Kin Crests

First popularized in the Earth Kingdom in 005AT, kin crests were a method of tracing family lineage as well as displaying the core values of the family. The crests are displayed on decorative items which would aid in displaying the family’s status, such as tabards, shields, wax seals, etc., as well on their family tree which is appraised by chroniclers.

In order to create a kin crest a couple is required to be joined, after which they have the choice to create their own unique crest or inherent either of their parents crests. Those born under the family crest will always inherit their parents crest until they are joined with their own significant other.

Crest Shape
The shape of the crest refers to specific roles in the family and is used mostly on family trees, generally the mother crest shape is used on decorative items.

Crest Colours
Most kin crests incorporate two to four colours in their imagery, each colour holds a meaning that the family wants to present and embody.

The stronger the value the more dominant the colour will appear on the crest, similarly too many colours on a crest will be interpreted as the family being unreliable, or confused. Any family may use any colour aside from purple on their kin crest unless they explicitly have royal heritage.

Crest Divisions
Some crests may have vertical or horizontal lines to separate parts of the crest, these lines are associated with locations which are linked with the family in some way.

Crest Patterns
Unlike the other parts of the crest the pattern of the crest is purely for aesthetic, usually made up of repeatable or simple shapes.

Crest Supports
On either side of a crest there may be an animal in one of four set poses; Laying down, Sitting, Standing or Reared Up. The inclusion of supports was a tradition added by those in the Moon Kingdom as surnames there commonly includes an animal which the family wanted to embody.

Crest Imagery
The final part of a kin crest involves the use of various types of symbols to provide a short history or family ambitions, this last layer of symbolism is illustrated by various objects.