Copyright © 1995 - Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
There is enough ill feeling about the pentagram to keep it out under the offensive[ness] clause. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
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
Too close to the Hand of Glory. This smacks so much of Satanism that it would be offensive to a large fraction of the populace. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 7
The use of combinations of charges to form a representation of the male organ is very poor taste, although legal. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
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.]
Badges for subsidiary offices are forbidden, especially within the heralds. Seals may be used, but it is the opinion of myself and my staff that there is no need or justification for registering a seal to a heraldic office below the level of Principality Herald. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 3
All members of an office use the national badge for that office. Badges for subsidiary offices are forbidden. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7
Individual kingdom offices may register tinctureless seals but not tinctured badges. All heralds use the heralds' badge. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 2
Opals come in all colors, and so the color must be specified. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
The Opinicus is out of period. What you drew is a winged griffin. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
It has been brought to my attention that the opinicus is actually in period, having been invented as a separate type of griffin in the 1500s. It may therefore be used. WVS [54] [CL 27 Oct 81], p. 1
Mandarin oranges are out of period. [These] are roundels tenne, not oranges, because there is no texturing as found on an orange. Tenne is forbidden. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 9
In the case where one has mundane arms which [are] not the arms of a royal house [and] which consist of a simple field plus a simple ordinary, the addition of a major overall charge ... is sufficient difference. The overall charge must be drawn large enough to make it the primary visual charge. The relegation of the ordinary to secondary status will constitute the extra half point needed. These simple combinations of field plus ordinary are usually held by many mundane families and this multiplicity allows us to be a little more lenient. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 6
The difference between an ordinary and its subordinary [diminutive] is one-half point. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 1
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
Having an ordinary covering other charges is highly unusual. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 7
One is an orle and two or more are tressures, by SCA convention. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 2
In accordance with many urgings, I will allow a single tressure (a diminutive of an orle) to be used. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 5
[Ounce-dragon.] This monster is the front half of an ounce (snow leopard) and the back half of a dragon. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 2
Mortant is a term from Outlandish heraldry, and is not acceptable for official use in the SCA. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 6
A charge overall upon both metal and color need not conform to the rule of tincture. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 8
Placing charges on top of overall charges is contrary to period practice. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 8
Chiefs overall were generally only used for augmentations. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
By default owls are close guardant. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 2
For per pall, three charges are by default one and two. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 4
These are beasts, not groups of gods. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 7
This is the heraldic panther. The natural [panther] must be so specified. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 6
Papelonny of one tincture is a form of diapering. Papelonny of two tinctures is an allowed fur. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 9
Papillons are butterflies. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 1
Any combination of standard divisions of the field that can be blazoned and recognized from a distance is acceptable. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 1
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
There is no such thing as bendy sinister of five sable and gules. This is sable, two scarpes gules, which is color on color. If you must have black and red diagonals, make it bendy sinister sable and gules by adding a third gules scarpe at the bottom, giving six stripes. All divided fields must be divided into an even number of pieces, if only two tinctures are used. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
[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
This is color on color. A chief and a flank are charges, not divisions. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
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
[Per chevron inverted enhanced This is properly called a chief point pointed, or mantely inverted. This is a charge, not a field division, and so the device is color on color. Per chevron inverted is an even division of the field and is, therefore, exempt from the Rule of Tincture. There is no field division called per chevron inverted enhanced, as it is not an even division of the field. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 7
[Fusily bendwise sinister.] This division of the field doesn't exist. Try paly bendy sinister. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 10
You cannot have a division into more than four parts that consists of only colors or only metals. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 7
Pierced per bend sinister.] We do not tierce of three colors in this fashion. Only tierced per pall and tierced per pall inverted are allowed to be of three colors. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 7
[Gyronny of twelve from the center of the dexter chief.] This sort of division is not heraldic. You can't have gyronny of two colors. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 9
I have decided to add gyronny of 6 and 8 to the list of divisions of the field that may be of two colors. WVS [64] [CL 18 Mar 82], p. 2
You cannot have barry wavy of two colors. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 5
Inasmuch as the [charge] really is not Or, charged with three pallets gules, paly of seven is the only way to describe it. This is a special exception to the ban on odd-numbered divisions. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 5
By default charges are placed symmetrically around a field division. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 3
All divisions in our period tended to be symmetrical. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7
Differences in lines of division are one-half point. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 8
[Per bend sinister rayonny palewise.] The use of lines of division shifted to other directions like this is out of period. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
You cannot have wavy of two. The minimum is three, and the numbers should not be specified. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
see PEACOCK
[Peacock pavanated.] Document pavanated as a period heraldic term. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
[Peacock pavanated.] Pavanated means the tail feathers are closed and lowered in a smooth curve. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 6
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
The differences between a winged unicorn and a horned pegasus are the beard and the cloven hooves, very tiny differences indeed. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
[Horned pegasus.] This is by default a unicornate horn. If you ever want a pegasus with some other type of horn you must specify. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 1
[Horned pegasus.] The creature has no beard and a horse's tail, instead of the unicorn's fancy heraldic tail. If you want to call something a unicorn, it has to have a beard, cloven hooves, and the heraldic unicorn's tail. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 2
By default, the wings are elevated and addorsed. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 5
A demi-pegasus affronty is out of period. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 6
I prefer crescent inverted to crescent pendant. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 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
