busy
bodhifox who evidently got it from silverstah. The idea is to post an icon which embodies some esoteric or obscure bit of knowledge, and see who knows what it is.This icon is a representation of a heraldic concept called "abatement," in which a person's shield design is altered as a punishment. (Most scholars believe that abatement was rarely if ever used in practice, and is instead an amusement of heralds.) This particular one is "a point champaine, tenne," and indicates one who killed a prisoner. Though I originally spotted it in a heraldry book, I found this description online:
He beareth Or, a Point Champaine, Tennè. This is the first of those Diminutions that doe comprehend three points, and is formed of one Arch line, which taketh his beginning from the Dexter base (and including the middlemost) & endeth in the Sinister base point. This is due unto him that killeth his Prisoner, (humbly submitting himselfe) with his owne hands, though in extreme neede it is allowed by the Law of Armes, rather to kill, then to hazard himselfe to bee slaine; Alwaies (saith Sir John Froysard) by right of Armes a man ought to grieve his Enemy, and good company of Armes is mercy to knights and Souldiers.
One of my cultures seems to use abatements more seriously, but I haven't pinned down exactly which culture yet. I just know the concept stuck to my brain like a burr in a way that indicates fictional relevance.
February 26 2008, 18:22:30 UTC 13 years ago
February 26 2008, 19:14:33 UTC 13 years ago
But fascinating, nonetheless!
February 27 2008, 00:04:32 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 00:48:31 UTC 13 years ago
I think public embarrassment is an excellent punishment, but then again, I'm a Leo....
February 27 2008, 01:03:43 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 04:19:01 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 04:47:29 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 04:53:18 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 06:04:17 UTC 13 years ago
February 27 2008, 06:16:08 UTC 13 years ago