Protector Tournament and the Honor of the Lions Arrow
Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir
Version: (2022)
Invocation
The populace being assembled, at the Crown's command the herald shall call forth the competitors:
The competitors may process and be announced by the heralds or make their own introductions.
HERALD
Let all who would compete to be the Protector of the Kingdom of An Tir, come now before Their Majesties.
And as they come forward they shall be called by name, that all may know the competitors are, or they may declare themselves.
And when they have assembled:
HERALD
Today you enter the List to vie to become the Protector of the Kingdom of An Tir.
The Protector is sworn in fealty to the Crown of An Tir,
that when Their Majesties marshal the forces of the Kingdom,
there shall be the Protector at the fore,
reflecting the skill of the kingdom's archers.
This is a grave responsibility, not to be undertaken lightly,
for even as you take your place in Their Majesties' court and at Their side,
the Protector must know that by their deeds performed,
they show forth the honor and valor of the court and this Kingdom to all the world.
So, understanding the station to which you aspire, hear now the words of the Crown.
The Charge
And here the Crown may give a personal or inspirational message to the competitors.
Then the herald shall say:
HERALD
Do each of you now swear that should you be victorious,
that you will fulfil the obligations of Protector 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 Protector 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.
Henceforth, let none but the chivalric combatants
and those with official business pertaining to combat
come within these precincts,
until the combat is concluded.
Bowing to the Thrones, the marshals shall withdraw.
HERALD
Let the archery begin.
Investiture of New Protector
If the previous Protector wins again, skip to Lions Arrow.
After the last round of competition, the populace will be called to witness the investiture of the Protector.
(This may also take place at Their Majesties' next court.)
At the Crown's command, the herald shall call forth the previous Protector:
HERALD
, Protector of An Tir, come before Their Majesties.
Return of the Regalia
CROWN
, you have nobly served Our Kingdom as Protector 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 previous Protector shall say:
PROTECTOR
Your Majesties, as I have completed my service as Protector,
I return into Your keeping this quiver and this cloak of office
and other tokens of the Protector of the Kingdom of An Tir,
that the new Protector may receive them from Your hand.
The Lions Arrow
Receiving the regalia, the SOVERIEGN shall say:
Crown
We thank you for your service to Our Kingdom,
and before all assembled here wish to honor you for it.
HERALD
Know all people by these presents that ,
having served faithfully and chivalricly as Protector of the Kingdom of An Tir,
is hereby presented with the Honor of the Lion's Arrow.
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 Champion with the token of the Honor.
They may here express their appreciation to the previous Protector, who will then depart,
and the herald will exhort the cheers of the people.
And then, if appropriate, the herald shall call forward the new Protector:
HERALD
, you have proved victorious this day. Come forward.
The Protector (NEW OR PREVIOUS) kneeling, the Crown shall say:
The Investiture
Crown
, by your valor and skill you have won the right
to be the Protector of the Kingdom of An Tir.
Will you take the Protector's Oath?
PROTECTOR
I will.
HERALD
Do you swear to faithfully discharge your duties
as Protector of the Kingdom 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 Protector of An Tir?
PROTECTOR
I so swear.
HERALD
And do you swear fealty to and , [Sovereigns] of An Tir,
that whenever They marshal the forces of the Kingdom,
there shall you be to advise and defend Their Majesties,
Their Crown, and Their Realm?
And do you swear that and are your liege [lord and lady/lords/ladies] and only Sovereigns?
PROTECTOR
I so swear.
Crown 1
We accept your homage, and as symbol of your station We give you this quiver,
and grant to you the rights due the true Protector of the Kingdom 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.
Crown 2
And so say We, , [Sovereign] of An Tir.
If this is a new Protector, the Crown shall place the Cloak around the Protector's shoulders,
and giving them the gauntlets and other tokens, saying:
Crown
Wear this cloak and receive these tokens of your new estate.
Take now your place in Our court, for today you have earned this right.
As the Protector takes their place, the herald will exhort the cheers of the people.
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 don't, the herald will exhort the cheers of the people for the finalists.
Check with Their Majesties and the Protector, concerning the ceremony, before or at the event.
Remind the Crown about the Charge to the competitors.
Remind the Crown to have tokens for the finalist (and their inspiration, if applicable).
Check with the Court Coordinator to find out if there is a scroll for the Lions Arrow.
How long a break will there be (if any), between the invocation and the start of the competition?
Be sure that the Crown has a retainer to hold the regalia.