Orders, decorations, and medals of Kouralia

The Crown Union of Kouralia has an extensive system of honours and awards, both military and civil, which are used by the state to recognise merotirious action by its citizenry and by noteworthy foreigners. In keeping with the general inanimatocratic principles from which the Kouralian state derives its legitimacy, the Crown itself is the fount of honour in the nation. In practice, this is delegated to a sub-committee that is

• An Order is usually the highest award for lifetime or extended actions and service. They are not issued for bravery/gallantry, and unlike medals are not issued for fulfillment of particular conditions - though they may be associated with such by custom.
• A Decoration is an award for a particular action such as an instance of bravery or the like, whether civil or military in nature. The highest decorations rank before any other honour. It may contain the word 'Medal' in its title, but the majority are referred to as 'Stars' or 'Shields' to distinguish from the final caterogy of honour.
• A Medal is an award for some form of service milestone. It may be for length of service, for serving in a particular campaign, for marksmanship, or for meritorious conduct. They almost universally do not confer post-nominals.

Also considered to be a class of Honour are the so-called Payras, or 'Peers of the Realm.' This encompasses a number of members of the nobility, along with the so-called Lesser-Kings. The Payras are specifically nobles who sit on the Noble Assembly, and as a group does not include Nobles who do not sit. The Payras include a number of different styles, in different grades of nobility:

• Lesser Kings: The Lesser Kings, or Lagra-Cynegas of Kouralia are the third rank of monarch in Kouralia. Unlike the Monarch of Kouralia, and the titles of Monarch of Altonia, Monarch of Chieti, and Monarch of Kurton which are also held by the Monarch of Kouralia, the Lesser Kings are accolades given to the recipients of particular awards. They have no legal power or authority, and the title is not inheritable. A Lesser Kingship is not in fact a Peerage, however it is custom to award the recipient a Life Peerage alongside it.
• Life Peers: Life Peers are traditionally afforded the grade of Viscount, except for those who subsequently take on offices within the Noble Assembly, who are then raised to Counts. The Peerage of a Life Peer is to ensure the Noble Assembly has sufficient expertise to act as a revising legislative chamber, thus they are traditionally given to those who are renowned experts in their field, such as captains of industry, renowned scientists and the like. The title of a Life Peer is not inheritable.
• Hereditary Peers: There has not been a creation of a hereditary peerage outside the royal family since the Kouralian Revolution in 1963. However, members of the Royal Family may be given such a title, and surviving members of previous noble families have reclaimes their titles. Those rendered extinct have since fallen into abeyance. A hereditary Peerage is one of any grade which may be inherited by the eldest child of the current holder.

Procedure

Order of Wear

There is a common order of wear which is prescribed across all uniformed services, the intelligence service, police services, and civilians. It follows the following general principles:

• The XYZ and the ABC, the highest awards for bravery issued by the Royal Union.
• Orders of the Royal Union, going in order of precedence by order and by grade - for example, any banneretcies would be worn in order, followed by any knighthoods, followed by any Esquiredoms, followed by any Serjeancies.
• Decorations of the Royal Union.
• Medals of the Royal Union to commemorate distinguished service.
• Operational Service Medals, in order of date of award.
• Kouralian Jubilee and Coronation Medals
• Kouralian Long Service and Efficiency Medals
• The above general principles, but applied to foreign orders, decorations, and medals unless authorised for wear otherwise than behind all Kouralian awards.

Manner of Wear

There are a number of parts to the honours which are visibly displayed on the recipient to indicate their receipt of the honour. They are generally worn in one of three grades: Ceremonial, Dress, and Un-Dress.

• Ceremonial-wear is the full set of awards. This will include the seniormost order's chain or collar (and crown or sash, if there is one), and up to four Phalerae for the four seniormost orders that the bearer is a member of. There will then be the full set of medals worn across the chest in order of precedence.
• Dress-wear may include the collar of the seniormost order if prescribed by that order, otherwise it will simply be the full bar of medals on the chest.
• Un-Dress-wear consists of the medal ribbons, but not the full medals and ribbons as in the above forms.

The collar is a ribbon worn around the neck of a dress uniform, usually between the dress shirt and the dress tunic, and the appendant medal then hangs over the tie as worn. The sash is worn from the left shoulder across the chest and down to the right hip, then up the back again. The Phalerae for the senior-most orders are worn on the left side of the torso below the medal bars in ascending order of seniority. The medals are worn on the left breast in order of seniority, from left to right. If sufficient medals are worn, then a second bar is worn under the first. Chains are only worn by certain chivalric orders, and consist of a number of links interspersed with decorative imagery, and there is an ornate medal appendant suspended from it. Certain awards merit a Crown and these are referred to as the 'Lesser Kings' or Lagra-Cynegas of Kouralia, however while referred to as a king or queen they do not have any legal authority or political or statutory power.

