Baronial Order of Precedence (xls file)

The Barony of Black Diamond is a remarkable one, full of gentles of great prowess in many diverse disciplines, arts, and sciences, as well as possessing those of great devotion to this fine barony and the very kingdom of Atlantia. 

It is therefore meet that the distinguished line of Barons and Baronesses that have guided fair Black Diamond with hands both wise and caring have chosen to bestow recognition of these exceptional traits upon those they deem worthy.  Herein is contained a listing of these awards, that the favor of Their Most Noble Excellencies be more readily discerned, along with the mark of said favor and what it signifies.

While there Excellencies are ever-vigilant in seeking out worthies, that the barony might better celebrate and recognize these achievements, watching for all such acts is a task that even mighty Heracles would be pressed to undertake successfully.  Thus it is imperative that members of the Populace inform Their Excellencies of such.  If you know of such a worthy, do not hesitate to inform Their Excellencies of this. Please send award recommendations to Baroness Black Diamond.

These awards are merely a tangible expression of the great works and deeds of the populace of the leading barony of the foremost kingdom of all the Knowne Worlde – the Barony of Black Diamond in Fair Atlantia!

	Honorary Member of the Black Diamond Populace Sable, on a fess cotised Or a lozenge sable. (The Baronial Badge) Given to friends of the barony, typically in recognition of a bond that already exists.  It is often given in recognition of great or frequent service to the barony by outsiders, as an expression of thanks and perennial welcome.
	Order of the Polished Mirror No badge currently registered, the token of this Order is a small Mirror. Given to populace members during their first year (either in the SCA, or in the barony if still relatively new to the Society), for showing great promise in upholding the ideals of the Society.
	Order of the Crested Hatchling No badge currently registered at this time. A children's Order, a description will follow soon.
	Order of the Sable Blade (of Black Diamond) Or, a dagger sable point in base, the blade surmounted by a lozenge counterchanged. Given for excellence in teaching of the martial arts that our Society practices.  More rarely, it is given to those members of the Populace that show exceptional prowess in said arts.
	Order of the Silver Crocus Sable, a crocus argent between four lozenges in cross Or. Given to those that instruct the Populace in the diverse arts and sciences that we practice to enrich our Society, and to those that show themselves to be uncommonly studied or practiced in such.
	Order of the Blade of Diana Pending: (Fieldless) A blade reversed vert surmounted by a crescent moon argent. Given to those that seek to practice and instruct in the arts of the hunt. These arts include such disciplines as horsemanship, archery, falconry, and the throwing of weapons, although it is by no means limited to such.
	Order of the Fettered Crane (Fieldless) A crane Or, fettered, throated and crested, upon its shoulder a lozenge sable. Given to those gentles that serve the barony truly and faithfully, in an exceptional manner.
	Order of the Silver Chalice No badge currently registered Award for leaving members who have contributed greatly to the Barony
	Baron’s Award of Excellence While the award has no badge, it is normally displayed as the Baron’s initial in gold, upon a black field. Traditionally only given once per reign (although that is at the Baron’s discretion), this award recognizes the efforts and actions of an individual that the Baron deems exceptionally worthy of praise and recognition. Baroness’ Award of Courtesy Like the Baron’s Award of Excellence, it has no badge but is normally represented as the Baroness’ initial in black upon a gold field. Also normally given once per reign, this award is bestowed upon a gentle that the Baroness feels typifies – in word and deed - the ideals of chivalry and courtesy that are the foundation upon which our Society is built.
Handbook for Black Diamond Scribes Suggested texts for use on award scrolls.