Kingdom Equestrian Champion and the Honor of the Cheval et Lion

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: (2022)

Invocation

The populace being assembled, at the Crown's command, the herald shall call the riders forward (traditionally there has been no processional).

HERALD

Let all combatants who wish to compete for the title of Equestrian Champion of An Tir present themselves before Their Majesties.

When they have assembled:

HERALD

Today you enter the lists to vie for the honor of Equestrian Champion of An Tir.

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

that whenever Their Majesties marshal Their forces,

there shall Their Champion be to do battle at Their side,

to defend The Crown and Kingdom against all who would take up arms against An Tir.

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

for even as the a Champion takes their place in Court and at Their Majesties' side,

they must know that by their deeds they show forth the honor and chivalry of that court

and this Kingdom to all the world.

So, understanding the position for which you compete,

harken now to the words of the Crown.

If the Crown wishes to deliver a personal or inspirational message, They may do so at this time.

Then the herald shall lead the combatants in the oath:

HERALD

Do each of you now swear that should you be victorious this day

you will fulfill the obligations of the Equestrian Champion 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 chivalry, virtue and loyalty

which must mark a Champion of An Tir?

FIGHTERS

I so swear.

HERALD

Make yourselves ready for the course. 

Henceforth, let none but the chivalrous combatants

and those with official business pertaining to the course

come within these precincts,

until the competition is concluded.

Return of the Regalia

At their Majesties command, the herald shall call forth the old Equestrian Champion:

HERALD

, Equestrian Champion of An Tir, come before Their Majesties.

SOVEREIGN

, you have nobly served An Tir as Our Equestrian Champion.

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

CHAMPION

Your Majesty, I return into Your keeping these tokens of the Equestrian Champion of An Tir.

The Cheval et Lion.

Receiving the regalia, the Crown shall say:

Crown

We wish to honor you for your service to Our Kingdom.

HERALD

Know all people by these presents that ,

having served faithfully and with chivalry as Equestrian Champion of the Kingdom of An Tir,

is hereby given the Honor of the Cheval et Lion.

In acknowledgement whereof We do here set Our hand and seal

this day of , Anno Societatis , being Gregorian.

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

The Crown shall present the outgoing Champion with the 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

Crown

, by your valor and skill you have won the title of Equestrian Champion of An Tir. 

Will you take the Champion's Oath?

CHAMPION

I will.

HERALD

Upon what relic will you make your oath?

CHAMPION

Crown

Bring forth the .

HERALD

Do you swear to faithfully discharge your duties as Equestrian 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 Equestrian Champion?

CHAMPION

I so swear.

HERALD

Do you swear that and are your True Sovereigns?

CHAMPION

I so swear.

HERALD

Do you now swear fealty to and , [Sovereigns] of An Tir,

that whenever They marshal the forces of the Kingdom,

there shall you be to defend The Crown and Kingdom of An Tir?

CHAMPION

I so swear.

Crown 1

And we for our part do swear fealty to this Our Equestrian 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.

Crown 2

And so say we [Sovereign] of An Tir.

Crown 1

We accept your homage, and granting to you the rights

due the true Equestrian Champion of An Tir,

among these a place at Our court, and the right to ride by Our side.

So say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.

The Crown shall place the Cloak around the Champion's shoulders and places the Champion's Lance into their hands, saying:

Crown 2

Wear this cloak and receive these tokens of your estate.

Crown

Take now your place in Our court.

As the Champion takes their place the herald will exhort the cheers for new and outgoing Champions.

• Remind the Majesties about the Charge to the fighters.
• Remind Them also about the token for the Cheval et Lion. There is no standard token for this Honor at this writing.
• Find out if the Crown will read the formal charge to the fighters, or have the herald do this.

Download as Word Doc