Elisabeth's Armory Precedents

Elisabeth's Armory Precedents - Second Tenure

Armory Precedents of the SCA College of Arms

The Second Tenure of Countess Elisabeth de Rossignol

Last Revised: 6 June 2015
Period Covered: 04/2011 - 08/2011

These are the armory precedents from the second tenure of Countess Elisabeth de Rossignol as Laurel Principal Queen of Arms. During this period armory rulings were made by Master Tanczos Istvan, Wreath King of Arms(April -June) and Magistra Emma de Fetherstan, Wreath Queen of Arms (June - August).

Cover Letter discussions are included in the compiled precedents; however, they are located under the relevant topic. A list of these discussions, with links to one of the categories each is included under, is included in the table of contents.

These precedents are referenced by armory owner's name, the date of the Cover Letter (CL) or LoAR in month/year format (not the publication date), the action taken (A for acceptance, R for return, P for pend), and the kingdom where the action is listed under. Unless otherwise noted at the beginning of a section, the precedents are arranged in chronological order.

The category VISUAL COMPARISON deals with rulings relative to a specific piece of armory (e.g., a branch is maintained) and descriptions of specific pieces of armory. These entries are listed alphabetically by the owner of the armory. The category MUNDANE ARMORY contains a list of real-world armory that has been ruled not important enough to protect. These entries are listed alphabetically by the owner of the armory. As much as possible, I have used the same categories as currently used in the Ordinary and Armorial. This means that in some case the categories differ from those used in precedents from prior tenures.

The Table of Contents includes some cross-references; many of these begin with the category:

Animals, such as cats, dogs, and llamas, are listed under BEAST
Birds, such as penguins, falcons, and ravens, are listed under BIRD
Insects and crustaceans, such as butterflies and scorpions, are listed under ARTHROPOD
Monsters, such as dragons and phoenixes, are listed under MONSTER
Flowers, such as roses and sunflowers, are listed under FLOWER

The following heralds are referred to by title: Batonvert (Bruce Draconarius of Mistholme), Noir Licorne (Jeanne Marie Lacroix, 2009), Pelican (Juliana de Luna), Pelican (Talan Gwynek, 1996), and Wreath Emeritus (Tanczos Istvan).

Jeanne Marie Lacroix
Noir Licorne Herald

Table of Contents (Armory) ADMINSTRATIVE - Petitions
ARCHITECTURE see also BEACON and CASTLE
ARRANGEMENT
ARROW and ARROWHEAD
ARTHROPOD - Lobster
ARTHROPOD - Scorpion see ARTHROPOD - Lobster
AUGMENTATIONS
AXE
BALANCE
BASE
BEACON
BEAST - Badger
BEAST - Camel
BEAST - Cat
BEAST - Dog
BEAST - General
BEAST - Llama see BEAST - Camel
BEAST - Tiger see BEAST - Cat
BEAST - Wolf see BEAST - Dog
BIRD - Cock and Hen
BIRD - Crane-shaped
BIRD - Duck see BIRD - Swan-shaped
BIRD - Falcon
BIRD - Hen see BIRD - Cock and Hen
BIRD - Heron see BIRD - Crane-shaped
BIRD - Hummingbird see BIRD - Miscellaneous
BIRD - Owl
BIRD - Peacock
BIRD - Penguin see BIRD - Miscellaneous
BIRD - Raven
BIRD - Simurgh see BIRD - Peacock
BIRD - Swan see BIRD - Swan-shaped
BIRD - Swan-shaped
BIRD - Wren see BIRD - Miscellaneous
BLAZON
BOOK
BOTTLE
CASTLE
CHAIN
CHARGE - Overall
CHARGE - Peripheral
CHARGE - Restricted or Reserved
CHARGE GROUP
CHEVRON and CHEVRON INVERTED
CHIEF
COMPASS STAR and SUN
COMPLEXITY
CONTRAST
COUNTERCHANGING
Counting Differences see DIFFERENCE - Counting
Cover Letters:

From Wreath: A Four-Pointed Problem [04/2011 CL]
From Wreath: Chevrons, Per Chevron, and Their Inversions [05/2011]
From Wreath Emeritus: Lamps [06/2011]
From Wreath: On Demons [08/2011]

CROSS
CROSS - Difference Between
CROWN
CUP and CHALICE
DIFFERENCE - Counting
DIFFERENCE - Group
DOCUMENTATION
EMBLAZON - Coloring Problems
Enflamed see FIRE
Entwined charges see CHARGE GROUP
FESS and BAR
FIELD DIVISION - Gyronny
FIELD DIVISION - Per Chevron and Per Chevron Inverted
FIELD DIVISION - Per Saltire
FIELD DIVISION - Quarterly
FIELD DIVISION - Vêtu
FIMBRIATED and VOIDED CHARGES
FIRE
FISH
FISH - Dolphin see FISH
FLOWER - Cup shape
FLOWER - Dogwood see FLOWER - Few petals
FLOWER - Few petals
FLOWER - Iris
FLOWER - Rose
FLOWER - Trumpet Shape
FLOWER - Trillium see FLOWER - Few petals
FLOWER - Tulip see FLOWER - Cup shape
FLOWER - Twinflower see FLOWER - Trumpet Shape
FLOWER - Water Lily see FLOWER - Cup shape
Gate see ARCHITECTURE
GRENADE and FIREBALL
GURGES and SCHNECKEN
HAND and GAUNTLET
HEAD - Human
KNOTS
LAUBURU
LAMP
LEAF
LIGHTNING BOLT
LINES of DIVISION - Embattled see LINES of DIVISION - Square
LINES of DIVISION - Indented see LINES of DIVISION - Jagged
LINES of DIVISION - Jagged
LINES of DIVISION - Long
LINES of DIVISION - Miscellaneous
LINES of DIVISION - Nebuly see LINES of DIVISION - Wavy
LINES of DIVISION - Rayonny see LINES of DIVISION - Long
LINES of DIVISION - Square
LINES of DIVISION - Wavy
LOZENGE
LURE
Marshalled Arms see PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION - Marshalling
MOLLUST - Snail
MONSTER - Cockatrice see MONSTER - Dragon and Wyvern
MONSTER - Dragon and Wyvern
MONSTER - Humanoid
MONSTER - Oriental Dragon see MONSTER - Dragon and Wyvern
MONSTER - Phoenix
MONSTER - Pithon
MONSTER - Wyvern see MONSTER - Dragon and Wyvern
MULLET
MUNDANE ARMORY
PAW PRINT
PLANT
POSTURE/ORIENTATION - Animate Charges
POSTURE/ORIENTATION - General
PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION
PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION - Marshalling
ROUNDEL
Rune see SYMBOL
Sail see SHIP - Part
Saltcellar see CUP and CHALICE
Scroll see BOOK
SEMY
SFPP see STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE
SHELL
SHIP - Part
Sparks see ROUNDEL
STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE
STYLE
SWORD
SYMBOL
TABLE
Tassel see KNOTS
TOOL - Textile
TREE
TRIANGLE
TRIQUETRA
TRISKELE and TRISKELION
Valknut see TRIANGLE
VISUAL COMPARISON Organized by the owner of the registered armory in question
Wall see FESS and BAR
Weirdness see STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE
Windmill see ARCHITECTURE
WREATH

ADMINISTRATIVE - Petitions

[device change] Unfortunately, this is being returned for lack of evidence of support. Per the Admin Handbook IV.C.5, submissions involving the branch arms must include evidence of support for the action. No petition of support for the device change was included. [Stedborough, Canton of, 07/2011, R-Trimaris]

ARCHITECTURE see also BEACON and CASTLE

There is a CD ... for the difference between a windmill and a castle. [Kara de Korte, 04/2011, A-Middle]

There is sufficient visual difference between a door and a square weaver's tablet for another CD. [Beonne seo brune, 07/2011, A-Ansteorra]

This is the defining instance of a drawbridge in Society armory. The charge in period heraldry can be found in Stemmario Trivulziano, a Milanese roll of arms dating to the mid-15th Century, on plates 278 and 282.

