Angel is the submitter's legal given name.
Nice 9th-10th century Old Norse name from Iceland!
The Letter of Intent documented Foxmoore as the registered byname of the submitter's husband and relied on the Existing Registration Allowance. However, if documented in this fashion, this name violates PN2C2d because it combines an element documented using the Existing Registration Allowance with a Gaelic given name and an English unmarked matronymic byname. PN2C2d states:
A name which includes name phrases documented under the legal name allowance, the existing registration allowance, or the branch name allowance follows special rules. These name phrases are treated as neutral in language and time. Such name phrases may be combined with name phrases from a single regional naming group dated to within 500 years of one another. They may not be combined with name phrases from two or more regional naming groups. If a name phrase can also be documented as either an attested or constructed name, it may be treated in whichever way is more favorable for registration.
(Emphasis added). Gaelic and English are from different regional naming groups. Fortunately, we were able to re-document Foxmoore as an English place name, eliminating this problem.
This name combines a Gaelic given name with two English surnames, an acceptable lingual mix under Appendix C.
The submitter's previous device, Or, a slow match azure and in chief five gunstones, is released.
Submitted as Gunnarr Bjarnarson Smiðr, after the close of commentary, the submitter clarified that he desired the epithet Smiðr (the smith) to apply to his father rather than himself. Old Norse grammar requires that a descriptive byname applied to the father be in the genitive (possessive) form. Therefore, we have have changed the name to Gunnarr Bjarnarson Smiðs to put it in the gramatically-correct form.
The submitter's previous name, Gunnar the Smith, is retained as an alternate name.
Baronial Guard is a generic identifier.
(to Æthelmearc acceptances) (to Æthelmearc returns)
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
Submitted under the name Muireann ingean Gwillam, that name was returned on the April 2020 LoAR.
Submitted as Éadgýð _ Lysbarne, no documentation could be found to support the byname Lysbarne. After being offered several options, the submitter specifically requested the name Edyth de Lysse. Edyth is found in multiple Middle English sources over a wide span of dates. Lysse is found in Watts s.n. Liss dated to 1174 to 1413.
The submitter requested authenticity for 11th-12th century Normandy, France. The name as modified is authentic for the 12th-15th centuries in England but, because of the close ties between England and France during this time period, is plausible for someone with ties to Normandy.
There is a step from period practice for the use of a paw print.
Submitted as Fionualla inghean ui Murchaidh, the requested spelling of the given name could not be documented. With the submitter's permission, we have changed the given name to the attested spelling Fionngualla, found in the Annals of the Four Masters dated to 1310.
The submitter requested authenticity for 12th-14th century Irish language/culture. As modified, this name appears to be authentic for the early 14th century in Ireland.
Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Jesse Gateman, the form has the given name as Jessy. Kingdoms are again reminded that any changes in names from what appears on the form must be summarized on the Letter of Intent and there must be a statement about whether the submitter consented to the change.
Commenters documented the originally-submitted Jessy as a 1570 English name. Accordingly, we have changed the name back to the spelling on the form.
Artist's note: Please draw the field division and chevron to be more centrally located on the shield. This will likely require the delfs to be somewhat smaller.
Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Kirsten Feilan, the forms read Kirstin Feilan. The reason for this change was unclear. Kingdoms are again reminded that any changes in names from what appears on the form must be summarized on the Letter of Intent and there must be a statement about whether the submitter consented to the change.
Kirstin is an attested Swedish given name from 1425 onwards. Feilan was the epithet of Olaf Feilan Thorsteinsson, who died circa 940. As the name is entirely Scandinavian, there can be up to 500 years between the elements. Giving the submitter the benefit of the doubt, the name elements just squeak in under 500 years. With the submitter's permission, we have restored the name to its originally submitted form.
Nice 16th century Italian name from Venice!
The submitter's previous name, Martyn Baxter, is released.
Blazoned when registered in May 1996 as Argent, a hazel branch fructed vert supported by two cats combattant sable, under our current standards the charges are all co-primary.
While there is no longer a step from period practice for the use of three tinctures in the same charge group where charges are of the same type, there remains a step from period practice in the case of heterogenous charge groups. For details, see this month's Cover Letter.
This badge was pended for redraw on the May 2020 LoAR.
(to An Tir acceptances) (to An Tir returns) (to An Tir pends)
This device was pended for redraw on the May 2020 LoAR.
There is a step from period practice for the use of a natural tiger.
This device was pended for redraw on the May 2020 LoAR.
