Good day one in all,

Today I find myself thinking back over the many years I have been working for good of my local group.  Where I registered so many for so many wonderful people.  The time took to set up tools for my province and the complements that I have heard from it.  For me it has always been hard to bring in such praise.  For I do not see my work as exceptional, I do not see my work as anything different than any other herald that takes pride in their job.  Recently I have been called a very good herald.  Well I do what I can and for my clients I do the best that I can.  Am I always on target?  Naaa and there can be times that I find myself unable to help you for your request is to complicated, or I cannot work them within our guidelines, or what is asked is clearly not heraldry, or just failure of myself to encompass all I need to make things work.

Add to all that, and I think of all the Very good heralds the East Kingdom has, im good but I am not in that league.  Who knows for what I do I could be beaten with my own heralds stick and find myself working my way up the hill to take my place among them one day.  This will take time and more work.  However, in the meantime, I do attend to pass on as much as I can for many in my region.

Some have asked about the blue paw favors.  And for me this is a way to recognize those heralds that are doing a great job and need that encouragement to keep on going.  I love handing them out and as my deputy has even made it to her email, really encourages me to help educate, train, and make new heralds.

Speaking of which on today topics:

Duncan MacCowan.   Oh you, you, you wonder delightful student.  Yes, student for after the first real conversations he had shown an interest in heraldry.  I had to do a double take on that one for someone actually looking into heraldry instead of the local group taking a huge step back, or you go to the bathroom at the province, shire, baronial meeting and come out the herald.  Guess what we grab onto that and never let go…. “one of us.”  “one of us.”

So his name came up over a course of many conversations (needless to say that conversation is buried so let us assume that we ran it through fine, check here, there, everywhere and carry on).  His device has a bit of a back story about it.  So this happened to be his first Great northeastern war, as well his first SCA event, well needless to say he got himself into his cups a bit, came stumbling back and needless to say his lady did not like it or so im told lol.  So he was gifted with the nickname of Drunken Bear.  With that he wished to play on that factor.  First we had to talked about heraldic bears vs constructs, see artist license is wonderful, however heralds will always draw, copy, paste, graft, wiggle our nose, with charges so ours will and often does look different than yours.

After we had the bear that he like in the proper position there was a talk to have a couple of them, one maintaining (holding) a cup, where as he is a heavy fighter, another one holding a sword.  After some colleague discussion as the bears sort of leaned slightly bend wise in apparently stages of drunkenness. Come to find out if you’re going to do it, then do it, to make the bears bend wise was to really make them topple into a 45-degree angle.  Ok so upright bears it is, (maybe the night is early and when he knocks over his shield then they can be tipsy) Stage two was to eliminate the bear holding the sword as the cups would dictate the fun night he had for all time, however at first we were looking at two bears one holding a cup, and one without.  To also give the appearance of drinking we divided the shield bendwise and made the bears counter changed from the colors he liked.  Vert, and argent, after another round of discussion the jury came back he would have a greater chance of getting his arms passed with the bears either both holding a cup vs not.  Makes sense if you are back downfield looking at his arms, when one is maintaining a cup and one is not there is not really any distinction (remember heraldry big beautiful and bold).  So we went with both with cups (so they are really in their cups).  Common Duncan belly up to the bar and let me present you with “per bend argent and vert, two bears rampant contourney maintaining chalices counter changed.”

And not after showing him how his name is constructed, how his device came together, how to fill out the form (in a wonderful 13 page set up I must admit) he is still liking the idea of being a book herald.  So let’s get him some clients.

Next I wish to talk about is Brienne Buckland.  This lady came to me and inquiring of getting her name and arms registered.  Name started down as they all do, ok first Brienne, I’ll admit that I went straight to family search and did the search there, I figured that the greater number of results would be greater.  Now when I did the search however I find that Brienne was a surname not a given.  Don’t panic we have a solution for that!  In one of the LOAR letters dated back in 09, Pelican ruled that in some circumstances we can use a surname as a given name.  Document that letter just to cover basis.  (here I have to get off track for a small bit.  A herald friend and premier blue paw, informed me of a wonderful way to bookmark set pages and you can add unique tags to each one, thereby when searching your library if you are looking for a particular ruling in a letter, type in the tag and bingo there you go.  Check out www.diigo.com it’s a free service and so worth it.)

