Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a scroll?

Not from the College of Scribes! Please check here for more information about commission issues.

I’m not dying to pay for a scroll, but I feel awkward accepting such a wonderful gift, knowing how much time, energy and talent went into it.

Many scribes feel that a scroll recipient has already “earned” the scroll – that’s why they got an award in the first place! That said, few people would decline a “thank you” – and you’d be surprised how infrequently that simple phrase is uttered.

I feel like I’ve been waiting forever – how does my scroll actually get assigned?

Recent changes to the College of Scribes requires that scrolls not delivered in court must be requested – this ensures that we only work on those scrolls that we know can be delivered. Use the Scroll Center to view, request, update or waive a scroll. Once requested, scrolls become available assignments for a scribe to select. Because this is Art as well as Service, inspiration plays a role in which scroll assignments are chosen first, however it is the goal and commitment of the College of Scribes to produce ALL requested scrolls in as timely a manner as possible.

Why do some scrolls go out in court, while others must be requested and wait for assignment?

The Crown or Coronet, friends, family or the recipient himself may contact the College prior to an award ceremony to request for the scroll to be ready when the award is bestowed. This is most commonly done for Peerage elevations. Due to time constraints, it is not always possible to find a suitable scribe in time, but the College seeks to accommodate this type of request if at all possible. For non-peerage awards, the Royalty may have made special efforts to ensure scrolls are ready at the time the award is granted, using “Reign Charters” specially designed for Them and Their Reign.

When will I get my scroll – it seems that the scribe has had it assigned for a long time.

As mentioned, the scribal arts involve a fair amount of inspiration, as well as time and effort. Your scribe may be very excited about creating a scroll for you, but have other assignments or work and family obligations, be conducting research, or be waiting for delivery of another scribe’s contribution before completing your scroll. If you prefer, you may cancel the assignment by contacting the College and requesting a new scribe, but there are no guarantees regarding a delivery date.

Why isn’t my scroll signed by the Royals who gave me my award?

In some cases, the granting Royalty are difficult, if not impossible to find. While the Signets do their best to obtain original signatures, they must also try to ensure that your scroll is delivered to you in a reasonable period of time – which sometimes means asking one or both of the current Royal Couple to sign in the place of Their Ancestors. If it is critical to you that your scrolls be signed by the granting Royalty, please be sure to contact the Signet responsible for your scroll.

Do I need to wait until my name and device are passed before requesting a scroll?

Recent changes to the College of Scribes mean that this is up to you: if you choose, you may request that your scroll be created with a “use name” that isn’t registered, or without arms (even if the award is armigerous). Bear in mind, however, that once the College has commemorated your award, we will not create another scroll for that award, even if your registration status changes.

Can I ask a friend to create my scroll?

You can contact the scribe directly and ask to have your scroll done. But the scribe must in turn contact the responsible Signet to formally request the assignment. This ensures that only one scribe is working on the assignment, and tracks when the assignment was made. If your friend is not already working with the College of Scribes, please see “How to Become a Scribe”. If this is intended to be a commission, please see more information on “Commission”.

Who pays for scribal materials and tools?

While the Kingdom provides some paper supplies, most of the costs are borne by the volunteer scribes themselves. Your donation of replacement materials is often greatly appreciated!

Can I have a new scroll?

If your scroll was lost, damaged or destroyed for reasons beyond your control, then yes you may request that the College create a new one for you. The Chancellor will consider all requests, however, if your request is because you wanted something different or don’t particularly care for the art, please consider the following:

· Your scroll was a gift from the Crown or Coronet.

· Your scroll was created by a volunteer who was doing the best that they could at that time. Please respect their effort on behalf of the Royalty who found it worthy of Their hand and seal.

· If the scroll was not considered acceptable, the College would have returned it to the scribe.

Contact the College of Scribes