Examples of Achievements
Collars and Coronets
Armorial Hangings

Some awards we are about to mention do not have established badges or regalia as of yet; some of them probably never will, and there is nothing wrong with placing a symbolic representation of them on your achievement. As in the foregoing, there is much one can do by way of adaptation of an achievement by creative use of ones armorial elements. Remember to consult your local herald if you have additional questions; if you ARE a herald, then you can always contact the Beacon Herald. ORDER OF THE ROSE This can be represented as an outline of Roses and thorns around the necks (or in the hands) of supporters, sitting atop the device, or as a wreath around the device. ORDER OF THE BOUGH This can be shown as cypress branches in the hands of supporters (if you are entitled); as a bough medallion suspended from your Collar of Estate, which is around the device; as a crest representing a cypress tree; a hand clutching a cypress club, etc. ORDER OF THE VELVET OWL Perhaps a white owl as a supporter or crest, a white owl's head suspended from the Collar of Estate, etc. ORDER OF THE SCARLET STAR Could be shown as a red star above device, as a crest, as being held in the hand of a supporter, etc. ORDER OF THE MERIDIAN CROSS Cross could be held by a supporter, incorporated into crest, suspended from a Collar of Estate (if you are entitled), or simply placed above your achievement. ORDER OF THE ASCENDING SWAN Swans could be used as supporters, incorporated into crest, the Order's medallion could be suspended from the Collar of Estate or simply placed above your achievement. Similar methods can be applied to the rest of the Meridian awards. The following three pages depict various ways of putting together such achievements, be they simple or complex. They are as follows: Awards of Arms... A - Torse and Mantling. B - Torse and Mantling with Argent Shield. C - Torse and Mantling. D - Torse and Ribboning with Velvet Owl. E - Torse and Ribboning about lozenge. Grants of Arms... A - Eagle supporter. B - Helm, torse and mantling, Collar of Estate and Meridian Cross. C - Mermaid supporter. D - Helm, torse and mantling, with cartouche for motto. E - Helm with round shield, in early period theme. Peerages... A - Cap of Maintenance of the Order of the Pelican, Scarlet Star, dual supporters of a Royal Peer and a cartouche for motto. B - Chain of a Member of the Chivalry, Meridian Cross, Sovereigns Pleasure and Argent Shield. In both of the above, note the use of crests, mantling, etc.

AWARD OF ARMS

GRANT OF ARMS

PEERAGES

A. Standard collar/chain of 'M's.
B. Collar with Meridian Crosses alternating with 'M's.
C. Collar with Armorial Plaquets alternating with 'M's.
D. Collar with crenellated Plaquets alternating with 'M's.
E. Collar with Ducal Armorial Plaquets alternating with 'M'.
F. Some alternate forms of 'M's.
G. Baronial Coronet.
H. County Coronet.
I. Ducal Coronet.
J. Laurel Wreath.
K. Cap of Maintenance

These can be incorporated into miniatures used in the production of scrolls or as other design elements. It is wise to limit the use of these forms of illumination within a scroll to those forms allowed to the recipient, as determined by their precedence. On the following page are drawings of the Armorial Hangings describe below. Gonfalon: The gonfalon is what most of us in the SCA first learned to call a banner. It is the display of the complete arms of the bearer, being supported horizontally along the top. Its' use is, as always, open to anyone. Pennons: A martial display, the pennon possesses a personal nature, in that it carries only the primary charge or the badge (or less often, the motto). They supported along the side and ALWAYS terminate in a single point. The use is restricted to Royal Peers and Knights, who employ them on spears and/or lances. Pennoncel: The pennoncel is used as is the pennon; for placement on lances and spears. It differs in that the badge or charge is oriented so that it is supported along the top, and that it terminates at the fly in two or more points. Banners: Banners are the perquisite of Royalty, and of groups belonging to the Kingdom. It is the banner we speak of when we use the term 'flag', though in the past used in a careless and general fashion. It is a square or rectangular display supported on the side. It may display either the arms of the bearer, or their complete achievement or arms. Standards: Standards are surely one of the more spectacular forms of heraldic ensign, because they incorporate many heraldic elements; the flag of that land to which the bearer swears fealty (and bearing a standard without it would bean extremely weak joke), the primary charge of the wearer, and a motto and/or secondary charge or badge. Additionally the size of the standard is inconsiderable. Guidons: Guidons are very much a martial display, and as such are restricted to knights or commissioned fighters leading troops into battle. They are a much abbreviated form of the standard, having the kingdom flag at the hoist and the primary charge or the badge of the bearer thereafter. They are typically swallow-tailed or possessed of a schwenkel at the fly. Return to the Meridian Scribe's Handbook DISCLAIMER: This page is not an official publication of the Meridian College of Scribes, the Kingdom of Meridies, or the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. The information here is merely provided as a courtesy to interested gentles. It does not delineate policy of the Meridian College of Scribes, the Kingdom of Meridies, or the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and statements made herein should not be deemed official.