Ok, so we have her first name covered, let’s go over to her surname.  She originally wished to known of Buckland, indicating a locater or place name.  Place names can either be really easy or really complicated, for the trick of them is to locate when they existed in period as a bona fide town or city, as well spelled like how in period.  This can be the complicated part as spellings can change depending on where the town is, and under what rule, etc. etc. etc.  In this particular case I was unable to easy find what she was asking for within the period we play so went to dial a friend and went straight to family search once again.  I could not find of Buckland; however, I could find a surname Buckland.  The client was happy, I was happy, it’s a good thing.

Her device that she was looking into having a willow tree and a frog.  After talking over with her about placement of both, and she indicated line division in a diagonal.  (Spidey sense tingle for see was looking at a per bend), ok then she had an idea of which color (both vert and argent) where she wanted them, and same thing with a willow tree and frog.  But what position mmmm?  Oh wait she had that covered already showing me a necklace she has with a frog displayed (this is to easy) So we get a vert frog, an argent willow on the opposite sides, I swear this is going to easy let’s run the conflict checks.  What do you know not a one?  I like devices like this, sweet and easy and the client loves it (and some of the commenters to.

And with a wave of my herald stick I give you Brienne Buckland and “Per bent Argent and Vert, a frog tergiant and a willow tree couped counterchanged.”

The next Contestant I enjoyed the back story with and putting it together was Mòra Ruadh.  She came to me after her first event and wished to get a name and device registered this one played on the lines of Mothra the Red.  Ok Godzilla.  Alright (cracks knuckles) let’s see what I can find out.  First she did a bit of back work and was looking to something that sounds close if not nailed Mothra direct, she was looking into an Irish background, and the red do to the ease I guess to make her blush.  (and in Malagentia ohhh boy).   Ok as I had a couple of other submissions in works I ran her first regional choice toward her (and see good way to educate another one the steps a herald takes) and she took to Mòra.  Now to add a reddish one, check the dates of her given name check and then run the Annals to find that Ruadh latterly means the red.  So instead of a giant moth, we come to a period similarity that the client enjoys and for the astonishment of a couple of people that swears I can document almost anything, we move on to her device.

Now knowing the fact that Mothra was still going to play into it, I looked into moth charges.  As we started to talk with her she wished to have a moth and a dragon.  With the moth over the dragon, she originally wished to have the dragon look frightened.  (snorts) Godzilla afraid??? certainly you jest.  However what I could do is we all know occasionally that giant beast has to sleep so I had the dragon couchant, so in a laying down passive position, and with a couple of idea thoughts, like cutting it in half fess wise, do a bit of counter changed so the moth was gules, and the dragon would be argent, add a counterchanged border to the mix send it to her and she loved it.  A conflict check later proved no conflicts. (in the theme of creature double feature) so now we give birth the Godzilla, and Mothra in Malagentia with Mòra Ruadh and “Per fess argent and gules, a moth and a dragon couchant, within a bordure counterchanged.”

Upon looking on these stories I am often amazed in the work I am able to help people in my local area, the studies I am constently learning, the trials, the successes, and for some the hick ups as we get people on their colorful way.

On  a personal note, not all ideas are going to be successful, not all ideas are going to be quick and easy.  Alternative not all ideas are going to stick the first few times.  Heralds are not the makers of making things difficult for you, we are tasked with a set of guidelines that may seam biast, really have a place in period times.  Also when some people say that heralds do not do much.  I task them to read the SENA, work on a consult, update an OP, stand in court and read, walk around a site shouting announcements, and believe me we may not fight, or fence, (then again many heralds do that really well to.) however we do our jobs as well and do our best for you each time.  And for one like me, we love it so please bring it on, give me your wish to be Ragnar Drogo, bring on wishing to have a device that will make me color blind, bring on the idea of a household of nightwalkers.  I bet I can find it, document it, and see if I can register it for in the immortal words of Geoffrey Chaucer in Knights Tale, “God I am good!”

Good day everyone.  The one aspect I seem to love about this is that often pairs will come to get their heraldry done, and many times wishing for similar heraldry as their spouses, or something completely different to establish themselves.  Regardless of their choices or yourselves the first thing I tell a client is always “what says this is me”.

