Copyright © 1995 - Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
Lord Codex tells me pallets cannot be borne upon a pale, and I believe it. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 14)
The term "sejant", in the case of bears and pandas, means sitting erect with the forepaws raised. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 4)
[Chevronelly sans nombre argent and gules.] The highest number Parker mentions for a field chevronelly is seven. This is seventeen, counting partials; hence "sans nombre." (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 3) [Sans nombre is French for "without number".]
This is color on color. There is no such field division as "per pile." (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 61)
Do not use "counterflory" line of division; use a standard variation such as nebuly, wavy, etc. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 6)
A field division in the shape of two opposed horse's heats is not heraldry in our period. Way late and decadent. Pretty, but not medieval heraldry; actually it looks like one of the works of Escher. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 8)
This tortoise is correctly blazoned tergiant, signifying that the entire back (L. tergum) is visible. Passant is said to mean the same position; however, we have in the SCA the example of Kathleen the Forgetful's "Argent a turtle statant vert" which is shown in profile, like any passant or statant lion or griffin. Passant, therefore, ought not be considered synonymous with tergiant in Society heraldry. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 5)
[Bharat peacock.] This is from an Indian painting. "Bharat" is Hindi for "India." (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 9)
We will henceforth use the names ermines (sable, spotted argent), erminois (or, spotted sable) and pean (sable, spotted or). (KFW, 10 Jan 78 [17], p. 3) [The term ermines was later abandoned for the established SCA usage counter-ermine.]
This was submitted as a "horned Pegasus" but since we already had the usage "winged unicorn" I have used it. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5)
[Pen sable quilled gules.] Pen is from Latin penna, a feather. Quill is the hollow central shaft of a feather. If I must disagree with Franklyn in the name of common sense I will do so. (KFW 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5) [Julian Franklyn, in Shield and Crest, uses the term penned to describe the quill when it is of a different color than the rest of the feather. Parker lists quilled, penned, and shafted.]
[Reed pen.] The pen as drawn does not appear to be a quill. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 6)
see STAR POLYGON
The pentagram is forbidden ... Between the name and the design the intent is clear. We don't register magic. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 12)
see STAR POLYGON
see TRISKELION
This is a borderline case, in that the mammoth was extinct in the Middle Ages. However, there were pictures in French caves which could have been seen, and a trade in Siberian mammoth ivory. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5)
We will no longer accept "wavy-crested" (characterized in Boutell as "new"). It is too far out of period. We beat our breasts and cry Mea culpa for having allowed it once." [HB] (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 6)
The bagwyn is variously described in my sources as "early sixteenth century," "hart to give an instance," "a supporter." It's a fine-looking monster but I'm afraid it's out of period. Could you settle for a plain old antelope? (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 15) [At this time, the cutoff date for charges was 1485. "Early sixteenth century" was thus out of period.]
A field division in the shape of two opposed horse's heads is not heraldry in our period. Way late and decadent. Pretty, but not medieval heraldry; actually it looks like one of the works of Escher. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 8)
We picked 1485 as the cutoff date - the death of Richard III and the beginning of the Tudor era -- since this date marks the shift of emphasis in heraldry from the practical purposes of the battlefield to decorative indoor uses. There was no longer any need to read a banner or shield at any distance, and designs became more complicated and harder to recognize. (KFW, 15 Nov 78 [22], p. 2)
Your [charge] is in trian aspect, which is very late in heraldry and which the Society doesn't use. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 64)
The name "thylacine" for the Tasmanian or marsupial wolf is first attested in 1827 (Oxford English Dictionary). We suggest you call it a Pocketwolf, and find a new personal name for yourself. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 66)
Generally, these arms are too crowded; medieval heraldry is simple and easily recognizable. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 68)
We recommend Jost Amman's BOOK OF TRADES (available from Dover Paperbacks) ... Generally speaking, any piece of technology you cannot find in Amman is probably out of period! (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 71)
A balisette is a musical instrument in Frank Herbert's DUNE, which makes it out of period by at least several millenia. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 74)
One persona per body, please! My Mongol persona has not registered a device, and will not. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 13)
Best to base your device on your SCA activity, not on an imaginary biography. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 7)
I don't mind how many badges you have, but please, one name and one device per body! (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 6)
Take a surname, or provide documentation that your persona is from a culture not using them. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 77)
"Proper" for a phoenix is the same as for flames of fire. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 24)
Pierced means there is a round opening through which the field appears, unless otherwise specified. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 9)
