Outlands Scribes Handbook
This section contains answers to a few of the many questions that the Kingdom Scribe gets asked by scribes. If you have a question that cannot be answered here, or elsewhere in this Handbook, please contact the Kingdom Scribe, who will be happy to assist you.
What does it mean to be a scribe? And what are scrolls for anyway?
In the SCA, when someone gets noticed for doing or being something that makes the SCA better, that person might be given an award by the Crown, the king and/or queen, or by the local landed nobility, baron and baron(ess). The most common areas to receive awards for are: the martial arts (fencing, armored combat, archery), service and the arts & sciences. That award typically comes with a medallion and a scroll. The scroll is where the scribe comes in. A scroll is basically an award certificate with hand-done art and calligraphy. Typically, a scroll is done on paper with ink and paint, but scrolls can be done on wood, stone, glass or even embroidered. The scribe is the person who does that art and/or the calligraphy.
Traditional Pen, Ink and Paint Scrolls
From Left to Right: Order of the White Scarf by THLady Remy Renée d'Orleans, Order of the White Scarf by
THLady Angel D'Auvergne, Order of the Stag by THLady Gwenhwyvar ferch Tewdrig
Non-traditional Scrolls
Scroll by THLord Angus Montgomery the Forrester
Scroll by Mistress Asta Olafsdottir and Sir Michalangelo Francesco di Genoa
How do I get started doing scrolls?
The first place is to contact your local group's scribe. If you are in a barony, your group will have someone in charge of scribal assignments for the landed nobility (typically a Baron and Baroness). If you're in shire, canton or aren't sure, check this link to see which group you might be in or near: https://www.outlands.org/local-groups. Baronial scribes may not always do scrolls themselves, but they should be able to point in the direction of someone who can walk you through the process. If you can't find someone close to you, you can always email the kingdom scribe at scribe@outlands.org. The kingdom scribe keeps a roster of scribes across the kingdom, so they should be able to point in the direction of someone who can work with you to get started.
If you are a new scribe, or are a scribe new to the Outlands, and wish to be added to the roster of scribes available to take kingdom scroll assignments, please contact the Kingdom Scribe, using the contact information available in the Outlandish Herald or through the kingdom website at https://www.outlands.org/kingdom-officers/scribe. The Kingdom Scribe may want you to show them a promissory Award of Arms scroll (see "Scroll Texts" section for text), or a photo or color photocopy of a scroll that you have done. You do not have to be both a calligrapher and illuminator to be a scribe. If you practice only one or the other of these arts, then send a copy of your calligraphy, or illuminate a text written by someone else. This will allow your work to be evaluated, and give the Kingdom Scribe some idea as to your abilities as a scribe. It is not intended to be a judgment of your work, just an exemplar (sample) so that the Kingdom Scribe has some notion of the style and quality of your calligraphy and/or illumination. Some people are wonderfully talented, and are capable of doing challenging assignments right away, and others should stick with AoA promissory scrolls for a little while until they have a bit more practice. Some scribes excel at one style, but may need work on another. If you do several distinct styles, such as 14th century French vinework, and 8th century Celtic, you might wish to include samples of each. This can help when the Kingdom Scribe is looking for someone to do a scroll in a particular style. Remember that it is difficult for the Kingdom Scribe to be confident about assigning scrolls to someone whose work she has never seen.
My previous kingdom warranted scribes. How does this work in the Outlands?
The Outlands does not warrant scribes. If you wish to make kingdom award scrolls, then contact the Kingdom Scribe as listed above. The person assigning the scroll will do their best to determine whether the skills of a given scribe match the level of award being given. For example, a novice scribe is much more likely to be assigned non-armigerous awards or Award of Arms level assignments at first. As they grow in skill and experience, they get to do higher level awards. It's very helpful for the Kingdom Scribe to see examples of your work, so they can match your style and skill level to the recipient and assignment.
I just got a scroll assignment, what do I do now?
You can start here in the handbook to get the standard text for the award. You should have already received the name (and gender!) of the recipient, type of award, and date that it is to be given on from the Kingdom Scribe. You should also be aware of any special titles that the King and Queen may be using, such as Righ and Bannrigh, or Rex and Regina. If you are unsure of this, check the letter from the Crown in the Outlandish Herald to see what title is used there or contact the Kingdom Scribe. Once you have accepted a scroll assignment, it is your responsibility to finish the scroll in time for the event and to see that it gets to the event before the Royal Court, so that it can be signed. Don't forget to sign and take a picture of your scroll before it leaves your possession so that you have a record of your work.
