THIRD DRAFT COPY: NOT OFFICIAL! Changes from First Draft marked "*Change:" Changes from Second Draft marked "*CHANGE:" TO ALL FIGHTERS, BOTH LIGHT AND HEAVY: These Rules are a synthesis of the Rules currently in use in Caid, the West, and An Tir. They are not perfect, but they do, and will, work. If you see anything that is wrong, needs to be changed, or needs further discussion, PLEASE let me know! Ioseph of Locksley (W. J. Bethancourt III) Kingdom Light Weapons Marshall/Atenveldt PO Box 35190 Phoenix, AZ 85069 * RULES FOR LIGHT INFANTRY/HEAVY INFANTRY MIXED WAR COMBAT: KINGDOM OF ATENVELDT NOTE: These Rules represent a MAJOR change in SCA War combat in this Kingdom! ALL FIGHTERS * M U S T * read and be familiar with these Rules, and * M U S T * use them in mixed melees in a "casual" format (i.e. Fighter Practices) to become familiarized with their use. The use of these Rules will go a long way towards adding a great deal of realism to SCA War Combat, and are a great deal of fun. BUT: if the fighters, both Light and Heavy, are not thoroughly familiar with the usage of these Rules, and do not REGULARLY practice with them, then these Rules will not work! Definitions: a. Heavy Weapons: A combatant in an SCA war, armoured for rattan combat and using rattan hand weapons. Abbreviated in these Rules as "HWF." note: Heavy Weapons fighters do NOT use Archery. Javelins, rocks &c. are acceptable HWF missile weapons, however. This gives them their true historical role in medieval combat. The HWF does not carry or use shinai or other LWF hand weapons. *CHANGE: b. Light Infantry: A combatant in an SCA war, armored as a Light Weapons fighter, and using both hand weapons and archery/javelins, or only hand weapons (light weapons) or only archery/javelins, or a non-combatant (Banner Bearer, Scout, etc. ) Abbreviated in these Rules as "LWF." Sometimes referred to in these Rules as "archer(s)." Note: NO rapier combat will be allowed in Mixed Combat scenarios. LWFs use shenai-type hand weapons only. c. TRP: (temporary rules of a particular War or combat) Identification: *change: a. ALL Light Infantry shall wear a surcoat of their personal heraldry, or other such heraldry, with a 2" bordure in Inter- national Orange color. Should no heraldry be available, a Surcoat WILL be worn of "per pale: azure and argent" with a 2" bordure in International Orange. This shall be displayed both in the front and on the back. b. ALL Light Infantry shall wear a scarf, drape or other wrapping, around their helm, of International Orange. This scarf or drape MUST be easily seen from all sides. The 2" International Orange must be displayed in enough places that the Light cannot possibly be mistaken for a Heavy Weapons fighter. Note: Use a bit of imagination, for example, small scarves tied around the knees and elbows in addition to the required markings, and/or a sash around the waist. d. It is the responsibility of any colour-blind person to make their condition known to the Marshals before equipment inspection so that there will be no confusion on the field. ARMOUR STANDARDS A. Mixed Combat War Armour: 1. FACE AND HEAD PROTECTION A. ALL HELMS (both Light and Heavy Weapons) 1. Face protection shall consist of a commercially manufactured three-weapons fencing mask (LWF only), or 2. 20 ga. or heavier perforated metal. Square punch shall be no more than .2" across the square and 60% open or less. Round punch shall be no more than .25" across the hole and 50% open or less, or 3. WOVEN screen of 16 ga. or heavier with no opening more than .2" across the square and 50% open or less. 4. There shall be NO openings in the helm that are not covered by a minimum of 1/4" closed cell foam, thru which a broken arrow can pass and contact flesh. 5. Expanded steel mesh and mechanics wire (square weave mesh with soldered joints) must be made of steel which will be tested with a magnet before use. Plastic and fiberglass meshes are expressly forbidden. 6. Mesh must be attached to the helmet in one of three ways: i. A removable face plate that can be strapped to the helmet in such a way that it cannot be dislodged during combat. ii. Mesh wired on to the bars of the helm. Once it is wired in place, exposed edges must be taped down. iii. Mesh may be held on with straps in such a way that it cannot be dislodged during combat. Note: mesh will be fastened to the OUTSIDE of the bars of the helm. No mesh will be fastened on the inside! B. LIGHT INFANTRY HELMS (specifics for War use) 1. Light Infantry helms MUST be made to withstand a single blow from a rattan sword, and MUST provide protection for the entire head. note: The kydex "lobster-tail" is a good pattern. Motorcycle crash helmets are acceptable in this application of SCA combat ONLY. Brimmed WWII Civil Defense helmets work well, also. a. The head will be protected by a minimum of 18 ga. thickness of mild steel, or the equivalent. This will cover the top and back of the head, and be firmly attached to any mask. The insides will be padded with a minimum of 1/4" closed cell foam, or the equivalent. C. