Ceremony for the Order of the Pelican

This section contains the "standard" ceremonies associated with an elevation to the Order of the Pelican of Lochac including a variety of possible openings for the ceremony and other optional features. While these are the traditional forms, elevations can be highly personalised. Some candidates may choose to swear fealty, others may prefer not to; some may choose a persona language or related theatre around their elevation.

"Ambush" peerages -- ones where the candidate is asked in public and elevated on the spot -- are highly unusual in Lochac, though they do occur in other Kingdoms. When inviting someone to the Order, the Crown will ask if they wish to be done right away at the event (assuming time is available) or may discuss a suitable time and place at a future event. The choice is up to the candidate. Sometimes the candidate chooses to keep news of the elevation private; if you are told about an elevation, make sure that it is supposed to be publicly known before passing the information on!

If you have been invited to be elevated, contact the Pelican Clerk to discuss what you would like in your ceremony. It will need to be approved by the Crown, but there is a reasonable degree of flexibility for those who wish it. You may have a Pelican (or a small flock) standing by who would be delighted to help with any planning required, whether an instant elevation or one several months in the planning. Make use of them!

General Preparation

Heralds should check with the Crown 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, or mentioning it casually to others. More typically, the candidate knows; they also have the option of choosing their own herald to conduct their elevation ceremony.

The candidate may choose to have a vigil before their elevation; this is usually held at the same event as the elevation, often the night before. Some people have very solemn vigils, with individual sessions for Peers to offer advice, or intense group discussions for everyone to think about the nature of peerage and service. Some people choose to have a general party. It may be announced at Court as open to all, or be by hand-delivered invitation only.

The Order of the Pelican are responsible for providing:

• A Medallion
• A Fealty Chain or Peerage Collar if the candidate wishes to swear fealty
• The Pelican Cloak

Members of the Order may offer medallions, chains or links from fealty chains to people being elevated. Sometimes the candidate will ask for items of regalia from specific peers. The Pelican Cloak, a beautiful creation spear-headed by Mistress Rowan and the Worshipful Company of Broiderers has the arms of all the Pelicans of Lochac (where registered and completed), and is worn by every Pelican at their elevation. It is usual for the candidate to be cloaked by a member/s of the Order, although they may choose to have a non-member participate as well, such as their Significant Other.

The Candidate is responsible for:

• Deciding what form of ceremony they would like
• Choosing a Herald
• Choosing a Spokesperson/s (from the Order, representatives from the three Peerages, or from all five of the polling Orders)
• Any Attendants, banner bearers etc
• Whether they will swear fealty (and if so whether by sword or by hand); variations in the fealty oath are permitted

Pelican Ceremony

Opening 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.

Opening 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>

Opening 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>

Opening 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>

Continution of Ceremony

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 protégé of] any member of this Order, name [him / her] now.

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

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

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

King: [Master / Mistress] (name), We are minded to admit your [apprentice / protégé] 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 / protégé]. [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)

Swearing 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.)

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.

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

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

King: Let (name) 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. Or the Candidate may be robed by someone they choose along with a representative of the Order.)

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.)

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