Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir
Version: (2022)
Please note that there are a number of changes from previous forms of this ceremony. In particular, we have tried to remove all gender-specific titles. When you are preparing to use this ceremony, we advise that you watch for these words in particular, and make appropriate changes when you know what titles the royals will be using: SOVEREIGN, CROWN, CONSORT, HEIR, INSPIRATION, RULER. Where there is the designation CROWN, either party may speak. It's best to decide this in advance. We have tried to leave space for each of these names or titles to be entered as they appear. Please contact the Lion's Sword Herald at lionssword@antir.org for assistance with suggestions and corrections. (ls)
ENTRANCES
At the appointed time, Their Majesties shall be seated upon their thrones and the people assembled to witness the ceremony. When all is ready the herald will begin (at the Sovereign's command):
HERALD
According to our ancient laws and customs, the time has come for the Crown of An Tir to pass on their rule to their battle-chosen successors. An Tir, stand in witness to the coronation of your next Sovereigns.
The Crown will command the presence of those chosen to convey the royal regalia.
HERALD
Let those who have been chosen to convey the Royal Regalia now come forward.
And when they are assembled:
Crown
It is time for us to pass on the Crowns and Thrones of our Kingdom. We give into your keeping these symbols of sovereignty, and do charge you to hold them in trust for Our heirs.
Their Majesties hand to the bearers the Sceptre, Rod, and Orb of An Tir, and the bearers return to their places. Then the Crown shall call forward the Champions of An Tir.
Crown
Champions of An Tir, attend us.
And when the Champions have arrived, the Crown shall say:
Crown
It is now time for us to pass on Our Crowns, and we have need of the Symbols of your Offices. We thank you for your honorable service.
Giving back the Symbols, the Champions depart. At the Crown's command the herald will summon the Victor's spokesman (or if the Crown prefers the herald may act as spokesman):
HERALD
, come before Their Majesties.
SPOKESMAN
On the day of Anno Societatis the Kingdom of An Tir did hold a Crown Tournament in to determine who would succeed to the Crowns and Thrones of An Tir. was victorious on the field that day, and comes today to press (her/his/their) claim.
Crown
Let them approach.
The Heir enters, with their attendants, and stands before the thrones.
Crown
Why have you come into this Our court?
HEIR
To claim what is mine, by right of arms and the laws and customs of this land.
Crown
Do you make this claim only for yourself?
HEIR
I claim it also for my Inspiration, .
Crown
Then let (her/him/them) join you here.
The Heir's Inspiration enters, with attendants.
THE CHAMPIONS' CHALLENGES
Crown
We hear your claims. Does anyone second them?
The Champions of An Tir come forward.
KINGDOM
CHAMPION
I, , Champion of An Tir, declare the JUSTICE of (Heir's) 's claim.
Throwing a gauntlet to the floor, continues: (personal challenge)
RAPIER
CHAMPION
I, , Rapier Champion of An Tir, do declare the MERIT of (Inspiration's) claim.
Throwing a gage to the floor, says: (personal challenge)
ARTS & SCIENCES
CHAMPION
I, , Arts & Sciences Champion of An Tir, declare the TRUTH of and 's claim.
Throwing a glove to the floor, says: (personal challenge)
KINGDOM
PROTECTOR
I, , Kingdom Protector, declare the VALIDITY of and 's claim to the Thrones of An Tir.
Throwing a glove to floor, says: (personal challenge)
BARDIC
CHAMPION
I, , Bardic Champion of An Tir, declare the STRENGTH of Their Highnesses claim.
Throwing a glove to floor, says: (personal challenge)
EQUESTRIAN
CHAMPION
I, , Kingdom Equestrian Champion, do attest the RIGHTNESS of and ’s claim.
Throwing a glove to floor, says: (personal challenge)
If there is a challenge the champions will answer it. Then the champions will be given goblets and will raise them in tribute to the Crown Heir and Inspiration.
CHAMPIONS
OF AN TIR
We drink to and , next Sovereigns of An Tir.
Draining their cups, they return to their places in the court.
