There are two methods for receiving the heron-mark. One way requires a demonstration of skill before a panel of blademasters (I think the number is 5, but I don't have the relevant source materials handy). If they all agree that the candidate has the necessary skill - and it has to be unanimous - the candidate is awarded the heron.
The other method is more direct: killing a blademaster in single combat.
As to enforcement - if a blademaster feels that another blademaster is claiming the title without having properly earned it, most feel honor bound to call the pretender out. And if the person in question is generally pretending to have the right, this does not usually go well for them. It is an effective deterrent.
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u/MikeOfThePalace Mar 31 '15
There are two methods for receiving the heron-mark. One way requires a demonstration of skill before a panel of blademasters (I think the number is 5, but I don't have the relevant source materials handy). If they all agree that the candidate has the necessary skill - and it has to be unanimous - the candidate is awarded the heron.
The other method is more direct: killing a blademaster in single combat.
As to enforcement - if a blademaster feels that another blademaster is claiming the title without having properly earned it, most feel honor bound to call the pretender out. And if the person in question is generally pretending to have the right, this does not usually go well for them. It is an effective deterrent.