That is without a doubt the best indicator of something that makes you feel pride in the heraldry that you are displaying.  This is not a check mark on a score sheet, or achievement unlock, or skill quest complete. This is to tell the society at large.  “This is Me and this is where I am “so take pride in your name, device, badge (however with badges they say “this is mine” right Fionn?)

For today I want to start off with a grand friendly lady, a baroness (but at the time she wasn’t) and I still swear her smile is contagious (laughs).  Lucie Lovegood of Ramisgate came to me inquiring about arms for herself, after looking over the OandA I found her name was registered in 2011, so that makes it easy.  We had a couple of ideas to start off with, she was wishing to have an elk, and a vert background.  However, that conflicted with the outlands populace badge (strike one), next we move on to do a per bend sinister (top right to bottom left) counterchanging for “Per bend sinister vert and argent, a stag springing contourny counterchanged.” However, the client wasn’t sold on it, (remember this has to say “here I am “) (strike two).

It is usually at this time, that the herald and the client have a conference at the mound to discuss strategy.

“Well what if I did this?”

“sounds good however that would cause it to be returned for a metal on metal conflict”

“well mmmm ok how about this?”

“well that clears that issue but we run into another issue of conflicting with at least 3 people I can see “

“wow this is harder than I thought it would be”

“that is why I help get it in all order.”

“well ok how about this?”

“not bad and looking better however if I could suggest add a silver bordure around it and it would look SMASHING!”

“oh I like that”

Another run of conflict checking and then we have a Homerun.  I adore clients like this for they become part of the process, they learn, and are engaged more than “I want a pretty”.

So your excellency I was so pleased you enjoy your “Per bend sinister azure and vert, a stag springing and a bordure argent.”

Next up was a Norse that has become a friend a bit in the last few years.  His sister introduced him to this and he has found his nitch.  His name was the classic “choose from column A” and then “who is your daddy” (Norse Patronymics give me a giggle many a time)

His device was a wee bit tricky.  For if I am not mistaken he had the colors and charges in mind, making it work was not to difficult but proved interesting.  First off he wanted valknut.  In itself cute however it becomes a SFPP (Step for Period Practice) well he has the one so no big deal.  Second he wished to have a raven.  Ok what position would you like your raven.

Close?

Volant?

Migrant?

Would you prefer it displayed? (now caution this would give you your second SFPP and that would be bad.

Close was the winner after him looking it over and picking his (cough) position.  And learned a bit about positions.  Some need to be accurately displayed in the blazon, however what is considering standard positions or default positions like in this ravens case the (close) does not have to be blazoned.

He as well wanted a funky line division.  (yellow and black again ok Charlie Brown I can play this game again), the line division in this case was indented, however not the double I was originally thinking it had to be (silly herald have coffee before heralding).  However, in this case just the one down the middle (looks at it) ok he cracked his device, properly fitting, maybe.  After bouncing a couple of ideas of what to do with the charges I knew we were going to run into issue with the line division and what we could do with it.  Counterchanged for the win!!  Covered all he wished and made it stand out nicely.  So with that being said (cracks knuckles) bidi bobbidi boo.  Here we go “Steinar Bjornsson” “Per pale indented sable and Or, a valknut and a raven counterchanged.”

The next device was a bit of fun to consult, the client wanted a couple of different ideas before we came down with what she was looking for.  She really had her mind set on a beast.  And we tossed around a couple of ideas, nothing was really sticking.  I think she was looking at a sphynx, gryphon, not much I was either finding worked in heraldry.  Or have been every which way including Sunday, which makes it difficult do to the amount of conflicts you run into.  (I swear at one time the SCA had a Gryphon fetish).  Then we ran into a lion queue-forché… ok that worked for those two tales (and as a former F 14 mechanic I had to giggle there) ok just like above how would you like your lion

Just the head?

Couchant?

Dormant?

Passant?

I mean we can have your lion served to you in many different ways.  What is your pleasure.  Well she didn’t like the rampant and didn’t want all paws on the ground, so passant got the vote, even after I copied and paste the second tail into place to make it work, (mental note to self be careful on which window is the primary when doing such a couple of times I sent in chat a couple of “tails” to her on Facebook for a giggle or two (NO Nicol, not like that geez man).