THE OATH OF SOVEREIGNTY
Crown 1
, (Heir) We have seen you here acknowledged true heir to the Crown. We recognize your claim to ascend the Throne of An Tir.
Crown 2
, (Inspiration) We have seen you here acknowledged true heir to the Crown. We recognize your claim to ascend the Throne of An Tir.
Crown
Will you accept the Crowns of An Tir and swear the Oath of Sovereignty before these witnesses?
Heirs
We will.
They kneel. The Crowns shall lay across Their palms the Sword of State. And the Heirs will lay their hands atop the Sword, on the hands of the Crowns, and the herald will lead them, phrase by phrase, in the Oath:
HERALD
Here do I swear, by hand and mouth,
Service and protection to the Kingdom and populace of An Tir;
To the utmost of my power;
To govern its people according to their laws and customs;
To uphold the ideals of Chivalry;
To maintain and encourage the Arts and Sciences;
To promote and support Service;
To cause Law and Justice, with Mercy, to be executed in all Our judgments;
And to set an example of honor to all;
So long as we remain Sovereigns of An Tir.
So say I, .
So say I,
THE CLOAKS
The Crown places the Cloak of State over the Heir's shoulders, saying:
Crown 1
, receive this Mantle of An Tir, mindful that you now bear the honor of the realm upon your shoulders.
The Crown places the Cloak of State over the Inspiration's shoulders, saying:
Crown 2
, receive this Mantle of An Tir, mindful that you now bear the virtue of the Kingdom upon your shoulders.
THE CORONATION
The Crown 1 will remove the Crown, raise it above the head of the Heir, pausing that all may see, and place it upon the head of the Heir, saying:
Crown 1
I, , do crown you, , [Sovereign] of An Tir, with the right to wear this crown and to pass it to your successors. Receive it now and with it, the Kingdom of An Tir, to care for and rule, from this day forth.
The new Crown will rise and face the people.
HERALD
An Tir, behold , your undoubted [Sovereign] . Long live the [Sovereign] !
The Crown 2 removes the crown, and gives it to the new Crown, saying:
Crown 2
I, , do now surrender this crown to you, that you may crown your Inspiration [Sovereign].
Turning to the Inspiration, saying:
Crown 2
Receive the Crown and Throne, won for you by your champion, and pass it on to your successors.
Placing the crown on the Inspiration's head, the new Crown says:
Crown 1
, receive this Crown and share with me from this day forth the care and rule of the Kingdom of An Tir.
As the new Majesties turn to face the populace, the herald says:
HERALD
An Tir, behold , your undoubted [Sovereign] . Long live the [Sovereign] !
The new Majesties shall take Their places upon the Thrones.
The stepping down Crowns may leave court at this time, if so, the Herald will exhort cheers (being sure to use the titles they had BEFORE taking the Throne). They may stay and witness if they and the Crown wish it.
THE REGALIA
The Sceptre shall be brought to the Crown 1, the bearer kneeling:
HERALD
Wield this Sceptre of Royal Justice, mindful of your oath to treat all who come before you, friend or foe, subject or stranger, with justice and honor.
The bearer may offer words of wisdom to the Crown.
Then the Rod shall be brought to the Crown 2, the bearer kneeling.
HERALD
Bear this rod of Royal Mercy, heedful of your oath to see that justice is tempered with mercy, and to nurture courtesy and chivalry throughout your realm.
The bearer may offer words of wisdom to the Crown.
The Orb shall be brought to the Crown 1, the bearer kneeling.
HERALD
Accept this Orb of Royal Dominion, remembering your promise to nourish the well-being of the realm, to restore the decayed and to maintain that which is restored, that the Kingdom may flourish and prosper and her people be always first in your heart.
The bearer may offer words of wisdom to the Crown.
The Great Seal shall be brought to the Crown 2, the bearer kneeling.
HERALD
Receive the Great Seal of An Tir, mindful of your oath to make laws which are just, to reward virtue and punish transgression for the good of the Kingdom and its people.
The bearer may offer words of wisdom to the Crown.
THE TOAST
Goblets will be brought forth (containing wine or other beverage, as Their Majesties desire), the bearers saying:
CUP-BEARERS
Your Majesties, accept these goblets in token of the hopes of your subjects, that you will drink deep of happiness in your reign.
