Their shape was often elaborated in other ways. The dexter is considered more honorable than the sinister. The arms of the Papacy, which are gold and silver are an exception. Whatever is placed on a field is termed a charge . There are three kinds of charges.
Ordinaries are nine, with three diminutives, twelve in all.
When a charge is placed upon a parted field, the tinctures of the field may be reversed in the charge which is then said to be counter-changed. Per pale azure and silver, a chevron counter-changed. A - A pale endorsed. B - A bend cotised. C - A fesse cotised.