Etcetera - The Kingdom of Ansteorra,
and the Principality of Vindheim

In A.S. XII, Ansteorra was created as a principality of Atenveldt. It became the seventh kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism in A.S. XIV.

The arms of the kingdom are Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable within a laurel wreath vert, in chief a crown of three points, all within a tressure sable, overall issuant from base a demi-sun gules. Many of the awards' insignias and badges incorporate the kingdom colors of gold and black, and the main charge of the kingdom's arms, known as an Ansteorran Star.

Patents of Arms

Grants of Arms

Grants of Arms are also given to companions of the following orders, if they do not already have a Grant or Patent of Arms:

Order of the Star of Merit: given to those who have served the kingdom well and faithfully, above that which is normally expected, and who have displayed a consistent respect for the laws of the kingdom. Companions of the order are entitled to place the initials CSM after their names, and to wear above their left elbow (or below their right knee) a gold or yellow garter edged with black and charged with the Star of Ansteorra. The badge of the order is: Argent, on a fess Or fimbriated a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable.

Order of the Iris of Merit: given to those who have consistently shown outstanding work in the arts and sciences, well above that which is expected, and who have displayed a consistent respect for the laws of the kingdom. Companions of the order are entitled to place the initials CIM after their names, and to wear on their left shoulder a ribbon tinctured as a rainbow in spectrum. The badge of the order is: Or, a mullet of five greater and give lesser points sable surmounted by a natural rainbow proper.

Order of the Blade of Merit: given to those who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating exceptional skill, leadership, and honor on the rapier field, and who have shown a consistent respect for the laws and customs of Ansteorra. Companions of the Order shall be entitled to place the initials CBM after their names and to wear a ribbon of five equal width stripes of sable, Or, gules, Or, and sable, worn above the left elbow or below the right knee. The badge of the Order is Sable, on a pale gules fimbriated, a rapier inverted Or.

Order of the Centurions of the Sable Star: given, in consultation with members of the order, for exceptional leadership, skill, and honor in chivalric combat, for service to the kingdom and its people, knowledge of the courtly graces, and obedience to the laws and ideals of the kingdom and the Society. Companions of the order are entitled to place the initials CSS or the word "Centurian" after their names, to be addressed with the title "Centurian", and to wear, either on the calf or above the elbow, a ribbon Or edged gules charged with a sable Ansteorran star. (Companions who joined the order prior to September 2002 may choose to wear the original ribbon sable edged Or charged with an Or Ansteorran Star.) The badge of the order is: (fieldless) on an eagle displayed Or a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable.

Order of the Arc d'Or: given, in consultation with the order, for exceptional skill with missile weaponry, including archery, thrown weapons, and siege engines, on the target or martial fields. It also recognizes service to the kingdom and its people, excellence in the promotion of the art of missile weaponry, knowledge of the courtly graces, and obedience to the laws and ideals of the kingdom and the Society. Companions of the order are entitled to place the letters CAO after their names, and to wear a ribbon of five equal-width stripes of argent, sable, Or, sable, and argent, on the calf or above the elbow. They may also wear a white archers' armguard charged with an Ansteorran star inside the left or right forearm. The badge of the order is Sable, on a fess argent a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, overall two bows addorsed Or. Originally created as the Order of the Arcus Majoris.

Order of the Golden Lance: given, in consultation with members of the order, for exceptional skill, leadership, and honor on the equestrian field, for service to the kingdom and its people, knowledge of the courtly graces, and consistent respect for the laws and customs of the kingdom. Companions of the order are entitled to place the initials CGL after their names, to be addressed with the title "Lancer", and to wear a ribbon sable edged Or charged with a lance Or on either the calf or above the elbow. They may display on their tournament lances a pennon bearing the badge of the order: (fieldless) on a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, a lance Or.

