Writs are the promissory that a newcomer to the SCA gets when they are recognised with an Award of Arms (usually the first award someone gets). Writs are designed specifically for each reign and usually reflect the theme of the reign in some way.
When the Crown Prince and Princess are known, the Provost of Scribes usually contacts Them or Their Chamberlain to discuss ideas for writ design. Writs are usually done in black and white with no illumination required, but the wishes of the Crown are also taken into account. The Crown may suggest a specific scribe to do their design, or may ask the Provost to suggest someone, or may invite submissions from scribes.
Writs are printed on parchmentine or similar style paper and folded with a College of Scribes seal attached. An insert is also included to explain to the recipient about how the process of scroll production works.