From an article originally published in Tournaments Illuminated #119, Summer 1996.
Last updated December 2, 2019.

Etcetera - the Kingdom of Calontir

by Mistress Jessa d'Avondale

In A.S. XVI, Calontir was created as a principality of the Middle Kingdom. It became the tenth kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism in A.S. XVIII.

The arms of the kingdom are Purpure, a cross of Calatrava, in chief a crown, within in bordure a laurel wreath Or.


Many of the badges for Calontir awards incorporate elements of the kingdom's arms: the colors purple and gold, and the cross of Calatrava. Citizens of Calontir may wear badges of the various awards they have received, sewn upon their cloaks or garb, or hung from ribbons.

Patents of Arms

Patents of Arms are not awarded to departing royalty; however, those of ducal, comital, and viscomital rank do rank above the Patent orders (Chivalry, Laurel, Pelican) in Calontir's Order of Precedence.

Grants of Arms

Thegn of Calontir is an title given to those who have rendered personal service and counsel to the Crown. Thegns serve as advisors to the Crown, retaining the title and position until the end of the reign of the bestowing King or Queen. The position carries with it no award, although the recipient ranks at the top of the Grant-level awards in the kingdom's Order of Precedence for the duration of the reign. Afterwards, the person may style himself as "Thegn (King or Queen's last name)." An individual may be so honored more than once at the desire of each Crown.

Territorial Barons and Baronesses receive Grants of Arms when they take up their offices. "Bare" Grants of Arms are rarely given, generally to those who have been of service to the kingdom but do not fit into any of the orders listed below.

The following awards also convey Grants of Arms:

The Hirth of Calontir: The Hirth is composed of four separate but equal branches: fighters (Iren-Hirth), archers (Boga-Hirth), and equestrians (Eo-Hirth) and cut & thrust combatants (Stíle-Hirth). An individual may qualify and be granted membership in all four branches. Members of the Hirth are known as Huscarls.

The Iren-Hirth are those capable of fighting with all weapons styles, with expertise in at least two. They must have supported the Calontir Army during interkingdom-level conflicts, and must demonstrate a high level of activity, provide leadership and teaching, and must always display unquestionable honor on and off the field. Huscarls of the Iren-Hirth may bear the badge of the Iren-Hirth: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two battle-axes in saltire argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Boga-Hirth are those familiar with all archery styles, with expertise in at least two. They must have supported the Calontir Army during interkingdom-level conflicts, and must demonstrate a high level of activity, provide leadership and teaching, and must always display unquestionable honor on and off the field. Huscarls of the Boga-Hirth may display the badge of the Boga-Hirth: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two longbows in saltire argent and a cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Eo-Hirth are those authorized in general riding, mounted games, and as a groundsman, who show expertise in at least two equestrian weapon systems. The Rider must also have demonstrated support for the Calontir Army during interkingdom-level conflicts. Other qualifications considered shall include leadership, activity level and teaching. Said individual must also always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field. Huscarls of the Eo-Hirth may bear the badge of the Eo-Hirth: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two chamfrons argent and a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Stíle-Hirth are those who have demonstrated prowess in all steel weapon systemswith expertise in at least two. They must have supported the Calontir Army during interkingdom-level conflicts, must demonstrate a high level of activity, provide leadership and teaching, and must always display unquestionable honor on and off the field. Huscarls of the Stíle-Hirth may bear the badge of the Stíle-Hirth: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, in pale two swords in saltire and a cross of Calatrava purpure.

Order of the Calon Lily: given to those have shown a high level of skill in their chosen art(s) and a detailed knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the learning of said art(s). Companions of the Calon Lily may place the initials CCL after their names, and may bear the badge: Per pale purpure and Or, a fleur-de-lys within a bordure counterchanged.

Order of the Silver Hammer: given to those whose work in the sciences has shown a high level of skill in their chosen craft(s) and a detailed knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the learning of said science(s). Companions of the Silver Hammer may place the initials CSH after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Sable, a smith's hammer a bordure argent.