Awards of Arms

Awards of Arms may be given at the pleasure of the Crown, or in conjunction with the following awards:

Order of the Sable Garland: This order was created to honor the qualities and strengths of individual members of the Chivalry. Members of this Order shall have served and promoted the honor and spirit of Ansteorra within its borders and beyond. They shall have been a vital part of the fabric of Ansteorra through service, council, knowledge, and shared knowledge. They shall have used all talents and means to preserve and protect the Kingdom, the Crown, and the standards and ideals of their oaths. Each candidate shall be patroned by a Companion of the Order of the Rose, and the award scrolls are signed by the Consort alone. The Order serves, upon request, as escorts to the incoming Consort at Coronation, and shall be available as council and support. Members of the order are known as Knights or Masters of the Sable Garland, and wear a black cloak with a gold border, on which is a garland of five-petaled heraldic roses, slipped and leaved sable. The cloak shall have the Ansteorran Consort's Rose (a rose sable charged with a rose Or, thereon a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable) positioned over the heart.

Sovereign's Gauntlet: given by the Sovereign to those who have served them well and faithfully, above and beyond what is normally expected of a citizen of Ansteorra. Holders of the Sovereign's Gauntlet are entitled to carry a leather or cloth gauntlet bearing an Ansteorran Star and the Sovereign's personal cypher.

Consort's Glove: given by the Consort to those who have served them well and faithfully, above and beyond what is normally expected of a citizen of Ansteorra. Holders of the Consort's Glove are entitled to carry a glove bearing: A rose sable charged with a rose Or, thereon a mullet of five greater and five lesser points Sable and the Consort's personal cipher.

(The above two awards may be received by an individual more than once, in different reigns and/or from different rulers.)

Sable Thistle: given by the Crown to those who have shown outstanding work in any field of the arts and sciences. This award can be received more than once for expertise in different fields. Recipients are entitled to be styled as "Holder of the Sable Thistle for" the field(s) for which they received the award, and to wear a medallion or pin bearing the badge of the award: (Fieldless) A blue thistle sable, slipped and leaved Or.

Sable Talon: given by the Crown to those who have striven greatly to further their skill level and capability in any recognized marshal activity, who have positively influenced others in those fields, and who lead by example when on and off the field of endeavor. This award can be received once for each of the fields. The badge of the award is: (Fieldless) An eagle's leg erased, a la quise sable.

Sable Crane: given for outstanding service to the kingdom. The award's badge is: Or, a crane in its vigilance sable, armed, orbed, membered, crested, and throated Or, fimbriated sable, bearing in its dexter claw a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable.

Sable Comet: given to those who have served a shire, or other non-baronial branch above and beyond what is expected of them. They shall have consistently displayed an understanding and respect for the traditions, laws, and customs of Ansteorra and the SCA. The award may be received more than once, for service to different branches. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a medallion or pin bearing the award's badge: (Fieldless) a comet headed of a mullet of five greater and five lesser points fesswise reversed sable.

Compass Rose: given to those who have done exceptional work with the children of Ansteorra, and/or the Ministry of Children. The award's badge is: Per chevron Or and gules, a compass rose sable.

Each barony is permitted by the Crown to have a single active service order that confers an Award of Arms to the recipients. The order must first consult with the Crown.

Sodality of the Sentinels:	Barony of Stargate
Order of the Oak:	Barony of the Steppes
Order of the Firebrand:	Barony of Bjornsborg
Order of the Silent Trumpet:	Barony Bordermarch
Order of the Dreigiau Bryn:	Barony of Bryn Gwlad
Order of the Heart of the Sable Storm:	Barony of Namron
Order des Cotes Anciennes:	Barony of Eldern Hills
Order of the Raven's Wings:	Barony of Raven's Fort
Order of the Azure Keystone:	Barony of Elfsea
Order of the Lanternarius:	Barony of Wiesenfeuer
Order of the Serpent's Toils:	Barony of Loch Soilleir
Order of the Western Cross:	Barony of Bonwicke
Order of the Lion's Paw of Kenmare:	Barony of Northkeep

Non-armigerous awards

Order of the White Scarf of Ansteorra: given, in consultation with members of the order, to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and chivalry in combat with weapons of the duello, service to the kingdom and its people, knowledge of the courtly graces, and obedience to the laws and ideals of the kingdom and the Society. Companions of the order are entitled to place the initials WSA after their names, and to wear a white scarf about the left shoulder or tied above the left elbow. The order's badge is: Sable, on a pale argent between two rapiers, guards to center, proper, in chief a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable.

Sable Falcon: given by the Sovereign to those who have striven greatly to further their skill and capabilities in heavy weapons combat, who are involved in arts and basic heraldry, display courtly graces and manners, and chivalrous conduct on and off the field. The insignia is a silken intertwined black and gold cord, tied to a brass ring and worn on the belt.