(to Ansteorra acceptances) (to Ansteorra returns)
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
Nice 9th-10th century Old Norse name from Iceland!
Submitted as Sigrún Eiriksdottir, diacritical markings must be used consistently throughout Old Norse names. As the submitter omitted more diacritical markings than were included, we have changed the name to Sigrun Eiriksdottir to omit them throughout. If the submitter prefers the form Sigrún Eiríksdóttir with all markings, she may make a request for reconsideration.
This name does not conflict with the registered Sigrid Eiriksdottir under PN3C2 and PN3C4. There is a substantial change to the second syllable of the given name that affects at least two letters: Sigrun vs. Sigrid.
The Letter of Intent documented Ray as the submitter's legal surname. However, he does not need to rely on the Legal Name Allowance because Ray is also an attested period Scots surname.
The submitter requested authenticity for Scottish culture. This name is not authentic because it combines two different languages. While the combination of a Gaelic given name with a Scots surname is registerable under Appendix C, it is not authentic. In addition, the submitter should be aware that the spelling Somhairle is Irish Gaelic. The attested Scottish Gaelic form is Somairle.
The submitter may also wish to know that Somerled Ray is an authentic late 15th century Scots form of the same name. If the submitter desires this form, he may make a request for reconsideration.
(to Atenveldt acceptances) (to Atenveldt returns)
Nice 9th-10th century Old Norse name from Iceland!
Emerald Glen is the registered name of an SCA branch.
The submitter's previous name, Sulaiman ibn Ali al-Mustain, is released.
Erin is the submitter's legal given name. However, they do not need to rely on the Legal Name Allowance because Erin is also a late 16th century English surname that can be used as a given name.
Lochmere is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Nice 9th-10th century Old Norse name from Iceland!
Nice device!
Submitted as Keelin O'Duinn, the documentation did not support the spelling of the byname. The Letter of Intent documented the Gaelic Ó Duinn, without an apostrophe (the O' construction is found only in Anglicized Irish, not Gaelic). Therefore, we have omitted the apostrophe to match the documentation. We have omitted the diacritical marking over the O as permitted by PN2D to match the submitter's preference.
As the practice of using late 16th century and gray period English surnames as given names was used by both men and women, we can assume that Keelin in this instance is a masculine name and therefore able to use the masculine form of the Gaelic byname.
This name combines an English given name with a Gaelic byname, an acceptable lingual mix under Appendix C.
Submitted as Lilian_ Belmont, the submitter requested the spelling Liliane Belmont if it could be documented. Liliane is the name of a human character in the 1642 play Les Galantes vertueuses : histoire véritable et arrivée de ce temps pendant le siège de Thurin (https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k63622516) and in the 1646 play Iodelet astrologue. Comedie du sieur d'Ouville (https://www.google.com/books/edition/Iodelet_astrologue_Comedie_du_sieur_d_Ou/QtzQ0tFYtioC?hl=en&gbpv=1). As there is a pattern of adopting literary names for real people in French, this evidence supports Liliane as a plausible French given name. We have changed the name to Liliane Belmont to meet the submitter's request.
Artist's note: Please draw the dragons slightly larger to improve their identifiability.
Submitted as Mihrî the Keen, the circumflex in the given name is not appropriate. The authors of the source article for the given name used a circumflex (^) over a letter in place of a macron (straight line) because HTML at the time the article was written did not handle macrons. We do not have that limitation. As the submitter allows all changes, we have changed the name to Mihr{i-} the Keen, using the correct diacritical mark in the given name.
The byname the Keen is a reasonable lingua Societatis form of an attested Arabic byname.
This name combines a Persian given name with an Arabic byname, an acceptable lingual mix under Appendix C.
Nice badge!
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
Administrative note: Please remember to include the counterchange line on the phoenix when creating line art.
Submitted as Thomas _ of Northumberland, questions were raised at the Pelican decision meeting whether the name presumes on any of the historical figures known as Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland. Ordinarily, such questions being raised that late in the process would require the name to be pended. However, upon being made aware of the potential presumption issue, the submitter requested that the surname Forster be added to his name to avoid the problem. The surname Forster is found in "Names from 15th Century York" by Karen Larsdatter (http://heraldry.sca.org/names/york15/surnames-alphabetical.htm#F). Therefore, we are registering the name as Thomas Forster of Northumberland, which creates no new presumption or conflict issues.
Nice English name from the late 14th century onwards!
The submitter has permission to conflict with the device of Lukas von Reaumer, Sable, a unicorn's head couped between three mullets of seven points argent.
