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== Court Barony ==

A '''Court Barony''' is a noble title bestowed by the Crown of a kingdom within the [[SCA]] in recognition of exemplary service to the Kingdom. Unlike territorial baronies, Court Baronies are purely honorific and not tied to geographic lands.

=== Purpose and Recognition ===
Court Baronies are most commonly granted:
* To individuals stepping down as a Territorial Baron or Baroness,
* For long-standing and exceptional service to the Kingdom,
* As a mark of distinction and honor within the Society.

This award may be given:
* With an [[Award of Arms]] if the recipient does not already have one, or
* In conjunction with a [[Grant of Arms]], depending on the Crown’s will.

Those awarded a Court Barony are entitled to the style '''His/Her/Their Excellency''' and the title '''Baron''' or '''Baroness'''.

=== Precedence ===
A Court Barony carries the precedence of a '''Grant of Arms''' if one is issued. If not, it retains the precedence of an '''Award of Arms'''.

=== Insignia and Heraldry ===
In heraldic achievements:
* '''Court Barony (with GoA)''': Represented by a gold circlet bearing six white pearls (four visible). If the recipient has the right to display a helm, it may replace the torse.
* '''Court Barony (with AoA only)''': Same circlet, but no helm unless the individual is otherwise entitled.

=== Scroll Texts ===
The following are sample texts used in the Kingdom of the [[Outlands]] for awarding a Court Barony:

==== Scroll Text: Version 1 (For a retiring Territorial Baron/Baroness) ====

<blockquote>
Unto all good people of the Known World,

'''{{King}}''' and '''{{Queen}}''', King and Queen of the Outlands send Greetings.

Whereas '''{{Recipient}}''' has served Us and Our beloved lands for many long years by {{his/her/their}} deeds and has offered good and sage advice,

We do create {{him/her/them}} a {{Baron/Baroness}} of Our Court and accord {{His/Her/Their}} Excellency {{Baron/Baroness}} '''{{Recipient}}''' the acclaim and praise of which {{he/she/they}} is so worthy. {{We hereby affirm {{his/her/their}} right to bear the following Arms: '''(BLAZON)''', previously approved by the College of Arms.}} This day, We return unto {{him/her/them}} a portion of the great honour which {{his/her/their}} works have brought to {{his/her/their}} Barony of '''{{Barony Name}}''' and the Outlands.

In witness whereof, We set Our hands this '''{{Date}}''' day of '''{{Month}}''', in the '''{{Society Year}}''' year of the Society, being '''{{Gregorian Year}}''' Gregorian.

'''{{King’s Name}}'''  
King

'''{{Queen’s Name}}'''  
Queen

I, '''White Stag Principal Herald''', do attest by my signature that this document bears true Arms.

'''White Stag Principal Herald'''
</blockquote>

==== Scroll Text: Version 2 (For general service recipients) ====

<blockquote>
Pay heed to the words of

'''{{King}}''', by Right of Arms King of the Outlands, and '''{{Queen}}''', by Grace and Courtesy Queen of the Outlands.

Let it be known unto all that in consideration of the good and faithful services rendered to Our kingdom by Our subject, '''{{Recipient}}''',

it is Our intent to confer great honor upon {{him/her/them}} this day by creating {{him/her/them}} as a {{Baron/Baroness}} of the Court of the Outlands, and in all other lands as well. We confer to {{His/Her/Their}} Excellency {{Baron/Baroness}} '''{{Recipient}}''' all rights and privileges pertaining thereunto, including the acclaim and praise of which {{he/she/they}} is so worthy. {{We hereby affirm {{his/her/their}} right to bear the following Arms: '''(BLAZON)''', previously approved by the College of Arms.}}

In testimony whereof, We have set Our hands on this '''{{Date}}''' day of '''{{Month}}''', in the '''{{Society Year}}''' year of the Society, being '''{{Gregorian Year}}''' by the Gregorian calendar.

'''{{King’s Name}}'''  
King

'''{{Queen’s Name}}'''  
Queen

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the Arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to '''{{Recipient}}'''.

'''White Stag Principal Herald'''
</blockquote>

'''Note''': If no Arms are included in the scroll, the White Stag Herald’s attestation may be omitted.  
If a Grant of Arms is included, replace the armory line with:  
<blockquote>
''We do this day confer unto {{him/her/them}}, by Grant of Arms, sole right and title to the following Arms: '''(BLAZON)''', that all might know of the high esteem in which We hold {{him/her/them}}.''
</blockquote>

=== See Also ===
* [[Award of Arms]]
* [[Grant of Arms]]

=== External Links ===
* [https://wimble.outlandsheralds.org Wimble Heralds – Outlands Awards Site]

[[Category: Awards]]