The Kingdom of Gleann Abhann

Rapier Marshal

TH Lord Wulfram Forester

rapiermarshal@kingdomofgleannabhann.org

Rules

Forms

Practice Information

State	City	Group	Practice Location	Schedule	Group Marshal
Arkansas	Conway	Shire of Lagerdamm	5th Avenue Park	Please email for information	Osric Larsen
Arkansas	Fort Smith	Shire of Smythkepe	Creekmore Park - Rogers and Old Greenwood	Sundays at 2:00 pm	Geoffrey de Baston
Arkansas	Little Rock	Barony of Small Gray Bear	Allsop Park	Sundays at 2:00 pm	Aron the Dane
Kentucky	Murray	Shire of Redewolfden	Varies: Check Website.	Varies: Check Website.	Fauna McKay
Louisiana	Baton Rouge	Shire of Wyrmgeist	Forest Park	Sundays at 2:00 pm	Taranuz bint Kosta
Louisiana	Covington	Shire of Northover	St. Tammany Trace Park	1st & 3rd Sundays at 4:00 pm	Alsinda de Rochabaron
Louisiana	Lafayette	Shire of Troll Fen	Girard Park	Sundays (email to confirm date and time)	Aethan Dunmire
Louisiana	New Orleans	Barony of Axemoor	Heritage Park, Slidell and Lafreniere Park, Metairie	Slidell - Wednesdays at 7 pm; Metairie - Sundays at 4 pm	Please contact their Seneschal - Adam Goodwine
Mississippi	Gulfport/Biloxi	Barony of Seleone	Please email for information	Please email for information	Knights Marshal - Chris Smith
Mississippi	Jackson	Shire of Iron Ox	Jamie Fowler Boyles Park in Jackson, MS	Sundays at 1:30 pm	Shimofuri, RMiT
Tennessee	Memphis	Barony of Grey Niche	Audubon Park - Goodlett and Southern Avenue	Sundays at approximately 1:00 pm	Maestro Damiano Elli Bellini

Awards

This list is intended to be a roster of combat specific awards given for recognition in rapier currently held by the rapier fighters of Gleann Abhann.

Recipient	Award	Date Received	Event	Presented By
Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Order of the Valiant Heart (Meridien)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Order of the Combatant Ram	Jul 29, 2000	unknown	unknown
Maitresse Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres	Order of the Combatant Ram	Jan 20, 2001	unknown	Prince Michael of the Mace and Princess Brenna
Maitresse Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Nov 10, 2001	unknown	Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
Master Erik of Telemark	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Dec 08, 2001	unknown	unknown
The Honorable Lord RegnÃ© de Lyon	Order of the Combatant Ram	Sep 1, 2003	A Midsummer Knight's Dream XI	Prince Uther von Ziemer and Princess Kenna nic Aherne von Ziemer
The Honorable Lord Frederick Alton	Order of the Combatant Ram	Feb 28, 2004	CandleLite Small Grey Bear	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Rodrigo de Roncevalles	Order of the Combatant Ram	Feb 28, 2004	unknown	unknown
Master Erik of Telemark	Order of the Combatant Ram	Jul 31, 2004	unknown	unknown
The Honorable Lord Aethan Dunmire	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Jan 16, 2005	unknown	unknown
The Honorable Lord Frederick Alton	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Feb 19, 2005	Cracked Anvill VIII	Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir - Meridies
The Honorable Lord RegnÃ© de Lyon	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Feb 19, 2005	Cracked Anvil VIII	Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir - Meridies
Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Meridien Order of the Blade (Principal)	Mar 18, 2005	Gulf Wars XIV	King Ailgheanan mac Sithigh III and Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir
Master Erik of Telemark	Meridien Order of the Blade	Mar 18, 2005	Gulf Wars XIV	King Ailgheanan mac Sithigh III and Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir
The Honorable Lord RegnÃ© de Lyon	Meridien Order of the Blade	Mar 18, 2005	Gulf Wars XIV	King Ailgheanan mac Sithigh III and Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir
The Honorable Lord Wulfram Forester	Order of the Argent Rapier (Meridien)	Mar 18, 2005	Gulf Wars XIV	King Ailgheanan mac Sithigh III and Queen Ashildr Ulfsdottir
Master Erik of Telemark	Order of the Queen's Blade (Principal)	Nov 05, 2005	1st Gleann Abhann Coronation	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Adam Goodwine	Order of the Combatant Ram	Nov 05, 2005	1st Gleann Abhann Coronation	Prince Stehpen Wolfe II and Princess Jaqueline de Lyon II
The Honorable Lord Wulfram Forester	Order of the Gleann Abhann Rapier Champion	Nov 5, 2005	Coronation	Tar Radu and Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
Maitresse Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres	Order of the Queen's Blade	Dec 03, 2005	Gleann Abhann Fighter's Collegium	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Wulfram Forester	Order of the Queen's Blade	Jan 21, 2006	Gleann Abhann A&S	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Aethan Dunmire	Order of the Queen's Blade	Feb 11, 2006	Winter Wonders	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Frederick Alton	Order of the Queen's Blade	Feb 21, 2006	Gleann Abhann A&S	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
Baron Georg von Stauffenberg	Order of the Gleann Abhann Rapier Champion	May 20, 2006	Coronation	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland
Baron Georg von Stauffenberg	Order of the Combatant Ram	Sep 16, 2006	Harvest Home	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland
Lady Alsinda de Rochabaron	Order of the Combatant Ram	Sep 16, 2006	Harvest Home	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland
Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Order of the Gleann Abhann Rapier Champion	Nov 18, 2006	Coronation	Padruig Dubh Chlogad and Linnet MacLeod
The Honorable Lord Wulfram Forester	Order of the Combatant Ram	Nov 18, 2006	Coronation	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland
The Honorable Lord Aethan Dunmire	Order of the Combatant Ram	Feb 10, 2007	Pirates of the Mediterranean	Padruig Dubh Chlogad and Linnet MacLeod
Baron Shoiel ben Yisrael of Poznan	Order of the Queen's Blade	October 7, 2007	Coronation	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland
Leiadon von Alton	Order of the Queen's Rapier Champion	October 7, 2007	Coronation	Uther von Ziemer and Kenna nic Ahem von Ziemer

