An Effort at SCA Etiquette in Drachenwald by Master Etienne Fevre

  For some time people have been asking me about correct etiquette for the SCA.  So with due apologies for all my following mistakes, which may after this be enshrined in the Shire mythos, here is my best effort.

  The first question usually is “How do you address someone who has a title of some nature?” and the second is “How often do people get titles in the Society?”  I shall deal with these questions first.

  Here is a list of the titles that convey an honorific in manner of address.  It’s important to remember that this is not as strict as the listing makes it seem.  Anyone to whom you have not been introduce may simply be call my Lord or my Lady without offence.  The titles are there to add pomp to courts and to aid the feel of the Society.  Don’t let them put you off.

1. Awards of Arms - The recipient is addressed as Lord or Lady followed by their first name.
2. Baron or Baroness - A Baron or Baroness is refereed to as ‘Your Excellency’ or Baron “name” or Baroness “name”.
3. Grant of Arms – Addressed as Lord or Lady followed by their name. Some kingdoms use ‘Honourable Lord’ and ‘Honourable Lady’ followed by first names or as His Lordship / Her Ladyship and you’ll find some of that used in Drachenwald. It’s neither institutionalised or prohibited so people often use which ever they like. When speaking to a GoA holder simply referring to them as Lord / Lady “name” is quire common. 
4. Patent of Arms - Only the peers of the Society hold Patents of Arms.  The peers are split into four groups, the group in which a Peer is in, determines the form of address appropriate.  These groups are; the members of the Order of the Laurel, Order of the Pelican, Order of Chivalry and lastly Royal Peers.  Members of the Order of the Pelican and Laurel are style Master “name” and Mistress “name”.  Members of the Order of Chivalry are styles Sir “name” if in Fealty to the Crown when elevated to membership of the order and thus Knights.  If they do not swear fealty to the Crown at that time they are Masters of Arms and are know as Master or Mistress “name”.  The titles Sir and Knight are used by both men and women, though one may chose to use the title Dame if they prefer.

            Royal Peers are those who have served a ceremonial heads of principalities or kingdoms.  Previous Prince / Princesses, become Vicounts and Vicountesses who are know as ‘Your Excellency’ or Viscount / Viscountess “name”.  Then come Count and Countesses, also know as Your Excellency or Count and Countess “name”.  Earl may be substituted instead of Count if the recipient prefers.  Lastly we come to Duke and Duchess.  They are known as Duke “name” or Duchess “name” or as Your Grace. Lost yet? Don’t worry, two years down the line it’ll be second nature, and you’ll know how rare it is that it actually it matters.

            Other Titles of Precedence
            There are several other titles in use in the society, most importantly for those who are currently Royalty of the Society.

1. King and Queen -  Correctly called your Majesty.
2. Prince and Princess -  Called Your Highness.

1. Titles of Custom but which are not reserved in the Society
2. These titles are used by custom in this kingdom but which they may indicate dedication in a field they are not counted on the Order of Precedence for awards.

1. Don and Donella – Used in some kingdoms to denote a holder of a senior fencing award called ‘The White Scarf’.
2. Protégé – An apprentice to a member of the Order of the Pelican. Not a reserved title.
3. Squire – An apprentice to a Knight or Master at Arms. Not a reserved title.
4. Apprentice – An apprentice to a member of the Order of the Laurel. Not a reserved title.
5. Scholar – A student to holder of Drachenwald’s top fencing award – ‘The Dragon’s Steel.’
6. Preceptor – The head of the Fencing Academy.  An office rather than a title.
7. Prefect – The top membership rank in the Fencing Academy.
8. Provost – A member of the fencing Academy between Prefect and Free Scholar.
9. Free Scholar – A member of the Fencing Academy.
10. Captain – a title of custom only. Captaincy’s are sold as a fund raiser for the Kingdom.
11. Admiral - a title of custom only. Admiralty’s are sold as a fund raiser for the Kingdom.
12. Royal Artisan – The person who won the annual Kingdom Arts and sciences competition and who entered two or more areas of craft. It’s possible for the competition to be won and for no one to have entered multiple areas of craft, in which case there is no new Royal Artisan.

