AWARDS
Help for Writing Award Recommendations
About awards
The Giving and Receiving of Awards by Baron Malcolm Alberic.
This is an brilliant explanation of the SCA awards. A must read for all SCAdians.
Orders, Awards, and Honours in the Society
The Society for Creative Anachronism is a volunteer organization and as such depends solely on the involvement of its members. In order to recognize members’ skill and service, a system of awards has evolved to show appreciation for their contribution to the dream. Awards and titles in the SCA are earned on merit and bestowed as a result of recommendations by other members.
There are Kingdom level awards and local (in this case, Baronial) awards.
The Kingdom level awards have 3 major divisions of awards:
Martial arts activities,
Arts & Sciences, and
Service.
Within each of those divisions there are 5 major levels of awards; those are:
Non-armigerous level,
Armigerous level,
Grant level,
Patent level and
A special Honours category.
Follow this link for a table listing of the Kingdom of Caid Awards*. 3 levels of the awards come with a title.
When the award is bestowed, a title and the honors that go with it are also bestowed. These are typically:
Armigerous level = Lord/Lady/Noble,
Grant level = Honorable Lord/Lady/Noble,
Patent level = Master/Mistress.
A list of alternate titles by culture, language and gender can be found in the SCA College of Herald’s List of Alternate Titles*
Our Baronial level awards have the same 3 major divisions of awards Martial Arts activities, Arts & Sciences, and Service. There also awards for Courtesy and Ambassadorship as well as one specifically for the Youth. All Baronial awards are non-armigerous. The Barony of Starkhafn awards are Order of the Stjarna [Star] of Starkhafn (for Arts & Sciences), Order of the Steinn [Stone] of Starkhafn (for service), Order of the Fjöđr [Feather] of Starkhafn (for Archery & Martial Arts other than armored), Ulftönn [Wolf’s Tooth] (for Armored Combat), Order of the Eldr ok Hjarta [Heart of Fire] (for Rapier), Order of the Nightshade [Desert Bloom] of Starkhafn (for selflessness, chivalry, and honor), Order of the Bearer of the Flame of Starkhafn (Ambassador) and Order of the Sparkes of Starkhafn (for Youths).
The Barony of Starkhafn also has 5 Polling Orders in which members are chosen for inclusion by a polling of the other members of the particular order. These are The Order of the Flame (Service), The Order of the Commanders/Perpetual of Flame of Starkhafn (Continued Service), The Order of the Defender of the Flame (Armored Combat, Rapier Combat, Combat Archery & Siege), The Order of the Rangers of the Flame (Archery & Thrown Weapons) and The Order of the Illumination of Starkhafn (Arts & Sciences).
Anyone can make a recommendation for someone they believe is worthy of an award or title. This is true for both the Kingdom level and local level of awards. To recommend someone for a Kingdom level award, use this convenient Caid online award submission form. If you submit someone from the Barony, please CC the Baron and Baroness.
To recommend someone for a Starkhafn Baronial award, fill out the handy, dandy Starkhafn Award Recommendation Form or e-mail the Baron and Baroness and/or the Seneschal.
The SCA basis its societal structure on that of the Middle Ages and this is utilized to its full extent during the pomp and spectacle of a procession which may take place at certain events. Each member’s awards and titles are used to determine each subject’s order in the procession. This “Order of Precedence” which is maintained by the Kingdom gives the member’s place in the procession, if everyone (not likely to happen, but would be amazing!) in the kingdom were to process at one time. This is also an excellent place to view a listing of each subject of the realm’s awards which is most helpful when writing award recommendations. You can view the 3 different versions of the Kingdom of Caid Order of Precedence here. If you are writing awards recommendations, please note the supplement OP as this will list awards given recently that may not yet have been added to complete Order of Precedence.
Starkhafn’s Baronial Awards
Arts & Sciences
Order of the Stjarna of Starkhafn (Star) Wiki *
Like the stars, here in Starkhafn and throughout the Knowne World, our arts and sciences create the backdrop and the scenery in which we live out the Dream. And, like the stars, the creations of these artists are for all to see, making all of our lives richer. It is in recognition of the importance of those who excel in the skills, creation and teaching of arts and sciences that the Order of the Star of Starkhafn was created.
The device is a green star dependant from a cord; with subsequent awards being signified by the addition of green beads upon the dependant cord, one for each subsequent awarding.
Service
Order of the Steinn of Starkhafn (Stone) Wiki *
A stronghold cannot long stand when its base is placed on sand. A mighty structure can only be built upon the most solid of stone. Like such a stronghold, the Barony would soon founder and sink into the sands were it not for the efforts of those who give of themselves so that the Dream can be realized by all. It is in recognition of the importance of those who give willingly of their time, skills and efforts that the Order of the Stone of Starkhafn was created.
The device is a yellow stone dependent from a cord; with subsequent awards being signified by the addition of yellow beads upon the dependant cord, one for each subsequent awarding.
