Coronation
Coronation in the Outlands
Coronation is one of the most significant and symbolic events in the Kingdom of the Outlands, marking the formal investiture of new royalty. It is both a celebration and a moment of solemn tradition, blending ceremony, fealty, and festivity.
Schedule
The Outlands hosts two coronations each year:
- Spring Coronation – held in January
- Summer Coronation – held in July
These events mark the end of one reign and the beginning of another. Each coronation concludes the tenure of the Crown and begins that of the Heirs, who were chosen in the preceding Crown Tournament.
Purpose
Coronation serves as:
- A legal and ceremonial transfer of power from the reigning monarchs to their successors.
- A reaffirmation of the kingdom’s fealty structure, with oaths exchanged between the Crown and the people.
- A celebration of the outgoing Crown’s reign and the incoming Crown’s vision.
- A spiritual or symbolic rite, depending on the culture and traditions of the reign.
The Ceremony
The Coronation Ceremony typically includes:
- A final court by the outgoing Crown
- Public acknowledgments and thank-yous
- Investiture of new officers (as applicable)
- The stepping down of the Crown
- The elevation of the Heirs
- Fealty oaths by peers and populace
- The first court of the new Crown
While ceremonial details may vary slightly from reign to reign, the heart of the rite remains unchanged: a kingdom recognizing its new sovereigns with pageantry and reverence.
Coronation Ceremony Text
The following is the ceremonial text as used in the Kingdom of the Outlands. While minor variations may occur, this is the standard rite:
CORONATION CEREMONY Following the business of TRM and after everybody else on the retinue has been released from service (except the Warlord, Queen's Champion and King's Champion), : The Scepters, Signet Rings and Great Seal, Lightning, the White Scarf, and the Sharparrow glove. Thunderhead should be with the Warlord. The Baronial Gloves are with the Landed Barons/Baronesses. . HERALD: Her Majesty calls forward _____________ [Sharparrow]. QUEEN: _____________My time as the Patroness of your order has come to an end. Please deliver this to Our Heirs, that They might know this honor. SHARPARROW: (own words or) It would be my pleasure to serve You this last time, Your Majesty. Sharparrow is dismissed. HERALD: Her Majesty calls forward ____________________. [White Scarf]. QUEEN : ____________________, My time as the Patroness of your order has come to an end. Please deliver this to Our Heirs, that They might know this honor. WHITE SCARF: (own words or) It would be my pleasure to serve You this last time, Your Majesty. White Scarf is dismissed. HERALD: Their Majesties call into the Royal Presence Their Warlord, __________________. KING: (Thanks______________ for his work as Warlord) WARLORD: (Any appropriate words he has for TRM, and hands Thunderhead to His Majesty.) BLUE IRIS HERALD: Their Majesties summon the landed nobility of the Outlands. (Don’t call the ones who aren’t here) _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Caerthe, _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of al-Barran _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Dragonsspine _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of The Citadel of the Southern Pass _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen _____________ and ____________, Baronesses of Caer Galen _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Fontaine dans Sable. _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Aarquelle TRM collect the Gloves and thank them for their service. THE DIVESTITURE OF REGALIA Selected Peers in precedence of their orders shall be called forth to receive the other regalia. HERALD: Their Majesties call into the Royal presence ____________________, Knight of the Society ____________________, [Master/Mistress] of the Laurel ____________________, [Master/Mistress] of the Pelican, ____________________, [Master/Mastera of the Order fo Defense and ____________________ , Lady of the Rose The peers kneel before the thrones. Queen rises to join the King. King delivers Thunderhead into the keeping of the representative of the Chivalry. KING: ____________________, We do entrust into your noble hands Thunderhead The Great Axe, ancient symbol of the Outlands. Guard him well, as you have ever guarded our traditions and lore, that you may deliver him into the hands of our rightful heirs that they may use him to maintain the rights and prerogatives of the Outlands. The Chivalry representative rises and moves to stand on the far end of the dais on the Queens' side. Queen delivers the Royal Scepters into the keeping of the Companion of