Heraldic Adoption (sage ability)

Heraldic adoption is an expert-status sage ability, rare because it's considered a great honour to propose a new heraldic symbol, much less having one adopted. To do so, the character must have the patronage of a person of rank, which may either be a player or non-player character. The character designs the achievement desired, then approaches the great powers of a region, humbly, asking for the symbol to be accepted and thus incorporated into the ranked person's coat of arms.

These powers may be the monarch of a significant state, one of more than a million residents; an archbishop with political authority or the head of a church. The achievement is visually examined, suggestions are made for changes and then a council is assigned to consider the achievement's merit. After a period of 3 to 6 months, if the ranked person does not disgrace his or herself, the achievement is sure to be recognized by the entire heraldic college. This acceptance is due to the character's expertise in matters of this kind.

Once the process is completed, the ranked individual is free to bestow the achievement upon the character with heraldic adoption in gratitude.

See Heraldry, Signs & Sigils