Award of Arms

Overview

The Award of Arms (AoA) is the first level of armigerous rank in the Kingdom of the Outlands and the Society for Creative Anachronism at large. It is granted by the Crown in recognition of an individual’s noteworthy participation and contributions to the Society.

Receiving an AoA entitles the bearer to the use of heraldic arms and specific forms of address and regalia. This award marks the recipient as an integrated and contributing member of the Society, no longer a newcomer, but a visible and reliable participant in the life of the kingdom.

Meaning and Significance

The AoA is generally awarded to individuals who have:

• Demonstrated consistent participation in events and activities (such as volunteering, teaching, combat, or artistry)
• Earned the respect and notice of their community
• Begun to embody the values of the Society, including courtesy, honor, and service

It is not required to have a registered device to receive an AoA, nor is it necessary to have received an AoA to register arms. However, only upon receiving an AoA (or a higher award of armigerous rank) may an individual’s registered device become arms, officially borne as a mark of rank.

Rights and Responsibilities

Recipients of an Award of Arms gain:

• The right to bear arms (heraldic device) throughout the Known World
• The right to be styled Lord, Lady, or Noble [Name]

They are also expected to:

• Represent the Society’s ideals with integrity
• Be a role model for newcomers
• Continue contributing to the Society’s growth and enrichment

Scroll Text

Standard Scroll Text

Opening Lines

Option 1

Unto all who come by these letters do We, [Crown Names], King and Queen of the Outlands, send Greetings.

Option 2

King and Queen of the Outlands send greetings to all who come by these present letters.

Main Body

Option 1

Whereas it is Our right to recognize those persons who have contributed greatly to the Society and to Our Realm,

We are minded this day to bestow upon Our loyal subject, [Recipient Name], an Award of Arms. We convey to [him/her/them] all rights of this rank, and charge that its responsibilities continue to be fulfilled.

Option 2

Whereas it has come to Our notice that through diverse great efforts [Recipient Name] has considerably enriched our realm,

it is thus Our pleasure to recognize these achievements with an Award of Arms. At this time We convey all rights and charge that the responsibilities of this rank continue to be met.

If the recipient has no registered arms, add:

It is Our will that [Lord/Lady/Noble] [Recipient Name] consult with Ourselves and Our heralds in the creation of suitable and unique Arms, that [he/she/they] might bear these Arms throughout the Known World as a sign of [his/her/their] great merit.

If the recipient has registered arms, add:

The College of Arms having approved (Blazon) for [his/her/their] sole and exclusive use, We award [Lord/Lady/Noble] [Recipient Name] the right to bear these Arms throughout the lands of the Known World as a sign of [his/her/their] great merit.

Closing

In witness whereof, We set our sign and seal on this _____ day of _____, Anno Societatis _____, being ______ Gregorian.

________ King _________ Queen

Promissory Scroll Text (for General Use or When Arms Not Yet Registered)

Option 1

______King and _________Queen of these fair Outlands send Greetings.

Whereas it is Our right to recognize those persons who have contributed greatly to the Society and to Our Realm,

We are minded this day to bestow upon Our loyal Subject, [Recipient Name], an Award of Arms. We convey all rights of this rank, and charge that its responsibilities continue to be fulfilled.

We further charge Our subject to consult with Ourselves and Our heralds in the creation of suitable and unique Arms.

Option 2

______ King and ______ Queen of the Outlands send greetings to all who come by these present letters.

Whereas it has come to Our notice that through divers great efforts [Recipient Name] has considerably enriched Our realm,

it is thus Our pleasure to recognize these achievements with an Award of Arms. At this time We convey all rights and charge that the responsibilities of this rank continue to be met.

We further charge [Recipient Name] to consult with Ourselves and Our Heralds to determine suitable and unique Arms, that [he/she/they] might bear these Arms throughout the Known World as a sign of [his/her/their] great merit.

Closing:

Done by Our Hands on this _____ day of ______, Anno Societatis _________, being ______.

_____ King _______ Queen

Related Awards

• Court Barony – Automatically conveys an AoA if the recipient does not already hold one.

See Also

• Outlands Order of Precedence (Wimble Heralds Site)
• SCA College of Arms