Copyright © 1995 - Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
There is only one species of aardvark. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
Abased means that the ... division is lowered to base. This is what we used to call "debased," which was incorrect. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 1
"Abased" means lowered to base. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 1
Your [submission] violates the rule against astrological symbols because the cross within an annulet is the astrological symbol of Earth. A true sun cross has the annulet on the cross, so the arms of the cross extend beyond the annulet. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9.
Runes, like letters, numbers, hieroglyphs, and Chinese characters may not be used as charges in devices. Runes are acceptable for badges. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 3
Musical notes cannot be used in devices, but can be used in badges. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 10
The infinity symbol is out of period and inappropriate for registration as a tinctureless charge. Abstract symbols should not be used as tinctureless badges. Otherwise, you would get people registering the signs of the Zodiac and then denying their use to others. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 11
A person cannot register a single abstract symbol without a field as a badge. If we allowed such a practice, people would register the symbols they liked and deny their use to others. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 11
Letters, numbers, runes, and other such abstract symbols may not be used in a device, although they can be used in badges ... This rule was decided by the College to be the rule for SCA usage. Whether or not runes actually were used occasionally in period in European arms is irrelevant. We will not use them. our basis is English heraldry, which did not use them. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 6
From now on, it shall be up to each individual kingdom to decide what achievements shall be used on scrolls. WVS [51] [CL 20 Sep 81], p. 1
If you wish to use supporters, crests, or mottoes, you are free to do so, but the College of Arms will not register them, although an individual kingdom could. I would prefer to see supporters reserved for holders of Patents of Arms. WVS [51] [CL 20 Sep 81], p. 2
[Acorn wreath fructed.] The acorns must be enlarged by a factor of two to three to be in keeping with medieval practice and to remove the similarity to a laurel wreath. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 4Acorns are ripe (i.e. brown) by default. If you want a green acorn you have to so specify. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 7
The Boreas is a cloud with the face of an old man, while the Aeolus is a cloud with the face of a young boy. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 9
Boreas is the North Wind, which has an icy breath. It is therefore argent. This is an Aeolus, i.e., a wind, no direction specified. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 5
Only a real doctor can register a caduceus or a staff of Aesculapius in a device. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 13
Alternate vair is a German variation of vair wherein each vair bell is divided per pale. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 2
He must use a period anchor with straight arms instead of the 1800's anchor he has drawn. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 1
There are many species of angelfish but they all have the same basic outline and this is just a single specified tincture so there is no need for listing the genus and species. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
Seven annulets braced is excessive. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 9
Vires are concentric annulets. Thus you have one annulet, two vires, three vires, etc. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 8
[Embowed in annulo.] The [charge] in chief determines the direction of rotation. By default, it points to dexter and so, by default, the [charges] are oriented in a widdershins direction. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 6
The anole is the American chameleon. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 1
The anvil must be a period anvil, which is double-pointed, rather than the modern anvil shown in the drawing. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
The medieval anvil was symmetrical, with two horns. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
This is the most massively documented appeal I have ever seen. It was well done. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 4
All rejections do have the right of appeal, so long as documentation accompanies the appeal. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 7
The use of archaic terms for canting purposes is acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 10
You cannot differentiate a newt's arm from any other reptilian arms ... Resubmit ... as a reptile's arm. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 6
Arrows fesswise point to sinister, just [as] arrows palewise point to base. Arrows and arrowheads thus point in the opposite direction from most other charges. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 3
The sword has the arms of the shire on the blade next to the hilt, but that is artistic license. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
With regard to small details on animals, such as claws and teeth, these really shouldn't clutter up the blazon unless really necessary. They should either be of the same tincture as the animal, or else colored to stand out in contrast. The standard tincture for such if the animal is Or or argent is gules, unless the field is gules, in which case it is azure. If the animal is colored then the standard tincture for the small details is argent, unless the field is argent, in which case it is or. Rather than clutter up the blazon it is much better to just use the space for notes to the scribe or artist on the picture sheet to detail just how to color the small details. Large details, such as a horse's mane, should be described in the blazon. WVS [12] [CL 18 Mar 80], p. 1
We view what is on the emblazon sheet as the only correct form for the device or badge, subject to artistic license. This is an old custom from the beginning of the College. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
The number of crenelations on a tower is a matter for the artist, not the blazon. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], pa 4
Delineating a charge is artistic license and need not be blazoned. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 1
The exact minor details of the Assyrian winged bull versus a normal winged bull are matters for the artist, not the blazon. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 2
Snowflakes are now acceptable charges. They must have six-fold symmetry, Id but the exact details are artistic license. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 6
