From an article originally published in Tournaments Illuminated #107, Summer 1993.
Last updated September 22, 2022.

Etcetera - West Kingdom Principalities

The Mists, Cynagua, and Oertha

by Mistress Jessa d'Avondale

By West Kingdom law, the royalty of each principality are granted the right to give Awards of Arms to their subjects, and to give a Patent of Arms and the title Viscount/ess to those who have served the principality as sovereign or consort for a full reign. They may also, with the permission of the Crown, award Leaves of Achievement (kingdom arts/service awards) to those subjects they find deserving. The Crown must declare if it intends to grant this permission at the start of each reign; it usually does.

Arms of the Mists
The Principality of the Mists
was created in A.S. XIV.

The arms of the principality are Argent, a crown within a laurel wreath vert, all within a bordure engrailed azure.

The principality awards include:

Corollae Nebulosae ("Little Crowns of the Mists"): the Corolla Aulica (CA) is given for service to the principality, the Corolla Muralis (CM) is given for leadership and achievement in war, and the Corolla Vitaea (CV) is given for achievement in the arts and sciences. The tokens are pendants of a coronet within an engrailed bordure (either cast in pewter or cut from brass) hung from a white, green, or blue ribbon, respectively. The initials "CN" signify receipt of all three Corollae.

Princess' Order of Grace (POG): given by the princess to those who display great courtesy and chivalry. The token is a cutwork medallion, with an engrailed border, a pearl hanging from the top, and a small coronet in the base.

The Princess' Favor: given to those who have been helpful to the princess during her reign. The token varies by princess.

Link of Courtesy: given to those who Their Highnesses have found to not only be courteous and chivalrous but, though their actions, have inspired such courteous behavior in others thus forming an ever growing link throughout their community. The symbol of this award is a simple silver band with the word "courtesie" on it.

Coronet's Favor: given to those whose actions and support has been critical to the success of the reign. The token is a medallion depicting a swan.

Order of the Dames de la Mer: given to those who have served as princess of the Mists. Members shall be "henceforth as they have been hitherto models of honor and grace to all." The token is a single pearl.

Order of the Pegasus (PEG): given to youths whose behavior and service are exemplary. The token is a pendant of Pegasus.

Order of the Golden Branch (OGB): given to past Bards of the Mists. The token is a piercework pendant of the order's badge: A branch palewise hung with bells, within a bordure engrailed. Membership in the order conveys an Award of Arms.

Order of the Beacon of the Mists: given to individuals for their continued enrichment of the Principality through unfailing, extraordinary service that surpasses general expectations over an extended period of time. This recognition may be given by the Coronet only once per reign to an individual, or couple whose deeds are so intertwined they cannot be justly recognized separately. The token for the award shall be any token bearing a torch, beacon, lantern, lighthouse, flame, or other item that similarly casts light, within an engrailed border. It may be personalized to suit the recipient(s).

Lancers of the Mists: At the discretion of the Sovereign, those who have served as Oberst [Colonel] of the Prince's Lance may be entered into the order of the Lancers of the Mists.

Iron Lance: given to those war units that have repeatedly come to the aid of the Coronet or the defense the Principality in times of war and thereby won renown for the Principality. The token of this recognition is a lance or spear with an iron head.

Stylus Nebulorum: given to scribes for outstanding work in the Principality of the Mists. The token of this award is a garb of wheat in honor of Teresa le Marchant, whose example in both art and service to the Scribes of the Mists is worthy of emulation. The Coronets, at Their pleasure, may recognize any member of the Order as an Exemplar of the Order, for continued contribution to the Scribal Arts -- this honor is for the duration of the Reign.

Order of the Period Encampment: awarded at the end of a reign to an individual or household who made a great effort to present an encampment with a medieval atmosphere. The token, a pennon of Argent, a pavilion vert within a bordure engrailed azure, may be displayed by the recipient during the following reign.

Order of the Armure Epatant: given to those melee and missile fighters for exemplary appearance on the field. Candidates for the order must have done a significant portion of the research and/or construction of their armor, garments, and accessories themselves. Members of the order are charged with maintaining their appearance and encouraging others to follow their example. The token is a golden garter, to be worn as the member sees fit.

