Ceremony for the Order of the Pelican

This section contains the "standard" ceremony for admittance of a new member, the alternate for a Spokesperson, a ceremony to let the populace know that a member will be admitted at a future date, and a ceremony to acknowledge a new member who was admitted at a point in the past.

HERALD: Check with the Royalty before talking to the candidate.

This may be a surprise peerage, and if so, you could spoil the surprise by talking to the candidate first. Before the ceremony, the following items need to be assembled or arranged:

The Order of the Pelican are responsible for:

• A MEDALLION
• A [Chain of Fealty / Peerage Collar] if the candidate wishes to swear fealty
• The Pelican Cloak
• The name of the Spokesperson (if any)
• Attendants (if any)

Which 'Optional Opening' is to be used? (There are 4)

1. Summon the Candidate
2. Search for the Candidate
3. Candidate in Court
4. Spokesperson first

The Candidate is responsible for:

• Does the candidate wish to swear fealty?
• Does the candidate wish to swear fealty on the Great Sword of State, or to do so by holding of hands with the Royalty?
• Which 'Optional Opening' is to be used? (There are 4)

The Heralds are responsible for (talk to the candidate if not a surprise):

• The blazon of the candidate's arms. 
• Does the candidate wish to swear fealty?
• Does the candidate wish to swear fealty on the Great Sword of State, or to do so by holding of hands with the Royalty?

Pelican Ceremony: Option 1 — Summoning the candidate or processional

Herald: The strength and stability of the Kingdom lie in these virtues of its people: chivalry, creativity, and service - for if any of these are lacking, the Kingdom fails. The servants of the Crown support it by their efforts and with their dedication preserve the Kingdom from Extinction. Let the Members of the Order of the Pelican attend upon Their Majesties.

(The Members of the Order, saving only the Spokesperson and the Attendant, approach and kneel in a semi-circle. All should be wearing their cloaks, if they have them. The Spokesperson and Attendant should borrow them if they do not have personal cloaks.)

King: We are minded to admit (name) to your Right Noble Order. Let [him / her] now be brought forth.

Herald: Let (name) be brought before Their Majesties.

(The Spokesperson and Attendant go to the Candidate, who is standing at the back of Court. If the candidate wishes a procession, then the candidate and procession shall come forward instead. The candidate comes forward flanked by the Spokesperson and Attendant, both of whom are Members of the Order. The Candidate kneels, as does the Attendant. The Spokesperson turns slightly to face the populace.)

King: [Master / Mistress] (Spokesperson), let all know in what manner (name) has enriched Our Realm.

(Here will answer the Spokesperson, giving the reasons why the Candidate would be a suitable Member of the Order. This speech may be altered in many ways to suit the specific Candidate, but should always include the final phrase below.)

Spokesperson: (name) has given greatly of [his / her] labours {for x many years} as (position), {and has given other service in (area(s) of service)}, and has encouraged others to like service by word and deed, {and has especially benefited the Kingdom by (specific example),} and further has governed [him / herself] in all ways as befits a Member of our Order.

Pelican Ceremony: Option 2 — Finding the candidate

Herald: The strength and stability of the Kingdom lie in these virtues of its people: chivalry, creativity, and service - for if any of these are lacking, the Kingdom fails. The servants of the Crown support it by their efforts and with their dedication preserve the Kingdom from Extinction. Let the Members of the Order of the Pelican attend upon Their Majesties.

(The Members of the Order, saving only the Spokesperson and the Attendant, approach and kneel in a semi-circle. All should be wearing their cloaks, if they have them. The Spokesperson and Attendant should borrow them if they do not have personal cloaks.)

King: What business have you before us?

(Spokesperson shall stand and say,)

Spokesperson: Your Majesty, we, the Companions of the Order of the Pelican of Lochac feel our numbers are not complete, and that there is one here present whose honour and service entitles [him / her] to recognition as
our Peer.

King: We are agreed. Go forth and bring the candidate to Us.

(The spokesperson shall turn, with attendants, and with some indirection, search the assembled populace. Then they shall find the Candidate and bring him/her before the King.)

Spokesperson: We here present for Your Majesty's consideration (name) as a Candidate for membership in Our order.