In line with the decision on ordinaries and their diminutives having no points of difference, henceforth we will not use bordurelets. The size of a bordure shall be a matter for the artist. A single bar will be no different from a fess. For the benefit of the scribes, the first diminutive of an ordinary may be used singly and so specified to indicate that a smaller size is wanted, but no points of difference will result. Thus, you can specify one bar in the blazon, and it will be drawn that way, but it will be no different than if it were a fess for the purpose of conflicts. WVS [54] [CL 27 Oct 81], p. 1
Exactly which kind of oak leaf they are is a matter for the artist, not the blazon. Heraldically, a leaf proper is always green unless otherwise indicated, in which case you might as well say vert. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
Atop means the [charge] is standing on top of the mount. Upon means the [charge] is charged on the mount. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 1
Augmentations are listed separately. The original arms are unchanged unless, as in this case, they are modified to make room for augmentations. The bearer of the arms still retains the right to display the original arms if desired. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 13
You cannot have charged cantons or quarters, either dexter or sinister, with straight lines of division. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
The pall on the bezant looks like a form of augmentation. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
The device is rejected because the chief appears to be an augmentation of Brittany. Try moving the chief up off the bend sinister in the usual manner. Chiefs overall were generally only used for augmentations. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
see also SHIELDS ON SHIELDS
N. was the one spelling that was not used in period. I suggest you use one of the period forms, if you care about authenticity. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
The arms of branches must have at least one laurel wreath as a major charge. Nothing else may, including badges and flags of branches. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
Quartering ... cannot be used for badges, as impaling is allowed there and that is sufficient. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 17
The College allows one to register a badge for an alternate persona, but the badge is registered under the name of the main persona. No more than one file per person. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 6
Badges need not have fields specified. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
From now on I am going to list badges of groups that are not personal households separately, although I still require the name of a representative. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 2
Badges for territorial branches should either obey the rule of tincture or have no specified field. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 3
Fields and tinctures of charges need not all be specified in a badge. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
Badges for subsidiary offices are forbidden, especially within the heralds. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 3
From now on all SCA badges must differ by one and a half points from SCA devices and one point from all other categories. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
From now on all badges must obey the rule of tincture. Badges need not have any tinctures specified, but if any are specified then they must obey the rule. I have finally decided to eliminate the acceptance of anything violating the rule of tincture because of all of the rules of heraldry [this] is the one that is most known to the populace, and so it is confusing to the populace to see banners which violate this practice. The primary reason for this change is to be more in keeping with period practice. In our period the rule of tincture was applied to both arms and badges. Although exceptions can be found, they were just that, exceptions to an otherwise adamant rule. Since the rule of tincture is one of the most practical rules we have, being based upon reasons of contrast and visibility, I have decided it is best to honor it in all cases. All previously registered badges are of course unaffected, but no longer constitute preceden[t]. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
A person may not place his or her own badge on an inescutcheon, lozenge or cartouche on his or her device, as that would seem to be a form of marshalling or else an augmentation. A person could place his or her badge upon a roundel and place this on his or her device. This is the proper shape for a badge, after all, and will not be considered a form of marshalling. You could also place the badge on the sail of a ship, or the sleeve of a maunch, or some other non-marshalling usage. In any event the addition cannot cause the device to exceed the limit on complexity. WVS [26] [CL 20 Oct 80], p. 3
The College will not register devices to cats or any other animals ... N. can register a badge to himself for his cat M. if he wants to. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 9
The College will not register a badge without a field that has a division of the field or an ordinary or subordinary that depends on the shape of the field for its own shape. This means you cannot register a fieldless badge with a pale, because if a pale is on a lozenge it is pointed at both ends, while on a heater it is straight at both ends. A badge with a field has the field in the shape of a roundel. A badge without a field is just the charge(s) it contains. If you want just a mullet on a pale for a badge, blazon it as a mullet on a billet. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 5
Do not use the arms of the Barony as a part of a badge of the Barony. The result is a roundel with a laurel wreath too small to make out. Besides, it looks like an augmentation. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 11
The infinity symbol is out of period and inappropriate for registration as a tinctureless charge. Abstract symbols should not be used as tinctureless badges. Otherwise, you would get people registering the signs of the Zodiac and then denying their use to others. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 11
A person cannot register a single abstract symbol without a field as a badge. If we allowed such a practice, people would register the symbols they liked and deny their use to others. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 11
The badge [containing an oak leaf and a sickle] is too Druidical in nature. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
Letters, numbers, runes, and other such abstract symbols may not be used in a device, although they can be used in badges. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 6
You can register a badge under your name for your teddy bear, but do not submit a device for your teddy bear. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 2
see also HOUSEHOLD
The triple-drone bagpipe is out of period. Redraw this with two drones. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 2
Tartans are mostly out of period, and so I have left the coloration of the bagpipe to the scribe. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 2. [The bagpipe was blazoned as "proper."]
