Tir Righ Ceremonial
w
Collect
business from Their Highnesses, visiting nobles/royalty, and populace – make
sure people know that presentations made in court become regalia & property
of the thrones, not Kheron & Ksenia. Any gifts that are personal must be
presented outside of court.
Lots of heralds are not used to this procedure and should be treated gently.
Show them how much easier it is for them not to have to worry about this stuff.
w
Write
on card: name of person being called into court, reason for being called
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Put
cards in order – intersperse awards, business and presentations
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Make
sure there’s a card with opening court procedure
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Also
make sure there’s a card with closing court cheers
w
Go
over order with Their Highnesses
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Go
over pronunciation & order with herald
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Make
sure awards and danglies are behind thrones and in same order as cards
w
Make
sure any necessary regalia and ceremonies are behind thrones
w
During
court, hand one card at a time, in order, to the herald. After calling the
person, the card must come back to the CL. Cards are put back in the box to be
kept for filling out report forms
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Someone
must be behind the thrones to help hand scrolls to the herald and danglies to
Her Highness.
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There
should be someone else to act as personal attendant and someone to act as a
runner.
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After
the event, awards are entered into Excel database and sent to OP, Crier, Their
Highnesses, Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses (if applicable)
w
Write
court report and send to Their Highnesses for approval before submission to the
Northern Sentinel
or
DOING COURT HERALDRY WITHOUT HAVING A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
From the An
Tir Heraldic Symposium of A.S. XXXIII
Natasha Orionova Zateeva
Personal
notes/introduction
This is a short introduction into the fine art of court
heraldry. I am a confessed "court junkie", and was before I ever
considered trying to be a herald myself. A love of court and what happens there
is what brought me to appreciate the difference between a good court herald and
a poor one. It is my hope that I can inspire some of you to try it sometime,
and maybe more.
Natasha Orionova Zateeva
BeWayre Pursuivant
Barony of Glymm Mere
Kingdom of An Tir
Azure a sagittari contourney argent on a chief Or 3 braziers
sable flamed gules
So,
someone has asked you to herald for them. Don't panic. You can do this, right?
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
Most
importantly, please understand that the court herald is not the one the
populace is looking at, the court herald is the loudspeaker for the people they
are watching. The herald is not the star of the show. In the modern
world the court herald would be the emcee, the announcer. Not a stand-up comic,
not a performer doing a solo. This doesn't mean you can't put your personality
into what you do, it simply means that you are not the main attraction.
Your
job is to draw attention to the main attraction, be it Crown, Coronet or
other noble. If you are drawing attention away from them, tone it down. The
herald's job is to make the nobles they are speaking for look good, sound good,
and be impressive.
FIRST, WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
You
don't need -
Fancy
regalia. Your voice is all the regalia you really need. Regalia is nice for the
atmosphere of the whole thing, but it's not what makes a herald.
You
don't need -
A
background in foreign languages. Do the best you can, and let it go. People
probably won't kill you if you don't pronounce their names right... it happens
a lot.
You
don't need -
An
ego that needs constant stroking. If you want to be a star performer, be an
entertainer or a bard, but leave it out of court.
NEXT, WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE
You
must have -
A
robust, clearly understood voice. Simple volume is not enough. Even more
important than volume is clarity. If people hear only noise and not
words, you have not communicated anything to them. Learn how to put feeling
into the spoken word. Not precisely emotion, but intensity. Strive to be able
to do something light-hearted with a light touch, and then immediately
afterward to do a ceremony with solemnity and pomp. This flexibility of
presence can make even a dull court more interesting. Control of volume and
inflection can be learned, and will make a huge difference in how court is
perceived.
You
must have -
A
reasonable grasp of the forms of address, from the Crown on down. At the very
least, know the names of the ruling nobles.
You
must have -
Self
confidence. Or a reasonable facsimile. This is something you can learn to have,
or fake, but it should never show if you are feeling uncomfortable. Be in
control of yourself. Be diplomatic. Be polite.
You
must have -
Integrity.
You will be trusted with information nobody else has access to. Very often you
will be in possession of information about people to be recognized who may be
important to you personally, and you must safeguard that information from
everyone. The nobles you are working with are counting on your trustworthiness.
Don't let them down.
NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
The
ability to think fast on your feet is a real plus. Anyone who has had training
in debate or extemporaneous speaking will be right at home doing court
heraldry.
Some
idea of the nature of the awards and orders presented in court. (Knowing what
the regalia looks like for the various awards can avert a disaster - always
look to make sure the retinue has the right "dangly" ready for the
Crown or Coronet.)
Time
to prepare. The more you do court heraldry, the more you will realize that even
a few moments of peace to pull your thoughts together can make a world of
difference.
HOW TO PREPARE
Be
as well rested as you can manage. Even a short break before court begins can
make a big difference. If you are calm and not harried, everyone else will pick
up on it and things will go much more smoothly. (This includes making
the time to go to the privy... no excuses.)
Eat
something, even if you are not hungry. It will give your stomach something to
gnaw on besides itself. And you will need that energy. Really. Honest.
Keeling over light-headed and dizzy because you didn't eat is embarrassing.
Don't put a noble in the position of having to catch you as you fall.
Read
the scrolls/ceremony/whatever ahead of time. Insist on this, especially if you
have not ever done an "X" before. You will do a better job of it, the
nobles will look good, and the person getting "X" will feel like the
center of the universe. Stumbling through it is BAD. If the scroll is in a
script or calligraphy hand that is hard to read, make a clear copy if none is
provided. If you are not the person who wrote out the cards or court list, be
sure you can read them clearly. If there is time, re-write them yourself to
ensure you can read everything.
If
you don't know the pronunciation of a name or term, ask somebody. Don't give
away the surprise, be sure you ask someone who can help but not let the cat out
of the bag.
Have
plenty of water or juice handy to the chairs. Back at your table is too far
away. Stay hydrated. ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL. PERIOD. A drink after court
can be a toast to a job well done. Before court it can cloud your thinking and
slow your reaction time, something you can't afford.
Have
a towel or napkin handy. Dry hands holding a scroll work much better. Slip it
through your belt, or tie it to the back of the chairs, or something secure. If
you know the noble you are serving is prone to tears, a small packet of tissues
or a clean handkerchief or napkin easy to hand may earn you a star in their
heaven. The herald is often the only one close enough to do such small services
gracefully, since the herald will be close enough to see the need before
virtually anyone else. Have a fan there, too, in hot weather or venues.
A
pocket flashlight or other easily managed small light source is a handy thing
to have.
Warm
up. Yodel, or do scales, or sing something you like. Anything that gets the
pipes cleared out and ready to work.. Stretch your body, too. It will relax
you.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
First
of all, take your time.
Breathe
deeply and evenly, don't pant or hyperventilate. Breathe from the diaphragm,
not just your upper chest. Wear something loose and comfortable that doesn't
restrict your rib cage or stomach.
Try
to be relaxed. Nerves can make you rush, which steals oxygen from your brain as
well as your lungs. Without sufficient air in your lungs to support your voice,
you cannot be heard.
Lower
the timbre of your voice. The higher your voice is, the more difficult it is to
understand. A lower timbre allows the vocal cords to support more volume and
range of intensity with less strain, and greater clarity.
Don't
"windmill". This applies more to announcements that you must make to
a large group from within that group, but also applies to doing court. If you
keep turning constantly, only part of the people ever hear what you are saying;
the rest gets lost in the rotation as you turn away from them.
Try
to check out the arrangement of the court space ahead of time... low hanging
canopies and banners can block your (and the noble's) projection. Try to be
placed in front of such obstacles.
TALK
TO THE RETINUE. They need to know what awards and goodies to have ready and
available to the nobles. If you don't tell them, odds are they don't know.
(They do not need to know who the awards are for, just which ones to have
ready.)
Assemble
your cards or notes in the order that the nobles have dictated. If they leave
it to your judgment, try to intersperse serious items with lighter things, announcements
or presentations. Try to keep from doing all the awards in one bunch. Each
individual will better feel they have had their "moment" if they
haven't been just one in a series of others.