I would like to use a calligraphy hand that is difficult to read but very Period. Is this a problem?
Not at all, provided that you include a typed or neatly printed copy of the text so that the herald and the Crown will be able to read it. The charter hands are particularly difficult to read (they were designed to be), but even the most legible of calligraphic hands may be a bit of a challenge for the herald to read in a dimly lit hall by the light of a flickering candle. Whether or not you have any doubts about the legibility of your text, it is always polite to include a sheet of paper with the text neatly typed in a reasonably large font. To prevent the "herald's text" from getting lost, tape it to the back of the scroll using a low adhesive tape, such as Scotch Post-It tape (comes on a blue roll, look for it at office supply stores) or drafting tape (available at most art stores). This will pull off quite easily without damage to the scroll, but should keep the herald's text and the scroll together during all of the signing and paper-shuffling prior to court.
Can I make up my own scroll text?
Any changes or new texts for awards have to be pre-approved by the Kingdom Scribe; that means getting it approved before you start working. The Kingdom Scribe will have to check with the Crown to make sure that the text is acceptable to the Crown, and each Crown will have their own opinions on what they will and won't accept. If you are careful in your phrasing and include certain necessary information (such as the award, recipient, date, names of the King and Queen giving the award, and armorial blazon if necessary), typically, Their Majesties and the Kingdom Scribe will approve your text. Please refer to the "Scroll Texts" section for more information on customizing scroll texts. You are also free to use the "Mix-and-Match" section of this handbook to compose your own scroll texts. The phrases in this section are pre-approved, and so long as you put them together into a logical text, Their Majesties and the Kingdom aren't likely to have any objections. You may also substitute a phrase from one award text into a text for a different award. This only works with phrases that will not change the overall meaning of the scroll text, such as the opening greeting, or the closing phrase with the date of the award. A text created using the Mix-and-Match phrases, or phrases that are already part of an existing award text should not need to be pre-approved by the Kingdom Scribe, but check with them anyway. Some Crowns have strong opinions about scroll texts. If a text has not been approved, then the scroll may not be given out in court.
I want to do a scroll in a foreign language. Is this okay?
Check in with the Kingdom Scribe, but more than likely, yes. Some Crowns in the past have asked for no foreign language scrolls during their reign due to previous problems with them. If you want to do scrolls in a foreign language, there are certain rules that must be followed. Make sure that the text is as correct in grammar and meaning as possible. You must also include a translation of the text for the herald to read, and so that Their Majesties know what they are signing. Please, base your text on the standard Outlands texts as much as is possible in a translation. Any titles used must be from the SCA approved list of alternate titles (Appendix 3). For more information on foreign language texts, please see that subsection under "Scroll Texts."
My previous kingdom regulated the minimum size of scrolls. Is that true here in the Outlands?
The Outlands has no set sizes for scrolls. They can be as large or as small as you like (so long as the herald doesn't need to use a magnifying glass to read the scroll). A good rule of thumb is to ask how difficult it will be to frame or keep safe until it gets home. Odd-sized or over-sized scrolls may not get framed or may get damaged before the person can get it home. It is recommended that you make your scroll a standard frame size (see "Making Award Scrolls" for a list of standard frame sizes) and leave at least a one inch margin on all sides, in order to make it easier for the recipient to have it framed. When looking at period examples, most of the manuscripts that we are using as our source of illumination ideas were not that large. Keep the original size of your model in mind when creating your scroll; illumination that is beautifully detailed at the original size can look crude when scaled up to fit a big scroll. The Outlands does not regulate the complexity of illumination or the use of gold leaf based on the level of the award, although higher levels of awards are generally more elaborate and require more skill. If you are just learning gold leaf, and want to use it on an Award of Arms scroll, then feel free to do so.
Should a space be left for the Crown to seal the scroll?
Their Majesties of the Outlands do not regularly seal scrolls. While they do have a seal, it is not customary here to use it for most scrolls. If you would like to have your scroll sealed, please discuss it with the Kingdom Scribe, who will consult with Their Majesties. The Kingdom Scribe will be able to tell you how large of a space will need to be left for the seal. There are also certain types of Period documents (charters for example) that had ribbons attached, so the seals could be added without taking up space for text. Also, remember that the Outlands is often very sunny and hot, and unless you use a type of wax that can stand up to the heat, the seal may melt and make a mess all over the scroll that you have labored over. Even in cool weather, the inside of a car can get extremely hot and cause a wax seal to melt. If you (or the recipient in the case of a back scroll) wish for the seal to be used, then please take the time to find some wax that is moderately heat resistant, and test it out on something other than a completed award scroll.
