Heraldry Links

Heraldic achievement,

A central shield adorned with various traditional embellishments, is a significant symbols that are registered to individuals in the SCA. A complete heraldic display of arms may include specific items placed above, beside, and below the shield. Many SCA Kingdoms have restrictions on elements that accompany a shield on scrolls dictated by the awards level AOA, GOA , Patent or Royal Peerage.

The core components of a Shield

– Shield (Escutcheon): The central surface (field) where patterns, colors, and charges (symbols like lions or crosses) are displayed. The most common shape is the heater shape.

– Ordinaries and Charges: Geometric shapes (like bends or chevrons) and iconic objects, animals, or mythical beasts are painted onto the shield.

Elements above the Shield

– Helmet (Helm): Placed directly on top of the shield, representing the knight’s armor and military origin.

– Mantling: A cloth drape attached to the helmet that historically protected the wearer from the sun.

– Torse: A twisted roll of silk fabric sits on top of the helmet to hold the mantling and crest in place.

– Crest: A three-dimensional object or figure (such as an animal or plume of feathers) mounted on top of the wreath.

– Crown or Coronet: Sometimes used in place of or above the wreath to denote peerage or royal rank.

Surrounding & Supporting Elements

– Supporters: Figures of human beings, animals, or mythical creatures that stand on either side of the shield to “hold” it up. They should be able to see each other over the shield.

– Compartment: The grassy mound, platform, or scrollwork beneath the shield upon which the supporters stand. Supporters should match the compartment, such as fish on water or lions on land.

– Motto: A short phrase or maxim, typically inscribed on a scroll positioned below the shield. One kingdom has personal mottos registered with it.

– Badge: A separate subsidiary symbol used by the owner to mark retainers, property, or flags, independent of the main shield. In the SCA, badges of awards received prior to the current award may be displayed as a design element, or the badge of the award being bestowed may be used with a ribbon.