Foreign Recipients

Decorations and medals can be worn by any foreign recipient who is so authorised with no restriction bar those imposed by their own country. Payras are unable to be awarded to anyone bar a Kouralian citizen, and if a hereditary noble title which was classed as a Peer of the Realm was inherited by a foreign citizen, the peerage would automatically be revoked. Orders are slightly restricted to foreign citizens using the following general principles:

• A Knighthood or Banneretcy can only be awarded to a citizen, thus a foreigner is either a 'Stranger Knight' or possesses an Honorary Knighthood. These entitle the bearer to use postnominals, and add the order's signs to their coat of arms however they are not entitled to the style 'Sir' or to the wear of a surcoat. Stranger Knights only apply to the Order of the Citadel.
• Orders which are issued on the recommendation of the government for service to the government may not be issued to a foreigner. This applies to the Order of Justiciars, of the War God, and of the Military Stuffs.
• Finally, the Orders which are given by the monarch personally, may be issued to any foreigner - the customary rules and the first rule not withstanding. This applies to the Orders of the Citadel, Emerald, and of Royal Service.

Orders

Order	Eligibility	Grades & Post-Nominals	Notes
Order of the Legion of Honour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Coronial Knight (XX) Knight-Tribune of Grand Collar () Knight-Tribune of Riband () Knight of the First Spear ()	Notes
Order of the Legion of Valour	For Military Merit	Coronial Knight (XX) Knight-Tribune of Grand Collar () Knight-Tribune of Riband () Knight of the First Spear () Legionary of Valour ()	Notes
Order of the Legion of Labour	For Civilian Merit	Knight-Tribune of Grand Collar () Knight-Tribune of Riband () Knight of the First Spear ()	Notes
Order of the Star of Honour	"Foreign Dignitaries & Citizens who have brought Honour to Kouralia"	Knight-Tribune of Grand Collar () Knight-Tribune of Riband () Companion ()	Notes
Order of the Crown	"Other worthies whose actions merit Knighthood"	Knight ()	Notes

Decorations

Decoration	Eligibility	Notes
Class One 'Shields'
Supreme Shield of Honour Post-Nominals: SShH	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Supreme Shield of Valour Post-Nominals: SShV	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Class Two 'Stars'
Star of Honour Post-Nominals: SSH	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Valorous Legatine Star Post-Nominals: VLS	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Valorous Admiralty Star Post-Nominals: VAS	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Valorous Marshalcy Star Post-Nominals: VMS	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Valorous Prefectural Star Post-Nominals: VPS	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Valorous Intelligencery Star Post-Nominals: VIS	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Class Three 'Medals'
Coronial Medal for Honour Post-Nominals: CMH	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Regional Medal for Honour Post-Nominals: RMH	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Legatine Medal for Valour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Admiralty Medal for Valour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Marshalcy Medal for Valour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Prefectural Medal for Valour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Intelligencery Medal for Valour	"Outstanding Services such as bring honour to the nation & people"	Notes
Class Four 'Commendation'
Mention in Despatches	"For meritorious bravery, in the face of an enemy, in an operational theatre"	Being Mentioned-in-Despatches (MiD) is recognition of a soldier's conduct being commended to high command in a report by their superior officers. This alone confers entitlement for the wear of a laurel-wreath device, but can result in their conduct being judged worthy of a more senior decoration as well. If the act for which one is MiD occurred on service entitling wear of a campaign medal, then the wreath is pinned onto that medal's ribbon. If not, then it is worn after any medals the bearer is entitled to, or in the position on the left-breast where a sole medal would go.
Coronial Commendation for Bravery	"For meritorious bravery, not in the face of an enemy."	Where bravery is 'mentioned in despatches' as with an MiD award but it does not occur in combat against an enemy, the mentionee is not automatically entitled to a Commendation. However, if it is deemed suitable then such a commendation may be made. This award may be made to civilians, Watchmen, and other non-military figures through the submission of a formal application and evidence by the nominator to the Regional Prefect. As with being Mentioned-in-Despatches, this is a pre-requisite for receipt of a more senior decoration
Coronial Commendation for Merit	"For meritorious service, not in the face of an enemy, in an operational theatre"	Where the MiD and CCB are issued specifically for acts of bravery, the CCM is issued in an identical fashion but for where bravery, valour, or gallantry are not deemed to be an integral component of the act recognised. Examples of such include Centenær Aleſsya Conda of the Combat Engineering Corps, whose project management and civil engineering skills in D'halbrisir were credited with rapid reconstruction of healthcare facilities in her company's area of operations.
Coronial Commendation for Meritorious Service	"For a life's meritorious service"	Where Long-Service & Good-Conduct medals are awarded and the recipient is judged to have met further criteria for exemplary and meritorious conduct throughout their career, this award may be issued for wear in a fashion similar to an MiD over a Campaign Medal.