By default, pennons stream to dexter. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 1
Hereafter mullets of any number of points may be voided and interlaced, except for five points, which is still forbidden. They should be blazoned in this manner. There is enough ill feeling about the pentagram to keep it out under the offensive[ness] clause. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
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 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
Perspective is out of period. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
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
The N. is a famous thing, and cannot be used as a given name, unless she can provide documentation showing that it was used as a given name in our period. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 4
In the College we are not duplicating any one heraldic system from our period. This is not possible, since at any one time in history you could not get all of the heraldic authorities in one area to agree on all points of heraldic rules, so how can we therefore make a complete set of rules that duplicate what was never a complete set of rules? What we are doing in the College is practicing a system of heraldry that recreates the style of the fifteenth century English College of Arms usage, but also is adapted for our specific needs and customs. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 3
The College is not bound by what was done in the Middle Ages, but is decidedly influenced [by it]. We are creating a system of heraldry that satisfies our needs and which also is in keeping with the style of the heraldry practiced in fifteenth century England. It is inevitable that difference between our practices and period practices will exist. The question is whether the difference is beneficial or not. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 3
Dovetailed is in fact out of period but has been accepted for use in the SCA as it is compatible with period usage. WVS [22] [CL 27 Aug 80], p. 1
You cannot use a Linnean name as part of a Society name. They are all out of period. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
Charges, monsters, and usages created between the years 1601 and 1966 may not be used under any name or description, as they are out of period. An enfield by any other name is still unacceptable. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 10
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
A mustache on a cross was used in 1671 in France. That is close enough to indicate that they did use that sort of thing in period. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 1
Based upon the opinion of the College of Arms, the enfield is hereby ruled compatible with period usage and is thus allowable for SCA use. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 2
One Society name and one device/arms per body or corporate entity, as far as registration with the College and listing in the Order of Precedence of a kingdom. 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
Your [submission] is in violation of the edict prohibiting all followers of Islam from bearing or making representations of living objects ... The edict versus representation of living things is part of Islam, not a made up rule of the College, but we follow it for personas claiming to be of Islam. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
[N., called M.] If M. is a nickname this is acceptable usage, but if M. is an alternate persona it should not appear in the name. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
This was submitted as N. von M.[, called the Stupid Peasant]. The use of von indicates nobility. If you want to be of a place but not noble the word is aus. Since she has an illiterate peasant persona I have used aus. If she wants to use von she will have to drop the stupid peasant nickname. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 4
The appeal is granted concerning the bearing of representations of living things by Islamic persona[e]. The Shiites, among other Islamic sects, do not follow the rule. The College is not in the business of determining which Islamic sect's rules a follower of Islam must follow. Since some can display such symbols, in the SCA all can. If they want to violate the Koran that's up to them. The Principal Herald receiving such a device should, however, inform the submitter of the rule so that they are not acting in ignorance of it. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 1
Your name is in the modern Russian style of three names (given name, patronymic, family name). This is out of period for a Jew. They didn't use three names like that until they were required by law to do so, which occurred after our period. Either be Jewish and drop the Russian family name] or be Russian and replace Jewish given name] with a Russian given name. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 8
The College of Arms does not restrict the [use] of secondary personae at events by members of the SCA. It does, however, require a single Society name for a given mundane person to register all submissions and awards to, because awards are given to the mundane person, not the persona, and the College deals with the mundane person, but registers submissions under a Society name. If N. wants M. to be his primary persona, then he can change his name to M. The College will not register alternate personae, although it will, as in this case, register badges for them under the primary Society name. This ruling is FINAL!! WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 4
I have also decided to allow everybody the option of registering one, AND ONLY ONE, alias. This can be an alternate persona's name, a nickname, or an alternate legal name. This alias, like a badge, will be registered under the primary Society name. The Order of Precedence will still list the primary Society name, and all scrolls will use the primary Society name. The alias must satisfy the rules for names. The alias will be listed in the Armorial, with a reference to the primary Society name, and will thus be protected. WVS [71] [CL 18 Jun 82], p. 2
Perspective is out of period. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
You can have a rose of other than five petals as a rose petal is a well-defined shape, and a rose of N-petals is clear. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 1
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
[Egyptian phoenix] This is a real bird, not a classical phoenix. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 6
A phoenix is an eagle rising from flames. The flames need not be specified because if they weren't there it would be an eagle instead of a phoenix. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2
A phoenix is defined as an eagle rising displayed out of flames. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
Piles are not normally throughout, just almost so. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
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
Period piles converged to base point by default. Parallel piles must be blazoned as palewise. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 1
The heraldic python is a fanged serpent with bat's wings. If you want the natural python you must say so and give the genus and species. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 3
A pithon is a winged serpent. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
We will use the spelling pithon for the heraldic winged serpent and python for the natural beast. If anyone wants a natural python we will require the genus and species, even if it is of a specified tincture. If there is a genus and species, then it is a natural python. Otherwise it is a winged serpent. (There is more than one species of python.) WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
We will use "natural python" from now on for the actual snake and "pithon" for the winged serpent. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 2. [Note change from ruling of 27 Aug 80 [23], p. 1]
see also SERPENT
see MOON
Vetu is drawn with straight lines and looks like a lozenge throughout. To make something convex like this, one adds the word ploye. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
Pomegranates proper are basically gules. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 10
I will need the genus, species and breed (if any) of the popinjays. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 9. [Popinjay is the heraldic term for a parrot; according to Parker, the "proper" coloring is vert, beaked and membered gules. No genus and species should be necessary unless a specific variety of parrot is desired, in which case the charge would be a "natural popinjay," or (better still) it would be blazoned by its common name.]
