The Principality of Atenveldt, at that time consisting of all the lands between the West, East, and Middle Kingdoms, was founded in A.S. IV. It became the fourth kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism in A.S. V. The arms of the kingdom are Azure, a sun in his splendor Or within a laurel wreath argent and in chief a crown of three greater and two lesser points Or.
In Atenveldt, kingdom law requires that anyone receiving an award must be a paid member of the SCA.
Order of the Lions of Atenveldt: those who have demonstrated highest ideals and values of the Current Middle Ages. Only one person may be admitted to the order each reign. Members are styled "Lions of Atenveldt, Defenders of the Dream," and may place the initials LOA after their names. The insignia of the order is a medallion bearing a lion's face, dependant from a collar of estate of lion's heads.
Order of the Defenders of the White Scarf: given to those who have demonstrated excellence in the art of defense with rapier, giving freely of their expertise in the use and artistry of this weapon form, and the courtly graces which accompany its mastery. Defenders of the White Scarf may place the initials DWS after their names, and may display the insignia of the order: a White Scarf worn on the left shoulder, which may be decorated with simple trim in the subject's own heraldic colors and may be clasped with a sun in its splendor Or.
Commanders of the Light of Atenveldt: given to those who continue to give outstanding service to the realm. Only one person shall be admitted to the Order each Reign, and only those who were admitted to the Order of the Light of Atenveldt in a previous Reign are eligible. Commanders of the Light of Atenveldt may place the initials C.L.A.C. after their names. The insignia of the Order is a medallion bearing per pale argent and azure, a sun in its glory and a bordure Or, suspended from a gold riband.
Commanders of the Fleur de Soleil: given to those who continue to demonstrate excellence in the teaching and practice of the arts and sciences. Only one person shall be admitted to the Order each Reign, and only those who were admitted to the Order of the Fleur de Soleil in a previous Reign are eligible. Commanders of the Fleur de Soleil may place the initials S.O.L.C. after their names. The insignia of the Order is a medallion bearing: Or, five fleur-de-lys in annulo, tips outward, gules, suspended from a gold riband.
Commanders of the Hawk's Lure: given to those who continue to demonstrate excellence in the fighting arts, both in teaching and in the use of traditional SCA-style weaponry. Only one person shall be admitted to the Order each Reign, and only those who were admitted to the Order of the Hawk's Lure in a previous Reign are eligible. Commanders of the Hawk's Lure may place the initials C.H.L.C after their names. The insignia of the Order is a golden hawk's lure, suspended from the belt.
Commanders of the Azure Archers of Atenveldt: given to those who have continued to demonstrate excellence in the teaching and use of the bow and arrow. Only one person shall be admitted to the Order each Reign, and only those who were admitted to the Order of the Azure Archers of Atenveldt in a previous Reign are eligible. Commanders of the Azure Archers of Atenveldt may place the initials C.A.A.C. after their names. The insignia of the Order is a medallion bearing: Azure, a sun in his splendor Or within seven pheons in annulo, points outward, argent and a bordure Or, suspended from a gold riband.
Commanders of the Queen's Grace: given by the Queen to those whose conduct she feels continues to be the best example of the ideals of courtliness and gentility in the Current Middle Ages. Only one person shall be admitted to the Order each Reign, and only those who are already members of the Order of the Queen's Grace are eligible. Commanders of the Queen's Grace may place the initials C.Q.G.C. after their names. The insignia of the Order is a cord of knotted white and blue strands, worn on the left shoulder of the recipient.
Commanders of the Desert Pilgrim: given to those who continue to demonstrate excellence in promoting historical authenticity in the recreation of the Current Middle Ages. Only those who were admitted to the Order of the Desert Pilgrim in a previous Reign are eligible. Commanders of the Desert Pilgrim may place the initials C.D.P.C. after their names. The insignia of the order is a medallion bearing Azure, in pale an escallop and a demi-sun issuant from base Or (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Light of Atenveldt: given
to those who have given outstanding service to the realm.