The bagwyn is cited in the early 16th century and so is admissible as a charge. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 7
see FLAG
see FESS
A puncheon barrel is elliptical in shape, as opposed to the normal round barrel. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 8
Heraldry does not count beyond ten. Hence, this is barruly instead of barry of fourteen. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 5
A ford is a base barry wavy argent and azure, representing water ... If the ford were placed upon a metal field the colors would be reversed to azure and argent. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 2
Heraldry does not count beyond ten. Hence, this is barruly instead of barry of fourteen. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 5
You cannot have barry wavy of two colors. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], Peg 5
A ford is a base barry wavy argent and azure, representing water ... If the ford were placed upon a metal field the colors would be reversed to azure and argent. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 2
Note that dancetty can only be used on an ordinary that has two sides. You cannot have a chief or a base or a bordure dancetty. WVS [22] [CL 27 Aug 80], p. 1
To use a surname to form a patronymic can indicate bastardy. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 7. [I am not aware of any reputable source that bears out this claim.]
The baton sinister is reserved to the English royal house. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 3
A comet's tail heraldically is known as its beard. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2
see also HAIR
Any creature with four limbs can be rampant if the limbs are arranged in that specific artificial position. Wings count as limbs, as do fins. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 6
Heraldry doesn't care what positions a given animal can or cannot [have] in nature. It would be heraldically acceptable to have a seal rampant, even though that is also impossible. An animal sejant erect has the back legs under the body facing in the same direction as the head, even if one must break them to make them do that in nature. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 4
A beast rising means it is rising to its feet, going from sejant to statant. The hind legs are vertical and the front are bent. WVS [55]
All creatures must be in a standard heraldic positiona!! WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 11
The default bell is a church bell. If you want some other kind of bell you must so specify. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
There is very little difference between a bend sinister and a scarpe, as either is variable in size. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 6
A bird rising has its wings displayed by default. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 4
A bird rising by default has its wings inverted. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 2
When two charges are in saltire you first mention the one in bend, and then that in bend sinister. The default position is for the charge in bend to lie on top of the charge in bend sinister. If not you have to say it is surmounted by the other charge. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 3. [Note contradiction in ruling of 21 Dec 81 [59], p. 1]
The use of archaic terms for canting purposes is acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 10
The field is blazoned completely first, then come the charges. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 2
Objects in bend are bendwise unless otherwise stated. The same holds true for in pale, in fess, in chevron, in pall, in bend sinister, in cross, etc. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 5
Do not use continental terms if you can blazon it with English terms. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 1
Objects placed as if upon a bordure may be described as in bordure. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 1
A single charge is bendwise, while several charges are in bend. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p; 5
[In compass star.] This means that there are four long [charges] and four short [charges] around the [central charge], as if it was a dismembered compass star. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
If a charge rests wholly on another it is charged upon the other. If it extends onto the field then the lower charge is surmounted by the upper charge. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
Crossed in estoile means the first [charge] is bendwise sinister, the second is bendwise and the third is palewise, placed one upon the other. This is an SCA convention. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 2
By default charges are placed symmetrically around a field division. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 3
[Embowed in annulo.] The [charge] in chief determines the direction of rotation. By default, it points to dexter and so, by default, the [charges] are oriented in a widdershins direction. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 6
The [charges] are too small to be mentioned in the blazon. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 1
The College has ruled that out-of-period names for charges that themselves are in period may be used if those names are the ones the charges are commonly known by. An example of this is the fur, pean. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 2
Whenever possible avoid using the split-field blazon style. Blazon first the entire field and then the charges. Semys may be considered part of the field for this purpose. WVS [47] [CL 30 Jul 81], p. 5
A charge facing towards the sinister side is "to sinister," while a charge lying in the sinister half of the field is "in sinister." The facing comes after the mention of the charge, but the location comes before it. Thus a drakkar sailing under full sail towards the sinister edge is "a drakkar under full sail to sinister," but a drakkar located in the sinister half of the field but sailing towards the dexter is "in sinister a drakkar under full sail." The same applies to "in chief" versus "to chief" or "in base" versus "to base." WVS [47] [CL 30 Jul 81], p. 5