A hedgehog and a porcupine are almost identical in appearance. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
In the SCA we do not follow the medieval practice of always showing charges advancing. If a person wishes to register a charge retreating or she may. A lion rampant is one point of difference from a lion counter-rampant. 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
Any time it takes two lines to describe a single charge like [this] it usually means the figure is not in a standard position. Simplify the charge and put it in a standard heraldic position and draw it in a period style. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
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
Random positions are not period style. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 7
All creatures must be in a standard heraldic positional WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 11
The Heralds' Roll of Arms, ca. 1280, has Philip Basset having Vairy en pointe, argent and gules. It is therefore reasonable to assume that potent en pointe is also in period (Heraldry in England, by Anthony Wagner, Plate III, Penguin Books, 1949). WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 1
Potenty is a line of division as used here. Potenty is also the name of a fur. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 6
This is a special exception to the rule against complexity and does not constitute a precedent. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
Submissions under a grandfather clause are recognized exceptions to a rule and do not constitute precedent for breaking the rule. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
The rules of the College are those which I recently published and any which I subsequently proclaim. The acceptance of a submission does not in itself constitute a precedent. The College is not bound by anything that it has done or not done in the past, or by anything that it has passed or not passed in the past. It is bound by its published rules and decisions. If a specific charge or usage has been rejected in the past and there has been nothing since then to change that stance then that charge or usage is still rejected. If you are unsure about any change or usage, ask me for an opinion. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
You cannot have a sun in splendour proper, unless you can mount an arc lamp on your shield. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
There is no such thing as a Wyvern's head proper, because a Wyvern is a mythical beast, and did not exist. You must specify the tincture. A wyvern's head is an eagle's head with ears. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 6
A made-up monster can be proper if the individual pieces all have a natural coloring. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
There is no such thing as a heart proper. That is a conventional charge, and can be borne in any tincture. A true human heart would have the aorta showing, and would be basically white. It's the blood in it that is red. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
You cannot have vert on azure, even if you try to use proper. Proper only allows one to violate the Rule of Tincture in those cases where there is still sufficient contrast, such as gules on sable, or brown on green. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 10
You cannot have an ocean wave proper, as there is no set color for ocean water. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
You cannot have a granite tower proper. There is pink granite, white granite, gray granite, etc. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
You cannot place a red proper charge upon gules or purpure, nor a blue proper charge upon azure or vert, and vice versa. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
When a wooden object is termed proper it is shown in shades of brown. The exact shades are up to the artist ... Only if you want wood that is not brown (redwood, ebony, etc.) must you specify the wood used. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
Brown is invisible against sable. The rules on proper require sufficient contrast, which this doesn't have. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 10
The arms have insufficient contrast. Proper is mostly used for charges with non-heraldic tinctures. A laurel wreath is vert and should be treated as such. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 8
The use of proper charges was rather rare in our period, and was generally done only to allow some charges to be shown in their natural colorings, which either used colors not normally used in heraldry (such as brown) or which had too complex a coloration to blazon. WVS [60] [CL 19 Jan 82], p. 2
Note that calling an animal proper means it should be drawn in its proper shape, while blazoning it as a specific tincture allows the artist to choose whether to stylize the animal or to draw it in its natural shape. WVS [60] [CL 19 Jan 82], p. 3
Proper should only be used when the coloration is not possible to describe with the heraldic tincture, such as a Monarch butterfly proper. A raven is sable, not proper. The beak and claws are minor details left to the artist and are not sufficient cause to invoke the use of proper. WVS [62] [CL 27 Feb 82], p. 1
A puncheon barrel is elliptical in shape, as opposed to the normal round barrel. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 8
You cannot have charged cantons or quarters, either dexter or sinister, with straight lines of division. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
This is a special case exception to the normal rule against quartering of arms. When two of the quarters are a single tincture field and the other two are identical with only one charge then the device is acceptable so long as the two quarters that are charged do not duplicate a known device or arms. The quarters of a single tincture clearly do not duplicate any family's device, as the single tincture fields are allocated to either saints or to extinct families ... [The submission] would also pass if each of the four quarters had an identical [charged again assuming the quarters did not duplicate any known device or arms. This would not work if the [charges] were replaced by ordinaries that [were] cut off at the edges of the quartered division as then it would look like quartering, and would thus be forbidden. This sort of device will be considered on a case by case basis. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 6
Quartering where two quarters are a simple single tincture and the other two have only one charge each is not considered quartered arms, and is therefore acceptable. This has a field plus two charges in bend sinister. Two in bend or four [charges], two and two, counterchanged would also be exceptions to the rule. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1
see also MARSHALLING
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. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7
The question mark is out of period. What was used in period [was] a wavy hyphen over a period. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 5
The rainbow ... consists of an even number of alternating bands of color and metals [and so] is exempt from the rule of tincture. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
A rainbow normally comes out of clouds, so this is a rainbow couped fesswise. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 3
[Rainbow proper.] This is the heraldic rainbow: banded Or, gules, vert and argent and bridging between two clouds argent. The natural rainbow must be specified as being natural. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 9
I have decided to bring our practice on rainbows into agreement with mundane heraldry. This means that a rainbow proper is an arching band between two white clouds consisting of four bands, from chief to base Or, gules, vert and argent. Like a sword proper, a rainbow proper should be treated as a metal charge. A natural rainbow proper shall consist of the same band between two white clouds but with the natural spectrum, from gules in chief to purpure in base. This type of rainbow would count as a combined metal/color charge and thus be neutral. Any other color combination will have to be specified. A rainbow without clouds is a rainbow couped ... Note that, when blazoning a rainbow with different color bands, the clouds need not be mentioned unless they are other than argent. Thus a rainbow of four stripes red, blue, green and silver would be a rainbow banded gules, azure, vert and argent. WVS [69] [CL 25 May 82], p. 5. [The natural spectrum is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet.]