This is color on color. There is no such field division as "per pile." (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 61)
We will have to have the genus and species of the pine cones proper. They could be roundish and purple (Pious albicaulis); narrow oval and light brown (P. attenuate); oval-to-oblong and reddish to yellow-brown (P. halapensis) -- to name only a few possibilities. If borne stem-up, they should be blazoned "reversed." (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 1)
Clay pipes are out of period. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 6)
see MOON
Plumetty has in fact not yet been authorized. When it is, a correct drawing will be circulated. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 9)
The article on heraldry in the 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, by Oswald Barron, states that there is a single British example of "Plumetty." ... A fifteenth-century book of arms gives it, blazoned "Plumetty of gold and purple," for Mydlam in Coverdale ... This form is acceptable for S.C.A. use. It should be treated as a form of vair, being composed of any metal with any color, but not two metals or two colors. Whichever tincture falls in the uppermost row should be mentioned first; blazoned in the standard form, Mydlam is "Plummetty or and purpure." (KFW, 15 Now 78 [22], p. 1)
"Port" means "door." (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 3)
"Light" is an obsolete term for "window"; I like it better than the heraldically used "porthole." (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 3)
A dumbec is a drum used in Middle Eastern music; it can be made of all kinds of materials and cannot be "proper." (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 7)
A laurel wreath proper will not be color on color as a laurel wreath vert is. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 125], p. 60)
There is no "proper" for chalcedony. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 60) [Chalcedony is a variety of quartz. It occurs naturally in a number of different colors.]
The laurel wreath, technically proper, is in fact green and green on blue doesn't show up. That's why we have the rule of tincture, so that charges will be visible. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 61)
A hide (cf. Laurel's letter of 22 October 1976) is an ordinary and has no "proper." Resubmit with a natural bearskin proper. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 66)
Even by calling it "proper" you can't put green on blue and black; IT VANISHES FROM SIGHT, which is what the laws of tincture are all about. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 67)
see also GENUS AND SPECIES
The heraldic python has wings. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 6)
We don't use quarterly in equerre ... I doubt if it's English heraldry; it certainly isn't in Parker's glossary. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 8) [It's Continental. See Woodward's A Treatise on Heraldry, p. 82 and plate V, fig. 11.]
[Pen sable quilled gules.] Pen is from Latin penna, a feather. Quill is the hollow central shaft of a feather. If I must disagree with Franklyn in the name of common sense I will to so. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5) [Julian Franklyn, in Shield and Crest, uses the term penned to describe the quill when it is of a different color than the rest of the feather. Parker lists quilled, penned, and shafted.]
[Reed pen.] The pen as drawn does not appear to be a quill. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 6)
[Sea lion erect.] Only four-legged creatures may be "rampant." (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 2)
These are baroque recorders, which are out of period. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 9)
The Tudor rose must be removed. (It is a Tudor rose, though a counterchange of the usual variety; Boutell, ed. of 1966, says that red on white or vice versa is Tudor.) (KFW, 19 Apr 76 [3], p. 6)
Try to avoid anything too reminiscent of the staff of Aesculapius. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 12)
The white rose and sun are both Yorkist badges. A pity, because that's just what you'd expect the QOG [Queen's Order of Grace] of Atenveldt to have, but we'd have to prove each queen's direct descent from the House of York. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 13)
Star polygons are forbidden. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 11)
The cup and serpent are a symbol of pharmacy. (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 2) [The combination, known as a Bowl of Hygeia, is therefore reserved.]
You may not combine the White Rose and the surname "of York." We understand where your sympathies lie, but you are claiming too much for yourself. (KFW, 11 Now 77 [16], p. 8)
The patriarchal cross does not imply he has that rank. The only such cross we ever forbade for that reason is the Papal. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 8)
Crowns, sun disks, and so on are reserved to royal arms. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 62)
Even with three heads that is much too much like the Imperial Eagle. A triple-headed eagle was reserved for The Holy Roman Emperor. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 63) [The first sentence suggests that the word "triple" in the second sentence is a mistake for "double."]
Unless you are a Countess, you cannot have a wreath of roses. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 69)
The Hand of Ulster is the mark of a British baronet. While in the Society we do not have baronets, let alone marks of them, outsiders would be mightily confused. Lord Virgule points out that the Hand of Ulster is one of the few heraldic charges that a mundane layman might recognize. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 73)
The drawing shows a modern retort. An alembic that has been used in heraldry is illustrated on p. 372 of Parker's Glossary of Terms Used In Heraldry. (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 3) [The entry in Parker is under limbeck. The charge does not even resemble a retort; it looks like some sort of lattice.]
