Awards of Vatavia

One of the greatest attributes of the SCA is its cultural willingness to recognize ability on the tournament field, in the arts & sciences, and through dedicated service by way of each kingdom’s system of Awards.

These awards are given by their Excellencies of Vatavia and are based on recommendations submitted by the populace. Some of the awards are denoted by various colored cords generally worn on someone’s belt and others are badges usually worn as some sort of medallion. 

Award Cords

Given to individuals who live and are active in Vatavia.

Anyone who is a citizen of Vatavia may wear this badge.

Given to individuals who have won a competition at an official SCA event. Additional victories as noted by leaves on the cord.

Premier:

  • Edward Cire of Greymoor 1/10/1981
  • William Vatavia 1/10/1981

Given to individuals whose work in the arts has shown promise of skill in their chosen craft. Further recognition for work in the arts of the same are denoted by leaves on the cord.

Premier:

  • Elisabeth de Rossignol 10/11/1981
  • Felicity of Mathienvale 10/11/1981

Given to individuals whose work in the sciences has shown promise of skill in their chosen craft. Further recognition for work in the sciences of the same art, denoted by leaves on the cord.

Premier:

  • Thomas Bacon 10/11/1981
  • Tymm the Mysterious 10/11/1981

Given to individuals who in the estimation of the Baronage have performed some act of dedication for the Barony above the service normally expected of citizens of Vatavia. Further recognition denoted by leaves on the cord.

Premier: William Vatavia 1/10/1980

Given to a child for effort in arts, sciences, or service. Further recognition denoted by leaves.
Premier: Bella del Sol 05/18/2005

Must be proficient at least one weapon system and must be familiar in all weapon systems used in the SCA combat. A Guardsman must always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.

Premier:

  • Edward Cire of Greymoor 05/10/1981
  • Erlechin de Battenhelm 05/10/1981
  • Frances Alouisous O’Rourke 05/10/1981
  • Josfo Vldrfarle 05/10/1981

Must be proficient with bow or crossbow. A Guardsmen must display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.

Premier:

  • Barbarosa Jebez 1/22/1984
  • David The Silent of Ravenscroft 1/22/1984
  • Gabriel ap Morgan ap Hywel 1/22/1984
  • Wylfridd Tallesin 1/22/1984

Must be proficient in at least one weapon system and must be familiar in all weapon systems and in the Calon Steel combat. A Guardsman must always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.

Premier: Roderick de Graham 12/18/2013

Given to non-Vatavians who in the estimation of the Baronage have performed some act of dedication for the Barony above the service normally expect of a Vatavian, much less a guest and a visitor. Further recognition denoted by leaves.

Premier:

  • Christopher Robin 05/02/1992
  • Ida Lundy 05/02/1992

Recognizes achievement in the bardic arts. Further recognition denoted by leaves.

Premier:

  • Cerridwyn Eurgledde ferch Owain ap Bychan ap Gruffudd 07/08/2006
  • Gabriel ap Morgan ap Hywel 07/08/2006
  • Stephen Grimfalcon de Norfolk 07/08/2006

Award Badges

Star of Vatavia (Star)

Shall be given to those outstanding individuals whose unselfish actions and deeds on behalf of the Barony of Vatavia have greatly elevated and improved Vatavia and its populace and its position in the Known World. That is someone who brings action and renown to Vatavia through their skill and/or leadership and is KNOWN as a VATAVIAN. Some consider it to show an ideal SCA person/ For individuals who have devoted a very significant portion of their time and energy over a very substantial period of time for the betterment of the Barony.
Receives a metal medallion.
Premier: Maelan Azalais de Ceacaire 09/04/1981
Badge (unregistered): On a mullet of eight elongated points or another mullet of eight points bendwise argent, a bezant charged with dragonfly azure. (Top mullet- white or silver; bottom mullet points, circle-yellow or gold, bug-blue.)

