Disciples of Light

It seems only fitting that, with all the requirements a Knight must meet, he should have a fitting ceremony when he is promoted. The ceremony will be carried out in the Cathedral, and will be a public event. In particular, the Stormwind Council will be invited, as will our allied Guilds, and the Candidate's family and friends.

Preparation

The Candidate should attend the Cathedral in full Imperial Plate armour, or the equivalent for those who do not wear plate, without shoulders and helm, and without tabard or weapon. The Candidate should have in his inventory the following items, although in the ceremony itself they will be emoted as being given to him.

• His Disciples Tabard
• Lieutenant Commander's Shoulders or equivalent of identical appearance
• A set of mithril spurs, which will be given to him by the Guild
• A hammer, either one or two handed

Given the gravity of the ceremony, the Candidate should spend a period of 30 minutes in silent prayer, kneeling before the altar. Fifteen minutes before the ceremony is to begin, the Candidate will retire, just out of view, at the entrance to the Disciples crypt.

The Roles

The main roles in the ceremony are as follows,

The Candidate

The Crusader who is about to be Knighted

The Master of the Ceremony

The person who will bestow Knighthood, being the Patron, the Chaplain General or the Master Chaplain, in that order of preference

The Sponsor

The person recommending the Candidate for Knighthood, being the Master Chaplain or a Chaplain, in that order of preference

The Supporter

A friend of Crusader rank or less, chosen by the Candidate to assist with the ceremony.

The Knights

All other Disciples of the rank of Knight or above

The Ceremony

Once all Knights and guests are in place, the ceremony will begin. The Master of the Ceremony will be stood at the top of the steps before the Altar, and the Sponsor two steps down, to the right when facing the Altar. The Supporter stands beside the Sponsor. The Knights will form the front rows of the audience.

Sponsor

There is one amongst us who has this day completed the requirements to be made a Knight of the Holy Light. Come forth, Crusader <name>, and present yourself before your betters.

The Crusader comes out from the side and kneels on the bottom step before the altar. The Sponsor turns to the Candidate.

Sponsor

As a Knight of the Holy Light, you will be recognised as someone who has worked with skill and dilligence to achieve your rank. You will be an example to new members, and a mentor to the Initiates, Aspirants and Crusaders of this Order. From this day forward, you represent not only yourself by your actions, but also the Disciples of Light, of which you are a part.

The proper goals of a Knight are seven: the Three Virtues of the Holy Light - Respect, Tenacity and Compassion, and the four qualities of a Knight - Justice, Prudence, Temperance and Strength. Do you intend to take on the duties and goals of a Knight of the Holy Light to the best of your abilities?

Candidate

I do

The Sponsor turns to the Master of the Ceremony.

Sponsor

Sir (or Lady), does the pledge of this Candidate meet with your approval?

Master of the Ceremony

It does

The Sponsor turns to the Knights.

Sponsor

Knights of the Disciples of Light, will you take the Candidate as your Brother (or Sister) in Arms?

Knights

Aye

Sponsor

Let the spurs be brought forth

The Master of the Ceremony moves down the steps to stand immediately before the Candidate. The Supporter moves to stand behind the Candidate, bearing the spurs.

Sponsor

The Spurs of a Knight symbolise diligence and swiftness, in service and in preservation of his (or her) honour as a Knight. May these Spurs never be stricken from your heels in disgrace.

The Master of the Ceremony nods to the Supporter. The Supporter straps the spurs onto the candidate's boots. The Supporter then returns to his original position.

Sponsor

Let the Tabard be brought forth.

The Supporter picks up the tabard from a table situated just behind his position and carries it to the Master of the Ceremony.

Sponsor

The Tabard represents the Order that will stand at your side. Let this be a reminder that a Knight does not stand alone. May you always be true to your Brothers and Sisters and never fail them in battle.

The Master of the Ceremony takes the tabard from the Supporter and places it over the Candidate's head. The Candidate may now equip his tabard. The Supporter returns to his position.

Sponsor

Let the Armour be brought forth.

The Supporter picks up the Shoulders from the table and carries them to the Master of the Ceremony.

Sponsor

These Shoulders are the mark of your rank and a symbol of Strength. May you always act as an example to those of lesser rank and be obedient to those of greater rank. May your Strength never fail you.

The Master of the Ceremony takes the Shoulders from the Supporter and places them over the Candidate's head. The Candidate may now equip his Shoulders. The Supporter returns to his position.

Sponsor

Let the Hammer be brought forth

The Supporter picks up the Hammer from the table and carries them to the Master of the Ceremony.

Sponsor

The Hammer is the Symbol of Uther, our great hero of the Holy Light. May you be worthy to follow in his footsteps and may you always set an example to those who come after you.

The Master of the Ceremony takes the Hammer from the Supporter and hands it to the Candidate. The Candidate bows his head as he accepts the Hammer. The Candidate may now equip the Hammer. The Supporter returns to his position.

Sponsor

You have now been girded with the Vestments of Knighthood, and have been told their meanings. Are you still prepared to take your Oath?

Candidate

I am

Sponsor

Then place your hand upon the Sword and repeat the words of the Oath.

The Master of the Ceremony holds out his sword, point first, and rests it on the Candidate's shoulder. The Candidate rests his hand on the sword and repeats each line after the sponsor

Master of the Ceremony, repeated by the candidate

Here do I swear by mouth and hand

To serve my office as a Knight of the Light

To support the King in all just actions.

To improve myself, both body and soul

To be a beacon of Chivalry and an example to others

To teach those who wish it and learn what I can

To seek Justice and Mercy

To defend the Weak

To speak with Discretion

And put Humility before Pride

So swear I

<Name>

Master of the Ceremony

Having fulfilled the Requirements, been girded with your Vestments, and having taken your Oath, I hereby dub thee a Knight.

Master of the Ceremony

Be thou Respectful

The Master of the Ceremony lays the flat of his sword on the Candidate's left shoulder.

Master of the Ceremony

Be thou Tenacious

The Master of the Ceremony lays the flat of his sword on the Candidate's right shoulder.

Master of the Ceremony

Be thou Compassionate

The Master of the Ceremony lays the flat of his sword on the Candidate's head.

Master of the Ceremony

Arise Sir (or Lady) <Name>

The Master of the Ceremony removes his gauntlet as the Candidate stands, facing him. The Master of the Ceremony strikes the Candidate across the face with the back of his hand.

Master of the Ceremony

This blow is to remind you of the Oath you have taken. Let this be the last blow you take unanswered.

The Master of the Ceremony faces the audience.

Master of the Ceremony

Lords, ladies, Knights and gentle folk, I present to you Sir (or Lady) <Name>

Knights

Huzzah!