This is the outline of the Knighting ceremony my Gracious King allowed to be performed before him. I put it here in the event that it may be helpful for others. This was written February of 2014
If it is still Their Majesties’ pleasure, They will Call Sir Bardolph into Their Presence.
If it is still Sir Bardolph’s wish, he will beg a boon as he sees fit.
The Court Herald will call forth the Candidate.
Mistress Alzbeta will proceed, wearing My Heraldic coat and White wand of Office. She will boast as she sees fit. When she is done, She will stand to the side, and reference the Display of Banners under which I have fought. (they will process as they are being heralded)
“Behold, the Banner of the Company of St. Jude, under which Robert has striven to honor those who have died learning the Mastery of the sword” (something along those lines, Alzbeta’s discretion here)”
The Company’s colors will be presented by the Company, in full Warlike Ragalia. (not sure how many will be there.. There may only be one.. Which, of course, is more than fine)
Next comes The banner of the Company of the Black Swan, affixed upon It’s Lance:
“Behold, the Banner of the Company of the Black Swan, under which Great Knights have striven with all manner of Cavaliers from all the Kingdoms of Christendom and beyond..” etc etc… Something like that… Alzbeta will do something appropriate..
Next comes My Personal Standard.
“Behold the standard of the good Squire Robert Downey, which has flown upon the Stricken fields of Poland, the Battlements of French castles and countless other wars and skirmishings of your Illustrious House. This will be the last time It will be Displayed…” etc etc.. Again. Nod to Alzbeta.
Next comes Fuyu, as part of my House, throwing Largesse from my Estate.
(small bags with dice, so that the populace too, may be reminded that one must Gamble Their Mortal bodies to Gain Renown.
Then comes Constance, Leading me with a golden chain about my neck. She will then pause, and remove it from my neck, Delivering me forth to the King’s mercy.
Then, I shall kneel before the King. I will be clothed in a simple White tunic that ends low on my legs. Painted upon the Hem will be images of a Macabre Dance. I will be barefoot, with a freshly shaven head.
(if it his pleasure, the King will then speak)
King: Your Grace, You bring before me a vigilant who is not a young man. He appears scarred from many Campaigns. My Kingdom must be served by Strong Knights. I am not convinced. Would that the Ghosts of My Venerable forefathers, or the Spectre of some Great foreign King give me advice upon this man.”
Bardolph: Your Majesty, I Agree, he is scarred from much Chivalric Labor. I must admit, I am not an easy Master. But because of that, I have arranged for the Noble council you seek.
Then, Duke Palymar and Duke Andre will come, Side by side, before the King. And speak as they see fit. (Andre’s physical presence may not happen, but I hope for his council nonetheless in some fashion)
When they have said their peace, they will Retire.
The King will then look upon Me, and Utter: (If it is his pleasure to do so)
“These Noble and Venerable Spectres speak much wisdom. But I am still unconvinced. I know that Long Campaign can also damage a Man’s heart, And my Kingdom is too precious to be protected by a broken man. Would that I could search his heart, so that I may see what is inside him.”
Then Alzbeta will Speak:
Alzbeta: “Your Magesty, Heralds Record the Renown of Men of Coat Armor, but we also have Powers which few posses. I shall now reveal to you the four corners of This Squire’s heart.” (this last sentence will be spoken with commanding authority. Perhaps even a commanding stamp of the foot.
Than Four Men will come forward in full Warlike Harness. (as befitting their tastes) Each will carry an item.
They shall array themselves before the King, standing glorious in arms.
The First will Speak:
Felix: “I am Nobility, and I bring this Chain.” Felix will then speak words as he sees fit, and introduce himself as he sees fit. Those words are up to him. They do not have to be focused on Nobility.”
When He is done, He will Hand the Chain to Bardolph
The Second will Speak:
Logos: “I am Prowess, and I bring this Belt.” Logos will then speak words as he sees fit, and introduce himself as he sees fit. Those words are up to him. They do not have to be focused on Prowess”
When He is done, He will hand the Belt to Bardolph
The Third will Speak:
Rocky: “I am Wisdom, and I bring these Spurs:” Gunther will then speak words as he sees fit, and introduce himself as he sees fit. Those words are up to him. They do not have to be focused on Wisdom”
When He is done, He will hand the Spurs to Bardolph
The Fourth will Speak:
Brad: “I am Spirit, and I bring this Sword.” Brad will then speak words as he sees fit, and Introduce himself as he sees fit. Those words are up to him. They do not have to be focused on the Spirit.”
When he is done, He will hand the Sword to Bardolph
When All this is accomplished, then Alzbeta will speak:
“Great King! I shall banish this vision, and Retire, My office thus fulfilled.”
Alzbeta and then the Four will Retire.
The King will then decide if He wishes to Proceed. (if he does)
Good Duke, This man is in your Service. If you would have me Bind him by oath to My Crown, Release him.
Then Bardolph will release me as he sees fit, removing the Belt and Chain of his service.
King: Summon the Members of Our Most Noble Order of the Chivalry.
Herald: Their Majesties call the Knights and Masters-at-Arms of the Society.
King: Noble Sirs, is it your judgment that ___ is worthy to be numbered among our Chivalry in prowess, loyalty, and courtesy?
The Assembled Chivalry shall answer: (assuming they say yes)
King: Right mindful of your prowess on the field, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, we are minded to make you knight.
Know that to wear the belt and chain of a knight is to hold a sacred trust; that the obligations of knighthood will demand your efforts every moment of your life.
A knight of the Society must be respectful of all religions, never offending the faith of another.
A knight must respect all those who are weak or defenseless, whether because of age, infirmity, poverty, or vow, and be steadfast in defending them.
A knight must love his Kingdom and his province, and fulfill most faithfully his feudal duties to his baron and his King.
His word must be dependable beyond doubt or question. He must never flee from the face of his foes. He must be generous to all. And, always and everywhere, he must be the champion of the right and the good.
The Laws of the Society and the customs of the Kingdom require that a knight be prow, as you have demonstrated you are upon the field; that a knight be courteous, as you have shown yourself to be and as these noble gentleman (and ladies) attest; and that a knight be loyal to his Kingdom and the Society.
Do you then desire to accept the burden of knighthood and swear fealty to the Crown?
Candidate: I do.
Than Swear fealty and Pay homage to the Crown of the Middle Kingdom.
I shall swear the oath upon Oathbinder
Constance shall then Receive the Belt from Bardolph, and buckle it upon me, saying
“Wear this belt in token of your Prowess.”
The King shall Receive the Chain from Bardolph, and place it upon me, saying.
“Wear this chain in Token of your Fealty.
The King Shall then Receive the spurs from Bardolph, and buckle them through the belt, saying:
“Wear These spurs in outward token of your new station.
The King shall then Receive the Sword from Bardolph, and I shall receive it as he says:
Bear you this sword with strength, so disposing your heart to goodness that you never use it to injure unjustly, but always in the defense of the Just and Right.
Then shall the King receive Oathbinder and shall strike the candidate upon the shoulders with the flat, and the forehead with the flat saying:
For Those that Were
For Those that Are
For those that Will be, Be you a good Knight.
Rise, Sir _______
Then will the King say:
May this be the last blow you allow unanswered:
The King than shall then deliver the Buffet.
He shall then say, “Go now, attend to your Duties.”