A drawbridge is at least a CD from a portcullis ... [Illuminada Eugenia de Guadalupe y Godoy, 08/2011, A-Caid]

ARRANGEMENT

[a fleur-de-lys inverted sable between a fleur-de-lys vert and a fleur-de-lys purpure] The other step from period practice is for inverting only one charge of a group of three charges: "Inverting one of three identical charges on a chief is poor practice." [Torgul Steingrimsson, R-03/1986] Since it has not been demonstrated to be period practice, inverting only part of a charge group (other than charges in annulo where the entire group is oriented radially) is a step from period practice. [Lillian atte Valeye, 06/2011, R-East]

ARROW and ARROWHEAD

This device is returned for redraw of the broad arrow. Commenters were unable to identify it as such; we would have reblazoned it as a tyr rune, but expect that was not the submitter's intent, and so would prefer to give him the opportunity to resubmit a redrawing. A good broad-arrow can be seen at http://oscar.sca.org/index.php?action=145&id=1735, and a good pheon at http://oscar.sca.org/index.php?action=145&id=13201. [Ulrich Jagermeister, 07/2011, R-Meridies]

ARTHROPOD - Lobster

There is a CD for inverting a scorpion, by precedent:

[Comparing Gules, a scorpion inverted Or with Gules, a scorpion tergiant (and some maintained charges) Or] There is a CVD for the orientation of the scorpion. [Victor George Richard, September 1990, R-Caid]

[Ulrich Sturmaere, 05/2011, R-Trimaris]

The use of a scorpion inverted is allowed by precedent:

Noir Licorne presented evidence from a previous LoAR which documented the use of a scorpion tergiant inverted as a crest in period: "There is a tergiant inverted scorpion as the crest of Sir William Sharington/Sherrington c. 1547 in Bedingfield and Gwynn-Jones' Heraldry, p. 104." Since the use of a scorpion tergiant inverted has been demonstrated in period, we rule that its use is not a step from period practice.[Alessandra Lorenza Simonetti, Oct 2009, A-An Tir]

[Walter æt Defenascire, 07/2011, A-Outlands]

AUGMENTATIONS

[Per pale gules and Or, on a pile throughout argent, a mullet purpure] This device is not a conflict with the augmentation of Stefan de Lorraine, (Fieldless) On a canton gules, a pile argent charged with a mullet pierced gules. Per the October 2003 Cover Letter, ...it is not necessary to check new devices or badges for conflict against previously existing augmentations that have the appearance of being independent armory. This is because the augmentations do not have an existence separate from the arms that they augment, and therefore are not independently protectable entities. Per the LoAR of October 1985: "Arms may be borne with or without an augmentation, but the augmentation should not be used separately from the arms." [Merewenne Selwude, 07/2011, A-Lochac]

AXE

... we do not grant a CD for difference between single-headed and double-headed axes ... [Iosif Volkov, 06/2011, R-Atenveldt]

BALANCE

Commentary provided numerous examples of hanging balances in period, but brought up the strong possibility that standing balances may not be period. We decline at this time to rule the standing balance a step from period practice, but submitters interested in balances are encouraged to make use of a hanging balance instead. Examples of period balances may be found at http://larsdatter.com/weighing.htm. [Vilhjálmr bani, 06/2011, A-Atlantia]

[a standing balance] The angle of the arm is an unblazonable artistic detail worth no difference. [Vilhjálmr bani, 06/2011, A-Atlantia]

BASE

[a chief and a base] ... precedent disallows a design with a chief and a base:

Blazoned on the LoI as Argent, a mullet of two interlocking mascles, a chief and a base vert, the use of a chief and a base together is unacceptably poor design... For all these reasons, then - the lack of period support for the motif; the tendency to misemblazon the "fess" too wide, or the "chief" and "base" too narrow; and most of all, the blurring of the distinction between this motif and a charged fess, against the heraldic precepts found in RfS VIII.3 - we affirm that the use of a chief and a base together is, in general, non-period heraldic style, and grounds for return. [Cynwrig de Montain, November 2006, R-Artemisia]

[Pompeia Karîna, 04/2011, R-Ealdormere]

[a chief and a base purpure and overall three arrows] ... no evidence was presented as to whether an overall charge may overlie peripheral ordinaries. Commenters were able to find some evidence that overall charges occasionally were found overlying a single peripheral ordinary. However, to register this motif, evidence of an overall charge overlying multiple peripheral ordinaries would have to be found. [Pompeia Karîna, 04/2011, R-Ealdormere]

BEACON

There is a CD between a brazier and a beacon ... [Máel Brigte ingen Aimirgin, 04/2011, A-An Tir]

BEAST - Badger

We are blazoning the badger as a brock to preserve the cant. [Daniel the Broc, 07/2011, A-An Tir]

BEAST - Camel

The use of a llama, as New World fauna not used in period heraldry, is a step from period practice. [Victoria Philo, 08/2011, A-Gleann Abhann]

BEAST - Cat

BEAST - Dog

[a wolf vs. a three-headed hound] There is no CD granted for the number of heads by precedent: "...the change from one head to three heads is not sufficient for another CD." [Rodrigo Hernandez de Toledo, December 1997, R-Atlantia] There is only a single CD for the change of tincture of the primary charge from argent to ermine. [Robert of Wolford, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

Please instruct the submitter that, in order to avoid confusion with heraldic lions and tygers, that the wolf should be drawn with its ears more erect and with less appearance of having a lion's mane. The illustration in Parker (http://www.heraldsnet.org/saitou/parker/Jpglossw.htm#Wolf) shows a smooth neck, more typical of heraldic wolves. [Robert of Wolford, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

The use of a wolf ululant is a step from period practice. [Dragano Sanuto da Firenze, 06/2011, A-An Tir]

BEAST - General

A tricorporate quadruped has its head guardant by default. [Cuno Groze, 06/2011, A-Atlantia]

Animals in a 'dormant' posture have their limbs folded under them, not extending from the body. [Agnes von Heidelberg, 06/2011, R-Calontir]

This device is returned for unidentifiability of the main charge:

A dormant creature has its head in front of the body by default (i.e., couchant, but with the head lowered to the "ground"); if the head is curled around to face the tail, the fact must be blazoned. Note that the head should still be on the field; if it's tucked into the creature's body, the creature may well be returned as unidentifiable. A dormant creature should not be curled into a ball in a naturalistic depiction of the creature. A creature in a ball may warrant return for non-period style and an unblazonable position. [Isobel le Bretoun, Sep 2007, A-Lochac]

This is the case here, as not only the head but the front paws are turned to face the viewer, curling the entire body. Combined with the knotted tail and the ermine, from any distance this is not identifiable as a cat. [Temair Donn ingen Donnchada, 07/2011, R-Meridies]

BIRD - Cock and Hen

[a cock rising contourny] This device conflicts with the device of Malcolm MacRuairidh of Blackoak, Argent, a raven striking to sinister gules. The bird conflict rules on the November 2003 Cover Letter require both birds to be in a period posture for that bird in order to gain a substantial difference between the two. As Malcolm's raven is not in a period posture, there is thus only one CD for the difference between a raven and a cock, not a substantial difference. [Loralei Fulderer, 06/2011, R-Atenveldt]

There is at least a CD between a hen, a poultry-shaped bird, and a wren, a regular-shaped bird. [Dietrich Kempenich von Eltz, 08/2011, A-Ansteorra]

BIRD - Crane-shaped

Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a heron, the charge lacks the long feathers atop the head which differentiate herons from cranes. We have, therefore, blazoned it as a crane. [Francesca Maria Lucretia Saracini, 06/2011, A-West]

BIRD - Falcon

[a duck rousant vs. a falcon rising] Ducks and falcons are in different categories on the November 2003 Cover Letter: ducks are in the Swan-shaped and falcons are in the Regular-shaped category. However, those categories are for the establishing of substantial (i.e. X.2) difference, not significant (i.e 'CD') difference. Grounds for significant difference were established on the January 2000 Cover Letter. This cover letter says: In the future I expect that I will be more likely to grant difference between different types of birds when (a) they are (a) different in period, (b) in a period posture, (c) drawn correctly, and (d)there is some visual difference (i.e., there is really no visual difference between a popinjay and a hawk). This also means that in the future I will be stricter about requiring that a bird be drawn with its defining attributes (i.e., a dove should have a tuft). Without the defining attributes, the bird may just be blazoned as "a bird." While the birds in both pieces of armory are drawn correctly and have some visual difference, a duck is not in a period posture when it is rousant. Therefore, we must fall back on visual differences to determine whether there is a CD. Unfortunately, the majority of commenters and those at the meeting felt that there was not enough difference between the charges as drawn to grant a CD between them. [Marie Bythewode, 05/2011, R-Caid]

BIRD - Miscellaneous

The use of a hummingbird is a step from period practice. [Ealusaid inghean Mhaoil Choluim, 05/2011, A-Outlands]

The use of a penguin is a step from period practice. [Kirsten Maria Matz, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

BIRD - Owl

There is at least a CD between a simurgh and an owl ... [Jade Redstone, 08/2011, A-An Tir]

BIRD - Peacock

There is at least a CD between a simurgh and an owl ... [Jade Redstone, 08/2011, A-An Tir]

BIRD - Raven

[a raven volant vs. a swan rousant wings displayed] There is a CD for the change of type of bird and a CD for the change of posture of the bird. [Raven's Cove, Barony of, 07/2011, A-Atlantia]

BIRD - Swan-shaped

[a raven volant vs. a swan rousant wings displayed] There is a CD for the change of type of bird and a CD for the change of posture of the bird. [Raven's Cove, Barony of, 07/2011, A-Atlantia]

BLAZON
see also POSTURE/ORIENTATION - Animate Charges and POSTURE/ORIENTATION - General and

Per the May 2009 Cover Letter, "'an X entwined of a Y' is a primary X and a secondary Y." [Ælfred Lionstar of Ravenspur, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

BOOK

... a book is too complex a charge to fimbriate ... [Donnershafen, Barony of, 05/2011, R-Middle]

BOTTLE

[a wine amphora] Originally blazoned as an amphora, the default amphora is flat-bottomed whereas this pointed-bottomed form is a wine amphora. [Petronella Alexander, 07/2011, A-West]

CASTLE

There is a CD ... for the difference between a windmill and a castle. [Kara de Korte, 04/2011, A-Middle]