(to Atlantia acceptances) (to Atlantia returns)
By longstanding precedent, "[t]he fact that this is a 'joke name' is not, in and of itself, a problem. The College has registered a number of names, perfectly period in formation, that embodied humor: Drew Steele, Miles Long, and John of Somme Whyre spring to mind as examples." (Porsche Audi, August, 1992, pg. 28) When considering the registration of joke names, the key question is whether the joke is necessarily a modern one: "Joke names have long been registered, when the reference was not modern." [Mould de Cheder, 2/2011 LoAR, A-Trimaris] The notion of a cry for help is not modern. The OED contains the following example from 1579: "The hoast pleadeth an action of burglarie, and maketh open cry for helpe vnto his neyghbours." Thus, as this joke is not a wholly modern one, this name is registerable.
Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Inn of the Dragon and the Wagon, the form has the spelling as Inn of The Dragon and The Wagon. Kingdoms are again reminded that any changes in names from what appears on the form must be summarized on the Letter of Intent and there must be a statement about whether the submitter consented to the change. In this case, the submitter allows all changes, and the change in capitalization is consistent with how we record non-personal names for registration. Therefore, we will not restore it to the submitted capitalization.
(to Avacal acceptances) (to Avacal returns)
The name Arwen is an attested 16th century English surname, used here as a given name per precedent.
Nice cant!
The submitter has permission to conflict with the badge of the Barony of Mordenvale, Per chevron inverted vert and gules, on a bezant an annulet vert.
The submitter's previously registered name, Iuliia Il'ina doch', is released.
The byname hvíta refr was previously registered to the submitter and is therefore neutral in time and place per SENA PN1B2g.
The submitter's previously registered name, Silus Aurelius, is released.
(to Caid acceptances) (to Caid returns)
This badge was pended for redraw on the May 2020 LoAR.
Submitted originally as Aoife Ó Tormaigh, Kingdom changed the byname to inghean Uí Thormaigh to match the standard feminine form of the clan-affiliation style byname. Kingdom correctly identified that this name should use the feminine form, inghean Uí, rather than the masculine form O. In addition, Kingdom added standard lenition to the byname. This lenition, however, is not always necessary.
The July 2017 Cover Letter states:
Standard Gaelic grammar rules for when lenition is required apply unless: (1) the submitter indicates that he or she prefers the unlenited form AND (2) the submitter or commenters provides documentation showing at least three (3) examples in which lenition was not applied to the same first letter in medieval Gaelic writings in a situation in which it would otherwise be required.
Brían dorcha ua Conaill provided these requisite examples in commentary. Therefore, we have partially restored the spelling of the byname to inghean Uí Tormaigh.
This is the defining instance of a bycocket in SCA armory. The bycocket, a brimmed cap frequently known in modern times as a "Robin Hood hat", is a period heraldic charge found in the arms of Vighenstainer, from the Grand Equestrian Roll of the Order of the Golden Fleece, c.1460 (f.21). While the arms of Vighenstainer show a plume, the bycocket is seen without one in Wapenen vanden edelen porters van Ghendt, 1524, p.3: https://lib.ugent.be/en/catalog/rug01:000836445.
Because the plume (or feather) is an optional decoration, we consider it a blazonable detail, not contributing to difference. This is similar to our treatment of the leathered spur and the plumed helm.
Nice cant!
(to Calontir acceptances) (to Calontir returns)
Nice 16th century English name!
Nice cant!
(to Drachenwald acceptances) (to Drachenwald returns)
This name uses a French given name with an English byname, an acceptable combination per SENA Appendix C.
This byname was originally submitted as leifr. Old Norse adjectival bynames, however, need to be modified to match the gender of their given name. We have therefore modified this byname to leif_ for registration.
The submitter requested authenticity for 11th century Scandinavia. This request was not summarized on the Letter of Intent. However, it was identified early enough in the commentary process that the name did not need to be pended for further research. This name does not meet this request. The given name cannot be dated until the 12th century.
The submitter requested authenticity for 14th century England. This name meets that request.
Nice German name for the 15th and 16th centuries!
(to Ealdormere acceptances) (to Ealdormere returns)
This name combines a French given name and an English byname, an acceptable lingual mix per SENA Appendix C.
There is a step from period practice for the use of charges in annulo not in their default orientation.
The submitter requested authenticity for the Age of Birka, which existed from 760-959 AD. This name does not meet this request. Both name elements were documented as being from Iceland, not Sweden, and the byname can only be documented to 1001 AD.
