Heraldic Code (sage ability)
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Heraldic code is an amateur-status sage ability 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 magical protection, gained through prowess and distinction.
