Heraldry Guide

Heraldry is a system of designs and descriptive language used to identify people and groups. In the SCA, armory (devices, badges, and other heraldic items) can be registered to help ensure uniqueness.

The most important element is the shield (the arms/device). You may also see:

• Helm and crest (often used in artwork)
• Mantling (decorative cloth around the helm)
• Motto (optional; typically not part of the blazon)

Heraldry uses a small, standardized palette:

• Metals: Or (gold/yellow), Argent (silver/white)
• Colors: Gules (red), Azure (blue), Sable (black), Vert (green), Purpure (purple)
• Furs: such as Ermine and Vair

Practical note: devices should be bold and readable from a distance.

A simple rule improves readability: avoid placing color on color or metal on metal. (There are specific exceptions; your Herald can guide you.)

Ordinaries are simple geometric shapes (like a fess, bend, chevron, pale, cross, or saltire). Divisions split the field (like per pale, per fess, per bend, quarterly).

If you’re designing a device: simple shapes with strong contrast usually look best.

A blazon is the formal description of a device. It’s written in a standard order so the design can be reproduced:

1. Field (background)
2. Main division or ordinary (if any)
3. Main charge(s) and their tincture
4. Secondary charges, placement, number, and details

You’ll also see directional terms like dexter and sinister, which are based on the bearer’s perspective.

Tip: a blazon doesn’t tell a story—it describes the visual facts precisely.

• Bold is better: readable from 20 feet
• Limit complexity: one strong idea beats many small ones
• Keep tinctures tight: 2–3 tinctures is often plenty
• Avoid tiny detail: fine-line artwork tends to vanish at distance
• Uniqueness matters: your Herald can help avoid conflicts

Registration standards and procedures come from the Kingdom and Society levels. This site provides general educational guidance only. For official help, contact the Baronial Herald and use the reference links below.

• Arms / Device: the design on the shield
• Blazon: the formal written description
• Charge: an object placed on the field (animal, tool, star, etc.)
• Ordinary: a simple geometric shape (fess, bend, etc.)
• Field: the background of the shield