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that mesh be blued or painted to reduce glare in the user's eyes. D. GENERAL 1. Thrust resistant padding for the throat and neck covering and protecting the collar bone. Minimum is 4 oz./110 g. leather with at least 1 & 1/2" of closed cell foam or the equivalent. Tournament (HWF) combat helms and throat armour are acceptable equivalents for the areas covered. 2. Torso armour. Minimum is 4 oz./110 g. leather or equivalent puncture-resistant material; no skin shall be exposed. 3. Groin/breast armour. Males WILL wear a cup; female archers shall wear padding. The perforations in the cup shall be covered so that a broken arrow will be prevented from entering. 4. Kidney protection is required. *change: 5. Gloves: A heavy or padded leather glove should be worn on the Bow hand, covering the openings of the sleeves and any cuff openings. 6. Pants. Canvas, leather or heavy denim trousers or the equivalent should be worn. Tournament armour or leather boots are an acceptable equivalent for the area that they cover. 7. Basket hilts. Light Infantry should use a basket-hilted weapon for their string hand when shifting to hand weapon combat. An armoured gauntlet or a basket-hilted weapon for the bow hand is also advised. This protection should be heavy leather or the equivalent, and strong enough to stop or substantially slow the force of the impact of a rattan sword. A glove for the string (weapon) hand is STRONGLY recommended, but it is realized that in the press of combat the LWF may not have time to put the glove on the weapon hand. 8. Padding on the upper arms and forearms, and on the shins, is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. *change: 9. All non-combatants on the field shall wear face protection, armour, and markings as required for Light Infantry. 2. OTHER WEAPON STANDARDS. SHIELDS a. Light Weapons shields shall be constructed in the standard SCA manner, but they may be made of (minimum) 1/4"/0.6 cm. plywood or equivalent. Edging is required to prevent splinters from coming off the edge during a fight. 1/2" to 3/4" plywood thickness is STRONGLY recommended. b. ALL Light Infantry shields must be marked with a bordure of a minimum 2" thickness in International Orange, and this band shall be visible from the front, back and edge of the shield. c. Only Light Infantry may carry a pavase shield. HWF may seek missile protection behind a Light Infantryman with his pavase. 3. ARCHERS' WEAPONS: 1. Maximum allowable bow and crossbow pull is 30 lbs./13.6 kg., at 28"/71 cm. of draw. No compound (pulley) bows are allowed. 2. Bow quivers, brush buttons, and bow slings are permitted. 3. Only wooden-shafted arrows may be used; fiberglass and aluminum shafts are forbidden. 4. Maximum allowable draw length is 28"/71 cm. overall (i.e. the portion of the blunt point which impedes the draw does not count as part of the 28"/71 cm.) 5. Metal piles must be removed prior to mounting the blunt point. Any arrows discovered using such piles shall be immediately confiscated by the Marshall, the person using them shall be barred from combat for the duration of the event, and a report shall be made to the Crown for such further action as may be deemed necessary. 6. The shaft shall be spirally or longitudinally wrapped with a tape using non-water-soluble adhesive (i.e. strapping tape, PVC electric tape, or duct tape), from the front end of the fletching to the tip of the shaft, prior to mounting the blunt point. Spirally wrapped strapping tape is preferred. The only exceptions are commercial blunts, which must be fitted to the shaft before the taping. 7. The blunt point used shall be flat tipped and at least 3/4"/2 cm. in diameter. Commercially available "Bludgeon Blunts" (Saunders, red plastic), with the coronel of small points removed, are acceptable. Blunts made to the pattern published in the Meridies rules in January of 1979 are acceptable. Blunts made to the pattern used by the Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia are acceptable. The less than 3/4"/2 cm. diameter round-tipped black rubber or plastic fowling (bird) blunts are acceptable if a 3/4"/2 cm. disc of stiff leather or equivalent has been attached to the striking surface. (**This should be glued and taped on--do not use any metal in the blunt point.) a. Blunts must be mounted in such a way that damage to the blunt (especially punch-through by the shaft) can be seen during inspection. *change: b. Arrows known as "peacemakers," or any other non-standard arrow, are expressly forbidden. 