heraldry

The rules by which a knight’s symbols were organized for clarity and individuality. Heralds, as officers of the court , were originally followers of the tournament , moving with the tournament circuit form place to place and originally paid along with jongleurs and minstrels . They were thus entertainers first, but during the 15th and 16th century they gradually absorbed the duties of court officers, carrying messages, and even negotiating between warring parties. See also Chronique: The Journal of Chivalry #10 .

rules controlling use by nobleman regarding patterns used on flags, armor, and shields.