This is the oldest kingdom-level
service award in the Society. Companions of the Light of Atenveldt may place the
letters C.L.A. after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing
per pale Argent and azure, a sun in its glory and a bordure Or,
suspended from a blue riband.
Order of the Fleur de Soleil: given for
excellence in the teaching and practice of the arts and sciences. Companions
of the Fleur de Soleil may place the initials S.O.L. after their names. The
order's insignia is a medallion bearing: Or, five fleurs-de-lys in annulo, tips outward, gules,
suspended from a blue riband.
Order of the Hawk's Lure: given for excellence in the fighting arts, both in teaching and in the use of traditional SCA-style weaponry. Companions of the Hawk's Lure may place the initials C.H.L. after their names, and may wear on their belt a handmade hawk's lure.
Order of the Azure Archers of Atenveldt: given for
excellence in the teaching and use of the bow and arrow.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.A.A. after their names. The
insignia of the order is a medallion bearing: Azure, a sun in his splendor Or within seven pheons
in annulo, points outward, argent and a bordure Or, suspended from a blue riband.
Builders of Atenveldt: given by the Crown to households or large groups that help the Kingdom continue to grow and become better. An individual group may receive the award only once. The insignia of the order is a pennon bearing per pale azure and Or a sun counterchanged (subject to approval by the College of Arms) to be flown with the household or group banner.
Order of the Guardians of Atenveldt (formerly the Legion of the Sword
of Honor of Atenveldt, formerly the Royal Officer Corps of Atenveldt): given
for special talent and excellence in the
organization and practice of the arts of war, and the teaching of military
tactics for SCA-style warfare. The award is given in the degrees of
Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire, the designation being determined by the
Crown at the time of presentation. An individual may receive the award
multiple times, but only in increasing degrees. Recipients may style
themselves as Commanders, Officers or Legionnaires of the Guardians of Atenveldt,
may place the initials C.G.A., O.G.A., or L.G.A.,
respectively, after their names, and may wear a medallion with the badge of
the order suspended from a colored riband denoting the degree of the award:
Commander - gold, Officer - silver, Legionnaire - blue. The badge of the
order is: Per pale argent and azure, in pale a sun in his splendor and
two swords in saltire Or.
Order of the Luxbruder of Atenveldt: given for excellence in the art of defense with the rapier and a willingness to share this exceptional skill with others. Companions of the order may place the appellation Luxbruder after their names. The insignia for the Order is a medallion bearing (fieldless) two rapiers inverted in saltire surmounted by a third inverted sable, overall a sun in splendor Or (subject to approval by the College of Heralds). The medallion may be suspended from a white riband or worn as a simple pin on front of the shoulder or upper arm area.
Order of the Desert Pilgrim of Atenveldt: given to those who promote historical authenticity in the recreation of the Current Middle Ages. Companions of the Desert Pilgrim may place the initials C.D.P. after their names. The insignia of the order is a medallion bearing Azure, in pale an escallop argent and a demi-sun issuant from base Or (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
la Orden del Sirviente del Sol: given for service to the Kingdom of Atenveldt. Companions of the order may place the initials C.S.D. after their names. The insignia of the order is Azure, a demi-sun Or (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Flower of the Desert: given for skill in the Arts and Sciences. Companions of the order may place the initials C.A.S. after their names. The insignia of the order is Or, three fleur-de-lys in annulo points outward azure (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Blood of Fenris: given for skill and enthusiasm in the fighting arts. Companions of the order may place the initials C.B.F. after their names. The insignia of the order is fieldless, a wolf passant argent goutty de sang (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Golden Blade: given for skill in the art of defense with the rapier. The insignia of the order is Azure, two rapiers in saltire and in base a rose Or (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Sable Pheon: given for skill in the in the use of the bow and arrow. . Companions of the order may place the initials S.P.C. after their names. The insignia of the order is Or, three pheons in annulo points outward sable, a bordure indented azure (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Star of the Desert: given for tireless service in helping with the running of the Estrella War. This award shall be given in three levels: Gules, Azure, and Argent, the level being determined by the Crown at the time of presentation. An individual may receive this award more than once, but only at a higher Level than he/she currently holds. The insignia of the order is Azure, mullety argent (subject to approval by the College of Arms).