Consort's Rapier: given by the Consort to those who have striven to further their skill and capabilities in Rapier combat, the arts and basic heraldry. They shall also be examplars of courtly graces and manners, and chivalrous conduct on and off the field. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a silken intertwined white and red cord.

Sovereign's Archer: given to those who have striven to further their skill and capabilities in combat and/or target archery, the arts and basic heraldry. They shall be exemplars of courtly graces, manners, and chivalrous conduct on and off the field. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a silken intertwined green and black cord, hung from a brass ring.

Golden Bridle: given to those who have stiven to further both their skill on the Equestrian field and the Equestrian arts, and who are examplars of courtly graces, manners, and chivalrous conduct on and off the field. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a silken intertwined green, white and gold cord, tied to a brass ring and worn on the belt.

Golden Star of Ansteorra: given to those who have served faithfully in attendance to the Crown for the duration of their reign. This award may be received from more than one monarch. Each Crown chooses a unique token to bestow, bearing their initials or other personal mark.

Sable Flur of Ansteorra: given to those who have greatly impressed the Crown with a singular act of extraordinary artistry, or for general overall excellence in the arts and sciences. This award can be received more than once. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a green and white braided cord tied to a metal ring worn on the belt.

Sable Sparrow of Ansteorra: given to those who have greatly impressed the Crown with a singular act of extraordinary service. This award can be received more than once. Holders of the award are entitled to wear a black, red, and gold braided cord tied to a metal ring worn on the belt.

Rising Star of Ansteorra: given to those under the age of eighteen who have made contributions of worth by works, service, or example to the kingdom. The badge of the order is Or a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable overall a point issuant from base gules.

Aquila Aurea of Ansteorra: given to those under the age of 18 who have made contributions of worth in a martial endeavor, but whose age precludes receiving an armigerous award. It is intended as a secondary award to be received after a Rising Star. The badge of the award is (Fieldless) On a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable an eagle's head Or.

Lilium Aureum of Ansteorra: given to those under the age of 18 who have made contributions of worth in the arts and sciences, but whose age precludes receiving an armigerous award. It is intended as a secondary award to be received after a Rising Star. The badge of the award is (Fieldless) On a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable a fleur-de-lis Or.

Lyra Aurea of Ansteorra: given to those under the age of 18 who have made contributions of worth through service, but whose age precludes receiving an armigerous award. It is intended as a secondary award to be received after a Rising Star. The badge of the award is (Fieldless) On a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable a lyre Or.

Amicita of Ansteorra: given to subjects of foreign lands who have distinguished themselves through great service and friendship to the Kingdom. The badge of the award is (Fieldless) On a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable a foi Or. This award may be received more than once.

Order of the Lions of Ansteorra: given, a maximum of once per reign, to that person whom the Crown consider to contribute most to the ideals and milieu of the Society, and who serves as an inspiration to others. Companions may place after their names "Lion of Ansteorra, Defender of the Dream", and are entitled to wear the badge: Or, a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, overall a lion rampant argent. If noble, they may use a lion argent or a lion ermine as one of their armorial supporters.

Order of the Rose: given to those who have served the kingdom as consort. Ansteorra is was the first kingdom to have a male companion of this order: Duke Hector Philip Martel sat the throne as consort when Duchess Rowan Beatrice von Kaempfer won Crown. Hector also had two earlier reigns as sovereign, with Rowan at his side.

Motley Sash (closed): given to recognize ability and skill in entertainment as fitting for a civilized court, who are involved in the arts and basic heraldry, display courtly graces and manners, and chivalrous conduct on and off the field. The insignia is a sash, lozengy Or, vert, argent, and purpre, worn as a baldric or sash.

Crowns' Favor of Ansteorra (closed): given to those who perform in an exceptional manner in the arts and sciences. They shall be examplars of courtly graces, manners, and chivalry. The insignia for this award is a miniature rendering of the cipher of the presenting Crown, attached to a braid of green and black silken cords, hung from a brass ring.

Order of the Queen's Ring of Ansteorra (closed): was given by the consort to recognize individuals for courtly virtues displayed in and for the betterment of the realm. The badge of the order is: Sable, a rose Or within a bordure argent.