Order of the Cross of Calontir: given to those whose works, deeds, conduct, and service to the Crown and the kingdom have been of an exceptional nature. Companions of the cross of Calontir may place the initials CCC after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Or, a cross of Calatrava within a bordure purpure

Awards of Arms

Outgoing Territorial Barons and Baronesses are traditionally given made Court Barons and Baronesses when they step down. Otherwise, the title of Court Baron or Baroness is only given about once per reign, usually for exceptional service to the Crown and/or the kingdom, and is a highly-prized award. It is accompanied by an Award of Arms, if the recipient is not already armigerous.

Awards of Arms may also be given at the discretion of the Crown, and automatically accompany the following awards:

The Fyrd of Calontir: The Fyrd is composed of four separate but equal branches: fighters (Iren-Fyrd), archers (Boga-Fyrd), equestrians (Eo-Fyrd), and cut & thrust combatants (Stíle-Fyrd). An individual may be a member of all branches. Members of the Fyrd are known as Fyrdmen.

The Iren-Fyrd are those who are authorized in at least two weapon forms and proficient in the use of at least one. Other qualifications include demonstrating support of the Calontir Army and showing potential for leadership, which includes the ability to carry out standard Calontir Army commands. They must also display honorable behavior both on and off the field. Fyrdmen of the Iren-Fyrd may bear the badge of the Iren-Fyrd: Sable, on a pile embattled between two spears in pile argent a cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Boga-Fyrd are those who are proficient in at least one archery style, who demonstrate effort to promote archery in the kingdom, and whose conduct is consistently honorable both on and off the field. Fyrdman of the Boga-Fyrd may bear the badge of the Boga-Fyrd: Sable, on a pile embattled between two longbows in pile argent a cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Eo-Fyrd are those who are authorized in general riding, mounted games, and as a groundsman, who display proficiency in at least one equestrian weapon system. Other qualifications include demonstrating support for the Calontir Army on the equestrian field, and displaying consistently honorable conduct both on and off the field. Fyrdmen of the Eo-Fyrd may bear the badge of the Eo-Fyrd: Sable, on a pile embattled between two broken snaffle-bits argent, a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

The Stíle-Fyrd are those who are authorized in cut & thrust weapons systems and are proficient in the use of at least one. Other qualifications include demonstrating support of the Calontir Army and showing potential for leadership, which includes the ability to carry out standard Calontir Army commands. They must also display honorable behavior both on and off the field. Fyrdmen of the Stíle-Fyrd may bear the badge of the Stíle-Fyrd: Sable, on a pile embattled between two swords argent a cross of Calatrava purpure.

Order of the Golden Calon Swan: given to those who have shown promise and growth in their chosen art(s) and some knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the practice of said art(s). Companions of the Calon Swan may place the initials CGCS after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Purpure, a swan naiant Or.

Order of the Leather Mallet: given to those whose work in the sciences has shown promise and growth in their chosen craft(s) and some knowledge of its history, and who have assisted others in the practice of said sciences. Companions of the Leather Mallet may place the initials CLM after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Purpure, on a pale dovetailed argent, three leather mallets proper.


Order of the Torse: given to those individuals or groups who have provided service above that normally expected of citizens of the kingdom. Companions of the Torse may place the initials CT after their names, and may bear the order's badge: A torse with mantling in alternating bands of purpure and Or. Groups created of this order may bear a pennon of this badge upon a crossbar with the group's arms or badge.


Non-armigerous awards and honors

The following awards do not by themselves convey the right to bear arms:

Order of the Rose: automatically bestowed upon all consorts who have successfully completed their reign, after their investiture in the county rank. Members may style themselves as Companions of the Rose.

