Kingdom Rapier Tournaments and Traditions
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.
Tourney Events: Spring and Fall Coronations
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.