Brass Ring

History

The Brass Ring was created by Master Grim the Skald in AS 46 to emulate the Iron Ring of the East for his local fencing community.

It was first brought before the populace at a demo, where a small tournament was held to determine it’s first holder.

Rules

The Brass Ring differs from other challenge rings in that the bearer must reasonably expect to attend the Concordia and Anglespur rapier practices while they hold the ring. If a person is unable to meet this, they are expected to hand off the ring to another gentle that can keep the ring active in its area.

The Brass Ring is intended to be passed from holder to holder throughout the Concordia and Anglespur rapier practices. The only way to acquire the Brass Ring is to challenge the current holder. The holder of the Ring is required to accept the first Challenge in a day. The second and third Challenges are optional, and the holder should only accept those if they feel that they can show sufficient prowess and stamina after the exertions of the first Challenge.

The Challenge can only be made while both participants are in rapier armor and there is still opportunity to fight that day. The Challenge must be met before said rapier armor is removed or the holder forfeits the ring to the challenger. The Challenge may take place at any SCA-Sanctioned event, but it is encouraged for fighters to focus their time at kingdom events towards fighting people outside their local area, rather than issuing challenges.

The challenge is to be negotiated by the challenger and the holder. Seconds can be used if both combatants wish. The combatants are bounded by the East Kingdom Rapier Rules but can choose any forms within that framework for their fights, including spears and RBG duels. Both combatants must fully and actively consent to all the forms in use and both fighters should be aware of each other’s authorizations. Fights for the Brass Ring can be fought with non-authorized forms, but both participants must have at least one authorization to challenge for the Ring.

The Brass Ring may only be exchanged once in any given day; if another challenger requests a Challenge to the new holder on the day, they have won the ring from another, the holder is required to decline the Challenge.

The Brass Ring shall be worn prominently while in fencing gear so potential challengers may know who the current holder is. The current holder is encouraged to wear it whenever they are in period garb, though they cannot accept a challenge until they put on armor.

Lastly, it is the duty of the outgoing holder of the Brass Ring to make sure the incoming holder is fully aware of these rules.