Jocelyn de Cranewell, Order of Defense, 2016

Be it known unto all by this present writings wheresoever it shall come to be read, heard or understood and especially to all manner of officers under Our dominions do We, Nigel III and Adrielle III, monarchs of the lands of the north, to all Justices, Mayors, Shieriffs, Bailiffs, Constables, Headboroughs, and to their deputies, and to all others to whom this decree comes, greetings.

Every parent, in order that their children should acquire reputation, procures for them some place in some royal court, and of some protection, to provide for them the best that they can. So did a notary of the court of Florence, place with Us his only daughter, who has, under the guise of learning to dance, become adept with the sword, and dagger, and cloak. She has traveled far across the Known World, both learning from those who are masters of the art, while freely giving of her knowledge to those in need. She has flourished upon the field, and has Our trust.

Thus do We, your sovereign King and Queen majesties with Our most honourable counsel, look with favour upon Jocelyn de Cranewell as an exemplar of the arts of the sword, and because she is dear to Us and shown of herself the magnanimity, the cunning, the valour, and the innumerable other virtues, and also the greatness of her ancestors, being descended as she is from a Lion of Ansteorra, who was begat by Hans Durmast, who was begat by the Moondragon who introduced the art of defense to the Society, do We admit with authority and by special commission under Our broad seal the said Jocelyn de Cranewell into the Order of Defense, forever more to be known as a Maestra and a Peer of the realm. And therefore we state by Our royal majesty and most honourable cousel, desire all our true subjects to aid the said Jocelyn de Cranewall against all strangers and such as teach without authority, and such foresworn men against Our royal majesties, which of long time have deceived our true subjects. We desire all our true subjects and officers as they love our sovereign crown to suffer none to keep any school of Defense whatsoever they be except having authority to show in like case as this Maestra Jocelyn de Cranewall hath unless it otherwise be also recognized by the Crown. In so doing you shall show your selves true and full faith officers and subjects unto our power.

In witness thereof on the day of the feast of Clare of Assisi, while sitting Our thrones in the Debatable Lands at the Pennsic War in this, the fifty-first year of the Society, do We sign our hand and seal.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based in part on the introduction to Ridolfo Capo Ferro’s treatise "Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing" and Sloan MS 2530 page 31-2 which concerns the creation of a Master of Defense. Section in bold may have been cut for space.

Jocelyn de Cranewall, Einvigi Rapier Champion, 2015

All is done              Ullr's season
Descends with        winter's sea-breath
From northern         frozen mountains.
End of strife            Einvigi age

Dealing cruel          death to swordsmen
Fought they did      for honour and
Fame; on now        to Odin's hall
Valhal's walls         valour recall.

Fiercely swords        did feast on blood
ullr's shields             shone most brightly
In misty                   morning ravens
Gather; whose          wounds form their feast?

And who would        win glory from
crown'd brow of        breaker of rings?
Though kin and        cattle all die
Famous deeds        forever live.

Famed the name        Known for her skill
Jocelyn            Joyful sword-maid
Challengers        Chose well their doom
With flick of        Flashing blade, fell.


Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, as an award for a Royal Tourney.

Jocelyn de Cranewall, Einvigi Rapier Most Traveled, 2015

Harken Ealdormere!              Hear the words

From herald's lips;                Loud they proclaim:
Weather of weapons             Washed on our shores
And brave souls walked        The wide Whale-road.

Who sought the sea-steed    Sword holding high?
Wandering Odin                   Ne'er walked so far.
Not for Freyja's tears            Tore men from wives,
But honour and                    High esteem sought.

From land of far Skrael        to Skeldergate
Harrowgate Heath               hears loud spear-din.
Bryniau and Caer Draeth     call warriors
To take to ships                  taunting the Norns.

Konnugr Steinarr                Calls wandering
War-maiden here;              Mark well her deeds!
Fair Drottning Lyda             Lauds her labors!
Silver blade shone-            Shamed challengers.

Hails well from Cranewall-     Cry out her name!
Hail Jocelyn!                          judge you right brave!
Brav'd wind and weather       Breaker-of-Rings
Honours your name              Now homeward come.

Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, award for a Royal Tourney.

EK Queen’s Rapier Champion AS 45

Sir Edward Grey of Lochleven

wreathed with greatest honor is revealed,
and with the most esteem, picked from the field.

