Difference between revisions of "Heraldic Code (sage ability)"

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[[File:Heraldic Code (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Heraldic Code (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
'''Heraldic code''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Heraldry, Signs & Sigils (sage study)|Heraldry, Signs & Sigils]], that provides characters with knowledge of the design, display and meaning of symbols used by families and kingdoms as evidence of their rank and ancestry. Characters are able to recognize and assign origins to parts like lozenges, tinctures, fields, charges and much more shown on shields, armour, flags and so on.
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'''Heraldic code''' is an [[Knowledge Points|amateur]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Heraldry, Signs & Sigils (sage study)|Heraldry, Signs & Sigils]], granting characters the ability to interpret the design, arrangement and significance of symbols that denote ancestry, rank and allegiance. This knowledge allows for the recognition and attribution of heraldic elements — lozenges, tinctures, fields, charges and various embellishments — displayed on [[Shield (armour)|shields]], [[Armour List|armour]], banners and other devices.
 
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__TOC__
As an amateur, the character will know the code for every primary political entity of the world, and for every common profession. Once the character progresses to an authority in the study, recognition of the code of every secondary region and of every [[City|city]] is added. Finally, as expert is reached, the character will know the code for hundreds of name-level persons, every one within 500 miles in fact — and this number will expand as the character travels the world. Since various parts of the world display distinct sorts of code, characters should be able to recognize the approximate region of origin of any sign, even if the sign itself isn't known.
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At the amateur level, a character possesses the ability to identify the heraldic code of every major political entity in the world, as well as the symbols associated with common professions. Upon reaching authority in the study, this recognition extends to every secondary region and [[City|city]], enabling the character to trace the lineage of noble families and governing bodies across vast territories. At the level of expert, knowledge becomes even more specialised, granting familiarity with the coats of arms of hundreds of notable individuals, particularly those within a 500-mile radius. As the character travels, their repertoire of recognised symbols naturally expands. Furthermore, since heraldic styles and traditions vary across cultures, a knowledgeable individual can often deduce the approximate origin of an unfamiliar sign based on its form and conventions.
  
 
== Symbols ==
 
== Symbols ==
"Achievements" are a full display or depiction of all the components to which the coat of arms is entitled. Achievements must be earned, either by the bearer or the bearer's ancestors; if one's distant ancestor committed a great act, then the descendants of that person are entitled to include that achievement in their coat of arms.  There is a central shield which is depicted, adorned with achievements.  These include crests; a torse, or wreath; a mantle, which is drapery tied to the helmet above the shield; the image of a helm; a coronet or crown; supporters, which are figures or objects placed on either side of the shield; mottos; orders which are bestowed by the state; and badges, which indicate the individual's allegiance.
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"Achievements" represent the full composition of a coat of arms, displaying all the elements to which an individual or family is entitled. These achievements are not granted arbitrarily; they are earned, either through personal merit or the deeds of one's ancestors. A coat of arms is centered around a shield, which serves as the foundation upon which these honours are displayed. Various elements may accompany the shield, including crests, a torse (wreath), a mantle of drapery affixed to the helmet and the helm itself. Higher distinctions may include a coronet or crown, supporters figures or objects flanking the shield mottos, orders bestowed by sovereign states and badges indicating allegiance.
  
Therefore, while an individual's person may not be recognized, a character with knowledge of heraldic code can see instantly to whom the bearer owes allegiance, his or her family, what they've personally accomplished, what their family has accomplished, where they are probably from and even what character class they are.
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A character proficient in heraldic code can instantly determine not only the identity and allegiance of a bearer but also their family history, notable accomplishments, probable region of origin and even their likely character class. The symbolism embedded within a coat of arms conveys a wealth of information that may prove invaluable in diplomacy, investigation or strategy.
  
It must be acknowledged that many warriors cannot choose to wear a coat of arms, if they are not of sufficient rank or achievement. Those that do, however, are to be reckoned with; the coat itself may offer a [[Heraldic Defense (sage ability)|magical protection]], gained through prowess and distinction.
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It is important to recognise that not all warriors have the right to bear a coat of arms, as such symbols must be earned through achievement or inheritance. However, those who do display one are to be reckoned with, as their heraldry is more than mere decoration — it may even confer a [[Heraldic Defense (sage ability)|magical protection]], a power born from the distinction and prowess of the bearer.
  
  
See  
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See [[The Church (sage field)]]
  
[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Don't Review until 2022]]
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[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 03:37, 22 February 2025

Heraldic Code (sage ability).jpg

Heraldic code is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Heraldry, Signs & Sigils, granting characters the ability to interpret the design, arrangement and significance of symbols that denote ancestry, rank and allegiance. This knowledge allows for the recognition and attribution of heraldic elements — lozenges, tinctures, fields, charges and various embellishments — displayed on shields, armour, banners and other devices.

Contents

At the amateur level, a character possesses the ability to identify the heraldic code of every major political entity in the world, as well as the symbols associated with common professions. Upon reaching authority in the study, this recognition extends to every secondary region and city, enabling the character to trace the lineage of noble families and governing bodies across vast territories. At the level of expert, knowledge becomes even more specialised, granting familiarity with the coats of arms of hundreds of notable individuals, particularly those within a 500-mile radius. As the character travels, their repertoire of recognised symbols naturally expands. Furthermore, since heraldic styles and traditions vary across cultures, a knowledgeable individual can often deduce the approximate origin of an unfamiliar sign based on its form and conventions.

Symbols

"Achievements" represent the full composition of a coat of arms, displaying all the elements to which an individual or family is entitled. These achievements are not granted arbitrarily; they are earned, either through personal merit or the deeds of one's ancestors. A coat of arms is centered around a shield, which serves as the foundation upon which these honours are displayed. Various elements may accompany the shield, including crests, a torse (wreath), a mantle of drapery affixed to the helmet and the helm itself. Higher distinctions may include a coronet or crown, supporters — figures or objects flanking the shield — mottos, orders bestowed by sovereign states and badges indicating allegiance.

A character proficient in heraldic code can instantly determine not only the identity and allegiance of a bearer but also their family history, notable accomplishments, probable region of origin and even their likely character class. The symbolism embedded within a coat of arms conveys a wealth of information that may prove invaluable in diplomacy, investigation or strategy.

It is important to recognise that not all warriors have the right to bear a coat of arms, as such symbols must be earned through achievement or inheritance. However, those who do display one are to be reckoned with, as their heraldry is more than mere decoration — it may even confer a magical protection, a power born from the distinction and prowess of the bearer.


See The Church (sage field)