QUARTERING

see MARSHALLING

QUARTERLY

A distinction should be made between "the field quarterly" and "quartered arms." Quarterly divides the field into four parts, the first and fourth being of one tincture and the second and third of another tincture. However, metal cannot be used with metal, color with color or fur with fur ... A charge may be placed in any one quarter ... or one charge may be placed over all four quarters ... provided it is not of a tinc[t]ure used in the quarters. This is an exception to the metal on metal, color on color rule. Quartered arms have the field divided per quarterly [sic] and a different charge in each quarter ... Traditionally, quartered arms imply that you had ancestors who bore arms. Because the Society has not been in existence long enough for any one to have had armigerous ancestors quartering of arms is not allowable. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 10)

[Quarterly or and argent.] He will be expected to emblazon it with a nice dark yellow [O]r so that it can be told from the argent. (KFW, 12 Feb 73 [38], p. 1)

Quarterly follows the Rule of Tincture ... always. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 2)

We admit the appeal on RoT [Rule of Tincture] in regards to quarterly, and heartily thank all concerned. We honestly didn't know. (IoL, 1 Nov 73 [73], p. 1) [This reverses the ruling of 1 Sep 73.]

QUILL

According to our sources, "pen" means only a quill-pen, not a reed-pen (calamus). (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 2)

QUILLONED

By Society convention, the word "hilted" covers "quill[o]ned" and "pommelled" when all three are of the same tincture. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)

RAINBOW

[A rainbow gules, argent, azure, or and purpure.] Parker says a rainbow is or, gules, vert and argent, which looks even less like a rainbow. Note that it is neither a heraldic rainbow nor a rainbow proper, and might they consider something else? (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 1)

By special letter the Lord Laurel will redefine this blazon and give particulars on what is a heraldic rainbow and what is a special rainbow made up for the purpose. (HB, 5 Aug 72 [55], p. 1)

RAMPANT

Lord Seraphim said that contourne means rampant to sinister, rather than simply facing sinister, but we do not seem to do it that way and he was overruled. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 7) [Woodward and Parker both state that contourny describes an animal turned toward the sinister side of the shield; Brooke-Little implies that the term may also be applied to inanimate charges. It should be noted that a lion contourny will in fact be rampant to the sinister, since in the absence of other information, a lion is assumed to be rampant. This may have been the source of Seraphim's error.]

He wonders whether a mouse can ramp, but we say why not. (KFW, 14 May 72 [29], p. 1)

REBATEMENT

see ABATEMENT

RELIGION

With the exception of the cross, religious, magical and astrological symbols were never used during the period we have taken as our model. [During the Middle Ages, of course, ladies and gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion (Thank you, Moses Mendelsohn) were never given arms; for that reason the Seal of Solomon or the Star of David may be used in Society arms as a charge -- Randall of Hightower.] (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], pp. 9-10)

[Bishop N.] So far as the Society is concerned, he's a layman, else half the Society would have ecclesiastical trappings courtesy of the ULC [Universal Life Church]. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 1)

Lord Clarion noted that questions have been asked about crosses; that there is no restriction of shape of a cross, but that a papal cross or an arch[i]episcopal cross should be born[e] only by a Pope or Archbishop, and there are by definition none in the Society, where all are laymen (as previously established in the case of Bp. N.). (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 2)

If he says he is going by Islamic heraldry, we will say that in Islam he could not have a feather as a charge, because it is too close to something alive. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 5) [We have not actually checked Islamic heraldry. KFW]

This is a paynim device but is acceptable. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 1) [It should be noted that, although comments were made on several occasions that a device was not in keeping with the religious precepts of the submitter's persona, I can find no record of a submission having been rejected solely on these grounds. In the present case, the submission was approved.]

If he is going to be a proper Jew, he must remember that Mosaic law prohibits the portrayal of living creatures or parts thereof (cf. the prohibition in Exodus against graven images). (KFW, 13 Jun 71 [18], p. 3)

We cannot say that we don't register religious groups, for Randall of Hightower's former bishop registered one. (KFW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 2)

What about the rules against religious objects? (There aren't any.) (KFW, 17 Dec 72 [36], p. 5)

The "prohibition on devices magickal" is on: symbols of evil intent, letters in any alphabet (on devices), alchemical and astrological signs. Thus, a Thor's Hammer is quite proper, but an inverted pentangle is not. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70], p. 4)