Queen's Rapier Champion

The Queen's Rapier Champion is determined by right of arms at each Coronation

Sequence	Champion	Reign	Date
01	Wulfram Forester	Tar Radu and Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain	November 5, 2005
02	Georg von Stauffenburg	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland	May 20, 2006
03	Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Padruig Dubh Chlogad and Linnet MacLeod	November 18, 2006
04	Frederick Alton	Havordh Ã†ttarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland	April 21, 2007
05	Leiadon von Alton	Uther von Ziemer and Kenna nic Ahem von Ziemer	October 7, 2007

Princess' Rapier Champion

As we embark on our journey into Kingdomhood and develop, we must always remember our humble beginnings. During the time our Great and Noble land existed as a principality, many served Her Stellar Highness as rapier champion.

Sequence	Champion	Reign
01	Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Prince Eric of Chester I and Princess Rhondalyn Kuykendall
02	Corwin	Prince K'aus Eisenhand and Princess Susanna Eisenrose
03	Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Prince Eric of Chester II and Princess Christine O'Neill of Cork
04	Jean Claude	Prince Michael of the Mace and Princess Brenna of the Isles
05	Raven?	Prince Stephen Wolfe I and Princess Jaqueline de Lyon I
06	Ancyra	Prince William FitzHugh de Cambria I and Princess Rainillt le Dering
07	Wolfram Forester	Prince Connor McEldridge and Princess Gabrielle von Strassburg
08	Unknown	Prince Rey RiBeaumont and Princess Miriel du Bois
09	Shoiel ben Yisrael of Poznan	Prince Caillin Mac Leod and Princess Danielle de la Roche
10	Wulfram Forester	Prince Uther von Ziemer and Princess Kenna nic Aherne von Ziemer
11	Master Erik of Telemark	Prince Radu and Princess Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
12	Maestro Damiano Elie Bellini	Prince Elesar of Northumbria and Princess Marion Lioncyna de Susa
13	None	Prince William FitzHugh de Cambria II and Princess Onora inghean mhic Chathain
14	Keegan	Prince Stehpen Wolfe II and Princess Jaqueline de Lyon II

Order of the Queen's Blade

The Order of the Queenâ€™s Blade is Gleann Abhannâ€™s award for exemplary service to the Kingdom and to fencing in Gleann Abhann, and skill with the blade. Kingdom Law states:

The Order of the Queenâ€™s Blade shall consist of those individuals who have exhibited exceptional skill in the Arts of Defense (Rapier), have conveyed their knowledge to others, and have displayed chivalry on the field and in support of the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann.
Induction into this Order is accompanied by a Grant of Arms to the recipient if they do not already have one.
While election into the order rests solely with the Crown of Gleann Abhann, members of the Order have the right of consultation and recommendation directly to the Crown.

The Charter of the Order elaborates upon these points, describing the qualities expected of a Bladesman, as well as the mechanisms for nominating and reviewing potential candidates and conducting other business of the Order.

Members of the Order are known as Bladesmen, and can be recognized by a band about the left arm or shoulder, of black or white and bordered in red. Bladesmen may also wear a white caplet with a black Gleann Abhann Ram.

Bladesmen are expected to be teachers and leaders on the field and off. Anyone is welcome to call upon a Bladesman for aid in marshalling, instruction, concerns about Rapier in the Kingdom, or any other reason.

The Order is interested in potential new members. Recommendations are welcome from anyone, and should be provided in writing to any Bladesman. Bladesmen are expected to seek out and encourage and assist fencers in their development of the qualities the Order represents.

The Order of the Queenâ€™s Blade is recognized as the equal to the Order of the White Scarf and equivalent Rapier Orders throughout the Knowne World.

Members of the Order of the Queen's Blade

Member	Date inducted into the Order	Event	Presented by
Master Erik of Telemark (Principal)	November 05, 2005	1st Gleann Abhann Coronation	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
Maitresse Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres	December 03, 2005	Gleann Abhann Fighter's Collegium	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Aethan Dunmire	February 11, 2006	Winter Wonders	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Wulfram Forester	January 21, 2006	Gleann Abhann A&S	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Frederick Alton	February 21, 2006	Gleann Abhann A&S	Kiraly Tar Radu and Drotning Broinnfhionn inghean Chathain
The Honorable Lord Geoffrey de Baston	April 14, 2007	Cracked Anvil	Padruig and Linnet
Baron Shoiel ben Yisrael of Poznan	October 7, 2007	Coronation	Havordh Aetarbani and Mary-Grace of Gatland

History of The Iron Ring

The Origin Of the Iron Ring
(Midrealm and Northshield)

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...

The Challenge of the Iron Ring

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 (nonâ€‘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...

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

The Introduction of the Iron Ring to the Kingdom of Meridies
(A Gift From Northshield)

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

Greetings all,

Some 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

The Introduction of the Iron Ring to the (then) Principality of Gleann Abhann

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

The Official Rules Outlined for Gleann Abhann

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

Greetings,

It 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 are 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

Conventions of the Iron Ring are as follows:

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