Roger Warwick – Pelican
Researched and Written by Saito Takauji
Introduction and Notes:
This ceremony is to fit with Sir Roger’s persona. It broadly follows the line of ceremonies of knighthood found in Medieval chivalric romances, and the Liber Regalis or coronation ceremony of Richard II. The ceremony frames this as business of the Calontir Preceptory (chapter) of the Ordo Falconi—that is to say, the chapter in the Kingdom of an international/interkingdom military or religious order. This reflects the posture of the Order within the Society, as a creation of the Society that is nonetheless filled by the Kingdoms.
Much of the focus here is on lineage and history, as befits an ancient order. And in order to represent Sir Roger’s specific history, references to the history and lineage of the Orders in the Outlands have been included as well. The end result, hopefully, is a ceremony which combines the spiritual and chivalric elements of a medieval Order of Knighthood with the requirements of the Society, and Sir Roger’s own history and background.
To that end, some language has been borrowed from the same sources as the Laurel ceremony I wrote for Mistress Maria; as both focused on western European sources, with hers as a specifically religious order, there is some overlap in the recitation of lineages especially.
Terms/Definitions:
Sources:
Robert W. Ackerman, The Knighting Ceremony in the Middle English Romances, 19 Speculum 3 (July, 1944).
Bible Gateway, King James Version, https://www.biblegateway.com/.
West Kingdom History Project, http://history.westkingdom.org/index.php.
Leopold G. Wickham Legg, English Coronation Records, Archibald Constable & Co., Ltd. (London, 1901).
A. Luders, ed., The Statutes of the Realm: Printed by Command of His Majesty King George the Third, in Pursuance of an Address of the House of Commons of Great Britain, From Original Records and Authentic Manuscripts, 11 vols., (London: Record Commission, 1810-1828), Vol. I, pp. 227-228
Harold Arthur, On a Ms. Collection of the Ordinances of Chivalry of the Fifteenth Century, Belonging to Lord Hastings, 57 Archaeologia 1, 47-55.
Dramatis Personae:
| KING: | Orren |
| QUEEN: | Lyra |
| PRINCE: | Emerick |
| PRINCESS: | Kolfinna |
| ROYAL HERALD: | Johann |
| PEER/BOON BEGGAR/PRECEPTOR: | Baroness Gwynneth wraig Rhys |
| LAUREL SPEAKER | Jeanne-Marie DuBois |
| CHIVALRY SPEAKER | Hirsch Ross Eichman |
| PELICAN SPEAKER | Constance Warwick of Wynandermere |
| DEFENSE SPEAKER | Ravasz Janos |
| ROYAL PEER SPEAKER | Robert Magnus |
| POPULACE SPEAKER: | Johan Sachs |
| COAT GIVER: | Joelle of Bluelions Keep |
| MEDALLION GIVER: | Helias Basiliou (Tentative) |
| HAT GIVER: | Magdalena vander Meere |
Script:
General Stage Directions: Please do not block the central aisle except when you are speaking to the Crown, the Preceptor, or the Candidate. If you are speaking, please first read the ceremonial lines you have been given and then speak your prepared words.
Royal Herald: Your Royal Majesties, the Calontir Preceptory of the Ancient and Noble Ordo Pelicani seeks to conduct business in your court, with your blessing as Royal patrons of the Order.
King: Let the representatives of the Chapter be brought forward so they may be received in accordance with their station, and let all Dukes, Earls, Barons, Peers, and Nobles pray heed the words of this honorable Order.
Royal Herald: Their Majesties call all representatives and peers of the Calontir Preceptory of the Ordo Pelicani, and those members of the Order from other Kingdoms, including one to stand as Preceptor for business in the court of the Falcon Crown.
The Pelicans process into court, and array themselves in such a way as to leave an aisle open to the Crown. They may remain standing, or be seated, as they wish.
Preceptor: Your Majesties, in accordance with the Rule and custom of this Order, I have been chosen to stand as Preceptor today. I am Baroness Gwynneth wraig Rhys, well known to this court and your Majesties’ grace as one of your stewards of the Three Rivers.
Queen: Your Excellency, we receive you in accordance with the Rule of your Order, and the laws of the Kingdom. You may proceed with that business of which we have previously spoken.
Preceptor: In the name of the blessed Master Bonceur de Myrobolan and Kyrieth of Shadowfane, premiers of the Order in the West and Calontir, I declare this Preceptory of the Ordo Pelicani open in accordance with the Rule. Good herald, please call forth the candidate.
The Preceptor moves to stand at the head of the aisle, in front of their Majesties, to receive the procession.
Royal Herald: In the name of their Royal Majesties, King Orren and Queen Lyra, is Sir Roger Warwick called before the court and this Order.
The procession begins, while the Herald continues to speak the procession.