Colors bounced around, where she did want silver, red, and black.  So went back in forth, some looked good some really didn’t (shivers) and then there are some she didn’t see for they were really bad.  Be thankful Vivien trust me.  As we narrow down to our target then the conflict checking came in.  Surprisingly the queue-forché made it even easier to conflict check, so with silver background a red lion, and to add the topping to this Sunday incased in a black border and here we are for Vivien de Valois.  “Argent, a lion queue-forché passant and in base two crescents gules, a bordure sable.”

The first couple I wish to talk about is a wonderful pair, that I met first while shooting archery with them.  They had an interesting concept but was def. married to the “fox” idea do to it being the husband’s totem.  No big I can work with that with not too many difficulties.  First idea was Foxbourgh.  Sounds English “ish” so start searching academy of st Gabriel.  Nope, mmm Sca Heraldry name sections.  Nope.  Oscar, Not here bucko.  OandA, yea right.  Ok so they found a name that is not in known existence that I can see.  Do a couple of more steps and find that the name started out of period so no dice there.  Have a conversation with the clients, and find out that he is Norse, and she has been acquired and then welcomed into his family, then married him… thinking processing…  She really like the name Kathryn or some spelling variation.  Well wait, (runs to Viking answer lady) does a quick peak first for him (remembering the fox idea. Refr in Norse means “fox”.  Bullseye!!! Nailed it step one.  Ok so mister Norse as with everyone in the past “CHOOSE YOUR DADDY” (him covered).  Now for Kathryn.  Well my brain worked hard on this as for many aspects the bridge from her wish of I think it was Irish and Norse ties especially in time frames was making me feel a bit clouded.  So as being married to a Norse.  Mmmm lets pull some magic.  Quick to the SENA!!. Finding out that Old Norse in Appendix C can be combined with English and forgive me I achieved your forms so not sure how the bridge layed out after that as far as dates.  However, what I did know that from previous consultation “Hi Cindy” that Kona meant in Norse wife… Holy total recall Herald.  So we can use his name Refr + Kona = fox’s wife.  After some giggling they were sold. And I give a small explanation that sort of looked like Boris from Goldeneye “Yes, I am invincible!”

Devices were a bit of a trick to put together.  Well let me rephrase that, getting the momentum going became a difficult hurdle, however once the ball started. It was a snowball building as we go.  So First both wanted a fox and a raven in their devices.  First we tried counter change with a displayed raven and a fox rampant reguardant.  To give the impression they were looking at each other.  “see I can add a bit of romance to it.  They wished for the colors of gules and azure, and argent for the metal… processing ok divides the field in half one end gules the other azure, have the charges argent.  Easy right?  First idea didn’t look so hot after I drew it up, so next concept was to divide the field in sinister, have an argent raven displayed on an azure field, and a gules fox, on an argent field.   Ok look that over, something is missing im sure we will hit something…. Wait got it. Add a bordure however where the sinister line goes break it up so the bordure is argent where the field is azure and vice versa.  That actually looks good.  A chat with the clients later proved to like however she wished to have the field one color, and he was looking for black and red (clan colors), ok rethink this, why not change the raven to stop any SFPP kicking us just in case, instead make the raven contourney reguardant.  So mix that into the caldron and we get for him “per bend sable and gules, a raven reguardant and a fox rampant reguardant within a bordure argent” and for her “argent, in bend sinister a raven reguardant sable and a fox rampant reguardant gules, within a bordure azure”.

Keep not there is some question if this may cause a unity or posture issue, so I will add a post about this if in case that does happen to go into that in detail.

From the lands held by Thunder, a Viking came to me and wishing to get his name finally registered and device started.  Alright, and wait, he did the work for me already?  Bonus, well let’s go it over.  With Norse you have to be tricky for many of the characters they would use tend to look different in English, vs Norse.  For example, “Þ” That thing right there.  At first glance or even quick glance you swear it was just a T and go searching in the wrong spot, however this is how many Norse did a quick “TH”.  So after some conversations with the client with Geirr Bassi (I swear if you’re a herald and do not have this book I have to wonder how many Norse you have in your region for it’s the bomb).  And Viking answer lady. The pieces of this started forming, to Become Hróarr Þórsson.