King: You have spoken with Us of [him / her] before. We are in agreement that [he / she] is worthy of Membership in your noble Order.

King: [Master / Mistress] (Spokesperson), let all know in what manner has enriched Our Realm.

(Here will answer the Spokesperson, giving the reasons why the Candidate would be a suitable Member of the Order.)

Spokesperson: (name) has given greatly of [his / her] labours {for x many years} as (position), {and has given other service in (area(s) of service)}, and has encouraged others to like service by word and deed, {and has especially benefited the Kingdom by (specific example),} and further has governed [him / herself] in all ways as befits a Member of our Order.

<Continue point 1>

Pelican Ceremony: Option 3 — Candidate already in court (surprise)

Herald: You do not have Their Majesties' permission to depart.

Herald: The strength and stability of the Kingdom lie in these virtues of its people: chivalry, creativity, and service - for if any of these are lacking, the Kingdom fails. The servants of the Crown support it by their efforts and with their dedication preserve the Kingdom from Extinction. 

Herald: Let the Members of the Order of the Pelican attend upon Their Majesties.

(The Members of the Order, saving only the Spokesperson and the Attendant, approach and kneel in a semi-circle. All should be wearing their cloaks, if they have them. The Spokesperson and Attendant should borrow them if they do not have personal cloaks.)

King: We are minded to admit (name) to your Right Noble Order.

King: [Master / Mistress] (Spokesperson), let all know in what manner (name) has enriched Our Realm.

(Here will answer the Spokesperson, giving the reasons why the Candidate would be a suitable Member of the Order.)

Spokesperson: (name) has given greatly of [his / her] labours {for x many years} as (position), {and has given other service in (area(s) of service)}, and has encouraged others to like service by word and deed, {and has especially benefited the Kingdom by (specific example),} and further has governed [him / herself] in all ways as befits a Member of our Order.

<Continue point 1>

Pelican Ceremony: Option 4 — Spokesperson first

Herald: (Spokesperson) come before Their Majesties.

(Here will answer the Spokesperson, giving the reasons why the Candidate would be a suitable Member of the Order.)

Spokesperson: (name) has given greatly of [his / her] labours {for x many years} as (position), {and has given other service in (area(s) of service)}, and has encouraged others to like service by word and deed, {(and has especially benefited the Kingdom by (specific example),)} and further has governed [him / herself] in all ways as befits a Member of our Order. 

King: We are minded to admit (name) to the Right Noble Order of the Pelican. Let [him / her] now be brought forth.

Herald: Let (name) be brought before Their Majesties.

(The Spokesperson and Attendant go to the Candidate, who is standing at the back of Court. If the candidate wishes a procession, then the candidate and procession shall come forward instead. The candidate comes forward flanked by the Spokesperson and Attendant, both of whom are Members of the Order. The Candidate kneels, as does the Attendant. The Spokesperson turns slightly to face the populace.)

Herald: The strength and stability of the Kingdom lie in these virtues of its people: chivalry, creativity, and service - for if any of these are lacking, the Kingdom fails. The servants of the Crown support it by their efforts and with their dedication preserve the Kingdom from Extinction. 

Herald: Let the Members of the Order of the Pelican attend upon Their Majesties.

(The Members of the Order, saving only the Spokesperson and the Attendant, approach and kneel in a semi-circle. All should be wearing their cloaks, if they have them. The Spokesperson and Attendant should borrow them if they do not have personal cloaks.)

<Continue point 1>

Point 1 - Continue

CONTINUE at this point in the ceremony, no matter which of the options is used.

King: (name), mindful of your great and unremitting service to Our Kingdom, and mindful also of the wishes of your Peers, it is Our intent to admit you to the Order of the Pelican. Will you accept from Us this honour?

Candidate: I will. (or equivalent speech)

Apprentice/Protegé

King: If you are [an apprentice to / a protege of] any member of this Order, name [him / her] now.

Candidate: Your Majesty, I am [apprenticed to / protege of] (name).

Herald: [Master / Mistress] (pelican), approach Their Majesties.

(The Pelican approaches and stands next to his/her apprentice/protege.)