8. Blunt points shall be firmly attached to the shaft. Any grooves or holes in the blunt shall be covered or filled, to prevent the spitting of dirt into an opponent's eyes. 9. Arrows must be crested or otherwise marked for ready identification of ownership. *change: 10. Missile equipment not specifically forbidden by these guidelines may be used for a specific event only if approved by the Marshal in Charge. Such equipment may not be considered permanently accepted until it is approved by the Earl Marshall. 4. JAVELINS 1. Javelin shafts may be constructed from 1"/2.5 cm. or greater diameter lengths of o.d. schedule 30 PVC tubing or equivalent material. Bamboo is specifically prohibited, as it splinters badly when broken. 2. The shafts shall be wrapped spirally or longitudinally with stout tape. 3. Striking tips shall be constructed in accordance with thrusting tip standards, and shall be firmly affixed to the shaft. 4. The back end of the javelin must be padded or fixed with soft, flexible fletchings that stand out not more than 1"/2.5 cm. 5. OTHER WEAPONS. 1. Throwing axes shall be made of rubber or soft plastic hose, and foam or other flexible materials. 2. Siege rocks shall not exceed 3 lbs./1.4 kg. in weight. Example: Foam loosely packed in a cloth bag. It is a good idea to plainly stencil the bag: "rock." 3. Other missile weapons are encouraged, but MUST be approved by the Marshallate similarly to other "new" weapons. a. All surfaces of any missile weapon that could possibly strike a target (hilts of throwing knives, axe handles, &c) shall have a minimum 2" X 2" flat or gently curving surface. b. The development of usable siege weapons is encouraged. COMBAT RULES 1. MIXED COMBAT a. A Heavy Weapons fighter kills a Light Infantryman by pointing his weapon at the person and saying, "My Lord, you are dead." The point of the fighter's weapon must be no closer than 10 feet/3 m. from the LWF at that time. For example, a fighter with a 7-foot pole arm would be about 17 ft./5m. from the LWF. Note: This takes into account the time needed for the HWF to close with and strike the LWF. It is also pointed out that this is NOT "wounding" the LWF, but "killing." Period! A LWF is NEVER "wounded" by a HWF, but is "killed." Always! b. The fighter must point and repeat the magic phrase once for each LWF he wishes to kill. c. A Light Weapons fighter may NOT kill a Heavy Weapons fighter with anything other than a missile weapon. Note: Yes, this Rule is both unfair and unrealistic, but MUST be included in the interests of safety! d. Heavy Weapons Fighters may not kill Light Infantry who are in such a position that the Heavy Weapons fighter would not be able to attack them if they were Heavy fighters. For example, if a Heavy Weapons Fighter from the Light's side is between the enemy and the Light Infantryman. e. Any disagreements on who is or is not "dead" WILL ONLY be discussed after the battle. Marshalls WILL enforce this Rule. f. The Light Weapons fighters are REQUIRED to be prepared to DROP FLAT and protect themselves in the event that a HWF mistakes them for another HWF, and starts a blow with a rattan weapon. Note: The burden of this responsibility is on the Light Weapons Fighter, as it is recognized that vision in a Heavy Weapons helm is restricted. g. Light Infantry shall not be struck with any weapon other than an arrow or other missile weapon, or a standard Light weapon (shinai, etc.) 1. LWF vs. LWF combat shall be done in the usual fashion for Light weapons. 2. AT NO TIME SHALL A LWF BE STRUCK OR THREATENED WITH A RATTAN (HEAVY) WEAPON! h. HWF vs. HWF combat shall be done in the usual fashion for Heavy Weapons. i. Marshalls are cautioned that the contact of LWF and HWF is a matter that MUST be marshalled closely and strongly. Any LWF that takes an unfair advantage of his/her status WILL be summarily removed from the Field. Any HWF that takes advantage of his or her status will also be summarily removed from the Field. j. Arrow and javelin hits shall be counted as are thrusts in SCA Tournament Lists combat, except that: a. The entire body is a legitimate target. b. Any area of the body that is covered by metal plate armor may be considered under the TRPs as arrow-proof. (armour-as-worn conventions) c. Except for OBVIOUS "glancing" blows, ALL hits with missile weapons shall be counted, no matter the range, or the actual force of the strike. k. When ANY fighter is killed, they shall raise their weapon(s) over their head in a non-usable way, and leave the field. It is permissable to "die," but the fighter shall then immediately exit the field in the approved manner. l. All helms will be considered to be open-faced regardless of actual construction. m. The ability of arrows/javelins to pierce different types of armors may be variable