Vatavian Sword (AKA Sword of Valor or Vatavian Sword of Valor)

Started 08/31/1980
Winner of the annual Tournament of Valor, a two-handed sword, double-elimination tournament held in September (originally to be autocrated by the Champion of Vatavia). Receives a knife, a metal medallion and a giant cookie (started 1985 by House de Belfour). Holds the Sword of Valor for one year.
The guardian of Valor Tournament, started in 1984 (Valor V), was open to all past Valor winners present and that year’s winner. (This was to follow the practice of Namron Protectorate after which Valor tournament was patterned.)
The prizes changed. The valor winner received the banner of Valor, a scroll and a knife. The Guardian received the medallion, a scroll, the giant cookies and became the holder of the Sword of Valor for one year.
Then in honor of Calontir;’s Centennial the Tournament was open to all (Valor XIV 9/4/1994). The winner received a scroll, a knife, a giant cookie, and a medallion, plus the banner and sword to hold for one year. A single tournament has been held since that time for valor.
Premier Valor: Gunter Brummbar van Schwarzberg 08/31/1980
Premier Guardian: Brom Blackhand 09/02/1984
Badge (registered 11/1985) Per bend sinister OR and azure a dragonfly volant en arrire and a sword counterchanged. (Background diagonal from right upper corner- as you look at it; left- yellow or gold, right blue; bug-blue; sword-yellow or gold.)


Radiant Lioness (ORL)

Named after the founding baroness Mammara Leona
Conferred upon individuals whose work in the arts or sciences has shown a consistently high level of skill in their chosen craft, who have a detailed knowledge of its history, an individual who has assisted others in learning of said craft. Baronial equivalent of a Calon Lily.
Receives a metal medallion,
Premier: Wylfridd Taliesin 03/-6/1983
Badge (Registered 11/1981): Azure, in pale a lioness couchant coward and a demi sun inverted OR (Background- blue, lioness and sun- yellow or gold.)

Golden Heart of Vatavia (OGH)

Given to people who in the estimation of the Baronage have served the Barony o fVatavia well and faithfully, above and beyond that service normally expected of its citizens. It represents continued service to the Barony.
Receives a badge of the Order.
Premier: William V’Tavia 01/01/1979
Badge (unregistered): Fieldless, on a heart OR a dragonfly azure (heart- yellow oe gold; bug-blue)

Straz (guard) (Captains of the Baronial Guard) (STZ)

Must be proficient in at least two weapon systems, and must be authorized in all armored weapon systems used in SCA Combat, participated at the kingdom level, and exhibited leadership in fighting (usually by marshaling) within the barony. A Captain must always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.
Receives a medallion of the central charges.
Premier: Edward Cire of Greymoor 05/10/1981
Raedwald of Boarhunt 05/10/1981

Badge (registered 11/1992): Azure, a dragonfly between two daggers inverted in pile, a bodure counter-compony azure and OR (This combines the Captain’s medallion with the cord of the baronial guard of which they are also a member and whom they lead.) (Background-blue; bug and daggers-yellow or gold; border checkered blue and yellow/gold)

Zeman Straz (thane guard) (Captains of the Baronial Archer Guard) (Z-Stz)

Must be proficient with bow and/or crossbow, participate at the Kingdom level, and exhibit leadership in archery (usually by marshaling) within the Barony. A Captain must always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.
Receives a medallion of the central charges.
Premier: Gabriel ap Morgan ap Hywel 1/22/1984
Badge (registered 11/1992): Azure, a dragonfly between two arrows in pile OR, a bodure company argent and gules. (This combines the Archery Captains’ medallion with the cord of the Baronial Archer Guard of which they are also a member and whom they lead.) (Background-blue; bud and arrows- yellow or gold; border-white or silver and red.)

