Heraldry

Heraldry

This is the section that will assist you in choosing a name, device and a badge.

Heraldry Resources:

The West Kingdom Heraldry site includes name, badge and arms submission forms in .pdf format. Plenty of links to be had by all! This will get you started. Please check back for site updates: The West Kingdom Herald's Website

The Official SCA webpages also include several important resources and definitions of heraldic terms. Please go visit the official pages at:
Ordinary and Amorial

What is an SCA Name?

The Submission Form is Available Here: Forms

Your SCA name is your identity in the Society for Creative Anachronism. It coincides with the approximate time and date of your "persona" and its what people will call you for the most part. It should be a name you like that someone might have been called in the medieval ages. You cannot pick a name someone has already chosen, a historical name or one from fiction.

Problem Name List: Problem Names!

Now that you have examined the problem names, why don't you go find a good medieval name? Try this site which will assist you in choosing a name and finding documentation:
Medieval Name Sites
Welsh Names
Irish, Manx and Scottish Names
Scandinavian Names
More Scandinavian Names
Arabic and Islamic Names
Names from other cultures

What is an SCA Device or Arms?

The Submission Form is Available Here: Forms

Devices are the designs you see on shields, flags and favors. Once you have registered your device, it is protected and may be used only by you. There are a few simple guidelines on how to make and register your device and you will find those links provided below. It essentially says "this is me" and it is used represent a person. When a person is awarded an Award of Arms, it becomes the Arms of that person. It should only be displayed when the owner of the device is present since it announces that person’s presence.

Try some of these links to search engines and resources within the SCA

Search Forms for the SCA Armorial and Download the Armorial, arms are listed alphabetically under the name of the bearer: Amorial

The SCA Ordinary, where you can search coats of arms, arranged in descriptive categories: Ordinary

Are you curious about what devices looked like in period? Here are some examples: 15th Century German Armorial

What is a Badge

The Submission Form is Available Here: Forms

A badge is a simple design. It is used by an individual or a group to identify or mark possessions, retainer and members. Unlike a device, a badge may be fieldless (have no background). Fieldless is encouraged and is generally easier to pass since it counts as a difference. If you have multiple personas, their “devices” are registered as badges. Fielded badges look like devices except that they are usually on a roundel (circle) instead of an escutcheon (shield shape). A badge usually only has a single charge on it. If there are multiple charges on a fieldless badge, they must be conjoined or connected (made into one object). Badges, unlike devices, may be displayed at any time. Households, unofficial groups, Official Orders, offices and other groups may all register Badges.

The Vinhold Baronial Badge is a cluster of purple grapes with green leaves and a favor may be worn by any baronial member.

photo by Katherine Goodpasture