Complete Name	Ranks/Post-Nominals	Ribbon	Notes
Grade 1
Honour's Shield	Awardee (HS)	File:Kour G1 Honour's Shield.png	Honour's shield is Kouralia's foremost award for bravery, described as requiring "...most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." There have been two awards, not including the Demon War, since the restitution of the monarchy to Kouralia. As with all 'Shield' medals, not only is the medal itself shaped like a shield rather than a simple disc, but it confers a symbol which can be added to one's heraldry, should one posses a coat of arms.
Valour's Shield	Awardee (VS)	File:Kour G1 Valour's Shield.png	Valour's Shield is the highest honour for bravery that a civilian can receive in Kouralia. It is awarded for "... acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger," and thus does not require the acts in question to be carried out in the face of the enemy to receive it.
Grade 2
Royal Martial Shield	Awardee (RMS)	File:Kour G2 Martial Shield.png	The RMS is a tri-service award, issued for "...an act or acts of conspicuous valour during active operations against the enemy."
Royal Paean Shield	Awardee (RPS)	File:Kour G2 Paean Shield.png	The Paean Shield is granted for "...Conspicuous devotion to the Hippocratic Oath and Paean Principles in the face of the enemy", and is traditionally issued to medical personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty when tending to injured servicepersons.
Cold Iron Shield	Awardee	File:Kour G2 Cold Iron Shield Class One.png File:Kour G2 Cold Iron Shield.png	The Cold Iron Shield unique in that, as its name implies, it is struck from iron rather than a more precious metal. It is issued in recognition of the subject "being wounded or killed in any action or as a result of an act of any enemy of the Royal Union or opposing armed forces." When issued in the Class One, it is for death in action. When issued in Class Two it is for actual or grievous wounding in action.
Grade 3
Valorous Irregulars' Shield	Awardee	File:Kour G3 Valorous Irregulars Shield (Army).png File:Kour G3 Valorous Irregulars Shield (Navy).png File:Kour G3 Valorous Irregulars Shield (AF).png	The VMS is issued for "... gallantry during irregular active operations against the enemy." It comes in three ribbon-variants, one for each service branch. It is most commonly issued to members of STRIKE Command such as special forces or commandos, and the ribbon indicates the original service the serviceperson is from (i.e. even if serving currently in the Swimmer-Cannoeist Regiment, a former Air Force Auxiliary Airtrooper will receive the Air Force Blue award). It does not require one to be formally mentioned in despatches, and while a report would be submitted, it would not be gazetted.
Valorous Military Shield	Awardee (VMS)	File:Kour G3 Valorous Military Shield.png	The VMS is issued for "...exemplary valour during active operations against the enemy." It is not restricted to Army personnel however, and can be received by any Air Force or Naval personnel who are engaged in ground combat operations.
Valorous Naval Shield	Awardee (VNS)	File:Kour G3 Valorous Naval Shield.png	The VNS is issued for "...exemplary valour during active operations against the enemy at sea." While it is not restricted to Naval personnel, it would traditionally be rare for Army personnel to receive it, though Fleet Air Arm personnel of the Air Force are more likely
Valorous Flying Shield	Awardee (VFS)	File:Kour G3 Valorous Flying Shield.png	The VFS is issued for "...exemplary valour during active operations against the enemy in the air." Like the above two awards it is not restricted to Air Force personnel, however opportunities to win it could be limited.
Valorous Intelligence Shield	Awardee	File:Kour G3 Valorous Intelligence Shield.png	The VIS is issued for "...exemplary valour by Intelligence Service Personnel who are acting in an operational capacity." This award is available only for non-Military Intelligence personnel, or for personnel embedded in an Intelligence Operation.
Valour's Medal	Awardee (VM)	File:Kour G3 Valour's Medal.png	Valour's Medal is issued to military personnel and civilians for "... acts of great bravery" not in the face of the enemy which do not otherwise merit receipt of Valour's Shield.
Grade 4
Kouralian Gallantry Medal	Awardee	File:Kour G4 Kouralian Gallantry Medal.png	The Kouralian Gallantry Medal is issued to military personnel and civilians for "…exemplary acts of bravery" not in the face of the enemy which do not otherwise merit receipt of the Valour's Shield or Valour's Medal.
Maritime Gallantry Medal	Awardee	File:Kour G4 Maritime Gallantry Medal.png	The MGM is issued, primarily to merchant marine or naval personnel for "...the saving of life at sea with exceptional humanity or gallantry."
Flying Gallantry Medal	Awardee	File:Kour G4 Flying Gallantry Medal.png	The FGM is issued to air force (or, potentially, other servicepersons) for "...an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy."
Medal of the Burning Grail	Awardee	File:Kour G4 Shield of the Burning Grail.png	The Medal of the Burning Grail is issued for personal services to the sovereign or royal family.
Grade 5
Mentioned in Despatches			To be mentioned in despatches (MiD) means that a serviceperson has been named in an official report by a superior officer which was sent to a higher command, describing their brave or meritorious conduct in the face of the enemy. It is a pre-requisite for receiving any of the medals which require valorous action in the face of the enemy, however being MiD does not automatically result in a medal, as it is up to the higher command to determine if any further decoration is suitable. Being MiD does however confer a certificate, the despatch being published in the Kurton Royal Gazette, and a single gold oak leaf decoration which is either pinned to the ribbon of the appropriate campaign medal or to the left breast of the wearer's dress tunic where no medal is issued.
Commendation for Valour			To be Commended for Valour (CfV) means that a serviceperson or civilian has been named in an official report by an officer of the Crown which was sent to a higher command, describing their brave acts. It is a pre-requisite for receiving any other medals, however being commended for valour does not automatically result in a medal, as it is up to the higher command to determine if any further decoration is suitable. Being commended for valour does however confer a certificate, the despatch being published in the Kurton Royal Gazette, and a single silver oak leaf decoration which is either pinned to the ribbon of the appropriate campaign medal or to the left breast of the wearer's dress tunic where no medal is issued.