His device proved to be not as difficult as I was anticipating.  Originally the client was looking into having just a color line division as Norse being one of those that did not really use heraldry.  Ok in general but the college will find one issue or another.  As well he was looking to use a vegvasir.  As one that has never seen it I had to inquire.  (see image below).

This is a Norse compass. And after hearing the appeal with the client I looked into it with help of colleges.  This was found to be in use outside the time frame we play in so that wasn’t going to work.  Drawing on the previous Thunder Members I have worked with I showed him the representation of the wheel in heraldry,

and got a “that is sexy right there” ok nailed that part.  The client was partial to vert and azure being represented of the land and ocean.  (former sailor can so agree with that) and Vikings need ships so a drakkar.  Now how to keep this as being labeled as landscaping heraldry.  Landscaping is when you see a device as a picture.  Like sun rising over a mountain side type setting.  So make the wheel and the drakkar similar in size and split the per fess wavy between the azure and vert.  Now the big trick is to offer the client the difference between silver and gold charges.  Client goes with silver and that kept it from crossing into landscaping.  So my brother it was a pleasure to create “Per fess wavy vert and azure, a stag’s antler in annulo conjoined to itself and a drakkar argent”

Households can come in many shapes in forms and sizes.  I can almost guarantee that no two will ever be similar.  For working in heraldry with a collective can be as simple as “we like this concept” look it over “yep that will work let me do it up” or “we like this concept” look it over “looks good however you will run into issues getting registered so let me see what I can do”

Now let me say, Households get the same rules in name and badge submissions as do personal name and other armory.  Also add to that, a household armory gets no distinction and if conflicts with someone’s personal heraldry it can and often does get returned.

So in this case a former herald led the leg work out, the name came together nice.  However, recall a rule about not linking to an actual figure.  So in this house’s case they wanted to be the Priory of St John.  John apparently being the founder of the Hospitaliers.  Ok first step check to see if I can use him.  Uhhh no, can’t do it, nope nope nope.  Ok strike that, go to Oscar.  And find entries that have been registered (confirmed on the OandA) with st john in it.  Sweet. Grab that reference for one it is a precedent, and two it saves time.  Look up Priory while I am there and see an entry that “Priory as the designator indicating a named residence (religious house as noted in the Middle English Dictionary). Recent precedent indicates that households based on Abbey are allowed” (well that has to be the easiest name ever created.

The device at first was hitting style issues, color on color issues, and screamed to me needed work before even conflict checking.  Talking with the client we worked it to have a Patriarchal cross with a fourchy ends.  Further research showed with many heralds on face book pages (I want to note this that both those groups are wonderful and 98% of those heralds will be the ones commenting on the devices and names in process so a heads up saves you months of aggravation, and there by the client as well).  That the cross seamed confusing to heralds with the fourchy and the patriarchal combined.  Simple way to clear this would be to make the ends strait and confirmed that if the client wishes to change this as a “artistic license” after the fact go for it. Last part of it, is a long standing wish for many here in the north.  A long time ago the Northern Army was born, and with it came a badge that (as of this date) finally got the permission to conflict with someone in the mid so is in process.  Well part of it is a mullet of 4 points, with the southern point elongated.  So after a few of these went into work.  The Higher up heralds mentioned that they are confusing that with a comet and made a ruling to that nature.  Well isn’t that interesting.  So with that knowledge if they put that in class with comets, why not change that and the blazon to comets and then artist license yet again.  So Bob’s your Uncle

“Gules a patriarchal cross argent, in chief argent three comets sable” for the Priory of St John.

Whew well here you go for now and stay tuned cause the next ones are well needless to say funny stories behind them.

Yours in Service to the dream

As it has been a small while let’s get everyone up to speed on what I have been working on. Well with heraldry changes took place from the kingdom to add awards and with that, all those that receive orders of high merit will be conveyed a Grant of Arms along with that. So let’s take a look at Malagentia’s OP.
So as I go down everyone’s Orders of High Merit, I have to pay attention to the dates of when they received them. For that is when their GoA would be established on their first Order of High Merit. Might think easy however this can and did change the line up on the OP for someone who receives for an example an Order of Golden Rapier in 1992 vs someone who has an Order of the Silver Crescent in 93 a Court Baron and Grant of Arms in 1993 also. Their Grant is reflected on when that person received the Order of the Silver Crescent and in case of the individual that received the Order of the Golden Rapier in 92 also received a Grant of Arms in 1992 and places that person higher on the OP then the person with the Court Baron and Grant of Arms beforehand. So I spent majority of the time going over each one of the Province’s list, add the appropriate awards, change up the order. Then take breath for the update that had taken in.

