by Mistress Jessa d'Avondale
Artemisia was created as a principality of the Kingdom
of Atenveldt in A.S. XXIII. It became the fourteenth
kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism in A.S. XXXII.
The arms of the kingdom are Sable, on a pile between two gryphons
combattant, each maintaining an arrow Or, an ancient crown within a laurel wreath sable.
Gryphon of Artemisia: given by the king, to the person whom he feels shows the highest ideals and values of the Current Middle Ages. It is given for constant and unwavering service, chivalry and honour of a truly exceptional nature which has enabled the king to rule the kingdom better than he otherwise would have. This is the highest award given by the King of Artemisia, and may only be given once per reign. It is usually given at the closing court of the reign. The badge of the award is: (Fieldless) A gryphon passant erminois. Holders of this award are announced as "a Gryphon of Artemisia, Defender of the Dream," and may place the initials GA after their names.
White Scarf: given for excellence in the art of rapier and the teaching of rapier skills. The symbol of this award is a white scarf worn about the left arm.
Defenders of the Citadel: given for excellence in fighting and the teaching of fighting skills. The badge of the award is: Or, a tower between three mullets sable.
Golden Sun in Splendour: given for long and steady service to the kingdom and/or groups within it. The badge of the award is: (Fieldless) A sun in splendour within and conjoined to an annulet Or. (This award was originally named "The Order of the Sable Sun in Splendour.")
Key Cross: given for excellence in arts and sciences and the teaching of those skills. The badge of the award is: (Fieldless) A key cross conjoined in pale to a key inverted sable. (This award was originally named "The Order of the Sable Keys in Cross.")
Order of the Gryphon's Talon: given to those who demonstrate excellence in the skills and teaching of the fighting arts in the principality. Companions of the order may place the initials CGT after their names. The usual token is a curved claw with some feathers attached at the base, suspended from a ribbon.
Golden Maple Leaf: given to those who have
demonstrated consistant excellence in the arts and sciences, and who have
made available their skills and knowledge in service to the kingdom.
Companions of the Maple Leaf may place the initials CML after their names,
and may wear a medallion bearing the order's badge: (Fieldless) Two maple leaves,
stems crossed in saltire, gules. The usual token given with this award is a golden maple
leaf charm suspended from a ribbon. The award and the badge are in honour of Countess Adrianna
Holloway, commemorating her influence on the arts and sciences of the area that became Artemisia.
Golden Pillar of Artemisia: given for consistent service to the kingdom. Companions of the Pillar of Artemisia may place the initials CPA after their names. The usual token is a small wooden or black pillar, sometimes with a gold vine painted on it, suspended from a ribbon.
Gryphon and Pheon: given for excellence in the skills and teachings of archery in the kingdom. Symbol: The usual token of this award is a golden arrowhead suspended from a ribbon. (This award was originally named "The Order of the Golden Gryphon's Pheon.")
Cheval d'Or: given for excellence in the skills and teachings of the equestrian arts in the kingdom. The badge of the award is: (Fieldless) A horse courant contourny Or. Bearers of this award may place the initials CdO after their names.
Gryphons Eye: given for excellence in research into some part of the Middle Ages and/or Renaissance.
Golden Scarf: given for excellence in the art of rapier. The usual token of award is a yellow scarf worn about the upper arm.
| Crystal of the Salt Wastes | Barony of Loch Salann | Sable, a plate within a bordure Or |
| Order of the Peacock's Pride | Barony of One Thousand Eyes | (Fieldless) A peacock in his pride head to sinister Or. |
| Order of the Mountain Pearl | Barony of Sentinels' Keep | Token: a loop of pearls |
Moose of Arn Hold
| Barony of Arn Hold
| |
Order of the Gryphon's Heart: was given to those
who were of assistance to the prince and princess during their reign.
The symbol of the award was unique to each set of royalty, but usually centered around
a heart shape. Companions of this order may place the initials GHA after their names.
When Artemisia became a kingdom, this award was carried over as the Gryphon's Heart of Artemisia.
Gratia et Comitas: given to those who have impressed the Crown with their consistent grace and courtesy at all times. The award name is Latin for "Grace and Courtesy." The usual token of award is a scarf in the kingdom colours, worn on the left shoulder. Holders of this award may place the initials GeC after their names.
King's Council of Artemisia: given by the king to those individuals whose service, advice, and trust have been of great assistance to his reign. An individual may receive this award only once per reign. It is usually given at the closing court of the reign. The symbol of the award is unique to each king, but usually consists of an element of the king's personal arms. Holders of this award are styled "King's Councilors," and may place the initials KC after their names.
