The East Kingdom, the second kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism, was founded in July, A.S. 3.
The arms of the kingdom
are: Purpure, within a laurel wreath vert fimbriated Or, an eastern crown
of three grand points tipped with pearls and two lesser points, all Or.
Several award badges incorporate the kingdom colors of purple and gold,
or a blue heraldic tyger, the kingdom's symbol.
Grants of Arms
Grants of Arms are given to those inducted into the Orders of High Merit
listed below, if the recipient does not already have a Grant or Patent of Arms.
The positions of territorial Baron and Baroness and the titles of Court Baron and Court Baroness are usually accompanied by Grants of Arms. (A Court Barony conveys at least an Award of Arms, as per Corpora.) A Grant of Arms is occasionally given in the East as a stand-alone award.
Order of the Silver Crescent (OSC): given for service: either long service within an area
of the Kingdom from which the entire Kingdom benefits, or by continuing service in ways which directly benefit a
large portion of the Kingdom. The order's badge is: In pale a crescent inverted
argent and an Eastern crown Or. Established June 13, A.S. 6, by Akbar III and Khadijah III.
Order of the Maunche (OM): given for arts and sciences,
either for excellence in one specific area or for surpassing competence in several. The order's badge
is: Per pale Or and purpure, a maunch counterchanged. Established
October 9, A.S. 11, by Laeghaire and Ysabeau II.
Order of the Tygers Combatant (OTC): given for
prowess at armored combat, either for excellence in one weapons form or for surpassing competence in several,
and through demonstrated service to the armored combat community, such as
marshaling, teaching, or promoting and expanding the knowledge of armored combat. The
order's badge is: Per pale Or and azure, two tygers combatant
counterchanged. Established October 9, A.S. 11 by Laeghaire and Ysabeau II.
Order of the Sagittarius (OSag): given to
those who show superior prowess at target archery, and who have distinguished themselves in archery in one of the following areas; teaching and demonstrating the art of
archery, making archery equipment or by helping to arrange archery at events and/or sites.
The order's badge is: Azure, a sagittary passant to sinister, the human torso turned to dexter Or. Established January 22, A.S. 18 by Viktor and Sedalia; updated March 24, A.S. 41 by Lucan and Jana.
Order of the Golden Rapier (OGR): given for excellence in the rapier arts,
for superior prowess in the lists, and service to the rapier community in marshalling, teaching, or promoting and expanding the knowledge of the rapier arts.
Established April 26, A.S. 26 by Ruslan and Margaret.
Order of the Golden Lance: given for prowess in the equestrian lists and service to the Kingdom in
marshalling, teaching, and helping to promote and expand the knowledge of equestrian
arts. Established March 28, A.S. 49 by Edward III and Thyra II.
Order of the Golden Mantle: given to those who have demonstrated prowess
in an auxiliary capacity on the field of battle and the target range in the areas of Siege Weaponry, Combat Archery, or Thrown
Weaponry, and
served the Kingdom in these areas by marshalling, commanding, building equipment, teaching, or helping to
promote and expand the knowledge of these arts.
The order includes all those who previously received the Golden Mantle as an Order of Honor, and those inducted into the Order of Artemis. Established March 24, A.S. 41, by Lucan VII and Jana IV; raised to an Order of High Merit July 9, A.S. 51 by Kenric III and Avelina III.
Awards of Arms are given at the royalty's discretion. They also automatically accompany any of the six Armigerous Orders, if the recipient does not already bear a Patent, Grant, or Award of Arms.
Order of the Silver Rapier: given for martial skill upon the rapier field, whether in
single combat or melee combat.
Established August 2, A.S. 43, by Konrad and Brenwen.
Made armigerious December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Order of the Silver Tyger: given for martial skill in the armored combat lists or on the field of melee combat.
Established December 5 A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Order of the Silver Brooch: given for excellence in the arts and/or sciences,
whether in a single art form or multiple art forms.
Established December 5 A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Order of the Silver Wheel:
given for dedicated service that benefits the local group, Kingdom, or Society.
