Creation of a Laurel (No Surprise)

Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir

Version: (2022) 

At Their Majesties' command, the SECRETARY of the Order will be called forward by name.

HERALD
, Companion of the Laurel, has a petition for Your Majesties. 
Crown
Let them come before the Thrones.

When the Order's spokesperson has approached, the CROWN or HERALD will say:

HERALD
, what is your petition?
SPOKESPERSON
The Order of the Laurel petitions Your Majesties to admit another into the Order of the Laurel and the Peerage of An Tir.

And the CROWN will order the HERALD to summon the members of the Order.

HERALD
All members of the Order of the Laurel here present come now before the Thrones of An Tir.

And the members of the Order may process in a formal procession, or they may gather more informally before the Thrones, leaving an aisle approaching the Thrones, and kneeling there.

CROWN
Greetings to you, Companions of the Order of the Laurel.
Each of you is a Peer of this Our Realm by virtue of your service and
the sharing of your talents with the people of the Kingdom. Today you bring
before Us another for consideration. 
What is the name of the candidate?

The SPOKESPERSON will name the candidate. And the CROWN will command the HERALD to summon the candidate.

HERALD
Let approach the Throne.

When the candidate has come before Their Majesties, the CROWN will query the SPOKESPERSON.

CROWN
Is there any of your Order to speak for this candidate?

ROYAL PEERAGE SPONSOR speaks.

PELICAN SPONSOR speaks.

CHIVALRY SPONSOR speaks.

LAUREL SPONSOR speaks.

MASTER OF DEFENSE SPONSOR speaks.

When the Sponsors have enumerated the qualities which qualify the candidate for the Order, the CROWN will query the assembled members of the Order.

CROWN
Is it your desire that be admitted to this Order?

And the members of the Order will reply in the affirmative.

HERALD
  Are you sworn in fealty to another?

If so, call the other person forward and have them release the candidate. This may include an exchange of gifts or a simple spoken release.

If the candidate is changing their name upon elevation, use the following. Otherwise, skip.
Crown
By what name do you wish to be Known?
CROWN
, well pleased with your skill and your continued service to this Our Kingdom,
and right mindful of the desires of your peers,
We are minded to create you a Companion of the Order of the Laurel.
Will you accept from Us this honor,
and swear to uphold the rights and responsibilities of the Order?
CANDIDATE
I will.
HERALD
Then will you, , give your word
to continue to fulfill the requirements set for the governance of this order
as you most surely have until now,
to increase your labors nobly,
to nourish your talents as befits a noble,
and to seek to disseminate your talents and abilities
throughout the Kingdoms of the Known World,
as far as is within your powers?
CANDIDATE
I will.
Crown
 Bring forth the medallion.

When the medallion arrives, if there is history it may be shared at this time.

Then the Crown will give the medallion to the candidate.

Crown
Then take from Our hands this token of your accomplishment and Our esteem.
Crown
Bring forth the circlet.

When the circlet arrives, if there is history it may be shared at this time.

Then the Crown will place the circlet on the candidate’s head.

Crown
Wear this circlet as symbol of that nobility to which your own labors, as much as Our recognition, have raised you.
HERALD
Let it be known that on this day
has been admitted to the Right Noble Order of the Laurel
and will be known as a Peer of the Kingdom of An Tir.

The new peer shall here be asked if he is willing to swear fealty.

HERALD
Would you now swear fealty to the Crown?

If the new peer does NOT wish to swear fealty, skip ahead. Otherwise the herald shall ask:

HERALD
Upon which Symbol of State would you swear fealty?

The symbols include:

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

HERALD
I, ,
a Companion of the Order of the Laurel,
and a peer of the Kingdom of An Tir,
do become your liegeman/liegewoman/liegeperson of life, limb and of earthly worship.
Faith and truth will I bear unto You,
to live and die,
against all manner of folks.
Crown 1
And We for our part
do swear to protect and defend you and your household with all Our power,
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.

But if the new peer does not to swear at this time, the ceremony will continue as follows:

Crown
Arise, , and go to your peers.

The HERALD will exhort the cheers of the populace. Check ahead of time to see if the candidate will be changing their name upon elevation.

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