King: [Master / Mistress] (name), We are minded to admit your [apprentice / protege] to the Order of the Pelican. Will you now release [him / her] from your service and release [him / her] from whatever fealty exists between you?

Pelican: I now release you, (name), from my service [and the fealty we have had between us].

Candidate: It has been my honour and pleasure to train with you. I release you, [Master / Mistress] (name), from all of the responsibilities and duties you took upon yourself when I became your [apprentice / protege]. [I here return this token of my bond to you.]

(Candidate returns whatever token there may have been, if there was one.)

CONTINUE

King: Will you now give Us your word that you will henceforth comport yourself as befits a Peer of Our Realm, as you most surely have until now, and that you will attempt in all your endeavours to be a noble example to Our people?

Candidate: I will. (or equivalent speech) 

Queen: Will you promise further to treat all with Courtesy, and to uphold the Laws and traditions of Our Kingdom?

Candidate: I will. (or equivalent speech)

Fealty

King: Will you now swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Lochac?

Candidate: I will. (or equivalent speech)

(The King and Queen either put out Their Hands, and the Candidate places his/her hands in them, or uses the Great Sword of State, held over Their Majesties' hands, and the candidate places his/her hands on top of Their Majesties' hands and the sword.)

Herald: To your Liege and before your Peers, repeat after me:

Here do I swear
by mouth and by hands
fealty and service
to the Crown and Kingdom of Lochac
to speak and to be silent
to do and to let be,
to come and to go
to strike and to spare
in all matters as concern the Kingdom
on my honour,
and the lawful command of the Crown
in need or in plenty
in peace or in war
in living or in dying
from this hour henceforth
until the Crown depart from Their Throne
or death take me
or the world end
so say I (name).

King:

This do We hear,
nor fail to remember,
and We for Our part do swear fealty to you,
to protect and defend you
and all your household,
with all Our power
until We depart from Our Throne,
or death take us,
or the world end.
So say We, (king), King of Lochac.

Queen: So also say We, (queen), Queen of Lochac.

(This ends the portion of the Ceremony dealing with the giving and return of fealty oaths. If the Great Sword of State was used, it should be given back into the keeping of the Earl Marshal.)

Medallion, Cloak and Chain

King/Queen: (The King and Queen take the hands of the new Pelican between theirs (the right hand of the King and the left hand of the Queen, placing the new Pelican's hands between theirs. NOTE: If multiple candidates are being done, then this needs to be done for each.)

Medallion

King: Then We now proclaim you, (name), [Master / Mistress] of the Pelican.

Queen: Receive from Our hands the token of the Order of the Pelican.

Chain/Collar of Fealty

King/Queen: Wear this [chain / collar] in token of your fealty.

(Queen puts medallion/chain/collar around Candidate's neck.)

Kingdom Cloak Present

King: Let be robed as befits [his / her] new estate.

(The newest Member of the Order comes forward wearing or carrying the "Kingdom" cloak, and gives it to the Attendant, who stands and places it on the Candidate.)

King: (The King takes both the new Pelican's hands in His own and raises him/her up.)

King: Arise, [Master / Mistress] (name), and greet your Peers.

Proclamation and Cheers

Herald: For [Master / Mistress] (name), newest member of the Order of the Pelican,
Hip, hip...
Hip, hip...
Hip, hip...

King: Let the Proclamation be read.

(If there is a scroll present, the herald shall read the scroll, otherwise, the Herald shall read the appropriate proclamation below: Attach a note with the BLAZON of the new Pelican's Arms.)

(Place for the herald to place a Post- it note with the BLAZON of the new Pelican's Arms.)

Herald: (If no scroll is present, the herald shall read the appropriate of the two following texts:)

No scroll - No prior patent

Herald: Be it known that Their Majesties, (king) and (queen), King and Queen of Lochac, do on this day elevate Their subject (name), to the Peerage of this Kingdom, and do admit [him / her] to the Right Noble Order of the Pelican. And They do grant unto [him / her] by Letters Patent these arms: Blazon, to bear and to hold without let or hindrance throughout Their Realm. Done by Our word and hand this day of, in the year of the Kingdom of Lochac,

(king), Rex Lochacis
(queen), Regina