Creation of a Knight * Caid College of Heralds

Advance preparations: Knighting should generally take place at major kingdom events, preferably at formal courts. The candidate for knighthood should be given at least a week's advance notice, so that he may make any desired arrangements for special attire, keeping vigil over his armor, etc. See the Invocation of the Knight's Vigil.

The candidate's banner (or shield bearing his device), if available, and his dress sword should be placed at the rear of the hall before Court is to begin. The candidate shall designate two or three knights to accompany him in his entrance procession: a sponsor, who walks to his right; a knight to act as sword-bearer, with the spurs hanging from the quillons; and a knight to bear his banner or shield. If he has no banner or shield, only two knights are needed.

It should be determined in advance whether the candidate wishes to swear fealty on a sword, or with his hands between those of the king. The king should be informed who will be giving the belt and chain. The kingdom is responsible for providing the spurs, should no one else claim that privilege.

At the appropriate time in Court, the king takes the Great Sword of Caid in hand, either across his knees or with the point down, hands on the quillons. He directs the herald to summon the Chivalry of Caid. Each knight may be accompanied by one squire, to carry his banner or shield; these will split off to the left and right of the dais as they approach the thrones.

HERALD

Let all members of the Order of Chivalry come forward, and attend Their Majesties.

The Knights come forward and kneel, including those who will escort the Candidate. A central aisle is kept open.

HERALD

Since ancient times, it has been recognized that there are certain warriors who are much deserving of high honor, not only by their skill at arms, but by their noble behavior ... which came to define the meaning of chivalry.

For a Kingdom is supported by these three things: service, art, and chivalry. And without any one of these, the Kingdom topples.

Therefore was created the Order of Knighthood of our Society, to recognize those who, possessing all the other skills, virtues, and attributes appropriate to members of the Peerage, shall also have distinguished themselves by their prowess at arms and chivalrous demeanor.

And this Order is formed like unto the Knightly Orders of old, with the accolade passing in unbroken descent from knight to knight. And the symbols of this Order are a white belt, and an unadorned chain. For the white belt betokens the honor with which the knight girds himself; and the chain, the duty he accepts. And this Order ranks in precedence with the Orders of the Laurel and of the Pelican, and carries with it a Patent of Arms.

KING

Sir [Escort], please bring forward [candidate].

The escort leads his brother knights of escort to the rear of the assembly, where the Candidate is waiting with his accoutrements. The knights escort the candidate before the thrones in the following order:

The procession halts and all bow. The two escorts kneel; the candidate and his escort remain standing.

Escort

My Liege, it is my privilege to present [Candidate] that he may be made a part of our noble brotherhood.

KING

Do you and your brother knights affirm his worthiness for this high honor, Sir [Escort], accepting him as your peer in chivalry, honor, and valor on the field?

Escort

I do, my Liege, as do my brother knights.

KING

My Lady Queen, is it your judgment that [Candidate] fulfills all the requirements of a true knight?

QUEEN

It is my Lord. Further, I have inquired of many ladies of this kingdom who know [Candidate], and find him to be esteemed greatly as a gentleman.

KING

[Candidate], well pleased with your prowess on the field and your gentle conduct at all times, and responsive to the wishes of your peers, we are minded to create you a knight. Will you accept from us this honor, and these badges of your ability and knighthood, and will you swear fealty to this, our Crown and Throne in all matters concerning this realm?

CANDIDATE

I will, Your Majesty.

KING

Let the scroll be read.

The herald reads the scroll (or promissory, if no scroll is available). He hands it to the Crown, who hands it to the candidate. (It may be given to one of the candidate's entourage, or back to the herald, for safekeeping if necessary.)

KING

Let the candidate be vested with the spurs.

HERALD

The spurs are a symbol of a knight's vow to guard the honor of the Knightly Order, to keep faith, to speak the truth, and to live for honor and not for reward. May they never be hacked off in shame and degradation.

The sword-bearer hands the sword to the banner-bearer or another knight, and kneels to buckle the spurs to the candidate's heels, assisted by the sponsor. The king returns the Great Sword of Caid to the Chancellor, who remains nearby. The sponsor returns to the candidate's side, and the sword-bearer retrieves the candidate's sword.

KING

Let the candidate's sword be brought forward.

The sword-bearer presents the sword to the king, who gives it to the sponsor. The sponsor girds the candidate with it.

KING

Remain forever worthy of this sword, [Candidate], and remember that the sword has two edges, Justice and Mercy.

HERALD

Be mindful that a knight guides, not only by his word, but also by the example he sets for others. Continue to live by the Code of Chivalry: to protect the weak and defenseless; to respect and defend the honor of ladies; and to teach these values to others that may seek the true standard of knighthood.

KING

With what sword do you wish to be knighted?

The candidate answers. (Popular choices have been: the sponsor's personal sword, the king's personal sword and the sword of the King's Champion or Queen's Champion.) The king receives the named sword, and lightly strikes the candidate thrice with the flat of the blade: first on the right shoulder, then on the left shoulder, then on the crown of the head.

KING

Be thou a true knight, Sir [New Knight].

(As an OPTION: If the new knight wishes to receive the buffet, the king at this point braces him, then delivers it: a good solid punch to the right shoulder, of sufficient strength to stagger the recipient.

KING

Let this be the last blow you receive unanswered.

QUEEN

Wear this belt, Sir [New Knight], in token of your chivalry.

New Knight

Your Majesties, I wish now to pledge you my fealty.

KING

On which sword do you wish to swear?

The new knight answers. (Popular choices have been: The Great Sword of Caid, the king's personal sword and the new knight's personal sword.) The named sword is presented hilt-first to the king, who holds it across his palms. The new knight lays his hands on the king's hands, with the blade between them. (As an OPTION, the new knight may swear fealty by placing his hands between those of the king.)

New Knight

Prompted as needed by the herald.

Here do I swear, by mouth and hand, fealty and service to the Crown and Kingdom of Caid: To speak and to be silent; to do and to let be; to come and to go; to strike and to spare. In such matters as concern this realm; in need or in plenty, in peace or in war, in living or in dying, until the Crown depart their throne, or death take me, or the world end. So swear I, [Candidate].

KING

And this do we hear, Sir [New Knight]. And we, for our part, swear fealty to you and to all your household, to protect and defend you against every creature with all our power, until we depart from the throne, or death take us or the world end. So say We, [King], King of Caid.

QUEEN

And so say We, [Queen], Queen of Caid.

The new knight remains kneeling as the sword is returned to its proper place. The king receives the chain of Knighthood from whoever is providing it, and places it around the neck of the new knight.

KING

Take now this chain, and let its weight ever remind you of the fealty you have sworn.

KING

Congratulations, Sir [New Knight]. Go now to your brothers.

KING

Sir [Second Sponsor], please bring forward [Second Candidate].

The other Knights kneel as before, while the second Candidate's escorts go to bring him. The ceremony proceeds as before. End of OPTION.)

KING

Thank you, my lords and ladies. You may retire.

The Knights bow, draw theirs swords, salute, sheath their weapons and retire, while the herald exhorts cheers from the populace.