Order of the Silver Ivy: given to those who have served as Champion of the Mists (runner-up in the coronet tourney) and Champion's Consort. The tokens are a nesting set of pendants, of an ivy leaf.

Torse of Honor: given to a non-belted fighter who has shown great courtesy, chivalry and honor. The token is a torse of blue, white and gold. This honor may be given only once per reign, usually after the coronet tournament.

Princess' Order of Grace: given to individuals displaying great courtesy and chivalry. The token is a pendant (gold, engrailed cutout on the inside, with a pendant pearl, hung by a short chain from the topmost inner point of the engrailing) strung on ribbons.

Silver Spoon: recognzes the winners of the principality cooking competitions, usually held at coronet tournaments and investitures. The winner receives a small silver spoon. This can be won multiple times.

Saltator de Nebula: The victor of the dance competition held at Principality events is named Saltator (male) or Saltatrix (female) de Nebula.

Silver Muse: the victor of the Principality Arts Pentathalon, held over the course of a year. One entry in this event must be include a teaching component; and the competitor must make a donation to the Principality "gift basket".

Cheval Argent: given to those who foster and support the equestrian arts in the Principality.

Jaffa: given to those who simultaneously display the heights of puissance and courtesy on the field of war. The token of the order is a braid of white, blue, and green for the colors of the Principality, dependent from the braid a single link of a chain, for chivalry and a rose, for courtesy.

Honor of the Coeur d'Azur: given to those individuals, wherever situated, who have shown great courage, service or courtesy that has enriched the Principality and inspired the Populace of the Mists. The token a pendant of a blue heart.

The Order of the Stalwart Heart: given to those who with generosity of time and spirit, work to make those difficult times easier on those affected in times of hardship and adversity. This award shall recognize those that help both within our Society and the greater world beyond. The token shall be a coin stamped with a seawolf and the stalwart heart of the Mists.

Principality Champions

Champion of the Mists: There may come a time when the Principality Sovereign's sword must be felt, yet They are unable to be present. It shall be the right of the Sovereign to name a Champion of the Mists during Their reign to come to Their aid where there is cause. The Champion of the Mists shall represent the Sovereign on martial fields as directed by the Coronet and shall answer the Coronet's call to arms should it become necessary and within their power.

Princess' Champion: The Princess (or Prince Consort) may choose a champion, either by tournament or by personal selection, to defend Her honor and come to Her aid should it be within his/her power. This title lasts until the current reign is over. Currently the champion wears a leather baldric and a bezegue -- for wear during combat.

Rapier Champion of the Mists: Twice per year, at each Coronet Tournament, a rapier tournament will be held to determine the Rapier Champion of the Mists. The winner of the tournament will be invested at the next Investiture and shall hold the title for 6 months. During this time, it is the duty and privilege of the RCM to represent the Principality on the field and to encourage and promote rapier combat within the Principality. The RCM is responsible for running (or for arranging to have run) the tournament to choose their successor. The regalia of this position is a baldric.

Archery Champion of the Mists: Once per year, on or about the time of Spring Coronet Tournament (allowing for site limitations for archery), an archery tournament will be held to determine the Archery Champion of the Mists. The winner of this tournament will be invested at Spring Investiture and shall hold the title for one year. During this time, it is the duty and privilege of the ACM to represent the Principality on the field and to encourage and promote archery within the Principality. The ACM is responsible for running (or for arranging to have run) the tournament to choose their successor.

Equestrian Champion: This shall be a position granted to a Mists subject who greatly supports and advances the equestrian arts in the Principality. The Equestrian champion is charged with continuing in these efforts, and serves until the next Investiture, or at the pleasure of Their Highnesses. The token of this honor shall be a silver harnessmount and a baldric.

