Just in case

I'm talking about an 'In Case of Elevation' document or ICoE. If you are on a path, or suspect you are... If you have a peer or not... Prepping for a potential elevation is important. Weather you are starting the journey or are possibly nearing the end, preparation helps ensure your vision of your special day is realized (to the best of people's abilities) and it helps the loved one's around you prepare for the day. If you have a peer you should regularly update the document with them. If you have no peer make sure those closest to you have the document or access to it. I keep mine in a google drive and update it as necessary. It is open to not only my own peer but also to a good friend who is also a peer. I have shared the document also with a friend as a 'template' and that is what I want to do here. Provide a template for others to use to hopefully get them thinking about what they might want. This document is a living and breathing thing. Things will change as you move along. I can't tell you how many times I have changed my document. Rethought my choices of speakers, rethought many things. There was even a time when my document was 'angry' It was a place I could vent frustrations with things going on at the time. Remember that this day will be about you.

I want to take you step by step though my process and then leave a 'blank' copy at the end if you want to copy, paste, and play fill in the blanks. I am also open to suggestions and available for questions.

In Case of Elevation Template

Writ or surprise?

Do you want to know in advance or do you want to be surprised. Some people have strong feeling either way and others don't. I know some people, especially fiber artists, want to prepare the 'perfect' outfit etc...

Who would you like to speak for you? ( This is under ideal circumstances It could be someone far away and you can note if sent words spoken by proxy would be acceptable as well)

Laurel
Pelican
Knight
Rose
Master of Defence
Populace

Often, we ask people who we respect. It could be your closest friends but it could be someone you admire greatly even if you don't know them well.

For me, I have mostly listed people who I feel would be able to speak to the aspects they represent. Roses speak to grace and courtesy Knight's and MoD's speak to chivalry Laurel's speak on contribution of arts

Pelican's speak to your service Members of the populace tend to speak about character and growth

What do you want your vigil to be like?
Think about food, Order of Precedence or not? Time limit for the people who are talking with you? How late do you want to stay up if it is a Friday night? Do you want to try to speak with everyone or …? This is your party and you get a say in how it goes!

Scroll: is there a particular scribes style that you fancy? Or just a style in general? Do you love or hate anything in particular? The more details that can be given to the signet the more tailored the scroll can be. Do you have arms? Do you have a motto? These are elements that can also be included.

Title you would like to use. There are many more options than the Master/Mistress

About you/ your persona:
Some details that you feel are important for people to know about you. 

The ceremony:
Some people have distinct ideas on what they do or do not want to have for a ceremony. Is the ‘standard’ one from the DW book of ceremonies ok? Do you have something more personal and tailored in mind… Your input goes here!

Regalia:
Does the order you are aspiring to have special regalia where input from you would be necessary (Cap of maintenance for OP, Cloak for Laurel, Belt/Chain/Spurs for knights)

Other:
This is where you state preferences that might not have been covered above. People who you would like to have advance notice of the event so they might be able to be there. People outside the circle who you think would be able to help with organization or information. 

All the above is just supposed to inspire you to think. It may feel silly, or pretentious to sit and write these things down. 3 words... 'get over it'. It is not pretentious, it is not silly, it is important. So, give it some thought, write some things down, and share them. These discussions are important to have.

In Case of Elevation Template

Writ or surprise?

Who would you like to speak for you?

Laurel
Pelican
Knight
Rose
Master of Defence
Populace

What do you want your vigil to be like?

Scroll:.

Title:

About you/ your persona:
. 

The ceremony:


Regalia:

Other: