This is Scropes, the heraldic equivalent of Snopes: the Urban Legend Reference Pages.  In an effort to do for SCA heraldry what Snopes.com has done for popular culture, we’re gathering every urban legend we can find and rating them:

thumbs_up True: for legends that are, for the most part at least, correct and accurate.

thumbs_down False: for legends that are complete and utter piffle.

broken_heart Unknown: for legends that contain a bit of truth and a bit of falsehood but are ultimately not enough of either to make a judgement.

If you have a suggestion, either a legend or an explanation, post it in the comments section below and a Staff member will make a new page here.

Please also see this long list of misconceptions about SCA heraldry, compiled and refuted by Baron Modar.

 

thumbs_down Those who are elevated to an Order of Peerage, using a particular moniker, are then allowed to register that name.

thumbs_down Heralds play trumpets.

thumbs_down Heraldry cannot be displayed until registered.

thumbs_down All the devices with Unicorns/Lions/Swords are already taken.

thumbs_down Medieval people didn’t have proper spelling, so you can spell your name anyway you like.

thumbs_down I don’t need to register a name, it’s already on my membership card.

thumbs_down The populace badge for a group is the same as the group’s arms minus the laurel wreath or crown.