Iron Ring

The Iron Ring is a household which re-creates the look and feel of a mercenary unit that would have existed between 1550 and 1600 in northern Italy and southern Germany.

Members of the Iron Ring live primarily in the Portland metro area.

The Iron Ring Device- A field, party per pale, vert and sable. A spiked wheel of twelve spokes, or.

Mission Statement

Members of the Iron Ring are highly encouraged to foster an attitude of cooperation between each other and also members of the re-enactment community at large. We shall lead by positive example and follow by the positive example of others.

As a group dedicated to re-enacting a mercenary unit, the Iron Ring encourages study of armed and armored combat by its members, and seeks to participate in activities including but not limited to SCA armored combat, target archery and “boffer” foam weapon combat.

Rules and Regulations

The Iron Ring is governed by a charter encompassing its rules and regulations, as ratified by the members of the Iron Ring in 2007. In general, all decisions are made by a simple majority of the officers of the Iron Ring (for matters such as use of funds and member disputes) or by a 3/4 majority of the members of the Iron Ring.

Recruiting

In order to become a member of the Iron Ring, an interested party must secure a member as sponsor and two more members to act as advocates. After being recorded by the Master or Mistress of Recruiting (currently Daesgasage Runne) the new recruit must attend 2 camping events with the Iron Ring and 5 non-camping functions (such as fight practices, workshops, etc.). Once these prerequisites are met, the members take a vote at the next meeting to decide whether to welcome the recruit as a new member, continue as a recruit (in the case that not enough members feel they know the recruit sufficiently), or end their recruitment and affiliation with the Iron Ring.

Gaining Rank or Station

Members may gain rank either when another member steps down or is demoted, or when the ranks of the Iron Ring grow enough to support another Officer. Ranks are not sequential; a member may move from no rank to any ranked position without having to hold any intervening positions. When a rank or station is open, any member may nominate a member to fill that position.

Structure

Commander Darius von Arenburg

The Iron Ring is structured in a military hierarchy. The command structure is as follows:

Officers

Commander Darius von Arenburg

Lieutenant Cailis MacGregor

Sergeant Iuliana de la Sara

Sergeant José Cabrera de Castilla

Corporal Lord Tristan MacGregor

Corporal Stavis Vladimir Rakhov

Corporal Kodo Yoshio

Corporal Brian Sanders

Other Stations

Mistress of Recruiting Daesgasage Runne

Mistress of Arts and Sciences Slaine' inghean Ui Mhaille

Master of Arms, Heavy Idrus ap Bran

Master of Arms, Feather Kodo Yoshio

Chatelaine Stavis Vladimir Rakhov

Treasurer Cailis MacGregor

Secretary Iuliana de la Sara

The Iron Ring is currently twenty two members strong.

==Arts and Sciences==

Dance

The Iron Ring is blessed to have our very own expert in dance. Slaine' inghean Ui Mhaille not only makes us more graceful in our dance but also offers her expertise to anyone who cares to show up each Friday evening at the Three Mountains Dance Practice.

Lace and Needlework

Slaine' inghean Ui Mhaille also happens to be extremely gifted in the areas of handmade lace, embroidery and seamstressing. This season the Iron Ring will be sporting brand new unit doublets and dresses.

Sculpting

Our very own Daesgasage Runne hand makes beautiful masks, and other works of clay and paint. Her works grown from inspiration, but she also has been known to make beautiful personal pieces.

Tailoring

Jose Cabrera de Castilla is our up and coming tailor, specializing in Spanish and Italian mens fashion from 1500-1560. Keep an eye out as Jose may soon be showcased on Realm of Venus

Woodworking

Corporal Kodo Yoshio has come out of the woodwork (pun intended) with his unbelievably detailed, hand crafted, Japanese flutes. He has crafted small pocket flutes, duel shafted flutes and is rarely seen without his double fluted walking staff. Pictures to come.

Haberdashery

==Combat and Archery==

The Iron Ring promotes activity in martial prowess, in support of its mission to present the look and feel of a historical mercenary unit.

Heavy Fighting

Members of the Iron Ring participate in SCA heavy combat. The Master of Arms for heavy combat is Idrus ap Bran. His agenda is to get as many Iron Ring members into armor as possible, and to practice regularly and with a variety of opponents. The Iron Ring currently practices on its own and then, on alternating weeks, attends the Three Mountains Fight Practice.

Boffer Combat

The Iron Ring maintains its fighting edge and trains new fighters by engaging in boffer combat. The Master of Arms for feather combat is Kodo Yoshio. Prowess in boffer combat makes the Iron Ring's services accessible to groups at non-sanctioned events that allow this form of combat. It also provides a cheap and easy way to play at combat without having to armor up.

Archery

A number of members of the Iron Ring enjoy target archery. This activity has no particular rank or station associated with it, and is not being performed more than recreationally by some members who own or have access to bows. We hope to soon set up a more regulated archery and crossbow portion of the unit which will practice together for the purposes of recreation and heavy fighting.

Camping

The Iron Ring makes camp at a number of events every year. Some of the features of the camp are a growing number of period pavilions, historically-inspired seating and camp elements and a double-door camp entrance lovingly known as the Gate.

Schedule of Events for 2008

Faire in the Grove, April 25th-27th [1]

Egils Tourney, May 23rd-26th [2]

The Gathering*, May 23rd-26th [3]

An Tir-West War, July 3rd-6th [4]

SeaDog Nights*, July 24th-28th [5]

Acorn War, August 15th-18th [6]

Beaverton Farmer's Market Demo, TBA

Note: * indicates that expected Iron Ring presence is low- camp size may be 10 or less individuals.

Contact Information

Think you are interested in joining us?

Visit us at The Iron Ring Public Yahoo! Group

or send an email to one of our officers:

Iuliana de la Sara- Whisket14 [at] yahoo.com

Jose Cabrera de Castilla- Malkom1366 [at] hotmail.com