Nice device!
Ravensbridge is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Artist's note: Please ensure that the inclusion of internal detail does not itself impede the identifiability of the raven.
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
While we have used the term panache in order names using the pattern of being named after heraldic charges, this is the first instance of the charge used in SCA armory.
A panache is a tuft or plume of feathers, especially as a headdress or on a helm, and may be found, charged and uncharged, in crests found in Wappen der zu Regensburg zur Reichsversammlung (1594, https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/bsb00011882/image_89), the Ortenburger Wappenbuch (1466-1473, https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/bsb00001755/image_128 and https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/bsb00001755/image_129), as well as Wappenbuch (1540, https://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/bsb00001649/image_28). We allow items only attested in crests to be used as heraldic charges: "The bassinet is shown containing a swaddled infant, as in the crest of the Earls of Derby, mid-15th C." [E{w'}a of Coppertree, June 2019, A-Æthelmearc].
A panache is granted a DC against a single feather. Given the variety of ways multiple feathers may be arranged, we decline to rule at this time regarding conflict against multiple feathers or fans.
This badge is clear of the device of Aaron de Hameldene, Argent, a hippopotamus statant contourny azure. There is a DC for tincture, and another for the difference between this rhinoceros and the hippopotamus depicted in Aaron's armory.
The sloth was illustrated by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés (1478-1557), facsimile to be found on p233 of Fernández de Oviedo's Chronicle of America: A New History for a New World.
The use of a sloth, as a New World animal, is a step from period practice.
There is no longer a step from period practice for the use of a bird displayed other than an eagle. For details, see this month's Cover Letter.
Artist's note: Include the masonry details used in submission of the branch arms to improve identifiability of the bridge.
(to East acceptances) (to East returns)
This byname was originally submitted as de la Boca, but insufficient evidence was provided to demonstrate a pattern of bynames in Spanish derived from body parts constructed in this way. They were simply used as X rather than de/de la X. However, Adelaide Pympernell provided evidence of de_Boca in commentary. We have therefore dropped the article la to register this name.
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
Commenters raised the question of whether or not former CIA Director John Brennan is important enough to protect from presumption. He is not.
Nice name for 16th century England!
This byname was submitted as Mac Néill, however, the word mac is not capitalized in Gaelic names. We have changed it to mac Néill for registration.
The submitter's previous name, Guðrún Einarsdóttir, is retained as an alternate name.
(to Gleann Abhann acceptances) (to Gleann Abhann returns)
Owl's Nest is the registered name of an SCA branch.
There is no longer a step from period practice for the use of three tinctures in the same charge group where charges are of the same type. For details, see this month's Cover Letter.
This byname was submitted as mac Branan, but changed at Kingdom to mac Branáin based on available documentation to meet the authenticity request of 13th-14th century Irish. Brían dorcha ua Conaill found evidence of the original spelling that meets this request. We have therefore restored the byname to the original mac Branan for registration.
Either form of this byname meets the authenticity request. If the submitter prefers the spelling mac Branáin, he may make a request for reconsideration.
This byname was originally submitted as O'Doogan and changed at Kingdom to O Dugan to match available documentation. Precedent states, "Anglicized Irish bynames were written both with and without an apostrophe after the O. For example, "Names Found in Anglicized Irish Documents," by Mari ingen Briain meic Donnchada (http://medievalscotland.org/kmo/AnglicizedIrish/) lists both Arte O Neale and Arte O'Neale. [Emma O'Ruairc, 11/2018 LoAR, A-Ansteorra]" In addition, Lilie Pantheon provided examples of a u/oo switch in Anglicized Irish names. This, plus dated examples of O Doogaine and Doogan, allows us to restore this name to the originally submitted form for registration.
The submitter's previous device, Argent, a unicorn's horn bendwise throughout and in sinister chief a phoenix azure emerging from flames gules, is released.
The submitter requested authenticity for 1st century Imperial Rome. This name may meet this request. It is authentic for the 2nd-4th centuries C.E. Imperial Rome and the late second century and much of the first century B.C.E. as documented. We could, however, find no evidence of the cognomen Bestia in use in the 1st century C.E.
Nice device!
Nice 9th-10th century Old Norse name for Iceland!
Nice 15th century Dutch name!
The submitter's previously registered name, Rayne Evynwod, is retained as an alternate.
(to Meridies acceptances) (to Meridies returns)
Nice English name from the 14th century onwards!
Nice device!