Gyronny in cross means the gyronny is rotated one-half notch so the gyrons are in cross. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 6
It is an SCA convention that charges placed along a line of division behave like charges placed upon the corresponding ordinary with regards to default positions. Thus two swords on a bend are by default bendwise unless otherwise specified. By SCA convention two swords in bend are by default bendwise unless otherwise specified WVS [56] [CL 30 Nov 81], p. 2
When two charges are in saltire, the dexter charge is mentioned before the sinister charge. Normally, the sinister charge is on top of the dexter charge. When it is not, as in this case, the dexter charge is stated to be surmounting the sinister charge. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1. [This contradicts the ruling of 19 Nov 79 [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 3]
A pharos is any lighthouse, and is thus not specific enough for use in a blazon. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
When two pairs of charges are in cross, one first blazons the pair in pale and then the pair in fess. If the two pairs had been in saltire, you would first blazon the pair in bend and then the pair in bend sinister. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 3
Hereafter, if charges are placed upon an ordinary, then by default they will follow the orientation of the ordinary (a sword placed on a bend will be bendwise by default), but charges placed along a line of partition will retain their normal default orientations. This will allow us to say that two charges placed in [the] 1st and 4th quarters on either side of a cross are in bend, without having to then say they are palewise. WVS [69] [CL 25 May 82], p. 5
see also ARTISTIC LICENSE
The bonacon was considered too offensive by a significant fraction of the College and is therefore not allowed for use in the SCA. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
Please remove the writing, as that is not proper usage. It should be a blank book. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 4
Period boots did not have heels. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 5
For the last time, bordures in the SCA are on the field and do have to obey the rule of tincture! WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 5
A bordurelet is an SCA creation which is a diminutive of a bordure, being only one-third as wide as a bordure, but still being the edge of the shield. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 3
The addition of just a bordure is not sufficient because bordures are marks of cadency in Scotland. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 5
As Lord Virgule says, the addition of a bordure (a single charge) was ruled insufficient difference from Scrope in the famous Scrope vs. Grosvenor case in England. The addition of two different charges is sufficient difference between a Society device and mundane arms. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 5
Objects placed as if upon a bordure may be described as in bordure. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 1
Note that dancetty can only be used on an ordinary that has two sides. You cannot have a chief or a base or a bordure dancetty. WVS [22] [CL 27 Aug 80], p. 1
You get no difference between a bordure and a bordurelet. We allow the term to aid the artists. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
A bordure versus a bordurelet is at most one-half point. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 8
Placing a chief over a bordure is a non-period practice. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
Bordurelets themselves are not good style. Please drop the bordurelet. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
In line with the decision on ordinaries and their diminutives having no points of difference, henceforth we will not use bordurelets. The size of a bordure shall be a matter for the artist. WVS [54] [CL 27 Oct 81], p. 1
When one border surmounts another, the second is one-half the width of the first, effectively producing a bordure divided into two equal-width pieces. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 4
see BORDURE
The Boreas is a cloud with the face of an old man, while the Aeolus is a cloud with the face of a young boy. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 9
Boreas is the North Wind, which has an icy breath. It is therefore argent. This is an Aeolus, i.e., a wind, no direction specified. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 5
The Borzoi is out of period, having been bred into existence in the 17th century. Try a wolfhound. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 4
N.'s own documentation lists the brideskold as an instrument of punishment that was intended to be degrading. In the SCA we are trying to re-create the Middle Ages as they should have been, without such evils as endemic disease, illiteracy, religious persecution, and sexual discrimination. Through SCA decisions to allow women to fight, to hold office, and to otherwise have an equal role in the SCA, we have affirmed our intention to avoid the subjugation of women practiced in the Middle Ages. Heraldic arms are supposed to be serious, honorable emblems. Therefore, in the SCA we shall not use as charges such offensive items as the brideskold, the chastity belt, the dunking stool, the burning stake, or any other symbol of female degradation. These charges are forbidden under the offensive[ness] clause. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 9. [It should be noted that the brideskold, the dunking stool, and the burning stake are symbols of HUMAN degradation, not necessarily reserved to women.]