Forbearance and Honor noted our queen,
Beloved lady of bliss, Aikaterine.
The rapier swift has its song to sing
And dances as swallows dance in spring
Through the field’s rite,
Bright glinting light
This blade did supply
You being near
We shall not fear,
Though Death stand by.

With you the swords take edge, the heart grows bold;
From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold.
Our lady Queen smiles on this one’s goodwill
Thus now the Champion’s role thou must fulfill.
Bless then the hour
That gives the power
In which you may,
At bed and board,
Embrace your sword
Both night and day.

From Bergental through all the East ring true
Thus mark we January twenty-two
Anno Societis forty-five
When the Queen’s Rapier Champion did arrive
Bless then the one
Whose duty done
With skill and grace,
and courtesy
we honor thee,
Signed in this place…

Honor, great honor, from our noble queen,
Beloved lady of bliss, Aikaterine.

Notes on the piece:

This poem is based on The Forest’s Queen by Philip Massinger, <span>originally published in The Guardian in 1633.  Below is the original, from which the central part of the poem is hugely based (because it was sooooo perfect!)  The scan works better on paper than out loud in parts because our lovely Queen of Love and Beauty is sounds the “e” at the end of </span>Aikaterine (Aikaterine-ah.)  I didn’t want to mar the beautiful look of the piece’s symmetry with the original by mucking about too much, so I decided to live with it even though it’s an extra syllable here and there.  Consider it a bonus!

THE ORIGINAL WORK: THE FOREST’S QUEEN by: Philip Massinger

Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green,

Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest’s queen!

The trees begin to bud, the glad birds sing

In winter, changed by her into the spring.

We know no night,

Perpetual light

Dawns from your eye:

You being near,

We cannot fear,

Though death stood by.

From you our swords take edge, our hearts grow bold;

From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold.

These groves your kingdom, and our laws your will;

Smile, and we spare; but if you frown, we kill.

Bless then the hour

That gives the power

In which you may,

At bed and board,

Embrace your lord

Both night and day.

Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green,

Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest’s queen!

By Aneleda Falconbridge

West Kingdom Western White Scarf with Grant of Arms Wording

For Guildmasters of Fence entitled to Grants and Ancient Guildmasters of Fence, use the same text, substituting the appropriate titles, with Courtier to the Crown of the West rather than Royal Courtier.

Text for a recipient with a prior Grant of Arms:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) Be it known that Their Majesties, (Insert King's first name) and (Insert Queen's first name), King and Queen of the West, do this day honor Their subject (Insert full Name of recipient), who has demonstrated his/her great skill in the Art of Defense and his/her courtesy both on and off the field. They name him/her a Royal Courtier, and admit him/her to the right noble Order of the Western White Scarf. Further, They do hereby affirm his/her Sole, Unique and Exclusive Right to bear (insert Blazon) by Grant in this Our Kingdom of the West.

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

Text for a recipient who does not have a prior Grant of Arms:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) Be it known that Their Majesties, (Insert King's first name) and (Insert Queen's first name), King and Queen of the West, do this day honor Their subject (Insert full Name of recipient), who has demonstrated his/her great skill in the Art of Defense and his/her courtesy both on and off the field. They name him/her a Royal Courtier, and admit him/her to the right noble Order of the Western White Scarf. Further, They award him/her the right to bear these Arms by Grant, to wit:(insert Blazon) in this Our Kingdom of the West.

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

[Source: The West Kingdom’s Scribe’s Handbook]

Trimaris Order of the White Scarf of Trimaris Wording

Chivalry, courtesy, and excellence in the martial arts are commendable skills, and as one of Our Own has displayed their talents in the art of rapier combat, so do We, the Crown Trimaris, name Our good ___________ as a member of the Order of the White Scarf, Trimaris In witness to We do set Our hand and seal on this _____ day of _____ Anno Societatis _________.

ALTERNATIVE:

Excellence in the martial arts is a commendable skill, and courtesy and chivalry shall always be rewarded. Having displayed these merits in the art of Rapier Combat, then do We the Crown Trimaris name our good ____________ as a member of the Order of the White Scarf, Trimaris. Thus it shall be proclaimed this ______ day of _______ being Anno Societas ______________.

