Lochac Fencing Awards
There are several awards that may be given for fencing within the Kingdom of Lochac. In Order of Precedence they are:
Order of the Laurel
The Laurel is given to those who show true excellence in the arts and/or sciences. Peers must also support the Crown and kingdom, display courteous and noble behaviour, share their knowledge and skills with others, practice hospitality according to their means, and those skills and behaviours appropriate to the court. The token is a medallion bearing a laurel wreath. Laurels in fealty may wear a chain. This order is equal in precedence to the other peerage orders, that being the Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Pelican, and the Order of Defence.
Lochac currently has 3 members of the Order who have been primarily elevated for their research and interpretation of period fencing.
Order of Defence
The Order of Defence is given to those who excel in the field of Rapier and or Cut and Trust. Peers must also support the Crown and kingdom, display courteous and noble behaviour, share their knowledge and skills with others, practice hospitality according to their means, and those skills and behaviours appropriate to the court. The regalia is a white livery collar. Defenders in fealty may wear a chain. This order is equal in precedence to the other peerage orders, that being the Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Laurel, and the Order of the Pelican. You can find more information on the OoD page.
Order of the White Scarf of Lochac
The White Scarf is given for outstanding ability in rapier combat in accordance with the Treaty of the White Scarf: courteous and chivalrous behavior, service, and teaching. The order’s symbol is a white scarf, worn at the left shoulder or above the left elbow. The Order confers an Grant of Arms to the bearer, if they do not have one already, and ranks equal in the order of precedence as the Lochac Company of Archers and higher in precedence than other varieties of grants of arms. This order is now closed. You can find more information about it’s history on the OWL page.
Order of the Red Wyveryn
The Order of the Red Wyvern may be given to those who have distinguished themselves over time by performing outstanding service and great prowess in the Martial Arts. They shall also have demonstrated chivalry, courtesy, and courtly behaviour both on and off the field of combat. Such prowess can include skills in Armoured Combat, Archery, Rapier, the Equestrian Arts, Siege Warfare, or Leadership on the warfield. Elevation to this Order shall confer upon the holders a Grant of Arms, if that person is not already a holder of a Grant of Arms. All bearers of Grants of Arms are entitled to be addressed as The Honourable Lord / Lady.
Order of the Prometheus
The order of Prometheus is given for excellence in teaching. The token is a pendant showing a flaming branch of fennel (prometean flame). The Order confers an Award of Arms to the bearer, if they are not already armigerous.
Order of the Rapier
The Order of the Rapier is given for achievement in the field of Rapier fighting. The token is a gold rapier, worn as a pendant. The Order confers an Award of Arms to the bearer, if they are not already armigerous.
The Challenge of the Iron Ring of Lochac
The challenge is one of prowess, where challengers fight the current ring bearer for the right to hold the Iron Ring. All fights are played according to the Rules of the Challenge of the Iron Ring of Lochac.
Due to the prestige associated with this challenge, we keep the Chronicle of the Iron Ring to record the history of all challenges. There’s a link to the Chronicle on the link above.
Rowany Festival
Rowany Festival is a major event in Lochac, and two of the major fencing prizes are traditionally decided here. Those prizes are the Queen’s Glove of Courtesy, and the Sword of Chivalry.