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
From now on people should not use forceny, as it is ambiguous, but rather rampant or salient. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 10
Salient means leaping bendwise up, forelegs together. Forceny means rearing up bendwise, forelegs separate, as if to strike furiously. Rampant means to have the body palewise with the limbs in the classic rampant position, and the mouth open'. In the latter two cases the horse is drawn in a fierce aspect as in combat, while in the former it is drawn in a calm aspect, as if jumping playfully. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 3
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.]
[Tomato worm rearing.] The front third of the worm is raised up. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 2
Musical instruments with strings like a rebec are affronty palewise by default. Harps are sideways. If it has strings, the strings are shown, and so the instrument is turned to show the strings. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 5
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
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 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
You cannot have charged cantons or quarters, either dexter or sinister, with straight lines of division. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
Crowns are reserved for Kingdoms, Principalities, Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 3
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.]
Wreaths or chaplets of roses are restricted to royalty. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
The only reserved treasure is a double tressure flory-counter-flory. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 5
Charged lozenges are acceptable so long as they do not look like arms of pretense or arms within arms. Only charged single cantons, inescutcheons and cartouches are specifically restricted. One could have three inescutcheons, each charged with a mullet, for example, but not just one. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 2
The white rose en soleil was the royal badge of Richard II and Edward IV and may not be used. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 10
The Chinese dragon cannot have five toes, as that is for Imperial use. Try four toes. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 7
What you have is a Lion of St. Mark holding a cross. This symbol is used for sacred purposes to typify St. Mark, such as the arms of a convent. What is your rationale for using it? WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 9
The baton sinister is reserved to the English royal house. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 3
Examples of charges that nobody in the SCA may use are: the Tudor rose, the Red Hand of Ulster, a white label (reserved to the British royal family), a double tressure flory-counter-flory (reserved as an augmentation from the crown of Scotland), a charged inescutcheon (it would look like arms of pretense), a charged canton (it would look like an augmentation of arms), a baton sinister (reserved to the British royal family), a triple eagle (reserved to the Holy Roman Emperor), a papal cross (reserved to the Pope), or a crowned thistle (the badge of Scotland). WVS [53] [RfS 1 Oct 81], p. 11
Only triple-headed eagles are restricted. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 1
Only members of the Order of the Rose may use wreaths of roses. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 2
The arrow and snake combination ... looks too much like a caduceus, which is restricted. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 5
Virgule has convinced me that I erred in restricting the argent label as a charge reserved for the British royal family. I henceforth release argent labels to general use. I would ask that people not use an argent label charged with small charges, as I feel that would be too close to the royal usage. WVS [64] [CL 18 Mar 82], p. 2. [The argent label was reserved in the Submission Rules of 01 Oct 81 [53], p. 11]
[Azure, semy-de-lys Or.] This color-semy combination may not be used in the SCA. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 5. [Azure, semy-de-lys Or, also known as France Ancient, is the early form of the royal arms of France.]
