Order of Defense for Piero di Salvestro Verrochi
I was thrilled to be asked to do the scroll for Piero as one of the premieres of the Northshield Order of Defense. I wrote the text and also completed the calligraphy and illumination. I have long respected Piero as a pillar of the Rapier community in Northshield and I was happy to have my own small part to pay in recognition of his excellence.
Written in April 2015
Tom and Sigrid by right of Arms King and Queen of Northshield, To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting.
Know ye that of our especial grace, certain science, and mere motion, we have given and granted by these letters and presents for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant to our trusty and well-beloved servant Piero di Salvestri Verrocchi, the full authority and power as we see fit, that is, to act as and remain to take and lead the people and every of them forever of Northshield in the Art of Defense as well as these and other other things, and as is according to the Laws of Northshield and the Society at his will as a person then being or that shall remain in service or fealty to us, our heirs, and successors, paying unto us his services, duties, demands, and humble recommendations.
And for these services and honors, as well as his prowess upon the field of rapier as well as in these and other such endeavors, courtly graces talents and acts we do induct and acknowledge him as a Master of Defense with all rights and responsibilities inherent therein. He shall forever and in perpetuity strive to guide by example the People of Northshield as well as those of our allies, and continue and remain a stellar example in all methods of comportment, be courteous, skillful, and display grace and compassion in all things.
And Moreover, we doe by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant license to the said Magnifico Piero di Salvestro Verrocchi that he may from time to time and all times for ever hereafter, for his and for our selves, our people, and the lands and people of Northshield and her allies and their defense, encounter and protect as well by sea as by land, and by all other ways whatsoever, all and every such person and persons whatsoever who shall be of a threat or dangerous nature, and it is also his duty and assigned privilege to be to us and our heirs and successors an advisor in all things as it befits one who is now, and shall ever be, as witnessed by these, our Letters Patent, a Peer of the Society.
Witness ourselves at our Shire of Korsvag KALENDIS MAIIS Anno Societatis 50 in the first year of our reign. Anno Dominus 2015.
Source:
Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578