Queen's Confidence of Artemisia: given by the queen to those individuals whose service, advice, and trust have been of great assistance to her reign. An individual may receive this award only once per reign. It is usually given at the closing court of the reign. The symbol of the award is unique to each queen, but usually consists of an element of the queen's personal arms. Holders of this award are styled "Queen's Confidants," and may place the initials QC after their names.
Quodlibet: the Bard of Artemisia, the Bearer of the Shield of Chivalry, the various Champions of the Kingdom are each presented with a medallion bearing an illuminated letter "A" in recognition of their service.
Golden Badger: given for tenacious ferocity on the battlefield or in tournament. The usual token given with this award is a leather belt flash with the words "Nolo Dedere Numquam," Latin for "Never Give Up," on it. Companions of this order may place the initials CBA after their names. (This award was originally called "The Badger of Artemisia".)
The Artemisian TANK Corps (Totally Agressive Nasty Killers): was given to those heavy fighters who formed a very large part of the Artemisian Army. The usual token given with this award was a medallion bearing the image of a Carthaginian war elephant surrounded by the words "Artemisian TANK Corps." Companions of this order may place the initials TANK after their names.
Artemisian Shield of Chivalry: given to the most chivalrous fighter at the Artemisian Crown Tourney. The queen, in consultation with the ladies (or lords) present at the tourney, selects the recipient. The recipient receives the ceremonial Shield of Chivalry, which is emblazoned with the arms of the kingdom, and holds it until the next Crown Tourney.
Bard of Artemisia: chosen by artistic competition at the Crown Tourney. The current Bard, together with the reigning prince and princess and their new heirs, make the selection. The winner receives a cloak bearing a gryphon playing a harp, surrounded by Celtic knotwork. The names of the past Bards are embroidered on the cloak lining, and each new Bard also adds something personal to the cloak. The Bard holds the title until the next Crown Tourney.
Order of the Gryphon's Pheon: was given to those who demonstrated excellence in the teaching and skills of archery in the principality. The usual token given with this award was a golden arrowhead suspended from a ribbon. Companions of the order may place the initials CGPh after their names. When Artemisia became a kingdom, this award was carried over as the Gryphon and Pheon.
Order of the Maple Leaf of Artemisia: was given to those who demonstrated consistant excellence in the arts and sciences, and who taught their skills and knowledge to others. Companions of the Maple Leaf may place the initials CML after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing the order's badge: (fieldless) Two maple leaves, stems crossed in saltire, gules. When Artemisia became a kingdom, this award was re-created as the Golden Maple Leaf.
Order of the Pillar of Artemisia: was given to those who demonstrated and gave consistent service to the kingdom. Companions of the order may place the initials CPA after their names. The usual token was a small wooden or black pillar suspended from a ribbon. When Artemisia became a kingdom, this award was re-created as the Golden Pillar.
Artemisian Order of Grace: was given to those who conducted themselves with honor and chivalry, and who were "the Embodiment of the Dream" within the kingdom. Members of the order may place the initials AOG after their names. The usual token was a black scarf of belt worn as a garter around the left leg. When Artemisia became a kingdom, this award was re-created as the Gratia et Comitas.
Order of the Prince's Counselors of Artemisia: presented by the prince to those who have been of exemplary service to him during his reign. Counselors may place the initials PCA after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing the presenting prince's badge or the primary charge of his arms.
Royal Commendation: was given to those whose dedication and constant efforts enhanced the dream and served the principality. This award was non-specific and could be given for effort and service in any area.
| Index of SCA Kingdom Awards articles | Kingdom of Artemisia webpage |
This column was compiled from Atenveldt kingdom law, and the SCA Armorial. Additional information was provided by Master Richard Omrisson of the Wolvenkin, (Aten Principal Herald), Lord Kristoff McLain Cameron of Locksley (Fireball Pursuivant), Master Ioseph of Locksley (Greenwood Herald Extraordinary), Mistress Juliana nic Lachlainn, Alban St. Albans, and Lord Kwellend-Njal Kollskeggson.
Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (OP, Court Baroness, GoA, OSC, OM, OBT, QC, Terpsichore) is from the fifteenth-century Italian court, where she is studying the dance (including those peculiar ones from France and England). She resides in the East Kingdom. Marla Lecin (mlecin@optonline.net) invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to contact her.