Order of the Sword of Calontir: given to those individuals or groups who have performed dramatic deeds concerning the art and science of combat, strategy, tactics, and/or Society warfare. The award is highly-prized by the citizens of Calontir. Companions of the Sword of Calontir may place the initials CSC after their names, and bear the order's badge: Sable, a cross of Calatrava, elongated in base so as to form a sword inverted, within a bordure argent. Groups created of this order may bear a pennon of this badge upon a crossbar with the group's arms or badge.


Order of the Keeper of the Flame: given to those who through their appearance, actions, and deeds demonstrate an exceptional amount of honor and courtesy, and exemplify themselves in efforts to create a medieval aura. This award may be bestowed only once per reign. Companions of the order may place "Keeper of the Flame" after their name, and may bear the order's badge: Or, a flame purpure.

Order of the Queen's Chalice: given to those young people who have provided service to the kingdom and its people above that normally expected of them. Companions of the Queen's Chalice may place the initials CQC after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Purpure, a chalice Or, charged with a cross of Calatrava purpure. The award is frequently accompanied by an actual chalice.

Order of the Falcon's Claw: given to young people aged 11-15 who have displayed chivalry and enthusiasm in any martial activity. This award should be given after the youth has received a Queen's Chalice. Companions of the order may place the initials CFC after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Purpure, in pale, three falcon's feet couped inverted within a bordure Or.

Order of the Purple Feather: given to young people aged 11-15 who have displayed achievement in an Art and/or Science. This award should be given after the youth has received a Queen's Chalice. Companions of the order may place the initials CPF after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Or, a feather within a bordure purpure.

Order of the Purple Jess: given to young people aged 11-15 who have displayed exemplary service to the kingdom. This award should be given after the youth has received a Queen's Chalice. Companions of the order may place the initials CPJ after their names, and may bear the order's badge: Or, a hawk's bell purpure charged with a cross of Calatrava Or, within a bordure purpure.

The following recognitions convey no position in the Order of Precedence:

Iren Feran: the title of "Iren Fera" may be bestowed upon individuals who are not citizens of Calontir, who have faithfully stood beside and integrated themselves into the Calontir Army, over numerous occasions, to the level of what may be expected of the regular militia of the Kingdom. Members of the Calon Iren Feran (or Feran of Calontir) may place after their names the initials CIF or the words Iren Fera, and may bear the order's badge: Sable, between a spear and a battle-axe palewise, on a pale embattled argent a cross of Calatrava, purpure.

Order of the Falcon's Heart: given to those kingdom groups who have provided service to the kingdom above that normally expected of them. The group may place "Bearer of the Falcon's Heart" after its name, and companions of the order may bear the badge: [Fieldless] A falcon close maintaining a cross of Calatrava, Or.

Queen's Endorsement of Distinction: as the patroness of all gentle and courteous behavior, the Queen of Calontir may, at her own discretion, bestow this recognition upon some few individuals. It may be given only thrice during any one reign, and only once in each category:
1. Unto the individual combatant or archer who has shown the highest of chivalric behavior;
2. Unto the individual who has best exemplified gentle and courteous behavior; and
3. Unto the individual who best exemplified the ideals and goals of the Society.
The Queen may bestow any or all of these recognitions as she chooses. She may bestow upon those individuals a badge of her own initials entwined with a rose, constructed as she desires. Members may place the initials QED after their names. Individuals may be so honored by more than one queen.

King's Favor: given at the discretion of the King for personal service to himself or to the Crown. The traditional token is a ring from the King's hand.


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This column was compiled from Calontir Kingdom Law. Assistance was provided by Conrad Martin von Kassel, Chendra Rudd ferch Araianwen, and Kateryn de Develyn. The illustration of the Calon Lily badge was provided by Rory McGowen; illustrations of other award badges were provided by Lord Giovanni Loredan (using components created by Mistress Gunnvôr silfrahárr), and Mikhail of Lubelska.

Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (Marla Lecin) resides in the East Kingdom. She invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to contact her.