Be
sure you have a card or note with the final cheers written out
.
When you get to the end of court, you may not remember your own name, much less
all the rest.
Offer
to help the herald whenever you are available, whether it's to spell them in a
long court, or hand them cards/scrolls, or hand them water, shine a light on
the scrolls, or be available to run errands during the proceedings... whatever.
It will give you the opportunity to see how it works from the inside, and will
help prepare you to do it on your own. This applies to every event you are at,
not just for the "home" team
SOME HELPFUL HINTS
PROCESSIONS:
Start
speaking when you (or the processional head if you are not leading it)
approaches the rear of the hall/assembled populace, in sufficient time for them
to rise gracefully rather than jumping up at the last instant. Use some version
of "ALL RISE FOR ________" (if nothing else, this gives the populace
the clue that it's time to stand up).
-
Announce the TITLE and NAME of the CROWN or
CORONET or NOBLE. (any embellishments must be both accurate and
appropriate... for example "The Sable Lion/Lioness" or
"your undoubted King and Queen").
-
If there are several nobles, announce them in
order of appearance. They should wait until the main nobles are seated
before coming in, but may not. Announce them once you are in place, but
without undue delay. Once they are all seated, ask the presiding nobles if
the populace may be seated. When they give permission, say "You have
Their Excellencies (Majesties, etc) leave to make yourselves
comfortable".
-
Stand in the place reserved for the herald;
most often this is behind the chairs and between the nobles. In some
cases, there is precious little room between the chairs, especially the
royal thrones. If you are concerned you may not be able to project
sufficiently from this area, ask if you might stand to the side instead of
behind the royalty. Ensuring the populace can hear what you are heralding
makes everyone look better, and keeps the populace involved in court, and
not in conversation.
COURT
BUSINESS:
Call
individuals as the noble directs. If they leave it to you, try to vary the way
you call people each time. ("Their Excellencies (Majesties) now summon
_______. Lord X, approach and kneel before______. Lady X has business before
this court. Sergeant Y has a presentation.). However, royal peers should be invited,
not summoned.
There
will be times that the person called is not in court. At such times, you might
ask if there is a representative of the person who may stand for them (at the
discretion of the presiding noble).
If
the court order is set in advance, try to let the people who have court
business know when they will be expected. This only applies to people who have
brought court business, not to those who will be called for awards.
CHEERS
AND SUCH:
Once
an award or recognition has been bestowed, it is normal for the noble to direct
the herald to call for cheers. If they do not, ask if you should call for
cheers - don't just do it!
If
there is a specific cheer that has been requested by the current Crown, it
should be used if you know it. (For example, King Darius preferred
"Ave" as he has a Roman persona.) Sometimes, when cheers would be
inappropriate, the nobles call for "a joyful noise". Pay close
attention to what they tell you, it can be something you are not expecting. Do
what they say to do, not what you think they meant.
CLOSING
COURT:
Once
you have completed all the business on the docket, the nobles may choose to
simply close court, or have you ask if there is any further business. If there
is, and you recognize the person who has spoken up, ask the noble if they will
allow Lord X or Lady Y to speak. (They can choose not to allow it, don't
presume that they will.
Once
it's all done, the nobles will tell you to close it.
-
Thus ends the court of ________ (Names and
titles of presiding nobles)
THOSE
CLOSING CHEERS:
(People
from highest down, places from lowest up.)
-
LONG LIVE KING ____________________ (can be K/Q
together)
-
LONG LIVE QUEEN __________________
-
LONG LIVE CROWN PRINCE ___________________
-
LONG LIVE CROWN PRINCESS _________________
-
(TERRITORIAL PRINCE/PRINCESS IF IN A
PRINCIPALITY)
-
LONG LIVE BARON X AND BARONESS Y (can be names,
then B/B of X)
-
(THREE CHEERS) FOR "X" (the
group/place where event is being held) HIP, HIP ______
-
(NEXT LEVEL OF PLACE, IF ANY)
-
FOR AN TIR! HIP, HIP _____ (or, AN TIR! AN TIR!
AN TIR!)
End
with telling the populace "You have Their Majesties (Excellencies) leave
to depart".
OPENING
OF COURT
(Their
Highnesses may first seat themselves, or if they wish may come in with their
retinue before the procession. The Herald shall announce the opening of court.
)
HERALD: Pray heed
people of Tir Righ, for their Highnesses __________ and ________ now commence
the Invocation of the lists for the Coronet of Tir Righ.
(Perhaps a
fanfare, or drum beating shall occur here, and again whenever the mood would
support it.)
PRINCE: Summon our
Minister of the Lists before us.
HERALD: Their
Highnesses call ____________ before Them.
(When the
lists-person has arrived, and made reverence,)
PRINCE: The hour
draws nigh, are the lists complete?
Lists-person: They are Your Highness.
PRINCE: Then close
the lists and commence the Tournament of Succession.
Lists-person: As you wish, Highness.
PROCESSION
AND PRESENTATION
HERALD: Let all
the shires and cantons, ports and colleges, all the baronies of Tir Righ now assemble
before Their Highnesses_______________ and _______________, Prince and Princess
of Tir Righ.
( musicians
shall be in place under the edge of the Royal pavilion or wherever their
Highnesses shall desire. The members of the royal guard not entered in or being
fought for in the lists shall be arranged in position around Their Highnesses.)
( First shall
come the Territorial Branches in order of precedence:
Baronies then
Shires, Cantons and Colleges. These gentles willarray themselves down each side of the main aisle,leaving sufficient room for the remainder of
the ceremony. The bearers of the banners of the branches of Tir Righ shall
array themselves to either side of the Royal Pavilion, or conversely shall stand
their banners in stands erected for this purpose. A herald’s assistant should
be placed at the head of each aisle to guide in their placement.
Should any ofthe champions plan to participate, they should be released from duty at this point, and take their
place at the head of the procession. The next section of the Procession, the
combatants shall remain at the foot of the aisle until the Herald announces: )
HERALD: We present
to Your Highnesses (and Your Majesties) for Your inspection and approval, the
combatants for the Coronet of Tir Righ. Fighters! Come before your Prince and
declare your name and that of your Prospective Consort.
(The
procession of Combatants together with the Lady/Lord whose honour they promote,
their banner bearers, and members of their households (e.g.: a knight’s squires)
shall now approach the thrones in order of fighting precedence:
*Champion – Give spear to Prince for safe keeping and ask permission to
enter list
Royal Peers
Knights and
Masters/Mistresses at Arms
All Other
combatants, including peers, sergeants, and squires.
As the
procession enters the Royal Presence, each entrant and inspiration shall be
introduced by the Herald from a prepared three by five card. This card may
include the blazon of the fighter and or Inspiration should they so desire.
Belted fighters shall go to the Prince’s side and unbelted shall go to the
Princess’ side. )
HERALD: People of
Tir Righ! See here the entrants in the coronet lists of our Principality. Great
is the honour of this list, for the victor and their inspiration shall wear the
Coronets and take the Thrones of the Principality of Tir Righ.
You, who enter here into honourable combat do, by your
courtesy and valour, show forth the renown of these lands.Let brave deeds and chivalrous conduct prove
you worthy of the honour you seek and the favours you bear to the greater glory
of your inspiration.
PRINCE: I command
the presence of my Lord High Marshall.
HERALD: Let
_________ , Marshall of Tir Righ, come before Their Highnesses.
(The Marshall
comes forward, reverences, and stands before the Prince.)
HERALD: His
Highness commands that the fighters be informed of which conventions of combat
shall be observed in these Lists.
Marshall: [_________Gives any conventions agreed upon, ]
for
instance::
Double
Elimination
Finals best 2
out of 3, deaths forgiven
Double kills
re-fought immediately
etc.. )
PRINCE: Thank you,
my lord Marshall.
(Marshall
reverences and returns to his place.)
THE OATH
HERALD: Having
heard the conventions of combat for this tournament, and mindful of the Rules
of the Lists, combatants, do you each swear to abide by these Rules and these
conventions during these Lists?
