In
Star Ocean: The Second Story, Heraldry is the
form of
magic used by most
wizards. The
system revolves around the
use of certain
designs which have been found to have special
effects, known as
Crests. The
basic Crests were revealed to
people who prayed in
shrines dedicated to the
god of
creation,
Tria.
When placed upon equipment, Heraldic Crests bestow properties such as causing fire; when tattooed onto a person, Crests' effects can supplement and enhance mental powers -- abilities normally too weak to be of any use can be developed into spells.
Those of the suspiciously elflike Nedian race are masters of Heraldry, not only having knowledge of some of the most powerful Crests possible, but the ability to draw upon the powers that lesser Heraldic patterns attract without getting tattoos.