the Order of the Laurel. QUEEN: ____________________, We do entrust into your noble hands the Scepters Royal of the Realm. Maintain it well, as you have ever maintained the gentle arts and needful sciences, that you may deliver them into the hands of our rightful heirs, that they may use them to nourish the growth of chivalry and virtue in the Outlands. The Laurel representative rises and moves to stand next to the Chivalry representative on the Queens' side King shall deliver the signet rings, into the keeping of the Companion of the Order of the Pelican: KING: ____________________, We give into your keeping the signets of the realm the symbols of Our justice maintain them well, that you may deliver them into the hands of Our rightful heirs that they may use them to endorse their wise judgements for the good of the Outlands. The Pelican representative rises and moves to stand on the far end of the dais on the King's side Queen shall deliver the great seal of state, into the keeping of the Companion of the Order of Defense: QUEEN: _________________, We give into your keeping the great seal of state, the symbol of Our equity. Maintain it well, that you may deliver it into the hands of Our rightful heirs that they may use them to endorse their wise judgements and laws for the good of the Outlands. The Defense representative rises and moves to stand on the far end of the dais on the King's side King shall speak to the Companion of the Order of the Rose. KING: ____________________, Rise and wait at Our side to receive the Queen's crown The Order of the Rose representative rises and moves to stand next to the Pelican representative on the King's side. HERALD (Not Blue Iris - White Stag or Gimlet) Let _____________________, Blue Iris Herald, come before the Court BLUE IRIS: (Removes his tabard and says whatever words he would like to the Queen) QUEEN: (Says whatever she would like in response, releasing him from service.) HERALD: Let the Queen's Champion, _______________________, come before this Court and Company. Queen's Champion shall come to kneel before the thrones and removes his tabard. QUEEN'S CHAMPION: (to the Queen, his own words or…) Your Majesty, It has been my great honor to serve so gracious a queen. I return my tabard into your Royal hand from whence it came. QUEEN: (Her own words, or....) ___________________, you have served me well throughout my reign and it is with a sad heart I must let you go. Be as true for all time as you have been true with me. KING: Attend Us, My Champion, ______________________. The King's Champion shall come to kneel before the thrones and presents King with Lightning, sheathed. King takes Lightning from His Champion. KING:______________________, even to this day you have served Us well. In all ways, you have stood at Our side, never failing. Serve Us once more. We do entrust into your noble hands The Sword of State, Lightning, The symbol of Our just might and force of arms. Guard him well, as you have ever guarded Our name and honor, that you may deliver him into the hands of Our rightful heirs, that they may use him to defend the Outlands. King's Champion shall accept the sword with what personal remarks he may, and rising shall go to stand at the far end of the other peers/regalia. KING (to the Queen): Your Royal Majesty, return now to us your crown, knowing that its return is right and honorable, and represents a responsibility well fulfilled and finally set aside. The Queen kneels to the King and, assisted by her ladies, removes her crown and places it into the King's hands, and remains kneeling. King hands the Queen's crown to the Lady of the Rose without comment. King helps his lady rise. KING (to his Lady): We will join you in a moment, but there is one last duty We must perform. Lady leaves the dais, escorted by _____________ (former champion?). THE CORONATION OF THE HEIR Herald: Your Royal Majesty, Your Heir is here to take his rightful place in Outlands history. King: Call him forward. And this day comes .. His Most Royal and Serene Highness, _______________________, Crown Prince of the Outlands and Dread Lord of all Argonia. (all other awards and titles, too, if desired) Herald bows and moves toward the King’s side so that the Prince can kneel. HERALD: His Majesty wishes the populace to be seated. When people sit and it’s quiet: PRINCE’S HERALD : Now comes His Royal Highness to claim the Stag Crown, which he has won for the honor of his lady, and to be invested in that high degree which his victory has earned him. KING: We, _______________________, by right of arms King of the Outlands, having recognized this gentle man as Our sole and legitimate heir, are resolved to crown him as Our successor to the