Copyright © 1998 Society
for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
SCA - College of Arms
600 Cedar Street, NW
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 726-4396
herald@sca.org
http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel
October 22, 1998
Unto the members of the College of Arms and all others who may read this missive do Mistress Jaelle of Armida, Laurel Queen of Arms, and Mistress Sionyn Muirgen ní Dhomnall, Pelican Queen of Arms, send Greetings!
The October Laurel meeting was held on October 10, 1998 and considered the following letters of intent: Middle (May 2, redated to June pending receipt of paperwork) An Tir (May 19, redated by Laurel to June 5 based on postmark), Atenveldt (May 25, redated by Laurel to June 11 based on postmark), Outlands (June 5), AEthelmearc (June 6), East (June 6), Atlantia (June 16), Drachenwald (June 16), Lochac (June 16), An Tir (June 22), West (June 28), Middle (June 28) Ansteorra (June 30) and Meridies (June 30). Original commentary on these LoIs must be in the College's hands no later than August 31, 1998. Responses and rebuttals to commentary must be in the College's hands no later than September 30, 1998.
The November Laurel meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 15, 1998 and will consider the following letters of intent: Middle (July 9), Lochac (July 13), Drachenwald (July 14), Atlantia (July 15), Outlands (July 15), Caid (July 17), An Tir (July 20), East (July 27), Trimaris (July 28), AEthelmearc (July 28), West (July 29), Ansteorra (July 30) and Meridies (July 30). Original commentary on these LoIs must be in the College's hands no later than September 30, 1998. Responses and rebuttals to commentary must be in the College's hands no later than October 31, 1998.
The December Laurel meeting is scheduled for December 12, 1998 and will consider the following letters of intent: Calontir (June 11 pending receipt of funds), Atenveldt (August 1), Middle (August 2), Caid (August 6), Artemesia (August 8), West (August 17), Atlantia (August 23), Lochac (August 24), An Tir (August 26), Ansteorra (August 28), Outlands (August 31). Original commentary on these LoIs must be in the College's hands no later than October 31, 1998. Responses and rebuttals to commentary must be in the College's hands no later than November 30, 1998.
The January Laurel meeting is scheduled for January 16, 1999 and will consider the following letters of intent: Atenveldt (September 1), Middle (September 5), Laurel (September 12), Atlantia (September 14), Drachenwald (September 14), Lochac (September 17), An Tir (September 23), West (September 28), Ansteorra (September 30), Caid (September 30), Calontir (September 30) and Meridies (September 30). Original commentary on these LoIs must be in the College's hands no later than November 30, 1998. Responses and rebuttals to commentary must be in the College's hands no later than December 31, 1998.
The February Laurel meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 6, 1999.
Not all Letters of Intent may be considered when they are originally scheduled on this Cover Letter. Date of mailing of the LoI, date of receipt of the Laurel packet, or other factors may delay consideration of certain Letters of Intent. Additionally, not all Letters of Intent received have been scheduled because the administrative requirements (receipt of the forms packet, receipt of the necessary fees, etc.) have not yet been met.
REMINDER: due to problems with receipt of Laurel packets, until the packet containing the paperwork is received, the letter may not be scheduled.
Condolences
We offer our condolences to Lord Sionainn Padraig Caimbeul, who has stepped down as Golden Wing Principal Herald, following the recent death of his wife Lady Katerina Elizabeth de Clisson Caimbeul (Karen Tanner). This tragedy leaves him raising their three year-old son. His wife died after three weeks in ICU, and there are a lot of expenses that were not covered by medical insurance. Donations can be sent to Jason Tanner, c/o Doug Guibord, 4075 Jefferson Ave. Ogden Utah 84403, or further information can be obtained from: Viscountess Lynn (jamesw9087@aol.com)
Phases of the Moon
The motif for this summer and fall seems to have been in fess a roundel between an increscent and a decrescent. It has caused a fair bit of commentary, partially because it is also a pagan symbol. While it is a religious symbol, that is not in and of itself grounds for return. It is also an example of modern symmetry. But that again, is not enough to return it. Therefore, we see no reason to ban this motif and have no intention of doing so.
Fictional Armory - what is important enough to protect
This month we returned a device for conflict against Batman Or, a reremouse sable., which is a registered trademark of DC Comics. Since it is trademarked the issue of whether or not Batman is important enough to protect was not relevant. However, until that was ascertained, there was much discussion at the Laurel meeting as to what our standards are in regards to fictional armory. Therefore, we are calling for commentary on this issue, no later than January 30, 1999 so we may formulate some guidelines.