Honors for the duration of a Reign:

The Princess' Escort/Guard: This honor has changed names several times over its history. Currently, the Princess may choose to designate it as either the Princess' Escort or Princess' Guard. Modeled on the West Kingdom's Queen's Guard, membership is offered to unbelted fighters who show much promise, and it lasts from the time a member is admitted to the Escort/Guard, until the end of the reign. Members wear blue leather baldrics with the principality's device on the buckle tab. A Knight Counselor is usually named to guide and teach the escort/guard. If a Princess wins the title by right of arms, the honor will be listed as "The Prince's Escort/Guard" instead.

Princess' Artisans: given to select artisans who are not yet Laurels, to serve the Princess (or Prince) in whatever manner they require during their reign.

Prince's Lance: The Sovereign's Lance is the personal armed guard of the Prince (or Princess) when they are in battle. The unit shall consist of armored combatants appointed by the Sovereign. The members of this guard shall wear on their helms torses of green, blue, red. One officer of the Lance shall be titled the Oberst [Colonel], chosen by the Sovereign -- their torse will be green, blue, red and gold. This honor lasts from the time a person is named to the Lance until the end of the reign.

Banner Bearer (Mists): The Banner Bearer is charged with the possession and maintenance of a banner bearing the arms of the Principality, and will fight at the Sovereign's side when both are upon the field of battle. As the Banner Bearer follows the Sovereign, so does his position. The Sovereign shall bestow, in ceremony, the Bearer with his charge at Investiture and reclaim it at the Investiture of his heirs. This honor lasts for the duration of the reign of the current Prince and Princess.

Captain General of the Mists' Army: The Coronet may appoint a warleader for the duration of their reign. The Captain General leads the forces of the Mists at wars. The Regalia shall consist of a token of the Order of the Corolla Nebulorum cast in bronze, pendant from a chain of steel. At the Sovereign's will, the Captain General may take the field with the army without the Sovereign's presence. The Captain General is inducted into the Corolla Muralis if not already a member.

The purpose of this office is to give the Principality armies a cohesive command structure in case the Prince cannot take the field, or is not a skilled general and wishes to have someone to learn from.

This recognition was closed November 7, 2015, and reopened at Coronet Tournament September 21, 2019.

Stylus Nebulorum Exemplar: A member of the Order of the Stylus Nebulorum may be made an Exemplar for the duration of the reign of the current Prince and Princess.

Court of the Mists Recognizes those serving Their Highnesses as members of Their Court during their reign. There may be a Head of Court listed, as well as a Peer Advisor.



Arms of Cynagua
The Principality of Cynagua
was created in A.S. XIV.

The principality arms are Quarterly argent and Or, a swan rousant, wings elevated and addorsed, sable, maintaining in its sinister foot a laurel wreath vert.

The victor and consort of the Coronet tournament bear the titles of Lord of the Swan and Lady of the Swan until their Investiture.

The principality awards include:

The Ruxton: given to recognize extraordinary service to the Principality – that which is above and beyond all general standards of duty as exemplified by holding offices or running events, without thought of personal gain or glory, over an extended period of time. It may be given only twice per reign. This conveys an Award of Arms if the recipient is not already armigerous. There is not token, as the award is given for service normally "unseen" and not normally visible to the public's view.

Au Coeur del le Cygne Noir (Heart of the Black Swan): given by the Sovereign (Prince or Princess by Right of Arms), no more than twice per reign, to individuals whose dedication to the Prince goes so far above and beyond the normal course of Loyalty, Service and Duty that the Prince must recognize this essential and meaningful service.

Heart of the Princess: given to those members of the populace who go so far above and beyond the normal course of loyalty, service and duty that their deeds touch the heart of the Princess. The token of this award is a cast pewter heart with a coronet and a swan inside it

Scutiferus Cynaguae (Shieldbearer of Cynagua): the secondary service award in the Principality. Given to individuals for exceptional service. The token is a small bronze shield hung from a black ribbon.

Order of the Melan Pteron Cynagua: given for achievement in the arts and sciences, performed within or for the benefit of the Principality. The token is a black feather.

Cynaguan Order of Grace: given by the Consort of Cynagua to those felt to be exceptional in courtesy and chivalry. It is given to nore mor than two people per reign. The token is a small crystal hung from a golden letter "C".