Throne. King removes his crown and extends it to the Prince. ROYAL PEERS, BARONS, ANYONE with CORONETS (except out of kingdom visitors), SHOULD REMOVE THEIRS AT THE TIME THE KING REMOVES THE CROWN, and HOLD THEM. KING: Your Royal Highness, If you would be King of the Outlands, place your hands upon this Crown and swear the words which bind you to your duty. PRINCE: I, _______________________, by this Crown swear to administer justice within all my lands, and amongst all my subjects, I swear to endeavor to rule wisely, sparing no effort to fulfill my duties as King. I swear to defend the principles of chivalry and to guard always that my peers remain honourable I swear to reward loyalty with gratitude, fealty with honour, and oath-breaking with vengeance. KING: We, _______________________, by right of arms King of the Outlands do hear your words and accept your solemn oath. We crown you, _______________________, by right of arms, King of the Outlands. ROYAL PEERS, BARONS, etc. SHOULD SET THEIR CORONETS BACK ON at the moment He is crowned. HERALD: Outlands, Behold your King! Former King retires from court. THE CORONATION OF THE CROWN PRINCESS PRINCESS’S HERALD: Her Most Royal Highness ______________________, Crown Princess of the Outlands and Princess of all Argonia (All other awards and titles, too, if desired.) Princess comes to kneel before King. KING: _________________________, We thank you for this service done to Us. HERALD: to the populace - if they have gotten up His Majesty wishes you to be seated. The Queen’s Crown shall be given into His Majesty’s hands by the Lady of the Rose. The representative returns to the place off the King’s side of the dais KING : Your Royal Highness, if you would be Queen of the Outlands, place your hands upon this Crown and swear the words which bind you to your duty. PRINCESS: I, ______________________, on this Crown do swear to maintain myself in a courtly manner, as befits a Queen, being always an inspiration of grace and chivalry to all my subjects, and to be just in all matters, rendering faithful counsel to my King. KING: We, _______________________, by right of arms King of the Outlands, do hear your words and accept your solemn oath. We crown you, ______________________, by grace and favor, Queen of the Outlands. HERALD: Outlands, Behold your Queen! PEOPLE: (cheer) RETURN OF THE SWORD After the former King has fully departed the assembly, the King's Champion comes before the Crown with Lightning, sheathed and borne in both hands, and waits to be recognized HERALD: His Majesty wishes the populace to be seated. HERALD: __________________, why do you stand before this court CHAMPION TO HERALD: I am sworn to give this sword only to the one true heir of King _______________________. CHAMPION TO KING: I have witnessed this ceremony and recognize you, _______________________, as King of the Outlands. Into Your Majesty’s hands I now deliver Lightning, the Sword of the Outlands. It is a symbol of swift justice. Wield it with wisdom and mercy. KING: This shall We do. THE INVESTITURE OF THE BLUE IRIS HERALD HERALD: Let ___________________________ come before Her Majesty the Queen. QUEEN: _________________________, It shall please me if you have resolved to accept the office and style of Blue Iris Herald, to serve as my personal Herald. BLUE IRIS: [CAN WRITE HIS OWN SPEECH, OR:] It would do me honour to wait upon Your Majesty’s Grace. QUEEN: With this tabard, bearing my Royal Arms, I do invest you and create you Blue Iris Herald. Remember always the good works and gracious bearing of Mistress Keridwyn of Montrose, the first White Stag Principal Herald, from whose arms has your title of honour been derived. Blue Iris shall rise and go to stand behind the Queen’s Throne. CREATION OF THE KING'S CHAMPION HERALD: Their Majesties call before them, ______________________________. KING: _____________________________, your wisdom, courtesy and valor have secured for you an honored place as Our champion and Our man. We give into your keeping Lightning which has been since the dawn of time the Sword of Kings. Guard him well, as may you ever guard Our name and honour! KING’S CHAMPION: [Can write his own speech.] INVESTITURE OF THE QUEEN’S CHAMPION BLUE IRIS HERALD: Their Majesties call forward ____________________. ANNA REGINA: ________________, I would have a loyal friend and fierce warrior at my side To stand as my champion, Would you do me such an honor? Queen’s Champion (replies in own words) Here end the formal Rites of Coronation. INVESTITURE OF WARLORD HERALD: Their Majesties call forward _______________________. KING: Your skill at arms has won you a place at Our side Our Warlord. It would please Us for you to carry Thunderhead