How Much Will The Heralds Charge For My Blazon

In the Forgotten Realms, the Heralds play a crucial role in the recognition and regulation of nobility. They levy fees on commoners seeking to establish their blazons, or coats of arms. These fees cover the creation of various heraldic items and the right to reproduce them without violating the Law of Arms, a legal code used by the Heralds that is secret and constantly changing. The Heralds also guide on the approved manner of augmenting battle-banners.

Adventurers can create their own blazons without Heraldic approval, provided they avoid formal agreements or priesthood services. The Heralds don’t judge the taste or legitimacy of blazons unless holders ignore their instructions.

In the busy realms of the Border Kingdoms and Sembia, the Heralds charge additional fees for blazons. Nobility, gentry, and guilds are charged for registering their blazons. Unauthorized duplication of blazons incurs fines, and persistent offenders face escalating penalties.

Here are the typical fees:

• Full coat of arms: 1,000 gp
• Grant of arms (in triplicate): 1,000 gp per trio
• Painted shield or shield cover: 500 gp
• Banner: 500 gp
• Additional fee for blazons in the Border Kingdoms: 250 gp per person
• Additional fee for blazons in Sembia: 5,000 gp (reduced to 2,000 gp for unmarried children under twelve)
• Registration of blazon: 1,000 gp
• Artist’s fee: 50 gp for a shield, breastplate doorplate, or tabard; up to 500 gp for a banner, wall-tapestry, or large coat-of-arms
• Fine for duplicating someone else’s blazon: 500 gp

These fees have led to a proliferation of self-styled “Lords” in Sembia and the Borders, many of whom use a single device as a badge. The Heralds allow certain additions to these badges without considering them a “second charge”. However, adding a specific background or a second weapon incurs an additional charge. Despite this, the Border Kingdoms boast numerous self-proclaimed Emperors, few of whom have purchased the right to a blazon.

To stake a legitimate claim to power one must commission those who are responsible for the identity of power. Only once your blazon is established across the continent will you be recognized.