Why scrolls are important

Why scrolls are important to the SCA

I have been involved with the SCA all of my adult life and I must say that the one thing that distinguishes us from other historical re-enactment groups is our scrolls. I have never encountered another group, historical or LARP, that put so much time and effort into the creation and distribution of works of art for not only major awards and achievements, but for minor ones as well. One of the reasons why AEthelmearc is the best Kingdom to live in (so said 100% of the people writing this blog) is the sheer quantity of scrolls that are created and awarded. Scrolls for peerages, for arms, for tourney winners, for A&S competitions, for bardic completions and even for youths; something some kingdoms wouldn't even think of doing. I think that it is fair to say that if you include all of the scrolls handed out by Their Majesties, all of the Landed Coronets and every shire, AEthelmearc gives out as many scrolls as the next three Kingdoms combined (During the reign of Their Majesties, Timothy and Gabrielle, in 2014, the Crown had 186 scroll assignments for Kingdom awards).

I might be a bit biased but I have managed to play in 11 different Kingdoms and I know that we give out scrolls for things that astonish subjects of other lands; second place in an A&S competition? Best death? "A waste of a scroll" is what was once told to me, on one of my travels, when I explained that I was awarded a scroll with killer lollipops on it for a thrown weapons tourney. A scroll is never a waste, even for a small tourney. Each one is very important to the recipient, to the group, to the Kingdom and to the Society as a whole.

The person to told me that my prize was a "waste" explained that a scroll should only be given out for something "important", such as winning a championship, or getting a peerage. Not for a novelty tourney. I was further told that there are finite number of scribes and that their time should only be used for things that are "worth" their time. I really didn't have the words to rebut this "argument" (other than, "What are you? High?") That conversation, as well as observations from the Court, that evening, is one of the deciding factors for me to take up the pen and brush and start making scrolls.

One of the best things I got to do as the Baron of the Rhydderich Hael was to give out scrolls: for Baronial awards, tourney winners and, on a few occasions, as a proxy for The Crown. I also got to sit in on Kingdom courts and got a front row seat to see Their Majesties give out awards. Seeing the expressions of shock, awe and joy as the recipient sees what was created for them is something that really cannot be described. If you ever have the chance to join a Court, as a herald, champion, guard or cup bearer, please do so. A lot goes on in Court that the audience might not catch.

But, why a scroll? Why not a prize or a token? Surely tokens would be easier to procure. I have spoken to far too many people who feel that scrolls should only be for "special" occasions. Anything else the Crown or Coronet wishes to hand out should be a token or some doodad for a prize. I spoke to someone, a number of years ago, who was visiting our fair Kingdom who was shocked that "mere" shire had the audacity to hand out scrolls for the tourney winners.

There are many reasons, not the least of which is that a scroll feels more personal. Even if your name is filled in at the last minute, it still feels personal when it is read and displayed. It is also far more tangible and memorable than a random prize, and not just because the scroll has the where and when of the tourney. I have had the honor and good luck to have won more than my share of tourneys and I have taken home more than my share of prizes and tokens. While I appreciate the prizes, I simply do not remember when I won them or why. I have a box full of tokens, all of which I have no memory of what I had done to earn them.

In my china cabinet, along with my archery gear, (what else would one put in a china cabinet?) I have a beautiful drinking horn that I had won. I do not remember who made it, who awarded it to me, what event it was at, what year it was or even what the tourney was. Was it an archery tourney? Thrown weapons? Rapier? Did I win a bardic competition? I simply do not know. Next to it is a metal, toy catapult. I think I won it in the Barony of Rising Waters, but I'm not sure. I have a leather headband, carved with daises on it that I can tell was made my Meredyth the Maskmaker and I think that it was the prize for Best Death (because of the daisies). I think it was at a Masked Ball, but I don't really know. It's been the hat band on my fop hat for many, many years, but I don't have a single clear memory as to when it was given to me.

On the other hand, I clearly remember when I received my first scroll. The scroll does tell me that I won it at Ice Dragon in as28. But my memories tell me that it was the Ishmala Shrine that was torn down years ago. I remember that it was a cold, but clear day. I remember that I had won by making a carved leather arm guard. I remember the meeting with the site's chef; our cooks convincing him that we were responsible enough to use his kitchen and that medieval food is tasty. I remember the longest Court I've ever been through (East Kingdom Court, a Midrealm Royal Court, Principality Court, an emissary from Atlantia, negotiations about Pennsic, Baronial Court and then the Penthalon winners. I remember moving barcaloungers onto the stage so that we had enough thrones for everyone. I remember getting pushed towards the stage when my name was read because I had zoned out: I was not expecting to win anything and didn't know most of the names that were called. I remember these details and more. All because I have a piece of art to commemorate the event. I retain similar details for each and every scroll that I have had the honor of earning. There is something special about being awarded a scroll that even the nicest token or prize cannot compare with.

There is also another reason. The scrolls, when they are held up in court, do inspire others. They are a symbol of what others can earn if they work hard enough, if they fight better, if they shoot better, if they participate more. "Look, you could earn one of these," they cry out. I know that we are not supposed to do what we do for the reward, but I will admit that there have been times where I saw the scroll for a tourney and said to myself, "Master Caleb," I said, because I am very polite, "Yes, other Master Caleb?" "I think we should bust our ass and win this tourney so that we can take this scroll home with us." "Capital idea, other Master Caleb. Bully!" "Bully, indeed, Master Caleb."

Sometimes I am inspired enough to fencer better, shoot better, throw better, bardic better or A&S better. Sometimes not. I freely admit that I am envious of those who have received beautiful scrolls (please note: I am well pleased and satisfied with the scrolls I have been awarded and I do not, in any way, feel that I should have had more or better). But I look at the works of art that others have hanging on their walls and I think, "That is beautiful. I wish I could have a scroll by so-and-so."

I participated in the SCA for years before receiving my first prize scroll. And it took a few more years before I earned my first award and award scroll. I feel tremendously honored that someone had taken their time and their talent and made a piece of art to commemorate some act of service that I preformed, or that I was having a good day on the range. I am moved to honor that scribe and to live up to the time and effort he or she put into that scroll. And I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. How many times have you congratulated someone shortly after they have received an award; standing or sitting staring at their scroll with a look on their face. A look that says, "Someone thinks this highly of me?"

The majority of SCAdians will receive one award: their AoA. Shouldn't they receive a scroll that they will treasure for years and inspire them to do more for the Society? I know that some Kingdoms won't give out an AoA scroll until the recipient has Arms that have passed. Some Kingdoms don't commission a scroll until after the award has been issued. Perhaps I have been spoiled by AEthelmearc, but I can't get behind the, "You did a good job Lord Bob. Please wait 4 to 6 weeks for delivery" idea. And I certainly do not like the concept of, "We now call you Lord Bob. Here is a token from Our hands and a hearty handshake. You've earned it."

So, make sure that if you do have the fortune to be awarded a scroll, thank the scribe who made it. And, if you are a scribe, make each and every scroll you create as an inspiration to all who would see it.