Fighters: I so swear.
HERALD: And do you
each have an Inspiration, who is acceptable according to the laws of Our
Principality, and whose favour you shall bear in these Lists, who shall reign
beside you as your Consort should you be given victory this day?
Fighters: I do.
(The Prince
rises and takes the Great Spear of State, Boar’s Tooth, and holds it out level
to the ground so that point and butt are extended. The Princess can stand with
him or beside him. The first fighters in the each line place their hands on an
end of the Spear, and those fighters and prospective consorts farther back
place their hands upon the shoulders of those in front.)
HERALD or Prince:
Do you fighters, and you prospective consorts, swear by this, Boar’s Tooth, the
Great Spear, symbol of the might of Tir Righ, that, should you be given victory
this day, you can and will fulfill the obligations of the Prince or Princess of
Tir Righ, and that you will rule justly, according to the laws of our kingdom
and principality, to the utmost of your abilities, so long as you may reign?
Fighters and
Prospective consorts: I so swear.
HERALD or Prince:
Do you fighters and you prospective consorts also swear by this spear Boar’s
Tooth, that should you prove victorious, you and your consort will swear fealty
to Their Majesties, and to Their Successors to Their Thrones, and will maintain
for Them Their lands of Tir Righ, for as long as you may reign?
Fighters and
prospective consorts: I so swear.
(The prince
and princess retire to their thrones.)
HERALD: Then, upon
pain of expulsion from these Lists, let none here present enter this tournament
bearing any stone, charm, or herb of virtue by which they hope to gain
advantage over their opponents. Let each of you prove, by your skill and
strength alone the worth and virtue of those whose favours you bear, either in
victory or in honourable defeat. Rise now and return to your places.
THE
BALANCING OF THE SIDES
(The marshal
shall now give to His Highness the numbers of each side, belted and unbelted.
His Highness shall then proceed down the line of unbelted and invite a
sufficient number of unbelted fighters to the belted side to even up the first
round of combat. If the lines are uneven there shall be an extra fighter on the
belted side, who shall have the bye.)
HERALD: Let any of
the populace who desire, come forth now to bestow your favors upon these
combatants.
(The
populacenow have an opportunity to present
favors to the combatants. )
THE
CHALLENGES
HERALD: Now let
each of these fighters before the Princess, in order outward from Her Throne,
challenge any one of these fighters before the Prince, for the honour of combat
in the first round of the Coronet Lists.
When your challenge has been issued and accepted, go
forward together and present yourselves to the Mistress of the Lists that your
challenges may be recorded. The lists will commence one-half hour * ( or
time specified by the Royalty present )after this Court is
ended.
This concludes the invocation court of
_____________and _____________, Prince and Princess of Tir Righ. Their Highnesses give you leave to depart
and prepare.
(People from highest down,
places from lowest up.)
-
For the King and Queen of An Tir, Long Live
King ____________________ and Queen __________________
-
For the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of An
Tir, Long Live ___________________ and _________________
-
Long Live Prince _____ and Princess ____
-
Long Live Baron X And Baroness Y (Can Be Names,
Then B/B Of X)
-
(Three Cheers) For "X" (The
Group/Place Where Event Is Being Held) Hip, Hip ______
-
(Next Level Of Place, If Any)
-
For Tir Righ, STRENGTH!
-
For An Tir! Hip, Hip _____ (Or, An Tir! An Tir!
An Tir!)
Marshals to the fields! Let the Lists begin!
THE CLAIM OF THE VICTOR
HERALD
:
Let all draw
nigh as history is made this day! Pray you, pay heed to the words of the Storm
Prince Ulf of Tir Righ.
PRINCE:
Who claims
victory of the field this day?
(the victor steps forward.)
Victor:
I do.
PRINCESS
:
Who is the
lady/lord who has inspired you this day?
Victor:
My Princess;
______________ gave me the honour of bearing her/his favour.
HERALD
:
Let
__________________ come before Their Highnesses.
The consort shall be now escorted in by attendants and
shall meet the victor at the thrones, reverencing as appropriate. )
Victor:
______________on this day you inspired me to victory. I ask now that in ____
months hence you share with me the duties and responsibilities of the coronet,
and serve Tir Righ now as Ban Tanist. Is this still your wish?
Consort:
It is.
Victor:
Then as you
do me such honour, I call for all here assembled to witness that with you alone
shall I claim the Coronets of Tir Righ.
PRINCE
:
Come kneel
before us to swear your oaths and receive your reward.
THE OATH
PRINCE
:
Do you,
_____________ , and you, ______________, understand the duties and
responsibilities of the high and noble estate which you have won this day? That
you will take our place when we are done and that you are here to uphold the
laws of Tir Righ and serve its people?
Victor:
I do.
Consort:
I do.
(The prince retrieves the spear of state from the
champion and He and His Princess holds it in level before the victor and his
consort, who shall place their hands over the Prince and Princess‘.)
PRINCE
:
Place your
hands over Ours. Then will you swear to Us as your rightful Prince and
Princess, that you intend to execute these duties to the best of your ability,
and that while you are our Heirs, you shall uphold the laws and traditions of
the Principality of Tir Righ and the Kingdom of An Tir, until it comes time for
you to ascend the Thrones?
Victor:
I so swear.
Consort:
I so swear.
THE INVESTITURE
(The Prince and Princess take the Heirs circlets and
raise them above the heads of the Victor and the Consort, and shall pause while
saying the following:)
PRINCE
and Princess:
With this
circlet, I _______________ Princ/ess of Tir Righ, proclaim you, ____________
Tanist/ Ban Tanist of the Principality of Tir Righ. We here acknowledge you as
Our Heirs, and affirm your right to claim the coronets and thrones of Tir Righ
when that time draws nigh.
(the new Tanist and Ban Tanist stand, and face the
populace.)
HERALD
:
Three cheers
for _________and _______- Tanist and Ban Tanist of Tir Righ.
(NOTE:
This ceremony may be used for the swearing of fealty by any member of the
populace)
PRINCE
:
Upon which
royal regalia do You wish to swear your fealty to Us?
(applicant may choose the Spear of State or the Coronet)
Tanist:
Upon the___________ .
HERALD
:
(insert the current Royals preferred fealty
text here or use the following:)
Do you
___________ and you_____________
Tanist and Ban Tanist of the Crown Principality of Tir Righ, with upright mind
and firm devotion, now swear faith and fealty to _______and ______ , your
rightful Prince and Princess, and through Them to the King and Queen of An Tir?
Right mindful that you hold your lands in trust from the Crown, will you rule
with justice, honour, and temperance? That you will obey their lawful commands
in all matters that concern this realm, and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An
Tir and that You will treat courteously with those of every degree until the
Prince and Princess depart from Their Thrones, or death take You?
Tanist and Ban Tanist:
I so swear.
PRINCE
:
(insert that Royalty's preferred fealty
wordings, or use this: )
And We, for Our part, Having received these
promises of unbroken faith, shall place __________ and __________ Tanist and
Ban Tanist of Tir Righ under our protection. As our faithful vassals have come
before us with tokens of rank, and have sworn on this _ loyalty and fidelity,
therefore by mouth and hand we decree that they are under our protection and
let those who would do them harm will suffer Our wrath. This we swear in all
matters that concern this realm, for as long as We reign, or death take Us.
(The
new Tanist and ban-Tanist will now rise and take their places in Their
Highness’ Court)
PRINCE
:
Good people,
be mindful that all who fought here today are victorious if they have fought
with honour and for virtue. All are worthy of praise be they Tanist or they
that left the field in honourable defeat. Honoured also are those who did toil
in service to principality and to kingdom: to carry water, to keep the lists,
to marshal the safety of the fields, to give aid to the injured, to inspire
their champions.
For all those
that took the field this day, in service or in valour, three cheers...
HERALD
:
Three
cheers...