Admitted to the Order of the Chivalry in Anno Societatis 35; 7th Baron of the Barony of the Citadel of the Southern Pass in the Kingdom of the Outlands. Thegn of the Iron Heart and Stag to receive Grants of Arms; Stag’s Blood, Stag’s Heart, and Argent Hart awarding him arms. A member of the Venerable Guard of the Outlands, much honored in the lands he once ruled, and beloved of both Stag and Falcon. Give him in the sight of the people an understanding heart, that he may be able to truly judge the right for all.[1]
The procession approaches to the edge of court, and exits to the sides of court as space is available. Only Sir Roger and Mistress Constance approach all the way to the Preceptor.
During the ceremony, Mistress Constance may remain standing or have a seat prepared for her in advance.
Preceptor: If thou be made master, lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest.[2] Seek the truth of these words—seek wisdom and not for gold or silver or victory over your enemies—and you will not err from the path of this Order, or any of the Orders of the Laurel Kingdoms. You have stood vigil; once to be dubbed and invested with the cingulum militare, and after this ceremony for our Order. Do you stand prepared to be invested with the rights and charged with the responsibilities of this Order?
Roger: In the judgment of the Crown, and the sight of the people, with a willing and devout heart, I am.
Preceptor: Then hear the words of those for whom you are already peer, and whom you would join anew as a member of this Order; and last of all hear the words of the people, from whom you are set apart but whom in all your ministrations you must keep dear and remember. I first call His Grace, Duke Hirsch Ross Eichman to speak for the Ordo Equestris, the lineage of the belt and chain.
Chivalry Speaker: Ours was the first Order order founded, created with the knighting of David the Herald upon the field of the first tournament. In Calontir the first of our Ordo was Sir William Coeur de Boeuf the first dubbed, and in the Outlands stands Count Hagen Silverskull. We are the first protectors, the first upon the field, the first to kneel and receive orders; but I will speak not of our Rule for you know it well, but as a brother Knight.
Chivalry speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: On behalf of the Ordo Laureati, I invite Her Excellency, Baroness Jeanne-Marie DuBois to speak for the lineage of root and branch, of the Lily and Hammer.
Laurel Speaker: Our order was founded the same day as the Rose, the first Dukedom, the Grant of Arms, the Award of Arms, and the Court Barony. Beverly of Hodghead and Alfonso de Castille were the corner stones of the Order in the West; and Alarba Bronwen Caradoc the first Laurel made by the first Calon Crown—indeed, the first Peer made by the first Crown of Calontir. In the Outlands, it was Margot of Glamorgan who first bore the wreath upon her brow. From our Rule all peers shall learn to teach and support the arts, as you well have.
Laurel speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: I invite His Excellency, Master Ravasz Janos to speak on behalf of the lineage of steel and shield, the Ordo Defensionis.
Defense Speaker: Our order has no one premier; all kingdoms were given the right to found their chapters on the same day. In our Kingdom, there were three: Donald, Ravasz, and Gavin. And in the Outlands, the first to bear the collar were Govanen Blackwell of blessed memory and Domin d’Alsace. From the Rule of our Order syou must learn to defend the people, no matter the hour of their arrival; for those who have labored in the heat of the day deserve it not less than those who have come in the cool of the evening.[3]
Defense speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: And finally for the bestowed peerages, on behalf of our Ordo Pelicani, I invite Her Excellency, Baroness Constance Warwick of Wynandermere to speak of the lineage of the pierced heart and nourishing blood, of sacrifice in the name of all.
Pelican Speaker: You have heard the names of our founders in the Society and the Kingdom. In the Outlands, the first was Christopher of Hoghton, given jointly between the lands of the Sun and Stag.[4] Ours was an order first founded by the Imperial Electors, and later taken by the Kingdoms for themselves—for they knew the need to recognize those diligent servants. From the lineage of the order you would join, you must learn the selfless service of a devoted soul—but also to guard your own heart, lest it be used too dearly.
Pelican speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: On behalf of those who have born the weight of the crowns and stood before the people, I call Duke Robert Magnus, of the Stag and Falcon, to speak of the lineage of the Laurel Kingdoms.
Royal Peer: The first crowned King and Queen were Henrik of Havn and Wendryn Townsend, although Marynel of Darkhaven was named Queen of Love and Beauty first. In our Kingdom, Chepe l’Orageux and Arwyn Antaradi were the first blessed to lead this land. And in the Outlands, it was Gunwaldt and Aelflad who first wore the crowns of the Stag. From that line comes these words: It is well known that a people who have no leaders shall find ruin; but with many to give council there is safety[5]. We are not an Order, but a calling—from us learn the ultimate lesson that service is for the people, not for the self.
Royal Peer speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: And finally I call Lord Johan Sachs to speak for those whom Roger would lead and serve, the people of Calontir.
