Bretonnian Heraldry

A Knight of the Realm, bearing Heraldry that shows his ties to Mousillon.

The Heraldry that adorns the Knights of Bretonnia signifies their allegiances and their experiences on the field of battle.

Overview

Heraldry is a way of identifying a knight and what family he's from. It is also used so that Squires, fellow Knights and even enemies can recognise the Knights on the battlefield. Such recognition is very important, because the various dukedoms and families do not shy away from war.^[1]

Heraldry is also used as a sign of ownership, often being displayed on ship sails and castle doors among other things. Men-at-Arms always carry the heraldry of the family they serve into battle.^[1]

The heraldry designs used by Bretonnians consist of two things - a coloured background (called a Field) and one or more emblems (called a Charge) confined within the shape of a shield. Heraldry is commonly tied to the individual dukedom that a knight hails from, such as a Boar for Artois or a Trident for Bordeleaux, and a stunning number of variations can be found for each.^[1][2]

Some symbols can be seen throughout Bretonnia regardless of which dukedom a knight is from. They are often incorporated into a knight's main heraldry as Blazons to highlight his achievements in battle. For example, if a knight were to fight and slay a ferocious Dragon, he may decide to add its image to his existing heraldry. These images may also be crafted into ornamental items known as Marks of Excellence, which decorate shields and armour.^[1][3]

When a knight is granted a place in a higher knightly order (such as the transition from Knight Errant to Knight of the Realm) his heraldry will not change, but the way it is represented on his shield will become more elaborate to fit his new stature.^[1]

Blazons

Blazons are often incorporated into a knight's existing heraldry to signify acts of valour and feats of arms. These Blazons often come in the form of monsters and beasts that a knight has slain in combat, such as Dragons, Wyverns, Griffons and Chimeras. Other commonly used Blazons signify noble deeds, or experience in certain fields of combat.^[1][3]

• Cross - Signifies that a knight has fought against the Undead

• Fleur de Lys - Signifies that a knight has undertaken the Grail Quest.

• Grail - Signifies that a knight has completed the Grail Quest and become a living saint.

• Rose - Signifies that a knight has rescued a damsel in distress.

• Eagle - Signifies that a knight has fought and defeated an Empire Knight.

• Pegasus - Signifies that a knight claims royal lineage.

• Crown - Signifies that a knight has served the King in his royal retinue.

• Hammer - Signifies that a knight has fought against Dwarfs.

• Clarion - Signifies that a knight is one of the King's messengers.

• Crescent Moon - Signifies that a knight has fought against Goblins.

• Axe - Signifies that a knight has won in single combat.

• Key - Signifies that a knight is Castellan of a castle.

• Scales - Signifies that a knight has won a trial by combat.

• Lion - Signifies that a knight has fought in an Errantry War.

• Star - Signifies that a knight has fought and slain an enemy Wizard.

• Stag - Signifies that a knight is a renowned hunter.

• Shark - Signifies that a knight has fought sea invaders.

• Clovers - Signifies that a knight has been thrice favoured by Grail Damsels.

• Tower - Signifies that a knight has fought in a siege.

• Raven - Signifies that a knight has defeated Norscan raiders.

• Sword - Signifies that a knight has performed a feat of arms.

• Unicorn - Signifies that a knight is favoured by Athel Loren.

Sources

• 1: White Dwarf #288 - Bretonnian Heraldry
• 2: Knight of the Realm (Novel)
• 3: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia (5th Edition)