Middle Kingdom Pursuivants Handbook 2nd Edition - Midrealm ...

The Middle KingdomCollege of HeraldsThorvald RedhairEdited by Mistress Elena de Vexin, Dragon HeraldWhat is a “Pursuivant”?A herald (small h) or pursuivant (small p) generally refers to anyone who performs heraldic duties, whetherthey are a kingdom titled herald, a branch herald, or a cornet assigned to do the announcements for a givenevent.A cornet is an unofficial title generally given to temporary heralds or heralds in training. It is also sometimesused to designate deputy branch pursuivants.A Pursuivant is a junior rank of herald. It is usually pronounced “PER-swih-vahnt” or “per-SWEE-vahnt”.Anyone who is not, nor has ever been, a titled herald will probably be a Pursuivant. A branch pursuivant isgenerally referred to as the “ Pursuivant” and the deputy is the “ DeputyPursuivant”. Examples would be the Ben Dunfirth Pursuivant, the Sternfeld Pursuivant, and the NordskogenDeputy Pursuivant.A Pursuivant-at-Large is a warranted pursuivant that does not necessarily serve one branch. They tend to beformer branch heralds or someone interested in heraldry and likes to help out at events or in consulting. Theyare especially useful help at other branches’ events. Pursuivants-at-Large are generally recommended forwarrant by the Regional Herald of their region.A Titled Pursuivant is generally a junior deputy to a titled herald’s staff, for whom the titled has beenregistered. For example, the Bicorporate Pursuivant is a deputy to the Oaken Regional Herald; and theOpinicus Pursuivant is an administrative assistant to the Dragon Principal Herald.A Herald (capital h) is a senior rank of heralds. These tend to be the senior staff heralds and the regionalheralds. They are commonly referred to as Titled Heralds, since they generally hold titles that are registered tothe Midrealm. A couple of examples are the Lincoln Herald for the region of Illinois and the EscutcheonHerald, who handles the internal submission process.A Herald-at-Large is a warranted pursuivant that once held a titled herald position, but has since moved outof that office and wished to remain as a warranted herald.A Herald Extraordinary is someone who has served the College of Heralds extremely well as a DragonPrincipal Herald. They are honored by being given a permanent title. The title White Mantle HeraldExtraordinary was given to Mistress Fiona Averylle O’Connor of Maidenhead for her service as a DragonHerald.The Dragon Principal Herald is a Great Officer of State and serves as the chief heraldic office of theMidrealm College of Heralds.The Laurel Sovereign of Arms is the chief heraldic officer of the Society.How to Become a Pursuivant/HeraldIf you are interested in becoming a local branch pursuivant or even a Senior Titled Herald, apply for the jobwhen the office becomes available. On the average, a term of office tends to be 2 years, though some willcontinue in their office if things are going well for them. If you wish to move up in heraldic rank, then try tostay informed with what is going on in the college.If you desire to be a Pursuivant-at-Large, write or talk to your Regional Herald. If they feel you are qualifiedto be an at-Large, they will then write to the Dragon Herald and ask that you be warranted.If you are a former Titled Herald and wish to be a Herald-at-Large, write or talk to the Dragon Herald.Middle Kingdom Pursuivants Handbook 12nd Edition - 2002