Conventions of the Iron Ring are as follows:

The Ring must remain in the possession of a fencer who resides in Gleann Abhann.

The Ringbearer must present the ring and accept at least one challenge at any event any day rapier activities are scheduled. He (She) may accept more than one challenge if they desire.

If there is more than one challenger, the challengers must first decide among themselves who has the privilege of the first challenge. This may be by fencing or game of chance.

Once decided, the fighters will present themselves, properly armed and armored, to the list field with a marshal. A formal challenge will be given and the duel will begin.

The duel for the Ring's possession will be decided as a best three of five bouts. The bouts should use all five authorized fighting styles; Rapier, Rapier/Dagger, Rapier/Soft Parry, Rapier/Hard Parry, Case. ( As long as the fighters are properly authorized in the style). The styles may be used in any particular order.

The Ring may change hands only once a day.

On February 17, 2002, THL Elijah Cameron of Black Isle, Warder of the Bronze Ring, Sheriff and Defender of Northshield, La Familia di Cellini, posted the following to the South East Rapier Yahoo Group:

Greetings Midrealm Fencers,

Pardon any cross postings...

In a conversation with THL Alexander de Seton this weekend at Stone Dog Tavern, we were discussing an issue many of us have pondered before, not enough strictly prowess based recognition in our rapier culture. Alexander challenged me to come up with something and to further provoke his point he gave me a hematite ring that he had been personally passing out as a gesture of prowess and thanks for a good fight this weekend.

He hoped an 'iron ring' (hematite is raw iron ore) would spark ideas (yes, the similarity to the Iron Watch is on purpose). Well, its a long drive back from Chicago, I had time to think...

I have put the Iron Ring on a chain. The Iron Ring is a symbol of prowess (and only prowess) in rapier fighting, there is only one, and the only way to acquire it is to challenge the current ring bearer. The format of the challenge is fixed and shall be strictly followed to insure this does not alter from its original intent.

To declare the challenge the challenger declares 'I request the Challenge of the Iron Ring'.

The proper responses are 'I accept your challenge' or 'I am forbidden from accepting your challenge'.

The fight for the Iron Ring shall always be best 3 out of 5 fights to allow for the occasional lucky shot.

The Iron Ring may only be fought for once in any given day. If another challenger requests a challenge to the existing or new ring bearer, the ring bearer is required to respond 'I am forbidden from accepting your challenge'.

The 'challenge' can only be made while both participants are fully in dress rapier armor (non period practice armor is not acceptable) and there is still opportunity to fight that day.

The 'challenge' must be (reasonably) met before said rapier armor is removed or the ring bearer forfeits his right to the ring to the challenger. (reasonably means use common sense here, if it is not possible because of unforeseen acts of god leave it at that)

Since the ring bearer must choose the appropriate time, it is always the challengers right to choice of weapons. However the weapons must include a rapier (case of dagger is excluded, this is rapier prowess recognition).

The challenge must meet Midrealm rules of tournament combat. (including no RBG's)

The ring may not leave Midrealm/Northshield residence, it will revert to the previous ring bearer if the existing ring bearer moves from kingdom(s) or stops playing. (The intent is for the Challenge of the Iron Ring to continue between Midrealm and Northshield when Northshield becomes Kingdom).

The Iron Ring shall be worn prominently while in period armor so potential challengers may know who is the current ring bearer (my recommendation is wrap the chain around your belt and wear it as a favor).

Lastly, it is the duty of the outgoing ring bearer to make sure the incoming ring bearer is fully aware of these rules.

As Premier to the Iron Ring (as given to me by THL Alexander de Seton), I shall be the first ring bearer, seek me out.

One Ring To Rule Them All...

ord Rodrigo de Montoya
Champion to the Prince of Northshield
Barony of Nordskogen'
Principality of Northshield
Kingdom of Midrealm

On September 17, 2003, THL Cameron posted again to the South East Rapier Yahoo Group:

Greetings all,

ome of you may have heard of the "Iron Ring Challenge" that has been going on in both the Northshield and the Midrealm for the last year or so and more recently in the East Kingdom.