Established December 5 A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Order of Apollo's Arrow: given for skill in the field of target archery.
Established December 5 A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
The Order of the Silver Mantle:
given for martial skill on the field, range, or list, in the areas of equestrian, combat archery,
thrown weapons, siege weaponry, and other martial arts as The Crown may
determine. Established January 29 A.S. 51 (2017) by Brion III and Anna III.
Consort's Order of Courtesy: presented by the consort to those who consistently show exemplary courtesy to all.
The token is a glove (usually right-handed) bearing a blue rose charged with a gold rose.
Established October 19, A.S. 9 by
Cariadoc II and Diana II.
The Order includes all those who previously received the Queen's Order of Courtesy and the Order of Courtesy.
Order of the Tyger's Cub: for children who display admirable virtue
and decorum at events. Members are entitled to act as pages to the royalty until they
reach the age of 18. The order's badge is: Or, a tyger sejant
azure, its forepaws resting on a torteau. First awarded October 14, A.S.
13 by Gyrth and Melisande.
Order of Troubadours: given by the Crown to those who participate and contribute to performance and enteratainment arts, including: vocal/instrumental musical performance, theater, jestery, and storytelling. The token of the order is an empty cup. Companions of the order are encouraged to communicate among themselves to expand their collective repertoire and knowledge. Established October 6, A.S. 14 by Vissevald and Embla; revised June 20, A.S. 45 by Edward and Marguerite; revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III.
Order of the Terpsichore: given for consistent devotion of their knowledge and talent in helping others to acquire knowledge and understanding of dance and polite court movement. The token is a bell or string of bells. Companions of the order are encouraged to communicate among themselves to expand their collective repertoire and knowledge. Established October 6, A.S. 14 by Vissevald and Embla; revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III.
Sovereign's Order of Excellence: given by the Sovereign for consistent efforts to maintain a high standard of authenticity in their dress, behavior, persona, and goods, in the feast hall, in their encampments, and on the field of honor. The Companions of this Order will be bound, insofar as they are able, to maintain the standards of authenticity which entitled them to induction into the Order. Established March 16, A.S. 25 by Rhys and Elaina as the King's Order of Excellence; revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III, renamed July 14, A.S. 54 by Ozurr and Fortune. The Order of Excellence includes all gentles who previously received the King's Order of Excellence and the Order of Excellence.
Tyger of the East: given to those who most embody and personify the ideals of the East Kingdom. No more than one person may be so recognized during a reign. An individual may receive this honor only once. Established April 26, A.S. 37 by Darius II and Roxane II.
Order of Gawain: given to honor and recognize those young people (under 18) who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor, honor, chivalry, courtesy, and leadership within a youth martial activity. Recipients of this award are entitled to wear on the left arm a green garter charged with a gold mullet. Established April 22, A.S. 41, by Gryffith and Aikaterine.
Order of Gilder: given to children of the East Kingdom under the age of 18 who display or perform works of Arts & Sciences that manifest the spirit of the East Kingdom Arts. The badge of the Order is (Fieldless) A burnisher Or. The Order includes all those who previously received the Order of the Golden Kinder and the Award of Gilder. Established as the Golden Kinder July 18, A.S. 44 by Andreas IV and Gabriella II,
Order of the Tyger's Eye: given to youths of the East Kingdom for exemplary service, contribution, and achievement to the kingdom. The token of the Order is a tyger's eye pendant. Established January 27 A.S. 53 by Wilhelm and Vienna.
Order of Artemis (closed): formerly given to those who have demonstrated prowess in combat archery on the field of battle, given service to the Kingdom (such as marshalling, commanding, building equipment, or teaching), and served the Queen on and off the field. An individual may receive this award once.
Established March 24, A.S. 41, by Lucan and Yana. Those inducted into this order are now companions of
the Order of the Golden Mantle.
Award of the Burdened Tyger: presented to
those gentles associated with running an event or an aspect of an event which the Crown feels
was well above the normal standard of excellence in the Kingdom.