Medals

Complete Name	Ranks/Post-Nominals	Ribbon	Notes
Distinguished Service Medals
Distinguished Watch Service Medal		File:Kour Medal Distinguished Watch.png	The Distinguished Watch Service Medal is issued to Territorial Watch, or Treasury Guard personnel for "...an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty."
Distinguished Fire Medal		File:Kour Medal Distinguished Fire.png	The Distinguished Watch Service Medal is issued to Fire Watch personnel for "...an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty."
Distinguished Medical Medal		File:Kour Medal Distinguished Medical.png	The Distinguished Watch Service Medal is issued to Emergency Medical Service personnel for "...an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty."
Distinguished Intelligence Medal		File:Kour Medal Distinguished Intelligence.png	The Distinguished Watch Service Medal is issued to Intelligence and Security Agency personnel for "...an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty."
Campaign Medals (All Medals worn 'No.1'-->'No.2'-->'No.3', and Oldest to Newest)
Loyal Militia Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Loyalists.png	As a No.1-Graded Campaign Medal, the Loyal Militia Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service as an insurgent or guerrilla fighting against the Republican Government prior to the Millennial War.
Millennial War Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Millennial.png	As a No.1-Graded Campaign Medal, the Millennial War Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service, either fighting for or against the Government during the Millennial War. However, those who fought for the Government did not receive the Medal of the Burning Grail additionally.
Demon War Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Demons.png	As a No.1-Graded Campaign Medal, the Demon War Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service fighting during the 31st Annual Demon War.
Karolyland Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Karolyland.png	As a No.2-Graded Campaign Medal, the Karolyland Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be worthy of distinction, but not in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service on operations during the Karolyland Emergency.
Banrodesia Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Banrodesia.png	As a No.2-Graded Campaign Medal, the Banrodesia Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be worthy of distinction, but not in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service on peacekeeping operations in Banrodesia.
D'halbrisir Medal		File:Kour Medal Service D'halbrisir.png	As a No.2-Graded Campaign Medal, the D'halbrisir Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be worthy of distinction, but not in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service on operations supporting the Spirean Government against megafauna.
Poldakia Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Poldakia.png	As a No.2-Graded Campaign Medal, the Poldakia Medal is issued for a campaign deemed to be worthy of distinction, but not in defence of Kouralia itself. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service on operations during the Invasion of Poldakia.
Irregular Service Medal		File:Kour Medal Service Irregular.png	As a No.3-Graded Campaign Medal, the Irregular Service Medal is issued for service on operations which are not acknowledged by the Union, or for irregular operations which do not correspond to another medal. It is traditionally issued to personnel of STRIKE Command.
General Service Medal		File:Kour Medal Service General.png	As a No.3-Graded Campaign Medal, the General Service Medal is issued for a campaign not deemed worthy of independent distinction, usually distinguished by a bar on the medal. It is issued for those who performed the requisite service on any regular military operations.
Older Service Medals		File:Kour Medal Service Old.png	There are a number of other, older service medals from before the Republican Revolution in 1963 until the first 'medalled' campaign, in the 19th century. These are represented by a golden cord supporting the medal.
Coronation and Jubilee Medals
Coronation of John Campbell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Coronation of Robert Campell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Coronation of Alessia Campbell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Silver Jubilee of Alessia Campbell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Coronation of Sebastyan Campbell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Coronation of Alyxandra Campbell		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Efficiency and Long Service Medals
Meritorious Service Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Shire Militia Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Intelligence Long Service Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Civil Long Service Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Volunteer Reserve Long Service Medal		File:Kour CO Order of Justiciar.png	Something
Special Awards
Aces' Medal		File:Kour Medal Special Ace.png	Something
Champion Gunner's Medal		File:Kour Medal Special Gunner.png	Something
Champion Shot Medal		File:Kour Medal Special Champion Shot.png	Something