[Open penannular brooch.] The default position here is the ring part crescentwise with the pin palewise. A closed broach has the pin fesswise. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
Five brownie points. This is classic heraldry at its best. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 2
The exact minor details of the Assyrian winged bull versus a normal winged bull are matters for the artist, not the blazon. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 2
see BRIDESKOLD
see COMPLEXITY
Papillons are butterflies. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 1
In the SCA we use heads caboshed instead of faces. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 6
N. may register his father's device with a label added as one point of difference. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 2
A label is a charge just like any other, and may be so used. In the SCA it is NOT a mark of cadency, as THERE IS NO CADENCY IN THE SCA! WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 11
As we are not using cadency per se it is acceptable to put a label on the mother's arms as well as the father's. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 13
The addition of just a bordure is not sufficient because bordures are marks of cadency in Scotland. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 5
Normally we do not worry about mundane arms consisting only of fields, but you cannot have a device consisting of one of them plus a mark of cadency. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
Our 1-1/2 point rule for difference between SCA devices and mundane arms is based upon the concept of avoiding the appearance of cadency with those mundane arms. Most of the 1-point differences were used as marks of cadency, so we adopted 1-1/2 points of difference as the rule, to ensure that the SCA didn't conflict by cadency with mundane arms. Two forms of differencing were generally not used for cadency. One was removing or replacing the major charge, while leaving the secondary charge in place. The second was adding a new primary charge so the original primary charge(s) became secondary charge(s). In the case of N's arms, the addition of the [charge] demotes the [ordinary] from primary to secondary charge, and thus does not conflict, as this would not have been a form of cadency in period. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 4
Only a real doctor can register a caduceus or a staff of Aesculapius in a device. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 13
The arrow and snake combination ... looks too much like a caduceus, which is restricted. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 5
A can is a type of drinking cup. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 1
The thylacine existed in period and so it can be used, even though it wasn't named until after our period. Since we of course must use the proper but out-of-period name in the blazon, I see no reason that it can't be used as his name, for the sake of canting, so long as it looks like a name and passes the other rules WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 8. [The thylacine is also known as the "Tasmanian wolf."]