under the TRPs (e.g. plate may be considered arrow-proof.) n. Any arrow or weapon strike to an archer's bow or string puts the weapon out of action for that battle. If the archer is also fighting as Light Infantry, he may shift to hand weapon combat. Note: In a "resurrection" battle, the "broken" weapon will be counted as a "wound" and thus may be repaired at the LWF's resurrection point. o. If an archer or archers are separated from their supporting infantry, AND are pursued by the enemy beyond the boundary marking the immediate area of combat, they are considered to be routed and may not return to combat in that battle. This does not apply to a disciplined skirmishing action or withdrawal by an archer or body of archers who remain in the immediate area of combat. p. Light infantry who have shifted to hand weapon combat must approach and engage (or be approached and engaged by) their opponents in combat in accordance with the SCA and Kingdom melee guidelines, and may not switch back to archery until they have disengaged. q. Archers should avoid discharging arrows at fighters or other archers who are less than 5 yards (15 ft.)/4.5 m. away. r. Each arrow may only be shot once during any battle. Arrows may not be picked up from the ground and re- shot. Unshot arrows may be gleaned from the quivers of slain archers (with their prior permission) and used. 2. A fighter (includes archers) who retreats from pursuit beyond a clearly defined and identifiable boundary may be considered to be routed and out of the combat for the remainder of that battle. Pursuing fighters who have crossed the boundary may return to the battle, provided that the boundary is not defined in the TRPs to be a cliff or other such sudden death hazard. 3. All imaginary features of a battle that are established in the TRPs (e.g. water, castles, bridges, cliffs, walls, etc.) shall be treated in a realistic manner. A fighter who falls off a 'wall' is dead and out of the battle; a fighter who falls, or walks too far out, into the 'water' is drowned and out of the battle; 'castle walls' may not be kicked down, stepped over with ease, or be bypassed by walking around their ends. A seven-foot spear will not reach a defender atop a twenty-foot 'wall'. Weapons and equipment may not be retrieved from water, pits, over cliffs, etc. 4. Fighters killed, routed, yielded, or otherwise removed from the combat may not provide advice, give orders, or pass equipment to live fighters. (from experience, this is a commonly forgotten rule in war archery, and needs to be self-enforced far more.) 5. Hold will only be called for safety hazards, injury, or to enforce the rules and TRPs. Safety hazards include, but are not limited to, broken weapons, armor or helm failure, impaired visibility on the field (for example, dust clouds), or the near approach of the battle to a real terrain hazard or to a boundary lined with spectators. 6. When hold is called, all fighting shall cease and the fighters shall drop to one knee where they stand. Conversations relating to the conduct of the battle between fighters and changes of position/location are not permitted during a hold unless ordered by a Marshal. If movement away from a boundary or hazard is necessary, the fighters shall maintain their relative positions and distances. To end the hold, the Marshals shall call "Lay On" ordering the combat to resume. 7. Hold shall NOT be called for dropped weapons, fighters who have slipped and fallen (unless they are in danger of injury), or the near approach of a fighter to a boundary where there are no spectators. 8. Marshals shall have the pre-emptory power to remove from combat any fighter who violates the rules or TRPs, or who performs any unsafe or dishonorable act. Such removal may only be discussed during the battle if the Marshal permits it. Generally, it is to be preferred that removals be discussed after the battle is over, or at least after the combat has moved on from the vicinity. MARSHALLING GUIDELINES. A. All equipment shall be inspected for compliance with SCA and Kingdom standards and rules prior to the beginning of combat. B. Combat archery, and/or mixed LWF/HWF combat shall not be conducted within enclosed Tournament Lists or where spectators are in close proximity to the field boundary, or in any other enclosed area, from which the LWF cannot escape from a possibly dangerous situation. 