There is no CD between a castle and a tower ... [Louis Xavier de Navarre, 04/2011, R-Middle]

CHAIN

[Sable, a pall of chain Or] Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as Sable, an annulet suspended by three chains in pall throughout Or, Batonvert provided evidence of a similar motif in period found in the family arms of Alberti or di Alberti in Italy: a saltire of chain, with the size of the central annulet varying widely. Two of the depictions had central annulets even larger than the one in this device. There was also found an instance of a pall of chain, in which the central annulet is only slightly larger than the chain links. This is therefore compatible with a period rendition of a pall of chain. [A'isha bint Shamir, 07/2011, R-Caid]

There is a substantial difference between a cross moline disjointed and two links of chain fretted in cross. [Isobel Rosewell, 08/2011, A-Lochac]

CHARGE - Overall

In the past, we have allowed fimbriated overall charges. Commenters asked whether this was a documentable period practice and were unable to find documentation for this practice. Therefore, charges in overall charge groups will not be allowed to be fimbriated after the September 2011 decision meetings. [Ginevra Boscoli, 04/2011, A-Middle]

This device is returned for having two steps from period practice. ... The second step is for the use of fimbriation and an overall charge in the same design, which was ruled a step from period practice on the March 2011 LoAR. [Ian the Red, 05/2011, R-Caid]

CHARGE - Peripheral
see also individual peripheral ordinaries: BASE, and CHIEF.

[Per saltire argent and purpure, a chief and a base] On resubmission, the submitter should be asked to draw the per saltire line of division so that it evenly divides the part of the field not covered by peripheral charges. [Pompeia Karîna, 04/2011, R-Ealdormere]

The badge is also returned for violating our ban on so-called "barely overall" charges. The bear's head is nearly entirely on the saltire, but it projects past the edge in four places. Our ban on barely overall charges was originally stated:

I confirmed with Mr. Brooke-Little at the Symposium the answer to a question that often arises ... consider the arms Argent, a lozenge gules ... if I instead have the lion surmount the lozenge, then the lion must be a color or a fur, but cannot be a metal or else it would not show against the field. Of course, the part of the lion on top of the lozenge would have poor contrast, and therefore it follows automatically that one draws the lion much bigger than the lozenge so that most of the lion's outline is on the field rather than on the lozenge. One should never have a charge just barely surmounting another charge, i.e., having only the very edge extend out into the field. [Cover Letter, June 1983]

Since the area which projects beyond the edge of the underlying charge is less than a majority of the outline, but is larger than the standards for artistic mistakes set on the December 2008 LoAR, this badge must be returned. [Owen le Bere ap Rhys, 06/2011, R-Calontir]

CHARGE - Restricted or Reserved

This device submission is returned for the use of a charge reserved to SCA groups in personal armory. While submitters and heralds in our Society have become accustomed to the 'two crossed boughs with an opening at the top' style of laurel wreath, that is not the only depiction of laurel wreaths in period. The submitted annulets of leaves is an equally valid, registerable variant of laurel wreaths and we must treat them as such. [Marquesa de Carvalhal, 06/2011, R-East]

[(Fieldless) On a county coronet vert a bezant] The roundel in this submission appears to be the sort of artistic decoration one would expect to see on a crown; therefore it is not significant enough to count as a true tertiary charge. Considered as (Fieldless) A county coronet vert, this conflicts with the Society regalia (Tinctureless) A coronet embattled. Registered regalia is protected both as regalia and as a badge. The January 1999 LoAR Cover Letter gives a good example:

A pelican in its piety is protected as both a badge and as regalia, and so only members of the order of the Pelican may wear or display it.

While the submitter is entitled by rank to wear or display a county coronet, or to include a coronet as a charge in her armory which is otherwise clear of conflict, she may not register armory that conflicts with registered regalia. [Octavia Laodice, 07/2011, R-An Tir]

CHARGE GROUP
see also DIFFERENCE - Counting and DIFFERENCE - Groups

[Azure, a chevron and in chief a cat and a weasel passant respectant argent] This device is returned for violating the following precedent:

In this submission the chevron inverted and the tree can only be interpreted as co-primary charges, as they are of approximately equal visual weight and neither occupies the center of the shield. This combination of ordinary with non-ordinary charge in a single charge group produces an unbalanced design. Without period evidence for such a design, it is not registerable. [Issobell nic Gilbert, April 2005, R-Caid]

This precedent was upheld as recently as November 2010. The current submission has the same problem: none of the charges occupies the center of the field, and they are all of equivalent visual weight. [Layla al-Zarqa', 04/2011, R-Middle]

[Azure vetu, an owl contourny between four roundels in cross argen] By long-standing precedent, we cannot have multiple different tertiary charge groups on the same charge. Precedent also says "Since the unregisterable blazon is the only blazon under which the conflict exists, this is not a conflict." [June 2004 CL]. Therefore, this device does not need to be considered for conflict as Argent, on a lozenge azure an owl contourny between four roundels in cross argent. [Karin del Apelyard, 07/2011, A-Gleann Abhann]

CHEVRON and CHEVRON INVERTED

[Azure, a chevron and in chief a cat and a weasel passant respectant argent] This device is returned for violating the following precedent:

In this submission the chevron inverted and the tree can only be interpreted as co-primary charges, as they are of approximately equal visual weight and neither occupies the center of the shield. This combination of ordinary with non-ordinary charge in a single charge group produces an unbalanced design. Without period evidence for such a design, it is not registerable. [Issobell nic Gilbert, April 2005, R-Caid]

From Wreath: Chevrons, Per Chevron, and Their Inversions
On the Cover Letter for the December 2010 LoAR, published in February 2011, we asked commenters for their opinions on a proposal regarding more proper depictions of chevrons, the per chevron line of division, and their inversions. We proposed putting strong limitations on charges above the tip of a chevron or a per chevron line of division, or below the tip of a chevron inverted or a per chevron inverted line of division.

Many examples were presented of charges above a chevron or per chevron line of division, or below the point of a chevron inverted or per chevron inverted line of division in period heraldry, so we will not be limiting that practice.

Examples provided in commentary did present evidence that in period, chevrons and the per chevron line of division were typically drawn to take up as much space as possible; this generally meant that the line was fairly steep, throughout, or nearly so. However, in some heraldic jurisdictions, the chevron was much shallower. Therefore, we will not regulate the steepness of chevrons or the per chevron or per chevron inverted lines of division at this time.

What was found, however, was that in every case, the chevron or per chevron line was vertically centered in the area available to it, taking the placement of any secondaries present into account. The notional mid-line of the charge or line of division would nearly always line up with a per fess line drawn centered on the available space.

Pictures help: Notice that on the escutcheon attached as figure 1, the dashed line X is the per fess line of the entire escutcheon. However, in the presence of the chief, the available space has a notional mid-point line marked by the dashed line labeled Y. Similarly, both chevrons (figures 2 and 3) have a notional mid-point line at c, and the distance above the mid-line (a) and below it (b) should be the same.

The following guidelines on chevrons and per chevron field divisions, and their inversions, will be enforced starting at the November 2011 Laurel meetings:

Per chevron lines of division, chevrons as a primary charge, and their inversions should have their mid-line placed roughly on the notional mid-line of the space available to them.
If substantially more of the charge or line appears to be on one side of the field's notional mid-line as compared to the amount on the other side, the submission will be returned for a redraw or re-design.
Chevrons etc. move based on the position of secondaries: allowances will be made for times when the charges around or above and below interfere with the placement. A chevron etc. between three charges should be in the same place on the field as a chevron with no charges on the field, but a chevron below a single charge fesswise, or a chevron below a group of charges in fess, may be further down the field. A chevron etc. placed above a single charge or group of charges in base may be further up on the field.

The end result is that per chevron lines of division alone on the field, or between three charges, should not be entirely, or even mostly, below where a per fess line would be. Chevrons which are shallow enough to be confused with a fess remain unregisterable.