There are other titles used but these are the common ones that you will encounter in this Kingdom.  Quite often you will find titles translated such as Graf for Count or Seignior as Lord etc. but it would be too long and difficult to go through all such translated titles.

Kingdom Awards
Each Kingdom has individual awards for service and skill in different areas within the Society.  Some of the awards carry Arms at either Award or Grant level.  The awards themselves give no title other than the attached Arms where included but the holding of awards does reckon on the Kingdom’s Procedure.  Holders of awards may style themselves “Name” Holder of “award name” (for instance: “Lady Catherine, Holder of the Dragon’s Tear”) or if the award is membership in an order then “name” Companion of the “Order name” (for instance: “Lord John, Companion of the Order of the Panache”).  This is, however, most uncommon.  Mostly one never hears the list of someone’s awards outside of a court or some other very formal setting, even in these settings usually only one award is mentioned.

Here is a list of the Kingdom’s awards and what they are given for, as taken from Kingdom Law with minor editing.  Also included in some is the heraldic insignia of the award.

Armigerous Kingdom Awards (Those that convey Arms)

1. Order Des Lindquistringes

This award was established to honour a former member of Drachenwald, Fahrquar Finley Fahrquarson (John Lindquist).  Presented to those people who have distinguished themselves by long and extraordinary services to the Kingdom, which apparently he had. Members of this Order shall rank equally with members of the Order of Panache and the Order of the Silver Guard.

1. Order of the Panache

Presented to those people who have distinguished themselves by long and consistent excellence in the Arts and who have also constantly made their expertise available to the various members of the Kingdom.

1. Order of the Silver Guard

Presented to those members who have distinguished themselves by chivalry and prowess at arms and service to combat forms in the kingdom.  Members of the Order shall rank equally with members of the Order des Lindquistringes and the Order of Panache.

1. The Order of the Edelweiss (formerly Marguerite)

This Order is closed (this mean that the new members may no longer be created but previous Companions of this Order still hold the title).  It was given to the consorts (member of the ruling couple who did not fight in the tournament) who had served the Principality of Drachenwald as prince/princess, before we became the Kingdom of Drachenwald. Companions of this order may be styled “Lord / Lady of the Edelweiss” as appropriate.

1. The Order of the Rose

This Order shall be bestowed upon former Consorts of Drachenwald at the end of their first reign.  Companions of this Order may be styled as “Lord or Lady of the Rose” as appropriate.

1. Order of the Dragon’s Steel

Presented to those members of the foil, epee and schlager fighting community, who exemplify courtesy, chivalry, dedicated patronage to the arts and sciences and show continual service to local branches and the Kingdom of Drachenwald.  The members of this order shall have displayed superior abilities in Fencing.
Award of this Order of the Dragon’s Steel shall confer a Grant of Arms unto the recipient.  Members of the Order will be charged with instructing and monitoring training of all light weapon fighters.
Before creating a new member of the Order, the Crown must consult with the Order.

Non-Armigerous Kingdom Awards

1. The Popular Company of Sojourners (PCS)

Presented at the discretion of the Crown to those members departing the Kingdom, who have contributed to Drachenwald.

1. The King’s Order of the Companions of Albion

The Albion is presented by the King to those of His subjects that He may deem worthy of recognition for exemplary chivalry, courtesy or service.  It is recommended that the King present this award no more than one time per reign.

The Companions of this Order shall have the right to display the regalia of the Order, which shall be a black dragon’s claw.

1. The Queen’s Order of Courtesy

The Order shall be conferred by the Queen of Drachenwald upon such people as She deems worthy, by reason of their exemplary chivalry, courtesy or service to the people of all ranks in this Kingdom and in the Society at Large.