Order of La Courtesia: given for consistant courtesy and friendliness to all, and grace and forbearance in times of stress as well as in times of peace. The token is a crystal snowflake hung from a white or silver ribbon. The Coronet polls the order for their opinion on new members of the order.

Order of the Friendly Castle: given for hospitality - cheerfully providing shelter to, feeding or clothing members of the populace to the fullest extent their means allow. or graciously sharing their information and knowledge with anyone who would seek it. The token is a swan above a heraldic "Friendly Castle": a two-towered castle with its gate raised. with a swan perched above the castle, suspended from a black ribbon The Coronet polls the order for their opinion on new members of the order.

Order of the Hearth Stone: given to those who continually exhibit a medieval camp and pavilion. The token is a piece of landscape jasper within a silver setting.

Cambium Award: given to those who exhibit a cheerful willingness preservation of the ambiance of the Current Middle Ages by: adopting a persona; wearing appropriate apparel and demonstrating a level of understanding of their persona's mode, manner, mores, and mood; and expressing an interest in learning about their persona's culture (language, arts, crafts, sciences, religion, social structure, or habits). Candidates for the award are recommended to their Highnesses by one or more Cynaguan peers. The token is a small wooden heart hung from a yellow ribbon.

Order of the Cygnet: given to members of the realm under the age of sixteen who have contributed to the principality. The token is a black wooden swan hung from a black ribbon.

The Swanilīn dës Wîges: ("War Swanling") given by the Coronet to those younger members of the realm (under 16 years of age) who have demonstrated skill and knowledge in any area covered by the Marshallate (including Youth Armored Combat, Youth Rapier Combat, Target Archery, and Equestrian). The token is a hatching Cygnet armed with a spear.

Cynaguan Medal of Honor: given to fighters who have demonstrated valor, bravery, and skill in times of war. The token is a metal swan suspended from a green and red ribbon.

Torse Cynagua: given to a fighter who has shown particular courtesy, chivalry and/or valor in the Coronet lists. This award is given at the conclusion of Coronet tourney and may be given only once per reign. The badge for this award shall be a torse of white, black, and gold ribbons.

Order of the Gilded Swan: given to honor those fighters who have added to the pageantry on the field of honor by the display of period armor. The badge for the order is a bronze pendant of a helm with torse and mantling in the form of a swan. No more than two new members may be admitted per reign.

Gladis Aquilus: given to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in all aspects of Rapier. The token for this order is a gold-toned triangular pendant, embossed with a black rapier pointing upwards.

Quill of Cynagua: given to honor scribes who have contributed their time and expertise to the promotion and enrichment of the scribal arts. The award token has three forms: a bronze feather, awarded upon the presentation in court of the scribe's first completed document; a silver feather, for continuing support of the Principality through scribal arts; and a gold feather for outstanding and unremitting service in the scribal arts over time. The form (bronze, silver, gold) is specified in the court report and published in the awards list.

Solea Argentea: given to those who have contributed their time, efforts and knowledge to the promotion and enrichment of the Equestrian Arts throughout the Principality of Cynagua. The token for this award is a silver horseshoe.

Order of the Black Wing: given to those who teach any of the following: the various forms of service, the arts and sciences, the combat arts, or any other knowledge and/or skill that accentuates life in these current Middle Ages. The token of this Order is a metal wing, given as either a pin or hanging from a ribbon.

Den Grimme Aelling: given to those who do not reside in the Principality, for support and effort given to the principality. The token for this award is a late hatching egg, upon a silver coin, suspended from a sable ribbon.

Order of the Black Swan: awarded by the Princess to those combatants who fought and reached the final round of the Coronet Lists, but failed to prevail. The token is a triangular silver pendant marked with a silver swan holding a sword. The token is passed down to the most recent recipient, whether a new or existing member of the Order. A smaller version of the token is also given to the member to keep.

Order of the Swan's Heart: awarded to the consort of the Black Swan recipient. The token is a stone of worth hung from a white/silver ribbon.

Order of the Crystal Swan: the order of past consorts of Cynagua. The current consort inducts their predecessor into the order at Principality Investiture. The order's token is a crystal swan pendant, or another acceptable to the Coronet.