For those of you who have not, the Iron Ring is a token that is passed from fighter to fighter through personal challenges. It is not an award granted by any Crown but a gift from Rapier Fighters for Rapier Fighters. It is meant to be a symbol for prowess and can only be won at swordpoint. While speaking with Baron Rodrigo de Montoya of Nordskogen (in Northshield), I mentioned that I thought the Rapier Fighters of Meridies would enjoy such a game. He as the creator of the challenge and premier "Ring Bearer" suggested that I begin it down here and gifted me with an iron ring to present to you the Rapier fighters of Meridies.

The rules are simple.

1- You and the ring bearer must be in garb for the challenge to be issued:  "I challenge you for the Iron Ring"

2- Once weapons are agreed upon, there will be three bouts, the best of three takes the ring.

3- those who play the game are encouraged to build traditions around the ring ie; protocols, regailia etc... whatever we feel enhances the challenge and makes it uniquely Meridies.

I have the Iron Ring and will be bringing it with me to Red Tower. It is my hope that there will those who would wish to take it from me. If you have any questions or suggestions, let me know.

Salute!
Cameron

On October 20, 2003, THL Wulfram Forester posted the following to the South East Rapier Yahoo Group:

I would like all interested in becoming the next Gleann Abhann Princess Rapier Champion to be aware that the tourney will be held at Investiture Nov 1, 2-3 PM.

Unless there are any objections, the winner, in addition to having the honor of serving our new Stellar Princess, will also be the first fencer to possess the Gleann Abhann Iron Ring. This will initiate the Iron Ring Challenge for Gleann Abhann. (Rules to follow)

The tourney will be a round robin tourney, with best two of three bouts determining a winner. Wounds would be retained for the duration of that opponent. Single rapier would be used first bout. Rapier and second weapon/parry device for next bout. Third bout, if needed would be fighter's choice. In addition to this, fighters would be asked to carry whatever they planned to use for the second hand on their person from the beginning. (EX: dagger in sheath or belt, wearing cape). This second item can only be drawn after the initiation of the bout.

The idea is a person unexpectedly coming upon an old enemy on the street. After an argument and initial drawing of sword to make threats, they decide to engage. Then they would have to use whatever they had on their person to begin with. And they would have to draw it or take it off in the process of fighting to use it.

I think this should be an interesting tourney with lots of fencing for all.

YIS
Wulfram Forester GAR/GAPSC

On November 3, 2003, THL Wulfram Forester again posted to the South East Rapier Yahoo Group:

Greetings,

Ot is my pleasure to announce that Master Erik of Telemark is the new Gleann Abhann Princess Rapier Champion.

Master Erik was undefeated in a round robin tourney of 6 fencers to claim the honor.

In addition, he now is the first "Ringbearer" of the Gleann Abhann Iron Ring. He may be challenged for it's possession at any event that has rapier activities.

Rules are as follows:

The Ring must remain in possession of a fencer who resides in Gleann Abhann.

The Ringbearer must present the ring and accept at least one challenge at any event any day rapier activities are scheduled. He (She) may accept more than one challenge if they desire.

If there is more than one challenger, the challengers must first decide among themselves who has the privilege of the first challenge. This may be by fencing or game of chance.

Once decided, the fighters will present themselves, properly armed and armored, to the list field with a marshal. A formal challenge will be given and the duel will begin.

The duel for the Ring's possession will be decided as a best three of five bouts. The bouts should use all five authorized fighting styles; Rapier, Rapier/Dagger, Rapier/Soft Parry, Rapier/Hard Parry, Case. (As long as the fighters are properly authorized in the style) The styles may be used in any particular order.

The Ring may change hands only once a day.

I hope to relieve Master Erik of the "burden" of the Ring soon. I hope that others will seek the same.

YIS
Wulfram Forester, RM,GAR/GAPRC