The Queen may, if She sees fit, call upon the members of the Order to assist Her with their aid or advice in encouraging courteous behaviour, whenever She may deem this necessary.  The symbol for this award shall be an Edelweiss with a red centre to be worn on a pin or silver chain.

1. The Sigillum Coronae

This award is given by the King or Queen for service that they wish to reward.  It is recommended that each Sovereign and consort present this award no more than three times per reign.  Joint awards count as one each.

1. The Dragon’s Tear

This Award is given at the discretion of the Crown to the autocrat(s) of an extraordinarily successful event.  Members of the Kingdom may receive this Award more than once.

Recipients of this award may be styled, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tear” (or, if they have more than one, “Holder of the Dragon’s Tears”).

1. The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle

The Order of the Dragon’s Bowle is awarded at the discretion of the Crown to those who have displayed notable attention to authenticity.

1. The Order of the Dragon’s Jewel

This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary behaviour or service.

The symbol for this award will be a crystal jewel other than black suspended from a red, black and gold ribbon or cord.

1. The Order of the Dragon’s Pride

This award will be given to children (under 12 years of age) who have distinguished themselves through exemplary work in the art and sciences.

Awards of the Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis

 The Crown Principality of Insulae Draconis has its own set of awards with which to reward and encourage the members of the SCA within the Crown Principality. They are given by The Vice-regal couple to people who they feel have made a valuable contribution to the SCA in Insulae Draconis.

The order of Ffraid
This is the service award of Insulae Draconis.

The order of Excellence in Arts Martial
This award recognises skill, teaching, and or service in Martial arts in Insulae Draconis.

The order of Excellence in Arts and Sciences
This award recognises skill, teaching, and or service in art and crafts in Insulae Draconis.

The order of Excellence and Example
This award is given to those who are felt to be exemplary in their all round participation in the SCA.

Recognising People with Awards of Titles.
  In some cases it’s easy, in others less so.  Again, don’t let it bother your overly.  In most cases you will be directly introduced to the person in question and then there is no problem.  You can always ask a person what correct form of address you should use.  In general, Society members are happy to explain things and will not think you are an idiot because you had to ask: everyone started off as a new member once.

1. The King - Wears a Crown, people bow around Him a lot, usually followed around by His courtiers.
2. The Queen - Wears a Crown, people bow around Her a lot, usually followed around by Her courtiers.
3. Prince – Wears a Coronet (a smaller type of Crown).
4. Princess – Wears a Coronet (a smaller type of Crown).
5. Duke & Duchess – Wears a Ducal Coronet.  This is like a small crown often with leaves forming the upper edge.
6. Earl/Count & Countess – May wear a County Coronet.  This is again a small Crown, the top of which is embattled, i.e. it looks like battlements on top of a castle.
7. Viscount & Viscountess – Another small crown, other than that it can take any form.
8. Baron & Baroness – They also wear a small Coronet, it can take any form.
9. Masters & Mistresses of the Laurel – Most commonly wear a medallion about the neck on which a Laurel Wreath is displayed. The emblem of the Laurel wreath is reserved for use by these people, with one exception. Every Branch of the SCA has a laurel wreath on it’s heraldry.
10. Masters & Mistresses of the Pelican – wear a depiction of a Pelican piercing its breast with its beak and letting the blood feed its young (the medieval term is, “a pelican in its piety.”) Mostly it’s worn as a medallion, or embroidered on a cloak.
11. Knights – Wear a white belt and a plain unadorned chain of fealty around their necks. Often wear spurs.
12. Masters of Arms – Wear a white baldric, that is a belt going from shoulder to hip across the body. Often wear spurs.
13. .Companions of the Order of the Dragon’s Steel. – wear a braid of red, gols, and black on the left shoulder or arm.
14. Grant of Arms– No visible insignia
15. Award of Arms – No visible insignia.

