What Kind of Herald is That?
|
The following is abridged from "What Kind of Herald is That?" by Master
Baldwin of Erebor (article in October 1979 Southwind). Most is
still good, but some is quaint and outdated, and is included partly as
an historical document.
The SCA College of Arms recognizes a number of different ranks
which a herald may hold. A herald's rank is dependent partly on his
(or her) skill as a herald, and partly on the heraldic office (if any)
which he holds. The ranks are as follows:
- Sovereign of Arms - highest heraldic rank in the Society
- Principal Herald - head of a Kingdom College of Heralds
(the Aten Herald, in Atenveldt's case)
- Titled Herald - there are four in Atenveldt: the Principality
heralds, the Chaplet Herald, and the chief deputy of the Aten Herald
[1]
- Titled Pursuivant - in Atenveldt there are five which are
deputies to the Aten Herald (kingdom-level pursuivants in charge of
various fields such a precedence, device submissions ...) and the
herald of each of the baronies is a titled pursuivant.
- Untitled Pursuivant or Pursuivant at Large - This
is a person who is reasonably competent as a field, court, and device
herald, or has considerable expertise in one area, and is at least
familiar with the other two. An untitled pursuivant may be at large,
or may be attached to a specific office or group as an advisor.
- Pursuivant Extraordinary - a PE is competent enough in
some area of heraldry to function as a member of the college, but
does not yet have the knowledge or experience to become a pursuivant.
- Cornet - A cornet is a raw recruit, trainee, or temporary
assistant. Cornets are not warranted.
When a herald is performing his duties, he is a representative of the
King. When a herald is making an announcement there should be silence.
Other officers should help by example and by educating those in local
groups.
|