College of Scribes

The Caidan College of Scribes, overseen by the Scribe Armarius, is responsible for producing the beautiful scrolls that are presented to Caidan award recipients, and for fostering learning in the fields of Calligraphy and Illumination.

The College received a Royal Recognition of Excellence for service to the kingdom from Conrad II and A'isha, 06/07/2014.

Decades ago, everyone who got an award in Caid automatically went on the scroll assignment list and (eventually) received a hand-painted scroll, until such time as the number of award recipients far exceeded the ability of the scribes to keep up with it. It is now the custom in Caid to contact the Scribe Armarius if you would like to receive a scroll and/or would like to do a scroll for a particular person. There are exceptions to this, in the case of peerage awards for which scrolls are often done in advance to be given at the time of the elevation. Please note that for all scrolls the recipient's name must be passed by the College of Arms and for most scrolls arms must be passed as well.

Even if you've never done calligraphy and/or illumination, you are encouraged to take advantage of Collegium classes and various workshops offered throughout the Kingdom (aka "Scriptorium"). This is an SCA-wide activity, as you can see from the links to other Kingdoms' scrolls below.

The Award Certificates given at court used to be called "promissories" because they were considered to be placeholder documents for a more elaborate scroll. For some time, these Award Certificates were colored in by hand, but it was determined that the effort expended on that would be far better spent on a formal scroll.

In addition to calligraphed and illuminated scrolls, other mediums have included embroidery, weaving, and etching. The most outstanding example of the latter was a project done by Master Luke Knowlton in the Barony of Carolingia for the Laureling ceremony of Maestra Irayari Vairavi, a former resident of Caid. The scroll text was translated into the appropriate Indian dialect and script, and etched onto the tablets. Master Luke detailed his research and process for the copper plates traditionally used in India.

Scribal Handbook

The Scribal Handbook contains the most recent and up to date information on how to scribe in Caid. It also contains sample texts for all non-peerage scrolls.

Promissories

For most Caidan awards, the Crown bestows a medallion bearing the badge of the Order or other token of the Award, along with a color-printed Award Certificate, dated and signed by the King and/or Queen. The award certificate commemorates the award and, depending on the award, the reason it was granted. These printed award certificates are called "Promissories" because are the symbolic promise of a finished scroll, if the recipient wants one.

The award recipient may then submit a Request Form to the College of Scribes and request the production of a "scroll." The scroll is an SCA document which more formally commemorates the giving of the award and is signed by the King and Queen who bestowed it and may be optionally wax sealed. Some scrolls also include the recipient's arms, in which case, the Crescent Principal Herald also signs and seals the document.

It is the responsibility of the Court Scribe to maintain a supply of color-printed promissories for the reign.

Scroll Templates

To make it easier for new scribes (and old scribes) to get started doing scrolls, the College of Scribes has set up some scroll designs that can be used as scroll templates, most with some interchangeable parts so they will be different. Additional elements can also be added to customize the scrolls. Thanks to Valeria Cabrielli for getting this program started. See instructions for using scroll templates below:

Instructions for using the AoA level templates:

There are currently 4 separate templates in 3 styles (with more to come). Each PDF has 2 pages; one with the overall page design, and one with individual elements to put into the assigned areas. There is an additional file with color references for each of the scroll types.

First, print out both pages of the PDF you wish to use. Please note the pages need to be enlarged to fit on a piece of 11”x14” Bristol Board or heavy hot press water color paper and you may need to do that at a copy store or office supply store. If you choose to print them smaller, please be aware that the seal spaces need to be about 2”diameter regardless of the size of the rest of the scroll; at this point we are not recommending this option.

Next, place the overall design behind the scroll paper on a light box or sunny window. Tape the papers lightly together to prevent movement while you are tracing. Trace the design elements onto the scroll paper lightly with pencil (just outlining the corners should be sufficient for the box shapes). Then take the second page and pick which patterns or letters or shield shapes you wish to use and trace those elements into the appropriate areas. If you know who the recipient of the scroll is, you can include the device (emblazon) on the scroll (get a copy from the Roll of Arms or Crescent Herald); if not, leave that area blank.

The next steps are calligraphing and painting. If you can get the scroll calligraphed before you paint, that is slightly preferred, but if you are not doing your own calligraphy and don’t have access to a calligrapher right at this moment, go ahead and paint the scroll. In the References file, there are color photos of the original pieces that served as inspiration for these scrolls- you do not have to paint them exactly as the reference, but it’s a good idea to note general colors and patterns before you start.

When you are finished, give the scroll to the Scribe Armarius, who will get it calligraphed if necessary, sealed, and presented.

• Instructions for AoA Templates (pdf)
• Celtic style template (pdf) - Designer: Valeria Cabrielli
• Gothic template with ivy leaves (pdf) - Designer: Valeria Cabrielli
• Gothic template with round leaves (pdf) - Designer: Valeria Cabrielli
• Italian Renaissance template (pdf) - Designer: Valeria Cabrielli
• Color art references for above templates (pdf)
• Book of Kells template (pdf) - Designer Joan Silvertoppe
• Color art reference for Book of Kells template (pdf)

More Information

• Scrolls
• Scribal Arts

• Contact the Scribe Armarius The current Scribe Armarius is the Honorable Valeria Cabrielli. If you want a scroll assignment, or wish to add a scroll to the assignment list, please contact Lady Valeria at Scribe.Armarius@sca-caid.org. Mistress Aliskye Rosel maintained the Compendium's scroll gallery at Scrolls. Volunteers for this task may be directed to the Scribe Armarius.

Other Kingdoms

• An Tir College of Scribes
• Kingdom of Atlantia Clerk Signet
• Lochac College of Scribes
• Midrealm Scribal College
• West Kingdom College of Scribes

• The Pensive Pen

Officers of Caid
Offices: Crown, Arts & Sciences, Chatelaine, Chronicler, Constable, Exchequer, Herald, Lists, Marshal, Seneschal, Webwright, Youth Officer Groups: Army, College of Heralds, College of Scribes, Collegium Caidis, Crown Prints, Newcomers Guild, Water Bearer Guild Other Information: Caidan Law, Greater Officer of State, Lesser Officer of State, Guilds, Officer Hierarchy, Privy Council