Order of the Winged Harp: given to former Bards of Cynagua when they successfully complete their term. The badge of the order is Argent, a winged Irish harp Or The wings are "down", to differentiate the medallion from that of the Bard of Cynagua, where the wings are up.

Coronet's Favor: given to recognize those who contribute to the well-being of the Coronet and the Principality. The token of this award is a medallion depicting a swan.

Princess' Token: given to those whom the Princess feels gave "cheerful" help during her reign. The token is determined by the Princess and varies for each reign.

Prince's Token: given to those whom the Prince (or Princess-by-Right-of-Arms) feels gave help and assistance throughout his reign. The token is determined by the Prince and varies for each reign.

Pearl of the Court: Their Highnesses may honor members of their court by gifting them with a personal token.

Copper Spoon: like the Mists' Silver Spoon, this recognizes the winners of the principality cooking competitions, usually held at the coronet tournaments and investitures. The winner receives a small copper spoon. This can be won multiple times.

Roll of Captains: Their Highnesses may honor the Captain of their guard by ordering his/her name inscribed on this roll. The token is a helmet with torse and mantling, suspended from a black ribbon

Lumen Cynagua: the victor of the Arts and Sciences Championship of the Principality, and for the following year is the Principality Artisan, whose job it is to give instructions to all who would learn from the victor.

Black Swan's Archer: given to those who have excelled in their skills and knowledge of Archery, whether it be on the archery field or in war. The token for this award is a roundel of polished Yew. Formerly known as the Saethwyr Eithriadrol.

Ordo Gladius Ater: given to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in all aspects of Rapier. The token for this order is a gold toned triangular pendant, embossed with a black rapier pointing upwards.

The Circlet of Gallantry: given to those who display a vigorous or courageous nobility of spirit and/or behavior. No more than two may be given each reign. The token is a wreath adorned with a red ribbon.

The Circlet of Honor: given to those who are a source or cause of respect, by displaying a nobility of mind or integrity, and adhering to a strong ethical code. No more than two may be given each reign. The token of this award is a wreath addorned with a white ribbon.

Crusader of Cynagua: given to those who attended war with Their Highnesses and whose service helped support the Coronet at war. The token is a personal medallion from the Prince.

Principality Champions

Lord Defender of Cynagua: Chosen at a tournament once a year, restricted to unbelted fighters. Serves as a defender in case the Prince/ess is not able to do so. The person who wins this title in combat retains the title for a year. The Lord Defender may not succeed him or herself.

Prima Spada of Cynagua: Chosen at a rapier tournament once a year. It is the duty and privilege of the Prima Spada to step forward and wield his/her blade for the Coronet Sovereign, in Rapier matters. The person who wins this title in combat retains the title for a year. The Prima Spada may not succeed him/herself. The token is a cape in the colors of the Principality of Cynagua embroidered with the device of the Principality.

Archery Champion: The Archery Champion holds their position from Winter Investiture to Winter Investiture, having won the title in competition. Their duty is to bear the bow on the field of combat and in tournaments to represent the Principality as Archery Champion. They are responsible for the competition to determine their successor. The Archery Champion may not succeed him/herself. Regalia for this office includes a baldric and quiver, and a cape of office.

Equestrian Champion

General of the Army: Leader of the army of Cynagua as needed.

Honors for the duration of a Reign:

Princess' Champion: the Princess may choose a champion, either by tournament or by personal selection, to defend Her honor and come to Her aid should it be within his/her power.

Cynaguan Guard: Members of the Cynaguan Guard hold this honor for the duration of the reign of the Prince and Princess who admitted them to the honor. The duties will vary depending on the Royalty. Members of the Cynaguan Guard are given to wear a black leather baldric on which the Coronet of Cynagua's Arms are displayed.

Prince's Huscarl (Cynagua): The Huscarls are the Prince's (or Princess' if They are Sovereign by Right of Arms) personal guard, for the duration of the reign.