RESERVED CHARGES

N. can't have [an] Imperial Japanese chrysanthemum, not even with 15 petals instead of whatever number they usually have (16?). (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 1)

He can't have [a] clan escutcheon, we won't have shields on shields ... (A blank escutcheon would be ok.) (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 4)

N. wishes a crown which he ... may not have. Let him be told that crowns and coronets are reserved for kingdoms. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 3)

It was decided to reserve the use of the cap of maintenance to the corporate arms of the Board of Directors and other Society and Kingdom bodies (the various Colleges and Offices, &c.). (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], p. 1)

Lord Clarion noted that questions have been asked about crosses; that there is no restriction of shape of a cross, but that a papal cross or an arch[i]episcopal cross should be born[e] only by a Pope or Archbishop, and there are by definition none in the Society, where all are laymen (as previously established in the case of Bp. N.). (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 2)

Crowns, laurels, and wreaths of roses are restricted, since they serve to identify the corporate arms of a kingdom, king, or queen. Whether or not to restrict all roses, any roses, or any particular kind of roses is a problem, since there are assorted single roses in arms already registered. (HB, 7 Feb [12], p. 3)

The Associated Guilds of Atenveldt (unlike ours, they are part of the Society that Kingdom) cannot have arms with a laurel wreath and crown until they are authorized by the Board of Directors. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 5)

Regarding caps of maintenance, the Board has nothing to say as regards making and wearing them. Heraldically, on the other hand, they are reserved. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

Lady Johanna would prefer to use roses and laurel, but heraldic roses, rather than field roses which are too hard to paint, particularly on the tiny wreaths above the arms of the Ladies of the Rose. Lord Laurel makes a Fiat as follows: The Queen of the West will bear garden roses, but wreaths for the Ladies of the Rose will have heraldic roses, thus differentiating the [Order] of the Rose, which exists in all Kingdoms, from the Queen of the West. All other use of wreaths of roses of any kind is reserved. One or two roses, or seme of roses (which is not a wreath) of any kind is allowed. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

N. wants something which is rather too much like Aesculapi[u]s. We'll write her a letter. Perhaps she could have a sword twined with enchanter's nightshade? (KFW, 13 Aug 72 [32], p. 3) [The Rod of Aesculapius (the Latin name of Asklepios, Greek got of medicine) has a serpent entwined about it. It is a symbol of the medical profession, and as such is a reserved charge.]

The red hand is the symbol of the baronets of Ulster, and he can't have it. (Even though he's a descendant of Ulstermen. Even if he were a descendant of Ulster baronets, he can't have it in the Society, it's an augmentation from the Queen.) (KFW, 13 May 73 [41], p. 2)

Queens in the Society use Wreaths of Roses. Princesses use Chaplets. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [67], p. 4)

Chapl[e]ts are reserved for the Arms of Princesses. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 2)

Two years ago Dorothy of Paravel applied for a pelican badge. At that time the Board of Directors said that they reserved the ... pelican for their own use EXCLUSIVELY. (KFW, 5 Dec 73 [44], p. 1)

The Pelican is, apparently, reserved for the BoD. Will the Stewart please confirm in writing? (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1)

ROSE

Lady Johanna said that this was the first time a distinction between heraldic roses, roses proper, field roses, and primroses had even come up in her book. and Lord Clarion made this distinction: a heraldic rose is five-petaled, barbed and seeded sometimes with other colors. A rose proper is a rose gules, barbed vert and seeded or. A primrose has four petals. (Though, Lady Banner said, a real primrose has five.) A garden rose, or field rose, looks like a real rose, with more petals than five. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 2)

Crowns, laurels, and wreaths of roses are restricted, since they serve to identify the corporate arms of a kingdom, king, or queen. whether or not to restrict all roses, any roses, or any particular kind of roses is a problem, since there are assorted single roses in arms already registered. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 3)

Lady Johanna would prefer to use roses and laurel, but heraldic roses, rather than field roses which are too hard to paint, particularly on the tiny wreaths above the arms of the Ladies of the Rose. Lord Laurel makes a Fiat as follows: The Queen of the West will bear garden roses, but wreaths for the Ladies of the Rose will have heraldic roses, thus differentiating the [Order] of the Rose, which exists in all Kingdoms, from the Queen of the West. All other use of wreaths of roses of any kind is reserved. One or two roses, or seme of roses (which is not a wreath) of any kind is allowed. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

It appears unnecessary to say that the rose is barbed and seeded unless of a different color. (KFW, 12 Mar 72 [26], p. 2)