( And court shall either continue or close, at Their
Highnesses pleasure. )
(The Prince
and Princess shall be seated on Their Thrones, wearing the Coronets and Robes
of State of the Principality. The Bard of Tir Righ shall stand (or sit) to the
right and back from the Thrones. The Peers and Great Officers will be informed
that they should hold themselves ready to swear fealty, but should not be
grouped at the front of the Hall. The populace shall be seated, leaving an
aisle for the Investiture Party to pass through. This ceremony assumes a male
sovereign rather than a Princess in her own right. If that should be the case
the alternate ceremony should be used.)
(At the appointed time, the
Prince and Princess shall be seated upon Their thrones and the people assembled
to witness the ceremony. )
HERALD:
Back into time does our history stretch, back through our sire, the great An
Tir, back through our Grand Sire- the Cradle of Kingdoms, the Kingdom of the
West. And as we have always done, by our ancient laws and customs, a battle
chosen victor now comes before the Royal thrones of his Prince and Princess.
(The Prince will indicate he
desires the presence of those chosen to convey the royal regalia.)
HERALD:
Let those who have been chosen to convey the Royal Regalia now come forward.
(And they shall approach and
make reverence. When they are assembled:)
PRINCE:
It is time for us to pass on the Coronets and Thrones of our Realm. We give
into your keeping these symbols of sovereignty, and do charge you to hold them
in trust for Our heirs.
(As the Prince and Princess
hand to the bearers the Sceptre, Rod, and Orb of Tir Righ, the bearers shall
stand to one side. Then the Prince shall call forward the Five Champions of Tir
Righ.)
PRINCE:
Champions of Tir Righ- attend us.
(And when the
Champions have arrived, the Prince or Princess shall say: )
PRINCE: We have need of the Symbols
of your Offices. We thank you for your honorable
Service
to us in Our name.
(And giving
back the Symbols, the Champions depart. At the Prince's command the herald will
summon the Tanist’s spokesman.)
HERALD: _______________, come
before Their Highnesses.
Spokesman: On the _____ day of
__________ Anno Societatis __________ the Principality of Tir Righ, in the
Kingdom of An Tir, did hold a Coronet Tournament in
__(branch name)_____________
to determine who would succeed to the Coronets and Thrones of Tir Righ.
_______________ was the victor on the field that day.Your Highnesses recognized his claim, named him and his lady __________ as Your Heirs.
Spokesman: May it please Your Highnesses,___________
, Tanist of Tir Righ presents himself to claim his right.
PRINCE: By law and custom, let him
make his claim.People of Tir Righ;
stand as witness to history this day; stand in witness to the Investiture of
your next Prince and Princess.
(The Tanist
comes forward with retinue, stopping a respectful distance before the thrones
to reverence.)
Tanist: By right of arms, and by
right of victory in the Coronet Lists, I claim the Thrones and Coronets of the
Principality of Tir Righ.
PRINCE: Who among my people
witnesses that you indeed are the victor of those Lists?
(The populace shouts:)
Populace: Witness!
PRINCESS: And who is the Lady whose
favor you carried in those Lists?
Lord of Tir
Righ: I
fought for the honor of my Lady, ________________ and none other.
(The Lord of
Tir Righ brings his Lady forward, and the retinue kneels.)
PRINCESS: And who bears witness that this is the Lady
whose favor you carried?
Populace: Witness!
PRINCE:
Will you accept the Coronets and swear the Oath of Sovereignty before these
witnesses?
Tanist and
Ban-Tanist:
We will.
PRINCE: Then come and kneel before
Us.
(The Tanist and Ban-Tanist shall kneel. The
Prince and Princess shall lay across Their palms the Spear of State. The Tanist
and Ban-Tanist shall lay their hands atop the spear, over the hands of the
Prince and Princess, and the herald will lead them, phrase by phrase, in the
Oath of Sovereignty: )
HERALD:
Here do I
swear, by mouth and hand,
Service
and protection to the Principality and people of Tir Righ;
To the
utmost of my power;
To govern
its people according to their laws and customs;
To uphold
the ideals of Chivalry;
To
maintain and encourage the Arts and Sciences;
To cause
Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all my judgements;
And to
set an example of honor to all;
So long as I remain Sovereign/ Consort (optional wording: Prince /
Princess) of Tir Righ
So say I,
_______________.
(The Lord and
Lady of Tir Righ remove their circlets and hand them to their attendants.
The Prince
removes the Cloak of State from his shoulders and places it over the Tanist’s
shoulders, saying: )
PRINCE:
_______________, receive this Mantle of Tir Righ, mindful that you now bear the
honor of the realm upon your shoulders.
(The Princess removes her Cloak
of State and places it over the Ban-Tanist’s shoulders, saying:)
PRINCESS:
_______________, receive this Mantle of Tir Righ, mindful that you now bear the
virtue of the Kingdom upon your shoulders.
(The Prince
and Princess remove their Coronets.The
Prince holds his above the head of the Tanist, and then, pausing that all might
see, he places it upon the head of the Tanist while saying:)
PRINCE:
Now, in accordance with law and custom, I, _____________, do crown you,
___________ , Prince of Tir Righ, With the right to bear this coronet, to
invest your consort and to pass it on to your successors. Receive it now and
with it the Principality of Tir Righ, to care for and to rule, from this day
forth. Great may be your strength and honor, but never forget you are a true
and faithful subject of the Crown. Forgive me for this burden that I place upon
your head.
(As the
coronet is placed on the new Prince's head, His banner is unfurled and the
former Prince's banner is furled.
The new Prince
rises and steps to the edge of the dais or to the side where his honor guard
has the Great Shield prepared.He steps
onto the shield and they raise him high into the air.)
HERALD:
Long live ___________, Prince of Tir Righ!
(The populace
echoes the proclamation, and cheering ensues. The honor guard lowers the Prince
and he steps off the shield to take his place before the thrones.)
(The former
Princess hands her Coronet to the new Prince saying:)
PRINCESS: I, _______________, do now
surrender this coronet unto you, _______________, Prince of Tir Righ, that you
may crown your Lady.
(Turning to
the Ban-Tanist, she says: )
PRINCESS: As you receive the Coronet and
Throne, won for you by your champion, be mindful of your duty; from this day
forth you must watch over and rule justly the people of Tir Righ.Many
may be your honors and titles, but always remember that you are a true and
faithful subject of the Crown.
(The Ban-Tanist kneels before her Lord. As the Coronet is placed on the new Princess' head, Her
banner is unfurled and the former Princess' banner is furled. As he places the
coronet on the Ban-Tanist’s head, the new Prince says:)
PRINCE: _______________, now in accordance
with our laws and customs, take this Coronet and share with me in the care and
rule of the people of Tir Righ from this day onward. Rise my Princess, and
greet your people.
(As the new
Prince and Princess turn to face the populace, the herald says: )
HERALD: People of Tir Righ, behold
_______________, your undoubted Princess! Long live Princess _______________!
(The populace echoes the
proclamation. The former Prince and Princess step to the side as the new Prince
and Princess step up to the Thrones and turn to face the populace. The former
Prince and Princess turn and face the Thrones.
PRINCE: (
to the former Prince and Princess) You
have served this Principality well.
Let the roll of the Princes and Princesses of Tir
Righ be read and let the names of ___________and ____________be so entered.
The Bardic
champions shall then step forward and recite either from memory or from a
script the roll of achievements of the past champions and Princes of Tir Righ.
Bard: (Reads List)
PRINCE:
You have Our leave to depart, and Our thanks for all you have done for Us and
Tir Righ.
(The former Prince and Princess
leave the court with the appropriate reverences, followed by their retinue, and
the populace is led in a cheer to them by the Herald. After they have departed
the banner bearers and attendants come forward in pairs, bow, and move behind
the Thrones.)
HERALD:
Three cheers for ___________ and ______________!!
The newly invested Prince and
Princess shall seat themselves upon their thrones, and their retinue and
attendants shall be arrayed behind them.
(The bearers
of the royal regalia shall come forward in procession, in their order.
(The former
Prince and Princess bow and depart followed by their retinue. After they have
departed the banner bearers and attendants come forward in pairs, bow, and move
behind the Thrones.)
