Arts and Sciences Champion and the Honor of the Lions Heart

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: September Crown LIII (2018)

Invocation

At the Crown's command the herald shall call forth the contestants:

HERALD
Let all who would compete for the title of Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir, come now before Their Majesties.

When they have assembled:

HERALD
Today you enter the List to vie for the honor of being Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir.

The one who carries this title is sworn in fealty to the Crown of An Tir,

that when Their Majesties marshal the scholars, artisans and bards of the Kingdom,
there shall be the Champion at the fore,
reflecting the glory of the kingdom's lore and skill.

This is a grave responsibility, not to be undertaken lightly,

for even as they take their place in Their Majesties' court and at Their side,
the Champion must know that by their deeds,
they show forth the honor and knowledge of the court and this Kingdom to all the world.

So, understanding the station to which you aspire, mark now the words of the Crown.

The Charge

And here the Crown may give a personal or inspirational message to the competitors.

HERALD
Do each of you now swear that should you be victorious,
you will fulfil the obligations of Champion of Arts and Sciences of the Kingdom of An Tir,
and that you will abide by the laws of this Kingdom,
and that you will bear yourself, now and in the future,
with the honor and skill, virtue and loyalty
which must mark the Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir?
COMPETITORS
I so swear.
HERALD
Then bear yourselves bravely in competition and strive with honor
to the greater glory of the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir.
HERALD
Competitors, make ready. Judges, make ready.

Return of the Regalia

After the last round of judging, the populace will be called to witness the investiture of the Champion.

At the Crown's command, the herald shall call forth the old Champion:

HERALD
, Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir, come before Their Majesties.
CONSORT
, you have nobly served Our Kingdom as Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir.

In accordance with the laws and customs of this Realm,

We now release you from your duties
with Our deepest thanks for your loyal service.

The old Champion shall say:

CHAMPION
I return into Your keeping this Champion's baton along with these tokens of the Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir.

The Lion’s Heart

Receiving the regalia, the Consort shall say:

CONSORT
We thank wish to honor you for your service to Our Kingdom.
HERALD
Know all people by these presents that ,
having served faithfully and honorably as Arts and Sciences Champion of the Kingdom of An Tir,
is hereby given the Honor of the Lion's Heart.

In acknowledgement whereof We do here set Our hand and seal

this day of , Anno Societatis , being Gregorian.

, [Sovereign] of An Tir , [Consort] of An Tir

The Crown shall present the Champion with a token of the Honor. 

Their Majesties may invite outgoing Champion to witness investiture.

The herald shall call the victor forward.

HERALD
, you have gained victory this day. Come forward.

But, if no change is taking place the Champion shall remain kneeling.

The Investiture

CONSORT
, by your knowledge and skill you have won the title of Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir.
Will you take the Champion's Oath?
CHAMPION
I will.
HERALD
Do you swear to faithfully discharge your duties as Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir,
to abide by the laws of the realm,
and to loyally serve the Crown of An Tir
so long as you remain Champion?
CHAMPION
I so swear.
HERALD
Do you swear that and are your True Sovereigns and Liege [Lord and Lady]?
CHAMPION
I so swear.
HERALD
Do you swear fealty to and , [Sovereign and Consort] of An Tir,
that whenever They marshal the forces of the Kingdom,
there shall you be to advise and defend The Crown and Kingdom of An Tir?
CHAMPION
I so swear.
SOVEREIGN
 And we for our part do swear fealty to this Our Champion
to protect and defend them and their household to best of our ability
so long as we remain Sovereigns of An Tir.

So say we , Sovereign of An Tir

CONSORT
 And so say we Consort of An Tir.
SOVEREIGN
We accept your homage,
and as symbol of your station We give you this baton,
and grant to you the rights due the true Arts and Sciences Champion of An Tir,
among these a place at Our court, and the right to stand by Our side.
So say We, , Sovereign of An Tir.
CONSORT
And so say We, , Consort of An Tir.

If this is a new Champion, the Consort shall place the Cloak around the Champion's shoulders.

CONSORT
Wear this cloak and receive these tokens of your estate.
Take your place in Our court.

As the Champion takes their place, the herald will exhort the cheers for outgoing and incoming Champion.

At this point the Crown may wish to call forth the other finalists and recognize their skill and knowledge (perhaps with tokens), but even if They do not, the herald will exhort the cheers of the people for the finalists.