Order of the Hope of the Sun: given to those young
people 13-18 years of age who have demonstrated an understanding of life in the
Current Middle Ages, who know and use the appropriate courtesies
consistently, and who demonstrate to the best of their abilities and knowledge
a willingness to serve, abilities in the Arts and Sciences, and an interest in the Arts of War.
Companions of the order may place the initials H.S.A. after their names.
The order's insignia is a medallion bearing: Or, a branch bendwise
sinister vert between two scarpes within a bordure indented azure,
suspended from a gold ribbon.
Order of the Lion's Pride of Atenveldt: given to those young people under 13 years of age who demonstrate an understanding of life in these Current Middle Ages, who know and use the appropriate courtesies consistently, and who demonstrate to the best of their abilities and knowledge; a willingness to serve, abilities in the Arts and Sciences, and an interest in the Arts of War. Members of the Order are known as Lion's Pride of Atenveldt and may place the initials L.P.A. after their names. The insignia of the Order is a Lion's Tail proper, worn as a cord looped at the right shoulder.
King's Sigil of Atenveldt: given by the king to those who have been of exemplary personal service to him during his reign. This award may be received multiple times, for service during different reigns. Companions of the King's Sigil of Atenveldt may place the initials C.K.S. after their names. The insignia of is a medallion or a pendant bearing the bestowing King's main charge upon it, the design to be determined by each King who chooses to bestow His sigil.
Commander of the Queen's Cypher: given by the queen to whose service has been of great help, rising above all others, during her reign. Only one person shall receive the award each reign. Bearers of the Commander of the Queen's Cypher may place the initials C.B.Q.C. after their names. The insignia of the award is a stylized rendering of the presenting Queen's initials. The medallion shall be suspended from a cord of the Queen's personal colors.
Queen's Cypher: given by the queen to those whose service has been of great help to her during her reign. This award may be received multiple times, for service during different reigns. Bearers of the Queen's Cypher may place the initials B.Q.C. after their names. The token is a stylized rendering of the presenting queen's initials.
Order of the Queen's Grace: given by the queen to those persons whose conduct she feels best exemplifies the ideals of courtliness and gentility in the Current Middle Ages. Such persons may be styled as "In Grace with Her Majesty" in precessional, and may place the initials C.Q.G. after their names. The insignia of the order is a cord of white and blue strands, to be worn on the left shoulder of the recipient.
Order of the Thegns and Bannthegns: The Crown may admit Territorial Barons and Baronesses to this order when they have completed the duties and responsibilities of their tenure. Members of the order are entitled to use the title Thegn or Bannthegn before their name, and are given the right to wear a Baronial Coronet of precious metals with six points and embellished with spheroids, pearls, or precious stones, incorporating the badge of the Barony they served. (All former Territorial Barons and Baronesses of Artemesia and the Sun have membership in this order.)
Shield of Chivalry: presented by the queen for outstanding chivalrous conduct in the Crown Lists. While traditionally given to an unbelted fighter, some Queens have chosen to present it to members of the Chivalry. The shield itself is emblazoned with an arm bearing a sword, emerging from a lake. The bearer surrenders the shield to the queen at the next Crown Tournament.
Camille: may be given at the discretion of the queen, the princess, or a territorial baroness for excellence in the art of expiring on the field.
Bard of the Sun: the winner of the Royal Bardic Competition.
Champions: competitions are held to determine the the following champions who serve as members of the Royal Court: King's Champion, Queen's Champion, Aten Warlord, Champion of Arts and Sciences, Queen's Rapier Champion, Kingdom Archery Champion, Kingdom Youth Weapons Champion.
