Heraldry of the Hadrian Empire

Introduction

Heraldik des Hadrianischen Reiche
(Heraldry of the Hadrian Empire)

Author	Friederich von Bergwald-Holstein
Country	The Hadrian Empire
Language	High Attian, Common Tongue
Subject	Guide
Publisher	The Imperial Library of Adelsburg
Publication Date	Moonday 1, Redfall, 1541

Ever since the dawn of the Attian Empire, various symbols and flags have been used to represent individuals, families, or groups. Throughout the ages, simple colored cloths and small symbols sewn into the clothes of people have developed into extravagant symbols made by prestigious artists to represent great houses, families, kingdoms, and other allegiances. These heraldric symbols, or crests, are in modern times a popular and commonly used way to express one’s wealth and prestige within the Hadrian Empire. The more extravagant the symbol, the more prestigious its wearer’s house or company. There are a multitude of crests used throughout the empire and all use a very defined style. This article acts as a guide and overview of Hadrian heraldry.

Hadrian Heraldry

Officially used colors of Hadrian Crests

Heraldry of the Imperial Provinces - ‘Heraldik der Reichsprovinzen’

The Grand Principality of Brandenhafen - ‘Das Großfürstentum Brandenhafen’

A plain argent shield adorned with a crowned eagle charge, the eagle is holding two items. In its right claw it holds the baton of Brandenhafen, a reference to the provinces’ (economical) might. His left claw holds a relic adorned with gules and argent gems, serving as an allusion to the Globus Cruciger, also known as the orb charge, which is a symbol of power. It is an emblematic representation of sovereign authority and is frequently accompanied by the scepter - which can be seen held in his right claw, the baton of command with the statuette of the Imperial Eagle himself affixed to its end. Lastly, a central shield can be spotted. This central shield is made up of a party per cross in the tinctures or and argent, with a crowned eagle charge and stands as the current crest of the Imperial Family: von Lichtenfelts.

The Grand Duchy of Veronia - ‘Das Großherzogtum Veronia’

This crest, carrying the tinctures of the old ‘Kingdom of Veronia’ consists of a party per pale divisioned shield, with two separate charges on each side. The left side is in the gules tincture with an argent lion rampant crowned charge, this lion stands tall as a protector of Veronia and refers to Veronia's prominent role in guarding the southern coasts with their bastion Cerils’ Keep. Furthermore, on the right there is a sable crowned eagle charge against an or tincture, referring to the Imperial Eagle.

The Grand Duchy of Hertzland - ‘Das Großherzogtum Hertzland’

A shield with a party per pale division in the tinctures of gules and azure. On it an argent lion rampant guardant charge. The lion symbolizes courage and strength, but also nobility and royalty. A nod to the older times of the Kingdom of Hadriana, in which the Province of Hertzland was the seat of the Hadrian Royalty. This former Hadrian Royalty, the Withmonds are the reason this crest still carries the argent and azure tinctures, as they were the house colours of the then king Roderick Withmond.

The Duchy of Bergwaltz - ‘Das Herzogtum Bergwaltz’

A plain argent shield adorned with a two-headed charge. The charge consists of a jules eagle crowned on the left, and a sable lion rampant crowned on the right. The eagle refers back to the Imperial eagle of the Hadrian Empire, whilst the lion stands for courage, strength, and valour.

The Duchy of Hölzland - ‘Das Herzogtum Hölzland’

A shield covered in a vert tincture without divisions. This tincture is a nod to the vast forest that covers seventy-five percent of the Hölzland province. On this shield, a panther rampant charge in the argent tincture stands as a center-piece.

Unbeknownst to what this creature is supposed to resemble, the older inhabitants of Hadriana were raised on legends that have been handed down through the generations: a formidable being lurking in the forest, resembling a panther and possessing the menacing head of a mighty steed. It remains to be determined whether the Hadrian folklore regarding the fire-breathing creature is merely a story to scare the younglings or whether it continues to linger among us.

The Duchy of the Southern Hinterlands - ‘Das Herzogtum das Südische Hinterland’

A plain gules shield with an argent lion rampant crowned charge. The lion, which stands for courage and strength, was often seen on old Hintish crests and has carried it over to the current rendition. This lion appears to be holding seven arrows in its left paw. These seven arrows are a direct reference to the first seven major Hintish tribes that made up the old Hinterland Kingdom. The sword in the lion's right paw stands for defiance and has no deeper meaning.