in Our court. WARLORD: [may respond with what remarks he would like to make] Warlord joins the court THE ENTHRONEMENT Their Majesties arrange themselves upon the Thrones. Retainers move behind the thrones. IF people have stood up again: HERALD (Blue Iris takes over?): It is Their Majesties’ wish that the people of Their Court might seat themselves The investiture with the REGALIA HERALD: Your Majesties, Representatives of the Order of the Chivalry, symbolizing Outlands' history; the Order of the Laurel, representing the Arts, the Order of the Pelican, standing for Justice, and the Order of Defense, standing for Equity await Your pleasure: KING: We shall receive them now. The four peers shall come to kneel before the Thrones. CHIVALRY [____________________]: (HISTORY) I give into Your Majesty’s royal hands Thunderhead, Which has been held by every king and by every Prince of the Outlands, back unto the ancient days. The traditions of the Outlands live in Thunderhead, but not there alone, for Your Majesties have those among you whose tongues can speak the ancient lore of the Outlands. May you proudly maintain the best traditions of the Outlands, to take an honored place in the history of this ancient land. LAUREL [____________________]: (ARTS) May it please Your Majesties to claim the Sceptres Royal, The symbols of Your Majesties’ authority. May your royal power and sovereignty bring peace and joy to your people. In such days may arts and learning flourish so abundantly, that all that Your Majesties see and hear may be pleasing to you. PELICAN [____________________]: (JUSTICE) May it please your Majesties to accept the Royal Signets of the Outlands, the symbols of the Crown’s justice. May Your Majesties wisely judge your people, defending the weak and upholding the good, that your Royal virtues may be praised throughout the Outlands and to the ends of the earth. DEFENSE ________________: (EQUITY) May it please your Majesties to accept the Great Seal of the Outlands, the symbol of the Crown’s good and wise judgements. May Your Majesties wisely endorse the good works of Your sovereignty, that your Royal decrees and laws may be praised throughout all time. Their Majesties accept the regalia as it is offered. They address what personal remarks they may to the peers as they rise to leave the presence. After the four have spoken, all representatives exit together. THE FEALTY OF BARONS AND BARONESSES BLUE IRIS HERALD: Their Majesties summon the landed nobility of the Outlands. (Don’t call the ones who aren’t here) _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Caerthe, _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of al-Barran _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Dragonsspine _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of The Citadel of the Southern Pass _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen _____________ and ____________, Baronesses of Caer Galen _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Fontaine dans Sable. _____________ and ____________, Baron and Baroness of Aarquelle TRM return the Gloves KING: We would hear your oath of fealty. BARONS AND BARONESSES: This day do I render homage and fealty for my lands. I swear to deal justly and honourably with all my subjects, whatever their degree, to protect my barony from all harm, and to rule my lands wisely in the name of the Crown. This do I swear upon the dignity of my coronet, upon this sword, and upon my honour. So say I, _________ Baron/Baroness of __________________________ KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that We will protect your lands and defend your rights and those of Our subjects with all justice and honour. QUEEN: Be ever mindful that in Our absence you are the embodiment of the Outlands. Remember that your chivalry and grace will be the inspiration of your people. Barons and Baronesses rise, bow, and retire to their seats THE FEALTY OF KNIGHTS HERALD: Let the Knights of the Realm come to their King that their oaths of fealty may be heard. KNIGHTS: This day do I render homage and fealty To my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________________ and ______________________, by right of arms, and grace and favor, King and Queen of the Outlands who will from this day forward be my Liege Lord and Lady. This do I swear upon my Lord’s own sword, and by my belt, my chain and my honor. So say I, _________________________ KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that We will protect you and defend your rights with all justice and honour. [sword up] QUEEN: Be ever mindful of your Knightly vow which compels you to defend the honour of ladies and those weaker than yourselves. KING: We thank