Then I move on to other heraldry that I have been ongoing on for a bit.
First up was Elisif Hoarr Kona.
This proved interesting for me for in the Norse culture it is possible for a wife to be named with her husband’s name with the Norse word of “kona” for wife included in this. I have never seen this before however I did search in the Oscar and shown where It has been done before, so I added the reference material to her name and called it good.
Her device proved to be a challenge to say the least. She has a particular story in mind with her arms and reflected that proved to be a challenge. Let’s take for starters the raven displayed. This is a step from period practice where a non-eagle being shown displayed, in itself no issue, however putting together all aspects that she was looking for ran into a challenge. First she wished to have “Argent a raven displayed, maintaining a thistle, vert”. When I looked at hit I thought it was well done, simple, and should be no issue. Then I ran it for conflict. At least a couple of conflicts one of which was the King of Sicily. Opps yea let’s not go there ok, next run. How about if I bracket three thistles around the raven how would that look. “Argent, a raven displayed sable between three thistles vert”. I liked how this took shape ran it through conflict and this time I conflicted with Prussia. Why? As theirs is “Argent, an eagle displayed sable crowned Or.” Well because of the raven being displayed with it being a SFPP also runs into conflict with displayed eagles. As im reading down the comments from my colleges one made a recommendation that seemed to take well, split the background in half and make it part gold, added the sufficient changes to avoid conflict. Add to it the client loves it so we have “Per pale, argent and Or a raven displayed sable between three thistles vert.”

A friend introduced me to a friend of hers that was looking to get his name and device registered. His name was running into a real life sluggish so I suggest as he was going to be at Pennsic already to speak to herald’s point for at the time frame they would get it completed and in process then waiting on me. Later on he talked to me about the device that he was looking into. He wanted an Irish wolfhound, a sun with two stars in the chief area. He showed me a concept of what he was looking for and then I redid it the shield. At the time frame he was looking into a mullet of eight points on either side of a sun. This ran into a rule of conflict with suns and stars. Do to the number of points. This is in kind of having a dagger next to a sword. Same style just a “mini me”. After talking over with the client we decided to go with a seven pointed mullet. Giving us a wonderful “Per fess sable and argent, a sun Or and an Irish wolfhound courant sable and in chief two mullets of seven points argent” for Fearghus Mac Cailin.

Johannes von Braunschweig, Ahhh my friend your name was a joy to work on for I learned a bit more about locative and how it relates to nationality. In your case German. Your name was a combination of researching within Heraldry.sca.org under German and Familysearch.org. once the name elements were in place then at that time used the joiner of “von” indicated that he was from Braunschweig or the German Brunswick.
His device he had been using for a while without registering and went to see if he can register it. I looked at it “Gules, a demi-sun Or.” And checked to see if there was any conflict or rules issues that would cause any difficulties. Sadly, there were not one but many conflicts with his demi-sun. so to clear the conflict one of my colleges suggested to add another demi sun under the original and the checks seam to clear all conflicts. I had to giggle with this and dubbed it the setting suns of Tattoine and here we have “Gules, in pale two demi-suns Or.”

Úlfeiðr Artadóttir came to me looking for a name and device she wanted to use. At first I was looking over her name and there ran into some issues from what she originally wanted. So we made a change to “wolf daughter of duck” after a laugh from both of us we ran up the forms. Her device came together nice with feedback of what she was looking for, it had to be sable with argent, including ravens and a wolf. Mmmm hugin and mugin much. Ok so made the wolf laying down and the ravens to either side to get “Sable, two ravens respectant and in base a wolf couchant argent”

Finally, for today as always one of the greatest joys in my job is to recognize up in coming heralds with my favor. This time there is a guy in the girl club lol. He has been working as the Herald for the Shire of Giggleswick and I have watched his progress all year. Even working with clients outside of his kingdom.  Cúán hua hÓcain Keep up the good work.

