Order of the Mark
The Order of the Mark is bestowed on those people who have “attained the standard of excellence in skill and/or knowledge equal to that of their prospective peers in a pre-17th century ranged martial pursuit as practiced in the SCA. The candidate must have applied this skill and/or knowledge for the instruction of members and service to the kingdom to an extent above and beyond that normally expected of members of the Society.” (Corpora, Article VIII.A.4.e)
The Order of the Mark is one of the five SCA Peerages, along with the Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Laurel, the Order of the Pelican, and the Order of Defense. It is a Society-wide Award that is recognized in every Kingdom in the Knowne World and conveys to the member a Patent of Arms, no matter which Crown of which Kingdom bestowed the Award.
Symbols and Titles
The symbol of the order is a set of nesting scale weights within and conjoined to a mascle fleury at the upper point. Members of the order of the Pelican wear a pair of white bracers or vambraces.
Companions of of the Order of the Mark are addressed as “Master” or “Mistress” (or similar title).
Responsibilities
In addition to the Peerage Qualities expected of all peers, members of the Order of the Mark are “to:
- set an example of courtesy and chivalrous conduct on and off the field of honor
- respect the Crown of the kingdom; support and uphold the Laws of the kingdom and Corpora
- support and uphold the Crown of his or her kingdom, if in fealty
- 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
- advise the Crown on the advancement of candidates for the Order of the Mark.” (Corpora, Article VIII.A.4.e)
Elevation to the Order
Each Crown may chose to elevate Subjects of Their Kingdom to the Order, but the Crown must ensure the Subject meets the criteria as described in Corpora for Peerage Awards, and The Crown has consulted with the current members of the Order in Their Kingdom.
Members of the Order of the Mark may choose to swear fealty to the Crown, but are not required to do so.
The Order of the Mark in Ealdormere is unique amongst the northream's peerages in that it has three principal members: Magistra Nika Dmitrieva doch' Zvezdina, Master Daniel of Whitby, and Master Iohn Spooner.
See Also