Archery, Rapier & other Martial Forms
Order of the Fjöđr of Starkhafn (Feather) Wiki *
The strength of a Barony depends upon the presence and vitality of several martial forms beyond that of armored combat. Skill and dedication in mastering these forms and in teaching them to others not only increases the variety and beauty within this Barony, it also fosters the health of these lands, helping raise us all as the feathers, collectively, lift the eagle. It is in recognition of the importance of those who excel in the practice and teaching of these forms that the Order of the Feather of Starkhafn was created, and shall only be granted once an event to that person whose efforts in this area have brought them to the forefront.
The device shall be a feather dependent from a cord, with second and subsequent awards to the same recipient being signified by the addition of red beads onto the cord, one for each subsequent reception of this honour.
Armored Combat
Order of the Ulftönn of Starkhafn (Wolf’s Tooth) Wiki *
The wolf is known for its ferocity, its skill in the hunt, and its loyalty to its pack. Like the wolves of the wild, sometimes one of our numbers is distinguished for their bravery, skill at arms, and the protection offered to the populace of the Barony. Thus was created the Order of the Wolf’s Tooth of Starkhafn. It is only awarded to a single warrior at any event in recognition for paramount ability, courage and service in the area of armored combat.
The token of this order shall be a white wolf’s tooth dependent from a cord, with subsequent awards being signified by the addition of white beads onto the cord, one for each reception of this honour.
Rapier Comabt
Order of the Eldr ok Hjarta of Starkhafn (Heart Flame) Wiki *
Order of the Hjärta Bruni (Heart Fire) of Starkhafn is an award bestowed by the Baronage of Starkhafn. The Hjärta Bruni is awarded to those individuals who have shown exceptional skill in the Art of Rapier and have endeavored to share that skill by teaching others.
The token is a heart of blue and white chequey.
Courtesy
Order of the Nightshade of Starkhafn [formerly Desert Bloom] Wiki *
In the depths of each of us burns the desire to be chivalrous and kind to others, to lend a hand without being asked. This is a belief that binds us all: fighters, artisans, peers and non-peers alike. Now and again, a person stands out, giving of himself or herself in a manner far beyond that which is expected. Such a person brings honor to our Barony and Kingdom. Thus in recognition of such acts of selflessness, chivalry, and honor was created the Order of the Desert Bloom.
The device shall be a five-petaled flower, dependant from a sable cord, with second and subsequent awards to the same recipient signified by the addition of beads in the Baronial colors, one for each subsequent awarding.
Order of the Bearer of the Flame of Starkhafn [formerly Ambassador of Courtesy] Wiki *
There are some among us who take special efforts to share the unique spirit of Starkhafn with others within the Known World, whether it is through bringing visitors to our oasis in the desert and sharing our famed hospitality with them, or through visiting other lands and bringing Starkhafn to them. It is through these efforts that our word fame grows with our size and strength. In recognition of the service these members of our populace do for the Barony, the Order of the Bearer of the Flame of Starkhafn was created.
Those recognized with this award shall be granted a ribbon in the Colours of the Barony (Argent, Sable, and Azure) and shall be granted the honorary position of Ambassadors of the Courtesy of Starkhafn.
Youth Award
Order of the Sparkes of Starkhafn Wiki *
Our children represent the hope and promises of the barony. In their actions we see reflected our own endeavors, behavior and demeanor. When one of tender years shows special promise and enthusiasm, it brings honour and joy to the barony, and is especially worthy of the notice of the Baron and Baroness. Thus was created the Order of the Sparkes of Starkhafn, to recognize those youths who have displayed outstanding effort beyond their years. The symbol of the Order is a spark covered field; for as a spark can ignite a great fire, so will such children kindle the productive flames of tomorrow’s barony and society.
Starkhafn’s Polling Orders
These awards are bestowed by the Baron and Baroness based on recommendations from members of the different Orders.
Members of the Orders are polled at Starkhafn Yule, in consultation with Their Excellencies, for the purpose of determining such individuals as may be worthy.
New members of the Orders are traditionally elevated at Starkhafn Anniversary.
Order of the Flame of Starkhafn (Service) Wiki*
This is the oldest of Starkhafn’s polling orders, and recognizes superior service to the Barony over a span of years.
Order of the Commanders of the Flame of Starkhafn [Augmented Flame] (Continued Service) Wiki*
This is awarded to members of the Order of the Flame who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service and dedication to the Barony. This Order was formally known as Augmented Flame of Starkhafn.
Order of the Defenders of the Flame (Martial Arts) Wiki*
The Defenders are those who have brought honor to themselves and the Barony through continued excellence in one or more martial arts.
Order of the Rangers of the Flame (Ranged Weapons) Wiki*
The Rangers are those who have brought honour to the Barony through their skill in Ranged Weapons and have shared their knowledge in promotion of the art.
Order of Saint Illuminatus (Arts and Sciences) Wiki*
Members of the Illumination have demonstrated excellence in a particular art or scientific endeavor, which shall be named at the bestowing of the award. Additionally, Members of the Illumination have brought honor to themselves and the Barony through teaching, mentoring, and sharing that art or science with others. This Order was formally known as the Illumination of Starkhafn.