Armored Combat:Conventions - Rules of engagement - Killing from behind

Death from behind

General

1. Kingdoms can choose to allow combatants to kill opponents from behind in battle scenarios by using the "death from behind" maneuver.
2. If your opponent is not engaged with you, striking them from behind is always forbidden. This standard must not be altered.
3. You must not deliberately ignore an attacker behind you, or repeatedly maneuver to keep your back to an attacker (thereby preventing an attack on you).
4. If you are not allowed to use the "death from behind" maneuver, or you cannot safely execute the maneuver, you must move to engage them as an individual or unit.
5. If a fighter is engaged with you, even though you are allowed to strike them from behind, the death from behind maneuver is preferred (if allowed).

Death from behind maneuver (where allowed)

1. Killing an opponent from behind can be accomplished by placing a weapon over your opponent's eye slot (or, for a two handed weapon or spear, upon their shoulder so that the point would be visible to your opponent) and stating loudly, "You are dead from behind".
2. If you are an archer:
   1. the hand you use to perform the kill must have full hand protection which also protects your fingers and thumb.
   2. you can use an arrow or bolt, but not your bow or crossbow.
3. You need to repeat this maneuver for every opponent to be killed in this manner.
4. You must take enough time that your opponent acknowledges your presence (or could have) before attacking another opponent (roughly 2-3 seconds).
5. You may not do this maneuver while running past your opponent.
6. If you are being killed from behind:
   1. you are presumed dead as soon as the process has started.
   2. you cannot spin or turn to engage the fighter.