[ANSTHRLD] Herald's Point Question

[Brian O'hUilliam]

To reiterate Master Robin's point,
   From the research I have done into vocal heraldry, displaying the arms of
a person or group means that you speak for that person or group.  When I
wear Master Modius' tabard, I am his voice.  He is responsible for what I
say (as am I, of course).  If I am wearing the tabard of the Barony of Loch
Soilleir or of Ansteorra, I am speaking for that ruler (Baron or King,
etc) or the group itself.  In this case, an assault on the herald is
actually an assault on those lands and its ruler because that tabard means
the herald is their official representative.

To Ivo's question-
  You are running an heraldic point that is presumably for vocal heraldry
and not a consultation point, correct?
Are you making announcements as the Provioncial representative speaking as
the Province directed by its ruler (in this case, the Crown)?  Not really.
You are making general announcements throughout the day and heralding
lists.  This is not speaking as the Province, but rather for the benefit of
the Province.
The best bet is to use the green with the gold crossed trumpets.  Is it
overused?  Perhaps, but does it work?  Does it give people a clear sign of
what is happening in that pavilion or by whoever is wearing the tabard?
Absolutely.  Is it period?  No, but sometimes things became SCAisms and it
just plain works.  Will it clearly and easily achieve your goal?  Yes.
Now, as far as that symbol meaning you are making announcements as an
official representative on behalf of the CoA, I have never heard that
before.  It has come to mean a generic herald on duty.  I wear it when I
herald for people if they do not have their own tabards.  I have seen people
wear it when heralding lists for at making announcements at Pennsic.  They
use it on signs at consultation tables at Gulf Wars.  Etc, etc, etc.

If you use the green with crossed trumpets (which is probably the least
presumptuous), you may get people thinking you are running a consultation
table, but that's the risk you run with the different forms of heraldry
period.  If you use the Mooneschadowe arms or badge, people will probably
not quickly make the connection that that pavilion is for vocal heraldry, as
Master Robin mentioned.  Additionally, I think it is a bit presumptuous.


In Service,
Brian O'hUilliam
Loch Soilleir, Ansteorra
(for at least a few more days.....)



On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 12:41 PM, Jay Rudin <rudin at peoplepc.com> wrote:

> Ivo asked:
>
> >Hi everyone,
> >
> >I have a heraldry/history question for those in the know.
> >
> >I am heading up heraldry for our local event coming up, and I want to
> >make a herald's point as a central location to coordinate heraldry.
> >With the additional goal of adding some pomp and circumstance to the
> >scenery, I am looking to post a flag or banner over the point that
> >marks it as heralds point. When discussing this with the autocrat (who
> >is also the current Star Principal Herald, btw) the question was
> >raised as to what, exactly we should put on the top of the banner
> >pole.
>
> A basic requirement of signalling is that the recipient should understand
> what the signal says.  The banners say different things.  Use the banner
> that your intended audience will be expected to understand.
>
> >1. Mooneschadowe's arms (Sable, a sun argent, eclipsed sable, and on a
> >chief Or, a laurel wreath sable)
>
> This says "I am currently speaking for the group's ruling noble.  The King
> and Queen know what I am saying and have directed me to say it."  You do
> this for courts and other local announcements.
>
> >2. Mooneschadowe's Badge ([Fieldless] A lion-dragon statant contourny Or.)
>
> This says "Everyone in Mooneshadowe is welcome here.  It's a local
> hangout."  Don't use it for herald's point.  People seeking heraldry won't
> come; locals seeking shade will.
>
> >3. Badge of the SCA College of heralds
>
> This says "Heraldry happens here.  If you want a herald, this is where to
> come."  I'd use this for herald's point.
>
> >4. other
>
> Each other option says something different.  You need to ask yourself what
> potential readers will think when they see it.
>
> >5. some combination of the above
>
> Province arms and crossed trumpets.  "Heraldry for the province happens
> here, as requested by the Crown."
>
> Province badge and crossed trumpets.  "Heraldry for the province happens
> here.  If you want to make a presentation in Mooneshadowe court, come here.
>  Non-Mooneshadowe business not requested."
> If you are willing for non-locals to come consult, this is misleading.
>
> Robin of Gilwell / Jay Rudin
>
> P.S.  There is no "SCA College of Heralds".  The SCA has a College of Arms;
> each kingdom has a College of Heralds.