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I just recieved an AoA this last Saturday at a small local event. Apparently I was supposed to recieve it a while back at the clothiers seminar here in Rockhaven but I got really sick and had to miss the event. Anyway, on the scroll it says "giving there with all the rights and responsibilities of this rank". What are the rights and responsibilities associated with recieveing an Award of Arms? They announced it and gave it to me but noone explained that to me.

On a side note, I have tried to avoid getting an AoA because I don't like court and didn't want to get drug out in front of everyone. It worked out ok since the event was so small though. Regardless, I didn't know I could recieve it just for armoring, I just do that because it's fun.

Congratulations, Cassius!

Much as LittleGreenGirl has said, I've always considered the "responsibilities" to be your continued courtesy, chivalry and service to those in your group and in the Society.

The "Rights" include the right to bear arms, and the right to be addressed as "Lord" so-and-so. I once heard that the "bearing arms" parts refered not only to your heraldic device becoming your "arms", but that you could now come into the presence of the Royalty with your dagger on your person. I suspect that this may differ from kingdom to kingdom however.

Have you decided on your (heraldic) arms yet?

At least this is what was once described to me...
~ Roxsee

Rights=you get to call yourself "Lord," and are entitled to a coat of arms: this is exactly like a device or sigil, except that you get to call it a coat of arms. This is what you're actually getting. Award of Arms. See? Pretty streightforward.

Responsibilities=don't be a d**k. If you are a d**k, do it in the most polite way possible, and know that being a d**k in front of pelicans is really dangerous. Pelicans in general can be dangerous. They make nests out of your hair... Other than that, you're expected to be chivalrous and not break laws. Don't sneak minors onto the field (lots of people do this, but you really shouldn't; as a side note, this may not apply in your kingdom). Don't break treaties. Be aware of treaties. Help out newbies. Be nice to them. Really it all goes back to not being a d**k.


~beltless warrior

Romans would have worn laurels, but if you do that you'll get in trouble. You might be able to get away with a circlet engraved with laurels, but that's about it. As to whether even the circlet is accepted, check local laws. If you can't find them in your kingdom bylaws, ask an officer. They'll generally know or have the ability to find out for you.

Yeah, I knew about laurels and knew that would be out. After doing some research I found that there were a couple different types of circlet like thing worn sometimes by Romans, they were both given as rewards to soldiers though. One was a wreath of oak leaves given for saving the life of citizens in battle. The other is a golden circlet in the form of a city wall given to the soldier who first climbed the wall of an enemies camp. I don't want to presume to wear either of those, especially since I didn't get my AoA for martial activities. I suppose the relevant thing here though is that they did wear circlets of some form so even just wearing a simple brass band may be ok. I talked to our former seneshal and he said that a circlet may be worn after recieveing an AoA, people don't need to though. I'll probably get one for more fromal occasions like feasts and court (if I ever go to one).

[edit]
I finally found the exact rules for Northshield. "Recipients of Awards of Arms may wear a simple metal circlet, ornamented as they see fit, with no more than one protrusion, not exceeding one inch overall."

Thanks for warning me, I doubt I would have worn something like that anyway though. I'll probably just get a basic, unornamented circlet. Otherwise I did see a real simple circlet made once. They took a few copper welding rods, clamped down one end of them, then spireled them togather with a drill. Then just measure it, clip any extra, and solder the ends togather.

Regardless it's something I have no business wearing.

Well I really don't know anything but congrats on the award, even if you didn't really whant it.