Queens in the Society use Wreaths of Roses. Princesses use Chaplets. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [67], p. 4)

ROUNDEL

A "fountain," in traditional heraldry, is a roundel barry wavy argent and azure, representing a spring, pond, lake, etc. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [8], p. 4)

RULE OF THREE

see DIFFERENCE

S'ELONGEANT

The term s'elong[e]ant denotes a Cat in the act of stretching, while standing on its feet, as opposed to their habit of stretching while lying on their back ... good work! (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [67], p. 1)

SANGUINE

Some arms have been submitted to the College using tenne (orangy-red) or sanguine (purplish-red) and have been rejected. These colors do occur in late continental European heraldry and are occa[s]ionally used as livery colors in England but they appear in the later, decadent period and are not acceptable. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 9)

SCA BRANCH

The Council of Seneschals has enquired whether baronies, cantons, and the like should choose a name before or after applying to the College of Heralds. It is answered that while they should check arms with a [herald], it is for the Imperium to rule on the choice of names. and they should not submit arms to the College until they have been accredited through the Imperial College of Electors [Board of Directors]. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 1)

The banner of a barony is not the property of an individual baron/ess. It should be displayed in the same manner that a state flag is within the United States: That is, it should be considered as the emblem of a people who are, tho[ugh] united, su[bo]rdinate to a greater authority, and in no circumstances should a baron/ess display it as his/her own. (HB, 22 Mar 72 [51], p. 2)

see also LAUREL WREATH

SCROLLS

N. wishes to alter his arms to [blazon]. Since apparently he has not been awarded any scroll of arms, we have no objection. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 7)

The Imperial College of Arms was informed by Sarkanyi and the Lord Clarion that the wording of the present Scrolls of Arms as used in the Society was not satisfactory, because as presently worded, these scrolls would not stand up as legal instruments in any court of law. For instance, they do not specify by whom or under what authority the Arms are given. The Lord Seraphim therefore presented to the Imperial College drafts of proposed new scrolls of Arms, both in Latin and in English, and of a proclamation which might be made by the King of any Kingdom instituting the new scrolls. (RoH, 13 Jun 71 [45], p. 1)

Let me specify that it is now and always has been the policy of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and of the College of Arms, that the official language for Society documents, proceedings, ceremonies and communications of any kind whatsoever is English, nor should any other language be used as the principal medium of official Society documents, Proceedings, ceremonies or communications. (RoH, 14 Sep 71 [46], p. 2)

"1. Arms may only be granted by the King of a Kingdom. 2. Arms to be granted by the King must be passed as far as correctness and non-duplication go by the Kingdom College of Heralds and the Imperial College of Arms. 3. Note that these are two different functions. The King has no Business passing on the correctness of arms and the College of Heralds has no business awarding arms." [Stefan de Lorraine, Seneschal of the West] ... To insure that the proper functions of both parties remain sep[a]rate and inviolate, I do order that no Heraldic officer shall sign any scroll of arms unless he has 1) a written request from the King, and 2) the letter from the Imperial College verifying the proposed arms ... A scroll of arms, prepared in the approved and customary manner of the Kingdom, and signed by the King, may be considered as a written request from the King. (HB, 18 Jan 72 [49], p. 1)

Any Society member may design a device to fit upon whichever shape shall be found most pleasing and satisfactory to him or her alone, and may bear his or her device indifferently upon a lozenge or upon an escutcheon; and scribes, calligraphers, and heraldic artists may in the preparation of scrolls or other documents of State, follow the individual preference of the Society member in question, or, in the absence of any preference expressed by the member, may follow their own inclinations at the bidding of their artistic conscience. (HB, 24 Jun 72 [52], p. 1)

SEAL

Regarding the size of seals, the Lord Laurel and the Board to not care to make sumptuary laws. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

SERAPH

[Seraphim proper.] Crined gules, wings displayed gules, covered Or, lined vert and edged azure. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 1)

SERPENT

[Sea-serpent ondoyant-emergent.] Ondoyant-emergent is a term coined by the College of Heralds of the West to represent a sea-serpent or other creature drawn as below: [picture] and not to be confused with the same creature dismembered: [picture]. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 1) [In the letter of intent of 25 Oct 71, the body of the serpent is described as "emerging from the water at intervals in a wave-like fashion, alternate parts of the body presumed to be underwater."]