you for your duty. The knights rise, bow, retire from the court. THE FEALTY OF THE ORDER OF THE LAUREL HERALD: Let those Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Laurel who would have their oaths of fealty heard, come now before this court. LAURELS: This day do I render homage and fealty to my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________________ and ______________________, by right of arms, and grace and favor, King and Queen of the Outlands, who will from this day forward be my Liege Lord and Lady. This do I swear upon my peerage, upon this sword and upon my honor. So say I, ________________________. KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that we shall protect the trust you have placed in Us and defend your rights as Peers with all justice and honour. QUEEN: Be ever mindful of those who look to you as friends and teachers of the arts and sciences, rewarding their trust with good works. KING: Your work enriches Our realm, for which we thank you. The Laurels bow, rise, and retire from court. THE FEALTY OF THE ORDER OF THE PELICAN HERALD: Let those Masters and Mistresses of the Order of the Pelican who would have their oaths of fealty heard, come now before this court. PELICANS: This day do I render homage and fealty to my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________________ and ______________________, by right of arms, and grace and favor, King and Queen of the Outlands, who will from this day forward be my Liege Lord and Lady. This do I swear upon my peerage, upon this sword and upon my honor. So say I, _____________________. KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that we shall protect the trust you have placed in Us and defend your rights as Peers with all justice and honour. QUEEN: Be ever mindful of those who look to you as models of industry and fruitful labor, encouraging their diligence by your own constant example. KING: Our tasks shall be easier with your help. The Pelicans rise, bow, and retire from court. THE FEALTY OF THE ORDER OF DEFENSE BLUE IRIS HERALD: Let those Masters and Mistresses of the Order of Defense who would have their oaths of fealty heard, come now before this court. ORDER OF DEFENSE: This day do I render homage and fealty to my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________ and _________________, by Right of Arms, and Grace and Favor, King and Queen of the Outlands, who will, form this day forward, Be my Liege Lord and Lady. I will remain true in all ways, serving them faithfully. This do I swear, by my honor, upon my sword and by the high ideals which I hold as a Peer of this Realm. So say I,_______________________. KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that we shall protect the trust you have placed in Us and defend your rights as Peers with all justice and honour. QUEEN: Be ever mindful of those for whom you are exemplars of bladesmanship and courtly demeanor; in times of need may they seek from you an equitable understanding. KING: Our tasks shall be easier with your help. The Order of Defense rise, bow, and retire from court. THE FEALTY OF ROYAL PEERS BLUE IRIS HERALD: Let those Dukes and Duchesses, Counts and Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses, who would have their oaths of fealty heard, come now before this court. ROYAL PEERS: This day do I render homage and fealty to my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________ and _________________, by right of arms, and grace and favor, King and Queen of the Outlands, who will from this day forward be my Liege Lord and Lady. I will be true in all ways, serving Them faithfully, This do I swear upon the dignity of my coronet, upon this sword and upon my honor. So say I,_______________________. KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that we shall protect the trust you have placed in Us and defend your rights as Peers with all justice and honour. QUEEN: We shall hold your example before us. Royal Peers rise, bow, retire from Court. FEALTY OF THE POPULACE HERALD: Let those Outlanders who yet wish to swear fealty come now before this court. POPULACE: This day do I render homage and fealty to my Sovereign Lord and Lady, _______________________ and ______________________, by right of arms, and grace and favor, King and Queen of the Outlands, who will from this day forward be my Liege Lord and Lady. This do I swear upon this sword and upon my honor. So say I, ___________________. KING: We hear your oaths and accept your fealty and do pledge to you that we shall protect and defend you with all justice and honour. QUEEN: We shall have need of such good people as you. The CONFIRMATION of the Great Officers of State HERALD: (don’t name