We hereby define the riven star as that which you will find in the accompanying picture. To define it is one Niflheim of a lot simpler than to blazon it. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 36) [In Norse mythology, Niflheim was the lowest region of the underworld, ruled by Hel, goddess of the dead.]
The Tudor rose must be removed. (It is a Tudor rose, though a counterchange of the usual variety; Boutell, ed. of 1966, says that red on white or vice versa is Tudor.) (KFW, 19 Apr 76 [3], p. 6)
Delete the Tudor rose - though she be of the Tudor period, yet she is not one of the Tudors. (KFW, 21 Apr 76 [4], p. 1)
The white rose and sun are both Yorkist badges. A pity, because that's just what you'd expect the QOG [Queen's Order of Grace] of Atenveldt to have, but we'd have to prove each queen's direct descent from the House of York. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 13)
A "proper rose" is what we used to call a garden rose. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 4)
You may not combine the White rose and the surname "of York." We understand where your sympathies lie, but you are claiming too much for yourself. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 8)
Roses have five petals, or a multiple of five. "A sixfoil ..." would be all right, but not "A rose ..." of any number of petals. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 14)
Unless you are a Countess, you cannot have a wreath of roses. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 69)
"Pomme," "bezant," et caetera should be reserved for symbolic or canting use. (KFW, 30 Jan 76 [2], p. 4)
Lord Codex feels strongly about calling roundels by their assorted names; e.g. a roundel argent is a plate. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 5)
In order to make our blazons intelligible to the Lyon Office, we will adopt the standard names for roundels and drops of the various colors. (KFW, 10 Jan 78 [17], p. 1)
The Tai-ch[i] is the familiar yin-yang symbol. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 6)
The way you have the laurel wreath on a roundel, it looks like someone's personal device with an augmentation of the Society (not accepted in current usage). (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 65)
Heralds of all Kingdoms should pay careful heed to the notes, whether for their Kingdom or others, as they contain statements of policy both old and new. A compendium of such statements is being made, but I don't know how long it will take. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 2)
In response to requests for a clear statement of the rules we work under, first let me say that they have never been codified, and there is no one who knows all of them. This is the next major project I will undertake. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 1)
Which futhark does this dag belong to? There are several possibilities. (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 2) [A futhark (variously spelled) is a runic alphabet.]
If it were a "sagittary" it would have had a bow and arrow. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 9) [A sagittary (L. Sagittarius, "an archer") is traditionally depicted as a centaur drawing a bow to release an arrow.]
I question the propriety of arms containing a sail painted with what appears to be a complete coat. Why not just use the design on the sail and forget the ship? (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 1)
[Chevronelly sans nombre argent and gales.] The highest number Parker mentions for a field chevronelly is seven. This is seventeen, counting partials; hence "sans nombre." (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 3) [Sans nombre is French for "without number."]
Why do you need a badge? Baronial officers are entitled to wear the arms as heralds do, aren't they? (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 1)
see also LAUREL WREATH
Rampant is the default position for a seahorse. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 72)
Note that the sea-lion is a monster, in the shape of a fish-tailed lion, not a Pacific eared seal. (KFW, 30 Jan 76 [2], p. 1)
[Sea lion erect.] Only four-legged creatures may be "rampant." (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 2)
A sea mew is a gull. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 53)
Seals [sigils] don't have tinctures. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 10)
The laurel wreath is not suitable for the seal of a branch herald. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 8)
The term "sejant", in the case of bears and pandas, means sitting erect with the forepaws raised. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 4)
"Sejant tergiant" is my best attempt to describe a mouse seated on its haunches, its back turned to the viewer. (KFW, 19 Apr 76 [3], p. 1)
[Semy of fusils.] The blazon has been altered from "fusily," which signifies a tesselation, analogous to "checky." (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 3)
Semee must be regular, and all the [charges] must be in the same alignment. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 63)
The serpent is not an Ouroboros; it is not swallowing the tail but biting near the tip. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 12)
The heraldic python has wings. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 6)
The cup and serpent are a symbol of pharmacy. (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 2) [The combination, known as a Bowl of Hygeia, is therefore reserved.]