What is an achievement of arms, and when should I include one on my scroll?
An achievement of arms is a formalized display of the recipient's arms (device) on the scroll. There are many elements which indicate varying degrees of rank which are used as part of an achievement. Any time a person with registered arms receives an award which newly conveys an armigerous rank (Award, Grant or Patent of Arms) that they did not previously possess, an achievement of arms should be used on the scroll. Final Award of Arms scrolls are required to have an achievement, but other awards which convey an Award of Arms, such as the Stag's Heart, are most often given to people who already have received an AoA. Because they are not getting a new level of award, it is not necessary to include an achievement, although you may if you want to. On the other hand, if someone with registered arms receives a Stag's Heart, without having ever gotten an Award of Arms previously, then you need to include the blazon (verbal description) of their arms, and the achievement of arms. If a person with an AoA receives a Grant of Arms, then an achievement of arms is required.
The key elements in deciding whether or not an achievement is required are: (1) Does the recipient have registered arms? and (2) Is the recipient getting a new level of award? In the case of certain awards, notably peerages, you should use the achievement even if it is not required. Please refer to the "Scroll Texts" chapter for information on what to do when the recipient does not have registered arms. Remember that any time an achievement of arms is used, and the recipient's blazon is included in the scroll text, the scroll will need to be signed by the White Stag Principal Herald. For more information, please, see the chapter on achievements of arms, as well as specific information regarding achievements given for each award.
The Kingdom Scribe told me that the recipient has no registered Arms, but I know that he has a shield with a device painted on it, can I just use those Arms?
Arms may not be portrayed on a scroll unless they are registered with the College of Heralds. The Kingdom Scribe will usually check this prior to making an assignment. If you are told that the recipient does not have registered arms, then do not include any on the scroll. Even if you have seen a banner or shield with someone's device, the chances are that those arms are not yet registered. Some people go ahead and paint their shields while their device is still in the process of being registered. You are free to check with the White Stag office if you believe that the arms may have passed very recently. If the arms on the scroll are portrayed incorrectly, blazoned incorrectly, or not registered to the recipient, then the White Stag Principal Herald will not be able to sign the scroll.
Why does White Stag need to sign some scrolls, but not others?
The White Stag Principal Herald must sign scrolls which contain the blazon (verbal description) and emblazon (picture) of the recipient's Arms. By signing the scroll, White Stag is certifying both that the arms are displayed correctly according to the registered blazon, and that they are registered to the individual named in the scroll. In the case of back scrolls, it is the current White Stag who must sign the scroll; do not have it signed by whomever was White Stag when the scroll was awarded. You can use someone's arms as a decorative element in the illumination of your scroll without requiring White Stag's signature, so long as you do not include a full achievement of arms. It is when the arms are both displayed and blazoned in the text that the signature is required. Please do not confuse this with the blazon of the award badge, which occurs in many scroll texts, and does not require a signature.
Can I use the arms of the Outlands, or of the recipient's barony on my scroll?
The arms of the Outlands are actually the arms of the King of the Outlands. Only the King can display them. They should not be used on kingdom scrolls. You are free to use the Outlands ensign. The arms of the baronies are likewise only to be displayed by the baron and/or baroness of the group, and should not be used on baronial scrolls. You may use a populace ensign, or other symbols from the baronial arms. For information on baronial ensigns, please contact your local herald. Likewise, the arms of shires and colleges should not be used. If you have any further questions on this issue, please direct them to White Stag.
I know the recipient of this scroll does not use the name that I was given by the Kingdom Scribe, can I just use their nickname?
The Kingdom Scribe should have provided you with the official name of the recipient, and often will provide any "use" names that the recipient may have. Many people have been unable to register an SCA name that they have used for some time, and rather than change what they are called, they simply register one name, and continue to use the one that they originally wanted. Because scrolls are treated as official documents in the Outlands, they must use the official registered name of the recipient. For someone who goes by something other than their registered name, you are free to use the phrase "called __________" or "known as ___________" where appropriate. In other cases, people have changed their registered name, and it is not appropriate to use their "old" name if they have one that is currently registered. If you do not use the correct registered name, Their Majesties and White Stag may not be able to sign the scroll.