More information on the research that led to this decision, including a large number of period exemplars, can be found in the article "A Visual Survey of the Chevron and Friends: Fun with Triangular Field Divisions" by Emma de Fetherstan in the Proceedings of the 2011 Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium. [05/2011 CL] [JML: see the Cover Letter for the illustrations]

CHIEF

[Per saltire argent and purpure, a chief and a base purpure and overall three arrows in pile conjoined in base counterchanged] ... precedent disallows a design with a chief and a base:

Blazoned on the LoI as Argent, a mullet of two interlocking mascles, a chief and a base vert, the use of a chief and a base together is unacceptably poor design... For all these reasons, then - the lack of period support for the motif; the tendency to misemblazon the "fess" too wide, or the "chief" and "base" too narrow; and most of all, the blurring of the distinction between this motif and a charged fess, against the heraldic precepts found in RfS VIII.3 - we affirm that the use of a chief and a base together is, in general, non-period heraldic style, and grounds for return. [Cynwrig de Montain, November 2006, R-Artemisia]

[Pompeia Karîna, 04/2011, R-Ealdormere]

The use of a chief doubly enarched is a step from period practice. [Cassandra la Rose, 04/2011, A-Meridies]

[a chief indented flory at the points argent] Commenters asked if the chief flory at the points was a period practice. Precedent says:

[registering a chief indented crusilly long at the upper points] Pelican has found support for the unusual line of division on the chief in a somewhat similar design element in Randle Holme's Book (15th c.): a coat blazonable as Ermine, a chief indented flory at the upper points sable is attributed to Adame Dovynt of Sowthereychyre (Surrey). We find the line of division of the chief here to be a reasonable extension of that period line. [Paul de Gorey, May 1996, A-Drachenwald]

Adding fleurs-de-lys at the lower, as well as upper, points is consistent with period practice. [Josseline de la Cour, 05/2011, A-Lochac]

COMPASS STAR and SUN
see also MULLET

Suns and compass stars are not considered different for purposes of conflict. [Alienor la fileuse, 04/2011, A-Ealdormere]

There is a step from period practice for the use of a compass star. [Brendan Hunterston, 04/2011, A-Ealdormere]

Past precedent, from 1987, says that a compass star is too complex a charge to fimbriate. However, more recent precedent says that a compass star is simple enough to void: "... a compass star is simple enough to void" [Sunniva Kyrre, April 2006, A-Atlantia]. Since we consider voiding and fimbriation to be artistic variants, and since a compass star passes the so-called "photocopy test" specified by Bruce Laurel, we are explicitly overturning the 1987 precedent and declaring that compass stars are simple enough to both void and fimbriate. [Jean Corbeau de Montaigne, 06/2011, A-East]

COMPLEXITY
see also STYLE

This device is returned for violating the armorial simplicity rule: section VIII.1.a of the Rules for Submissions, Tincture and Charge Limit. "Armory must use a limited number of tinctures and types of charges...As a rule of thumb, the total of the number of tinctures plus the number of types of charges in a design should not exceed eight." This device has five tinctures (azure, vert, Or, argent, sable), and four charges (hawk's bell, book, chief, arrows), for a complexity count of nine. While we occasionally allow this limit to be exceeded, we make exceptions only in the case of period style designs. This design, having dissimilar primary charges on either side of a per pale division, is not typical of period design. [Anabella de Carlaverok, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

CONTRAST
This device is returned for poor contrast issues with the flames. Per precedent:

...flames proper cannot be placed on either a gules or Or field. [Ulrich Einarsson, Jan 2006, R-Caid]

While this is a properly enflamed tower, the proper flames here are alternately on the Or tower or gules field. [Johan Craft, 07/2011, R-Trimaris]

COUNTERCHANGING

[Per saltire argent and purpure, a chief and a base purpure and overall three arrows in pile conjoined in base counterchanged] ... current precedent says that complex charges may not be counterchanged over other charges (such as this chief and base). This was upheld as recently as January 2011:

Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as Paly of five argent and azure, this device actually depicts an argent field with two azure pallets, over which the crosses are counterchanged. Precedent says: "by longstanding policy, the College disallows complex charges counterchanged over other charges" [Grethfurth Wulfstan, May 1993, R-Atlantia] Therefore, this device is returned for counterchanging a complex charge over an ordinary. [Gynter Eiriksson, January 2011, R-East]

[Pompeia Karîna, 04/2011, R-Ealdormere]

CROSS
see CROSS - Difference Between for rulings on the amount of difference between types of crosses.

The charge blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a Cross of Calatrava is not. Several people questioned the depiction, and many at the Wreath meeting thought that it was a 'flower chased'. While the kingdom may have been using this depiction of this cross for many years, an actual cross of Calatrava does not have the arms intersecting anywhere except at the center: the arms come straight out, split, each piece heads back towards the center, but the arms do not touch anywhere after the split. A reasonable rendition can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cross_Calatrava.svg [Calontir, Kingdom of, 04/2011, R-Calontir]

[a cross fleury] The cross as drawn has both fesswise arms much longer than the palewise arms, and a single example was provided in commentary. Commenters asked if this was sufficient, given the recent revision in the rules for documented exceptions. While the submitted cross is not identical to the documented cross, we remind commenters that the same precedent ruled that a single example of a charge is sufficient for documentation purposes. [Burghardt von der Brandenburg, 04/2011, R-Lochac]

The cross gurgity appears to be an invention of period heralds, mentioned in tracts, but never seen in period heraldry. The same sort of curved ends can be seen, in mirror pairs, in the cross moline. Therefore, though this cross was never used in period heraldry, its use is only a step from period practice. [Alfarr Utherson, 04/2011, A-West]

On resubmission, the submitter should be aware that the cross barby is the outlawed symbol of the white supremacist movement in Hungary, similar to the use of the swastika/fylfot in Germany, and there was some discussion of banning the cross barby as an offensive charge. We are not ruling on that issue at this time. However, research provided no examples of crosses barby in period heraldry. Any submitter wishing to register this charge after the December 2011 Laurel meeting must provide documentation that it is, in fact, a period charge. [Jon Lutherson, 05/2011, R-Ansteorra]

[cross flory disjointed] Commenters asked about the registerability of crosses flory disjointed. Crosses moline disjointed are period charges. Therefore, the cross flory disjointed is no more than a single step from period practice. Since that is the only step present in this submission, it is registerable.

Crosses 'disjointed' are split along the long axis of the arms. Crosses 'dismembered' have their arms separated from the center of the cross (across the long axis). Crosses disjointed are not considered equivalent to "on a cross, a cross", since the ends of the cross disjointed are open, not closed. [Elinor Clifford, 05/2011, A-Lochac]

Crosses moline disjoint are period heraldic charges, distinguished from regular crosses moline, so we consider them to be significantly different. [Symon Fitz Gilbert, 06/2011, A-East]

CROSS - Difference Between
This category contains rulings on the difference - or lack thereof - between types of crosses.

Crosses patty and plain crosses are in different groups on the May 2009 LoAR, meaning there is substantial difference between them ... [Walther Ravenolt, 04/2011, A-Middle]

Crosses moline disjoint are period heraldic charges, distinguished from regular crosses moline, so we consider them to be significantly different. [Symon Fitz Gilbert, 06/2011, A-East]

... "there is no significant difference between a cross fleury and a cross of Calatrava [Girard le Bourguignon and Guenièvre de Monmarché, Jan 2005, R-Atlantia]" ... [Amos the Pious, 07/2011, R-Atlantia]

There is a substantial difference between a cross moline disjointed and two links of chain fretted in cross. [Isobel Rosewell, 08/2011, A-Lochac]

CROWN

A pelican in its piety is protected as both a badge and as regalia, and so only members of the order of the Pelican may wear or display it.

CUP and CHALICE

[a covered saltcellar Or shedding salt argent] As this depiction of a saltcellar matches a period depiction of a heraldic charge, there is a CD between it and covered goblets, cups, and chalices. We are declaring, based upon appearance, that there is substantial (X.2) difference between a saltcellar and a tankard. [Isobel of Werchesope, 08/2011, A-East]

This device is not in conflict with the device of Dierdriana of the Misty Isles, Azure, a lotus goblet argent and on a chief argent three lotus blossoms inverted throughout gules. There is a substantial difference between Dierdriana's primary charge, a goblet, and a tulip. [Alis ingen Fhinn, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

DIFFERENCE - Counting

[Quarterly azure and argent, four domestic cats sejant counterchanged] The device is also returned for conflict with ... Quarterly argent and azure, four ounces sejant counterchanged. There is certainly a CD for the field, but there is not a CD for changing the tincture of the cats, because the move is forced. This overturns the following precedent:

[Quarterly embattled Or and gules, four horses rampant counterchanged sable and argent] The badge is clear of Aethelnoth of Alebridge, Quarterly sable and argent, four horses rampant reguardant counterchanged. In Aethelnoth's device, the horses in bend are argent and those in bend sinister are sable. In Wolfram's badge, the tincture of the horses is reversed. Therefore there is one CD for changes to the field and one CD for changing the tincture of all the primary charges. [Wolfram Brant, 12/00, A-Atlantia]

That precedent is not logically consistent with other rulings and guiding principles ... We consider Quarterly azure and argent, two cats sejant argent to conflict with Quarterly argent and azure, two cats sejant argent. Adding two blue cats does not change the fact that the charges can be considered to move. The June 2004 LoAR (From Wreath: Counting Differences) Says that we must "Use the minimum number of steps or changes between the armory to determine the number of CDs." The minimum number of steps is one. [Nicole de Say, 04/2011, R-Middle]

[Argent, four arrows in saltire, heads outward, sable and four roses in cross sable barbed argent]. This badge is returned for conflict with... Argent, two arrows in chevron sable. There is a single CD for adding six co-primary charges. In understanding this conflict, commenters should remember that additional charges are added in their final form: we are not adding six arrows and then changing half of the charges to roses, we add two arrows and four roses to the existing group in a single step. [Black Rose, March of the, 06/2011, R-East]

DIFFERENCE - Groups
see also CHARGE GROUP and DIFFERENCE - Counting

[Per chevron gules and sable, three Latin crosses fleury one and two and a chalice Or] This device is clear of conflict with ... Per chevron azure and argent, three Latin crosses flory Or and an ash sprig vert. There is one CD for the change of field, and another CD for the two changes of type and tincture to the "lesser" half of the primary charges, herein the single charge lying on the other side of the line of division, by precedent:

While commentary was somewhat split on this issue, the general feeling was that to modify the Rules to define half of a group by line of division or as those charges on either side of an ordinary would only serve to encourage unbalanced armory. On the other hand, there are times when the visual impact of changes to charges which amount to "less than half the group" should be granted more difference. As a consequence, we are adopting Lady Dolphin's (now Lady Crescent) suggestion of allowing two changes to the minority of a group (i.e., the "lesser" half of a group of charges lying on either side of a line of field division or an ordinary) being sufficient for a Clear Difference. For example, "Per bend sinister sable and Or, a decrescent moon Or and three fir trees proper" would be allowed two CDs from "Per bend sinister azure and argent, a bear's head argent and three fir trees vert" with one CD for the field and another for the two changes to the charge in dexter chief. [Nov 1991 CL]

[Amos the Pious, 07/2011, A-Atlantia]

DOCUMENTATION
See individual charges for instances when Wreath required additional documentation for defining instances of charges or accepted such documentation.

