Ceremony for creating a Companion of the

Ceremony for creating a Companion of the

Order of the Laurel

The candidate and their entourage should assemble at the back of court.

Herald: Since olden times, life was often made more gracious and history preserved, through the works of artists and craftsmen. Untold hours were spent in the creation of master works that would outlive them in beauty and service, for the love of the art alone.

In the second year of the Society the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel was ordained and instituted; the fit mark of a Peer recognized for excellence in the arts and sciences.

A companion of the Order of the Laurel is an artisan, but also has knowledge of the martial sciences and the wellhead of chivalry from which they flow, and has given of time and works to the benefit of the Common Weal.

The Crown now calls before them the Companions of The Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel here present:

As an option, the members of the order may be called forward by name, in order of precedence, but this must be arranged in advance.

Members of the Order come forward and kneel, leaving an aisle.

Herald: The Crown now calls __________________________ to come before this Court and Company.

Escorting Herald: Your Majesties, Now before you comes _______________________________, <FULL AWARDS AND TITLES> who bears the arms, to wit: <BLAZON>

Their Majesties stand.

King: _________________________, have you undertaken to accept Companionship in the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel that was offered to you at __________________________.

Candidate: I have.

King: This greatly pleases us.

Queen: Bring forth the medallion.

Medallion bearer hands it to Her Majesty and may explain the significance or history of it.

Let this Medallion pass from hand to hand among the members of the order gathered here, to symbolize the bond you shall have with each of them.

Her Majesty hands the medallion to the nearest Laurel.

Queen: Sir/Master/Mistress _______________________ (Chivalry representative), Master/Mistress ____________________, (Laurel representative), Master/Mistress ___________________, (Pelican representative),

<OPTIONAL> _______________________, (Royal Peer representative),

as members of the Peerage, do you now affirm that _______________________ has grown in gentle virtue and chivalrous grace, the hallmarks of a true and faithful Peer?

Chivalry Rep.: Replies in their own fashion, or says:

Your Majesties, of my own certain knowledge, I am able to affirm that __________________ is a chivalrous [gentleman/lady] knowledgeable in the arts and weapons of war, and an example of courtesy and gentility for all Your Majesties' subjects.

Laurel Rep.: Replies in their own fashion, or says:

Your Majesties, of my own certain knowledge I am able to affirm that _____________________ has shown great talent in the arts, particularly in the area(s) of _______________ and __________________, and has given of [his/her] time and skills in encouraging others in the practice of various arts and sciences in Your Majesties' realm.

Pelican Rep.: Replies in their own fashion, or says:

Your Majesties, of my own certain knowledge I am able to affirm that _____________________ has given freely of [his/her] time in support of many worthy projects in Your Majesties' Kingdom.

Royal Peer Rep.: Replies in their own fashion, or says:

Your Majesties, of my own certain knowledge I am able to affirm that ____________________ is a dutiful and loyal subject to Your Majesties' Crown.

King: Gentle Peers, we thank you for your wise counsel.

Bring forth Lightning, the Great Sword of State.

Swordbearer hands Lightning to His Majesty, who holds it so Her Majesty and the Candidate can support it.

The Candidate can either state their oaths in full, or answer as scripted below:)

King: ______________________________, you have been deemed fit for this high estate by your peers, and have indicated your willingness to accept this honor from Our hands. Do you now swear by all that you hold sacred, true, and holy that you will honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of the Outlands?

Candidate: I will.

King: That you will persevere in your pursuit of excellence in the arts and sciences, thereby bringing honor to yourself, your Order, and the Outlands?

Candidate: I will.

Queen: That you will share your skills with those who have an earnest desire to learn?

Candidate: I will.

King: That you will be courteous and honor your peers, of the Chivalry, and of the Laurel, and of the Pelican?

Candidate: I will.

Queen: That you will conduct yourself in all matters as befits a Peer, continuing to practice the virtues of chivalry, nobility, and personal integrity, to the benefit of your own good name and the greater glory of the Outlands?

Candidate: I will. Or some more elaborate response.

King: Then having sworn these solemn oaths, know now that We, _________________ and ___________________, by right of arms, King and Queen of the Outlands, do proclaim you to be a Companion of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel.

His Majesty hands Lightning back to the swordbearer.

Queen: Let the medallion be brought forward.

Medallion is handed to Her Majesty.

Take from Our hands this medallion, which bears the laurel wreath that is the symbol of your Order. Wear it always with great honor; wear it always with humility.

Her Majesty places the medallion around the new Laurel's neck.

_______________________________________________________

If a laurel wreath is to be given, say the following:

King: This chaplet is made of the noble plant from which your Order takes its name. It was, in ancient times, the preeminent mark of excellence. Wear it then, in token of the merited opinion of your companions in the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel.

His Majesty places the laurel wreath upon the new Laurel's head.

_______________________________________________________

Laurel: Your Majesties, at this time I would swear fealty to the Crown of the Outlands.

King: It shall please Us to accept your fealty.

Hand me my sword.

Swordbearer hands Lightning to His Majesty.

Laurel: Speaks own words, or text below, prompted by the herald:

This day do I render

homage and fealty

to my Sovereign Lord and Lady,

____________________ and __________________

by Right of Arms,

King and Queen of the Outlands,

who will, form this day forward,

Be my Liege Lord and Lady.

I will remain true in all ways,

serving them faithfully.

This do I swear,

by my honor and the high ideals

which I hold as a Peer of this Realm.

So say I, ________________________.

King: We accept your homage and fealty

and pledge to you that from this day forward

until the end of Our Reign

you are Our Liege [man/woman]

that We will honor your order

and defend your rights as a Peer,

and that We will protect the trust

that you have placed in Us,

mighty with justice, tempered with mercy.

_____________________________________________________

King: Arise [Master/Mistress] ________________________!

Let the scroll be read!

Herald: Reads the scroll or text below:

We, _________________ and ____________________, King and Queen of the Outlands, having heard good report of Our subject __________________ whose divers and great talents as a ___________ have shone forth to the enrichment of the Common Weal, it is our intent to advance [him/her] in honour and admit [him/her] to the Order of the Laurel.

We do hereby elevate and affirm those Arms previously granted by the College of Arms by these Letters Patent, to with: <BLAZON> which [Master/Mistress] __________________ shall hold for [his/her] sole and unique use throughout the Known World as a sign of the high esteem in which [he/she] is held.

To which We set Our hands this ___ day of __________, Anno Societatis ____, being ____ Gregorian.

_____________________, King ______________________, Queen

King: Go now and greet your Peers.

Herald: For [Master/Mistress] ______________________________, HIP, HIP,..... (3 cheers).