Standard Bearer of Cynagua: Their Highnesses may honor a fighter residing within the Principality by naming that person as the Principality Standard Bearer for their Reign. Those so honored may be awarded a token of a banner suspended from a ribbon of black and gold. This is a temporary position, which ends the next time a person is named to this position.

The Court of Cynagua: recognizes those who are serving Their Highnesses as members of Their Court. There may be a Head of Court listed as well.

Escort for the Lady of the Swan: The Lady of the Swan may honor the Cynaguan Ladies of the Rose and Members of the Order of the Crystal Swan by requesting their escort at Her Investiture. When such an escort is planned, it will be the right of the highest-ranking ladies first, to accept or decline, There is no limit to the number of escorts the Lady of the Swan may have, provided the Ladies currently reside within the principality.

Cynaguan Artisans: an honor offered to those individuals who are not members of the Order of the Laurel who are pursuing the Arts and Sciences; these Cynaguan Artisans are selected solely at the discretion of the Coronet. Cynaguan Artisans are bestowed a favor designating the honor bestowed upon them. The Coronet may appoint a Laurel Counselor to assist the Cynaguan Artisans in pursuing their Arts and Sciences.


Arms of Oertha
Oertha (Alaska), originally known as the Region of the North,
became a Crown Principality in A.S. XVII, and was elevated to full principality status in A.S. XIX.

The arms of the principality are Azure, a wolf sejant, head erect, between in chief two compass stars and on a base argent, a laurel wreath azure.

The principality awards include:

Order of the Diamond Willow: given for outstanding service to the Principality. The token is a diamond willow pendant hung from a cord in principality colors.

Order of the Snowy Owl: given to those who have notably enriched the Principality in the fields of Arts and Sciences. The token for this award shall be a blue glass bead etched with a feather, or a snowy owl in flight, hung from a cord in Principality colors.

Oerthan Order of Grace: given for commendably courteous or chivalrous behavior. The badge of the order is . Quarterly argent and Or, a snowflake azure. The token is a snowflake pendant in some medium dependant from a ribbon in Principality colors (blue and white).

Order of the Silver Ulu: given for notable achievements in the practice and research of the culinary arts. The token is a small silver ulu hung from a ribbon. (An ulu is a curved blade, shaped like a very wide "U" with a central handle, used by native Alaskan tribes for food preparation.)

Order of the Princess' Riband: given to whose talents and unstinting service have uniquely enriched the Consort's reign. The Riband may be given to the same person as many times as various princesses deem he or she is worthy. The token is uniquely determined by the Princess.

Order of the Ivory Thimble: given to the winners of principality needlework contests. The token is an ivory thimble. The order's badge is: Azure, two needles in saltire surmounted by a third palewise, eyes to chief Or, between in cross four thimbles, domes to center, argent, all within a bordure Or.

Order of the Oerthan Sword: given for martial prowess and chivalrous behavior on and off the field. This award is presented from the hand of the Consort, usually upon the consideration of candidates proposed by the Knights' Council. The token for this order shall be a belt sword ring made of blue leather and metal.

Order of the Raven's Heart: given to recognize exceptional contributions by the younger subjects (under 17) of the Principality. The token for this order is a heart within a circle, both made of hematite. This award may be given to the same person as many times as various Coronets deem he or she is worthy.

Order of the Polaris: given to those who foster tradition and teach the customs and ways of the Society to the populace. The token is a sphere of interlocking pearls suspended on a blue silk ribbon.

Order of the Bards of Oertha: The Coronet may elevate any of Their Subjects to The Order of the Bards of Oertha, who have notably enriched the Principality in the bardic arts. The Coronet may decide to present this recognition directly, or may determine the individual to be awarded through a contest. The token of this award shall be a golden harp pendant hung from a cord of Principality colors.

Ladies of the Chamber: those ladies chosen to attend the princess at court and events, and those who can offer counsel and advice as needed.

Order of the Glove: given to those who have displayed chivalry and prowess on the rapier field, and posses s the qualities of a courtier. The token for this award shall be a blue leather glove decorated with the white Oerthan wolf.

Order of the Argent Stylus: given to those who have made notable achievements in the art and service of scribing. The token for this award is a silver stylus suspended from a cord or ribbon.

