Black Thorn

OTENTH PADERBORN
Duke in the Independent State of Caledon, reigning by ancient right and honoured custom over its Duchy of Murdann, Jarl of Orcadia, Viscount Ormsby of Little West Sniggery and Giggleford, and Thegn of Aa:
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETINGS.
WHEREAS, it is in the nature of metaversal existence for unique challenges to occur, and for an endless succession of prickly, thankless tasks to arise therefrom;
AND WHEREAS, there are exceptional individuals who rise from the crowd to undertake these tasks with cheerfulness and spirit, motivated by the betterment of the community and the uplifting of their fellow beings;
NOW KNOW YE that, as fons honorum within the realm of Murdann according to the established order in the Independent State of Caledon, these Letters Patent are issued to Miss Fogwoman Gray, Miss Valentine Janus, Mr Rudolfo Woodget, and their successors as shall be duly appointed, to be constituted as the chivalric and honourable ORDER OF THE BLACK THORN from this day forward:
That the aforementioned Miss Gray, Miss Janus, and Mr Woodget are raised forever after to the dignity of Knight Commander of the Order, being the senior class of membership therein, and that said knighthood is extended only to nationals of the Independent State of Caledon for exceptional services therein;
That female Knights Commander of the Order may, but need not, use the alternate and traditional style of Dame Commander;
That there is concurrently established a dignity of Companion of the Order without initial membership, being the junior class of membership therein, and that the appointment of Companions is not limited by residence, place of service, or individual limits on giving or accepting oaths, yet may also incorporate Caledonian nationals and service within Caledon;
That all appointments to either class of membership rest solely within the gift of the Duke of Murdann, with or without counsel as desired;
That both classes within the Order are armigerous, under the direction of a Knight Commander of either sex appointed as Black Thorn Sovereign of Arms, chief heraldic officer of the Order;
That prenominal styles shall be Sir for Knights Commander, Dame for Dames Commander, and the Honourable for Companions of either sex, and that postnominal styles shall be KCBT for Knights Commander, DCBT for Dames Commander, and CBT for Companions of either sex;
That insignia and regalia of the Order shall be as designated and approved by the Duke of Murdann.
Given by my hand and seal this 28th day of August, A.D. 2008, being the first day of the second year of the Duchy, in the third year of the Independent State of Caledon.
== Roll of Arms ==
	Order of the Black Thorn 	Per saltire vert and sable, three clarions two and one and on a chief embattled argent a blackthorn branch couped sable.
	His Grace, the Duke of Murdann, Patron of the Order	Parted per pale, three coats; first, Vert, a blackthorn branch in bend sable; second, parted per fess, in chief Azure, two geese volant in pale argent, in base Or, a hedgehog statant sable.
	Knights Commander 	
	Dame Fogwoman Gray 	Bleu-celeste, three ravens close ambulant two and one sable, and on a chief embattled Or a blackthorn branch couped sable.
	Dame Valentine Janus 	Purpure, an owl close guardant and on a chief embattled Or a blackthorn branch couped sable.
	Sir Rudolfo Woodget 	Vert, on a fess Or between three fleurs-de-lis argent a blackthorn branch couped sable, and in middle chief an open book Or.
	Companions 	
	none appointed 	
Category:Groups