Bardic Champion
Honor of the Lion’s Troubador
Ceremonial of the Kingdom of An Tir
Version: 12th Night, XXXVII (2003)

INVOCATION
At the Crown's command the herald shall call forth the contestants: 
HERALD: Let all who would compete for the title of Bardic Champion of An Tir, come now before Their Majesties. 
When they have assembled: 
HERALD: Today you enter the List to compete for the honor of being Bardic Champion of An Tir. The one who carries this title is sworn in fealty to the Crown of An Tir, that when Their Majesties marshal the performers, bards, jongleurs, minstrels, poets and tale spinners of the Kingdom, there shall the Champion be at the fore, reflecting the glory of the Kingdom's lore and skill. 
This is a grave responsibility, not to be undertaken lightly, for even as he/she takes his/her place in Their Majesties' court and at Their side, the Champion’s deeds must show forth the talent and knowledge of the court and this Kingdom to all the world. 
So, understanding the station to which you aspire, mark now the words of the Crown. 
THE CHARGE
And here the King and/or Queen may give a personal or inspirational message to the competitors. 
HERALD: Do each of you now swear that should you be victorious, you will fulfil the obligations of Bardic Champion of the Kingdom of An Tir, and that you will abide by the laws of this Kingdom, and that you will bear yourself, now and in the future, with the honor and loyalty, virtue and skill which must mark the Bardic Champion of An Tir? 
COMPETITORS: I so swear. 
HERALD: Then bear yourselves bravely in competition and strive with honor to the greater glory of the Crown and Kingdom of An Tir. 
HERALD: Competitors, make ready. Judges, make ready. 

RETURN OF THE REGALIA
After the last round of judging, the populace will be called to witness the investiture of the Champion. At the Crown's command, the herald shall call forth the old Champion: 
HERALD: _______________, Bardic Champion of An Tir, come before Their Majesties. 
QUEEN: _______________, you have nobly served Our Kingdom as Bardic Champion of An Tir. In accordance with the laws and customs of this Realm, We now release you from your duties with Our deepest thanks for your loyal service. 
The old Champion shall say: 
CHAMPION: I return into Your keeping this Champion's cloak along with these tokens of the Bardic Champion of An Tir. 
THE LION'S TROUBADOR
Receiving the regalia, the Queen shall say: 
QUEEN: We thank wish to honor you for your service to Our Kingdom.
HERALD: Know all people by these presents that, having served faithfully and honorably as Bardic Champion of the Kingdom of An Tir, is hereby given the Honor of the Lion's Troubadour. In acknowledgement whereof We do here set Our hand and seal this __________ day of __________, Anno Societatis __________, being __________ Gregorian. 
_______________, King of An Tir _______________, Queen of An Tir 
The Queen shall present the Champion with a token of the Honor.  Their Majesties may invite outgoing Champion to witness investiture.   The herald shall call the victor forward. 

HERALD: _______________, you have gained victory this day. Come forward. 
But, if no change is taking place the Champion shall remain kneeling.
QUEEN: _______________, by your knowledge and skill you have won the title Bardic Champion of An Tir. Will you take the Champion's Oath? 
CHAMPION: I will. 
HERALD: Do you swear to faithfully discharge your duties as Bardic Champion of An Tir, to abide by the laws of the realm, and to loyally serve the Crown of An Tir so long as you remain Champion? 
CHAMPION: I so swear. 
HERALD:  Do you swear that ________ and _______ are your True Sovereigns and Liege Lord and Lady? 
CHAMPION: I so swear. 
HERALD: Do you swear fealty to ________ and _______, King and Queen of An Tir, that whenever They marshal the performers of the Kingdom, there shall you be at the fore to bring honor and glory to The Crown and Kingdom of An Tir? 
CHAMPION: I so swear. 
KING:  And we for our part do swear fealty to this Our Champion to protect and defend them and their household to best of our ability so long as we remain Sovereigns of An Tir.
So say we __________, King of An Tir 
QUEEN:  and so say we _________Queen of An Tir.
KING: We accept your homage, and as symbol of your station, We grant to you the rights due the true Bardic Champion of An Tir, among these a place at Our court, and the right to stand by Our side. So say We, _______________, King of An Tir. 
QUEEN: And so say We, _______________, Queen of An Tir. 
If this is a new Champion, the Queen shall place the Cloak around the Champion's shoulders. 
QUEEN: Wear this cloak that all who see may know of your skills and estate. Take your place in Our court. 
As the Champion takes his place, the herald will exhort the cheers for outgoing and incoming Champion. 

At this point the Crown may wish to call forth the other finalists and recognize their skill and knowledge (perhaps with tokens), but even if They don't, the herald will exhort the cheers of the people for the finalists. 

NOTES FOR THE HERALD
Remind the Crown about the Charge to the competitors.

Find out if the Crown will have tokens for the finalist (and his/her inspiration).