the ones that aren’t here) Now shall come before the thrones, the Great Officers of State: The Seneschal of the Outlands, ____________________________ The White Stag Principal Herald, _________________________ The Earl Marshal, _______________________ The Minister of Arts and Sciences, _____________________________ The Chancellor of the Exchequer, ____________________________ The Chronicler, _________________________ The Webminister: _________________________________ KING: You have served the Outlands well as true servants in counsel. It is Our will to confirm you in your several offices, if you will swear to serve Us well and faithfully. Bring forth Lightning. OFFICERS: This day do I swear to serve the Crown and Kingdom of the Outlands to uphold the laws of this land, and to render faithful service to Your Majesties and to Your subjects, that the Outlands may prosper. This do I swear upon this sword and upon my honor. So say I, _______________________. KING: We accept your oaths and pledge to you that We will support your offices and honor your service, as you minister in Our names. QUEEN: Be ever mindful that you serve us best by serving the needs of our people. KING (to the populace): Good people all: These are Our officers. They speak and act on Our authority. Lawful and reasonable requests and instructions of these Our officers are to be obeyed by all Our subjects, whatever their degree. To disregard them, would be to disregard the Crown. When you help Our officers, you help the Outlands. QUEEN (to the officers): Good Ministers, go now and serve Us well. THE OATHS OF THE SENESCHALS OF SHIRES KING: We place great trust in Our officers, and in those noble men and women to whom Our baronies are entrusted, but baronies are not the only strongholds of the Kingdom. Into the keeping of honored seneschals do we place Our many shires. HERALD: The Crown calls before them the Seneschals of Their Shires, and of the College of Saint Golias: (Remove any groups not in attendance if known) ___________________________, of Nahrun Kabirun ___________________________, of St. Golias ___________________________, of Windkeep ___________________________, of White Mountain ___________________________, of Drygestan ___________________________, of Gleann Medonach ___________________________, of Plattefordham ___________________________, of Hinterland ___________________________, of Blackwater Keep ___________________________, of Rio de las Animas ___________________________, of Villaleon ___________________________, of Bryngolau ___________________________, of Draca Mor SENESCHALS: This day do I swear to serve the Crown of the Outlands, upholding the laws and promoting peace and prosperity. I shall be ever mindful that my shire’s welfare and good name are given into my keeping by the Crown. So say I, _________________, Seneschal of _______________. KING: We for Our part accept your solemn oath(s), and pledge to you the protection of the Crown and the support of Our officers. sword up QUEEN (to the seneschals): Keep Our lands and people well, and in Our names treat fairly all those with whom you deal. KING (to the people): We will and firmly order all Our subjects, of every degree, to show unto these Our seneschals honor and respect so long as they shall serve the Outlands as faithful vassals, rendering counsel to Our officers and keeping peace and order amongst Our subjects in their shires. Faithful service to the Outlands shall be praised and honored. PRESENTATION OF WHITE SCARF HERALD to Queen: Your Majesty, ___________________ [White Scarf] has business in Your court. White Scarf approaches Court and kneels in front of Her Majesty. WHITE SCARF: [own words or:] Your Majesty, the Order of the White Scarf is honored to have you as our patroness. On behalf of my order, I present to you this token, in hopes that you will honor us by wearing the symbol of our order. QUEEN: [own words or:] It would be my pleasure to honor your order in this way. HERALD: You have Her Majesty’s leave to depart HERALD TO QUEEN: Your Majesty, ___________________ [Archer of the Iron Rain] has business in Your court. SHARPARROW: [Gives glove to Her Majesty, with own words, or:] Your Majesty, Your Archers of the Iron Rain await your word, ever mindful of the honor you do us. Please accept this token, And know that we stand in readiness. QUEEN: [own words or:] It would be my pleasure to honor your order in this way. Queen's Guard and ladies-in-waiting can be invested here at the Crown’s discretion THE CLOSE OF COURT Hear now Closes the Coronation Court of ________________________ and _________________________ King and Queen of the Outlands Long Live the King Long Live the Queen Long Live the Outlands