Greetings to all. I know it has been a while since I have posted anything I have been working on, however I wish to talk on the motivational aspect of what we do as heralds. For once in a while we run into the melancholy that is “ehhh I’ll get to it later.”
For where this is all on a volunteer basis, and what we do as heralds is mostly on our own time. We each need a break once in a while, so that we can recharge and renew ourselves and get right back in that makes us who we are.
For me that bleh creeps up more during the winter where things are slower and calmer however at the same time the winter months is when I am most active in heraldry. Updating the OP, and working on names and arms for some clients that come up.
Recently there was a period of time where I witnessed a few clients that were impatient when trying to research a complex name, or work out a tricky device, or I have had a client that was a bit difficult when dealing with an arms set up that this person was using for a period of time, however trying to make it registered a difficult process and when they would offer ideas the more difficult it was becoming and yet every suggestion you offer back was flat out rejected. Add to that, then you factor in the weight of the real world on the outside. The work, bills, responsibilities that everyone faces when not concentrating on what they love to do, or wish they could.
Motivation I have often found comes and goes like the tide. Sometimes I have the energy to “Blazon all the things!!” and there are often times where I am like, ehhh thanks im good. So, the big question is what makes me get up and continue on?
Duty, for the largest part. Being a Herald is often time a thankless job for some, and often times the behind the scenes can seem not as daunting as say exchequer or even seneschal, or not as glamorous as say knight marshal. However, it is an important step for many a newcomer or veteran players that finally getting around to registering their arms.
For me you would be surprised that the simplest thank you, when handing someone their paperwork and instruct them on how to send in their forms, or the yippee or hoorah when someone that you have been tracking for a bit submission gets registered is like a shot of adrenaline, for when they get that notification, either by me, or kingdom that their submission has finished the long process is a great motivator.
Alternately when you are working on something such as either the OP, or if you keep a record of everyone in the local groups arms and registered names for example it’s the comments I see when I post an update on my local group social media that makes it as rewarding to see it appreciated as much as it was for me to put it together.
Regardless of the reasons that you find that gets you out of your down time, and keep your clients rolling, good for you. Also remember we all need a break, we are only human, take some time off, communicate with your clients and let them know what is up so they don’t end up thinking you have left them high and dry, and come back to it when you’re ready.

Greetings,

Since my last tale more information has gotten to me.  Thank you for shedding more light on things.  So for heraldry it’s more broken down like this;

“Book Heraldry

Names

Devices

Voice Heraldry

Court

Tourney

Site

Protocol and Precedence

Heraldic Display

Silent Heraldry [recently reintroduced and starting to get some traction]

Ceremony [we don’t do this much outside of Coronation, but it’s a category some people work in]”

(credit for Master Rowen Cloteworthy for breaking this down for me)

What I was referencing from my own point of view, as a Provincial herald, as well I am sure a shire, canton, or even a riding herald. You could be the catch all for all above.  If you are able to get deputies, this does free things up, and as well makes things a lot easier for the Pursuivants, all together.  Now do not get me wrong, I love being a herald. The joy that I do find in being one is something that I equal to being an archery marshal, or even more so when I was a heavy list fighter.  The added benefit is that for at least in my neck of the woods, many of the duties listed above, are not something that many would seek in being a herald.  Especially the book work, I have heard that more than once that “it is so dull”.  Thank you challenge accepted and I would say done to a degree that is on par as I can do at this stage, for there is a lot more learning to go.

The next part of this is without a doubt the biggest joy that could ever come to me.  Back some time ago when I took the post of Blue Talbot Herald, the discussion was to recognize those heralds that have come above and beyond the call and should been seen within the herald community for the work they have done ( I refer you to the “the tale of the blue paw favors”)

This past Birka I had the distinguish to even in front of the Senior Staff of the East Kingdom College of Heralds (man got to love how that worked out).  To recognize two more:

Lijsbet van Catwiic:

You have pounced when I needed a hand for the last couple of Great Northeastern War.  I have watched your progress from beginning herald to what you are now.  It was an honor to present my favor to you.

