There are 3 different layers to badge assignment.

Global Badges are maintained on my Badge Server[www.ns2c.com] They work on all servers running badge mod. Historically this served forums badges, but since official implementation, the badge server only serves ENSL badges.

In ServerAdmin.json file you can now assign badges to whole groups.
The example code below shows how to give all moderators the unicorn badge.

This is the old way to assign badges. In ServerAdmin.json assign a player to a group with the same name as a badge. The group name must match the badge name exactly for it to show up.
The example code below shows how to assign the unicorn badge to a player.

Note: Each player's badge is loaded from his groups in order. The first group assigned will be the badge that shows up. If the group doesn't have a badge assigned (#2) or its name doesn't match a badge (#3) then the next group be tried until a valid one is found.

How to Make a Badge Pack

• Create a new mod using the launch pad
  
• In the source directory, create "ui/badges" folders
  
• Create badges - 32x32 px, psd format.
  
• Fill the "ui/badges" folder with badges. Files must be named "${NAME}.psd"
  
• Run Builder.exe, build your mod
  
• The output directory should contain .dds conversions of your .psd files.
  
• Publish your mod using launch pad
  
• Add Player Badges and badge pack mods to the server.

Any custom badges can be assigned with NAME.