Other ranks and customs

1. Don or Donella – A white scarf, worn on the left shoulder.
2. Protégé – Sometimes wear a yellow belt.
3. Squire – Usually wears a red belt.
4. Apprentice – Usually wears a green belt.
5. Prefect – Wears a gold and black brain on the left arm or shoulder.
6. Provost – Wears a black and red braid on the left arm or shoulder.
7. Free Scholar – Wears a black braid on the on left arm or shoulder.
8.       Scholar - Wears a red braid on the on left arm or shoulder.
9. Cadet – Wears a red scarf on this left shoulder if the student of a Don or Donella.

       Behaviour Around the Crown
One always stands when the King or Queen stands, though at crowded feast this is not expected.

One always bows or curtseys when the King or Queen passes.  Ladies curtsey.  If you pass the Thrones of the King and Queen, you bow or curtsey s appropriate, even when they sit empty.

On an aside, traditionally when referring to the King or Queen as He or She or Her or Your or His etc. you always capitalise the first letter (as an Your Majesty or His Majesty)

       In Court
When you are called up in a Royal Court you should stand up, divest yourself of weapons and make your way towards the Crowns.  About ten feet from the Thrones, bow or curtsey as appropriate, then walk to the cushion that is set before the Thrones and kneel.  It is worth noticing that the cushion is very nice and has the Kingdom arms on it but it is on this that you kneel. No court goes by without someone thinking that it’s too nice to be kneeler and thus they kneel on the floor to the snickering of the heralds.

       On your way back you rise and bow or curtsey then step backwards for three or four steps, bow or curtsey again and then turn and flee.  It is work noticing that if you are wearing long flowing clothes you need to make sure you don’t stand on them getting up.  Most Royalty are amused by people strangling themselves by standing on the end of their cloak and then trying to stand up but it is not an experience that you will forget in a hurry.

       Only Knights and members of the Royal Court (champions, guards, etc.) are permitted to carry weapons of war in Court.  Technically this does not apply to eating knives, etc. (the phrase weapons in the law is “weapons of war”) but in this Kingdom, it is customary not to bring any weapons into the presence of the Crown in Court.  This is something of which to be aware.  Occasionally you find someone for whom carrying many weapons is appropriate and sometimes they make a big deal of taking off their swords, divesting themselves of ninety bazillion hidden knives, etc. in front of everybody.  Most of us just quietly whip the relevant items off before we step into public view.
How Awards Are Awarded
       In general the King and Queen are the only people who can give Kingdom level Awards.  They may delegate someone else to present the award after they have officially awarded it but this is rare.

       A Prince and Princess may give Awards with the consent of the Crowns but in each case the Crown must specifically allow the award. The crown can give blanket permission for a Prince and Princess to give out kingdom awards but it’s not very common to see that done.

       The head of a Crown Principality in Drachenwald (Viceroy and Viceriene) may also give awards within their Crown Principality. These awards do not carry arms. Such awards are individual to each Crown Principality.

       Territorial Barons and Baronesses may grant Baronial awards.  These awards rank below Kingdom level awards but do count towards precedence.  Baronial awards are created by the local Barony and are individual to each Barony.

       How does one come to be awarded any of these?  Simply by coming to the attention of the Crown or relevant ceremonial head.  Usually this is by being recommended in writing to the Crown or Baron/Viceregal/Prince etc..  If someone does a lot of work for the group and is a chivalrous person and does good then that person should be recommended for an award.  If they fit into the category of one of the awards (by being very good at a particular art, or very period in their efforts, for instance), then one recommends them for appropriate awards.

       Being recommended does not mean you will get the award but it brings the ceremonial ruler’s attention to the good that has been done.  Often several recommendations are required before an award will be given.

       Who can recommend someone?  Everyone has the right to make recommendations.  It is a duty of all members to recommend the worthy.  If you think someone really deserves an award you should write to the appropriate person who can give the award in question and let them know what the person in question has done.  Simply write a letter and send it explaining whom you are recommending, what they have done to deserve it (and give as much detail as you can) and what events you expect them to attend?  There is a site on the Kingdom website, under the King and Queen’s page where all the relevant information is.