... a single example was provided in commentary. Commenters asked if this was sufficient, given the recent revision in the rules for documented exceptions. ... we remind commenters that the same precedent ruled that a single example of a charge is sufficient for documentation purposes. [Burghardt von der Brandenburg, 04/2011, R-Lochac]

EMBLAZON - Coloring Problems

This device is returned for a redraw. The argent portions of the device have been colored a medium-to-dark grey instead of leaving them white, which seriously hampers identifiability against the dark colored field, particularly of the Lacy knot. This is a violation of section VII.7.a of the Rules for Submissions which requires that "Elements must be recognizable solely from their appearance." [John La Savage, 08/2011, R-Northshield]

FESS and BAR

There is a CD between a wall and a demi-wall ... [Cassandra Attewoode, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

FIELD DIVISION - Gyronny

... we do not grant a CD for the difference between gyronny and gyronny arrondi. [JML: referring to a field] [Tryggr Tyresson, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

FIELD DIVISION - Per Chevron and Per Chevron Inverted

Per chevron lines of division, chevrons as a primary charge, and their inversions should have their mid-line placed roughly on the notional mid-line of the space available to them.
If substantially more of the charge or line appears to be on one side of the field's notional mid-line as compared to the amount on the other side, the submission will be returned for a redraw or re-design.
Chevrons etc. move based on the position of secondaries: allowances will be made for times when the charges around or above and below interfere with the placement. A chevron etc. between three charges should be in the same place on the field as a chevron with no charges on the field, but a chevron below a single charge fesswise, or a chevron below a group of charges in fess, may be further down the field. A chevron etc. placed above a single charge or group of charges in base may be further up on the field.

FIELD DIVISION - Per Saltire

FIELD DIVISION - Quarterly

[Quarterly embattled Or and gules, four horses rampant counterchanged sable and argent] The badge is clear of Aethelnoth of Alebridge, Quarterly sable and argent, four horses rampant reguardant counterchanged. In Aethelnoth's device, the horses in bend are argent and those in bend sinister are sable. In Wolfram's badge, the tincture of the horses is reversed. Therefore there is one CD for changes to the field and one CD for changing the tincture of all the primary charges. [Wolfram Brant, 12/00, A-Atlantia]

FIELD DIVISION - Vêtu

While you can blazon your way out of a style problem, you cannot blazon your way out of a conflict. Under current precedent, vetu fields must also be checked as a lozenge throughout .... Considered as a charged lozenge instead of a field division, there is only one CD for change in type of tertiary charge. [Tomyris Benenati, 07/2011, R-Atenveldt]

FIMBRIATED and VOIDED CHARGES

... a book is too complex a charge to fimbriate ... [Donnershafen, Barony of, 05/2011, R-Middle]

... an escallop is too complex to fimbriate ... [Donnershafen, Barony of, 05/2011, R-Middle]

FIRE

Please instruct the submitter that the flames in enflaming should be touching the charge they are enflaming, they should not be disjoint as in the submitted emblazon. [Cera the Pottere, 06/2011, R-Meridies]

The flame is best described as a chevron inverted couped of flame, but per long-standing precedent we do not register ordinaries of flame:

Without evidence that ordinaries of flame were used in period armory, or that such are compatible with period armory, we will not register ordinaries of flames. [Désirée Gabriel de Lav, Feb 1994, R-Middle]

[Bronwen Du, 07/2011, R-Meridies]

This device is returned for poor contrast issues with the flames. Per precedent:

...flames proper cannot be placed on either a gules or Or field. [Ulrich Einarsson, Jan 2006, R-Caid]

While this is a properly enflamed tower, the proper flames here are alternately on the Or tower or gules field. [Johan Craft, 07/2011, R-Trimaris]

This device is returned for using an ordinary of flame, which is a violation of precedent:

Without evidence that ordinaries of flame were used in period armory, or that such are compatible with period armory, we will not register ordinaries of flames. [Désirée Gabriel de Laval, R-Middle, February 1994]

While blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a flame issuant from base , overwhelming consensus in commentary was that the emblazon depicted a base of flame. Since we register the emblazon, not the blazon, we are forced to return this device. [Emeric of Zara, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

FISH

... the use of a natural dolphin is not a step from period practice... [Ruaidhri mac Seamuis, 04/2011, A-Meridies] [JML: see STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE for the complete discussion]

[a natural dolphin] This is returned for redraw; a natural dolphin has a dorsal fin, which is missing from this emblazon, greatly hampering the identifiability. This is a violation of section VII.7.a of the Rules for Submissions, which requires that "Elements must be recognizable solely from their appearance." [Ariel Longshanks, 06/2011, R-Atenveldt]

FLOWER - Cup shape

This device is returned for using a tulip bud instead of a mature flower. Rose buds have been disallowed since the November 1994 Cover Letter; while roses are quite common in period armory, tulips are rather less so, and thus it makes sense to extend the ban on rose buds to tulip buds as well. A mature tulip flower is turned out at the tips of the petals, not drawn in tight as in this depiction. [Alis ingen Fhinn, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

There is a CD between a tulip and a water lily ... [Alis ingen Fhinn, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

This device is not in conflict with the device of Dierdriana of the Misty Isles, Azure, a lotus goblet argent and on a chief argent three lotus blossoms inverted throughout gules. There is a substantial difference between Dierdriana's primary charge, a goblet, and a tulip. [Alis ingen Fhinn, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

FLOWER - Few petals

Pelican noted that the dogwood depicted here is a New World species Cornus florida, but that its native range includes the area of St. Augustine, Florida, which has been continuously occupied since 1565, and the area of the Roanoke settlement, in the 1580s. While it was first discovered in the South in 1773 by William Bartram, we can find no record of when it was known near Roanoke. We will give submitters the benefit of the doubt that the Europeans that settled in these locations knew of this species. There is, therefore, a step from period practice for the use of New World flora not found in period armory. [Úrsúla of Rouen, 04/2011, A-Æthelmearc]

FLOWER - Iris

By precedent, irises take their tincture from their slips and leaves, not from the blossoms:

[Returning {field} three iris blossoms sable, slipped and leaved vert, conjoined at the bases.] Conflict with ... {Fieldless} Three irises in fess argent slipped, conjoined and leaved vert. There is a CD for fielded versus fieldless but nothing for the change to the tincture of the blossoms only. [Cassandra Palfrey, November 1993, R-Ansteorra]

[Isabella Maria della Rosa, 04/2011, A-Ansteorra]

FLOWER - Rose

Commenters should note that while we no longer distinguish "garden roses" from heraldic roses in blazon, their use has not been ruled to be a step from period practice. [Cassandra la Rose, 04/2011, A-Meridies]

FLOWER - Trumpet shape

This is the defining instance of a twinflower in Society armory. As neither the submitter nor commenters could find a common period vernacular term for the flower which wasn't its period taxonomic classification, we have chosen to use the post-period vernacular term. [Editha filia Rolandi, 08/2011, A-Outlands]

GRENADE and FIREBALL

The flames on the fireballs are Or fimbriated gules; by long-standing precedent, flames proper have alternating tongues of Or and gules. [Domenico Barbiere da Mantova, 08/2011, R-Atlantia]

GURGES and SCHNECKEN

There is at least a CD between a snail and a schnecke ... [Ogedai Qara, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

There is a step from period practice for the use of a schnecke with secondary charges ... [Ogedai Qara, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

There is an additional CD for the change of the orientation of the schnecke, from issuing from chief to issuing from sinister. [Stella della Luna, 08/2011, A-Atenveldt]

HAND and GAUNTLET

There is not a CD between a hand of Fatima and a human hand ... [Yitzchak ben Menashe, 04/2011, R-Middle]

HEAD - Human

[a human face crined and bearded of oak leaves] This device is returned because the head is not identifiable. Commenters pointed out, rightly, that the head is not only crined and bearded of leaves, it is entirely composed of leaves. Precedent says:

[returning a charge blazoned as a mans head cabossed crined and bearded of leaves] This is being returned for non-reproducibility. If the submitter had drawn what was blazoned we would consider registering it. However, the blazon does not adequately describe the emblazon. While the head could be described as bearded of leaves, we could come up with no heraldic way to describe the hair - crined of leaves does not describe it. (Shane McNeil de la Forest, Sembember 1996, R-An Tir]