Only a pharmacist can use a Bowl of Hygeia, which is a chalice encircled by a serpent. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 6
see CONTOURNY
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
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] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 3
You cannot have a river proper. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 3
I call it a roach fish to difference it from the bug of the same name. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 4
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
A Kendal flower is defined to be a rose of six petals gyronny of six argent and gules, barbed vert, seeded Or. The result is a six petaled rose with alternately colored petals. You can have a rose of other than five petals as a rose petal is a well-defined shape, and a rose of N-petals is clear. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 1
It seems the bicolor rose is in period after all. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 3
The difference between a rose and a dogwood blossom is basically five instead of four petals, plus barbs. There is thus not enough difference. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
Wreaths or chaplets of roses are restricted to royalty. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
A garden rose is your basic multi-petaled rose you see in your garden, as opposed to the five-petaled heraldic rose. No genus and species need be given. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 8
The white rose en soleil was the royal badge of Richard II and Edward IV and may not be used. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 10
Only members of the Order of the Rose may use wreaths of roses. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 2
A Mamluk rosette is a charge from Saracenic heraldry. Rosettes come in various numbers of petals, with the Mamluk rosette having six petals and the Rasulid rosette having five. The Mamluk rosette looks like a variant of a sexfoil. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 7
Rotation is not a point of difference. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
When a submission is an exact rotation of something else, there is a conflict. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 8
The Rotation Rule applies to badges as well as arms and devices. The rule states: if a submission differs from a badge, device, or arms only by a state of rotation, then the submission is in conflict. WVS [64] [CL 18 Mar 82], p. 2
The Rottweiler can be traced to the 10th century, and its origins lie in the 1st century, in the herd dogs brought from Rome into Germany. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 9
There is no such thing as platy-bezanty. You could have a semy of roundels alternately argent and Or, but this would mean a regular pattern of roundels, every other one being argent, with an Or roundel in between. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
The individual names for roundels and goutt[e]s are optional. Use them or not, as you please. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 5
see ABSTRACT SYMBOL
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
Striped sails were period. I would prefer it if an even number of stripes were used so it could be called paly. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 5
From now on people should not use forceny, as it is ambiguous, but rather rampant or salient. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 10
Salient means leaping bendwise up, forelegs together. Forceny means rearing up bendwise, forelegs separate, as if to strike furiously. Rampant means to have the body palewise with the limbs in the classic rampant position, and the mouth open. In the latter two cases the horse is drawn in a fierce aspect as in combat, while in the former it is drawn in a calm aspect, as if jumping playfully. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 3
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]
A saltire couped has its ends cut off at right angles. A saltorel saltire with its ends cut off fesswise, i.e. the ends are horizontal. WVS [23]
A Latin saltire is a Latin cross bendwise. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1
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]
see SALTIRE
Badges for territorial branches should either obey the rule of tincture or have no specified field. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 3
Branches may register one or more badges which are to be useable by groups or individuals belonging to those branches. A province could register a badge to be used by a provincial mercenary unit, such as a shield wall squad. A kingdom could register a badge to be used by all subjects of the kingdom at wars with another kingdom to show their allegiance. The arms of a branch are reserved to the head of the branch. In the case of a kingdom, principality or barony this is the King, Prince or Baron. In all other cases it is the seneschal. Kings, Princes and Barons may bear the arms of their branch upon a shield in battle as if they were their own personal arms, so long as they hold their office and no longer. Seneschals may not do so. All heads of branches may display the banner of the branch to indicate their presence. At any event held in a branch the arms of the branch may be displayed whether or not the head of the branch is present, to indicate that the branch is hosting the event. In grand marches the arms of branches may be carried by groups marching as those branches. Otherwise nobody can display the arms of a branch as if they were personal arms. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 3
The arms of a branch technically belong to the head of that branch. If the branch wishes to have a war banner which can be carried into battle by several companies of fighters at the same time, it must register a badge for that purpose. WVS [26] [CL 20 Oct 80], p. 2
Barons and baronesses are not allowed to bear the arms of their baronies in any form on their personal arms unless the king has granted them those specific arms as an augmentation, either permanently or for the duration of their office. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 2
With regard to Baronial Arms, both the Baron and the Baroness may display the Baronial Arms, as they jointly own those arms. WVS [47] [CL 30 Jul 81], p. 3
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
see also LAUREL WREATH
see BEND
The default position for a scorpion is tergiant displayed, with the tail pointing to the sinister. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 2
By default a natural sea-horse is (Syngnathidae hippocampus). If you want a non-standard natural sea-horse (which do exist) you must specify genus and species, even if the tincture is specified. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2
If you want a sea-horse that does not have a dorsal fin give the genus and species. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
A water-kelpie is a heraldic sea-horse with batwings. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 5
Whether the feet are hooved or webbed is a matter for the scribe. It's still a sea horse. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 3
A sea-monster is by default the heraldic form unless specified as natural. Hence, this is by default the heraldic sea-otter, consisting of the upper half of an otter and a mermaid's tail. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 6
Badges for subsidiary offices are forbidden, especially within the heralds. Seals may be used, but it is the opinion of myself and my staff that there is no need or justification for registering a seal to a heraldic office below the level of Principality Herald. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 3
I hereby restrict the registration of seals for use as official heraldic seals to titled Heralds and Principal Heralds. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 1
Individual kingdom offices may register tinctureless seals but not tinctured badges. All heralds use the heralds' badge. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 2
Tinctureless maker's marks and seals do not have to be entirely heraldic in style. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 1
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
The semy must be drawn in a regular pattern as if the shield were cut from a piece of patterned cloth. Therefore there should be partial [charges] at the edges of the shield. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
There is no such thing as platy-bezanty. You could have a semy of roundels alternately argent and Or, but this would mean a regular pattern of roundels, every other one being argent, with an Or roundel in between. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
Do not say "a semy of," just "semy of." It is a verb meaning strewn with. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 4
To the medieval herald more than six of anything is many, and so there is no difference heraldically between seven charges and semy of those charges. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 4
A semy does not make the field a neutral field. A semy is a charge. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 6
More than ten charges is semy of those charges. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 6
[Azure, semy-de-lys Or.] This color-semy combination may not be used in g the SCA. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 5. [Azure, semy-de-lys Or, also known as France Ancient, is the early form of the royal arms of France.]
