What are peerages?
SCA peerages are bestowed as the highest ranking awards within the SCA. Peerages are loosely based on historic European concepts modified to address the needs and culture of the SCA.
The SCA has four orders of peerage: the Orders of Chivalry, recognizing high-levels of martial skill; the Order of the Laurel, recognizing excellence in the arts and/or sciences; the Order of the Pelican, recognizing outstanding service to the Kingdom, and Royal Peerages, recognizing service to the Society by reigning as King/Queen or Prince/Princess. In the West Kingdom each order of peerage is accompanied by a Patent of Arms.
How are peerages bestowed?
The Order of Chivalry, Laurels, and Pelicans are peerages that are bestowed by the Crown of the Kingdom. In most cases, this is done at the request/recommendation of the members of that particular peerage, although any one may recommend any one for any award (Recommendation form is located here). From the Bylaws of the Society: The Crown may elevate subjects to the Peerage by granting membership in one of the Orders conferring a Patent of Arms, after consultation with the members of the Order within the Kingdom, and in accordance with the laws and customs of the kingdom. Restriction: to advance a candidate to the Order of Knighthood, a Knight of the Society must bestow the accolade."
These orders are sometimes referred to as "Polling Orders" due to the process of consultation between the Crown and members of the Order.
Royal Peerages are bestowed at the end of a successful reign (see Corpora for definition of successful reign).
Order of Chivalry
Members are awarded this rank for excellence in heavy fighting and members can choose, at the time membership is offered, one of two options: Knight or Master of Arms. Collectively, Knights and Masters of Arms are referred to as the Order of Chivalry and are members of equal standing within the Order.
SCA Knights are recognized by their white belts, spurs and large open-link chains. Knights are typically addressed as Sir, and Lady Knights frequently take "Sir" as well, although Dame is an available option as well. Some Knights use title forms that are more appropriate to their persona - for example a knight with a German persona may use Ritter in place of Sir. Knights may take Squires, as students of chivalry and martial art. Squires are usually recognizable by their red belts. Whereas a white belt is a reserved piece of regalia for Knights, a red belt is not reserved for squires - anyone may wear a red belt. It is not necessary or required to be a squire prior to becoming a knight. There is a frequent expression that "squire" is a job description, not a rank.
What differeniates Knights from Masters of Arms is the oath of fealty. While knights are required to swear the oath of fealty to the Crown, Masters of Arms do not take this oath. A Master of Arms is recognized by the white baldric (worn crosswise from shoulder to hip) rather than a white belt. They do not wear a chain (as the chain is a symbol of the fealty to the Crown) or spurs. Masters of Arms may choose to swear fealty in a particular instance if they choose, or not at all. This allows those whose religious convictions forbid them to swear an oath, or those who refuse to be bound by oaths not of their choosing, to still accept the honor of an SCA peerage should it be offered.
Masters of Arms are addressed as Master or Mistress.
SCA Corpora (VIII.A.4.a)[[1]] dictates that "only a knight can make a knight". On the rare occassions that someone wins Crown Tournament who is not a knight must have a knight bestow the accolade (the "dubbing" tap on the shoulder with a sword) to make the new knight, thus maintaining the unbroken lineage of "true knights".
In corresponence an individual may use KSCA or MSCA to reflect their membership in the Order of Chivalry.
Order of the Laurel
Laurels are the artisans of the Kingdom. Member of the Order of Laurel have reached exemplary levels within their fields, researching, practicing, and teaching their arts and sciences to others in the Society. They are most frequently recognized by a medallion bearing a laurel wreath. You will also find other representations of laurel wreaths such as embroidered laurel wreaths on cloaks, etc. Laurels vary in art from armor making, to singing, to weaving, to any other art or science practiced within the middle ages period. They are expected to use and be knowledgeable about the materials and techniques for construction, and styles in their art. The common form of address for a Laurel is Master or Mistress, however forms appropriate to one's persona a available and used.
In corresponence an individual may use OL to reflect their membership in the Order of the Laurel.
Order of the Pelican
Pelicans are so named for the medieval legend that a mother pelican will, in times of need, prick her own breast to feed her lifeblood to her brood. Members of the Pelican are recognized by a medallion bearing the image of a "pelican in her piety". A pelican in her piety is shown "pricking" her breast in order to feed her young. Also addressed as Master or Mistress, Pelicans have display huge devotion to service to the Kingdom. These people are frequently found running the day-to-day business of the Society, holding offices, running events, and assisting with the organizational aspects of their local or regional group, their Kingdom, or at the Society level.
In corresponence an individual may use OP to reflect their membership in the Order of the Pelican.
Royal Peers