Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn From: aaron@gsb001.cs.ualberta.ca (Humphrey Aaron V) Subject: ADMIN: Heraldry Message-ID: Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1993 03:35:45 GMT Heraldry is, most basically, a method of keeping track of symbology associated to important personages and institutions. It has developed a more-or-less precise system of terminology in an attempt to prevent the duplication of "coats of arms", as they are commonly called. Heraldry, in some form or another, has arisen in many worlds. Prior to the days when it was common to travel from one dimension to another, each kept to its own methods, keeping its own rolls and using its own terminology. Then an interdimensional traveler was killed in a duel by a man whose arms he had supposedly usurped. This led the various heraldic organizations to make contact with each other and, after lengthy deliberations, they hashed out a mutual agreement to prevent future unfortunate incidents. The headquarters of the Interdimensional College of Arms were placed, of course, in Nexus. Originally they were set in the Great Heath, whence springs most Nexan heraldry because of the intricate feudal interrelationships and ubiquity of titles, but for the sake of safety they were moved to Generica, where they reside today. When it proved impossible to unify all the methods of heraldic blazonry, several parallel systems were agreed upon. In most heraldic matters, the local monarch is the ultimate arbiter, although he or she is usually more than willing to listen to his or her King of Arms or equivalent. But in interdimensional matters, the Nexus Emperor of Arms is the final arbiter. Coats of arms have been designed for the various dimensions, or sometimes for individual worlds. The usual practice is for an interdimensional traveller to have the arms of his homeworld marshalled with his personal arms, the former being placed in the base third of the shield. For a fee to the Interdimensional College of Arms, this marshalling can be done and appropriate modifications made to equipment and attire. The College itself is close to Glorshanned Keep, a vine-covered building roofed in copper which has long since turned green. The current Nexus Emperor of Arms is an elderly man named Arking Patraer who, while frail-looking, still promises to have quite a few good years remaining to him. Various Heralds and Pursuivants are his assistants, and he retains contacts with the busier centers in the Great Heath on a regular basis. [If anyone wants more information on heraldry, like, for instance, if their character would have earned a coat of arms by birth or deed somewhere in their history, email me and we'll see what we can work out. Checking out a book on heraldry in your local library may also be helpful. I also welcome volunteers who are already knowledgeable in heraldry who feel moved to help me out--I've only been at this for a few months.] Here follow the coats of arms of a few dimensions: Nexus: Sable, a gurges Argent. [A white spiral on a black background.] Roth (Alfvaen's home dimension): Or, semy of golpes. [A gold background scattered with purple discs.] The Forgotten Realms: Azure, a dragon rampant Or. [A golden dragon on a blue background] Greyhawk: Argent, a hawk Cendree(*), belled and jessed Or. [A grey hawk, with golden straps and bells on both legs, on a white background.] (*) Ash-grey. This tincture is not common in all worlds, but in Greyhawk it has an unaccountable popularity. [This could turn into a definitive dimension-list, too. Feel free to send me descriptions of various dimensions, especially if you're interested in a coat of arms for your character...] -- --Alfvaen(Editor of Communique) Current Album--Billy Joel:The Bridge Current Read--Glen Cook:Reap The East Wind Poisoning pigeons on the grass alas alas