Serpents do not have legs; shall I blazon this a "dragon serpentine"? (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 10)
I question the propriety of arms containing a sail painted with what appears to be a complete coat. Why not just use the design on the sail and forget the ship? (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 1)
We do not use single escutcheons; whatever it was charged with, it would look like au escutcheon of pretense. (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 3)
A lozenge as part of a device is like a shield as part of a device: it is an inescutcheon, looking like someone else's arms grafted onto yours: in this case, the counterchange of [mundane arms]. It looks like an inescutcheon of pretense. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 67)
"Targeted" refers to the [tincture of the] round shields along the bulwark. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 6)
I question the propriety of arms containing a sail painted with what appears to be a complete coat. why not just use the design on the sail and forget the ship? (KFW, 09 Jun 77 [13], p. 1)
A shuriken resembles a mullet. It is a Japanese throwing weapon. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [7], p. 2) [The charge, blazoned "a shuriken of eight points," appears to be a mullet of eight points pierced. This is a modern Chinese shuriken, of a type more correctly called a shaken. The period Japanese shuriken was a long, thin throwing knife.]
Tatting shuttles are out of period. You could have a weaving shuttle. (D!W, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 76)
A death's head is by default argent. If you are trying for the natural yellowish ivory of minimally weathered bone, this is too close to your field or. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 69)
A "slip" is a twig with three leaves. If with five it may be called a "sprig." "These rules are not rigorously followed," says Parker. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 9)
We don't have many snowflakes ... so the field is fairly wide open. But to remember that all the arms of a snowflake emanate from the center. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 16)
see SUN
A "slip" is a twig with three leaves. If with five it may be called a "sprig." "These rules are not rigorously followed," says Parker. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], pa. 9)
Lord Codex feels rather strongly that mullets are of five points. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 3) [The charges were therefore blazoned as "stars of N. points."]
We hereby define the riven star as that which you will find in the accompanying picture. To define it is one Niflheim of a lot simpler than to blazon it. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 36) [In Norse mythology, Niflheim was the lowest region of the underworld, ruled by Hel, goddess of the dead.]
We have already passed several "compass-stars," a term invented for the very common Society charge of "a mullet of four greater and four lesser points." (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 59)
see MOGEN DAVID
[Heptacle.] This figure is like a pentacle, a thin-lined interlaced star polygon but having seven rather than five points. Star polygons "were studied by the Pythagoreans and subsequently engaged the attention of many geometers -- Boethius, Athelard of Bath, Thomas Bradwardine, archbishop of Canterbury, Johannes Kepler, and others. Mystical properties were assigned to them at an early date." (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., vol. XXII, p. 25) We do not use magical figures. (KFW, 19 Apr 76 [3], p. 6)
Star polygons are forbidden. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 11)
The pentacle, or pentangle, or 5-pointed star polygon, is a well-known magical symbol. The reference in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to the pentacle on Gawain's arms is the only appearance of it anywhere in English before the seventeenth century. We wouldn't pass the other charge on Gawain's arms either, which is the Virgin Mary. Try a five-lobed interlace. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 14)
The star polygon is magical. You may use a star of nine points voided but not interlaced. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 76)
"Stooping" means that the bird is seen affronty, its wings addorsed and its talons extended as if about to pounce on something. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 1)
This is lawful but UGLY. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 3)
This isn't heraldry, it's nineteenth-century whimsy. Go back to Square One. (KFW, 21 Apr 76 [4], p. 2)
The picture is a striking piece of decorative art, but it is not heraldry. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [7], p. 4)
Simple is beautiful! (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 6)
Nullo modo! It is not heraldry! "This represents a school of art a good 3+ centuries outside our period � good design is not automatically good heraldry." [HB] (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 10)
You've got to be kidding! "In the sky above a green and yellow pavilion, an Oreo cookie with a bite out." No way. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 9)
I don't know whom I pity more, the dragons or the artist who has to draw it. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 3)
The design is virtually a direct copy from a recent Tarot deck. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 6) [The submission was rejected.]
This would give a headache to any herald who had to look at it long enough to blazon it. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 6)
Lord Alfgar rightly says that "Anything which requires over fifty words to blazon should be sent to the Russian front." (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 7)
It took me 20 minutes to blazon this. Not bad as a badge, though not really heraldry. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 4)
The device looks, as Lord Virgule pointed out, like an Early American tombstone. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 9) [The submission was rejected.]