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
By precedent, the pattern Defenders of [placename] can be used as a substantive element in an order name. [Cynnabar, Barony of. Order name Company of the Defenders of the Tower, 9/2017 LoAR, A-Middle] Logically, this applies to the singular form Defender of as well.
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
Andelcrag is the registered name of an SCA branch.
It is acceptable for the lines of a per chevron or per chevron inverted division to issue from the corners. Per precedent set in February 2012 and confirmed October 2012: "Commenters discussed whether or not this was a properly drawn per chevron field division, as it issues from the lower corners of the field. As it does divide the field roughly in half, and seems plausible from the few period depictions of per chevron fields on square or rectangular shapes, it is acceptable. A more typical depiction would have the division issuing from the sides of the field." [Lorenzo di Raffaele fabro, A-Æthelmearc, Feb 2012 LoAR]
The previous badge for the order, Per chevron sable and argent a brown ram's head caboshed proper armed Or, is retained but the association removed.
There is a step from period practice for the use of lightning bolts outside of the context of a thunderbolt.
It is acceptable for the lines of a per chevron or per chevron inverted division to issue from the corners. Per precedent set in February 2012 and confirmed October 2012: "Commenters discussed whether or not this was a properly drawn per chevron field division, as it issues from the lower corners of the field. As it does divide the field roughly in half, and seems plausible from the few period depictions of per chevron fields on square or rectangular shapes, it is acceptable. A more typical depiction would have the division issuing from the sides of the field." [Lorenzo di Raffaele fabro, A-Æthelmearc, Feb 2012 LoAR]
The previous badge for the order, (Fieldless) A hart courant azure, is retained but the association removed.
Nice 16th century Italian name from Venice!
The submitter's previous name, Harkin of the Moorlands, is retained as an alternate name.
Nice badge!
Baronial livery is a generic identifier.
The submitter has permission to conflict with the device of Darya Kazakova, Per pall ermine, sable and gules.
Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Erlingr Elldiarnsson, the form has the given name as Erling_ Elldiárnsson. Kingdoms are again reminded that any changes in names from what appears on the form must be summarized on the Letter of Intent and there must be a statement about whether the submitter consented to the change. As the form on the Letter of Intent is correct, we have not changed it back to the original submission.
The submitter requested authenticity for 14th century Norwegian. This name meets that request.
The use of a triskelion arrondi is a step from period practice.
Submitted as Njall Hreggviðr_, the Letter of Intent argued that the second element was the name of a legendary Russian king from one of the sagas and/or a plausible constructed Old Norse given name. However, Old Norse does not used unmarked patronymics. Even if Hreggviðr were a registrable personal name (a question which we do not decide at this time), it could not be used as a byname without the marker -son.
Lilie Pantheon found hreggviðri in Cleasby-Vigfusson as an Old Norse word meaning "tempest." The use of this term as a descriptive byname follows the pattern of other weather/nature terms used as bynames, such as náttsól (midnight sun), drífa (snowfall) and inn skyggni (sun-shaded). At the submitter's request, we have changed the name to Njall Hreggviðri to use this descriptive byname.
Nice device!
Submitted under the name Mughain nic Cairt, that is not the submitter's registered name.
The submitter may be interested to know that Sigurðrsson is a 14th century, post-Viking Age, form of the byname. The Viking Age form of this name is Sigurðr Sigurðarson. If the submitter prefers the Viking Age form, he may make a request for reconsideration.
Forwarded to Laurel as talbots, the dogs lacked the characteristically floppy ears. We have therefore decided to call them simply dogs.
Questions were raised in commentary about the spelling Gruffydd. This spelling appears in a list of heraldic visitations in Wales from 1609, and thus can be registered.
This armory is not in conflict with the device of Francesca of Bright Angel, Azure, a dove displayed, head elevated argent. There is a DC for adding the surrounding secondary charges, and another for adding the maintained secondary arrow.
Similarly, it is not in conflict with the arms of the House of Este (which are also the arms of Modena), Azure, an eagle displayed argent crowned Or, with DCs granted for adding the surrounding secondary charge group and the maintained secondary charge group. The crown doesn't contribute to difference.
There is no longer a step from period practice for the use of a bird displayed other than an eagle. For details, see this month's Cover Letter.
Questions were raised in commentary about whether -sön was a plausible period spelling. Although -son is the more typical spelling, ffride Morelle found several examples of -sön in the Diplomatarium Norvegicum, allowing it to be registered.
Nice 15th century Norwegian name!