Cassandra Hobbs

Oh where do I begin.  You have been my right hand for the last 2 great northeastern wars, especially last year when in a since I was pulling double duty at the same time.  I have seen you as a Baronial Herald and learned as much as I can from you as like I said at Birka, “pulled my head out of the fire not once but twice”

On the side note I giggled to see these two at court at Birka Lijsbet receiving her AOA, and Cassandra becoming part of the Order of the Silver Crescent.  Great job to the pair of you, you make being your Regional Herald a joy.

Till next time

Greetings one and all

So, the next set of challenges will be approaching for me.

How do I mean you may ask? Well I have compared (contrary to some conversations I have had in the past.) I feel that just like a good heavy lister, fencer, archer, artist you need to be familiar, maybe not an expert however, feel comfortable with each part of that chosen path.

How do I mean about this?

Ok, take this for example. A marshal in heavy list understands and can relate all the weapons forms that he will be expected to marshal. (Sword and board, two stick, pole arm, great weapon) for example. A marshal for archery understands even if at a minimal to be comfortable to inspect equipment for longbow, recurve, and cross bow respectfully. A fencing marshal understands all forms within that field of study.

Heralds: Well we come in what I am understanding four different types; Book, Court, Field, Voice (not covering tourney voice heraldry more incline to announcement crying and general loudness)

Book Heralds, spend the time to learn how to research, look up names, learn blazon, construct emblazon, fill out the forms (correctly so blue tyger never twitches) communicate with clients, track submissions, and something I need to work on even if I pic an hour each month, comment on submissions in OSCAR.

Court Heralds: If you are the lead court herald, whether Baronial Court, or Royal Court you need to speak with the Majesties, or their Excellences, and get the Docit together for court, work with the scribes that will be bringing the scrolls to court, organize all other heralds that will be assisting with court, and read the scrolls in court of those receiving the awards.

Field Heralds: A field herald comes in usually that I have seen in tournament settings. Most Notably in Crown Tourneys. Getting out there, being loud and proud, and making sure you have the combatants’ names if not perfect, as close to perfect as you can get, and don’t forget probably titles.

Voice Heralds: Majority of this that I have come across, and I am certain there are parts of this I have yet to come across and will explore this as it comes up, is most notably in crying the camp. Getting the announcements, finding help to cut the path that you will take easier and more manageable, as well being again loud and proud and project so that all those that you have to announce for understand what you have to say, and know what you have to announce.

Now here comes the challenge. How does one understand those parts in a way to be seen in those regards? Well for the most part is getting out there and doing it. For the most part this is not an issue for many.

For me.   Well I suffer from something that many do have, however for me it’s a bit daunting. Being loud and proud is never an issue. However I have stage fright. This is something I have battled even growing up and the idea of speaking in front of people a bit overwhelming.

One or more people have mentioned to me “if it is such a chore, why do it?” to me this is something that is within the next steps of how I see playing this game.

If a heavy list fighter wishes to be better, they must be seen fighting, field battles, tournaments, and wars. Same can be a kin to the fencer. An Archer wants to hit the Grand Master Bowman, or even win Kings and Queens, needs to go out and shoot. So for a herald? Go out and do it. So for me that will include, work through my fears and work at these things.

Now with Court Heraldry, where as a Baronial Court maybe easier to work with then say Royal Court, which can be an avenue to train under. See how a Court is assembled, how the Docit is put together, and assist in reading.

Field Heraldry, same situation, if there is a time to be a field herald, and also providing that I am not running into a real life vs SCA life, then go out and participate as a Field Herald, Learn to pronounce the names of those competing, even if not there physically, and thereby get comfortable on how a field heraldry works,

Book Heraldry, I would love to say it is easy, in my regard it was easier than the ones above, learning on where to go to research the names, know how a device goes together, become familiar with the SENA or at the very least know where to go to ask for that help. Once you get familiar of how it works then you start to see the number of paths that you can take, as well start to pick up the tricks. It is quite similar to above, however this is also the boring part as a lot of people may not like Book Heraldry vs the rest, for it is not as out there, it is a ton of behind the scenes work, the sheer volume of submissions that you can do, especially at Heralds Point at an event, or even at Pennsic can make all the difference.

To face these challenges is going to be a task I take on myself, and even if I travel more north and south, and look at the baronial heralds and offer my services, with that be able to assist the royal heralds when they come into my region.

I look forward to this and feel pretty confident this is a good way to go.

Yours in Service

Conall