Iron Spike

At Atlantia’s 30 Year Celebration, in AS 46, the Free Scholars of the Academie d'Espee started a new tradition for Atlantian rapier called the Iron Spike. Following in tradition similar to the Iron Ring of numerous kingdoms, the Iron Spike is a token that must be worn by the holder at SCA events. The holder should accept up to 3 challenges per day at official events that allow fighting, where the the victor of 3 of 5 passes gains the honor of holding the Iron Spike.

The Iron Spike was made by Master Benjamin Lilje, and comes with a box made by Arghylle Buchanan, and a book made by Magistra Letia Thistelthueyt. All challenges for the Iron Spike are recorded in the accompanying book.

Rules

1. The Iron Spike must remain in the Kingdom of Atlantia.  If the holder is moving out of the kingdom, the Iron Spike reverts back to its previous holder.
2. The holder must wear the token at SCA events.
3. The holder must accept at least one challenge per day, and may accept up to 3 challenges per day.
4. Challengers must be residents of the Kingdom of Atlantia.
5. At the time a challenge is issued, the holder and challenger must be properly armored and ready to fight.
6. A challenge for the Iron Spike shall be conducted as follows:
   • • The winner will be determined by the best of 5 bouts.
     • Each bout shall be fought with a different form (Single sword, sword and rigid parry, sword and soft parry, sword and dagger, and two swords)
     • On a double kill, it shall be counted as a loss for both combatants.
7. Should a challenger prevail, the new holder may not be challenged on the day the Iron Spike is won.
8. When turning over the spike to a new holder, the previous holder shall insure the the new holder understands the rules.
   

Notes

• The rules were based on the Iron Ring rules found in the Kingdoms of Gleann Abhann, Aethelmearc, the Midrealm and Northshield. The tradition was believed to have been started by Don Rodrigo de Montoya.
• Rule 5 was intended to prevent issuing challenges at inappropriate times and places, including in the parking lot of an event or by waiting outside the holder's tent, as well as arranging challenges before the event.
• The exact manner of choosing the weapon forms for the bout is not explicitly stated in the original rules.
• In unusual circumstances where the current holder is unable to make themselves available at events for challenges for a prolonged period of time, a tournament may be held to determine the next holder.
• With the creation of the Brass Spike, it is generally agreed that the Iron Spike should be for heavy rapier combat only, and not Cut & Thrust.