HERALD: Behold People of Tir Righ, your
undoubted Prince and Princess.
The populace
shall cheer.
If the King and Queen are
present, the Prince and Princess shall offer their fealty as the first order of
business.If Their Majesties are not
present, then proceed to the champions’ oaths of fealty.
HERALD:
Your Majesties, the Prince and Princess of Tir Righ come before you now to
swear fealty for the lands They hold in trust for You.
King: Let Them come before Us.
(The Prince
and Princess hand off the regalia if they haven’t already done so, rise and go
to the King and Queen, reverence, and kneel before the King and Queen.)
King's Herald: Do you Prince ___________
and you Princess _____________ with upright mind and firm devotion, now swear
faith and fealty to _______and ______ , King and Queen of An Tir, right mindful
that you hole your lands in trust from the Crown, will you rule with justice,
honor, and temperance. That you will obey their lawful commands in all matters
that concern this realm, and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir and mindful
that the harmony of Your Principality springs from Your own deeds, that You
will treat courteously with those of every degree until the King and Queen
depart from Their Thrones, or You from Yours, or death take You?
PRINCE and Princess: I so swear.
King: And We, for Our part,
Having received these promises of unbroken faith, shall place __________ and
__________ Prince and Princess of Tir Righ under our protection. As our
faithful vassals have come before us with tokens of rank, an have sworn on this
________ loyalty and fidelity, therefore by mouth and hand we decree that they
are under the protection of the Sable Lion, and let those who would do them
harm suffer the wrath of the Lion. This we swear in all matters that concern
this realm, for as long as We reign, They reign or death take Us.
(Champions fealty, Royal
Peers and Patrons, Landed Barons and Baroness, Chivalry, Laurels, Pelicans,
Officers, Retinue)
HERALD: Let the Five Champions of
the Principality of Tir Righ come forward and kneel before the Thrones.
When they have
assembled,
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ, to have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends, to strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
CHAMPIONs:
I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess:
We swear to have these, our champions of Tir Righ, as Our vassal/s, to honor
the service they do in Our name; a blow struck them is a blow struck Us, and
their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our peace, This do We swear until
they die, We die or these words be given back to Us.So say we ______________ and ________.
(Champions take their places.)
HERALD: Let those Royal Patrons
come before their Highnesses to offer fealty for their lands, and let those
Royal Peers, Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses
of the Principality who wish to swear fealty come forward and kneel before the
Thrones.
When they have
assembled,
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ, to have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends, to strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
Royal Peers and Patrons: I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess:
We swear to have these Royal peers and Royal Patrons of Tir Righ as Our
vassals. To honor the service they do in Our name; a blow struck them is a blow
struck Us, and their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our peace. This do
We swear until they die, We die or these words be given back to Us.
(Royal Peers
depart.)
HERALD: Let all the Barons and Baronesses of
the Land come before their Highnesses, that they might swear fealty for the
lands they hold in trust from the Crown.
When they have
assembled,
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ? To have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends. To strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
Barons and Baronesses: I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess:
We swear to have these Barons and Baronesses of Tir Righ as Our vassals. To
honor the service they do in Our name; a blow struck them is a blow struck Us,
and their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our peace. This do We swear
until they die, We die or these words be given back to Us.
(Royal Peers
depart.)
HERALD:
Let all Knights of the Principality come forward with their swords girded on
and kneel before His Highness. Let all Masters of Arms of the Principality who
wish to swear fealty come before their Highnesses, and kneel.
(The Members
of the Order of Chivalry come forward and kneel. The Prince shall step forward
with his arms extended, the Princess shall stand behind him or to the side. He
shall demonstrate his trust in his knights by having them lay their bare blades
upon his person for the duration of the oath.)
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ? To have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends. To strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
Chivalry: I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess:
We swear to have these Members of the Order of Chivalry of Tir Righ as Our
vassals. To honor the service they do in Our name; a blow struck them is a blow
struck Us, and their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our peace. This do
We swear until they die, We die or these words be given back to Us.
(The Knights
sheath their swords, and return to their seats.)
HERALD:
Let those Companions of the Order of the Laurel who wish to swear fealty come
forward and kneel before Their Highnesses.
(The
Companions of the Order of the Laurel who wish to swear fealty come forward and
kneel.)
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ? To have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends. To strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
Laurels: I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess:
We swear to have these Members of the Order of the Laurel of Tir Righ as Our
vassals and to honor the service they do in Our name. A blow struck them is a
blow struck Us, and their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our peace.
This do We swear until they die, We die or these words be given back to Us.
(Members of
the Order of the Laurel depart.)
HERALD:
Let those Companions of the Order of the Pelican who wish to swear fealty come
forward and kneel before Their Highnesses.
(The
Companions of the Order of the Pelican who wish to swear fealty come forward
and kneel.)
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir Righ? To have no enemies
save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their friends. To strike and to go
and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving neither House nor Name, until
They die, you die, or these words be given back to you?
Pelicans: I so swear.
PRINCE/Princess: We swear to have these Members of the Order of the Pelican of Tir Righ
as Our vassals and to honor the service they do in Our name. A blow struck them
is a blow struck Us, and their deeds are Our deeds, save as they break Our
peace. This do We swear until they die, We die or these words be given back to
Us.
(Members of the Order of the Pelican depart.)
HERALD:
Your Highnesses, Your officers Great and lesser do come before you now to
swear their fealty.
PRINCE:
Let them approach.
Seneschal: I come before your Highnesses and offer our continued fealty in the service of
Tir Righ, and entreat you to allow us to continue as your predecessors did.
PRINCE:
If you will swear fealty to us, promise to faithfully discharge your offices in
accordance with the laws and traditions of the land, we shall do so.
Seneschal: We shall Your Highness.
HERALD:
Do you now swear fealty to ___________ and ________- Prince and Princess of Tir
Righ? To have no enemies save as they are Their enemies, to harm not Their
friends. To strike and to go and to do as They shall lawfully command, saving
neither House nor Name, until They die, you die, or these words be given back
to you?
Officers: I so swear
PRINCE/Princess: We swear to have these Greater and Lesser
Officers of Tir Righ as Our vassals and to honor the service they do in Our
name. A blow struck them is a blow struck Us, and their deeds are Our deeds,
save as they break Our peace. This do We swear until they die, We die or these
words be given back to Us.
HERALD:Here have we witnessed the investiture of ________- and _________
and the vows of fealty and service which bind them together with the people of
their principality and the kingdom. We have seen the laws of lore upheld. Pay
tribute to those who came before, do honor to those who follow, keep these
traditions in faith and strength, thus will the land prosper. It has been done
according to the ancient laws of the land. So has it been done, so will it
always be done. The ceremony of Investiture is complete.
Long live the Storm Prince!
Long live the Princess of Tir Righan Winds!
If Court is closing
(People from highest down, places from lowest up.)
-
For the King and Queen
of An Tir, Long Live __
-
For the Crown Prince
and Crown Princess of An Tir, Long Live __
-
Long Live Prince _____ and Princess_____
-
Long Live Baron X And
Baroness Y (Can Be Names, Then B/B Of X)
-
(Three Cheers) For
"X" (The Group/Place Where Event Is Being Held) Hip, Hip ______
-
(Next Level Of Place,
If Any)
-
For Tir Righ, STRENGTH!
-
For An Tir! Hip, Hip
_____ (Or, An Tir! An Tir! An Tir!)
(Investiture
being finished, Their Highnesses may wish to either go directly into Their
first court, or give a short break between Investiture and Their first court.
The
Viscounty
Ceremonies should be the first/next piece of business, unless they are not
needed.)
This ceremony should be done as the first order of
business of the first court of a New Prince and Princess after their
Investiture. Ceremony is to invest a couple, but can be modified for a single
when necessary.
HERALD: ________ and ________, approach the Thrones.
