Kingdom of Trimaris

Kingdom Rapier Tournaments and Traditions

Rapier Champion of Trimaris

Tourney Event(s): Crown List

Regalia: List-legal rapier and dagger

Fought for twice a year, the Rapier Champion of Trimaris is a show of grace, courtesy, and above all, prowess.  The Champion may be called upon to defend the Crown, may be asked or offered the opportunity to enter Court with the Crown, stand behind the Thrones in Royal Court, and if in attendance at Gulf Wars or Pennsic, may reasonably be expected to represent Trimaris in the Champion’s Battle.  If available, the Rapier Champion of Trimaris coordinates with the Crown in the format and running of the next tourney of this name.

Defender of the Queen’s Heart

Tourney Events: Spring and Fall Coronations or at Queen’s Heart events

Regalia: Sharp rapier and scabbard

Fought for twice a year, the Defender of the Queen’s Heart is a showcase to impress the Queen.  A tourney that prizes skill and honor equally, the Defender of the Queen’s Heart serves as Her Majesty’s Guard in Court and at need, having her back with courtesy, grace, and lethality when called for.  The Defender of the Queen’s Heart likewise will coordinate other guards* and retainers from the rapier community for Her Majesty when needed, and coordinates with the incumbent Princess on planning and running the next tournament for selection of the Queen’s Heart.

Due to the nature of the position, the Queen may elect to choose her Heart’s Defender separate from the overall winner of the tournament.  There is no dishonor in winning the tournament and not being selected.

*The Order of the White Scarf Trimaris has traditionally served as the Queen’s Guard.  It is not uncommon to see the Queen’s Guards pulled from the ranks of the OWST to this day.

Captain of the Princess’ Guard

Tourney Events: Crown List

Regalia: Princess’ Guard sword and scabbard

Fought for twice a year, the tourney to select the Captain of the Princess’ Guard is a showcase among the cadet corps and other rapier fighters who are not members of the Order of the White Scarf or Order of Defense to impress the Princess. A tourney that prizes skill and honor equally, the Captain of the Princess’ Guard serves as Her Highnesses Guard in Court and at need, having her back with courtesy, lethality, and grace when called upon. The Captain of the Princess’ Guard likewise will coordinate other guards* and retainers for Her Highness when needed, and plans and coordinates the next tournament on behalf of Her Highness for selection of her Captain.

Due to the nature of the position, the Princess may elect to choose her Captain separate from the overall winner of the tournament. There is no dishonor in winning the tournament and not being selected.

*The guardians of the Princess are traditionally chosen from among the cadet corps of Trimaris. Cadethood is not required, and the tradition has been updated to include those rapier fighters who are not members of the Order of the White Scarf Trimaris.

Baronial Rapier Tournaments and Traditions

Baronial Rapier Champion of Marcaster
Held traditionally at Long Nights in December, the Baronial Championship of Marcaster is often referred to as the Defender of the Mermaid’s Grotto. In addition to the travelling regalia of the office, the victor is often gifted a mermaid statue or other piece of mermaid art from the collection of the late Don Alain, mermaid enthusiast and early supporter of the tourney, provided by Mistress Arianna Cristina Rosa Veneziano.

Other Traditions

Musketeer Melee

Description pending

Wyvernwoode's Early Bert Tournament

Description pending

Iron Ring of Trimaris

What is the Iron Ring of Trimaris?

Begun in 2005, the Iron Ring of Trimaris is a symbol of prowess (and only prowess) in rapier fighting.  The only way to acquire it is to successfully challenge the current bearer.  The format of the challenge is fixed.

To declare the challenge, the challenger declares to the current bearer “I request the challenge of the iron ring,” or similar phrase.  The challenge should be issued loudly enough for the immediate populace to hear.  Should then multiple challengers come forward, the challengers must decide amongst themselves who has the right to challenge for the ring.

  • The bearer of the Iron Ring may be challenged at any event or practice where the bearer is fully armored for rapier combat and wearing the ring upon their person.
  • The bearer must accept at least one challenge when properly challenged, and up to 3 challengers at the bearer’s discretion.
  • The Iron Ring may change hands only once per day.
  • The challenge shall be made while both participants are properly armored for the field and there is still opportunity to fight.
  • The challenge must be (reasonably) met before said armor is removed, else the bearer forfeits the ring.
  •  Weapons styles are chosen by the challenger, and may change between points.  Styles may not include Cut and Thrust Rapier and must include a heavy rapier.  Dagger fights are not permitted.
  • It is the duty of the outgoing ring bearer to make sure the incoming bearer is aware of these rules.
  • The Iron Ring of Trimaris is accompanied by a notebook where the bearers of the ring may record their bearing, and add notes on their challengers as desired.
  • The Iron Ring may not leave the borders of Trimaris.  If the bearer moves, it is their responsibility to hand the Iron Ring off to a steward before departing our shores.

Past bearers of the Iron Ring of Trimaris.

Note that many of these gentles have borne the Ring multiple times

  • Arnaz
  • Silvain
  • Matthias von Greifsburg
  • Hrothgar Feilan
  • Reinhardt Zuidam
  • Trapon
  • Aedan
  • Breannan the Misguided
  • Brother Ronan
  • Iain of Seamarch
  • Davius St. Jacques
  • Sibilla Daine
  • Zhao Fong
  • Seamus Mac Dubghaill
  • Philippe Du Pont
  • James Highgate
  • Brian Robertson
  • Lee Isbell
  • Giovanni di Castlemere
  • Agustin de Leon
  • Sergio Gustavo de Leon