This isn't heraldry. "Arched - counterarched - arched" is not proper blazon, nor is "per fess wavy of two crests." Please re-do it so it can be blazoned in standard terms. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 14)
I can to no better than to quote Lord Codex again: "This sounds more like the crest of an Ugandan General. Are you sure this is a BADGE?" (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 15)
This is macrame, not heraldry. (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 2)
"Sufflexed" means "bent under." If it were "coward" the tail would be between the legs. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 10)
Clarion being not a trumpet but a claricord, sufflue, or organ-rest. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 2)
The sun is not "in splendor," as submitted, since it lacks features. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 6)
The white rose and sun are both Yorkist badges. A pity, because that's just what you'd expect the QOG [Queen's Order of Grace] of Atenveldt to have, but we'd have to prove each queen's direct descent from the House of York. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 13)
A sun in splendor has a face. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 4)
Crowns, sun disks, and so on are reserved to royal arms. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 62)
Deasil means clockwise, or sunwise. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 7)
Rewrite your blazon so as to avoid the term "debruised", which is properly used for animals; "surmounted" for non-animals. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 64)
Argent, hilted Or, is the default tincture for swords. (KFW, 26 Nay 76 [5], p. 2)
A Ken an ancient Chinese sword used in mon rather than a katana. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 5)
A gladius is a Roman shortsword. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 7)
"The etiquette of position its minute. For a Japanese sword, a katana is by default edge up, but a tachi (a short worn at court and with armor) is by default edge down." [HB] (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 6)
The Tai-ch[i] is the familiar yin-yang symbol. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 6)
"Sufflexed" means "bent under." If it were "coward" the tail would be between the legs. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 10)
The south end of a dragon going north is not a suitable subject for heraldry. You could have a dragon's tail emerging from a cave or from behind a rock or a dragon's tail couped and served on a platter for Twelfth Night. But not a dragon's fundament escaping over a wall. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 9)
The Tarask is an amphibious monster connected with Tarascon, France. (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 4) [The spelling appears to be an anglicization of the French Tarasque.]
"Targeted" refers to the [tincture of the] round shields along the bulwark. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 6)
This tortoise is correctly blazoned tergiant, signifying that the entire back (L. tergum) is visible. Passant is said to mean the same position; however, we have in the SCA the example of Kathleen the Forgetful's "Argent a turtle statant vert" which is shown in profile, like any passant or statant lion or griffin. Passant, therefore, ought not be considered synonymous with tergiant in Society heraldry. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 5)
"Sejant tergiant" is my best attempt to describe a mouse seated on its haunches, its back turned to the viewer. (KFW, 19 Apr 76 [3], p. 1)
Lord Breakstone ruled as Laurel King of Arms (acceptance letter of 14 December 1971) that in a thistle proper part 1 [the spray at the top of the flower] is purple and the rest is of course green. This is the natural color of the thistles I saw in Scotland, as well as the common North American ones. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [71] p. 5)
The name "thylacine" for the Tasmanian or marsupial wolf is first attested in 1827 (Oxford English Dictionary). We suggest you call it a Pocketwolf, and find a new personal name for yourself. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 66)
"African lion" will henceforth be used, like "Bengal tiger," to distinguish the natural animal from the stylized one. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5)
Color on color is forbidden. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [7], p. 5)
Drops almost invariably follow the rule of tincture in English heraldry, and in Society heraldry we have (I believe) no exceptions. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [7], p. 6)
You need not actually name any color for a badge; why not drop the field color? (KFW, 11 Aug 77 [14], p. 10)
Seals [sigils] don't have tinctures. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 10)
Checky follows the law of tincture. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 15)
Codex says that goutee need not follow the rules of tincture and this fimbriation isn't necessary. If you want to drop it, let us know. (KFW, 17 Aug 78 [21], p. 6)
A laurel wreath proper will not be color on color as a laurel wreath vert is. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 60)
The device is iffy - the use of fimbriation to avoid metal on metal is legal, but not really advisable; the device will be indistinguishable at a dozen paces, which is why the rule of tincture was formulated. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 60)
The laurel wreath, technically proper, is in fact green and green on blue doesn't show up. That's why we have the rule of tincture, so that charges will be visible. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 61)
Even by calling it "proper" you can't put green on blue and black; IT VANISHES FROM SIGHT, which is what the laws of tincture are all about. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 67)
Your device cannot have a colored bordure on a colored field. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 67)