HERALD: May it please your Highnesses, your loyal subject
________ having by valour, skill and strength of arms won the Coronet of Tir
Righ, inspired by the beauty, grace and virtue of your loyal subject ________ ,
both having reigned as Prince and Princess, and having descended from the
thrones, have thus, by their own ability, earned the title and rank of Viscount
and Viscountess of this Realm.
PRINCESS: Let the Viscounty coronets be brought forth.
(Viscount coronet is given to Prince, while
Viscountess coronet is given to Princess.)
(Princess says some words about the one she
succeeds)
PRINCESS: ________, be henceforth Viscountess (or equivalent
title) in this our realm and wear this coronet in token of your rank. (Place
coronet)
(Prince says some words about the one he succeeds)
HERALD: ________, be henceforth Viscount (or equivalent
title) in this our realm and wear this coronet in token of your rank. (Place
coronet)
HERALD: A joyous noise for the new viscount and
viscountess (or equivalent title)!
PRINCE: Let the herald read the scroll of arms.
(Herald reads the scroll, hands it to the Prince who
presents it to the New Viscount. If there is a separate scroll for the
Viscountess, then read that and the Princess presents it to the Viscountess.)
HERALD: Is it your desire to swear fealty to their
Highnesses of Tir Righ?
Viscount and Viscountess: It is.
(They kneel. They can swear on a weapon if they
wish.)
HERALD: Do you now swear fealty to
________ and ________, your undoubted Prince and Princess, that you will
support and defend them and that you will obey them in all lawful and just
commands in all matters that concern this realm, and, as you once wore the
coronets and received the oaths of your people, do you, in your turn swear
fealty to the Coronet and Principality of Tir Righ? And, being mindful that the
honour of the realm springs from your own deeds, do you swear that you will
treat chivalrously and courteously with those of every degree so long as Their
Highnesses remain Prince and Princess of Tir Righ?
Viscount and
Viscountess:
I so swear
PRINCE or Princess: And we for our part, do swear fealty to this Viscount and Viscountess
of Tir Righ and swear that we shall do all in our power to protect and defend
you, so long as we remain Prince and Princess of Tir Righ. So say We ________,
Prince Tir Righ; So say We ________, Princess Tir Righ.
HERALD: Three Cheers!
INVOCATION OF
THE LIST
The populace
being assembled, at the Prince's command, the herald shall call the fighters
forward
HERALD
: Let all combatants who wish to compete for the title of
Champion of Tir Righ present themselves before their Highness’.
When they have
assembled:
HERALD
: Today you enter the lists to vie for the honor of
Champion of Tir Righ. The person who carries this title is sworn in fealty to
the Coronet of Tir Righ, that whenever Their Highness marshals Their forces,
there shall Their Champion be to battle at Their side, and to defend The
Coronet and The Principality against all who would take up arms against Tir
Righ.
This is a grave
responsibility, not to be undertaken lightly, for even as the Champion takes
his place in Court and at Their Highness' side, he must know that by his deeds
he shows forth the honor and chivalry of that court and this Principality to
all the world.
And know, too,
that should Their Highness’ be prevented from completing Their reign, it is the
Champion of Tir Righ who must bear the burden of ruling until a true successor
to the Throne is chosen.
*If the Prince and/or Princess wish 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 Champion of Tir Righ, and that
you will abide by the laws of this Principality, and that you will bear
yourself now and in the future with the honor and chivalry, virtue and loyalty
which must mark the Champion of Tir Righ?
FIGHTERS:
I so swear.
HERALD:
Make yourselves ready for the combat. Henceforth, let none
but the chivalrous combatants and those with official business pertaining to
the combat come within these precincts, until the combat is concluded.
STEP
DOWN OF
THE
SCOURGE/HEAVY CHAMPION OF TIR RIGH
(Note
to Herald: Prince and/or Princess should choose one of the following two
ceremonies, or write their own.)
PRINCE:
The Champions of Our Principality are those
gentles who have proven themselves in their chosen field and serve to guide the
principality and it's populace in all matters of importance.
The
Scourge of Tir Righ
(Heavy)
The
Scorer of Tir Righ
(Archer)
The
Scar of Tir Righ
(Rapier)
The
Skald of Tir Righ
(Bard)
The
Scholar of Tir Righ
(A&S)
PRINCE:
Summon the Champions of Tir Righ before
this court.
PRINCE:
In your capacity as Champions of Tir Righ you
embody all that the people of this principality strive for: Might, Speed,
Accuracy, Confidence and Knowledge. But now the time has come for one of you to
step down.
Would the __Scourge/Heavy Champion of Tir Righ____ come forward and
relinquish the office that you have held for this past year.
Heavy
:The land is strong. Our enemies fall before
us and our allies and friends are vast. With might I won this position. With
humility I relinquish it.
Rapier:
The land is indeed strong. The training of
our people flourishes and our armies grow. You have served well with us.
Godspeed.
Bow
:The land prevails. Hunting is good and
the spies of our enemies are vanquished. We shall remember you.
Bard
:Morale is high throughout the land. The
people rejoice. Your story, as those before you, shall be told throughout the
land.
A&S:
Teaching flourishes. The universities
prevail. Farewell.
PRINCESS:
Your efforts and deeds are ensconced in
the annals of history in our land. Let the name ________ be entered into the
rolls of the Guardians of Tir Righ. Let it be known that through his efforts
the land continues.
Guardians Depart
At their Highness’
command, the herald shall call forth the current Champion:
HERALD
: _______________, Champion of Tir Righ, come before Their
Highness’.
PRINCE
: _______________, you have nobly served Tir Righ as
Champion. We release you from your duties with Our deepest thanks for your
loyal service to Our Realm.
CHAMPION
: Your Highness, I return into Your keeping, Boar’s Tooth
the Spear of Tir Righ and these tokens of the Champion of Tir Righ.
THE GUARDIANS OF
TIR RIGH
Receiving the
regalia, the Prince shall say:
PRINCE
: We thank and wish to honor you for your service to Our
Principality.
HERALD
: Know all people by these presents that _______________,
having served faithfully and chivalrously as Champion of the Principality of
Tir Righ, is hereby given admittance into the Order of the Guardians of Tir
Righ. In acknowledgement whereof We do here set Our hand and seal this
__________ day of __________, Anno Societatis __________, being __________
Gregorian. _______________, Prince of Tir Righ _______________, Princess of Tir
Righ
The Prince shall present the Champion with the token of the Honor. Their Highness may invite the 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.
PRINCE
: _______________, by your valor and skill you have won the
title Champion of Tir Righ. Will you take the Champion's Oath?
CHAMPION
: I will.
HERALD
: Do you swear to faithfully discharge your duties as
Champion of Tir Righ, to abide by the laws of the realm, and to loyally serve
the Coronet of Tir Righ so long as you remain Champion?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
HERALD
: Do you swear fealty to ________ and _______, Prince and
Princess of Tir Righ, that whenever They marshals the forces of the
Principality, there shall you be to defend The Coronet and Principality of Tir
Righ?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
PRINCE
: And we for our part do swear fealty to this Our Champion
to protect and defend them and their household to the best of our ability so
long as we remain Sovereigns of Tir Righ. So say I, __________, Prince of Tir
Righ.
PRINCESS
: And so say I, _________, Princess Tir Righ.
HERALD
: Then lay your sword before His Highness, that They might
know that you are Their true Champion.
The Prince shall
take up the sword, saying:
PRINCE
: We accept your homage, and return to you your sword,
granting you the rights due the true Champion of Tir Righ, among these a place
at Our court, and the right to fight by Our side. So say I, _______________,
Prince Tir Righ.
The Princess
shall place the Cloak around the Champion's shoulderssaying:
PRINCESS
: Wear this cloak and receive these tokens of your estate.
Then giving him
the Spear of State, the Prince says:
PRINCE
: We give Boars Tooth, the Spear of Tir Righ, into your
keeping, and charge you to deliver it to Us at such time as the Principality
has need and We shall require it. Take now your place in Our court.
As the Champion
takes his place, the herald will exhort the cheers for new and outgoing
Champions.