The use of archaic terms for canting purposes is acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 10
You cannot have charged cantons or quarters, either dexter or sinister, with straight lines of division. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
see also SHIELDS ON SHIELDS
Herissony means back arched and spitting, a very catly position. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 3
To save space, a cat is a domestic cat. If you want a mountain lion it is a catamount. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2
Genus and species need not be given for common animals where there is only one species involved. There is only one species of domestic cat. The same is true of dogs and horses. There are, however, many breeds, and these are what must be specified. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 2
For the benefit of the ordinary, all trees should have the word tree at the end. hence cedar tree instead of just cedar. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 6
The anole is the American chameleon. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 1
If an armiger who has already registered his arms decides to change his arms he need not obtain the approval of the monarch who made him armigerous. The kings give the rank, but the College gives the actual blazon of the arms. WVS [16] [CL 15 May 80], p. 1
A chaplet graminy is made of grass. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 1
Wreaths or chaplets of roses are restricted to royalty. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
If a charge rests wholly on another it is charged upon the other. If it extends onto the field then the lower charge is surmounted by the upper charge. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
Chased means voided but with the interior details and lines still showing as well as the outline. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 3
Chased means to void a charge leaving both the outline and the internal lines. Like voiding, you can chase something of a tincture other than the field. If the [charge] was chased or then it would be voided of the field with the gold lines showing. In that case the [underlying charge] would show through. Since it does not the [charge] is a [charge] or, chased sable. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7
The only cases for internal lines in heraldry are masoned or chased. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 4
The College of Arms has decided not to allow complex voiding or chasing because of the lack of contrast. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
see BRIDESKOLD
Chausse is a division of the field formed by two lines from dexter chief and sinister chief meeting at the base point. As it is not an even division of the field, it may not be of two metals or two colors. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 1
Chausse-ploye looks like a pile concave throughout, except that the pile portion is the field and the sections to either side are the charges. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 2
Checky, like all divided tinctures, can be of any combinations of colors or metals (even ermine variations). If it is of two colors or two metals then it is treated as a color or metal, respectively, with regard to the rule of tincture. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 7
see LOZENGY
A pile inverted is actually per chevron unless it is a very narrow pile inverted between other charges. If it's wide enough to put a charge on properly, it's generally per chevron. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 5
In the old days of heraldry all chevrons were enhanced. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 11
A chevron voided has the two chevronels connected by bands along the edge of the shield. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 11
A chevronel fracted is like a chevronel rompu but the point section is lowered instead of raised. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 1
The addition of a charged chief counts as one and a half points of difference, one for the chief and one-half for the charges on the chief. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 7
Note that dancetty can only be used on an ordinary that has two sides. You cannot have a chief or a base or a bordure dancetty. WVS [22] [CL 27 Aug 80], p. 1
This is color on color. A chief and a flank are charges, not divisions. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
A chief triangular is a continental term of questionable period. Either prove it is in period or switch to per chevron inverted. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 8
A chief triangular is now an accepted charge. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 7
A chief of one indent is out of period. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
Placing a chief over a bordure is a non-period practice. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
A chief triangular truncated doesn't exist. That's a keystone issuant from chief. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 7
The device is rejected because the chief appears to be an augmentation of Brittany. Try moving the chief up off the bend sinister in the usual manner. Chiefs overall were generally only used for augmentations. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
You cannot have a chief enhanced. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 9
A chimera has the goat's head emerging from the back of the lion's head. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 6
The modern treble clef is out of period. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
see FESS
see TARTAN
The Boreas is a cloud with the face of an old man, while the Aeolus is a cloud with the face of a young boy. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 9
Boreas is the North Wind, which has an icy breath. It is therefore argent. This is an Aeolus, i.e., a wind, no direction specified. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 5
There is no such charge as a thundercloud. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 8
My sources seem to indicate that the collie is out of period, being bred in the late 17th century. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 15
The only cases for internal lines in heraldry are masoned or chased. Anything else, such as the Doric meander, is diapering and is not listed in the blazon. Changing the meander to silver on white would be proper diapering. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 4. [The charge, which was submitted as a Doric meander, was eventually registered as an Ionic column.]
A comet's tail heraldically is known as its beard. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2
Compass roses and Mariner's Roses are too complex to be used in the SCA. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7
He has established that this sort of symbol is in period. By default a compass rose has a fleur-de-lys in chief to point to north. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 3
A compass star has alternating greater and lesser points, with a greater point to chief. To be proper the number of points should be divisible by four. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 6
[In compass star.] This means that there are four long [charges] and four short [charges] around the [central charge], as if it was a dismembered compass star. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
see MOON
This is six layers, which is too much. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 16
In all there are eleven charges crammed onto this device. This is too complicated. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
This is a special exception to the rule against complexity and does not constitute a precedent. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
This is far too complex and is Victorian. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
This device is too busy. It has six charges. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 8
This has six different types of charges and is, therefore, too complex. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 9
You may not charge a sail if the resulting sail conflicts with existing arms. It would imply a relationship to that family. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 6
[Pellinore.] The device is acceptable but the name is not in conjunction with the device. You must either change the word Pellinore or else use a different charge other than the questing beast. The combination of Pellinore and a questing beast is too much of a conflict with King Pellinore. If you want to use a famous name of a mortal you must not only difference from the famous person by the rest of the Society name, but also you must avoid any further reference to the famous person in the device. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7
This would seem to be the arms of a bastard son (hence the bordure counter-compony) of the Royal House of Gondor. The addition of the Elvish name is just too much. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
This conflicts with [blazon]. They are too visually similar. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 7
Normally we do not worry about mundane arms consisting only of fields, but you cannot have a device consisting of one of them plus a mark of cadency. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
During the Renaissance, N.'s arms could well have been drawn with a rapier, as that was the sword in use in those days. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 7. [In other words, a "rapier" is considered to be a special case of the heraldic "sword," and one will conflict with the other.]