It cannot be presented at the event for which it is being awarded, except at the Pennsic War.
An individual can receive this award more than once, for different events. The order's badge is: Or, a tyger
sejant erect, forepaws clasped over its head, azure. Established
February 14, A.S. 10 by Aonghais II and Ysabeau I, renamed January 26 A.S. 48 by Kenric II and Avelina II; revised May 31 A.S. 50
by Darius V, called Omega, and Etheldreda IV; revised July 9 A.S. 51, by Kenric III and Avelina III; revised July 17 A.S. 57 by Ryouko'jin and Indrakshi)
Formerly known as the Order of the Burdened Tyger.
The Consort's Cypher: presented by the Consort to those who provided exceptional service to Them during the reign. The Consort may award up to ten Cyphers during Their reign. The recipients receive either a scroll or a personal token bearing the Consort's initial together with an "R". Established October 18, A.S. 15 by Gavin and Tamera, revised December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II; revised September 22 A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III) (Formerly known as the Queen's Cypher)
The Sovereign's Cypher: given by the Sovereign to those who provided exceptional service during Their reign. The Sovereign may award up to ten Cyphers during Their reign. The recipients receive either a scroll or a personal token bearing the Sovereign's initial together with an "R". First presented on April 13, A.S. 30 by Balfar II and Luna II, revised December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II; revised September 22, A.S. 53, by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III. (Formerly known as the King's Cypher)
Blue Tyger Legion: given to groups who have demonstrated exceptional martial prowess on the field. A group inducted into the Legion may hang from its banner a schwenkle (small flag), bendy purpure and Or, charged with the initials of the inducting sovereigns. No more than one group may be inducted into the Legion during any one reign. A group may be recognized in this manner more than once, in which case the initials of the sovereigns will be added to the existing schwenkle. Established November 19, A.S. 29 by Gregor II and Christence II, revised May 31, A.S. 50, by Darius V, called Omega, and Etheldreda IV; revised December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Consort's Award of Esteem: given by the Consort to recognize an act, a series of acts, or general behavior that is not already properly recognized by other East Kingdom awards. The token of the honor shall be specified in each reign by the Consort, and is fashioned by Their hand. A person may be so honored more than once. Established October 6, AS 31 by Elspeth, renamed January 25, A.S. 49 by Edward III and Thyra II; revised December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II; revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III. Formerly known as the Queen's Honour of Distinction and the Queen's Award of Esteem.
The Sovereign's Award of Esteem: given by the Sovereign to acknowledge special merit in an act, a series of acts, or general behavior that is not already properly recognized by other East Kingdom awards. The token for the award shall be specified in each reign by the Sovereign. A person may be so honored more than once. Established January 31st, A.S. 44 by Konrad II and Brenwen II, renamed January 25, A.S. 49 by Edward III and Thyra II; revised December 5, A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II; revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn II. Formerly known as the King's Esteem of Merit and the King's Award of Esteem.
Order of Valor of the East: given by the Crown to individual members of the armies of the East Kingdom who have distinguished themselves by displaying extraordinary command excellence or by extraordinary actions of valor on the battlefield at an Inter-Kingdom War. This award may be given no more than six times during a reign. Established September 29, A.S. 37 by Andreas II and Isabella II, renamed September 25, A.S. 40 by Darius III and Roxane III, renamed January 25, A.S.42 by Andreas III and Gabriella, renamed January 26, A.S. 48 by Kenric II and Avelina II, renamed January 25, A.S. 49 by Edward III and Thyra II, revised December 5, A.S. 50, by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II, revised September 22, A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III, revised January 26, A.S. 54 by Margarita The Award of Valor of the East includes all who previously received the King's Order of the Tyger of Valor, the Order of the Valiant Tyger, and the Tyger of Valor.