A serpent "involved" is one rolled into a circle with its tail in its mouth. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 2) [The serpent's head is on the sinister side of the shield, facing tester.]

A Jaculus is a winged, leaping snake. (IoL, 31 Mar 75 [79], p. 1)

see also BASS CORNETTO

SHIELDS ON SHIELDS

He can't have [a] clan escutcheon, we won't have shields on shields ... (A blank escutcheon would be ok.) (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 4)

N. cannot have an inescutcheon, and without the inescutcheon his device is identical to a sept of Campbell. Let him be told that John W. God Jr. will get him. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 9)

[Argent, upon a lozenge sable a crescent argent.] This is like saying, "Argent, upon a lozenge Sean Macarailt." Suggest almost any other charge. (HB, 5 Aug 72 [56], p. 1)

Please remove the inescutcheon of pretense. (IoL, 31 Jul 74 [77], p. 1)

SILKIE

A "Silkie" looks like a seal, but has the head, shoulders and hair of a woman. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 16)

SIMILARITY

see PERMISSION

SKULL

Is there any rule against skulls and other grewsome charges? Alas, there is not. (KFW, 14 May 72 [29], p. 2)

SLIPPED

[A sixfoil slipped and singly leaved.] It was enquired whether the term "slipped" includes one leaf. The Society has used "slipped and leaved" for a stem and two or three leaves; we cannot lose by specifying, since she wants just one leaf in the position shown on the emblazon. (ROW, 11 Jun 72 [30], p. 1) [The charge was registered as a six-foil gules, slipped vert.]

SNAKE

see SERPENT

SNOWFLAKE

[Sable, a snowflake argent.] This is non-heraldic, which is what she wanted ... we approve it as a non-heraldic badge. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 1)

[Sable, a snowflake argent.] While passable as a device, this is not acceptable as Arms. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 3)

SOLOMON'S SEAL

He supplies documentation (a document by a Franciscan friar born 1305, translated in the National Geographic of October 1917 under the title "Heroic Flags of the Middle Ages") for Solomon's-seals on medieval arms and flags. So much for our argument that they were not used. (KFW, 9 Apr 72 [27], pp. 1-2)

SPECIES

[Screech owl proper.] The Lord Banner doesn't care to differentiate species heraldically. But considering we differentiate the rest of the arms, we needn't cavil at giving people the species they want. (KFW, 11 Mar 73 [39], p. 2)

see also GENUS AND SPECIES

SPIDER

[Spider extended.] It is noted that a spider may be extended, or collected, or perhaps a spider rampant, displayed, couchant and statant. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 1) [Extended and collected appear to describe the disposition of the spidery legs.]

SQUIRREL

The convention is that in default, squir[rel]s are shown sejant and nibbling on an acorn held between the forepaws. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 2)

STAIN

Some arms have been submitted to the College using tenne (orangy-red) or sanguine (purplish-red) and have been rejected. These colors do occur in late continental European heraldry and are occa[s]ionally used as livery colors in England but they appear in the later, decadent period and are not acceptable. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 9)

Neither stains nor abatements have so far been allowed to intrude upon the purity of Society heraldry. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 3)

STAR

We have turned down constellations before and are prepared to do so again. (KFW, 17 Dec 72 [36], p. 1)

[Semy of stars a naturelle.] Creative heraldry: "A NATURELLE" [sic] means simply that the stars are not mullets nor estoiles, but are drawn in varying ways, as real stars look. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [74], p. 1) [This is a misnomer. The French idiom au naturel uses the definite article, and is masculine in gender. In French blazon, it means proper.]

STARCROSS

A starcross, also called a millrind, looks like an asterisk; it is automatically couped. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 2) [According to Alfgar the Sententious, who handled this submission, the SCA starcross is "a figure consisting of a pale couped conjoined with a saltire couped, like an asterisk, or a straight mill-rind." The usage appears to be unique to SCA heraldry.]

STARFLOWER

[Three starflowers proper.] That is, argent, with centres or and stamens gules. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 4) [The term starflower is applied to any of several plants having star-shaped pentamerous flowers, especially Trientalis americana.]

