Outlands College of Heralds
Outlands College of Heralds
The Outlands College of Heralds is the heraldic arm of the Kingdom of the Outlands within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). It supports heraldic research, field and court announcements, the maintenance of awards and armory, and scribal activity throughout the kingdom. The College is a vital part of the kingdom's structure, ensuring both recordkeeping and ceremonial support.
Overview
Heralds in the Outlands assist with name and armory submissions, provide voice heraldry on the field and in court, track awards and honors, and support the scribal arts. The Outlands College of Heralds is uniquely organized with roles and responsibilities distinct to the kingdom.
Structure
The College is organized into three general tiers:
Senior Staff: Appointed by the White Stag Principal Herald, this group includes specialized heraldic officers responsible for various aspects of kingdom heraldry.
Local Heralds: Officers serving baronies, shires, colleges, and cantons. These heralds must be approved by White Stag.
Heralds-at-Large: Individuals not currently holding an office but actively participating in the College's work.
Senior Staff Titles and Duties
White Stag Principal Herald: Chief administrative herald and voice of the Crown.
Blue Iris Herald: Herald to the Queen, primarily serving in court.
Gimlet Herald: Keeper of the Book of Ceremonies.
Palmer Herald: Emergency deputy to White Stag.
Plover Herald: Coordinates field heraldry.
Rampart Herald: Manages name and armory submissions.
Weel Herald: Responsible for heraldic education and publications.
Wimble Herald: Maintains the Order of Precedence.
Wharrow Herald: Maintains the Roll of Arms.
Scribe: Oversees scroll creation and scribal activity.
Fretty and Trefoil Heralds: Comment on internal and external submissions.
Local Herald Titles
Local baronial heralds may hold unique titles, such as:
Aspen Pursuivant (Caerthe)
Scorpion Pursuivant (al-Barran)
Scalene Pursuivant (Dragonsspine)
Rook Pursuivant (Citadel of the Southern Pass)
Barbican Pursuivant (Unser Hafen)
Ray du Soleil Pursuivant (Caer Galen)
Black Fountain Pursuivant (Fontaine dans Sable)
Heraldic Ranks
Messinger-of-Arms: Entry-level rank.
Macer: Demonstrates continuing commitment.
Pursuivant: Solid knowledge and skill in at least one heraldic area.
Herald: Excellence in two or more heraldic disciplines.
Herald Extraordinary (HE): Honorific for outstanding service and impact.
Types of Heraldry
Book Heraldry
Involves assisting members with name and armory registration, research, and documentation.
Field Heraldry
Announces tournament entrants, match results, and keeps the populace informed during combat.
Court Heraldry
Acts as master of ceremonies for royal and baronial courts, announcing awards and facilitating the Crown’s business.
Philosophy
Heralds in the Outlands are encouraged to act with courtesy, discretion, and professionalism, remembering that they serve as the voice of the Crown. Education, mentorship, and fun are emphasized throughout the College.
External Links
Official Website of the Outlands College of Heralds
College of Arms (Society-wide)
Based on "A Super-simple Introduction to the Outlands College of Heralds" by Master J. Balthazar Tigero, edited by Kymma Godric (2005).