(to Middle acceptances) (to Middle returns)
Nice cant!
Artist's note: Please reduce the length of the muzzle to avoid confusion between bear and badger.
This order name was submitted as Boar's Head. At the submitter's request, we have removed the apostrophe for registration to match possessive period forms of order names.
The depiction of the trimount had been previously registered to the barony and therefore is allowed using the existing registration allowance.
This byname was originally submitted as Álfdísdottir. However, the genitive of dís is dísar, making the matronymic Álfdísardóttir. In addition, accents must be used consistently throughout the name. We have therefore changed the byname to Álfdísardóttir in order to register it.
(to Northshield acceptances) (to Northshield returns)
The submitter's former alternate name, Alditha de la Tye, is now her primary name.
The submitter's previous primary name, Ádísa íkorni, is released.
This device was pended for redraw on the May 2020 LoAR.
(to Outlands acceptances) (to Outlands returns)
- Explicit littera accipiendorum -
This device was pended for redraw on the April 2020 LoAR.
This item was withdrawn by the submitter.
There is a step from period practice for the use of an ankh.
This device is returned for conflict with the armory of Ofelia le Fleming, Per bend sinister azure and Or, a Celtic cross and a rose counterchanged. There is one DC for changing the type of half the charge group, but no others.
This device is returned for conflict with the arms of the Crown Province of Østgarðr, Argent, a sea-horse erect azure within a laurel wreath vert. There is a DC for changing the type of the secondary, but nothing for the vert markings on the sea-horse in this submission.
(to Æthelmearc acceptances) (to Æthelmearc returns)
None.
(to An Tir acceptances) (to An Tir returns) (to An Tir pends)
None.
(to Ansteorra acceptances) (to Ansteorra returns)
None.
(to Atenveldt acceptances) (to Atenveldt returns)
The device is returned for conflict with the device of Rachel of Israel, Azure, a triangle inverted interlaced with three quills in triangle, the whole forming a star of David argent. There is a DC for changes to the field but none for the type of the primary charge group, which in both devices is visually equivalent to a star of David. From the August 2014 return of (Fieldless) A triangle inverted voided interlaced with a triquetra Or:
This badge is returned for conflict with Israel ibn Jacob, Paly wavy of twelve sable and argent, a star of David Or. The voided and interlaced charges here are visually equivalent to a star of David which leaves only one DC for the change from fielded to fieldless design. [Aine Redmond and David of the Wode, R-West, Aug 2014 LoAR]
This device is returned for conflict with the device of Sorcha of Gwynedd, reblazoned elsewhere on this letter as Argent, in fess a hazel branch fructed vert sustained between two domestic cats combattant sable. In Sorcha's device, the charges are co-primary. One DC is granted for the change in arrangement of the charges, but none for the change in type of the charge group.
(to Atlantia acceptances) (to Atlantia returns)
This item is returned for lack of sufficient contrast between the pegasus and the field. With much of the pegasus's outline presenting azure against sable, the ability to identify it is impeded: the legs are largely invisible, and the wing is indistinct.
Unfortunately, this name conflicts with the registered personal heraldic title Hapenny Herald. For non-personal names, only the substantive element of the name is compared when considering conflicts. Although Halpenne and Hapenny are different in appearance, they do not differ sufficiently in sound. In period, Hal- and Ha- were used interchangeably in words, including Hapenny/Halpenny, indicating that they were pronounced the same way. That leaves only one possible sound difference between the two words: Ha-penn-ee vs. Hal-penn-eh. This slight difference in a single syllable is not significant enough to clear the conflict under NPN3C2.
We note that this household name would be registerable with permission to conflict, if it could be obtained.
(to Avacal acceptances) (to Avacal returns)
None.
(to Caid acceptances) (to Caid returns)
None.
(to Calontir acceptances) (to Calontir returns)
None.
(to Drachenwald acceptances) (to Drachenwald returns)
None.
(to Ealdormere acceptances) (to Ealdormere returns)
This device was pended in April 2020 to discuss whether this pattern of multiple charges each surmounting three identical primary charges is found in period. It is returned for lack of documentation of this arrangement of the charge groups, which is not found in SENA Appendix J.
Existing precedent regarding multiple overall charges, set in May 2013 and reinforced August 2017, states:
Taran mac Tarl'a. Device. Vert, a tree blasted Or within and conjoined to a decrescent, overall five lozenges ployé in bend sinister argent. This device is returned for not being reliably blazonable, a violation of SENA A1C and A3F5, both of which require an emblazon to be describable in heraldic terms. As we have no evidence of multiple overall charges in period armory, this design is difficult to describe. Three of the lozenges are entirely on the field, one partially overlaps the tree, and one partially overlaps the crescent. This is non-period style in general.