STYLE

If Her current Majesty complains about our heraldry, and offers to design her own, let us say to her, "Your Majesty, you are a creative artist, an expressive artist, and heraldry is a branch of mechanical drawing." (HB, 15 Feb 70 [3], p. 7)

It is ugly but heraldic and we must pass it. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 4)

N. wants a dreadful mess of [blazon]. The more shocking when this man is M.'s pursuivant. M. notes that it is godawful, but that the fellow insisted. We shall answer that it is indeed godawful, and why did he forward it? He is instructed to reject it, and the pursuivant is instructed to obey him. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], Up. 5)

She's putting her whole life story on her damn shield, but there's nothing we can to about it. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 10)

Let him be sent a firm #2 [rejection for stated cause], saying to begin all over again, and that we fear he does not understand our intent, which is to learn to be gentlemen and ladies. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 2)

We have no duplications and no objections, nay rather, we applaud the use of a little-used charge. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 7)

Boncue[u]r said, After all, we are not doing illustrations for a zoology textbook; we are trying to fix it so that anyone who sees it will say, That's a [charge], that's a great ugly mother of a [charge] (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 4)

We have an answer from N., who wanted ... everything in the catalog. We suggested he devise something with one or two items. He has replied that he doesn't want to simplify it at all. (Obviously one of these misguided people who want their device to represent their entire life history.) (KFW, 15 Oct 72 [34], p. 1)

SUFFLUE

The clarion as defined by the Imperial College is that curious shape sometimes otherwise known as claricord, sufflue, organ-rest, &c, and having nothing to do with a "clarion-trumpet," a kind of brass wind-instrument resembling a trombone. (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 1)

SUMPTUARY LAWS

A tentative listing was then put forth of sizes and varieties of seals, robes, regalia, and caps of maintenance. Lord Laurel does not like any such regulations, saying that it approaches the situation of sumptuary laws, which we have been trying to avoid. The content of seals of offices is in our province, but not their size. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 1)

Regarding the size of seals, the Lord Laurel and the Board to not care to make sumptuary laws. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

Regarding caps of maintenance, the Board has nothing to say as regards making and wearing them. Heraldically, on the other hand, they are reserved. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

She would like to have lots of crowns, circlets, et caetera, all to be standardized to show one's exact rank. Aside from the fact that no one could afford them, they aren't medieval. Those elegant things you see the Lords wearing at coronations which they don't own, but rent from D'Oyly Carte -- are much later. and we don't even a little bit need sumptuary laws. (KFW, 12 Feb 73 [38], p. 4)

SUN

A sun in splendour is by definition Or. (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 1) [My references define the sun in splendor as being one with a human face.]

A Sun eclipsed is, by convention, sable. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 8) [This is the mundane definition of a sun eclipsed.]

[Sable, a sun eclipsed Or.] That is, all that can be seen is the corona. This won't conflict with any of the others, and we thought we'd used them up. Such creativity is to be encouraged. (KFW, 11 Mar 73 [39], p. 3) [This is the SCA definition. According to Parker, the mundane sun eclipsed is one that is tinctured sable.]

SUN DISK

[Cross potent rebated in annulo.] In plain terms, he wanted an ancient Indo-European sun disk, or fylfot, sometimes known as a swastika, a rounded version thereof. And there was great debate on all sides. It boiled down to this: nobody objected to the sun disk, and everybody objected to the word swastika, and so the blazon was carefully reworded. (KFW, 16 Jan 72 [22], p. 4) [The submission was approved.]

The Lord Banner vouches for the Coptic cross, which looks like a Zuni sun disc with single instead of triple rays, the vertical rays longer than the horizontal ones. (KFW, 11 Mar 73 [39], p. 1)

SUPPORTER

We do not, at the present time, use crests, mottoes, or supporters on the scrolls or in the Great Book of Arms. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 14)

SWASTIKA

see FYLFOT

SWEPE

A "swepe" is a trebuchet. By convention, objects are drawn with their "business end" to dexter; thus, the swepe is seen from the side as if aiming a missile at a target offstage dexter. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)

SWORD

By Society convention, the word "hilted" covers "quill[o]ned" and "pommelled" when all three are of the same tincture. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)

Since long, narrow objects usually found upright are by convention emblazoned in that position unless otherwise specified in the blazon, and by convention with the business end (point of a sword, for instance) up, it is unnecessary to say "a mace erect." An exception to this rule is the arrow, which is usually shown with the head down. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 2)

[Broken sword chevronwise.] By convention the point of this sword will be to dexter. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 3)

The default position of a Sword is "palewise point in chief." (IoL, 1 Mar 73 [61], p. 1)

A Claymore is the two-handed greatsword with drooping quill[o]ns terminated in three or four rings. This term was used until the advent of the Claybeg (what this person terms a claymore) in the 17th Century. The claybeg is more properly called the Scots version of the Venetian Schiavona. (See Stone's Glossary.) If this person is going to go Scots, maybe a little more research is in order. We suggest that the Claybeg be replaced with a weapon more in period with the College. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 2)

[Hoflichkeit sword proper.] This is the figure on His Grace's Arms, in Or and Sable. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [74], p. 5) [The figure, variously blazoned, is a mullet of four points elongated to base, gyronny or and sable.]

