Book of Ceremonies

[VIROS 2915]

The Ceremony of Knightly Accolade

Legitimized by His Imperial Majesty the Holy Emperor of Oren, Godfrey I

Composed by Imperial Scribe Cecil Virosi

This Ceremony shall be conducted only by the Holy Emperor of Oren or one granted the authority to do so by the Edict of Chivalry. The script here refers to the one knighting as the Leader, the one being knighted as the Candidate, and the conductor of the ceremony as the Herald. Those bringing forth the equipment shall be referred to as Assistants.

[The Leader shall be seated. The Herald shall stand in front of and to the right of the Leader.]

Herald: “There is one among us who has completed the requirements to be inducted into the chivalry. [Name of Candidate], come forward.”

[The Candidate shall step forward and kneel before the Leader, the Herald standing next to the Candidate to the right.]

Herald: “As a Knight, you will be recognized as a man who has worked with holy diligence to achieve your rank. You will be an example to the peasantry and new Knights, and a mentor to those squires you shall choose to train. From this day forward, you will represent not only yourself with your actions, but the blessed order of chivalry into which you shall enter. The goals of a Knight are seven; The Three Divine Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and the Four Earthly Virtues of Justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Strength. Do you intend to carry out the duties and achieve the goals of a Knight to the best of your abilities?”

Candidate: “I do.”

[The Herald shall address the Leader.]

Herald: “Does the pledge of this candidate meet with your approval?”

Leader: “It does.”

[The Herald shall address the Assistants.]

Herald: “Let the spurs be brought forth.”

[An Assistant shall bring the spurs and begin to put them on the Knight. The Herald shall speak as it occurs.]

Herald: “The spurs of a Knight symbolize diligence and swiftness, in service and in preservation of his honor. May these spurs never be stricken from your heels in disgrace.”

[The Herald shall wait until the spurs are properly put on, and then shall continue.]

Herald: “Let the belt be brought forth.”

[An Assistant shall bring the belt and begin to put it on the Candidate. The Herald shall speak as it occurs.]

[if a blue belt, the Herald shall say as follows.]

Herald: “The Blue Belt symbolizes truth, which all Knights hold in highest esteem.”

[if a white belt, the Herald shall say as follows.]

Herald: “The White Belt symbolizes purity of thought and action, which all worthy Knights will strive to attain.”

[The Ceremony shall continue unchanged from here.]

Herald: “Let the sword be brought forth.”

[The sword is brought forth and placed in front of the kneeling Candidate.]

Herald: “The sword has two edges, symbolizing chivalry and justice, for it is the work of the chivalry to maintain justice. The sword is a tool of justice; may you ever use it with discretion and wisdom.”

Herald: “Let the banner be brought forth.”

[The banner is brought forth and held to so that the crowd may see both the banner and the ongoing ceremony.]

Herald: “The Heraldic Device of a Knight symbolizes his renown, for good or ill. An insignia of arms is given to a Knight so that he may be known for his deeds. All honor or infamy you earn will become part of this device. May it be a token of honor and fame, recognized and revered throughout our lands!”

[The Herald pauses while the Leader readies a sword to be used to dub the Candidate.]

Herald: “You have been girded with the vestments of knighthood and told their meanings. With this knowledge, are you still prepared to take your oath?”

Candidate: “I am.”

Herald: “Place your hands upon the sword, and recite the oath of knighthood.”

[The Candidate kneels before the Leader and places his hands upon the flat of the resting sword.]

Candidate: “Here do I swear, by mouth and hand, to serve my office as a Knight of the chivalry. To support the Empire in all actions. To prove myself, in both body and soul, to be a lamp of chivalry, and an example to others. To teach those who would be taught, and to protect those who seek protection. To give justice and mercy, to defend the weak, and to speak with discretion. I shall put humility before pride, put my people before myself, and live by the virtues of God and the Emperor. So swear I, [Candidate’s Name].”

Leader: “Having fulfilled the requirements, been girded with your vestments, and taken the holy oath, I hereby declare you a knight in the name of the Holy Emperor, His Empire, and the God of the One True Faith.

Rise, Ser [Candidate’s Name].”

[Candidate stands, facing the Leader. The Leader shall strike the Candidate across the face with the flat of the sword, careful not to allow the blade to cut him.]

Leader: “Let this be the last blow you take unanswered!”

[Leader faces the crowd, the Candidate turns with him.]

Leader: “Lord and Ladies, I present to you Ser [Candidate’s Name], Knight of Oren!”

[ski_king3 0]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.