Creation of a Mark (Surprise)

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: (2026)

At the Crown's command the herald will call forward the SECRETARY for the Order:

HERALD: , Companion of the Mark, has a petition for Their Majesties. Let them come before the Thrones.
CROWN: What is your petition?
SECRETARY: The Order of the Mark petitions Your Majesties to admit another into the Order of the Mark and the Peerage of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

And the CROWN will order the HERALD to summon the members of the Order.

HERALD: All members of the Order of the Mark here come now before the Thrones of An Tir.

And the members of the Order may process in a formal procession, or they may gather more informally before the Thrones, leaving an aisle approaching the Thrones, and kneeling there.

CROWN: Greetings to you, Companions of the Order of the Mark.; Each of you is a Peer of this Our Realm by virtue of your service; and the sharing of your talents with the people of the Kingdom.; Today you bring before Us another for consideration.; Tell us of the qualities of this candidate.

And the sponsor(s) will enumerate the qualities which qualify the candidate for the Order, without naming them.

When they have finished, the CROWN will query the secretary.

CROWN: Who is this candidate?

And the secretary will name the candidate. And the CROWN will command the HERALD to summon the candidate.

HERALD: Let approach the Throne.

The Candidate comes forward and kneels before the thrones. The Candidate presents their weapon, representing the skill which has earned elevation and as a token of fealty. The Herald states:

HERALD: Your Majesties here renders up to you their bow and arrow/bolt, which they have used heretofore to protect the realm, into Your Majesties' keeping as a sign of faith and trust.
CROWN: Is there any of your Order to speak for this candidate?

And when the Sponsors have enumerated the qualities which qualify the candidate for the Order, the CROWN will query the assembled members of the Order.

CROWN: Is it your desire that be admitted to this Order?

And the members of the Order will reply in the affirmative.

If a vigil is offered, the Crown will give the order and the candidate leave to depart Their presence. If the elevation will take place immediately, continue as below.

CROWN: Are you sworn in fealty to another?

If so, call the other person forward and have them release the candidate.

CROWN: , well pleased with your continued efforts and diligent service to this Our Kingdom,; and right mindful of the wishes of your peers,; We are minded to create you a Companion of the Order of the Mark.; Will you accept from Us this honor,; and swear to uphold the rights and responsibilities of the Order?
CANDIDATE: I will.
HERALD: Then will you, , to the best of your ability; continue your quest for honor and skill,; as you most surely have until now,; as befits a noble, and train any dependents you may have to do likewise; so far as is within your powers?
CANDIDATE: I will.
Crown: Bring forth the medallion.

When the medallion arrives, if there is history it may be shared at this time.

Then the Crown will give the medallion to the candidate.

Crown: Then take from Our hands this token of your accomplishment and Our esteem.
Crown: Bring forth the bracers.

When the bracers arrives, if there is history it may be shared at this time.

Then the Crown will place the bracers on the candidate's head.

Crown: Let the weight of these bracers on your arms ever remind you of the; responsibility you take upon yourself today.; With what sword do you wish to be dubbed?

The candidate answers. The Crown receives the named sword. The Crown lightly strikes the candidate thrice with the flat of the blade: first on the right shoulder, then on the left shoulder, then on the crown of the head.

:Henceforth be known as in Our Society.

HERALD: Let it be known that on this day; has been admitted to the Right Noble Order of the Mark; and will be known as a Peer of the Soceity and Kingdom of An Tir.

The new peer shall here be asked if they are willing to swear fealty.

HERALD: Would you now swear fealty to the Crown?

If the new peer does NOT wish to swear fealty, skip ahead. Otherwise the herald shall ask:

HERALD: Upon which Symbol of State would you swear fealty?

The symbols include:

the Sword of State,

either or both Royal Crowns,

the Orb,

the Rod,

the Scepter,

the Great Seal of State,

Their Majesties' person,

the sword of another,

another appropriate symbol.

The new peer shall state their choice, and the Crown shall take up the Symbol.

HERALD: I, ,; a Companion of the Order of the Mark,; and a peer of the Society,; do become your liegeman of life, limb and of earthly worship.; Faith and truth will I bear unto You,; to live and die,; against all manner of folks.
Crown 1: And We for our part; do swear to protect and defend you and your household 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 new Peer remains kneeling as the item of regalia is returned to its proper place. The Sovereign returns their bow to the new Peer at this time, saying:

Be forever worthy of this weapon, and keep it well, as you have hitherto.

Crown 1

Sovereign takes the arrow/bolt and holds it forth.

May this be a symbol of your last unanswered blow. Sovereign snaps the arrow/bolt in two and hands the pieces to the candidate.

candidate

Holds the broken pieces aloft

Should I break my vows, may I be at this arrow/bolt!

If a scroll has been prepared, the Herald may read it out here.

But if the new peer does not to swear at this time, the ceremony will continue as follows:

Crown: Arise, , and go to your peers.

The HERALD will exhort the cheers of the populace.

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