Creation of a Shire

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: (2022)

At the Crown's command the herald will call forward the representatives of the incipient shire:

HERALD
The incipient Shire of has a boon to ask of Their Majesties.
People of , come now before the Thrones of An Tir.

The shire shall draw nigh, with the officers at the fore, and they shall bring a banner (furled), if one has been prepared.

SHIRE HERALD
Your Majesties, we the people of the Incipient Shire of would inform you of our beginnings.

Here the group herald shall tell the court of the history of the shire, including their accomplishments as a group.

SHIRE HERALD
We now ask: Do Your Majesties, or Your Officers,
have further requirements of us
before we ask of You full status as a Shire of Your Realm?
Crown 1
[name] , Kingdom Seneschal, Attend Us, for We would have your advice.

And after consulting with the Kingdom Seneschal:

Crown 2
Well, , what say you?
KINGDOM SENESCHAL
Your officers have nothing further, Your Majesties.

And here shall the Kingdom Seneschal retire to their place in the court.

Crown
And We also have no further requirements of you.
HERALD
What would you ask of Their Majesties?
SHIRE SENESCHAL
Your Majesties, we the people of ,
having satisfied the guidelines set forth in Kingdom law,
now petition You, our Sovereigns, to be recognized
as a Shire of the Kingdom of An Tir.
Crown
We hear your request.
Tell us the names of those you have chosen to lead you.

And the shire seneschal shall enumerate the officers, pointing them out, if they are present.

Then the Crown shall command the herald to read the proclamation:

HERALD
We, and ,
well-pleased with the growth and attainments of Our subjects
in the Incipient Shire of ,
do, by these presents, create them a full and self-standing branch,
and do style them Shire of ,
with all the rights and privileges thereof in this Our Realm,
including the display of the arms: [blazon].
We do also recognize your officers as Our representatives in Our Realm,
and charge you to redouble your efforts in all pursuits,
martial and pacific.
In witness whereof we do set Our hand and seal
this day of , Anno Societatis , being Gregorian.
, [Sovereign] , [Sovereign]

The Shire will now Kneel to pay homage, the court herald leading them, phrase by phrase:

SHIRE
I do affirm that and
are the true and Sovereigns of this Realm,
and pledge my support of Them, Their Crown, and Their Kingdom.
Crown 1
We accept your homage,
and do swear to show you honor, chivalry, and courtesy,
to foster the arts and sciences,
and support your efforts on behalf of Us and Our Kingdom.
So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.

Then the herald shall exhort the cheers of the populace as the Crown congratulates the seneschal of the new Shire, and the shire members depart.

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