Kingdom noted the following precedent:

Blazoned on the LoI as a wildman's head, a wildman or savage is a period heraldic charge that looks little like the charge submitted here: a wildman's head would be a normal human head, bearded, wearing a wreath of leaves. Some commenters suggested this was a greenman's head. The term greenman was coined in 1939 for a medieval artistic motif. There are period examples online (such as at http://www.chrispye-woodcarving.com/greenman/gm_index.html) that look nothing like this submission -- or each other. Some don't even look like human faces. As there is no fixed form (and therefore no heraldic form) for this motif, a greenman's head is not registerable per se. However, as emblazoned the head can be blazoned as a human face crined and bearded of foliage and we will so register it. [Santiago Carrillo de Guadalupe, March 2006 A-Outlands]

Santiago's head, however, is a face outlined with leaves as if they were the beard and hair, not a complete face entirely constructed of leaves, in the modern "green-man" style, and thus the 2006 registration does not overturn the precedent. Bran's is a face entirely composed of leaves, with eyes, nose, and mouth drawn in. Unless period evidence is produced for such a charge in period heraldry, charges composed of leaves will be considered unblazonable and, therefore, unregisterable. [Bran ap Rees, 05/2011, R-East]

KNOTS

The strewn charges are not recognizable heraldic charges. Trefoil knots would be interlaced and have rounded ends, as seen at http://www.aeheralds.net/Links/AE_Traceable_Art/IndivPDFs/Knot_trefoil_2.pdf. Triquetras inverted would be interlaced, as seen at http://www.aeheralds.net/Links/AE_Traceable_Art/IndivPDFs/Triquetra.pdf. It was suggested that we could blazon these as three leaves conjoined in pall Or fimbriated azure. However, strewn charges are only considered to be "in the center of the design" when the strewn charges are the primary charge group. [Edmund Halliday, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

[a hawk's lure] Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a tassel, tassels do not have cords. [Theodora Bryennissa, 06/2011, A-East]

LAUBURU
This device must be returned for lack of documentation of the lauburu as a period charge. Commenters did find some evidence of similar and near-identical motifs used decoratively in late period, but not in heraldry. Precedent says:

This device must be returned for lack of documentation of the lauburu as a period design. While the submitter provided a number of documents that appear to show this charge in use, under various names, in modern heraldry, none of them provided evidence that it was used in our period. [Brunihelt de Ravenel, May 2005 LoAR, East-R]

[Zianna de Lequeitio, 08/2011, R-Artemisia]

LAMP

Commentary on a submission this month raised the question of the depiction of our default lamp in the SCA. Lamps in medieval times appear to have been short, flared cups, similar to the bowl area of a Champagne cup, but not as wide. They can be seen in the arms of Witwang, c.1520, in Heraldry by Bedingfeld & Gwynn-Jones. In contrast, the Society has uniformly not blazoned the type of lamp solely when the emblazon uses an Arabic lamp.

Since there does not seem to be a way to blazon the default real-world lamps with a qualifier, this month, we have reblazoned all the 'default' lamps in the Ordinary as 'Arabic lamps' and declare that the SCA-default lamp will match the real-world default. At least, it will once someone registers one. [06/2011 CL]

LEAF

[a ginkgo leaf] This device is also returned for lack of documentation for European knowledge of ginkgo before 1650. This is a violation of Section VII.4 of the Rules for Submissions, which says "The use of flora and fauna native to the New World, Africa, Asia, and other non-European locales will be registerable if it is reasonable to believe that Europeans knew them in period." [Matsunaga Haru, 05/2011, R-Caid]

Registered in April 2003 as Vert, on a pale bretessed Or three leaves vert, the submitter requested that we reblazon from having generic leaves to specify nettle leaves. However, nettle leaves are fatter at the base and narrower at the tip, instead of more oval like the ones in her depiction. Her leaves do have jagged edges, and so we have chosen to reblazon them as elm leaves to help in reproducibility. [Christina O'Cleary, 08/2011, A-Caid]

LIGHTNING BOLT

The use of a lightning bolt not as part of a thunderbolt is a step from period practice. [Septimus Marius Belisarius, 08/2011, A-Atlantia]

LINES of DIVISION - Jagged

[Per pale indented argent and azure] This device is clear of ... Per pale indented, the points ending in mullets, purpure and argent. Precedent says:

[Per fess indented...] This device is clear of the badge..., Per fess indented crusilly.... There is a CD for changing the tincture of half the field, and another under X.4.a.ii.c for the difference between per fess indented and per fess indented crusilly. Precedent says: The only difference in the fields in the precedent are the mullets at the end of the indents. That is the case here with the crosses. [Hugh Tauerner, A-East, LoAR 2/2009]

[Jayme Dominguez del Valle, 04/2011, A-Ansteorra]

[a chief indented flory at the points argent] Commenters asked if the chief flory at the points was a period practice. Precedent says:

[registering a chief indented crusilly long at the upper points] Pelican has found support for the unusual line of division on the chief in a somewhat similar design element in Randle Holme's Book (15th c.): a coat blazonable as Ermine, a chief indented flory at the upper points sable is attributed to Adame Dovynt of Sowthereychyre (Surrey). We find the line of division of the chief here to be a reasonable extension of that period line. [Paul de Gorey, May 1996, A-Drachenwald]

Adding fleurs-de-lys at the lower, as well as upper, points is consistent with period practice. [Josseline de la Cour, 05/2011, A-Lochac]

LINES of DIVISION - Long

Rayonny should have a more pronounced curl to the tips. A well-drawn chief rayonny (which depicts rays of the sun) can be seen at http://oscar.sca.org/index.php?action=145&id=2363, in the submission of Corwin Silvertongue, and a well-drawn chief embowed rayonny can be seen at http://oscar.sca.org/index.php?action=145&id=3564 in the submission of Andreas Jäger von Holstein. [Cera the Pottere, 06/2011, R-Meridies]

LINES of DIVISION - Miscellaneous

[Per pale indented argent and azure] This device is clear of ... Per pale indented, the points ending in mullets, purpure and argent. Precedent says:

[Per fess indented...] This device is clear of the badge..., Per fess indented crusilly.... There is a CD for changing the tincture of half the field, and another under X.4.a.ii.c for the difference between per fess indented and per fess indented crusilly. Precedent says: The only difference in the fields in the precedent are the mullets at the end of the indents. That is the case here with the crosses. [Hugh Tauerner, A-East, LoAR 2/2009]

[Jayme Dominguez del Valle, 04/2011, A-Ansteorra]

LINES of DIVISION - Square

... we grant no difference between urdy and embattled. [Bárekr úlfheðinn, 07/2011, R-Outlands]

... we grant no difference between urdy and embattled grady. [Bárekr úlfheðinn, 07/2011, R-Outlands]

LINES of DIVISION - Wavy

We grant no difference between wavy and nebuly, so there is only a single CD for the changes to the tertiary charges. [Megen Archerswyf, 04/2011, R-Middle]

LOZENGE

LURE

[a hawk's lure] Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a tassel, tassels do not have cords. [Theodora Bryennissa, 06/2011, A-East]

MOLLUSK - Snaill

There is at least a CD between a snail and a schnecke ... [Ogedai Qara, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

MONSTER - Dragon and Wyvern

... since pithons and wyverns were artistic variations in period, no difference is granted between them. [Vlad Hideg, 05/2011, R-Caid]

There is a CD ... for the difference between a wyvern and a cockatrice, by precedent:

... at least a CD between a dragon or wyvern and a cockatrice. Batonvert provided evidence that the cockatrice is a period charge and appears in a displayed posture in period. [Cristoff Gockerhan von Loch, January 2011, A-East]

[Gwenllyan verch Morgan, 05/2011, R-Trimaris]

The use of an Oriental dragon is a step from period practice. [Chabi Merkit, 07/2011, R-Trimaris]

A wyvern erect is insufficiently different from a dragon in its default rampant posture [JML: no CD] [Draco Lengeteylle, 08/2011, R-Ealdormere]

MONSTER - Humanoid

From Wreath: On Demons
A submission this month included a demon. We have only registered a demon nine times, most recently in July 2000. Further research has not shown any instances of a demon as a period heraldic charge. Depictions of demons in period medieval art vary wildly: generally shaggy, but occasionally more dragon-like, feet usually cloven but occasionally clawed like a dragon, sometimes with wings, sometimes without, sometimes with horns, sometimes without, sometimes with a very bestial face, sometimes with a more human face. Demons do not appear to have a standard depiction.

Barring evidence for the use of demons as a period charge, we will cease to register demons after the February 2012 Laurel meeting. This explicitly overturns the precedent set in September 1992: "The demon is a period heraldic charge, as found in the arms of the city of Brussels (Gules, the archangel Michael Or vanquishing a demon underfoot sable). [Asher Truefriend, Sep 1992, A-West]". It has since been determined that the arms of the city of Brussels are post-period.