Order of the Wandering Wolves: given to those who have considerably enriched the Principality, but who are departing (or have departed) Oertha. The token is an argent wolf passant, head erect.

Order of Orion: given for achievement and excellence in the field of Archery. The token for this award is an Arrowhead Or for fostering Archery; an Arrowhead Argent for Target Archery; or an Arrowhead Azure for Combat Archery.

Coronet's Favor: given to recognize those who contribute to the well-being of the Coronet.

Historian of Oertha: given to those who have greatly enriched the Principality with the preservation of its history. The token for this award shall be an open book, argent.

Argent Wolf: given to groups (households, clans, etc.) who, as a group have served the principality outstandingly.

Argent Flame: given to those who show true Oerthan hospitality to strangers and friends to the Principality, and who through their generosity and charity provide for the needs of newcomers and members alike. The token is a silver flame formed into a pendant.

Ursa Major: given to those whose outstanding efforts and unstinting service have positively guided the children and youth of Oertha. The token for this award is a pendent showing the Ursa Major constellation, suspended on a cord of Principality colors.

Ursa Minor: given upon successful completion of the Oertha Page School program, in recognition of the service and knowledge gained through the program. The Page School officer shall maintain the program, and will advise the Coronet of participants who, through service and learning, have shown maturity in the customs of the Society and Principality. The token for this award shall be a bear charm, hung from a cord of Principality colors.

The Coronet's Favor: given to recognize those who contribute to the well-being of the Coronet. The token of this award shall be determined by the Coronet.

The Princess' Champion: The Princess may choose a champion, either by tournament or by personal selection, to defend Her honor and come to Her aid should it be within his/her power. This title lasts until the current reign is over. In Oertha, there is often a "heavy" champion and a "fencing" champion.

Princess' Escort: individuals of skill and talent, selected to serve the princess during her reign. Those honored are usually, but not necessarily, fighters.

The Shield of Chivalry: presented by the Consort during Their final court to the fighter who has displayed outstanding chivalry both on and off the field during the Coronet tournament. The token of this honor is a blue center grip round shield decorated with a white Oerthan Wolf, Compass Star, and six snowflakes. The recipient bears the shield for the duration of the following reign, after which it shall be returned to the Coronet.

Order of the Sandhill Crane: given for notable achievements in enhancing the pageantry and richness of these Current Middle Ages, primarily through the use of heraldry, whether it be display, oral, or written. The token is a white crane.

Order of Hospitality:offered to those in other lands who provide care and comfort to the Royals and members of the populace during their travels beyond the borders of Oertha. The token is a roundel depicting a road through the mountains suspended on a cord in Principality colors.

Order of the Boreal Fireweed: given for consistent contributions in teaching their skills and knowledge of the arts and sciences.

Order of the Princess' Patrons:given by the Consort to individuals or groups who, create and provide items for the Coronet to use as gifts to others The token is chosen by the Consort granting the recognition. The Order of the Princess' Patrons may also be called the Order of the Prince's Patrons or Consort's Patrons, if appropriate.

Holders of the Heart: past consorts of Oertha, and Ladies of the Snow (those who served as consort while Oertha was a crown principality). The token of this companionship is a small heart pendant (usually of carved wood).

Lord and Lady Guardian: titles of the runners-up of the recent coronet lists. There is a coronet and a baldric for each.

Order of the Lumen Borealis: the winner of the biannual Principality Arts and Sciences competition.



Back to Index of awards articles

Websites for: Principality of the Mists | Principality of Cynagua | Principality of Oertha


This column was compiled from The West Kingdom Herald's Handbook, by Master Hirsch von Henford (OL, OP), Contessa Juana Isabella Montoya y Ramirez (OL), and Duke Frederick of Holland (MSCA, OP). Additional information was provided by Mistress Dorothea of Caer-Myrddin (OL, OP), Lord Decion ap Dyfrwr Trefriw (former Crux Australis Herald), Viscountess Krysta of Starfall, and Siobhan ni hEodhusa. The principality arms graphics were created by Evaine ni MacGreger.

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