       It is work noting that there is a considerable difference in rank in some of the awards.  Generally, the three Peerages (Knights, Laurels and Pelicans) require the recomendee to be quite well-known (enough to be easily recognised by the Crown and other members of the Order, say) and truly exceptional in their field: the quickest knighthood of which I have heard in this Kingdom took some four years to achieve, for instance, and the Arts and Sciences practiced by Laurels are usually of professional quality in execution, well researched and have been employed extensively to the benefit of the Kingdom as a whole. 

       Award of Arms, on the other hand, local recommendations usually suffice and the criteria are not-specific (i.e., ground for recommendation can be anything from Arts & Science stuff such as performing at events of helping others get their garb together, to service activities such as cooking, cleaning, etc., to, well anything that shows a consistent and notable contribution to the Society.  Armigerous Kingdom awards rank above Non-Armigerous ones and are, as the descriptions above indicate, very specific.

       None of these points should discourage anyone from recommending another for an award that truly seems deserved.  Even if it is not immediately acted upon, the fact that the recommendation has been made will be noticed.  On the other hand, it is a good idea not to recommend everyone you know in one fell swoop.  At whatever level, awards are a noted and permanent form of recognition for an individual’s contribution to the Society.

       Further Points of Etiquette
       Many members of the Society carry some for of weapon when off the combat field, even if it is only an eating dagger.  There are certain important courtesies, which govern handling this.

1. Never tough another person’s weapon or knife without his or her permission. 
2. If drawing a sharp steel weapon for display, say, “Clear!” loudly enough that anyone within range can hear it.
3. If examining another person’s sharp weapon or knife, never touch the blade with your fingers (this is not good for the metal).
4. Never display an aggressive posture towards another person with a real weapon.
5. Never, ever, engage in any form of combat or mock combat with sharp steel.

       All members of the Society, unless they have deliberately taken a common persona (and this can lead to some strange results, such as “Lord Thomas the Beggar”), are assumed to be gentlefolk for which reason the address “My lord / My lady” is the usual one unless you know an actual title.  Men are referred to in general as “lords”, women as “ladies”.  If you are in a couple with someone, it is normal, regardless of any titles, to introduce him or her with the phrase, “This is my lord” or “This is my lady”, in the third person, one might refer, for instance, to “Caradoc’s lady, Beatrice” or “Beatrice’s lord, Caradoc”.

       It is customary for a lord, upon introduction to a lady, to kiss her hand.  This has no implications other than politeness in a medieval style.  Ladies who do not wish their hands to be kissed should not extend them upon introduction to a lord.

       Some people in the Society will greet other lords by clasping wrists instead of shaking hands, especially to denote fellowship of some manner, though this really is something you see more in the Kingdoms in America, or with people from them.

       It is important to remember that there is no law saying that one’s persona must reflect anything about one’s mundane person, including race or gender.  One of the more entertaining parts of this game is the chance to indulge in what interests you, not what you come from.  There are African-Americans in the Society with European personas, Scandinavian people with Oriental personas and cross-gender persons of both persuasions Most notable is Mistress Caitlin who prefers to fight as a male persona as in her time period women were very rarely warriors. Even though she’s welcome to fight as a lady in the SCA she preffered to fight in a male persona as Patrick).  All such should be respected (this is probably an unnecessary admonition in this Shire, since everyone here is pretty civilized but is work bringing up just to make sure everyone is aware of it and doesn’t automatically expect an Arabic member to have a Saracen persona or something, etc.). 

       Religion can be a tricky issue in the society. The inter faith conflicts that marred history should not be a part of one’s persona even if appropriate for your time and place of interest. The only rule we have about religion is that religious ceremonies can’t take place at a central place of an event. Other than that please be courteous and respectful of others beliefs.

Return to the front page.