Recipients

Domestic

• Royalty:
  • Her Majesty, Queen Alyxandra Campbell
  • Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess of the Blood Elena Campbell has been made a Lay Justiciar, a Royal Knight of the Citadel, the Great Master and Principal Knight of the Emerald Hall, a Knight Bachelor of the Realm, and has been awarded the Cold Iron Shield and the Valorous Military Shield.
• Other Notables:

Foreign

• Monarchs, Presidents, Heads of States and other Leaders:
  • His Most Excellent Imperial Highness and Majesty, Alexander Artharian III, Lord Artarius of the Imperial Commonwealth of Celritannia was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
  • His Imperial Majesty, Alexander Blaken-Kazansky, King of Allanea and Emperor of Greater Prussia, and his wife Her Imperial Majesty, Cassiopeia Blaken-Kazansky, Queen of Allanea and Empress of Greater Prussia were both made Stranger Knights of the Citadel. Alexander was also made an Honorary Banneret of the Arean Order for his role in the 31st Annual Demon War.
  • Her Grace, Arch-Duchess Daffydill the first of her name of the Grand Duchy of Muffinvania, was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
  • Their Majesties Helena and Myka Wells, Queens of Malgrave were both made Stranger Knights of the Citadel.
  • Her Grand Royal Highness, Luna, Princess of Equestria was made a Stranger Lady of the Citadel.
  • His Excellency, Maven Kethir Auryn, High Chancellor of the Beastling States of Crystal Spires was made an Honorary Knight of the Emerald Order.
  • His Imperial Majesty, Oskar auf Stjärnkhrone, High King of the Absolute Royal Federation was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
  • His Majesty, Percival IV, King of the Freethinkers was made an Honorary Knight of the Citadel.
  • His Imperial Majesty, Primus auf Stjärnkhrone, High King of the Absolute Royal Federation was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
  • Her Imperial Supremacy, Sirithil Finlaurë Silmariel Nerdanel nos Fëanor, Elentári of Menelmacar was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
  • His Supremacy Telissat Amris, Supreme Overlord of the Necrontyr Dynasties was made a Stranger Knight of the Citadel.
• Other Royalty or Nobility:
  • His Imperial Highness, Maglor nos Fëanor, Haryon of Menelmacar and Chief bard of the First Age Elves was made an Honorary Banneret-Companion of the Onstæl aþ’Aran Æfenhlyttena
• Military Commanders:
• Other Worthies:
  • Lord Celebrimbor nos Fëanor, Menelmacari Prefect of Science and Education, Founder of the Archive of Ages, and Forger of the Three Great Rings was made an Honorary Knight-Companion of the Onstæl aþ’Aran Æfenhlyttena
  • Lady Miriel nos Fëanor, Heroine of the Wilwarin War was made an Honorary Knight-Companion of the Onstæl aþ’Aran Æfenhlyttena