1. Where combat archery is to take place, a readily identifiable boundary line shall be established, and all spectators shall be at least 30 yards/27 m. beyond this line. 2. Any archer who crosses the boundary(s) of the spectators' area(s) is considered to be routed and will be removed from combat for the duration of that battle. ANY archer who crosses such a boundary and then discharges an arrow towards the field of battle or the spectators, or who, by crossing the boundary, endangers a spectator, shall be considered dead. C. Marshals should pay attention, if they have the chance, to notifying fighters of arrow strikes that they fail to feel, to enforcing the capture/slaying rules, and to STRICTLY enforcing safety rules. TACKLE INSPECTION A. BOWS AND CROSSBOWS 1. Bows are usually marked for pull weight as 30# @ 28", meaning 30 pounds/ 13.6 kg. at 28 inches/71 cm. draw. All bows, regardless of their markings, must be tested by a spring scale and a ruler. An arrow known to be 28"/71 cm. long may be used in place of a ruler. a. Marshalls should be alert for bows with short strings which will be stronger than labeled. When in doubt, TEST THE BOW! 2. Lower weights at 28"/71 cm. or more draw are acceptable. Lower weights at less than 28"/71 cm. draw are not acceptable unless the bow actually tests as 30 lb./13.6 kg. or less at 28"/71 cm. draw. 3. Equipment which is in obvious disrepair (cracked or delaminated bow limbs, frayed strings, etc.) will be banned. 4. Crossbow poundages are considerably different from long or recurve bow poundages. To test a crossbow, take a thick homogeneous target (new stacked cardboard or foam) and fire a minimum of six shots at it from 10 feet/3 m. with normal target arrows and a 30-lb./13.6 kg. bow. Measure and record the average penetration. Next, fire the same number of shots from the crossbow at the same distance. If any quarrel enters a previously made hole, that shot must be repeated. The quarrels must have the same diameter and pile type as the target arrows used for the test. The average penetration of the quarrels must be less than or equal to the arrow penetration. 5. All bows and crossbows will be marked with tape or other means of identification to indicate that they are acceptable. This identification will only apply to the event at which the bow is inspected. Each new event requires another inspection. B. ARROWS AND QUARRELS 1. Each archer will be asked if the piles were removed from his arrows or quarrels before the blunts were mounted. 2. Arrow lengths will be checked against a standard 28"/71 cm. arrow. 3. Shaft taping must be checked and must extend onto the blunt. A few blunts should be checked for seating by pulling with reasonable force. The major concern is that the blunts not fall off or be pulled off during removal from the quiver. *change: 4. Arrows and quarrels must be inspected and cleared by the marshal prior to EACH ENGAGEMENT of the day for broken or cracked shafts. C. MESH INSPECTION 1. Helmet screening must attract a magnet. If it does not, it will not be allowed. 2. If there are few bars reinforcing the mesh (so that the arrow may hit free mesh, not a bar), the mesh may be tested by: a. Firing a war arrow at the mesh with a 30- lb./13.6-kg. bow from a distance of 10 ft./3 m. Watch out for rebounds. Wear a helm. b. Using a testing device consisting of a 3/4"/2 cm. hardwood dowel with a flat end, weighted to 6 lb./3 kg. and dropped freely 48"/122 cm. onto the screen. The dowel should be dropped inside a tube which will guide it to a free area on the mesh. QUALIFYING A. LIGHT INFANTRY. 1. a. All LWF/archers must be qualified prior to the event. This does not preclude the event autocrat from providing qualifying time at the event. b. To be qualified the LWF/archer must: i. Display a working knowledge of the Rules of the Lists. ii. Display a thorough knowledge of the rules and conduct of Light Weapons, and of War Archery. iii. Display a reasonable ability to estimate a 10-foot and 15-foot distance between themselves and another person, and between themselves and the tip of a weapon pointed at them. B. HEAVY WEAPONS FIGHTERS 1. a. All HWF will qualify in a similar manner to LWF: i. Display a working knowledge of the Rules of the Lists. ii. Display a working knowledge of the rules and conduct of Light Weapons, and of War Archery. iii. Display a reasonable ability to estimate a 10-foot and 15-foot distance between themselves and another person, and between the tip of their weapon and another person. C. MARSHALLS 1. a. No war archery may be used at any event unless the Earl Marshall, or an otherwise qualified Light Weapons Marshal is present to inspect equipment and supervise the marshalling. b. A qualified Marshal shall: i. Display a working knowledge of the Rules of the Lists. ii. Display a thorough knowledge of the rules and conduct of Light Weapons combat and of the use of War Archery. iii. Display a reasonable ability to estimate a 10-foot and a 15-foot distance between two combatants. iv. Have marshalled at least one event where war archery was used. *change: c. Marshalls are cautioned to WEAR their Marshall's tabards, baldrics and other such insignia, to help prevent accidents. * end *