Their Majesties take the goblets and drink the following toast:
CROWN
We drink to those who have ruled before, to those who will come after, and to the people of An Tir, without whom there would be no Kingdom to rule.
The cup-bearers depart, and Their Majesties' attendants take their places.
THE FEALTIES
{notes}
Their Majesties may alter the form of their fealty responses if they wish.
The past Crowns may be invited to swear fealty first.
PAST
Crowns
I, , do become your liegeman/woman/person of life and limb, and of earthly worship. Faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and to die, against all manner of folks.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you and promise to protect and defend you, and those of your household(s), with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
The past Crowns depart at this time. If cheers not previously exhorted do so at this time (being sure to use the titles they had BEFORE taking the Throne).
THE FEALTY OF THE CHAMPIONS
The herald shall call forth the Champions:
HERALD
Let the Champions of An Tir present themselves before Their Majesties.
When they have gathered
HERALD
Do you, the Champions of An Tir, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, to come to the aid of the Throne in strife, and in all matters to defend this Realm of An Tir, so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
CHAMPIONS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you, the Champions of An Tir, and promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Societatis] of An Tir.
Retainers hand Their Majesties the Champions' Symbols as the herald says:
HERALD
Receive this Sword of Royal power, mindful of your obligation to protect the Kingdom from all enemies and to defend the defenseless from all who would harm them.
And the Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Champion of An Tir saying:
Crown 1
, Champion of An Tir, We return this Sword to your keeping, charging you to keep it safe and deliver it up to Us at such times as the Kingdom has need and We shall require it.
HERALD
Receive this Rapier, mindful of your obligation to protect the Kingdom from all enemies and to defend the defenseless from all who would harm them.
And the Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Rapier Champion, saying:
Crown 2
, Rapier Champion, We return this Rapier to your keeping, charging you to keep it safe and deliver it up to Us at such times as the Kingdom has need and We shall require it.
HERALD
Receive this Baton, keeping in mind your oath to promote the Arts and Sciences in the Kingdom of An Tir, that scholars may flourish and craftsmen prosper.
Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Arts and Sciences Champion saying:
Crown
, Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir, We return this Baton to your keeping, charging you to lead our people, at Our direction, in the advancement of the Arts and Sciences, in this Our Kingdom of An Tir.
HERALD
Receive this Bow, which is power and strength contained, mindful of your oath to temper justice with mercy, and to foster Chivalry and Courtesy in your realm.
The Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Protector saying:
CROWN
, Kingdom Protector, We return this Bow to your keeping, charging you to deliver it up to Us as We require, or An Tir has need.
HERALD
Receive this Cloak, mark of the Bard, mindful of your pledge to foster the musical and performance arts in An Tir.
The Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Bardic Champion saying:
CROWN
, Bardic Champion of An Tir, we return this Cloak to your keeping, charging you to promote the Bardic arts in Our Kingdom, and to spread the word fame of our people in peace and in war.
HERALD
Receive this Lance, the weapon of the Equestrian Champion, keeping in mind the warriors who ride to your campaigns at your side.
The Crown, receiving it, gives it to the Equestrian Champion saying:
CROWN
, Equestrian Champion of An Tir, we return this cloak to your keeping, and charge you to find and teach mounted warriors that we may call upon the riders of An Tir at need.
Crown
TO ALL CHAMPIONS
Please take your rightful places in Our court.
LANDED PRINIPALITY RULERS
HERALD
Those Rulers of the Summits and Tir Righ, who have in their time received the oaths of the people, come forward, kneel and swear fealty unto Their Majesties.
When they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you, [Principality Coronets] of this Realm, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? And do you now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? And being mindful that the honor of the Realm springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat chivalrously and courteously with those of every degree as long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
Principality Coronets
I so swear.
Crown 1
And we, for Our part do swear fealty to you, the Rulers of An Tir's Principalities. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your Principalities and those of your households, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say we, [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
So say we, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
ROYAL PEERS
HERALD
Their Majesties now invite those Royal Peers, who have in their time received the oaths of the people, to come forward, kneel and swear fealty.
