Peerage

Overview

In the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), the peerages are the highest-level awards granted by the Crown. They recognize not only exceptional skill or achievement in a particular discipline, but also the personal qualities expected of a peer: courtesy, honor, generosity, teaching, and service to the community. Peers are widely respected and are looked to as leaders and exemplars within the Society.

While the specific customs of each peerage may vary by kingdom, peerages are recognized across all kingdoms of the SCA. A peer made in one kingdom is acknowledged as a peer throughout the Society.

Qualifications

Peerage is not awarded for skill alone. In addition to demonstrated excellence or mastery in a field, peers are expected to:

Act with courtesy and respect toward others

Freely share their knowledge through teaching and mentorship

Contribute meaningfully to the life of the kingdom and the Society

Uphold the ideals and values of the SCA in word and deed

There is no fixed checklist for becoming a peer. Each peerage order meets regularly with the Crown to discuss the needs of the kingdom and to consider individuals whose conduct and accomplishments reflect these ideals.

The Peerage Orders

The SCA currently recognizes several peerage-level orders. Most are focused on mastery in a particular discipline, while others recognize service through royalty.

Order of the Chivalry

The Order of the Chivalry recognizes excellence in armored combat, as well as the consistent display of courtesy, grace, and chivalric behavior. It consists of two equal ranks:

Knights

Swear fealty to the Crown during their elevation

Regalia: a white belt and an unadorned chain (often gold)

Form of address: Sir (Name) or, for some women, Dame (Name)

Masters of Arms

Equal in rank to Knights

May choose whether or not to swear fealty to the Crown

Regalia: a white baldric worn diagonally from shoulder to hip

Form of address: Master (Name) or Mistress (Name)

Order of the Laurel

The Order of the Laurel recognizes mastery in the Arts and Sciences, including research, craftsmanship, and the teaching of others. Laurels are expected to actively share their knowledge and use their skills to benefit the kingdom.

Form of address: Master (Name) or Mistress (Name)

Regalia: a laurel wreath, worn about the head or displayed on clothing or regalia

Order of the Pelican

The Order of the Pelican honors exceptional service to the kingdom or the Society, typically over many years and often without expectation of recognition. Pelicans are known for sustained dedication and selfless service.

Form of address: Master (Name) or Mistress (Name)

Regalia: a pelican in her piety (vulning herself to feed her young), and a Cap of Maintenance (red, trimmed with ermine or with white/red drops)

Order of Defense

The Order of Defense recognizes mastery in rapier and/or cut-and-thrust combat, along with chivalric conduct, teaching, and service. Members exemplify courtesy, control, and grace on and off the field.

Form of address: Master (Name) or Mistress (Name)

Regalia: a white livery collar

Badge: three rapiers in pall inverted, tips crossed (tinctureless)

Order of the Mark

The Order of the Mark recognizes excellence and leadership in ranged martial pursuits, including target archery, combat archery, siege weaponry, and thrown weapons. Members are honored not only for prowess, but also for teaching and service beyond normal expectations.

Form of address: Master (Name) or Mistress (Name)

Regalia: two white vambraces or bracers

Badge: a set of nesting scale weights within and conjoined to a mascle fleury at the upper point (tinctureless)

Elevations to this peerage began on June 7, 2025

Royal Peerage: The Order of the Rose

In many kingdoms, including the Outlands, the Order of the Rose is recognized as a peerage-level award. Members of the Order of the Rose are those who have served their kingdom by reigning as Queen or Consort.

Regalia: a wreath of roses (any color)

Recognition: the Order of the Rose is recognized across the kingdoms of the SCA

Peerage in the Outlands

In the Kingdom of the Outlands, peers play a vital role in advising the Crown, mentoring members of the populace, and shaping the culture of the kingdom. Each peerage order meets to discuss matters relevant to its discipline and to provide counsel to the Crown when requested.

Peers are expected to model the values of the Outlands and the Society as a whole, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment while maintaining high standards of conduct and excellence.