A candidate for paladinhood may achieve their goal through one of two
ceremonies: the accolade or the adoubement. The terms are muddied in
history and intermingled, but for clarity's sake we will describe them
thusly in Forgotten Kingdoms.
* These ceremonies are here defined for players' edification, but no
paladin may be created save through the process as defined in these
help files.
* Paladin candidates will receive renamed spurs and a renamed girtle.
The Accolade
The accolade is the act of conferring the rank of paladin. The name
is derived from the blow (French colee) struck to remind the paladin
of his duties. It is the last blow that the paladin should receive
with impunity. This is the simplest way to create a new paladin.
The Adoubement
This is the proper ceremony to create a paladin (it may include the
accolade, but it is not limited to it). The term means "dubbing" and
the ceremony includes an authority dubbing the paladin and girding
them with the symbols of their new office. These symbols are spurs,
girdle (also called adoubement), and sword.
See also:
Harroghty, "Making a Knight" (Tue Jan 27, 2009)
http://www.forgottenkingdoms.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=9147#p66488