At this point
the Prince may wish to call forth the other finalist and recognize his skill
and valor (perhaps with tokens), but even if He doesn't, the herald will exhort
the cheers of the people for the finalist.
NOTES FOR THE
HERALD
Remind the new
Champion to wear his PERSONAL sword into court.
PRINCE
:
Choosing our champions by right of arms is an ancient
and honoured practice we keep alive in our lands. A Master of Blades can best
his or her peers with confidence, speed and style. Thus on this day we sought
one to be the champion of Rapier Combat and to serve as the Scar/Rapier
Champion of Tir Righ.
HERALD
:
___________ pray you come before this court.
(When the
victor has arrived, the Prince shall say:
)
PRINCE
:
______________, with your speed and precision you
have proven the best of your peers this day.
to the herald:)
Herald, call forward the current Scar/Rapier Champion
of Tir Righ.
HERALD
:
_______________, pray you come before this court.
(When that
worthy has taken their place: )
PRINCESS
:
For these twelve months past, you have stood watch
for the principality. Is this one sharp enough to guard where you have stood?
Past
Champion:
Yes. With
sharp speed I won this position. With trust in the skill of others I relinquish
it.
PRINCESS
:
(to
the new champion): We are thus mindful to invest you as the next Scar/Rapier
Champion of Tir Righ. Do you accept this duty?
Victor:
I do.
PRINCE
:
Upon which artifact do you wish to swear your oaths
of service to Tir Righ?
Victor:
_____________- (shall
specify or the Spear of State ceremony shall be inserted here.
HERALD
: Do you swear to faithfully
discharge your duties as a Champion of Tir Righ, to abide by the laws of the
realm, and to loyally serve the Coronet of Tir Righ so long as you remain
Champion?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
HERALD
: Do you swear fealty to ________
and _______, Prince and Princess of Tir Righ, that whenever They marshals the
forces of the Principality, there shall you be to defend The Coronet and
Principality of Tir Righ?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
PRINCE
: And we for our part do swear
fealty to this Our Champion to protect and defend them and their household to
the best of our ability so long as we remain Sovereigns of Tir Righ. So say I,
__________, Prince Tir Righ.
PRINCESS
: And so say I, _________,
Princess Tir Righ.
HERALD
: Then lay your Rapier before Her
Highness, that They might know that you are Their true Champion.
The Princess shall take up the rapier, saying:
PRINCESS
: We accept your homage, and
return to you your rapier, granting you the rights due the true Champion of Tir
Righ, among these a place at Our court, and the right to fight by Our side. So
say I, _______________, Princess Tir Righ.
The Prince shall place the Cloak around the Champion's
shoulders saying:
PRINCE
:
Wear this cloak with pride as it represents to the
entire Known world your duty to these people.
Then giving him/her the Rapier of State, the Princess says:
Past
Champion:
(
handing over these items as s/he names them ) _____________ Accept this blade -the symbol of the sharp skill and
speed of the Rapier champion of the Principality of Tir Righ. Use this sword to
ward the principality against any who should seek to besmirch her honour. I
charge you to safeguard this blade until such time as a new Champion shall
stand before you in victory.
HERALD
:
People of Tir Righ, behold the Scar/Rapier Champion
of Tir Righ!
(the herald
shall exhort a joyous noise/cheers.)
PRINCE
:
(
to the new champion) Please take your place in court as befits a Champion of Tir Righ.
PRINCESS
:
( to the past
champion)
You have embodied
the best of the rapier fighters of Tir Righ during the past year. Your efforts
and deeds shall be written into the annals of history of our land. Let the name
of ________, be entered into the rolls of honour as a Guardian of Tir Righ
forever more. Let it be known that through his/her effort the land is
rich.Go now and receive the thanks of
the people of Tir Righ.
HERALD
:
For the outgoing champion and now guardian of Tir Righ, joyous noise/
or/three cheers
¼
OPENING
OF COURT
(Their
Highnesses may first seat themselves, or if they wish may come in with their
retinue before the procession. The Herald shall announce the opening of court.
)
HERALD
:
Pray heed people of Tir Righ, for their Highnesses
__________ and ________ now commence the Invocation of the Archery lists for
the Championship of Tir Righ.
PROCESSION
AND PRESENTATION
HERALD
:
We present to Your Highnesses (and Your Majesties)
for Your inspection and approval, the contestants for the Archery Championship of Tir Righ. Contestants! Come before
your Prince and Princess and declare your name.
( As each
entrant shall be introduced by the Herald from a prepared three by five card.)
HERALD
:
People of Tir Righ! See here the entrants in the
Archery Championship lists of our Principality. Great is the honour of this
list, for the victor shall wear the mantle of Archery Champion of Tir Righ and
be keeper of the___________
.
You, who enter here into competition do, by your skill
and bearing, show forth the renown of these lands.Let the work of your bows prove
you worthy of the honour you seek and the favours you bear to the greater glory
of your inspiration.
INSPIRATIONAL
SPEECH
At this point
the prince and/or princess comes forward and talks to the contestants.
THE OATH
HERALD
:
Having heard the conventions for this contest, and
mindful of the Rules of the same and Their Highnesses’ words, contestants, do
you each swear to abide by the Rules and conventions that have been set before
you?
Contestants:
I so swear.
(The Prince
rises and takes the Great Spear of State (or Archery symbol)) ________and holds it out. The Princess
can stand with him or beside him.
HERALD
or Prince:
Do you contestants, swear by this, ___________ the
symbol of skill, accuracy and excellence in Tir
Righ, that, should you be given victory this day, you can and will fulfill the
obligations of the Archery Champion of Tir Righ, according to the laws of our
kingdom and principality, to the utmost of your abilities, so long as you remain
Champion?
Contestants
and Inspirations:
I so swear.
HERALD
or Princess:
Do you also swear that should you prove victorious,
you will swear fealty to us, the Prince and Princess of Tir Rígh, and obey our
rightful commands, this oath which you shall maintain for the length of your
service to Us?
Contestants:
I so swear.
(The prince
and princess retire to their thrones.)
HERALD
:
Then, upon pain of expulsion from these Lists, let
each of you prove, by your skill and strength alone the worth and virtue of your
deeds. Rise now and return to your places.
PRINCE
:
Choosing our champions by right of arms is an ancient
and honoured practice we keep alive in our lands. A Master Bowman can best his
or her peers with confidence, speed and style. Thus on this day we sought one
to be the champion of Archery Combat and to serve as Champion of the Bow.
HERALD
:
___________ pray you come before this court.
(When the
victor has arrived, the Prince shall say:
)
PRINCE
:
______________, with your speed and precision you
have proven the best of your peers this day.
to the herald:)
Herald, call forward the current Guardian of the Bow.
HERALD
:
_______________, pray you come before this court.
(When that
worthy has taken their place: )
PRINCESS
:
For these twelve months past, you have stood watch
for the principality. Is this one sharp enough to guard where you have stood?
Past
Champion:
Yes. With
sharp speed I won this position. With trust in the skill of others I relinquish
it.
PRINCESS
:
(to
the new champion): We are thus mindful to invest you as the next Scorer/Archery
Champion of Tir Righ. Do you accept this duty?
Victor:
I do.
PRINCE
:
Upon which artifact do you wish to swear your oaths
of service to Tir Righ?
Victor:
_____________- (shall
specify or the Spear of State ceremony shall be inserted here.
HERALD
: Do you swear to faithfully
discharge your duties as a Champion of Tir Righ, to abide by the laws of the
realm, and to loyally serve the Coronet of Tir Righ so long as you remain
Champion?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
HERALD
: Do you swear fealty to ________
and _______, Prince and Princess of Tir Righ, that whenever They marshals the
forces of the Principality, there shall you be to defend The Coronet and
Principality of Tir Righ?
CHAMPION
: I so swear.
PRINCE
: And we for our part do swear
fealty to this Our Champion to protect and defend them and their household to
the best of our ability so long as we remain Sovereigns of Tir Righ. So say I,
__________, Prince Tir Righ.
PRINCESS
: And so say I, _________,
Princess Tir Righ.
