Special rules and equipment
There are many rules according to King René's manual but they need some modification in order to work for SCA combat.
Combat Rules
- No thrusting will be allowed.
- 'Kill from behind' and 'Kill on the ground' will not be used.
- In some parts of the tourney, blows will only be allowed from the waist up.
- Apart from the rules above, ordinary SCA group combat rules apply.
- When a fighter has received a good blow (to any legal target area) the fighter should acknowledge the blow by saying 'Well struck milord' or something similar. The fighter shall then exit the list where he/she entered, drink some water if the fighter so wishes, and then return to the combat when he/she so desires.
- There will be a person in the list holding a piece of cloth on a stick. This person is the knight (or squire) of honour and his job is similar to that of a marshal. If he should lower the cloth over a fighter, that fighter is under the protection of the ladies and may not be struck until the cloth is again removed (local hold).
- The knight (or squire) of honour may not be struck.
- The tourney will continue until the judges signal the end of the tourney.
We will try and keep the number of holds to a minimum (preferably none at all) by means of the knight (or squire) of honour. In order to have as few breaks in the fighting as possible, we invite the tourneyers to take dignified breaks whenever they feel weary.
Equipment
- All fighting equipment must be SCA legal.
- If your weapon is fitted with a thrusting tip, this may be left on but please remember not to use it.
- The following forms are especially welcome - single sword (for the especially valiant), sword and buckler, two-handed sword, short pole weapons (poll axe, tourney axe, bec de corbin etc.)
- No weapon may be longer than the distance from the ground to the joint of the fighter's shoulder. (Very tall fighters might want to reduce this for fairness).
- Fighters who prefer to use shields are encouraged to use bucklers or small shields.
- Fighters are encouraged to use only one weapon (perhaps supplemented with a shield) at a time.
- Spiral-taped swords - especially in the user's colours - are encouraged.
- We very much encourage fighters to wear a helm crest if this is within their means. The Company will provide colourful feathers for those who cannot bring a crest.
- We welcome every attempt to create a fifteenth century image (see later in this book) but fighters whose equipment is from other eras is very welcome.
Number of followers
The number of followers allowed into the lists depend on rank and are as follows. Male titles are given, but the Lady of equivalent rank is also meant:
- Captain - five followers
- Other King, Duke or Prince - four followers
- Count or Earl - three followers
- Peer, Baron or Viscount - two followers
- Squire or Lord/Lady - one follower
Of course a fighter may bring as many servants or man-at-arms as he wishes,providing that they do not enter the lists.
Any fighters (or companies of fighters) which are not already affiliated to the appellant or defendant will fight on the side decided by the judges.
Miscellaneous Rules
In order to try and create a medieval atmosphere, we ask the audience to be most discreet about photography.
For the same reason, we specifically request members of the audience not to bring modern seating or picnic equipment to the tourney area unless it is completely disguised.