Cepel Straz (Guard) (Captains of the Baronial Cut & Thrust Guard) (C-Stz)

Started by Baron Donald McDonald and Zoe Mikre.
Must be proficient in the weapon systems, participated at the kingdom level, and exhibited leadership in fighting (usually by marshaling) within the Barony. A Captain must always display unquestionable honor both on and off the field.
Premier: Donald Andrew McDonald 06/04/2016
Badge (unregistered 2/201): Azure, a dragonfly between two dussacks in pile OR a bordure counter compony vert and Or. (Background-blue; bug and swords- yellow or gold; border- red and yellow)

Treasure of Vatavia (TOB)
Started by Baron Gawayne ap Tristam and Brialen Ulfsdottir Vikings
Award given at the discretion of the Baronage to an individual whose effects have enhanced and enriched the Barony and who are invaluable members. Usually given to those who have already been acknowledged by the other service awards. (This is different from the boon given by Baron Tedrick von Wolfschatten and Baroness Aldeen the Audacious to such individuals of selecting an item from the baronial Treasure Chest. )
Premier: Sean Angus MacDuinnchinn 10/20/1991
Token: Choice of the presenting Baronage
(Original) Brown, a dragonfly OR surmounting two cattails inverted brown with OR heads.

Dream Feather (DF)
Started by Champion Rinald il Bianco.
Awarded by the Baronial Champion, as they step down to the individuals that give part of the Dream to others.
Symbolism comes from Rinal’s device- he is the serpent; the wings are the dream; the feathers were his way of thanking those who had given him a piece of the dream, allowing him to soar.
This is separate from the Ansteorran award of the same name and purpose which some Vatavians have been given.
Premier: Eleanor ferch Rhiwallon 05/02/1992
Gabhainn Luath MacDhomhnuill 05/02/1992
Kasmira Verena d’Arcy -5/02/1992

Banner Bearer
Originally the runner-up in the Champion’s Tournament or the Champion’s choice. It was the duty of the Banner Bearer to carry the Baronial banner, especially in wars.
Premier: Ian Brannock 11/07/1993
It was closed with the last bearer being Gabhainn Luiath mac Dhomhnuill 11/4/1995. It was reopened as the teen champion title.
Premier: Gwenhevare Dominique Nazzaire d’Avignon 06/06/1998
It was re-established as the runner-up in Champion’s tournament 1(11/1998) and the flag bearer in wars. It was later expanded to also include being the chief of mercenaries in Vatavian service.
Premier: Yesngge the Golden 11/21/1998

Golden Dragonfly of Vatavia (GDV)

Childrens award, recognizes participation in all possible aspects of the Society; service similar to that recognized by the Golden Heart; activity in the arts and/or sciences; displays leadership in their peer group including teaching. Ready to step into adult activities/.
Premier: Subadai 07/07/2001
Badge: (Registered 5/2006): Azure, a dragonfly OR a bordure per saltire OR and argent (Background- b;lue; bug- yellow or gold; order divided x-wise, top and bottom sections yellow or gold, sides white or argent)

Saint Hilarius (OSH)

Started by Baron Donald Mcdonald and Zoe Mikre
Recognizes contributions to the fun of the society
Premier: Robert Steven Maclaren the Scot 02/19/2014
Badge (registered 11/2013): Azure, a humerus bone bendwise sinister argent surmounted by a dragonfly OR a bordure per saltire argent and OR. (Background- blue; bug- yellow or gold, bone white or silver; border divided x-wise, top and bottom sections white or silver, sides yellow or gold.)

Dormant orders

Cumbersome Load
Started by Baroness Rhianwen ferch Bran ap Gruffydd
Given for shouldering burdensome duties above and beyond sanity. It is held by the recipient until the next lucky candidate is awarded it. (Held/worn which individual efforts are honored.)
It is a large donut-shaped rock, on a rope as a recklace.
First recipient: Duncan MacCraken for marching and fighting the entire 3 miles of the Sundowner Parade (River Festival 1995( without taking a break.
Second recipient: Friar Thomas Bacon for dishwashing.

Vatavian Corps of Engineers- mechanized
Started by Baron Gawayne ap Tristam and Brialen Ulfsdottir Vikings
Consists of the entire Vatavian road repair crew for the Harvest fair (10/21/1991) event site near Greensburg : Andriesap Daffydd, Ala of Featherstone, Sean Angud Macduinnchinn, Eleanor ferch Rhiwallon, Galen Macdonald, Lawrence Tailefer the Keech, Phillipa Llyod de Tarifa, Marie Chantal Delaire, Leanardo il Calamaro, Dietrich Eisenhart, Fynn M<acguire.
Token: Tiny grass V to place at the top of AOD cord.