[Source: The Trimaris College of Scribes]

Trimaris Order of the Silver Shield of Trimaris Wording

Strike, evade, buffet, kill, parry, thrust, and die. Rise again to fight for glory. Rise again to defend Trimaris. The glory of Valhalla will go to those who strive. To them We offer all honor. To ___________ do We the Crown Trimaris offer Companionship in the Order of the Silver Shield Trimaris, [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”] given by Our hand upon this ___ day of _____, A.S._______

ALTERNATIVE:

Now let it be know that those who safeguard Our Kingdom Trimaris are well worthy of Our esteem. We the Crown Trimaris have chosen to recognize the worthy efforts of __________ and designate them as a Companion of the Order of the Silver Shield Trimaris, [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”] witnessed by Our hand on the _______ day of ______, __________ Anno Societas.

ALTERNATIVE:

All shall know that We the Crown Trimaris know well the worth of those who do defend our shores. Such courage and devotion shall be recognized, and therefore we do name _________ as a Companion of the Silver Shield Trimaris, [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”] as done this ___ day of _____, A.S._______

ALTERNATIVE:

Hear now the words of the Crown Trimaris, that this land is secure by grace of its defenders. Such courage and service is to be recognized in __________, who shall hereby be named a Companion of the Silver Shield Trimaris. [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”] So done  this ____ day of _____, A.S._______

ALTERNATIVE:

May it be known to all that We the Crown Trimaris do honor those whose service and skills protect the sovereignty of Our shores. For that honor We do affirm upon this ___ day of _____, A.S._______ Our subject _________ as a Companion of the Silver Shield Trimaris. [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”]

ALTERNATIVE:

Mindful are We of those within Our Shores who have thus assured its protection. We the Crown Trimaris, do proclaim that Our ______________, having thus clearly so shown such service in martial arts, is herebynamed as a Companion of the Silver Shield, Trimaris. [If AOA is also given, add “and also bestow an Award of Arms.”] Done by Our hand this _____ of _____, A.S. _____.

[Source: The Trimaris College of Scribes]

Outlands Order of the Dragon’s Grace Wording

To all and singular do we, ______ and _______, Baron and Baroness of Dragonsspine, send greetings.

Know all that ______ has distinguished [himself/herself] by exemplary chivalry, and dedication to the furtherance of the art and skill of the rapier.

We are minded this day to take and admit [him/her] into the Order of the Dragon's Grace, so that [he/she] shall be honored as is befitting these valiant deeds. Henceforth [Lord/Lady]_______ shall bear all rights and responsibilities of a Companion of the Order, and shall be entitled to bear the badge: A sheaf of three rapiers sable, surmounted by a dragon's scale argent.

Witnessed in court, this ____day of ______ A.S. ____, being _____ Gregorian.

______, Baron ______, Baroness

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Outlands Order of the Espada de Oro Wording

To all present, or to come, whom these letters shall see or hear, ________ and _________, Baron and Baroness of al-Barran send greetings.

Be it known that the Order of the Espada de Oro exists to recognize and honor those persons who have demonstrated excellence in the art and knowledge of fencing. Whereas _________ has shown such worthiness, we hereby prefer and create [him/her] a Companion of the Espada de Oro and charge [him/her] to evermore uphold the name of this good company. {Further, we convey the right to bear the badge of the Order, to wit: Two rapiers inverted in saltire surmounted by a scorpion Or, that all may know of the esteem in which [he/she] is held.}

Done by Our hand this ____ day of ______, A.S. _____, being _____ in the common era.

______, Baron ______, Baroness

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Outlands Brendon Swatko Award Wording

We, ____ and ____, King and Queen of the Outlands, do recognize the pursuit of excellence in the art of [youth combat] [rapier combat] [archery] of our young subject, _________, and do before all of Our court admit/name [him/her/Our young subject] as a bearer of the Brendon Swatko award {and confer the right to bear the insignia of the order, to wit: <Blazon>}

We charge [him/her/ Our young subject] to continue in the spirit of this Order.

By Our hands this __ day of ____, A.S. ___, being _____ Gregorian.

______, King ______, Queen

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Outlands Order of the Silver Tyne Wording

Let it be known unto all to whom these present letters shall come that We _______ and ___________, King and Queen of the fair and glorious Outlands send greetings.

Having heard much good of Our servant ______ who has distinguished [himself/herself] by [his/her] great skill with the rapier and divers acts of courtesy, We are minded this day to create [him/her] as a Defender of the Silver Tyne as a sign of [his/her] great worth.

