Baronial Awards and Honors
Baronial Awards List on Kingdom Web-SiteGo to Award Search Options, Award Descriptions by Region, Oertha, Winter's Gate.
You can use the Kingdom form to make award recommendations, or e-mail the Baron or Baroness
Baronial Awards
Taken from "The Gatekeeper", October/November 1996
By Morgana yr Oerfa, Baroness Winter's Gate
OP, GA, OLM, ORL, AA, OSO, CDW, OE
Badge for the Estoile
The most prestigious is the Order
of the Estoile, given
for long-term service to the Barony. People receiving
this award have usually been members of the barony
for several years, have held one or more offices,
are often instrumental in keeping the baronial
activities on track, and are examples for all
to follow. Badge for the Silver Swan
For excellence in the arts and sciences,
there is the Order of the
Silver Swan, given not
only to those who produce arts and sciences that
clothe us, feed us, armor us, and entertain us,
but also to the historians who research, teach
and publish.
The Order of the Stout Heart (Closed Order) was given to those hardy
souls who, although not members of the Barony,
have traveled frequently to our isolated lands,
have aided, encouraged (and sometimes incited)
us in war and peace, and have generally been our
friends, especially back in ancient times when
it was not politically wise to be such a friend.
The Honorary Citizenship is given to friends of the Barony,
have traveled frequently to our isolated lands.
Now Friend of the Barony.
Badge for the Bear Claw
The Companions of the Bear Claw are those who have
displayed ferocity on the field of combat or war.
Badge for the Gilded Lily Another fighting award is the Gilded Lily, given
for exceptional deaths on the field. The Lily
and Bear Claw were designed to be awarded as often
as deserved, and recipients are entitled to display
a gold lily or a bear paw somewhere on his or
her armor (on the helm was the practice in early
baronial history). Neither has been given for
some time, but I would certainly like to see these
qualities displayed on the field so they could
be acknowledged.
Created to be given when deemed appropriate, and as often
as earned, is the Baroness'
Recognition, which
I started to thank people for work done in the
last six months or so, that I might have had had
to do if they hadn't been there.
How do people receive them, you ask? First, I keep an eye on
the members of the Barony, watching who does what.
I also confer with previous recipients of the
awards to get their opinions on my suggestions
and to find out what they might have observed
that I missed. And anyone can recommend someone
for any of those awards. You can either speak
with me at events or meetings, call me, or put
your recommendations in writing. I am always glad
to talk to people about the awards, and to have
people recommended. It's one of the more pleasurable
aspects of being Baroness: being able to recognize
the activities of people!
Have you ever wondered what all those initials
mean following someone's name, like above?
Commonly called Alphabet Soup, they indicate
which awards someone has received. Awards
can be given by Kings and Queens, Princes
and Princesses, and landed Barons and Baronesses
(which is what I am). One usually starts
out being recognized at their local level,
and gradually work up (from barony to principality
to kingdom).
The Barony of Winter's Gate has a handful of awards
that are given by me (in my capacity as Baroness)
when appropriate at baronial courts, usually at
May and Harvest Captaincy events (although they
can be given at any official event).
Further Awards and information:
Earned Honors or Positions are:Heavy Fighter:
Captain of Winter's Gate The warrior who wins the Captaincy Heavy Tournament
Upon release from the position of Captain, the fighter become a Companion of the Polar Bear.
Heart of Winter's Gate The Captain's Consort
Upon release from the position of Heart, the inspiration become a Companion of the Snowdrop.
Rapier Fighter:
Commander of Winter's GateThe Rapier Fighter who wins the Rapier Tournament
Upon release from the position of Commander, the fighter become a member of the Order of the Arctic Fox.
Light of Winter's GateThe Commander's Consort
Upon release from the position of Heart, the inspiration become a member of the Order of the Shooting Star.
For the Above Tournaments, one or the other of the fighter and consort must be a resident of the Barony.
Fool of Winter's Gate Appointed by the Baron and Baroness or by Competition.
See "History" <---- tab for lists of past holders of these honors.
More recent awards:
The Order of Atlas: Given to people who work quietly in the background. The token is a piece of material with an atlas painted on it, meant to be worn as a belt token. Current recipients are charged to pass the recognition on to new recipients.When passed or received from another, please inform the Baron, Baroness or Herald so it can be recorded and tracked.
Badge for the Silver Star
for Children excelling in Service or Arts - a bead added to the initial award for further achievements.
Badge for the Pewter Pot
Given for excellence in the researching and preparation of good Period food.
Pearl of Chivalry
Given for acts of courtesy and chivalry. Can be bestowed multiple times.
Order of the Crystal Heart
To recognize in children examples of grace, dignity, and willingness to do great service.
The Aspen Tree
Recognition of those inspiring newcomers. Can be bestowed multiple times.
The Lynx's Den
to acknowledge and welcome newcomers who have settled into the Barony.
Steward's Annulet
for Service as Event Steward. Can be bestowed multiple times.
Baronial Recognition
For any service deemed worthy by the Baron and/or Baroness. Can be bestowed multiple times.
The Order of the Iron Moose
For prolonged excellence in the field of Martial Activity within the Barony.
Court Retinue Positions and honors:
Baroness' Heavy Champion
Baroness' Rapier Champion
Baroness' Archery Champion
Baroness' Arts & Sciences Champion
Baroness' Ladies and Escort and Artisans.
Usually come with a belt-favor in the chosen form or style of the Baroness.
The Company of Winter's Gate
Awards last updated/added Spring of LIX (2024) by Charter Update.
end
Given to those who have gone to war or served as Baronial Champion - as Fighter, Archer, or Art & Sciences