Semy is a treatment of the field ... This means that an SCA device which consists of a field, semy of something, plus one or more charges is automatically sufficiently different by the complete-difference-of-charge rule from a mundane arms consisting of just that field semy of something. This is equivalent to saying that we do not worry about conflicts between mundane arms consisting only of a field or a field semy and an SCA submission which adds a major charge to that field or field sexy. An exception is ... France Ancien (Azure, semy-de-lis Or), which may not be used as a field in the SCA. Inasmuch as only unusual cases will allow an SCA member to register a device consisting of only a field or only a field semy, I feel the complete-difference rule should not apply for conflicts between these and other SCA devices. If somebody added a major charge to the arms of Raymond the Mild (Bendy pily sable and Or), I would say that is only one point and another is needed (such as changing the sable to azure) because, as Master Raymond's arms are so distinctive and unusual, there would be a visual conflict with any device that added just a charge. The same is true for an SCA device consisting solely of a field semy. One must change one of the colors of the field or semy or the type of semy as well as add a charge. WVS [66] [CL 21 Apr 82], p. 3
Making semy a treatment of the field means that now, if you go from Azure, a cross Or to Vert, bezanty, a cross Or, then you have only one point of difference, because that is all you can ever have for difference of the field. Adding the semy does change the outline, which will help when considering the case of conflict through identical outlines. WVS [66] [CL 21 Apr 82], p. 3
A snake involved by default is clockwise biting its tail, head to chief. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p.
A snake ... with its tail looped over its body is debruised. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 1
Do not use debruised for placing one object upon another, as debruised is used in describing serpents. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4. [The term debruised is roughly synonymous with surmounted; its application to serpents is a special case.]
The arrow and snake combination ... looks too much like a caduceus, which is restricted. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 5
see also PITHON
While I do not like putting banners on banners, I cannot construe this as a form of augmentation. Any other such use must, however, avoid conflicts both with the whole blazon, and with the blazon of the device on the gonfanon. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 1
The pall on the bezant looks like a form of augmentation. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
This is not an inescutcheon of pretence because there is no device behind it. The College of Arms does not consider a single tincture field to be a protected entity. Had there been any charge behind the lozenge this device would bounce. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
The College does not allow any form of charged shield on the field as a charge. This includes inescutcheons, lozenges, and cartouches. These count as inescutcheons of pretence. Note that even the cartouche is only one point from [mundane arms]. You may have a cartouche ermine, as it is a single tincture, even though one could say that was Brittany, but we do not protect mundane arms consisting only of fields. Here the use of a cartouche instead of an inescutcheon would be sufficient to avoid complaint of pretense, which an actual inescutcheon ermine would raise. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
Charged lozenges are acceptable so long as they do not look like arms of pretense or arms within arms. Only charged single cantons, inescutcheons and cartouches are specifically restricted. One could have three inescutcheons, each charged with a mullet, for example, but not just one. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 2
Charged lozenges are not inescutcheons of pretense per se, but this combination looks too much like a full achievement of arms. Specifically, it is [mundane arms] on a lozenge with snake supporters. Drop either the snakes or the [charge on the lozenge], preferably the latter. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 7
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
One may not place the badge of one's household as an augmentation on one's device. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 8
The device has what looks like an augmentation or lozenge of pretense. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 5
You may not have a secondary charge (the blanket) that consists of a coat of arms. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 8
see SAIL
Period boots did not have heels. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 5
A period shuriken is a throwing knife or a simple pierced star, which is better described as a mullet pierced. Choose either a sun, a pierced mullet or a period shuriken (a small knife). WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
Star-shaped shuriken are out of period. The closest they had in period were like mullets of four points. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 3
Death's heads or skulls are not proper, but argent. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 1
Snagged means the tree stump is turned towards the viewer enough to see the top as an ellipse. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
see SERPENT
Snowflakes are now acceptable charges. They must have six-fold symmetry, but the exact details are artistic license. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 6
The Maltese Toy Spaniel is out of period, but the Maltese spaniel is in period. The only difference is the size. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 5
Spiders, turtles, crabs, etc., are all tergiant displayed by default. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 2
[Spiderweb radiating from base.] This is not a heraldic spiderweb, which shows the entire web. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 9
see SUN
The default position for a spoon is handle up. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 8
This looks too much like a branch device, as the two sprigs are too close to a laurel wreath. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
see FLAG
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
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
see also CONSTELLATION
You cannot have a granite tower proper. There is pink granite, white granite, gray granite, etc. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
Snagged means the tree stump is turned towards the viewer enough to see the top as an ellipse. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
Right now [this] is op art, not heraldry. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 16
This is heraldic, but it is as close to a landscape as I will accept. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 6
This is a landscape. It looks like a picture of [a] bird against a hazy sunrise next to a mountain. This is not medieval heraldry, which deals in abstract charges arranged in conventional patterns. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
This is an art deco painting, and very pretty at that, but it is not medieval heraldry. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
This is far too complex and is Victorian. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