He should drop the title Jarl, since it is used in the East Kingdom as the equivalent of Count. (KFW, 30 Jan 76 [2], p. 7)
Another point of usage that is often forgotten is the correct use of numbers with the names of kings. The first king of his name is not referred to by number until there is a second of the same name. If you will look at a history book, you will not find any reference to "John I," "Stephen I," or "Victoria I" of England. (When I went to school there was no "Elizabeth I," either.) Possibly the frequent habit of referring to "King N. the First" from the beginning is due to a facetious use of such terms as "Henrik the First, Part Four" - which was merely a reference to Shakespeare's history plays. (KFW, 06 Dec 76 [11], p. 1)
In the Society we do not have baronets, let alone marks of them. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 73)
see also NAME - TITLE
[Shark's tooth point downward.] There is no default position, as tooth could be from upper or lower jaw. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 9)
The torse, when represented as a charge, is shown circular - not edge-on as you have it. (KFW, 20 Aug 76 [7], p. 4)
A torse can be of one color only. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 5)
What you have is not a torse but an annulet corded gules and or. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 69)
see TURTLE
There is no "proper" for a tower. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 72)
Your [charge] is in trian aspect, which is very late in heraldry and which the Society doesn't use. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 64)
The term triquetra is in use in the Society for three objects arranged radially. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 8)
"Triskelion" can refer to curved lines, but the most familiar heraldic example is that of the Isle of Man with three armored human legs, bent at the knee. The only SCA example is that of Marya of Zag[a]mar, with straight lines bent knee-fashion. But compare the pentaskelion of Douglas Longshanks, which consists of five armored human legs. The term triquetra is in use in the Society for three objects arranged radially; in my opinion, "three scythe-blades in triquetra" gives a clearer description of the charge in question. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 8)
This tortoise is correctly blazoned tergiant, signifying that the entire back (L. tergum) is visible. Passant is said to mean the same position; however, we have in the SCA the example of Kathleen the Forgetful's "Argent a turtle statant vert" which is shown in profile, like any passant or statant lion or griffin. Passant, therefore, ought not be considered synonymous with tergiant in Society heraldry. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 5)
This was submitted as a "horned Pegasus" but since we already had the usage "winged unicorn" I have used it. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 5)
If the name Corwin is used, do not use a unicorn. (KFW, 20 Nov 78 [23], p. 1)
I will ask Lord Codex about the current status of the division variously called "champaine" (Parker) and "urdy" (Boutell). (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 10) [The query was apparently to determine whether or not the line of partition is in period. I have found no record of a response.]
Counter-vair is out of period (first attested 1766, O.E.D.). (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 11)
Vair must be composed of one metal and one color. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 10)
Victorian whimsy strikes again. We do not use crescent moons with faces. (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 7)
"Countervolant" means "volant to sinister." (See "Counter" in Parker for examples such as counter-rampant.) (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 6)
We will no longer accept "wavy-crested" (characterized in Boutell as "new"). It is too far out of period. "We beat our breasts and cry Mea culpa for having allowed it once." [HB] (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 6)
"Webbed" refers to the [tincture of the] webs between the toes. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 2)
I have altered the blazon to "cart-wheel" because the Catherine wheel is so much more common. (KFW, 12 Dec 75 [1], p. 3)
This is a concentric form of whirlpool. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 46)
[Aeolus.] The winds are to be drawn in profile, NOT in trian aspect. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 30)
The Boreas in the emblazon is in trian aspect, which is late and not used in Society heraldry. It must be either full face or in profile. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 66)
see COMPASS ROSE
"Light" is an obsolete term for "window"; I like it better than the heraldically used "porthole." (KFW, 29 Oct 76 [9], p. 3)
"Aventred" (French ventre, belly) means that the wings extend downward: cf. addorsed. (KFW, 22 Oct 76 [8], p. 6)
[Cross griffee-de-loup.] Griffee-de-loup means "wolf-clawed." (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 9)
The name "thylacine" for the Tasmanian or marsupial wolf is first attested in 1827 (Oxford English Dictionary). We suggest you call it a Pocketwolf, and find a new personal name for yourself. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 66)
[Xonecuilli.] This is a well-documented Aztec design motif, representing a blue worm. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 8)
Unless you are a Countess, you cannot have a wreath of roses. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 69)
see also LAUREL WREATH, TORSE
[Xonecuilli.] This is a well-documented Aztec design motif, representing a blue worm. (KFW, 10 Mar 78 [18], p. 8)
They have provided pages of documentation for the yale, which otherwise we would be inclined to consider out of period. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 20)
A dumbeg is a drum, zils are finger cymbals, both used by belly dancers. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 3)
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