surrounding it.
Harmaa virvaliekki (Grey)
Grey is given for the gray hair that serving in an office could have brought to one’s brows.
Keltainen virvaliekki (Yellow)
Yellow is for whatever reason that baronage sees fit.
Musta virvaliekki (Black)
This is given for reasons that shall remain known only to the recipient and the baronage giving the marshlight, these are quite rare as well.
Punainen virvaliekki (Red)
This is for expressive arts such as dance, singing or acting.
Purppura virvaliekki (Purple)
This is given for working even when others concentrate on having fun.
Sininen virvaliekki (Blue)
This is for all arts martial.
Valkoinen virvaliekki (White)
Thisis for conducting oneself in a truly chivalrous manner and it is quite rare.
Vihreä virvaliekki (Green)
This is for scholarly works and sciences.
Vaaleanpunainen virvaliekki (Pink)
This is for support and work for children and youth.
Hopeisen Solmun ritarikunta (meaning the order of the Silver Knot)
This is the barony’s order for artisans and scholars.
It has been a tradition that while the deed of inducting a new member is done with a letter of deeds, each recipient of the award is expected to create the token in their own art. In past these creations have varied from everything between maille jewelry and embroidery to period dance.
Katkenneen kynän ritarikunta (the Order of Broken Quill)
This has also in past been known as the fraternal order of the burnt out. The baronage invites to this order after a long service in sustaining our barony with the expectation that the order serves the baronial seat and the barony not only in the advisory role, but also as the barony’s memory.
Kultaisen mehiläisen ritarikunta (The Order of the Golden Bee)
This is the barony’s service award.
The sign of the order is a ring of five golden bees joined together in a circle or as we heralds like to say (Fieldless) Five bees conjoined in annulo heads to center Or.
Rautahirven ritarikunta (Order of Rautahirvi)
This is named after the barony’s war cry is our martial order to which the baronage can invite for merits in any activity practiced under the supervision and guidance of the marshalcy, meaning heavy combat, steel combat and all forms of archery.
The companions are given a bronze wolf’s face pendant to carry as a token of their membership.
Knight’s Crossing Awards
As a Barony, the Baronage of Knight’s Crossing can also give out awards to the populace.
The Order of the Golden Book of Knight’s Crossing
This is the highest award of the Barony of Knight’s Crossing for the practice and promotion of arts and sciences in the Barony.
The badge of the order is Gules, an open book within an orle Or.
The Order of the Silver Gauntlet of Knight’s Crossing
This is the highest award of the Knight’s Crossing Barony for exercising and promoting combat activities in the Barony.
The badge of the order is (Fieldless) In pale the lower half of a demi-wheel gules sustained by a clenched gauntlet argent.
The Order of the Wheel
This is the highest honour currently awarded by the Barony of Knight’s Crossing for service to the Barony and its residents. Hiltemar’s story will be presented at the ceremony. It is the oldest order in the barony, with the award being first documented in 1984.
The badge of this order is Quarterly gules and Or, a Wheel counterchanged
Gesellschaft der Sterne
is the fundamental distinction of the barony of Knight’s Crossing , bestowed on those who set a shining example of virtue and dedication to the barony and its residents.
The badge of this order is Per pale gules and Or, in chevron inverted five estoiles counterchanged, a mount vert.
Styringheim Awards
As a Barony, the Baronage of Styringheim can also give out awards to the populace.
Havdes Följe
Given to former Barons and Baronesses of Styringheim.
Örn
Awarded for arts and sciences, crafts or teaching
Galt
Awarded for martial arts or other physical activity
Orm
Awarded for service, contemporaneity or courtesy
Styråran
Awarded to one (possibly more) non-member of Styringheim who has proven to show good “Styring-ship” and/or willingly and often visits Styringheim.
Tjelvars Eld
Awarded to one or more new members who are new to the society, who have shed new light during the past year
Torspeisku
Awarded to a female Styring, for spreading knowledge about Styringheim, for service or for representing good “Styring-ship”.
Bysen
Awarded to a male Styring, for spreading knowledge about Styringheim, for service or for representing good “Styring-ship”.
Di sma undar jårdi
Awarded to a group, for spreading knowledge about Styringheim, for service or for representing good “Styring-ship”.
Insulae Draconis Awards
As a Principality, the Crowns of Insulae Draconis can also give out awards to the populace.
Order of Ffraid
For service
This Order’s membership have been recognised for their service to the Society and Insulae Draconis in particular, and for making our Current Middle Ages better.
Order of the Fox
For the arts of war
This Order’s membership have been recognised for their skills in some or all of the fields of armoured combat, fencing, target or combat archery and thrown weapons.
Luna
For valued contribution in a finite length of time
It sometimes happens that people come to the Isles, have a big impact while they’re here, and then leave our shores. Whether they stay for a long time, or just visit for a short while, we want to recognize the legacy of their excellent work to make our Principality better.
Order of Robin
For courtesy
This Order was named in memory of Lord Robin Bowman of Dalriada – an ever-courteous and helpful individual, and premier of this Order. Those member of this Order exemplify the courteous person of the Society, such courtesies arising at all opportunities, and to all people.
Order of Saint Hild
For teaching what you know
One of the strengths of the Society is how freely folks share their knowledge and craft. We have a lot of classes and chances to practice skills together, and many people take time and effort to improve the skills of others. This honour is for those people.
Order of the Silver Martlet
For the arts and sciences
This Order’s members are recognised for their skills in the diverse Arts and Sciences within the Society; ranging from brewing to calligraphy, from embroidery to metalwork. Skill, a willingness to assist others by teaching or other forms of assistance and courtesy of behaviour are all factors in this membership.