When they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? And do you now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? Being mindful that the honor of the Realm springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat those of every degree with chivalry and courtesy for so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
ROYAL
PEERS
I so swear.
CROWN
And we, for Our part do swear fealty to you. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say we, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say we, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
PEERS
HERALD
As a knight swears fealty to the Crown when the honor is received, so is that fealty is renewed at the beginning of each reign. Therefore let all Knights of the Realm come forth, with their swords girded on, to kneel before the Throne, together with those Masters-at-Arms who wish to swear fealty.
And when they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you, a Knight or Master at Arms of this Realm, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? And do you now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? Mindful that the honor of the Realm and of the Order of which you are members springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat those of every degree with chivalry and courtesy, for as long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
MEMBERS
OF CHIVALRY
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you, the members of the chivalry of An Tir. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
HERALD
If there are Masters at Arms who would raise their glasses in toast to Their Majesties, let them come forward at this time.
The Masters at Arms may come forward and toast Their Majesties. If none come forward continue with the following:
HERALD
Those members of the Order of the Pelican, whose Service is recognized as an example to all: come forward now if you would swear fealty to the Crown of An Tir.
And when they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you, a Pelican of this Realm, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? And do ye now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? And being mindful that the honor of the Realm and of the Order of which you are members springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat chivalrously and courteously with those of every degree as long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
PELICANS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And, We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you, the Pelicans of An Tir. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
HERALD
Their Majesties call those Teachers of the Order of the Laurel who would offer fealty to the Crown, come now before the Thrones of An Tir.
And when they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you, a Laurel of this Realm, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? And do you now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? And mindful that the honor of the Realm and of the Order of which you are members springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat those of every degree with chivalry and courtesy for so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
LAURELS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you, the Laurels of An Tir. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
HERALD
Their Majesties call for the Masters of Defense, who would offer fealty to the Crown, join your fellows of the Peerage of An Tir in pledging faith to and , true Sovereigns of this Realm.
And when they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you, a Master of Defense in this Realm, now swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm? Do you now swear faith to the Crown of An Tir? Being mindful that the honor of the Realm and of the Order of which you are members springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will treat chivalrously and courteously with those of every degree as long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
MASTERS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to you, the Masters of Defense. We promise to protect and defend you, and those of your households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
LANDED BARONS AND BARONESSES
HERALD
Let those Landed Coronets and Royal Patrons come now to swear fealty.
When they have gathered.
HERALD
Do you now swear fealty for the lands you hold to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm, and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir? And being mindful that the harmony of your baronies and the honor of the Kingdom springs from your own deeds, do you now swear that you will deal courteously with those of every degree, so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
Landed Coronets and
ROYAL PATRONS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to these Barons, Baronesses and Royal Patrons of An Tir, and promise to protect and defend them and the people of the lands they hold with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] An Tir.
Here Their Majesties may offer the Court Baronage the opportunity to swear fealty. Otherwise, continue with OFFICERS, below.
HERALD
Their Majesties now invite those who bear Court Baronies of An Tir, or from the hand of the Royalty of the Known World, to come forth now to swear fealty.
And when they have gathered:
HERALD
Do each of you now swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir, and right mindful that the harmony of the Kingdom springs from your own deeds, that you will treat those of every estate with courtesy and respect?
BARONAGE
I so swear.
CROWN
And We, for Our part, return this fealty to you, the Crown Baronage of An Tir. We swear to protect and defend you with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of Tir. So say we, , [Sovereign] of An Tir. And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
OFFICERS
HERALD
Let the Kingdom Officers of An Tir come before Their Majesties.
And when they have assembled, the Kingdom Seneschal shall say:
KINGDOM
SENESCHAL
Your Majesties, we, the Officers of An Tir offer to you these batons, the symbols of our service to the Crown, that you may dispose of them and of our offices as you will.
CROWN
My Lords and Ladies, as you have served Our predecessors on the Throne of An Tir in the past, so do we charge you now to continue to carry these Batons-of-Office in good and faithful service to Our Crown and Kingdom.
