Non-EQ Rant

[Heartsong_Steelsoul]

I'm a member of a Historical Re-enactment group, and have been for about four months. It's called the Adrian Empire (www.adrianempire.org). I joined it right after a friend of mine took over as the local leader (Viceroy) due to mismanagement by the previous one.

I'm a perfectionist. I admit it. I practically revel in it. I subject myself to it more than anyone else.

One of the things I'm interested in is Heraldry. I'm not an expert, but I'm a good researched. While it was never followed through on, it was discussed my being a deputy for book type heraldry for the local herald.

One of the local political entities (generically estates, specifically a house) some time ago submitted what I consider questionable heraldry, which the local herald passed on up to the head herald of everyone to approve. The part I find questionable is that it contains a "wolf sejant, head erect" - a seated wolf, howling. We pride ourselves on historical accuracy, but searching I could find wolves in no such position other than in that "other group" - the SCA.

I told people this. I mentioned that maybe that house shouldn't have made a banner before the heraldry was reallyreally approved.

I just got blasted by the local herald because he has seen examples (which he didn't provide) and I'm questioning his authority and qualifications (and then lists four different SCA positions related to heraldry he's held).

One of the reasons I joined this group was because I felt like the SCA in the area was difficult to "break into", difficult to feel welcome, much like people in EQ calling people "newb" in a derogative fashion. I got yelled at for trying to make sure something was done right.

Thank you for letting me get that off my chest.

[Glatius2]

I just got blasted by the local herald because he has seen examples (which he didn't provide) and I'm questioning his authority and qualifications (and then lists four different SCA positions related to heraldry he's held).

Well, how exactly did you bring up the concern? Because many times the approach can make the difference in the response, at least with some people. Many times people in positions where they themselves may not feel completely secure will overreact to challenges because it brings their own doubts to the forefront. Its usually best to use the kid gloves with such people.

And in the end, while your desire to have it done correctly is commendable, what is the over all impact to the world if its not exactly right? Maybe its time to cut your losses and accept that not everyone will agree with your perception of exact correctness. It will save you a lot of grief and aggravation down the road.

Making enemies for no good reason other than a difference of opinion on a minor point of heraldry does you no favors. Even if he's wrong, is it worth making him an enemy over it?

[Heartsong_Steelsoul]

Basically the first time I saw the heraldry, I said that I didn't believe it was a period position. Later I did a bit of research so I mentioned it to confirm that as far as I could tell through research it wasn't.

I mentioned it one more time as a suggestion that perhaps he shouldn't start working on a banner before it was approved.

Those were all to the owner of the banner. To the herald, I pretty much had said I didn't thing it was correct and pretty much didn't mention it to him again, that I can recall.

The impact if it isn't correct:
A device that appears to have two flat black howling coyotes on it.

[Glatius2]

Sounds like the herald is overreacting then. My advice, for what its worth, just drop it.

[sir0die]

haha, been in the SCA, let thge bastard waste his time and money, (it's not your time or money is it?). He'll be pissed enough when it gets bounced by the kingdom hearalds. Then you can always say "I told ya so".


Then there is always that accuaracy might not matter. And YOU'RE then one being a stickler for authenticity.

after all, when i was in the SCA there were 2 types of people, the ones that say "IT looks good", then there were "detail ****'s" (comment is reflecting upon the "soup ****" from seinfeld)

[Heartsong_Steelsoul]

Well, it's kind of like I tried to tell them at every stage that would make it harder to fix, ya know?

I can say one thing - the heraldry is a lot stiffer in this group than SCA! (No offense to that organization)