HERALD
: Then lay your Bow before Her
Highness, that They might know that you are Their true Champion.
The Princess shall take up the Bow, saying:
PRINCESS
: We accept your homage, and
return to you your bow, granting you the rights due the true Champion of Tir
Righ, among these a place at Our court, and the right to fight by Our side. So
say I, _______________, Princess Tir Righ.
The Prince shall place the Cloak around the Champion's
shoulders saying:
PRINCE
:
Wear this cloak with pride as it represents to the
entire Known world your duty to these people.
Then giving
him/her the __ of State, the Princess says:
Past
Champion:
(
handing over these items as s/he names them ) _____________ Accept this quiver of arrows -the symbol of the sharp
skill and speed of the Archery champion of the Principality of Tir Righ. Use
these arrows to ward the principality against any who should seek to besmirch
her honour. I charge you to safeguard this quiver of arrows until such time as
a new Champion shall stand before you in victory.
HERALD
:
People of Tir Righ, behold the Scorer/Archery
Champion of Tir Righ!
(the herald
shall exhort a joyous noise/cheers.)
PRINCE
:
(
to the new champion) Please take your place in court as befits a Champion of Tir Righ.
PRINCESS
:
( to the past
champion)
You have
embodied the best of the archers of Tir Righ during the past year. Your efforts
and deeds shall be written into the annals of history of our land. Let the name
of ________, be entered into the rolls of honour as a Guardian of Tir Righ
forever more. Let it be known that through his/her effort the land is
rich.Go now and receive the thanks of
the people of Tir Righ.
HERALD
:
For the outgoing champion and now guardian of Tir Righ, joyous noise/
or/three cheers
¼
OPENING
OF COURT
(Their
Highnesses may first seat themselves, or if they wish may come in with their
retinue before the procession. The Herald shall announce the opening of court.
)
HERALD: Pray heed
people of Tir Righ, for their Highnesses __________ and ________ now commence
the Invocation of the Arts and Sciences lists for the Championship of Tir Righ.
PROCESSION
AND PRESENTATION
HERALD: We present
to Your Highnesses (and Your Majesties) for Your inspection and approval, the
contestantsfor the Skald/Bardic
Championship of Tir Righ. Contestants! Come before your Prince and Princess and
declare your name.
( As each
entrant shall be introduced by the Herald from a prepared three by five card.)
HERALD: People of
Tir Righ! See here the entrants in the Skald/Bardic Championship lists of our
Principality. Great is the honour of this list, for the victor shall wear the
mantle of Skald/Bardic Champion of Tir Righ and be keeper of the Book of
Knowledge.
You, who enter here into competition do, by your skill
and bearing, show forth the renown of these lands.Let the work of your hands prove you worthy of the honour you
seek and the favours you bear to the greater glory of your inspiration.
INSPIRATIONAL
SPEECH
At this point
the prince and/or princess comes forward and talks to the contestants.
THE OATH
HERALD: Having
heard the conventions for this contest, and mindful of the Rules of the same
and Their Highnesses’ words, contestants, do you each swear to abide by the
Rules and conventions that have been set before you?
Contestants: I so swear.
(The Prince
rises and takes the Great Spear of State (or A&S symbol))
________and holds it out. The Princess can stand with him or beside him.
HERALD or Prince: Do you contestants, swear by this, ___________ the
symbol of knowledge, skill and crafts in Tir Righ, that, should you be given
victory this day, you can and will fulfill the obligations of the Skald/Bardic
Champion of Tir Righ, according to the laws of our kingdom and principality, to
the utmost of your abilities, so long as you remain Champion?
Contestants
and Inspirations: I so swear.
HERALD or Princess:
Do you also swear that should you prove victorious, you will swear fealty to us,
the Prince and Princess of Tir Rígh, and obey our rightful commands, this oath
which you shall maintain for the length of your service to Us?
Contestants: I so swear.
(The prince
and princess retire to their thrones.)
HERALD: Then, upon
pain of expulsion from these Lists, let each of you prove, by your skill and
strength alone the worth and virtue of your deeds. Rise now and return to your
places.
PRINCE: Choosing by right of arms is an ancient and honoured
practice we continue to this day. The arts of War and Peace must together be
tools to our survival, for the discipline and training required in the mastery
of the arts and sciences defines the quality of the medium with which the challenges
of the world can be withstood.
PRINCESS:
On this day we sought one to be a champion for the Arts and Sciences and to
serve as Scholar/Arts and Sciences Champion of Tir Righ. The Artisan shall
serve as an example of mastery to those who will follow.
(To the
Herald )- Summon into this court the
victor of this day.
HERALD -
_______________ pray you come before this court.
PRINCE: ________,
with your craftsmanship and talent, you have bested all comers.
( to the
herald:) Herald, call forward the
current Scholar/Arts and Sciences Champion of Tir Righ.
HERALD -
_______________ pray you come before this court.
(When that
worthy has taken their place: )
PRINCESS:For these
twelve months past, you have stood guard over the artisans and talents of the
principality. Is this one skilled enough to stand where you have stood?
Past
Champion: Yes. Through skill I won
this position. With trust in the skill of others I relinquish it.
PRINCE: (to
the new champion): We are thus
mindful to invest you as the next Scholar/Arts and Sciences Champion of Tir
Righ.Do you accept this duty?
Victor: I do.
PRINCESS:
Upon which item of state do you wish to swear your oath of service to Tir Righ?
Victor: _____________- (shall
specify) or the Spear of State ceremony shall be inserted here.
(As
appropriate)
Then lay your (item/_)_________ before Us, and the People of Tir Righ, that we
might know that you are Our true champion.
( When the
victor has done so, the Prince shall continue.)
PRINCE: From this
day forward you who will stand alongside the other Champions to protect the
Principality, and join with them to protect the collective of the land. Hearken
unto ourwords and heed them well:
PRINCEess: Do you
swear to faithfully discharge your duties as Scholar/Arts and Sciences Champion
of Tir Righ: to abide by the laws of our land; to loyally serve the Prince and
Princess of Tir Righ, and through us the King and Queen of An Tir; and
safeguard the people of Tir Righ until you no longer stand as a Champion of Tir
Righ?
CHAMPION:I so swear.
PRINCE: We accept
your oath, granting you the rights due a Champion of Tir Righ, including a
place at any court in the principality, and the right to Defend the honour of
Tir Righ.
( The past
champion removes the cloak and returns it to the Prince, who
drapes it around the shoulders of the new champion, and continues:.)
Wear this cloak with pride as it represents to the
entire Known world your duty to these people.
Past
Champion: ( handing over these items as s/he names them ) _____________ use
this book to record the knowledge of the Tir Righan peoples so we may be
protected against the darkness of ignorance. Use this knife to protect us and
as a tool to teach those skills which have been lost, but that we endeavor to
bring to life again.Safeguard them
until such time as a new Champion shall stand before Their Highnesses in
victory.
HERALD - People of
Tir Righ, behold the Scholar/Arts and Sciences Champion of Tir Righ.
PRINCE: ( to the new champion) Please take
your place in court as befits a Champion of Tir Righ.
PRINCESS: ( to the past champion) You have embodied the skill and hands of Tir Righ
during the past year. Your efforts and deeds shall be written into the annals
of history of our land.We thank you
for your service. Let the name of________,
be entered into the rolls of honour of the Guardians of Tir Righ. Let it be
known that through their efforts the land is rich.Go now and receive the thanks of the people of Tir Righ.
(Herald
exhorts cheers as the champion departs.)
HERALD: For _________________ three cheers!
OPENING
OF COURT
(Their
Highnesses may first seat themselves, or if they wish may come in with their
retinue before the procession. The Herald shall announce the opening of court.
)
HERALD
:
Pray heed people of Tir Righ, for their Highnesses
__________ and ________ now commence the Invocation of the Bardic lists for the
Championship of Tir Righ.
PROCESSION
AND PRESENTATION
HERALD
:
We present to Your Highnesses (and Your Majesties)
for Your inspection and approval, the contestantsfor the Bardic Champio