This does not affect the registerability of demon heads, which have a far more standard depiction. [08/2011 CL]

MONSTER - Phoenix

Blazoned on the Letter of Intent as a phoenix, this bird is separated from its flames, making it merely an eagle. [Bronwen Du, 07/2011, R-Meridies]

MONSTER - Pithon

... since pithons and wyverns were artistic variations in period, no difference is granted between them. [Vlad Hideg, 05/2011, R-Caid]

MULLET
see also COMPASS STAR and SUN

From Wreath: A Four-Pointed Problem
The following precedent appeared on the December 2010 LoAR:

Lacking evidence that a mullet of four points was used in period heraldry, we are declaring the use of a mullet of four points a step from period practice. [Nasir ibn al-Khazzaz ibn Qadir, A-Atlantia]

A discussion on the SCAHRLDS mailing list provided several pieces of documentation for the mullet of four points in period heraldry. Raneke, in Svenska medeltidsvapen, has examples:

Volume II, p. 739, has "per pale (no tinctures), in the sinister half seven mullets of four points 2, 2, 2, and 1". (It is not the main blazon: it is further down in that section's text)
Volume II, p. 809 has "a chevron and in base a mullet of four points"

Other documentation includes the arms of Richard Slacke, Windsor Herald in the 15th Century: Azure a cross formy throughout per bend sinister ermine & or charged in the center with a mullet of four points counterchanged, which is on page 233 of Joseph Foster's Two Tudor Books of Arms (available through Google Books).

Therefore, the use of a mullet of four points has been shown to be period practice. All precedents saying that it is a 'weirdness' or a 'step from period practice' are overturned.

Even were all of the citations from Raneke, this would not be a regional style exception. The last paragraph of the July 2010 Documented Exceptions ruling reads: "This does not change standards for documenting charges new to SCA heraldry: a single example of the charge used in a period heraldic jurisdiction remains sufficient." All medieval heraldic jurisdictions are treated equally; preference is not granted to any jurisdiction, Anglo-Norman or otherwise. [04/2011 CL]

MUNDANE ARMORY
This section is a list of real-world armory that has been ruled not important enough to protect. It organized by the owner of the armory in question.

[Latin Empire of Contstantinople] This device was pended to discuss if Gules, a cross Or should be protected as the arms of the Latin Empire of Contstantinople, as appears in the FitzWilliam roll. The FitzWilliam roll is the only place where we were able to find those arms as the arms of Constantinople, even though arms attributed to the Empire are in many rolls. Since one example does not make a pattern, we decline to protect those arms at this time. We are, however, adding several additional arms of Constantinople to our protected list. [Eiríkr Mjoksiglandi Sigurðarson, 06/2011, A-Caid]

PAW PRINT

The use of pawprints is a step from period practice. [Sewallus Siward de Shirley, 04/2011, A-Ansteorra]

PLANT

The use of bamboo, another species not native to period Europe, is also a step from period practice. [Hayashi Otora, 08/2011, R-Caid]

POSTURE/ORIENTATION - Animate Charges
see also BLAZON
Please instruct the submitter that the bird's feet should be extended rearward, not forward, for the volant posture. [Franciscus von Elwangen, 04/2011, A-Middle]

There is ... a second CD, for the change of position of the wings, by precedent:

[a pegasus salient vs. a unicornate pegasus salient wings displayed] There is a second CD for changing the posture. While there is no difference between rampant and salient, there is a CD between a creature with its wings displayed and one with its wings addorsed. [Philip Cloonagh, 07/2002, A-Trimaris]

[Vlad Hideg, 06/2011, A-Caid]

Animals in a 'dormant' posture have their limbs folded under them, not extending from the body. [Agnes von Heidelberg, 06/2011, R-Calontir]

[volant vs. rousant wings displayed] ... and a CD for the change of posture of the bird. [Raven's Cove, Barony of, 07/2011, A-Atlantia]

This device is returned for unidentifiability of the main charge:

A dormant creature has its head in front of the body by default (i.e., couchant, but with the head lowered to the "ground"); if the head is curled around to face the tail, the fact must be blazoned. Note that the head should still be on the field; if it's tucked into the creature's body, the creature may well be returned as unidentifiable. A dormant creature should not be curled into a ball in a naturalistic depiction of the creature. A creature in a ball may warrant return for non-period style and an unblazonable position. [Isobel le Bretoun, Sep 2007, A-Lochac]

POSTURE/ORIENTATION - General
see also BLAZON
This category contains precedents that apply to both animate and inanimate charges. Precedents relating specifically to animate charges will be found under POSTURE/ORIENTATION - ANIMATE CHARGES. There are no precedents (this tenure) relating specifically to inanimate charges.

PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION
see also PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION - Marshalling

There was some concern expressed that the submitted armory is too similar to several pieces of armory belonging to the Principality in which Sorcha lives. The device is well clear of all of their armorial registrations. We do not protect similarity of concept. Indeed, using a similar motif in one's own arms as are found in the arms of one's liege-lord is a period practice, according to Gayre in Heraldic Cadency. There is no issue of presumption or pretense according to our rules. [Sorcha Fhionn inghean uí Ruairc, 05/2011, A-West]

[on a lozenge quarterly azure and vert, a rose argent] This is not arms of pretense, by precedent:

These are not arms of pretense under our current rules; RfS XI.4 limits consideration of arms of pretense to a single escutcheon. Laurel has previously ruled:
[on a lozenge argent a fleur-de-lys gules] As per the rules change in the cover letter to the June 2001 LoAR, the fact that the charged shape is not an escutcheon means that this is not an inescutcheon of pretense. ... While this armory is evocative of the city of Florence, whose arms are Argent, a fleur-de-lys gules, it is acceptable. [Alethea of Shrewsbury, 08/01, A-Lochac]
In the same manner, while the design of the lozenge is evocative of the arms of Dorcas Dorcadas, Sable, a three-headed hound rampant, one head reguardant, argent, langued gules, it is acceptable. [John Greywolf, July 2006, A-Ansteorra]

Were the charged lozenge considered to be a display of armory, this would have been returned for conflict with the badge of the House of York, (Fieldless), A rose argent. Fortunately, we do not consider it such, and we can register this device. [Lilla æt Sceaphylle, 06/2011, A-West]

PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION - Marshalling
see also PRETENSE or PRESUMPTION

[Quarterly argent and sable, in sinister canton three swords inverted in fess argent within a bordure vert] This device is returned for having the appearance of marshalling. The Rules for Submissions, section XI.3, say that "No section of the field may contain an ordinary that terminates at the edge of that section, or more than one charge unless those charges are part of a group over the whole field." The sinister chief quarter contains multiple charges. While they are all of the same type, they are not part of a group over the whole field. [Ætta surt, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

[Per pale bendy sinister azure, Or and argent and bendy Or, argent and azure, a bordure compony argent, azure and Or] This submission was pended on the January 2011 LoAR to discuss whether or not it appears to be impaled armory ... The consensus was that it does not appear to be impaled armory, and we may therefore register it. [Richenda du Jardin, 06/2011, A-An Tir]

ROUNDEL

[estencelly] It is worth noting:

Estencelly would be distinct groups of three roundels, generally seen in a one-and-two arrangement, with more separation between the groups. [Alessandra Bella Fiorentina, Feb 2011, A-Æthelmearc]

The depiction here has the roundels in a two-and-one arrangement, but this is an acceptable variation of the standard estencely. [Cormac an Ciúin, 07/2011, A-West]

SEMY

It was suggested that we could blazon these as three leaves conjoined in pall Or fimbriated azure. However, strewn charges are only considered to be "in the center of the design" when the strewn charges are the primary charge group. [Edmund Halliday, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

SHELL

... an escallop is too complex to fimbriate ... [Donnershafen, Barony of, 05/2011, R-Middle]

[an escallop] This device is returned for conflict with ... Vert, a whelk within a bordure argent. Precedent says:

Batonvert has demonstrated, through multiple examples, that escallops and whelks were interchanegable in period armory. Therefore, unless future evidence to the contrary is presented, all shells will be considered to conflict with all other shells. [Theodosia Ouranos of Constantinople, May 2010, R-Meridies]

No such evidence has been presented, so we are upholding the precedent. [Jantien van Vranckenvoert, 06/2011, R-Outlands]

SHIP - Part

Sails that appear to be displays of armory must be conflict checked as such ... [Danegeld Tor, Shire of, 04/2011, R-West]

STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE
see also STYLE

There is a step from period practice for the use of a compass star. [Brendan Hunterston, 04/2011, A-Ealdormere]

Natural dolphins have a habitat that includes the coastal waters of Europe, including all of the British Isles and the Mediterranean. The Rules for Submissions, section VII.4 says that "The use of flora and fauna native to Europe, including coastal waters, that cannot otherwise be documented as heraldic charges will not be considered a step from period practice." Therefore, the use of a natural dolphin is not a step from period practice, which clarifies the following precedent:

[...a bend sinister gules fimbriated between a natural dolphin contourny and a bear's pawprint Or..] This device has two problems, each of which is cause for return...Past precedent has ruled that pawprints are a step from period practice and that "natural dolphins, Bengal tigers, and garden roses are all still discouraged charges as they were not found in heraldry and have period counterparts" (Cover Letter, November 1999). As a result, this device must be considered two steps from period practice and returned. [Gwentliana filia Iohannes, LoAR 01/2005, R-Outlands]