If two SCA arms differ only by color (i.e., the outlines are the same), then they conflict. One reason is that, if both were used as tinctureless seals, they would be identical, which is confusing. The other reason is that we remember shapes very well, but colors only somewhat. Thus, two devices differing only in the colors of the charges would be easily confused. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 4
see also DIFFERENCE
You cannot have the Southern Cross, as constellations are out of period for use as charges. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], pa 7
The use of a constellation as a charge is out of period and not acceptable. However, I would be willing to consider an Ursa Major as a charge if you draw the full constellation of mullets on the proper bear shape as drawn by the ancients in our period. The College could then debate whether this is acceptable usage, as such drawings did exist in our period. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7
From now on, an animal turned to face sinister is contourny ... Counter-X shall now be used ... when there are two or more animals moving in opposite directions. Please note that an animal's head that is couped and turned to face sinister is now "couped contourny." Charges that are not animals or animal heads (and for purposes of this rule, humans are animals) still use reversed if turned to sinister. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 3
Charges facing sinister are contourny. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 6
I hereby allow either "contourny" or "to sinister" to represent [the position of a charge] turned to the sinister ... From now on I will take them as they come in. Counter-positions are still reserved for two or more animals going in opposite directions. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 4
Normally the fimbriation would not suffice to avoid lack of contrast, but the semy adds enough extra contrast to make it work. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 1
[Gyronny of sixteen vert and azure.] The excessive division of the field into green and blue pieces is a bad idea given the lack of contrast between the two. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 9
You cannot place argent upon ermine, as there is insufficient contrast. Similarly you could not place Or on erminois, nor sable on counter-ermine or pean. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
The College of Arms has decided not to allow complex voiding or chasing because of the lack of contrast. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
see also PROPER
There is no such thing as a heart proper. That is a conventional charge, and can be borne in any tincture. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
It is now legal to use cotices as independent charges. You specify if they are bar cotices or bend cotices or chevron cotices. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 8
You cannot have an endorse or a cotise standing alone. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 10
Flaunches voided and flaunches cotised are both non-period. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
see CONTOURNY
It is the consensus of the College and my decision that the counterchange of a submission is no longer registered along with the submission. Counterchanging is now a single point of difference, with the stipulation that no badge, device, or arms can be the counterchange of another badge, device or arms without the written permission of the holder of the latter. Thus when one submits a device now it is no longer necessary to worry about what its counterchange conflicts with, or whether the device itself conflicts with the counterchange of other devices or arms. WVS [16] [CL 15 May 80], p. 2
The counterchanging leaves the lines of the bend intact, thereby leaving the bend as the major charge, so there is only one point of difference. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 4
From now on all SCA badges must differ by one and a half points from SCA devices and one point from all other categories. That one point cannot just be counterchanging. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
Counterchanging is less than a full point in most cases. In the case where there are several tinctures then a complete permutation can be a full point. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
You can specify tinctures for counterchanging other than the tinctures of the field and its ordinaries. In this case the [charges] on the azure half of the field are argent and those on the Or half are vert. The default case is to use the colors of the field and ordinaries, as is the case with the [other charge]. In this case the tinctures are not specified. This is a new SCA convention. It should prove useful. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 3
Counterchanging by a line of division is 1 point of difference. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
As this is a badge, it needs only one point of difference from mundane arms and mon, and therefore does not conflict with the Japanese mon which is the counterchange. In mon color doesn't count, just light on dark or dark on light. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
Spiders, turtles, crabs, etc., are all tergiant displayed by default. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 2
A crane in its vigilance is statant with its dexter foreleg upraised. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2
This [charge] is insufficiently unique to warrant its own name in the ordinary. You can call it [special name] in [kingdom] if you like but it can't go into the ordinary that way. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 9
