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Creation of a Knight - An Tir College of Heralds

Creation of a Knight

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: 12th Night, LIII (2019)

At the Crown's command, the herald shall call forward the Order of Chivalry:

HERALD
Let the Order of Chivalry, knights and masters-at-arms, come before Their Majesties.

After they have gathered, the herald shall call forward the candidate, who will kneel before the Crown.

SOVEREIGN
, well-pleased with your prowess upon the field,
and right mindful of the desires of your peers,
We are minded to create you a Knight.
Will you accept from Us this honor,
and swear fealty to the Crown of the Kingdom of An Tir?

If the candidate is unwilling or unable to swear fealty, then he shall say:

CANDIDATE
No, your Majesty, I am unable.

And the herald will change to the Master-at-arms ceremony.

But if the candidate WILL swear, then he shall say:

CANDIDATE
Yes, Your Majesty.
HERALD
 Are you bound in fealty to another?

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

SOVEREIGN
Upon what symbol will you swear fealty?

The symbols include:

The new peer shall state his/her choice, and the Crown shall take up the Symbol.

The herald will lead the oath (in phrases):

CANDIDATE
Here do I swear fealty to and ,
my undoubted [SOVEREIGN and CONSORT],
that I will obey Their lawful commands
in all matters that concern this realm,
and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir.
SOVEREIGN
All this do We hear.
And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to ,
to protect and defend him and his household with all Our power,
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
By what name do you wish to be Knighted?
And when they have answered:
SOVEREIGN
, by what sword would you make your vows and receive this accolade?

And the chosen sword is brought forward, and the SOVEREIGN says:

SOVEREIGN
Let the spurs of Knighthood be brought forth.

If there is history attached to the spurs, it may be shared at this time. 

When the spurs are buckled, on the SOVEREIGN will draw the sword, laying it across His/Her palms, and say:

SOVEREIGN
Place your hands upon Ours, and this sword.

And the herald will lead the vow (phrase by phrase):

CANDIDATE
Here do I vow,
on this sword,
to be from this day forward
a good and true knight,
ever chivalrous and courteous,
and ever willing
to bind myself in fealty
to the Crown of my Kingdom,
to speak and to be silent,
to do and to let be,
to come and to go,
to strike and to spare
in such matters as concern this society,
in need and in plenty,
in peace and in war,
in living or in dying,
till death take me
or the world end.
So say I, .

Taking the sword by the hilt, the SOVEREIGN shall bestow the accolade on the candidate with the flat of the blade upon the right shoulder, the left shoulder, and then upon the crown of the head. (See notes below if Sovereign is not a knight)

SOVEREIGN
Arise, Sir .
SOVEREIGN
Bring forth the Chain

If there is history attached to the chain, it may be shared at this time.

SOVEREIGN
Wear this chain in token of your rank.
CONSORT
 Bring forth the Belt.

If there is history attached to the belt, it may be shared at this time. 

The inspiration of the new Knight, may be called forward at this time and assist the CONSORT in fastening the Knight's Belt about their waist.

QUEEN
Wear this belt in token of your ability.

And here the SOVEREIGN shall deliver the buffet, saying:

SOVEREIGN
Let this be the last blow you accept unanswered.
SOVEREIGN
Go now to your peers.

As the Chivalry greets their peer, the herald will exhort the cheers of the populace.