TADPOLE

The default position of a tadpole is ... seen from the side, head to dexter, no legs. When tadpoles are said to be legged, they are seen from above, head to dexter. (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 17)

TAIL

[Tail extended and embowed-counterembowed.] We believe the tail would be better described "bowed-embowed," but in fact that is the usual position for the tail of an animal passant (cf. the lion of Randall of Hightower) and the tail need not be described. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 2)

TARTAN

The Lady Karina said: so far as tartans are concerned, if someone in the Society wishes to design a unique sett and WEAVE IT HIMSELF, we shall register it. But we shall not register setts of cloth bought off a bolt, commercially. And the burden of proof should be on the appellant. The Weavers and Spinners Guilds might wish to keep track of tartans. (KFW, 13 Jun 71 [18], p. 7)

Please cite a precedent for the use of tartan in heraldic Arms. Otherwise, alter the damn thing to better heraldry. (IoL, 31 Jan 74 [75], p. 1)

TENNE

Some arms have been submitted to the College using tenne (orangy-ret) or sanguine (purplish-ret) and have been rejected. These colors to occur in late continental European heraldry and are occa[s]ionally used as livery colors in England but they appear in the later, decadent period and are not acceptable. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 9)

Neither stains nor abatements have so far been allowed to intrude upon the purity of Society heraldry. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 3)

TERGIANT

[In pale two turtles turgiant.] "Turgiant," believe it or not, is the technical term for whatever turtles do. In this case they are doing it in bend, all four legs outstretched. This is one of the several conventionally allowable positions for turtles when none is specified. Heading straight upwards is another. (KFW, 25 Oct 71 [20], p. 2) [Tergiant (from Latin tergum, "back") means "turned with its back to the viewer."]

THISTLE

By Society convention the head of a thistle "proper" is purpure. In the heraldry of our Period it was gules. (KFW, 25 Oct 71 [20], p. 1)

For purposes of Society heraldry, a thistle "proper" is Purpure, this being the natural colour of the thistles we see growing wild all about us, including in the back-yard of Society headquarters. (HB, 14 Dec 71 [48], p. 2)

THOR'S HAMMER

The "prohibition on devices magickal" is on: symbols of evil intent, letters in any alphabet (on devices), alchemical and astrological signs. Thus, a Thor's Hammer is quite proper, but an inverted pentangle is not. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [70],

THUNDERBOLT

The lightning-flash ... is not the same thing as the traditional heraldic thunderbolt. (HB, 26 Jun 72 [54], p. 2) [The submission was approved.]

TIERCE

Like a pale, a tierce sinister or dexter will occupy one-fifth of the shield, roughly, if uncharged, and one-third, roughly, if charged. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 4)

TIERCED

[Gyronny of three arrondi, gules, Or, and purpure.] Alternative blazons for this pinwheel-like field division are "tierced in gyrons arrondi" and "tierced in gyron gyronnant." We believe the first one given is the clearest and most descriptive, for someone who has acquired the basic heraldic vocabulary. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 5)

TIGER

The College defines "leopard" as a lion passant guardant. Should the spotted cat known in modern times as a leopard be desired as a charge, it will be blazoned as "an African leopard." (Cf. "a tyger" -- "a Bengal tiger.") (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], pp. 4-5)

TINCTURE

Quarterly divides the field into four parts, the first and fourth being of one tincture and the second and third of another tincture. However, metal cannot be used with metal, color with color or fur with fur ... A charge may be placed in any one quarter ... or one charge may be placed over all four quarters ... provided it is not of a tinc[t]ure used in the quarters. This is an exception to the metal on metal, color on color rule. (JvG, Summer 1970 [6], p. 10)

N. has metal on metal ... Let him submit new arms. (HB, 2 Dec 70 [9], p. 2)

The emblem of a bear statant was registered to Sir Caradoc ap Cador ... The emblem of a grape-leaf and tendril was registered to Sir Bela of Eastmarch. (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], p. 2) [Both badges were registered without field or tincture.]

