Order of the Mark
From EastKingdomWiki
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 (tinctureless) A set of nesting scale weights within and conjoined to a mascle fleury at the upper point. | ||||||||
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Introduction
The Order of the Mark is one of the five SCA Bestowed Peerages, along with the Order of Chivalry, the Order of Laurel, the Order of the Pelican, and the Order of Defense
Companions of the Order of the Mark are recognized for their great prowess in ranged martial pursuits, and for applying their skills and knowledge for the instruction of members and service to the kingdom beyond normal expectation. Ranged martial pursuits include target archery, combat archery, siege weaponry, and thrown weapons
Arts
Peerage Qualities
As for the virtues, the SCA Governing Documents state the requirements for any Peerage candidates:
"They shall have:
- been obedient to the governing documents of the Society and the laws of the kingdom.
- consistently shown respect for the Crown of the kingdom.
- set an example of courteous and noble behavior suitable to a peer of the realm.
- demonstrated support for the aims and ideals of the Society by being authentic in dress, equipment and behavior as is within their power.
- shared their knowledge and skills with others.
- practiced hospitality according to their means and as appropriate to the circumstances.
- made every effort to learn and practice those skills desirable at and worthy of a civilized court. To this end they should have some knowledge of a wide range of period forms, including but not limited to literature, dancing, music, heraldry, and chess, and they should have some familiarity with combat as practiced in the Society.
- participated in Society re-creations of several aspects of the culture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance."
Responsibilities
The Governing Documents also state that the duties of the members of the order include:
- To set an example of courtesy and chivalrous conduct on and off the field of honor.
- To respect the Crown of the kingdom; to support and uphold the laws of the kingdom and Corpora.
- If in fealty, to support and uphold the Crown of his or her kingdom.
- To enrich the kingdom by sharing his or her knowledge and skills.
- To enhance the renown and defend the honor of the peer’s Lady or Lord.
- To advise the Crown on the advancement of candidates for the Order of the Mark.
Symbols of the Order
The regalia of the Order is two white vambraces or bracers, and the badge: "(tinctureless) A set of nesting scale weights within and conjoined to a mascle fleury at the upper point.
Elevation to the Order
(to be added)
Vigils
Ceremonies
Alternative to peerage ceremony can be found here Rite of Qualification
Swearing Fealty
Members of the Order of the Mark may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so.
Dependents
History of the Order of the Mark
The 2010 SCA Census, which generated the push for the Order of Defense, actually showed a higher percentage of participation in Archery than in Rapier combat. After the creation of the Order of Defense in 2015 CE the push continued for a peerage for other martial pursuits. There were enough online pushes, through proposals sent to the board, online petitions, and direct emails to the Board that in 2016 the Board announced the formation of a committee in 2017 to investigate another peerage for, not just archery, but all other martial pursuits into a true Omnibus Peerage. During the 2020 census the question was asked how to recognize the remaining martial pursuits. The response was Overwhelming (over 60% in the case of Target Archery) that such a peerage should exist for Target and Combat Archery, Thrown weapons, and siege engineering and be included in a new omnibus style peerage. The only exception was the Equestrian Community, Which held just under 30% of responses for inclusion into this new Omnibus peerage while another 30% responded that equestrian should be included in the Order of Knighthood with the remaining 40% for either no recognition or inclusion in the Laurel or Defense. The Board decided that a peerage for ranged martial pursuits was warranted in April 2024 and directed the College of Arms to determine a name, regalia, and insignia. Throughout 2024 the College researched and proposed names and badges which were put to the populace for feedback. In April 2025 it was announced that the order would come into being on June 7th, 2025.
-Ryan, Chair of the Board Peerage Committee, Premier of the Eastern Order of the Mark
| Awards of the East Kingdom |
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| Society Awards: Award of Arms, Grant of Arms, Court Barony, Chivalry, Laurel, Pelican, Defense, Mark, Royal Peerage, Rose Armigerous Orders: Silver Rapier, Silver Tyger, Silver Brooch, Apollo's Arrow, Silver Wheel, Silver Mantle |