Similarly, the August 2017 return of the device of Alrikr Ivarsson, Vert, four barrulets and overall three musical notes Or, quoted the text above, stating "This device is returned for having multiple overall charges."
However, in each of these cases, the arrangement of the overall charges is fundamentally different: the overall charges have no specific positional relationship to the primary charge group they overlay. In the present case, the books are paired one-to-one with the swords and, unlike Taran's device, are well-blazonable. As such, neither Taran nor Alrikr are close matches to the present case.
But, before the question of applying either Taran or Alrikr can be asked, it is the matter of SENA Appendix J which must be considered: This design -- a primary charge group, no secondary charges, with an overall charge surmounting each primary charge -- is not amoung those described in Appendix J and must, therefore, be individually documented.
To that end, commenters researched and discussed various examples of multiple overall charges including:
Sable, a fess gules surmounted by an increscent and a decrescent argent, from Wappen besonders von deutschen Geschlechtern, 1475-1560 (München, BSB, cod. icon. 309), f.17r
Argent, a lion [azure?] crowned Or, overall two bars gules, from Wappen deutscher Geschlechter, 15th C. (München, BSB Cod.icon. 311), f.56v
Argent, a roundel azure surmounted by five [towers?] Or, from Grünenberg Armorial, 1480s (Berlin, Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz, VIII. HA II, Nr. 21.), p.10
Gules, three [flowers?] Or slipped and leaved vert, each surmounted by an escroll argent, from Insignia Veneta, Mantuana, Bononiensia, Anconitana, Urbinatia, Perugiensia, 1550-1555 (München, BSB Cod.icon. 274) f.12r
Of these it is the last -- the arms of Batagia -- which matches the submitted device. It presents the only case with multiple primary charges each of which is interacting with another charge (the other armory present single primary charges with multiple overall charges).
Unfortunately, the escrolls in Batagia are decorative, and omitted in the emblazons found in Arme delle Familie Veneziane per ordine Alfabetico, 15th C Italian (Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Reg.lat.1468), f. 3v; and in Doges and families of Venice, c 1553-1554 Italian (New Haven, Yale University, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 736) f. 20v and f. 109r. Thus, the sole example we can find from period does not truly support the submitter's design.
Lacking support of the overall design, this submission must be returned.
This was item 15 on the East letter of January 31, 2020.
This item is returned for conflict with the device of Brian mac Griogair mhic Eoin, Per bend sinister vert and sable, a hare salient maintaining an axe argent, with only one DC for changing the field, and no DCs for the identical primary and the maintained secondary charges.
The submitter should make sure that the coney's defining features are identifiable. Consider the examples of SENA A3B1, which discusses the standards for contrast between charges and the fields they are on: "For example, Lozengy vert and Or, a chief Or may be registered, but the vert portions of the field must touch the chief to maintain identifiability. Vair, a griffin argent cannot be registered, because the complex outline of the griffin will be obscured by the portions of white vair bells that touch the griffin. Argent, a fox proper may be registerable, even though the identifying characteristic of the white-tipped tail is against a white field, but the depiction must retain identifiability."
This name was submitted to Kingdom as Margaret Beaufort. To avoid an issue with possible presumption against the historical Margaret Beaufort, the submitter requested the second given name Elizabeth be added. Unfortunately for the submitter, this version has a relationship conflict with the registered Elizabeth Beaufort [A-Atlantia, April 1981]. In this case, the submitter appears to be claiming to be the daughter of Elizabeth, and this name must be returned per SENA PN3D.
(to East acceptances) (to East returns)
None.
(to Gleann Abhann acceptances) (to Gleann Abhann returns)
This device is returned for using an overall design found to be offensive. SENA A7B4 says "Some designs are offensive because of individual charges: a swastika is inherently offensive because of its association with the Nazis. Others are offensive only in the overall design. The s-rune is not offensive as a charge, but is offensive in a design which closely resembles that used by the SS."
The July 2018 Cover Letter discusses the issues around offense in armorial design and states, in part, "We advise submitters and consultants alike that, while a single use of an a symbol or motif may be considered inoffensive, the use of more than one potentially offensive symbol in any piece of armory runs the risk of crossing the line into offense. This risk increases exponentially as a design becomes more complex."