A system of rankings has been devised to recognize the skill of the kingdom's archers, based on their Royal Round averages: Novice, Bowman, Yeoman, Forrester, Bowmaster, Bowmaster Extraordinaire, and Bowmaster par excellance. The first five ranks are held permanently; the last two must be re-earned each year.
The Principality of the Sun was created in A.S. XI. On July 19th, A.S XXXII, it was officially dissolved, its lands and title returning to the Crown of Atenveldt. This was done when the Principality of Artemisia was made a kingdom, since all the land remaining in Atenveldt was covered by the Principality of the Sun.
All Principality orders are closed. All members of these orders have been confirmed and been granted the right to fly the Principality Ensign (Per fess azure and argent, a fireball in canton, proper) in perpetuity.
The principality awards were:
Order of the Solar Phoenix: chief award of the principality. This award
has two kinds of members: Companions of the Solar Phoenix are those who have
served the principality well and faithfully, above and beyond that service
normally expected of the subjects of the Crown.
Commanders of the Solar Phoenix are those who have
made a major continuing contribution to the Principality and have demonstrated
consistent courtesy and chivalry in their behavior.
Only one Commander was made during a
reign. The token or the order was a medallion depicting the order's
insignia (hung from a blue or white ribbon, respectively): Quarterly azure
and argent, a phoenix gules issuant from flames in base Or, within a bordure
embattled gules.
Order of the Iron Dragon: given for exceptional authenticity in behavior, dress, and other areas.
Order of the Espirit de Soleil: given to those who have exhibited
talent, enthusiasm, and a willingness to share their knowledge worthy of
recognition in the arts and sciences.
The token of the order was a medallion
depicting the order's badge: A fireball sable, enflamed in cross proper,
charged with a harp Or, hung from a green ribbon.
Order of the Fanged Wolf: given to those who have demonstated
excellence in the fighting arts, both in the teaching and use of traditional
SCA-style weaponry. The order's badge was: Argent, a wolf salient to
sinister and a base rayonny gules.
Order of the Eye of the Eagle: given to those who have demonstrated
excellence in both the teaching and use of archery, shinai, or rapier skills.
The order's badge was: Gules, an eagle's head erased within seven
pheons in annulo, points outward, Or.
Order of the Solar Heart: given by the princess to those who have rendered exceptional service to her in the course of the reign. The token of the order was a heart displayed on a medallion or necklace.
Order of the Solar Warlord: given to those who have served as Solar
Warlord. The Solar Warlord is chosen in a tourney devised by the heir to the
principality, held the day after Coronet Tourney. The order's badge was:
Azure, a fireball proper charged with two swords in saltire, argent.
Order of the Dagger of the Sun: given to those who have served as
Princess' Champion. The Princess' Champion is chosen in a tourney devised
by the Princess, held the day after her investiture. The order's badge was:
Argent, a fireball proper charged with a dagger palewise, argent.
| Index of SCA Kingdom Awards articles | Atenveldt kingdom webpage |
This column was compiled from Atenveldt kingdom law, and the SCA Armorial. Additional information was provided by Master Richard Omrisson of the Wolvenkin, (Aten Principal Herald), Lord Kristoff McLain Cameron of Locksley (Fireball Pursuivant), Master Ioseph of Locksley (Greenwood Herald Extraordinary), Mistress Juliana nic Lachlainn, Alban St. Albans, and Lord Kwellend-Njal Kollskeggson. The kingdom arms illustration was done by Lady Isabelle d'Avallon and Sir Ismenia O'Moulryan. The illustrations of award badges were provided by Mikhail of Lubelska. Additional award badge illustrations can be found on-line at http://www.atenveldt.com/articles_forms/a_awards.htm.
Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (OP, Court Baroness, GoA, OSC, OM, OBT, QC, Terpsichore) is from the fifteenth-century Italian court, where she is studying the dance (including those peculiar ones from France and England). She resides in the East Kingdom. Marla Lecin (mlecin@optonline.net) invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to contact her.