It was standard practice in period European heraldry to create new monsters by combining pieces of common animals. The College of Arms allows the use of those monsters created before 1601 and allows the creation of new monsters in this fashion by Society members. These monsters must be made from pieces of common animals known to Europe in our period. The use of highly unusual or unknown animals is not allowed. Thus one could not make an animal out of a platypus's head, a gnu's body, a coelacanth's tail, and the legs of a penguin. The College has from time to time allowed the registration of new monsters created out of whole cloth that are not blazonable as parts of common animals. These are exceptions treated on a case-by-case basis. The College often assigns a new name to these new monsters rather than listing them as a long combination of various parts of animals (e.g., the Bog Beast). At this time, the College refuses to register as out of period those monsters which were created between the years 1601 and 1966, even if they are completely in keeping with and compatible with period usage. The College does not allow them either under their actual name or as a list of parts of animals. Thus, if you create a new monster out of pieces of animals that has never been thought of before, it is acceptable, but if it turns out that somebody else thought of it in 1758, then it is not allowed. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 2
Henceforth there will be a moratorium on the normal registration of out-of-period monsters and of made-up monsters. Instead, we will allow people to petition the College of Arms for acceptance of a particular monster, on a case-by-case basis. Such proposed monsters may be made up or out of period monsters. The question will be whether the monster is in keeping with period practice and whether the College feels it would be a good idea to allow its use in the SCA. Once approved, the monster is available for use by anybody in the SCA. All monsters already registered now are still available for general use. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 5
You cannot give special names to simple charges like a roundel engrailed. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 2
An increscent moon is an increscent with a face and is in period as it was used in statuary in our period. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 2
I prefer crescent inverted to crescent pendant. WVS 140], pa 5
Vesper has convinced me that a crescent pendant is a proper period version of a crescent inverted and so I allow it. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 6
see ACHIEVEMENT
Crined applies to all hair parts, not just the mane. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 2
Your [submission] violates the rule against astrological symbols because the cross within an annulet is the astrological symbol of Earth. A true sun cross has the annulet on the cross, so the arms of the cross extend beyond the annulet. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
A Bowen cross is a Bowen knot rotated 45 degrees to be in cross, with the loops straightened into straight lines and right angle bends. It looks like five mascles conjoined in cross. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 3
Formy and paty are the same thing. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
A Cross of Calatrava gules is the symbol of the Spanish Order of Calatrava, an order of knighthood. A Cross of Calatrava vert is the symbol of the Order of Alcantara, another Spanish order of knighthood. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 8. [The submission was rejected for containing one of these charges.]
A cross sarcelled means its ends are split back towards the center (see Copinger's Heraldry Simplified, plate 69, $183, p. 66). WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 1
It is better to call these mullets [of four points] than star-crosses, because that way they are grouped with mullets in the Ordinary rather than crosses. We already have another use for star-cross, anyway. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 5
A Latin saltire is a Latin cross bendwise. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1
A tau cross has concave arms. A cross couped in chief has straight arms and thus looks like the capital letter T. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 4
[Cross annuletted.] Annuletted [sic] means each arm of the cross ends in an annulet. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 3. [The forms given in the heraldry books are annulated and annuletty.]
A straight tau cross looks like a capital T. A normal tau cross has formy arms. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 4
In the SCA, a Cross of Jerusalem is a cross potent between four crosses couped. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 1. [This is the mundane usage as well.]
The patriarchal cross (often blazoned as a Cross Lorraine or an Archiepiscopal Cross) was usually used in ecclesiastical heraldry, but there are instances of its use in normal heraldry. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 2
Crowns are reserved for Kingdoms, Principalities, Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 3
The badge is OK, but it cannot be a badge for use by a household, as only Duke N. has the right to display the crowns. His household members do not have this right. Therefore, I have registered this as a personal badge. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 5
A can is a type of drinking cup. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 1
A cygnet is a baby swan. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 4
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