The gurges on N.'s Viking ship sail should not be colour-and-colour, but colour-and-metal. Apparently a gurges is not treated like a field party; the present case would be a violation of the rule of tincture. (BdM, 3 Jan 71 [11], p. 1)

[Sable, a mount vert.] This is color on color -- though many mounts have been used without regard to color; a mount proper is ipso facto vert. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 9) [The submission was rejected.]

A gore is not a field division but a charge, and this device violates tincture. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 4)

This is not only metal on metal but argent on argent, will look like a blob, and is rejected. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 5)

The use of fimbriation is incorrect; it is used to avoid color on color or metal on metal, rather than to introduce it. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 7)

By the example of Robert Roundpounder, flames can act as insulation against color on color. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 1)

Bordures, chiefs, and augmentations are exempt from the laws of tincture. (KFW, 12 Mar 72 [26], p. 2) [Current SCA policy is that bordures and chiefs are subject to the rule of tincture.]

Badges don't need to conform to the rule of tincture. (KFW, 9 Apr 72 [27], p. 2) [Current SCA policy is that badges must obey the rule of tincture.]

He is worried about badges. We must tell him they aren't heraldic. We don't require fields on badges; we just don't forbid them. Consider the badges of Ravnsgaard (MX) and Eastmarch (a vine leaf and tendril), neither of which have tinctures specified, let alone fields. (KFW, 13 Aug 72 [32], pp. 3-4)

Quarterly follows the Rule of Tincture ... always. (IoL, 1 Sep 73 [71], p. 2)

We admit the appeal on RoT [Rule of Tincture] in regards to quarterly, and heartily thank all concerned. We honestly didn't know. (IoL, 1 Nov 73 [73], p. 1) [This reverses the ruling of 1 Sep 73.]

TITLE

[Bishop N.] So far as the Society is concerned, he's a layman, else half the Society would have ecclesiastical trappings courtesy of the ULC [Universal Life Church]. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [7], p. 1)

He [Duke Siegfried] suggests that a lady who has been Queen twice be named a Duchess in her own right, whether or not she is still the lady of the Duke; so that there would be two varieties of Duchess: the current lady of a Duke, and a lady who has been twice Queen. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 5)

N. cannot call himself Margrave of M.; we are using Margrave as a synonym for Duke. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 6)

The question of titles for landed and unlanded Barons was then discussed. The present ruling is that landed Barons, who are noblesse d'epee, are called Baron of N., and unlanded Barons, who are noblesse de robe, are called Baron N. (KFW, 13 Feb 72 [24], p. 3)

"Margraf" is [a] title not used in [the] S.C.A. Please advise N. (IoL, 31 Jul 74 [76], p. 8)

see also NAME - TITLE

TREBUCHET

A "swepe" is a trebuchet. By convention, objects are drawn with their "business end" to dexter; thus, the swepe is seen from the side as if aiming a missile at a target offstage dexter. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)

TRESSURE

What N. desired was nothing more nor less than an addition to his former arms [blazon] of a double tressure axy-counteraxy, the inner sable, the outer gules ... Now, N. is highly interested in things Scottish, and it is easy to see whence he got this tressure. For a double tressure fleury-counterfleury was part of the Royal Arms of Scotland and was occasionally given to earls or higher, by the King, for an augmentation of honour. We have no augmentations as yet except the canton of the royal arms counterchanged which was given to Headless House. and in any case, how can he give himself an augmentation? We could try to convince the Baron to give him an augmentation, but imprimis he isn't ready for it and secundus it is not our business to convince the baron to do anything ... The other alternative is to reserve tressures, either altogether or as possible augmentations in the future. Therefore we referred the entire matter to the Imperial College of Arms. (KFW, 11 Jul 71 [19], p. 3) [Who reserved tressures altogether. KFW]

TRICUNE

A tricune (Lat.: "triple wedge") is a geometric figure formed of three passion-nails cojoined in estoile at the heads. (HB, 5 Feb 72 [50], p. 1) [The term appears to be a neologism.]

