Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some frequently asked questions about the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Glossary
This section explains some words with special or unusual meanings in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
An Award of Arms is the first level of noble rank within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
AOAs may only be awarded by the Crown, either alone (a “naked” AOA) or along with an armigerous kingdom-level award.
Holders of an Award of Arms may be addressed as Lord, Lady, or Noble. The armiger may also choose to use alternative titles representing the culture of their persona.
Court Barons and Baronesses are created by the Crown but they do not hold any land.
Barons/Baronesses are addressed as “Your Excellency” and are entitled by tradition to wear a coronet with six points, usually topped with pearls.
Landed Barons and Baronesses are representatives of the Crown governing the Baronial lands within the Kingdom. A Barony is a geographical area and a local group within a Kingdom that may include smaller local groups, such as Cantons, within its borders.
Barons/Baronesses are addressed as “Your Excellency” and are entitled by tradition to wear a coronet with six points, usually topped with pearls.
A Grant of Arms is the second level of noble rank within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
GOAs may only be awarded by the Crown, either alone (a “naked” GOA) or along with a grant-level kingdom award.
Holders of a Grant of Arms may be addressed as Lord, Lady, or Noble. In some kingdoms, GOAs may be addressed as Lordship/Ladyship or THL (The Honorable Lord/Lady). The grant holder may also choose to use alternative titles representing the culture of their persona.
A Patent of Arms is the third and highest level of noble rank within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Patents may only be awarded by the Crown in conjunction with elevation to one of the Patent Orders.
Holders of a Patent of Arms may be addressed using various honorifics specific to their Royal Title or Patent Order.
Within the Patent Orders, the honorifics of Sir or Dame may only be used by members of the Knighthood, a part of the Order of Chivalry. Members of the other Patent Orders may be addressed by the honorific Master or Mistress. The patent holder may also choose to use alternative titles representing the culture of their persona.