Point of difference: Difference between revisions

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A '''Point of Difference''' is an [[SCA]] term for a distinct difference in [[heraldry|heraldic display]]. New SCA [[arms]] must display two points of difference from any other extant SCA arms in order to be registered. This is based loosely on the amount of change seen in period heraldry between non-related persons. The rules for [[conflict checking]] can be complex, but some of the ways to create difference in a device are:
A '''Point of Difference''' is an [[SCA]] term for a distinct difference in [[heraldry|heraldic display]].

===Complex Heraldry===
Most new SCA [[arms]] must display '''two''' points of difference from any other extant SCA arms in order to be registered. This is based loosely on the amount of change seen in period heraldry between non-related persons and helps prevent confusion or [[presumption]].

The rules for [[conflict checking]] can be complex, but some of the ways to create difference in a device are:
* Add or remove a [[charge]] group
* Add or remove a [[charge]] group
* Change the [[tincture]] of a charge group
* Change the [[tincture]] of a charge group
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For example, ''[[Argent]] a [[dragon]] [[gules]]'' has two clear differences from ''[[Or]] a dragon [[vert]]''. ''[[Vert]] a [[dragon]] [[argent]]'' has only one clear difference from ''[[Per pale]] [[azure]] and [[gules]], a [[dragon]] [[argent]]''
For example, ''[[Argent]] a [[dragon]] [[gules]]'' has two clear differences from ''[[Or]] a dragon [[vert]]''. ''[[Vert]] a [[dragon]] [[argent]]'' has only one clear difference from ''[[Per pale]] [[azure]] and [[gules]], a [[dragon]] [[argent]]''


===Simple Heraldry===
In some cases, when a device is considered [[simple heraldry]], only the type of primary charges needs to be changed to clear conflict, even if this means there is a single point of difference.
The exception to the "two points of difference rule is [[simple heraldry]]. Simple heraldry is uncomplex, often consisting of a single [[charge]] or group of charges on a [[field]] with only the most basic of [[Line divisions|divisions]]. When a device is considered [[simple heraldry]], only the type of primary charges needs to be changed to clear conflict, even if this means there is but a single point of difference.


On rare occasions, clear differences are trumped by a visual conflict. This is related to guidelines sometimes referred to as the [[ten foot rule]], in that the points of difference must be obvious from a distance of ten feet.
On rare occasions, clear differences are trumped by a visual conflict. This is related to guidelines sometimes referred to as the [[ten foot rule]], in that the points of difference must be obvious from a distance of ten feet.

Latest revision as of 00:06, 24 August 2008

A Point of Difference is an SCA term for a distinct difference in heraldic display.

Complex Heraldry

Most new SCA arms must display two points of difference from any other extant SCA arms in order to be registered. This is based loosely on the amount of change seen in period heraldry between non-related persons and helps prevent confusion or presumption.

The rules for conflict checking can be complex, but some of the ways to create difference in a device are:

  • Add or remove a charge group
  • Change the tincture of a charge group
  • Add a peripheral ordinary
  • Change the field
  • Change the posture or position of a charge when applicable

In most cases, charges are cumulative. The exceptions are field changes and changes to tertiary charges, for which only one difference can be derived even with multiple changes.

For example, Argent a dragon gules has two clear differences from Or a dragon vert. Vert a dragon argent has only one clear difference from Per pale azure and gules, a dragon argent

Simple Heraldry

The exception to the "two points of difference rule is simple heraldry. Simple heraldry is uncomplex, often consisting of a single charge or group of charges on a field with only the most basic of divisions. When a device is considered simple heraldry, only the type of primary charges needs to be changed to clear conflict, even if this means there is but a single point of difference.

On rare occasions, clear differences are trumped by a visual conflict. This is related to guidelines sometimes referred to as the ten foot rule, in that the points of difference must be obvious from a distance of ten feet.