Populace Speaker: We are no Order and all Orders; the past from which all peers come, and the future of the Society. We have no premier, save for all those who first stood upon a tourney field and dreamed. We are the body of our Kingdom. Ours is the same lesson as those of the Royal Peerage, but in reverse: We acknowledge that some must be set to lead, and some to follow; but never forget that yours is given to lead for our benefit, not for your glory.
Populace speaker speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: In accordance with our custom, and that of the Kings and Queens of the lands from which you came, investment may only proceed after a solemn oath and obligation has been taken. Are you willing to take upon yourself this oath, similar to that of your other Order, binding you to the Crown and Kingdom as a Pelican?
Roger: I am.
King: Then advance, you who would be named Pelican, and speak the words to bind yourself to us and to the people.
Queen: Know that we take this oath in all ways as seriously as that which you swear to don your golden chain, and the breaking of it will be no less serious than that of the other.
Roger advances to the crown, and kneels on the cushions.
King: We bid you be a worthy Pelican as you have been a worthy knight. Let not fear besiege your heart[6], for you are held in the esteem of this Kingdom.
King places his scepter on Roger’s shoulder.
King: May your skills be ever increased in service to Crown and Kingdom.
Queen: May you ever increase your goodness, honor, and worthiness. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the strength of the Kingdom shall be with you wherever you go.[7]
Queen places her scepter on Roger’s other shoulder.
Queen: May your gentle demeanor serve always as an example of courtesy to all who would observe you.
King and Queen cross their scepters on Roger’s head, before removing them.
The Champion brings forth the sword, and Roger rests his hands on it. Alternately, he may place his hands in between those of the King, Queen, or both.
The Herald reads the following Oath, breaking it into lines so that Roger may repeat it.
Herald: Here do I swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir,
And herewith give my solemn oath:
To take you as liege of life and limb and truth and earthly honors.
To defend with all my power the rightful laws and customs,
Of the Crown, the Kingdom, and the Society.
To bear you faith by deed, word, consent, and counsel,
To serve, foster knowledge, and strive ever to be worthy
Of the Pelican.
Against all who love, move, or die, swear I,
Roger of Warwick.
The Crown gives the following response:
The Crown: We hear your fealty freely given,
And by Our word confirm that We
Will never sacrifice you needlessly.
We swear to judge your oaths with mercy,
Your words with honor, and your deeds with justice.
We will it and grant it and swear it so,
Orren, King.
Lyra, Queen.
Preceptor: You have been sworn into the Order and now rise as a member. Let our new companion be invested with the symbols of his rank, that there may be no doubt as to his responsibilities, and no hindrance to his privileges.
King: Is there a coat?
Coat Giver: There is, your Majesty. I am Baroness Joelle of Bluelions Keep, Baroness of the Citadel of the Southern Pass in the Kingdom of the Outlands. In many times and places, a cloak or coat recognized rank and service. A priest’s cope, the Roman sagum and paludamentum, and now this. Adorned with the symbols of the Order, let it be a guiding light to all who need your service; and a never-ending reminder to you of the care you owe your body and spirit, that you may serve others well.
Cloak giver speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Mistress Constance can assist Roger in putting on all the regalia as she sees fit, especially the coat and belt.
Queen: Is there a hat or chapeau?
Hat Giver: There is, your Majesty. I am Duchess Magdalena vander Meere, of your lineage of the Falcon. In ancient times, a cap of maintenance was a symbol of nobility, adorning their arms and sitting under their coronets. As a Baron and peer, you are well entitled to this symbol; but in the Laurel kingdoms it is also used as a symbol of the Ordo Pelicani, adorned with a reminder of your sacrifice and the blood of your namesake. May it encourage all to know what you have given, and what you will give still.
Hat giver speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
King: And is there a medallion?
Medallion Giver: There is, your Majesty. I am Lord Helias Basiliou, of the people of the Falcon. Our medallions serve as a lamp, lighting the way for those who need a peer to find them; and lighting the way for those who hope to serve with as much honor. Yours is a part of your belt, combining the two orders to which you belong. Wear it in worthy pride. Let it be a remember that your prowess should always be in service to the Kingdom and the people; and your service should always be as fierce as the prowess you show upon the field.
Medallion giver speaks to Roger as they deem appropriate.
Preceptor: Your Majesties, all the proper forms have been followed according to the Rule of Purple and Gold of the Ordo Pelicani. Sir and Master Roger Warwick stands before you as your peer, and our companion.
Queen: So let it be proclaimed, and so let it be done, now and forever in the name of the Falcon. Let the feasts and celebrations be cried throughout these lands. Calontir, your newest Pelican!
Pause for applause.
King: Herald, please read the scroll.
The Herald reads the scroll text.
[1] Adapted from 1 Kings 3:9.
[2] Ecclesiasticus (The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach), 32.
[3] C.f. Matthew 20:9.
[4] http://wimble.outlandsheralds.org/individual_record.php?PersonID=617
[5] Proverbs 11:14.
[6] C.f. Psalm 27:3.
[7] Joshua 1:9.