Five brownie points. This is classic heraldry at its best. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 2
This is not a period style. It is a modern art style more suitable for comic books. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 9
Random positions are not period style. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 7
This is cute, but it isn't heraldic. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 11
We do not use thin lines. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
You cannot have a sun in splendour proper, unless you can mount an arc lamp on your shield. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
It is best to specify the tincture of moons and suns. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
A ball of flames differs from a sun in that it is irregular. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 8
A sun is just a mullet of alternating straight and wavy points, usually at least sixteen points. The number of points can be specified as a lesser number, though, as in this case. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 1
A rising sun is the Japanese version used before World War II which has a roundel from which emerge diverging rays in all directions, as opposed to the standard heraldic sun, which has alternating straight and wavy points. The rising sun has in fact been used in European heraldry but was described in detail as having rays throughout. Rising sun is a shorter term. This is an SCA convention. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 1
Hereafter suns and estoiles shall have rays and mullets will have points. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 3
Like a plate, a moon in her complement is argent by default unless otherwise specified, just as a sun in splendor is Or by default. If you wanted a moon in her complement within a bordure, both azure, then you would have to say a moon in her complement azure within a bordure azure. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 3
For the benefit of the scribes, who often must work from blazons and black-and-white photocopies, hereafter we will blazon the tinctures of all charges, including those with default tinctures. This is a reversal from my statement last month. Suns in splendor will be specified as Or and moons in their complement will be specified as argent. If you have Or, a sun in splendor within a bordure azure, this will now mean that the sun is azure. This does not affect the special names of gouttes and roundels. A bezant is still Or and need not be specified as Or. WVS [62] [CL 27 Feb 82], p. 1
Sunflowers [proper] are yellow with black centers. You can have sunflowers argent, seeded Or, but not seeded brown. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 7
see ACHIEVEMENT
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]
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
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
A cygnet is a baby swan. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 4
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.]
A broken sword is the hilt and stub of blade. A sword fracted is both pieces. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 4
This is not a proper tabard as there is no hole for the head. The sleeves are not correctly drawn. There is no way to recognize this as a tabard. It looks like a keyhole. A proper drawing of a tabard showing only one side as it is worn would be recognizable and acceptable, although I am leery of registering a herald's tabard to an individual. True there are no trumpets on the tabard, but the colors are vert and Or. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
This is the only blazonable tartan I know of and it is not owned by any clan. Only a cloth charge can be blazoned as this form of tartan. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 12. [The tartan, known commonly as Rob Roy, is blazoned as: Compony gules and paly of 20 gules and sable, and compony paly of 20 sable and gules, and gules.]
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."]
Tenne is forbidden. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 9
A tergiant beast is by default palewise, with its back to the viewer, with its limbs spread out in a natural position for the creature. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 3
Spiders, turtles, crabs, etc., are all tergiant displayed by default. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 2
The SCA thistle proper is purpure on the top. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 7
Heraldic thistles are straight. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7
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."]
Pierced per bend sinister.] We do not tierce of three colors in this fashion. Only tierced per pall and tierced per pall inverts to be of three colors. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 7
A tyger with a "y" is the heraldic beastie without stripes that looks like a wolf-faced lion. A tiger with an "i" is the natural tiger. When blazoned as a Bengal tiger or a natural tiger, it is drawn realistically. When just blazoned as a tiger, it can be stylized. In this case, it has the elaborate heraldic tail seen on lions and unicorns. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 6
Fimbriation is a makeshift way of avoiding violations of the Rule of Tincture. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
Flags must obey the rule of tincture. They count as devices. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 3
Badges for territorial branches should either obey the rule of tincture or have no specified field. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 3
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
This is blatant fimbriation to foil the rule of tincture. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 7
Fields and tinctures of charges need not all be specified in a badge. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
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
If N., whose arms violate the rule of tincture and were accepted before the rule of tincture was applied to SCA arms, decided to add a charge to his arms which itself obeyed the rule of tincture then he could do so. His new altered arms would still be immune to the rule of tincture with regards to the specific violation previously held. He could not add a charge which itself also violated the rule of tincture. This is the effect of a grandfather clause. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 2
A charge overall upon both metal and color need not conform to the rule of tincture. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 8
This is color on color. A chief and a flank are charges, not divisions. WVS [23]
A semy does not make the field a neutral field. A semy is a charge. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 6
You cannot have a tinctureless charge placed upon another tinctureless charge. That's too much. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 8
The rainbow ... consists of an even number of alternating bands of color and metal, [and so] is exempt from the rule of tincture. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
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
This is excessive use of fimbriation, used solely to get around the Rule of Tincture. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
Adding a powdering of azure ermine spots does not make the field a fur. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 7. [I.e., a field ermined is not exempt from the rule of tincture.]
