Heraldry
Welcome to the Heraldry Page
Maintained by Lady Banba MacDermot
Central Regional Herald for Calontir
(name and coat of arms have been submitted to the SCA College of Arms, but are not yet registered)
Name
It is important that you research and register your name as soon as possible to avoid conflicts and make sure that you are using a truly period name. Many names that sound period are post-period inventions. It is far easier to find a registerable name early, than to try to locate documentation on the name that you have been using for six years. Baby name books are generally not a good source of names. See your local herald, or locate a herald's table (point, pile, or whatever) at a major event to get help finding proper sources for names. If you already have a name, don't despair! We will try to find something that works with what you already have. (You just may hear some grumbling.)
General Guidelines
Don't mix first names and surnames from separate countries unless they share a border. Saints' names are wonderful for SCA purposes. Lots of medieval people had saints' names. Try to pinpoint the first time the name was used or when a famous person used it. Don't trust everything you read on the internet. Self-styled "genealogists" are not always good historical researchers, be wary. Try to reconstruct the way people were named in your country, not all cultures use just the usual first name and surname. (Just ask Guiermo Miguel Santiago Valentino de Toledo!) Get lots of people's opinions if you can.
Registration Cost
As of this posting, it costs ten dollars to register your name in Calontir. The cost varies by kingdom, so you should check with your local herald.
How many copies do I need to send in?
You need to submit three copies of the name registration paperwork. You also will need at least two copies of any documentation that you are providing. You should keep an extra copy of all of the paperwork for yourself, and one copy for the files of your local herald.
Device/Coat of Arms
Common Fields
check back later
Common Charges
check back later
Common Questions about the Submission Process
When is a good time to prepare my device for registration?
You can catch your local herald your meeting and work on it there, or you can set up a time and date to work on it together. Large events are also a good place to find a herald's table that has heralds who are willing to help you. It is sometimes easier to prepare a device at an event because the heralds are pooling their resources and can give you more choices.
What kind of questions will the herald(s) ask me?
They will probably start asking you for ideas of what you like. They may have books for you to look through for ideas. Once you have drawn up something you like, they will check it "for conflict," or in other words, to see if anyone else has registered something that is too similar. If there is a problem, they may ask you what part of the design you don't want to change. It is okay to say "I really want that owl, but it doesn't have to be green." This gives the herald an idea of what you may be able to compromise on, so that they can change what you have drawn so that it does not conflict with other designs, and it still makes you happy.
What if I don't like what the herald has drawn up for me?
Tell them. Speak up quickly. This is your device. It's purpose is to say, "this is me" from a distance. If this isn't "you," then tell the herald, and try something different.
If you still want to register something that the heralds don't think will pass, you have the right to submit it directly to the Saker (submissions) Herald anyway. Just remember, the heralds are a resource to offer experienced help. You can ignore them just like you can ignore your doctor or your mechanic. Once in a while you may be right, but the odds lie with the more experienced person. The local heralds are in place to help keep down the number of rejected submissions. The Saker Herald may ask you why you did not use your local herald.
I haven't registered my name yet, so can I register my device?
You must register a name if you are going to register a device. You can register both at the same time. You cannot register the device first.
How much does it cost?
As of the posting of this page it costs $10 for a name registration and $10 for a device registration in Calontir. If either is rejected, you have one year to resubmit free of charge.
How many copies of the Device Submission form do I need?
As of this posting, you need 4 color copies of the form and 3 copies with full size line drawings in black and white. It is a good idea to make an extra copy for yourself, and one for your local herald to keep.
It is important that you only color the large picture on the color copies, and that you use CRAYOLA markers in CLASSIC colors only. Do not use washable markers.
How long is this going to take anyway?
The good news is that the entire process should take less than a year. The bad news is that it generally takes over 6 months. Why? *Lots* of people have to look over it. That doesn't mean that you can't use the device or coat of arms in the meantime, but be aware that you may have to change it on everything that you sew it or paint it on if there is a problem.