Award of the Golden Lyre: given by the Sovereign or Consort (individually or together) to acknowledge an individual or group whose single work or performance, either displayed publically or in an Arts & Sciences display at a Royal Progress, manifests and represents the fire and passion of the East Kingdom arts. Artistic use of period mediums, creativity, and/or inspirational value of the work or performance are the basis for bestowing the award. Documentation is not required, but is highly recommended. The award may be given to a work in progress. Individuals/groups can receive the award more than once during a reign, but not for the same work or performance. The badge of the Award is A tyger rampant azure sustaining a lyre Or, A token bearing this badge may be given personally or placed with the meritorious work. Established as the Gift of the Golden Lyre on September 29, A.S. 37 by Andreas II and Isabella II; also formerly known as the Gift of the Golden Lyre. The current award includes all those who those who were inducted into the earlier versions of the order.
Augmentation of Arms: given to honor a person for service to the Kingdom or specifically to the Crown. This honor is infrequently granted. An augmentation, specific to the individual awarded, is added to the individual's heraldic arms. The final decision of the nature of the Augmentation is determined by the recipient, following consultation with the Brigantia Principal Herald. An Augmentation does not allow the recipeient to use a charge that the recipient is not normally allowed to bear, however, the Crown has the option to provide the recipient with Permission to Conflict with a designated Augmentation badge, or elements of the badge of a specific kingdom order, if They wish the augmentation to be indicative of the kingdom as a whole or with an Order of the East. The Crown also has the option to provide the recipient with Permission to Conflict with Their registered personal arms or badge, if They wish the augmentation to be indicative of Them. Reestablished June 30 A.S. 47 by Kenric and Avelina, revised January 26 A.S. 48 by Kenric II and Avelina II, revised September 22 A.S. 53 by Brennan III and Caoilfhionn III. All individuals who were previously presented with an Augmentation of Arms, the Royal Augmentation of Arms, or the East Kingdom Augmentation of Arms by prior Eastern royalty are considered to have received this award.
The Company of the Pennon of the East: given to those East Kingdom subjects who have demonstrated exceptional martial prowess on the field, or as field support, staff, or others who support the East Kingdom at events held in other kingdoms. An individual may receive this honor more than once. The token is a small pennon or streamer bearing the initials of the awarding Crown, to be worn by the person or attached to their banner. The colors of the token will reflect the host kingdom of the foreign war for which the award was given. Established as the Tyger of Foreign Legions June 19, A.S. 40 by Gaufred Kelson II and Geneviere d'Alsace II, renamed January 25 A.S. 49 by Edward III and Thyra II.
The Company of Fellowship: given to branches of the East Kingdom (below principality level) which display an exceptional level of unity while promoting the ideals of the East and the Society. It shall not be presented at the event for which it is being awarded (except at the Pennsic War). No more than one group may be so recognized in any one reign. A group may receive this award multiple times, for any number of different events. Groups which receive this award are entitled to fly a pennon in conjunction with their branch arms, bearing the badge of the Company of Fellowship and the initials of the bestowing monarchs. Established July 9 A.S. 51 by Kenric III and Avelina III.
The Company of Morpheus: given to those who aid in creating a more immersive experience for event attendees, through their work in stage dressing, set and lighting design, and photography. Individuals may receive this token more than once, for additional contributions to immersive experience. The badge of the Company is: (Fieldless) A pile of sand Or. Established July 17 A.S. 57 by Ryouko'jin and Indrakshi
The Award of Durga: given to an individual for an single extraordinary act of martial prowess, or a superlative accomplishment in any of the martial disciplines. Individuals may receive this token more than once, for additional acts of prowess. Established July 17 A.S. 57 by Ryouko'jin and Indrakshi.
The Award of the Rabbit and Moon: given for a single extraordinary act of service. Individuals may receive this token more than once, for additional acts of service. The badge of the award is: Argent, a rabbit sejant erect and a bordure vert. This badge should always be displayed on a round field, so that it looks like the Japanese folk tale of the rabbit in the moon. Established July 17 A.S. 57 by Ryouko'jin and Indrakshi.