Note that the precedent declares pawprints as a step from period practice, but the other charges are only discouraged. They were not declared to be a step from period practice at that time. Later precedent says that there is a step from period practice for the use of a natural tiger:

There is a step from period practice for the use of a natural tiger, since it is fauna not native to Europe and not used in period heraldry" [Tigernan Mear mac Riatai, September 2010, A-Atlantia]

[Ruaidhri mac Seamuis, 04/2011, A-Meridies] The cross gurgity appears to be an invention of period heralds, mentioned in tracts, but never seen in period heraldry. The same sort of curved ends can be seen, in mirror pairs, in the cross moline. Therefore, though this cross was never used in period heraldry, its use is only a step from period practice. [Alfarr Utherson, 04/2011, A-West]

This device is returned for having two steps from period practice. The first step is for the use of a natural tiger, which is an animal not native to Europe which was not used in period heraldry. The second step is for the use of fimbriation and an overall charge in the same design, which was ruled a step from period practice on the March 2011 LoAR. [Ian the Red, 05/2011, R-Caid]

The use of a valknut is a step from period practice. [Bleuflattes, College of, 05/2011, A-Gleann Abhann]

The use of a hummingbird is a step from period practice. [Ealusaid inghean Mhaoil Choluim, 05/2011, A-Outlands]

The use of a wolf ululant is a step from period practice. [Dragano Sanuto da Firenze, 06/2011, A-An Tir]

The use of a penguin is a step from period practice. [Kirsten Maria Matz, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

There is a step from period practice for the use of a schnecke with secondary charges ... Ogedai Qara, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

There is a step from period practice for use of a bird other than an eagle in the displayed posture. [Dietrich von Stroheim, 06/2011, A-Atlantia]

[a fleur-de-lys inverted sable between a fleur-de-lys vert and a fleur-de-lys purpure] The device is also returned for being two steps from period practice, formerly called 'weirdnesses'. One step was mentioned on the Letter of Intent:

Questions were raised regarding having...three roundels in three different tinctures. While were unable, in a quick look, to find an example of the same charge in three different tinctures, the Dictionary of British Armory, 2 shows the arms of Milo Fitzwalter of Glouster as Gules, two bends the upper Or and lower argent, making the use of the same change in three different tinctures only one weirdness [LoAR February 1998].

The other step from period practice is for inverting only one charge of a group of three charges: "Inverting one of three identical charges on a chief is poor practice." [Torgul Steingrimsson, R-03/1986] Since it has not been demonstrated to be period practice, inverting only part of a charge group (other than charges in annulo where the entire group is oriented radially) is a step from period practice. [Lillian atte Valeye, 06/2011, R-East]

There is a step from period practice for using non-identical charges issuing from either side of the line of division. [Rónán Meade, 07/2011, A-Calontir]

The use of an Oriental dragon is a step from period practice. [Chabi Merkit, 07/2011, R-Trimaris]

The use of a lightning bolt not as part of a thunderbolt is a step from period practice. [Septimus Marius Belisarius, 08/2011, A-Atlantia]

The use of this modern depiction of a drop-spindle is a step from period practice. [Sybyle of Somerset, 08/2011, A-Atlantia]

The use of bamboo, another species not native to period Europe, is also a step from period practice. [Hayashi Otora, 08/2011, R-Caid]

The use of a llama, as New World fauna not used in period heraldry, is a step from period practice. [Victoria Philo, 08/2011, A-Gleann Abhann]

STYLE
see also BLAZON and STEP FROM PERIOD PRACTICE

While you can blazon your way out of a style problem, you cannot blazon your way out of a conflict. [Tomyris Benenati, 07/2011, R-Atenveldt]

SWORD

The zulfikar sword in this depiction does not match that in the defining instance, having a much larger angle between the two portions of the blade. This is acceptable, as period depictions of zulfikars showed similar variation.

Commenters asked if this device was clear of ... , Gules, a table-trestle Or. While the table-trestle is a period charge, and the zulfikar is not, there are sufficient visual differences between the two that there is at least significant difference between a zulfikar and a table-trestle. [Jethro Stille, 05/2011, A-Outlands]

SYMBOL

[In pale a double tiwaz rune conjoined to a sail-less drakkar sable] On resubmission, the submitter should provide evidence for the use of abstract symbols conjoined to and replacing important parts of other charges in period armory. While we are not aware of any evidence for the use of such a motif, we will not rule on that question at this time. [Tryggr Tyresson, 04/2011, R-An Tir]

[the uppercase Greek letter phi] We require letters, when used as charges, to be drawn in a medieval hand:

This badge must be returned for the use of non-period charges: the capital letters H and S are modern sans-serif letters, with lines of equal width. Medieval letters, both in calligraphy and in carving, had different widths for the different strokes; and while there are some examples of sans-serif letters from ancient times, the majority of medieval letters were serifed. The letters used here are obtrusively modern in style. [Garrick of Shadowdale, R-02-2008]

Similarly, Greek letters should be drawn in a style that matches period hands. [Énán Mac Cormaicc, 06/2011, R-Atenveldt]

TABLE

TOOL - Textile
There is sufficient visual difference between a door and a square weaver's tablet for another CD. [Beonne seo brune, 07/2011, A-Ansteorra]

The use of this modern depiction of a drop-spindle is a step from period practice. [Sybyle of Somerset, 08/2011, A-Atlantia]

TREE

On the June 2005 Cover Letter, standards were set out regarding the differences between white willows, weeping willows, and generic trees. At that time, weeping willows were granted a CD from white willows and oak or generic trees, and their use was declared a step from period practice. White willows were not granted a CD from oak or generic trees. Further research by Eastern Crown found that an Arabic expert and a botanist, J. Esteban Hernández Bermejo and Expiración Garcia Sánchez, in "Economic Botany and Ethnobotany in al-Andalus (Iberian Peninsula: Tenth - Fifteenth Centuries), an Unknown Heritage of Mankind" (Economic Botany Ja/Mr 1998; 52(1):15-26) and "Estudio premilinar al Libro de Agriculture de Ibn Bassal. IN: Ibn Bassal, El Legado Andalusí" (Granada, 1995. pp. 7-66) have identified four variants of willow, including Salix Babylonica, the weeping willow, in "Libro de Agricultura", a period work by Ibraham ibn Bassal, who lived in Seville and Toledo, Spain in the 11th Century. This research led to declaring weeping willows no longer a step from period practice in March 2011.

We are hereby overturning the June 2005 precedent, and declaring that willows are willows: while there may be a blazonable distinction between a weeping willow and a white willow, there is no CD between the two, nor is there a CD between a willow of any sort and an oak or generic tree. Both are registerable. [Katerina Ine Curry, 08/2011, A-Ansteorra]

TRIANGLE

A valknut was most recently defined in 2006:

For purposes of SCA heraldry, a valknut is three voided triangles interlaced. The triangles in the submitted emblazon are not voided, nor are they really interlaced. The triangles are fracted (broken) in various places and the "voiding" is a thin line, abstract design on a non-identifiable underlying charge. This is also sufficient grounds for return. [Feb 2006 - Rauþúlfr inn Orþstóri]

The use of a valknut is a step from period practice. [Bleuflattes, College of, 05/2011, A-Gleann Abhann]

TRIQUETRA

TRISKELE and TRISKELION

There is a step from period practice for the use of a triskelion of spirals. [Máel Coluim Mór, 04/2011, A-Middle]

VISUAL COMPARISON
This section is organized by the owner of the registered armory in question.

[Anastasia filia Maguch] [Argent, on a bend sable between two bouquets of lilac blossoms purpure slipped and leaved vert banded purpure a peacock feather Or] For reproducibility's sake, we wish to note that there are three blossoms in each bouquet in this submission, but visually each bouquet is a single unit; thus there are only two secondary charges, not six. [Anastasia filia Maguch, 07/2011, A-Atenveldt]

[Cassandra Attewoode] Azure, a wall with a door issuant from base argent masoned sable and in chief a sunburst Or] Under current precedent, for conflict checking purposes this badge is equivalent to Per fess embattled azure and argent masoned sable, in chief a sunburst Or. [Cassandra Attewoode, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

[Danamas of Starlinghurst] Azure, atop a demi-wall issuant from dexter base, a starling contourny argent perched in a nest Or ... The starling and its nest are maintained charges. [Cassandra Attewoode, 06/2011, A-Atenveldt]

[Dierdriana of the Misty Isles] Azure, a lotus goblet argent and on a chief argent three lotus blossoms inverted throughout gules. There is a substantial difference between Dierdriana's primary charge, a goblet, and a tulip. [Alis ingen Fhinn, 08/2011, R-Gleann Abhann]

[Kedivor Tal ap Cadugon] [Purpure ermined argent, a griffin segreant argent winged and beaked Or] There is one CD ... for changing the tincture of the wings, which are large enough to count as half of the griffin. [Henri Olivier de Longchamp, 08/2011, R-Artemisia]

[Suvia filia Heriberti] [(Fieldless) A griffin statant to sinister drinking from a goblet azure] The goblet is a maintained charge and does not count for difference. [Suvia filia Heriberti, 07/2011, A-An Tir]

WREATH

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