Order of the Sun and Chalice
For Excellence and Example
The members of this Order are unique as they are thought to exemplify all the things in the Society to which we should aspire. This includes excellence in representing their persona, ability in skills displayed, courtesy, grace and guidance to those in need.
Order of the Winged Pouch
To recognise the work children do
Our kids have a place in this game, and are welcome, and this award is to recognise those children who dig in to take part and help make the Society better, to the best of their ability.
It can be given multiple times to the same person, and the idea was that the kid would get a pouch and they could stitch wings on the pouch every time they got the award.
Order of the Sun and Pearl
For contributing to the medieval magic at events
We’ve all experienced moments at events where a person or a group creates a space, or interacts, or somehow contributes in a way that transports us back in time. This award is to recognise those individuals or groups that create the ‘medieval moments’ - whether once or consistently over time - that fully take us out of our modern lives and leave us feeling like we’re living the history we try to recreate.
Gotvik Awards
As a Barony, the Baronage of Gotvik can also give out awards to the populace.
Award of the Arrow of Saint Egon of Gotvik
General encouragement. A general local award that can be said to be equivalent to an AoA
Award of Dana the Brave of Gotvik
Those who demonstrate exemplary skills in their branch of combat (eg archery, fencing, heavy fighting) and prove to be examples of courtliness and chivalry both on and off the battlefield.
Award of the Ladle of Saint Sigerid of Gotvik
Those who repeatedly demonstrate culinary skills for the benefit of Gotvik and Gotvikare.
Order of the Pilgrims of Gotvik
For those who miss us / Those who have moved.
Award of Ragenhild the Wise of Gotvik
Those who repeatedly distinguish themselves by putting their skills to use for the benefit of Gotvik and Gotvikare. Partly through lectures but also through more concrete advice and assistance.
Award of Saint Egon’s Heart
Those who selflessly work to improve and expand the base of our common medieval game.
Order of the Silver Dolphin of Gotvik
The former baron couple is awarded an award in recognition of their work for Gotvik during their reign
Eplaheimr Awards
As a Barony, the Baronage of Eplaheimr can also give out awards to the populace.
Tuatha de Dillon
Award for youth excellence and example in behaviour. Given to reward children for setting good examples of manners and behaviour and also to commemorate Lord Dylan, who passed far too young.
Tuatha de Clogh Ogham
Award for achievement in Arts and Sciences. Given to reward children who show promise, dedication and improvement in single or multiple areas of the Arts and Sciences.
Tuatha de Cú Seirbhís
Award for youth service to the Barony and the SCA. Given to reward children who continually display willingness to help out, who make a good contribution, and can be pro-active.
Tuatha de Setanta
Award for Youth prowess in combat and arts martial. Given to children who show progress and eagerness to further their training in any combat type.
Tuatha de Craiftine
Award for youth achievement in Bardic arts and performance. Given to children who demonstrate ability and continued advancement in a Bardic art.
Tuatha de Charbahd Óir
Award for service to the Barony and the SCA. Given to those who demonstrate continued dedication and willingness to serve the Barony and the SCA in whatever capacity their skills are best suited to, and who do so with distinction.
Tuatha de Lunula
Award for achievements in the Arts. Given to those who continue to show achievement in their knowledge, skill in execution, and willingness to teach in their chosen arts.
Tuatha de Dhéise
Award for achievements in the Sciences. Given to those who continue to show achievement in their knowledge, skill in execution, and willingness to teach in their chosen sciences.
Tuatha de Lámh Airgid
Award for excellence and example in noble speech and behaviour. Given to those who, by their words and actions, bring harmony to the Barony and the SCA, with no thought of reward.
Tuatha Corn na Cogadh
Award for prowess in combat and arts martial. Given to those who demonstrate ongoing achievement and dedication to their chosen martial arts.
Tuatha de Filí
Award for achievement in bardic arts and performance. Given for excellence and achievements in entertainment, skill in execution, talent and ability in their chosen Bardic arts.
Tuatha d’Coire
Award for hospitality, care and assistance given without thought of reward, for the benefit of any. Given to those who welcome all, give of theirs so that others may have, are the first to render aid, and ensure that all feel welcome.
Tuatha d’Eala
Award for a friend to the Barony. One who does not reside within the Barony (never, or not any more), but whose actions and words have benefited the Barony greatly or those who live within it. Given also to members of the Barony who leave it’s borders.
Closed orders
Order of the Edelweiss (formerly Marguerite)
When Drachenewald was a principality of the East Kingdom, Consorts of the Principality of Drachenwald joined the order at the end of their (first) reign. Companions of this Order are styled ‘Lady/Lord of the Edelweiss’ as appropriate. Stefan Wasniewski Ste’Kolm is the only Lord of the Edelweiss. It carried an Award of Arms, if the recipient did not already hold one.
The badge of the Order is ‘(Fieldless) An edelweiss Or, seeded gules, within and conjoined to an annulet argent’.
Order of The Dragon’s Steel
From AS 32 to AS 49 (1998 to 2015, by common reckoning), this award was given to “those members of the foil, epee and schlager fighting community, who exemplify courtesy, chivalry, dedicated patronage to the arts and sciences and show continual service to local branches and the Kingdom of Drachenwald and who shall have displayed superior abilities in light weaponry”. It conveyed a Grant of Arms, and was a consulting order.
The badge of the order is ‘Or, three pine trees in fess eradicated gules, overall a dragon passant coward sable, and on a chief gules a rapier argent’. Typically members wore a braid of the Drachenwald colours, on their left sleeve.
This order was closed when the Society introduced the peerage of Mastery of Defense.