Glossary

Anno Societatis: Latin for “in the Year of the Society”. The way of counting years in the SCA.

Arms: Heraldic imagery used to identify and distinguish oneself. Often thought of as a "coat of arms" or "crest".

A&S (Arts & Sciences): The creative and scholarly pursuits within the SCA, including crafts, music, cooking, research, and performance.

Autocrat: Another term for an event steward. The lead event planner of large-scale events.

Award: A form of recognition given by the Crown or local nobles. Awards may recognize service, skill, or excellence in various fields.

Award of Arms (AoA): A foundational award bestowed by the Crown that grants the recipient the right to bear arms and the title of “Lord” or “Lady.”

Baron/Baroness: The leader of a Barony.

Barony: A large local group within the Outlands, presided over by a Baron and/or Baroness as ceremonial representatives of the Crown.

Battlemoor: A large, war-like camping event traditionally held during the summer.

Belt: The achievement of peerage or being a student to a peer is often indicated by a belt in a specific color. Chiv: White, Squire: Red, Pelican Protege: Yellow, Laurel Protege: Green.

Brag Rag: A piece of fabric worn on one's person with site tokens, medallions, or other decorations to indicate their experience and achievements.

Canton: A smaller branch that functions as part of a barony.

Chiv / Chivalry: Short for the Order of Chivalry, a peerage recognizing prowess and leadership on the armored combat field. Its members are commonly called Knights or Masters-at-Arms.

Chatelaine: An officer role responsible for recruiting and cultivating the experience of newcomers.

Crown: The King and Queen of the Outlands, chosen by right of combat in Crown Tournament. Sometimes nicknamed the Pointy Hat or Shiny Hat.

Crown Tournament: The biannual tournament where fighters compete to determine who will become the next Crown of the Outlands.

Don / Doña: A title used in the Outlands (and some other kingdoms) for members of the White Scarf, an order recognizing excellence in rapier combat and teaching.

Dry Site: An event site where alcohol is not permitted.

Elevation: The ceremony in which someone is inducted to a peerage.

Exchequer: The treasurer of a group.

Exile: Imposed by a Crown. The restriction of a person from participating in a certain kingdom during the reign of the Crown who ordered the exile.

Gate: Where one checks in or pays for an event.

Great Officers of State: The kingdom officers who oversee administration across the Outlands, such as the Seneschal, Exchequer, and Herald.

Hafla: A Middle Eastern–style celebration often featuring drumming, dance, food, and fellowship.

Heavy: The term used for armored fighting or rattan fighting in the Outlands.

Knight: One who has achieved peerage in the Order of Chivalry.

Mark: One who has achieved peerage in the Order of the Mark, a peerage recognizing proficiency with ranged weapons.

MoD: Standing for "Master of Defense", one who has achieved peerage in the art of defense using rapier weaponry.

Mundane: A descriptor used to describe things outside of the society in ordinary life.

Peerage Orders: The highest levels of recognition within the SCA. In the Outlands these include the Chivalry, Laurel, Pelican, and Order of Defense.

Pelican: One who has achieved peerage in the Order of the Pelican, an order of service and volunteering.

Premier: The first recipient of a particular award or order.

Principality: A segment of a kingdom; the Outlands itself was a principality of Atenveldt before becoming a kingdom in 1986.

Protege: The student of a Pelican or Laurel.

Rattan: The material weapons are made from in heavy fighting.

R&D: Shorthand for "Revocation and Denial". The administrative process by which someone is banned from participating in the SCA.

Revel: A social gathering, feast, or party, often following a day of tournaments or classes.

Seneschal: The administrative lead of a group whether that be society, kingdom, or locally.

Shire: A local group within the kingdom that is not part of a barony.

Squire: A student of a knight, often marked with a red belt, who is training in combat and service while learning the ideals of chivalry.

Stag: The primary heraldic symbol of the Outlands. The stag often appears on regalia, awards, and kingdom arms. Stag may also refer to the award by the same name.

Stags' Con: A kingdom event where officers and local representatives gather for meetings and training.

TRP: Shorthand for "Temporary Removal from Play". An administrative process by which someone is temporarily restricted from participating in the SCA.

Ursa Porta: The slogan of the Bears Gate household. Often heard during court when one of their members is recognized.

Vigil: The ceremony held by an upcoming peer to contemplate their offer to join a peerage.

War: A large-scale SCA event focused on battles between kingdoms, principalities, or baronies, often accompanied by classes, courts, and revels.

Ward: A child or youth within the SCA, particularly in Outlands context where youth activities are emphasized.

Wet Site: An event site where alcohol is permitted.