Award of Arms
Award of Arms
Precedence: Award of Arms Created: Society-wide recognition, given at the discretion of the Crown Award Type: Armigerous (confers rank and right to bear arms) Bestowed by: The Crown of the Outlands Scroll Text Variants: See “Scribal Information” below
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 (SCA) 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
Achievement of Arms
Upon receiving an Award of Arms, an individual may display an Achievement of Arms, which consists of their heraldic shield alone, without helm, crest, or mantling.
Scribal Information and Scroll Text
The text used for Award of Arms scrolls can vary based on whether the award is final or promissory (i.e., whether the recipient has registered arms).
Standard Scroll Text (Personalized, with Monarchs Named)
Opening Lines (choose one):
- Unto all who come by these letters do We, [Crown Names], King and Queen of the Outlands, send Greetings.
- King and Queen of the Outlands send greetings to all who come by these present letters.
Main Body (choose one version):
Version 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.
Version 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] day of [Month], Anno Societatis [A.S. Year], being [Gregorian Year].
__________ King __________ Queen __________ White Stag Principal Herald
Promissory Scroll Text (for General Use or When Arms Not Yet Registered)
Version 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.
Version 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] day of [Month], Anno Societatis [A.S. Year], being [Gregorian Year].
__________ King __________ Queen
Related Awards
- Grant of Arms – The next tier of armigerous rank, usually granted alongside specific Orders or peerage tracks.
- Court Barony – Automatically conveys an AoA if the recipient does not already hold one.
- AoA-Conveying Orders in the Outlands – Such as the Sable Hound (service), the Sable Compass (arts), and others.