If the recipient has a registered device but does not have a previous armigerous award, then the following may be added:

[We further wish to reward [him/her] with an Award of Arms. We award [Lord/Lady] _____ the right to bear those Arms approved by the College of Arms, <BLAZON> throughout the lands of the Known World as a sign of (his/her) great merit ].

If the recipient has no previous armigerous award, and no registered Arms, the following may be added:

[We further wish to reward [him/her] with an Award of Arms, and charge [Lord/Lady] ______ to consult with Ourselves and Our heralds to determine suitable and unique Arms.

 [He/She] shall receive all honors and privileges as are conveyed by this rank, { including the right to bear the badge of the order: Vert, a stag's attire palewise argent, a bordure embattled Or}.

In testimony whereof We have set Our hands this ______ day of ______, Anno Societatis _____, being _____ in the common reckoning of years.

______, King ______, Queen

The Herald's Confirmation of Arms must be added after the signature of the King and Queen if the scroll is conferring Arms:

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the Arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>

ALTERNATIVE:

(non gender-specific)

Let it be known unto all that We, _____ and _____, King and Queen of the Outlands send Greetings.

We have received many good reports of _______, who is distinguished by great skill with the rapier and by divers acts of courtesy.

This day, We are minded to create Our subject as a Defender of the Silver Tyne, to possess all honors and privileges as are conveyed by this rank, { including the right to bear the badge of the order: Vert, a stag's attire palewise argent, a bordure embattled Or}.

If the recipient has a registered device but does not have a previous armigerous award, then the following may be added:

[We further wish to reward [him/her] with an Award of Arms. We award [Lord/Lady] _____ the right to bear those Arms approved by the College of Arms, <BLAZON> throughout the lands of the Known World as a sign of (his/her) great merit ].

If the recipient has no previous armigerous award, and no registered Arms, the following may be added:

[We further wish to reward [him/her] with an Award of Arms, and charge [Lord/Lady] ______ to consult with Ourselves and Our heralds to determine suitable and unique Arms.

In testimony whereof, We set Our Hand this _____ day of _____, Anno Societatis _____, being _____ in the common reckoning of years.

______, King ______, Queen

The Herald's Confirmation of Arms must be added after the signature of the King and Queen if the scroll is conferring Arms:

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the Arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>

______, White Stag Principal Herald

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Outlands Order of the White Scarf of the Outlands Wording

We, _____ and _____, King and Queen of the Outlands unto all to whom these present letters shall come, Greetings.

Being mindful of the great skill with which [he/she] wields the rapier's flashing blade, and also of the exemplary courtesy shown, both on the field and off, by Our subject, ________, and willing that [his/her] person should be honored as required by [his/her] desserts and very valiant deeds, (4) We do therefore this day prefer and create [him/her] as a Defender of the White Scarf of the Outlands. From this day forth, [he/she] shall be styled ['Don'/'Doña'] in recognition of [his/her] achievements. We hereby confer the following Arms, by Grant of Arms: <BLAZON>, to be borne by [Don/Doña] ______ and none other as a sign of the esteem in which We hold [him/her]. {We further grant [him/her] the right to bear the insignia of this rank, to wit: Sable, on a pale argent between two rapiers proper, a stag's antler vert.}

To which We set Our hands [and seal] this _____ day of _____, Anno Societatis _____, being _____ Gregorian.

__________, King __________, Queen

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the Arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>

White Stag Principal Herald

ALTERNATIVE:

Unto all who come by these present letters, We, ______ and _______, King and Queen of the Outlands, send due Greetings.

Know ye that ______ is a fine gentle whose considerable expertise in the Arts of Defense has greatly enriched Our Realm.

We are minded therefore to prefer and create [him/her] by Grant of Arms as a Defender of the White Scarf so that all may know of the esteem in which We hold [him/her]. From this day forth, [he/she] shall be styled ['Don'/'Doña'] in recognition of [his/her] achievements. {We grant (him/her) the right to bear the insignia of the Order, to wit: Sable, on a pale argent between two rapiers proper, a stag's antler vert.} The College of Arms having approved <BLAZON> for [his/her] sole and exclusive use, [Don/Doña] _______ shall bear these Arms as a sign of Our high favor.

In witness whereof We set Our Hand {in (name of chapter) at (event)}, this _____ day of ______, Anno Societatis ______, being _______ in the common reckoning of years.