Order of the Vine Staff (closed): given by the sovereign for long-standing service as a general or warlord on the field of martial combat, and for grace and comportment of genteel birth. The badge of the order is: Or, a club sable, a sinister tierce embattled gules.

Champions and Court Appointments

Consort's Champion: selected at a tournament held a few weeks after Coronation. Insignia: One (or three) Ansteorran Consort's Roses (as described in the badge) pendant from a black velvet collar. Badge: a cup-hilted rapier inverted sable, overall a rose sable charge with another Or, thereon a mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable.

Consort's Blade of Honor: chosen by the Consort for contributions beyond the field of combat, including chivalry, grace, humility, and courtesy, and charged to continue to serve as an example of honor.

Royal Lancer of Ansteorra: selected in an equestrian competition, and charged to further the ideals of the equestrian arts.

The Royal Hunter: the Kingdom Archery champion

The Royal Blade: the Kingdom Cut-and-Thrust champion

Royal Thrown Weapons Champion

The Sovereign's Blade of Chivalry: chosen by the Sovereign as an example of special honor on the field, usually at the Champion's Tourney

Royal Artisan: the Kingdom Arts & Sciences champion

Royal Middle Eastern Dance Champion: the Kingdom Middle-Eastern Dance champion

Guardian of the Sovereign's Dream: the Kingdom Youth Chivalric champion

Guardian of the Consort's Hope: the Kingdom Youth Rapier champion

Royal Bard of Ansteorra: Badge: Or a rose sable barbed vert charge with a rose Or barbed vert seeded sable within the frame of an Irish harp sable. Insignia: a cloak of many colors bearing the badge.

Kingdom Warlord: Badge: Or, mullet of five greater and five lesser points sable, a base embattled gules.

Principalities of Ansteorra:

Principality of Vindheim

Vindheim

The arms of the principality are Quarterly sable and gules, a laurel wreath and in chief three mullets of six points Or.

The Principality awards include the following:

Order of the Bastion: given only once per reign to those who exemplify the spirit of the dream in Vindheim, and inspire the populace to greater deeds and services. This award does not convey arms.

Order of the Golden Comb: given to children of the principality to recognize their efforts.

Order of the Dove: given to those who have served the principality as consort.

Order of the Sanguine Bowl: the Coronet may give this award up to twice in their reign, to non-residents of Vindheim who embody the spirit of the Principality, exhibiting love, dedication, and service. Recipients have the right to compete for Principality ceremonial honors, to display or wear the Principality populace badge, and to have their opinions heard when polls are conducted in the Principality.

Award of the Fountain: given to those who use performance art to benefit the Vindheim community. This can include musicians, bards, singers, dancers, & voice heralds.

Award of the Key: given to those who have served the Coronet during their reign.

Award of the Key of Keys: given to those who have been of exceptional service to the Coronet during their reign.

Award of the Firebolt: given to recognize a martial feat of excellence that the Coronet has personally witnessed.

Award of the Brazier of Vindheim: given to those who have used their martial skills to enhance artistry or assist the service community.

Award of the Pillar: given to those who have offered notable service to artistic or martial communities of Vindheim through the gift of their time or organizational skills.

There are three awards for members of Vindheim's army who take on the burden of representing the principality well in foreign lands:

Company of the Sanguine Horse of Vindheim: given to those who increase the recognition or improve upon the reputation of Vindheim while fighting.

Company of the Sinople Horse of Vindheim: given to those who increase the recognition or improve upon the reputation of Vindheim while engaging in art or science activities.

Company of the Tenne Horse of Vindheim: given to those who increase the recognition or improve upon the reputation of Vindheim while engaging in service activities.

Order of the Wellspring: (closed) was given to those who undertook projects in the arts that qualify as acts of service that benefit the Vindheim community.

Champions and Court Appointments

Vindheim Chivalric Champion: the winner of the Chivalric Tournament

Vindheim Heir Apparent's Chivalric Champion: recognizes the person who best exemplifies the values of the Heir Apparent during the Chivalric Tournament

Vindheim Rapier Champion: the winner of the Rapier Champion Tournament

Vindheim Cut & Thrust Champion

Vindheim Missile Champion

Vindheim Heir Consort's Rapier Champion: recognizes the person who best exemplifies the values of the Heir Consort during the Rapier Champion Tournament