A scribe in our group has been talking to everyone about an award scroll they are doing. I thought all scrolls were secret. Should I tell someone that they're doing this?
Perhaps the scroll is for an award that has already been given. If this is the case, it isn't secret anymore, and it doesn't matter whom she talks to about it. If a scribe is breaking confidentiality by telling people about a future award, then perhaps you should talk to her about it directly. Sometimes the recipient finds out about an award through well-intentioned, but overly broad hints (i.e. "Gee, you really should go to that event"). Often a word to the scribe will let her know that the hints are less than subtle. Sometimes people just don't keep secrets very well, or there may be other circumstances involved, like the person receiving it doesn't handle surprises well. If you think that this is likely a problem, contact the Kingdom Scribe.
I just got to the event with my scroll, now what do I do with it?
It is best if you can bring the scroll to the Royal Room, where it can be signed before court. The guards are there to keep people from wandering in when Their Majesties are doing things like signing scrolls. Tell them you have a scroll, and they will either let you in, or take it themselves to give to the Crown. At some events, there is no Royal Room, so try to find the voice herald for the event or scribe-on-site, and tell them that you have a scroll for court. Most of the time, for kingdom level events, the Kingdom Scribe will be present or will have designated a scribe-on-site to receive and deliver scrolls. If you cannot find the herald, approach Their Majesties, who will be happy to see you when you tell them you brought a scroll. Be sure to give the scroll to someone well before court, so that there is time for it to be signed.
I'm not going to the event, how do I get a scroll there?
The best way is to give the scroll to someone you know who will be attending the event. Place the scroll in a cardboard folder to keep it safe, and to keep it from being seen by others accidentally. Instruct your courier to follow the directions above on what to do with the scroll. If no one that you know will be attending, you can try to get the scroll either to Their Majesties directly, or to the autocrat of the event. If it is necessary to mail the scroll, reinforce the package well with cardboard so that it cannot be bent, insure it if you don't trust the post office, and send it to the autocrat. Call ahead of time to let the event steward know that you will be sending a scroll which should remain sealed and delivered to the Crown. If it is a scroll for the event steward or their significant other, then find someone else in that group to whom you could send it, perhaps the seneschal of the group. Contact the Kingdom Scribe if you have no idea of how to get a scroll to an event.
I said that I could do a scroll, but it won't be ready in time for the event.
If the text is completed, then it can still be signed and returned to you to finish up after the event. If the text isn't done, and you won't be bringing the scroll at all, then please contact the Kingdom Scribe, baronial scribe or the Crown (or landed nobility if it's a local award), and let them know that the scroll won't be there. That way, they will not be expecting it and won't delay court because they cannot find you and your scroll.
I told the Kingdom Scribe that I could do a scroll, but couldn't believe it when I found out who it was for. Don't they know they are _____________ (fill in the blank: not a member, not a resident of the kingdom, an alien, an axe murderer...)?
The first thing to do if you think that someone is not eligible or deserving of an award when you've been asked to do a scroll for him is to refuse the assignment. Tell the Kingdom Scribe that you don't want to do it because of a problem with the recipient; you may wind up with a different scroll assignment that you would be happy to do. Do not talk to anyone about the award, with the only exceptions being Their Majesties and the Kingdom Scribe. If you think that someone's membership lapsed, the way to find out is not through interrogating everyone who knows this person, but rather to just tell the Crown or Kingdom Scribe, and let them handle it. If Maeve Mankiller is getting an award for heavy weapons fighting, and you know that she has never handled anything more dangerous than a pair of knitting needles, please tell the Kingdom Scribe immediately. Perhaps there was a mistake, and the Crown intended to give her an arts & sciences award. If you know for a fact that Joe-Bob stole money from another kingdom and you don't want to see him get an AoA, then contact Their Majesties. They would probably like to know that sort of thing, if it is true. Spreading rumors is negative and makes you look bad, but if you feel you have genuine information, then it is best to share it - but only with the Crown or the Kingdom Scribe. Remember that the Crown may go ahead and give the award anyway. That is Their prerogative, and you must content yourself with not doing a scroll for that individual, and advising the Crown of the information that you feel is pertinent.
This should not even need to be mentioned, but do not allow yourself to be tempted to do a deliberately bad scroll for someone you dislike or whom you feel is undeserving. While the thought of doing the scroll with crayons or magic markers may seem amusing, actually doing so would reflect badly not only on you, but also on the King and Queen presenting the award.