The Rule of Tincture applies to fieldless badges. While the field is not specified, the understanding is that the badge will only be borne on contrasting backgrounds. This means that, if the badge consists of separated charges, they must be all metals or all colors. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 8
see also PARTED FIELD, PROPER
see NAME - TITLE
Teeth are teeth, and only by having the roots showing can one tell that they are teeth. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 9
You can use the torse as a symbol, but it is not appropriate to register it as a charge on a field. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 4
A torse seen as a ring is called a torse in annulo. A edgewise as a line is just called a torse. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 2
The siege tower [proper], like all wooden objects, is brown. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 2
The modern treble clef is out of period. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
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
On this scale it is impossible to tell which fir tree they are, so one does not have to give genus and species. Calling it a fir tree does give the fact that it is a conical evergreen. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 7
Snagged means the tree stump is turned towards the viewer enough to see the top as an ellipse. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
The only reserved tressure is a double tressure flory-counter-flory. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 5
One is an orle and two or more are treasures, by SCA convention. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 2
In accordance with many urgings, I will allow a single tressure (a diminutive of an orle) to be used. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 5
The [charge] is in trian aspect, which is out of period. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
[Beast tricorporate.] By default, each body is rampant. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 3
The default form of a dolmen is a trilithon, unless otherwise specified. A trilithon is a dolmen composed of one horizontal stone resting on two upright ones. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 2
These are the stylized trilliums used by Ontario, and hence they are blazoned piecewise, rather than as proper. This way no genus and species are needed. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
A triskele, or triskelion, is a figure consisting of three legs conjoined (by default). Any other triskele must be of specified objects. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 9
A triskelion is three charges conjoined in pall curving outwards. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8
Spiders, turtles, crabs, etc., are all tergiant displayed by default. WVS [36]
A tyger with a "y" is the heraldic beastie without stripes that looks like a wolf-faced lion. A tiger with an "i" is the natural tiger. When blazoned as a Bengal tiger or a natural tiger, it is drawn realistically. When just blazoned as a tiger, it can be stylized. In this case, it has the elaborate heraldic tail seen on lions and unicorns. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 6
You cannot void complex charges like a tyger. Voiding and fimbriation should only be used with simple charges. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 6
The difference[s] between a winged unicorn and a horned pegasus are the beard and the cloven hooves, very tiny differences indeed. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 9
[Horned pegasus.] This is by default a unicornate horn. If you ever want a pegasus with some other type of horn you must specify. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 1
[Horned pegasus.] The creature has no beard and a horse's tail, instead of the unicorn's fancy heraldic tail. If you want to call something a unicorn, it has to have a beard, cloven hooves, and the heraldic unicorn's tail. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 2
The use of a unicorn's horn without other charges is mundanely reserved for apothecaries. It is also hard to tell what the charge is. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 9
I have found that the unicorn's horn is not an apothecary symbol and therefore it is not reserved. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 5
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
see CONSTELLATION
[Gros vairy of one trait.] I have added the word "gros" because there are [fewer] than four traits (rows) of vair. I have defined it to be of one trait because that is the correct word for one row of vair. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 1. [The term "gros" is tautological in this context; a charge vairy of one trait must by definition be gros vair.]
Alternate vair is a German variation of vair wherein each vair bell is divided per pale. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 2
The Heralds' Roll of Arms, ca. 1280, has Philip Basset having Vairy en pointe, argent and gules. It is therefore reasonable to assume that potent en pointe is also in period (Heraldry in England, by Anthony Wagner, Plate III, Penguin Books, 1949). WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 1
I do not like the idea of directly copying an existing vase. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 5
Vetu is drawn with straight lines and looks like a lozenge throughout. To make something convex like this, one adds the word ploye. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
This is far too complex and is Victorian. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
A crane in its vigilance is statant with its dexter foreleg upraised. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2
This is your basic nondescript flowering vine. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 7
This is your basic ivy. Genus and species is not needed. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
Vires are concentric annulets. Thus you have one annulet, two vires, three vires, etc. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 8
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
Wherever possible, use voided rather than fimbriated. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 4
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
A chevron voided has the two chevronels connected by bands along the edge of the shield. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 11
Flaunches voided and flaunches cotised are both non-period. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 4
You cannot void complex charges like a tyger. Voiding and fimbriation should only be used with simple charges. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 6
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
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
You cannot have an ocean wave proper, as there is no set color for ocean water. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
You cannot have a river proper. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 3
You cannot have an ocean wave proper, as there is no set color for ocean water. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
A wave is a standard Japanese charge in mon. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 7
You cannot have wavy of two. The minimum is three, and the numbers should not be specified. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
Use a period style of wavy with much larger waves. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 2
Wavy crested is out of period. A properly drawn rayonny or wavy or engrailed would be acceptable instead. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
Whether the feet are hooved or webbed is a matter for the scribe. It's still a sea horse. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 3
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
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
[Winged lion.] The default position for the wings of a creature like this is addorsed. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 3
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 a wooden object is termed proper it is shown in shades of brown. The exact shades are up to the artist ... Only if you want wood that is not brown (redwood, ebony, etc.) must you specify the wood used. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
[Tomato worm rearing.] The front third of the worm is raised up. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 2
Wreaths or chaplets of roses are restricted to royalty. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
Only members of the Order of the Rose may use wreaths of roses. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 2
see also LAUREL WREATH
Another word for dragon is wyrm. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 1
There is no such thing as a Wyvern's head proper, because a Wyvern is a mythical beast, and did not exist. You must specify the tincture. A wyvern's head is an eagle's head with ears. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 6
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