Is it Regalia, is it a Badge?
There appears to be some confusion both in and out of the College as to what is registered as regalia. We are therefore directing Morselus to note in the A&O those pieces of regalia as badge/regalia to make it clearer. We are listing below the Society orders which were registered as regalia; we believe that some kingdom badges were also registered that way in the early 80's and will be investigating it. If so, they will be so designated in a cover letter as well. If any kingdom herald believes that his kingdom badge(s) may fall into this category, please contact us immediately with any available supporting evidence.
Note: these were all registered by Master Wilhelm, then Laurel, in June 1982. These were registered as Society Orders and are protected throughout the SCA.
(Fieldless) A chapeau. (For the Order of the Pelican)
(Fieldless) A circular chain. (For the Order of Knighthood)
(Fieldless) A coronet embattled. (For Counts, Earls and Countesses)
(Fieldless) A coronet with strawberry leaves. (For Dukes and Duchesses)|
(Fieldless) A crown.
(Fieldless) A pelican in its piety. (For the Order of the Pelican)
(Fieldless) A pelican vulning itself. (For the Order of the Pelican)
(Fieldless) A white baldric. (For the Order of Mastery of Arms)|
(Fieldless) A white belt. (For the Order of Knighthood)
(Fieldless) A wreath of roses. (For the Order of the Rose)
We also want to reiterate something a number of our predecessors said. Anyone in the SCA, of whatever rank or status, may wear a thin metal band such as the type that is used to hold hair in its place or to hold a veil in its place.
Books of Note
Two books which may be of interest to the College. (Information/review courtesy of Dragon.)
I have just found out that a publishing house called the Clearfield Company has reprinted References to English Surnames in 1601 by F.K. and S. Hitching. This is an index of almost 20,000 surnames found in English parish registers recorded in 1601. The names are written as they appear in their original forms.
This is an excellent reference for late-period English surnames. It is available directly from the publisher (info below) for $18.50 plus $3.50 s&h (that's about half what I paid for my copy).
Clearfield Company Inc.
200 E. Eager St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-625-9004
Barnes & Noble (1-800-THE-BOOK) has a new book written by the current Garter King of Arms (Great Britain), Peter Gwynn-Jones. It is titled The Art of Heraldry, Origins, Symbols, and Designs. This is not a reprint of either Fox-Davies' or Von Volborth's books of similar name. It is available through the Barnes & Noble website for $12.98 + shipping.
This is a very good book, with lots of illustrations, including many pages from period rolls of arms and other period sources. Almost every illustration is dated, which is nice not only for identifying the period examples but also for identifying the post-period ones. The first chapter is especially interesting, drawing a development of heraldry from the 12th C. on, pointing out such notable occurrences as the introduction of crests, supporters, and the use of badges. Although the book is primarily focused on British usage, there is some information about the heraldry of continental Europe and even Japan.
Certified mail.
I cannot accept certified mail at home. If you need to send me anything that requires a signature, contact me privately, and I will send you my work address.
LoAR Subscriptions and Roster changes:
Send roster changes, additions, subtractions, subscriptions to the LoAR and address changes in a separate letter, not in the body of a LoI or LoC to: Mistress Sionyn Muirgen ní Dhomnall, Pelican Queen of Arms, Jackie Watkins, 3532 Winding Wind Cove, Bartlett, TN, 38135-3044. Please make all checks or money orders payable to "SCA Inc. - College of Arms". The cost is currently $25.00 a year.
Also, remember all administrative issues (requests for warrants, quarterly reports, etc.) need to be sent to Pelican.
And remember to be a principal herald or a submissions herald, you must pass a test on the administrative handbook, in advance of receiving your approval from our office. This test is obtained from Pelican. To be put on the mailing list as a commenter you must produce at least one timely letter of comment.
Miscellany:
Sainct Grygory within Ludgate
Item, the same daye, the say Herauld vissidyd St Gregores besyde Powelles, also ther defaced and towk away dyvers Scochyns wrongisly used agen the Lause of Armes.
From The Visitation of London, 1530, quoted in Heralds and Heraldry in the Middle Ages, by Anthony Wagner, pg.141.
Until next month, pray believe that I am, and remain,
Your faithful servant,
Jaelle of Armida
Laurel Queen of Arms