Heraldry

[Dottie Elliott]

Micheal,

If you don't want to play the game then don't!  The registration of devices
is there for those who wish to follow the rules, come up with a device that
could have been found in period and wish to have it marked as their
personal device.  If you don't want to play that game come up with a device
however you will and get on with life.  I don't have a problem with that
although if its blatantly modern I would be sadden to see it (I would of
course never complain to you about it as that would not be courteous). If
others want to play why do you have a problem with that?  Live and let
live, I say.  The SCA is many different games to many different people and
their is room for all the different viewpoints. If you want to change the
operation of the herald's office become a herald and work from within to
get the changes you desire.  If others agree with you, then it will happen.


I am sorry but I disagree that this is an authenticity police thing.  I
don't see what's wrong with wanting folks to have devices that would have
been used in period (within reason) since our Society's goal (as I have
been told it) is to recreate the middle ages. The creative part does not
mean changing history or changing a medieval practice to a modern one.
Certainly, some heralds may take their job too seriously or let
personalities get in the way of doing a good job but in any field that will
happen.  And, yes, we do look for reasons why a device should not be
approved but the rules on this have been steadily relaxed over the years.
I have always look on my job as herald as providing both education and a
service for the customer and becoming an advocate for the customer if need
be as well. Many of the heralds I have known see it this way as well.

If you don't like playing the SCA game why don't you start your own?
Others have and been successful (like Markland and that Kingdom in NYC).
Then you could make up rules and such more to your liking.

Baroness Clarissa