The Award of Anansi's Web (placeholder name): given for superlative skill in teaching in any art, science, service, or in any of the martial disciplines. Individuals may receive this token more than once, for additional acts of teaching. Established July 17 A.S. 57 by Ryouko'jin and Indrakshi)
Sovereign's and Consort's Champions: are selected each year, with two Champions in each category of Fighting, Rapier, Archery, Equestrian, Thrown Weapons, Arts & Sciences, and Youth Champions of Arms. The format of each competition is determined by the previous champions and the Crown. Champions are charged with defending the honor of the Crown, furthering the practice of their art in the kingdom, attending the Crown in court, and serving as members of the royal household.
Sovereign's and Consort's Bards: chosen each year at a Bardic competition. They are charged with commemorating the history of the Crowns and the kingdom in song and story, furthering the practice of the bardic arts in the kingdom, serving as members of the royal household, and setting up and supervising the competition to choose their successors. The Sovereign's Bard wears a gold baldric with three purple clarions; the Consort's Bard wears a gold baldric with three purple clarions below a purple rose. They hold the honorary position of Ollaves in the Royal College of Bards (the highest of three rankings -- one clarion per rank). The positions of King's and Queen's Bard were first added to kingdom law on February 3, A.S. 24, in the reign of Horic and Lea, although Queen's Bard dates at least as far back as the reign of Gavin I and Tamera, and the first King's Bard may have been made around A.S. 16-17.
The Royal Guard: serves the Consort, and is chosen by them to serve for the duration of their Reign. The Consort may style Their guard to correspond to the title They have chosen to use for Their Reign. The guard is composed of adult and youth fighters, archers, fencers, equestrians, and throwers who do not have a Patent of Arms, chosen for their skill at arms and examplary courtesy. One member is selected to serve as the captain. Members wear a traditional purple baldric. They attend the Consort, stand guard at the Royal Pavilion/Royal Room, stand guard at court and escort those called into the Crown's presence, and assist in setting up Royal Court. The Consort may choose a companion of one of the martial Peerage Orders to serve as advisor to the adult members of the Guard, and will choose such a companion to serve as advisor to the youth members of the guard. Established April 7, A.S. 24 by Bronwyn II; expanded to fencers and archers on November 19, A.S. 29 by Christence II. Later expanded to equestrians, and mention of number of guards removed. Expanded to throwers on January 25, A.S. 49 by Thyra II. Selection of advisor amended December 5 A.S. 50 by Brennan II and Caoilfhionn II.
Shield of Chivalry: presented by the queen to the fighter who fought the most chivalrously in the crown tournament. The shield depicts a blue tyger holding a sword in his tail. It may have first been presented at a Crown Tournament hosted by the Shire of the Blak Rose, in the early days of the shire.
Admiral of the Armies: the "title" given to the runner-up in the Crown lists. It may have been first awarded by Alaric and Yseult, in A.S. 11.
Order of the Portable Feast: an tradition begun by Duchess Nicorlynn of Caer Wydr, to encourage the display of elaborate table settings at Crown Tournament, Coronation, and Twelfth Night feasts. The current holders select the next recipients, and present them with a footed bowl and a scroll containing the names of all the previous recipients.
Royal Guilds are chartered by the crown, and maintain their own system of rankings. These have included the Brewers' Guild, the Equestrians' Guild, the Musicians' Guild, the Royal College of Bards, the Gilded Pearl (late period arts), Athena's Thimble (embroidery), and Arachne's Web (lacemaking). Some guilds present their rankings in court, for public recognition.
Archers' skills are recognized by a system of rankings based on their Royal Round averages over the past year. These are not titles, but simply a method of comparing levels of skill. An archer with an average score of eighty or more is ranked a Master Bowman. One with an average of one hundred or more is a Grand Master Bowman. These ranks are of sufficient note that the Crown of the East reserves the right to present them at royal court; the lower rankings of Archer, Marksman, and Bowman are awarded on the local level. Each archer is entitled to wear a badge signifying his/her current ranking, and Grand Master Bowmen keep their ranking permanently. The badges contain four fretted black arrows; the color of the field and bordure vary according to the rank.
Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (Marla Lecin) resides in the East Kingdom. She invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to contact her.