Iron Ring of the Outlands
Iron Ring of the Outlands
The Iron Ring of the Outlands is a Kingdom-level rapier tradition recognizing exceptional skill, prowess, and consistency in the art of rapier combat within the Kingdom of the Outlands. Unlike an award or order, the Iron Ring is a physical token passed from one holder to another through formal challenge, embodying both martial excellence and the responsibility to uphold the customs of the tradition.
The Ring
The Iron Ring is an actual physical object made of iron. The ring itself is approximately four inches in diameter and is worn on a leather cord. Threaded onto each end of the cord are three wooden beads. The Ring must be displayed openly while held and may not be concealed.
The Iron Ring may not leave the geographical bounds of its Kingdom.
Symbolism and Meaning
The holder of the Iron Ring represents an individual widely recognized for their demonstrated skill and prowess in rapier combat. Holding the Ring is not an award granted by the Crown, but rather a recognition earned and defended through challenge and victory.
Challenges and Rules of Succession
Succession of the Iron Ring occurs exclusively through formal challenge under the following conditions:
- A challenger must challenge the current holder in person.
- Challenges must be issued while both parties are in garb and properly armored.
- Challenges must take place at an official event.
- Challenges may not be made casually, such as at fighter practices.
- Challenges may not be issued or accepted within the holder’s home barony or home group, in order to encourage travel and participation throughout the Kingdom.
The holder of the Iron Ring:
- Must accept the first challenge made to them each day.
- May accept or decline additional challenges, up to a maximum of three challenges per day.
- May not accept any challenges during the first 24 hours after winning the Ring.
Upon defeat, the Ring passes immediately to the victor, who then becomes the new holder and assumes all rights and responsibilities of the tradition.
The Book of Holders
The holder of the Iron Ring is also responsible for the care and custody of a leather-bound book with gilded edges. This book contains a record of past holders of the Iron Ring, though the record is incomplete.
The book was a gift from a group in the Middle Kingdom and serves as a historical record of the tradition and those who have carried the Ring.
History
The Iron Ring tradition in the Outlands was originated by Master Adam Carmychel after his return to the Outlands from the Middle Kingdom, where similar traditions already existed.
The physical Iron Ring itself was made by Master Domin d’Alsace.
The first holder of the Iron Ring of the Outlands was Master Logan of Logan.
At present, similar Iron Ring traditions exist in multiple kingdoms, including:
- The Middle Kingdom
- Ealdormere
- The East Kingdom
- Meridies
- Northshield
- The Outlands
Responsibilities of the Holder
In addition to defending the Ring through challenge, the holder is expected to:
Display the Ring openly while in possession of it
Ensure the Ring remains within the Kingdom
Maintain and safeguard the Book of Holders
Uphold the spirit of honorable challenge and excellence in rapier combat
Holding the Iron Ring is both a mark of distinction and a commitment to the living tradition of rapier within the Outlands.