In this submission, we have a combination of design choices which, while not specifically copying any specific armory, are evocative in charge types (primary cross nowy, secondary crosses, eagle), tinctures (gules, sable, argent), and overall arrangment (primary cross nowy surrounded by secondary crosses, tertiary charge on the primary crosses) of motifs used by Nazi Germany.
While we recognize that the secondary crosses in this design are Maltese crosses, and that Malta was very much against the Nazi regime, we also recognize that the lay public cannot be expected to differentiate between specific crosses, let alone any specific associations and how this knowledge influences how professional historians might interpret the design. When it is the response to the overall design that presents the issue, the differences in the specific shape of the arms of the crosses at hand do not sufficiently address the problem. It is notable that some depictions in popular culture, specifically intended to depict Nazi flags, leave off secondary charges altogether, which diminishes what argument may be raised regarding the impact of the secondary crosses toward neutralizing the problem.
As discussed in SENA A7A, the question of offense is by its nature one of predominant impression on the part of the modern observer. It is not a question of historical fact or sensibility. Nor is it a question of the intent of the submitter, and we do not presume any when we consider such questions.
There is a step from period practice for the use of the cross nowy. For details, see the August 2020 Cover Letter.
(to Meridies acceptances) (to Meridies returns)
This badge is returned for multiple conflicts.
This badge is in conflict with the armory of Thomas of Dinbych, Gules, a wall issuant from base argent masoned sable and in chief a castle triple-towered argent. The difference between a wall issuant from base and per fess embattled ... masoned is blazonable, but amounts only to internal detailing. Just as we don't give a DC between a roundel and a clew of yarn, an astrolabe, or a labyrinth, there is no DC between a wall and a per fess embattled division. Therefore, the castle in each item is the sole charge in each, and each is in the same position, the only DC to be granted is due to change of the field.
This badge also conflicts with the device for Anne of the White Tower, Sable, a tower argent. There is a DC for changes to the field but nothing for the forced move. By the same count it conflicts with the device for Stanford of Sheffield, Per fess and per pale dovetailed argent and azure, in sinister chief a tower argent, the device for Dugall Ailean mac-'ic Lathurna, Paly Or and azure, in dexter chief a tower argent, and the Barony of Dreiburgen's badge for the Order of the Towers of Dreiburgen, Argent, on a pile inverted throughout azure a tower argent.
This badge is not in conflict with the Salaamallah the Corpulent badge for House Rukh, Tierced in pall sable, gules and vert, a chess rook argent. There is an SC between a properly drawn chess rook (which Salaamallah's is) and a tower:
[Sable, a chess rook argent] This is clear of conflict with ... Sable, a tower argent. There is substantial difference between a tower and a properly drawn chess rook, so RfS X.2 applies.
In the LoAR of October 1996, it was stated that there was "nothing for the difference between a tower and a chess-rook". This precedent is hereby overturned: a tower and a chess rook were considered different charges in period and have substantial visual difference. The period heraldic chess rook is drawn consistently in a form where the top is forked into two prominent curled points. This was a standard depiction for the period chess piece, as illustrated in Caxton's 1474 "Game and Playe of the Chesse". The period heraldic chess rook does not resemble any sort of fortification and cannot be mistaken for a tower. On examining the collated commentary for the October 1996 ruling, it appears that perhaps the commenters mistakenly believed that the particular chess rook in the possible conflict was drawn as a tower, rather than as a period chess rook. [William fitzBubba, 12/2001, A-East]
This is clear of the important non-SCA arms of the Kingdom of Valencia, Gules, a city argent. Even though a city is indexed under Castle in the O&A there is a DC between a city and a tower:
As the emblazon of the Valencia royal arms depicts "a city" with many buildings surrounded by a wall, the difference between a city and castle is enough for the second CD. [Willa of Mathom Trove, A-Trimaris, 12/2004]
There is a CD for the difference between a city and a tower... [Vitus Aurelius, A-Middle, 05/2009]
Baronial Livery is a generic identifier.
(to Middle acceptances) (to Middle returns)
None.
(to Northshield acceptances) (to Northshield returns)
None.
(to Outlands acceptances) (to Outlands returns)
- Explicit littera renuntiationum -
This item is pended to allow the line drawing to be corrected. As submitted, the mullets were filled in light gray.
This was item 3 on the An Tir letter of June 9, 2020.
(to An Tir acceptances) (to An Tir returns) (to An Tir pends)
- Explicit -
Created at 2020-11-05T20:31:15