HERALD
Do you Officers of An Tir swear fealty to and , your undoubted Sovereigns, that you will faithfully discharge your offices, that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this realm, and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir? And being mindful that the harmony of the Kingdom springs from your own deeds, that you will deal courteously with those of every degree, so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
OFFICERS
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to these Officers of An Tir and to all who serve under them, and to protect and defend them, and their households, with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown
, Chief Scribe of this land, we consign this Great Seal of An Tir to your safe-keeping, charging you to deliver it to Us as the Kingdom has need or We shall require.
THE POPULACE (fealty or support as the Crown prefers)
HERALD
Their Majesties now call upon those of the populace who wish to swear fealty/pledge their support and allegiance to the Crown of An Tir.
When they are assembled:
HERALD
Do you the people of An Tir, affirm that and are the true and rightful Lord and Lady of this Realm, that you will support and defend them in your hearts and in your homes and that you will obey their lawful commands in all matters that concern this Realm so long as Their Majesties remain Sovereigns of An Tir?
PEOPLE
I so swear.
Crown 1
And We, for Our part, do swear that We shall do all in Our power to protect and defend these, Our subjects, and to rule them justly, so long as We remain Sovereigns of An Tir. So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
And when all have returned to their places the herald shall say:
HERALD
An Tir! We have here witnessed the Coronation of and , Sovereigns of An Tir, and the vows of fealty and service which bind them to the people of Their Kingdom. Long live [Sovereign] ! Long live [Sovereign] !
The herald will exhort cheers for An Tir.
Here the coronation court ends, but Their Majesties may elect to continue with Their First Court.
NOTES FOR THE HERALD
You will need to meet with many people on coronation day, so make plans to spend the ENTIRE day on this ceremony. You have a lot of lines in this ceremony, so you will need to have an assistant or two, to spell you. Try to change at section breaks, for a smooth transition. Unless you're a real masochist, you shouldn't try to do Final or First Court, but limit yourself to this ceremony.
You will need one more assistant to direct assembly at the entrance to court. This person could also be a good messenger for the Crown Heir's retinue, who always need someone to help before the ceremony).
After the Crown tournament, Black Lion will send copies of the ceremony to: the reigning sovereigns and the heirs.
Black Lion should obtain copies of the ceremony as revised by the Heirs about three weeks in advance, in order to review and advise the Crown of any omissions or other issues the Royalty may need to be aware of. The final decision on any portion or rite will be made by the Royal Couple at that point in the ceremony. Lion’s Sword Herald should retain a copy of the final edit for the ceremony files.
At least two weeks in advance you should send copies of their parts to: the Champions; the Sceptre-bearer; the Rod-bearer; the Orb- bearer; the Chief Scribe; the cupbearers and personal coronet-bearers; and the Kingdom Seneschal. Remind the Crown to bring the Regalia, and find out the names of the regalia-bearers. Also, you should remind the Heirs to prepare information for their retinue detailing where each member should position themselves and what each member's duties are. With the Chief Scribe's portion, remind her/him to bring the Seal.
Check the regalia:
Sceptre, Rod and Orb: to be brought by the current royalty.
Sword, Rapier, Bow and Staff:, A&S Baron, Bardic Cloak, Equestrian Lance to be brought by the respective Champions.
Meet with: Champions; Spokesperson; Regalia-bearers; Chief Scribe; Cup-bearers; Personal Coronet-bearers; and Kingdom Seneschal, to discuss cues and possible problem areas. Also meet with Banner-bearers to discuss assembly points and times.
Remind the Heirs to speak up, so that people can HEAR them.
Make certain that there are two retainers to remove the coronets after the Mantles of State have been put around the shoulders of the Heirs, and that retainers are nearby to take the regalia when the new Sovereigns make the toast.
Meet with the Masters-at-Arms to find out whether they will toast the Crown (as is usual), swear fealty (rare), or if this portion should be left out. Be sure to inform the new Royalty of the Masters-at-Arms decisions BEFORE the ceremony.
WATER, and lots of it for you. A handkerchief or napkin for the inevitable sniffles. Reading glasses if you need them.