"Tricune" is an old Germano-Norse design that may also be described as "three passion-nails cojoined in estoile at the heads.' (IoL, 14 Jan 73 [58], p. 16)

TRISKELION

We assume that "a triskelion reversed" is what he meant by "a triskelion inverted"; a standard triskelion is running deasil and this one is widdershins. (KFW, 9 Apr 72 [27], p. 2)

TURGIANT

see TERGIANT

TURTLE

[In pale two turtles turgiant.] "Turgiant," believe it or not, is the technical term for whatever turtles do. In this case they are doing it in bent, all four legs outstretched. This is one of the several conventionally allowable positions for turtles when none is specified. Heading straight upwards is another. (KFW, 25 Oct 71 [20], p. 2) [Tergiant (from Latin tergum, "back") means "turned with its back to the viewer."]

TYGER

The College defines "leopard" as a lion passant guardant. Should the spotted cat known in modern times as a leopard be desired as a charge, it will be blazoned as "an African leopard." (Cf. "a tyger" -- "a Bengal tiger.") (HB, 1 Jan 71 [10], pp. 4-5)

UNICORN

"Male unicorn" signifies that it is bearded. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 1)

It was inquired whether female unicorns also have beards, since nanny goats have. Lady Banner indignantly protested that a unicorn is not a nanny goat, but it is. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 7) [According to Franklyn and Tanner, "the unicorn is basically a goat, having cloven hooves and being bearded; further, when in the rampant attitude, the unicorn may be blazoned as clymant." Other sources speak of the unicorn as being small "like a kit." Most of the authorities agree, however, that the body and appearance of the unicorn are those of a horse.]

"Forcene" is rearing furiously, said of a horse, but as Brigantia points out unicorns are goats, so it should be not forcene but clymant. (KFW, 17 Dec 72 [36], p. 4) [The final blazon was forceny.]

VANITY

A mermaid is conventionally shown (unless otherwise specified in the blazon) as holding a mirror in one hand, into which she is looking, and a comb in the other, with which she is combing her hair. The term "Mermaid in her vanity" has been adopted to represent this convention. (HB, 18 Oct 70 [8], p. 4)

VILENE

The English have a word for it too! Replace "vil[e]ne" with pizzled and cullioned. (IoL, 9 Mar 73 [63], p. 1) [Vilene ("having the virile parts of a specified tincture") is a term from French blazon. I have located a couple of references to pizzled, but cullioned appears to be a neologism; Brooke-Little gives the English term as coded.]

VOLANT

see MIGRANT

VOLANT EN ARRIERE

The default position for a butterfly is seen with the body palewise, wings spread out flat to either side, fully extended. This is sometimes called "volant en arriere." (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 5)

WART HOG

A boar has two tusks and a wart hog four tusks going up and down. (RoH, 25 Apr 71 [17], p. 2)

WAVY CRESTED

He wished a wavy-crested division which is rather late. He could have either undy or engrailed; we suggest the latter. (RoH, 28 Mar 71 [15], p. 1)

WIND

[Boreas affronty.] This is the conventionalized rendering of the wind, as fount on maps and such. (IoL, 30 Apr 73 [64], p. 1)

WING

A pair of wings of any kind is by convention displayed unless otherwise specified in the blazon. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 1)

Bats are usually shown displayed, so one specifies which wing is closed, rather than which is open. (KFW, 13 Aug 72 [32], p. 2)

WOLF'S TEETH

Wolf's teeth are known from the eleventh century; there's a Hungarian family Bathory, meaning "wolf's-teeth." (KFW, 11 Jul 71 [19], p. 4)

Wolf's teeth are like little curved piles. When issuant from the sides of a shield they conventionally point downward. (HB, 20 Sep 71 [47], p. 5)

WOOD

What colour is a wooden wheel? (HB, 5 Aug 72 [56], p. 1)

WREATH

Crowns, laurels, and wreaths of roses are restricted, since they serve to identify the corporate arms of a kingdom, king, or queen. (HB, 7 Feb 71 [12], p. 3)

Lady Johanna would prefer to use roses and laurel, but heraldic roses, rather than field roses which are too hard to paint, particularly on the tiny wreaths above the arms of the Ladies of the Rose. Lord Laurel makes a Fiat as follows: The Queen of the West will bear garden roses, but wreaths for the Ladies of the Rose will have heraldic roses, thus differentiating the [Order] of the Rose, which exists in all Kingdoms, from the Queen of the West. All other use of wreaths of roses of any kind is reserved. One or two roses, or seme of roses (which is not a wreath) of any kind is allowed. (HB, 7 Mar 71 [14], p. 7)

Queens in the Society use Wreaths of Roses. Princesses use Chaplets. (IoL, 30 Jun 73 [67], p. 4)

see also LAUREL WREATH



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