Iron Ring
Members of the Iron Ring live primarily in the Portland metro area, in the Barony of Three Mountains and the Shire of Dragon's Mist.
Mission Statement
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.
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.
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.
Service to the Community
Iron Ring members are required to devote a portion of their time to performing service at camping events. Volunteer efforts are essential to supporting the ongoing success of the SCA, and the Iron Ring intends to provide a good example to the community at large.
Command Structure
The Iron Ring is structured in a military hierarchy.
Officers
Commander Darius von Arenburg -Founding Member
Lieutenant Cailin MacGregor -Founding Member
Sergeant Iuliana de la Sara -Founding Member
Sergeant José Cabrera de Castilla -Founding Member
Corporal HL Tristan MacGregor
Corporal Stavis Vladimir Rakhov
Corporal Kodo Yoshio
Corporal Idris ap Bran
Stations
Camp Master José Cabrera de Castilla
Chatelaine Stavis Vladimir Rakhov
Master of Arms, Heavy Idris ap Bran
Master of Arms, Feather Kodo Yoshio
Mistress of Recruiting Daesgasage Runne
Mistress of Arts and Sciences Slaine' inghean Ui Mhaille
Treasurer Cailin MacGregor
Secretary Iuliana de la Sara
===Other Members===
Julie
Nynadin Rkhov
Balthazar Bechtold
Gerald
Ian
Brian
(**) Indicates pending membership due to unmet requirements as set down by Iron Ring Charter.
In Memoriam
Esclave de Winter, Unit Champion
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 ladies of the Iron Ring will be sporting brand new dresses courtesy of Slaine'.
Sculpting
Our very own Daesgasage Runne hand makes beautiful masks, and other works of clay and glaze. Her works grown from inspiration, but she also has been known to make beautiful personal pieces.
Tailoring
José Cabrera de Castilla is our up and coming tailor, specializing in western European mens fashion from 1540-1600. Keep an eye out as José may soon be showcased on Realm of Venus. This season the men of the Iron Ring will have new doublets, drafted and sewn by José, with shirts and pants supplied by Slaine'.
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.
Music
We are graced musically with several ladies and gentleman who enjoy singing or playing instruments. Our camp often has a song being sung, hummed, or strummed. We also have the pleasure of being a favorite place for the Biffy Bard to set his hat and entertain.
Millinery
José Cabrera de Castilla and Iuliana de la Sara have, in the last year began to refine their skill at hat making through creation of hats for both unit members, and the outfitting of hats, professionally, for two local high school theatrical productions.
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 Idris 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.
Events Attended
Please see Iron Ring chronicle of events.
Schedule of Events for 2008
Faire in the Grove April 25th-27th
Egils Tourney May 23rd-26th
The Gathering* May 23rd-26th
An Tir-West War July 3rd-6th
SeaDog Nights* July 24th-28th
Acorn War August 15th-18th
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 our Chatelaine:
Stavis Vladimir Rakhov - nihilistic_weasel [at] yahoo.com