Introduction

Though fictitious, the arms which illustrate the tiles in this game have been designed according to the strict rules of heraldry (the art of the coat of arms - formal arrangements of figures and colours which clearly identify the loyalties of the bearer). Click on the thumbnails to learn more. A word of warning: the heraldic vocabulary can appear bewildering at first glance. The more obscure terms will be explained as they are encountered. Of course, this short overview does not pretend to be exhaustive.

Shield Shapes

The heraldic shield was originally a literal one, wielded by a knight for protection in battle or during a tournament. It was on that shield that the blazon (the specific arrangement of lines and colours of the coat of arms) was painted.

By extension, the shield now refers to the characteristic shape into which the blazon is set. The shields seen on the game tiles are in the 13th century French style, but there are a considerable number of variations.

Shield Parts

The shield is divided by imaginary lines into 9 parts. Though their names may sound strange to the modern ear, they are merely technical terms used to describe the precise placement of an element on the shield. “Dexter” and “sinister” mean “right” and “left”, respectively. Note that the sinister side, however, is on the right, and the dexter side on the left. This is because the shield must be considered as if it were a person…

Metals

In heraldry, yellow and white have special status: they are considered “metals” as opposed to “colours” and are consequently called “or” and “argent” (French for “gold” and “silver”).

One of the most important rules in the creation of a coat of arms is that one must never place a metal on another metal. For example, no proper shield will sport a white area in direct contact with a yellow area.

Colours

There are 5 basic colours in heraldry: red, black, blue, purple and green. Since they are “metals”, not “colours”, yellow and white are not a part of this list.

The 5 colours are also called by special names: “gules” for red, “sable” for black, “azure” for blue, “purpure” for purple, and “vert” for green.

In general, it is forbidden to place a colour on a colour, but there are exceptions.

Symbolism of Metals and Colours

Over time, each tincture (metals and colours combined) has acquired a conventional significance.

Or symbolizes intelligence, grandeur and generosity, whereas argent evokes peace, purity and sincerity. Gules signifies bravery, love and patriotism, sable represents sadness and moral steadfastness, and azure symbolizes beauty, loyalty and fidelity. Purpure and vert, which are less frequent, are symbols of justice and hope, respectively.

Horizontal Partitions

The shield may be divided in many ways, and the divisions are the result of the placement of several coloured areas. The basic horizontal partition (in the centre) is called “per fess”. A large horizontal band is a “fess”, and repetition of this motif yields a “barry” shield.

Vertical Partitions

The shield on which the arms are drawn is rarely plain: dividing lines create separate areas which can each be used to place a symbolic element. The simplest vertical partition (in the centre) is called “per pale”. A large vertical band is a “pale”, and a shield with several pales is said to be “pally”.

Diagonal Partitions

The 2 diagonal partitions are distinguished according to the direction of the dividing line. A simple partition from the top right to the bottom left of the shield (from the “dexter chief” to the “sinister base”… remember that left is right and vice versa!) is called “per bend”.

The opposite partition is named “per bend sinister”. When presented as large bands, these divisions are known as a “bend” and a “bend sinister”, respectively.

Combined Horizontal and Vertical Partitions

It is possible to make the shield divisions even more elaborate by using 2 kinds of partitions on the same field.

Some of these complex partitions have become heraldic elements in their own right and have been given a special name. For example, a shield per fess and per pale (bottom left) is called “ per cross” or “quarterly”. The 4 areas thus formed can each be used to display figures, or even be further partitioned.

3-Part Field Divisions

Some 3-part field divisions are the result of a central element placed on the shield (a fess, for example), but others are more elaborate. Note that in the case of a shield per pall, per fess the upper part per pale (top right), and other similar partitions, the rule against the placing of a colour on another colour seems less stringent. Of course, it could be said that the colours, in this instance, are placed one against the other instead of one on the other.

Animals

The 4 animals illustrating this series of tiles are the ram, eagle, dolphin and lion. Each symbolizes one aspect of the knight’s character.

The ram represents authority, the eagle stands for bravery and nobility, the dolphin evokes speed, and the lion, found on countless coats of arms, is a classic symbol of courage.

Celestial Objects

Celestial objects are sometimes found on coats of arms. In this game, they illustrate 3 of the tiles.

The star has 5 curved branches and symbolizes intelligence. The moon, generally displayed as a crescent, represents authority and serene power over a troubled world. The sun, with its many golden rays, is a symbol of glory and splendour and is often associated with royalty (Louis XIV, for example, chose it as his personal emblem).

Mythical Animals

On a series of modern red French shields are displayed a mermaid, unicorn, griffin and dragon, in white.

In the Middle Ages, people believed that these fantastical creatures really existed in far away lands. Contrary to the original myth, the mermaid stands for eloquence. The unicorn and the griffin represent valour and courage (the unicorn, in particular, symbolizes exceptional bravery). Surprisingly, the dragon is not a negative symbol. It evokes valour and protection.

Plants

4 of the game tiles are illustrated with a white plant on a Swiss green shield. The white rose, symbolizes faith and love. The lily, or fleur‑de‑lis to use its heraldic name, represents royalty (the arms of the French crown are: azure, 3 fleurs-de-lis or). Wheat is evidently a symbol of agriculture and nature’s riches. As for the vine, the strength of its roots has made it emblematic of enduring friendship.

Attitudes of Animals

In heraldry, the accepted attitudes of an animal on the shield have long been refined, codified and labelled. All the animals in this game are “rampants”. In this context, this word means that the animal is shown rearing up, with its sinister paw on the ground, the other paws raised, and the tail erect.

During the Middle Ages, this was often the only attitude used, but the illustration shows other possibilities.

Blazon

The blazon is the full technical description of a shield. The heraldic vocabulary may seem daunting, but it is the key to a very precise account of any coat of arms designed according to the rules. Any heraldry student would blazon the shield at the far left in the same way: “or, a pale sable”. How would you describe the other shield? If you answered “gules, a lion rampant or”, congratulations! You are ready to design your own coat of arms!