__________, King __________, Queen

Being required by Their Majesties to make search in the registers and records of my office, I do find that the aforesaid <NAME> may lawfully bear these Arms.

White Stag Principal Herald

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Middle Kingdom Company of the Bronze Ring Wording

To all and singular unto whom these presents shall come, know that we (name of Sovereign) King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort) our Queen (King), right mindful of the superior skill, leadership, and exemplary service rendered unto the Rapier Legions of Our kingdom by our subject (name of recipient), do herewith recognize him/her as a Companion of our Company of the Bronze Ring.

We grant unto him/her all rights and responsibilities attendant upon this rank, and the right to bear the badge of the award: Gules, two rapiers in saltire argent within an annulet Or; without let or hindrance from any person. Given by our hands this __ day of ____, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (loca tion of event).

[Source: Middle Kingdom Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Middle Kingdom Order of the Cavendish Knot Wording

It shall be known by all that we (name of Sovereign) King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort) our Queen (King), have witnessed skill, devotion and support that (name of recipient) has displayed in the discipline of rapier combat and are therefore minded to create him/her a member of Our Order of the Cavendish Knot. We bestow upon him/her all rights and responsibilities attendant upon this rank, and as token of this honor the right to bear the badge: Four Cavendish knots conjoined in cross vert. Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

[Source: Middle Kingdom Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Meridies The Meridian Order of the Blade Wording

Let all know by this commission that (Recipient’s name) shall be recognized for brave service, skillful instruction, and excellence in the true Arte of Defence. Accordingly it is the Crown’s wish to induct [him/her] into the Meidian Order of the Blade this (number) day of (month), A.S. (blank).

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Meridies Order of the Argent Rapier Wording

Since ancient times, warriors have been recognized for their prowess in the arte of defence, displaying virtue on the field, and sharing their knowledge with others. At this time, we are minded to admit (Recipient’s name) into the Order of the Argent Rapier. Signed by Our Hands this (number) day of (month) Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Lochac Order of the White Scarf Wording

Let it be known that We Name by right of Arms King of Lochac and Name by grace and beauty, Queen of Lochac give greetings.

There are those who demonstrate outstanding ability in Rapier Combat in accordance with the Treaty of The White Scarf which holds high the standards of courteous and chivalrous behavior as well as service, and teaching.

We are pleased to confer unto recipients name the rank and Title Don of the Order of the of White Scarf.

Thus We also acknowledge this service with a Grant of Arms and confirm these arms to wit; enter arms as registered with the college of heralds.

We do request that they continue to further the knowledge of rapier with original research and in doing so promote advance the expertise in Our realm.

Done by our hand and seal this day of month anno societatis year being year in thecommon era.

Suitable titles ie King, Rex etc Queen, Regina etc

[Source: Lochac College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Queen’s Rapier Champion Wording

(Queen’s name), queen of the East, to all those that our letters shall came, Greetings. Behold here Our honored subject, whose greatness, as is becoming a champion of Our realm, is laudably employed in thought and deed, in courtesy and grace, has been noted by ourself as exceptional among our subjects competing for Our notice today in formidable degree. Be it known, therefore, that We have selected (recipient’s name) as Our rapier Champion and bestow the symbols of this office that all may know choice. Done in the year of the society a.S.(year), on (date) in (event location).

Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom King’s Rapier Champion Wording

(King’s name), King of the East, to all those to whom these present letters shall come, greeting. Be it known that We have ordered this tournament to be held upon the retirement of our former rapier champion to determine the one who is worthy as a

replacement. Moreover, know that by virtue of skill surpassing all others this day, (name of recipient) is hereby named our rapier Champion. For the rest, in order that this decree may remain valid and unshaken, We have confirmed this document by the character of the royal name, signed below. Done in (event location) in the (year) year of the society, (date).

King’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Order of the Silver Rapier Wording

(King’s name) and (Queen’s name), King and Queen of the East, to all and singular nobles, heralds and other persons unto whom these Our letters shall come, Greeting. all should know that at the humble request of Our dear and faithful advisors, We have considered the skill of (recipient’s name), and thus we are led, by the high repute which attaches to his/her name on the field of rapier combat, to induct him/her into the Order of the Silver rapier. and that this decree may be valid forever We have ordered this document to be written and confirmed by the royal names, signed below. Done in (event location) in the (year) year of the society, (date).

King’s signature space Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]