Ceremonies are used as public forums for the recognition of the achievements of our members, therefore, all public ceremonies should be witnessed by at least one party other than those involved. In ancient times, this served as a means to make certain that oaths could be documented and validated. When gathering for a ceremony, it is our tradition that Defenders and guests remove their helmets, hats, and weapons as a sign of trust and respect. In cases where the Herald is not present, the ranking participant may serve as their own Herald, i.e., the Knight may serve as his own herald for the elevation of a Squire or Adept. The actual wording of the ceremonies can be modified or improvised, as long as the heart and meaning are kept.
OATH OFINITIATION
HERALD: <name of initiate candidate> To enter the Orders of the Holy Cross Defenders is to seek the path of a true and honorable Paladin. The oaths of the Orders are dire and binding and not to be taken lightly. The time of initiation is our time to learn of each other and to know if our paths are the same. You will be charged to follow the commands of the leaders of our Orders, to refrain from killing another unless attacked, to provide aid to all who would ask, and to seek instruction from the Defenders on your chosen path. Are you willing to learn the ways of a Defender in this time of Initiation?
CANDIDATE:<responds>
If the responseis positive, the Herald continues...
HERALD: Then,use this time to learn our ways and show us your heart and worth. Wear these symbols of our Orders, the cloak of blue, and this green badge, that all may know your station.
These items willbe given over.
HERALD: Go now and greet your fellows.
OATH OF ADEPTS
HERALD: <Name of candidate>, you have been found worthy in heart and deed to follow the ways of the Defenders. Your time of initiation is now at an end. Is ityour desire to become a member of the Holy Cross Defenders?
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
If the response is positive, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: Harken these words which will be your oath. Swear that you will abide by the charter of the Holy Cross Defenders and that you will follow the commands of its leaders. Swear that you will conduct yourself with honor and chivalry in all of your actions, ever mindful that the glory of this Guild springs from your own deeds. Swear that you will offer aid where it is asked, and that you will conduct yourself as a Paladin from this day to your last. Swear that you will protect your brethren from harm of word or deed in as much as is within your power. Swear that you will be true to your oath until the world ends. And most importantly, swear that you will defend the Cross with your last breath that none may harm It's glory. Speak now...
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
HERALD: Witnesses? How do you find these words?
The Witnesses will make response. If all is in order, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: To which Guild House have you sought sponsorship?.
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
If present, the House representative will affirm sponsorship. If all is in order, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: Wear this badge of yellow that all may know your station.
The badge willbe given to the Adept. When it is donned, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: As this oath has been made before witnesses, let it be known that you are<name of Adept>, Adept Defender of the Holy Cross. Go and greet your fellows.
OATH OF SQUIRES
HERALD: It is most noble that those of skill and experience should seek to pass onwhat they have learned. It is right and well done that those who would follow the ways of a Paladin of the Cross should become the students of the Chivalry that they may prepare themselves for their chosen path. Therefore,it is right and nobly done that Knight should take Squire in bonds and oaths. <Name of candidate> Your worth has come to the attention of <name of Knight>. The bonds of teacher and student, Knight and Squire, run deep.<Name of Knight> Are you prepared to enter this bond with <name of candidate>
KNIGHT: <makesresponse>
HERALD: <Name of Candidate> Are you prepared to enter this bond?
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
If both are positive,the Herald will continue...
HERALD: Then let the oaths be made. <Name of Knight> What do you offer and what will you require?
KNIGHT: <makes response>
HERALD: <Name of candidate> What do you offer and what will you require?
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
HERALD: Witnesses...how do you find these oaths?
The Witnesses will make response. If all is in order, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: <Nameof Knight> What badge will you give to your Squire?
The Knight will provide an appropriate symbol of rank to the Squire (red sash or tunic).When the Squire has donned the badge, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: As oaths have been made before witnesses, know that you are now <name ofSquire>, Squire of Sir <name of Knight>. Go forth and greet your fellows.
OATH OF KNIGHTHOOD
HERALD: The path of a Defender is no easy road. It requires honor, chivalry, loyalty, vigilance, skill, and dedication. The Order of Chivalry stands as our example of those qualities.<Name of candidate>, you have been found worthy to join the Order of Chivalry of the Holy Cross Defenders. Who is your Knight?
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
HERALD: (to Knight) Speak before these witnesses on the qualities of your Squire.
KNIGHT: <makesresponse>
HERALD: (to Squire) You have been charged to take vigil, to prepare yourself for this elevation. Speak now of your vigil and what it has taught you.
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
HERALD: Witnesses? How do you find these words?
The Witnesses will make response. If all is in order, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: Harken these words which will be your oath. Do you swear that you will be a true and faithful Knight, ever mindful that yours is the example of all the virtues that the Defenders hold highest and that the honor of these Orders springs from your own deeds, that you will protect and defend your brethren from harm of word or deed as is within your power, that you will obey the commands of the leaders of these Orders, that you will take unto yourself Squires to school in the ways of a Paladin, that you will defend the Holy Cross with your spirit, mind and body, from now until the end of the world?
CANDIDATE:<makes response>
HERALD: By what Guild name would you be known?
CANDIDATE:<makes response if ready>
HOLY GRAND MASTER:I have heard your words and believe them to be true. (Speaks on the virtues of the candidate). Wear this badge of your rank that all may know your station.
The Holy Grand Master will present the Knight with a badge of white. When it is donned,the Holy Grand Master will continue...
HOLY GRAND MASTER:Know that I suffer no cowardice in the face of the enemies of the Cross. Therefore, let no man defile it without answer. Your courage has been proven and your honor above reproach. Let this be the last blow you receive unanswered.
The Holy GrandMaster will strike the candidate. After the blow is delivered, the Herald will continue...
HERALD: Then as oaths have been sworn before witnesses, let it be known that you are <name of Knight>, called <Guild Name>, Knight Defender of the HolyCross.
HOLY GRAND MASTER:Go forth and greet your fellows.