Northshield--Armored Combat:Overview of armored combat

Overview of armored combat

Introduction to armored combat with rattan

Armored combat with rattan weapons is a full contact, non-choreographed recreation of medieval foot combat using clothing, protective armor, and simulated weapons constructed according to SCA standards.

Combatants can face each other in single combat in tournaments or can take part in large melee battles with dozens or even hundreds of combatants on each side.

SCA combatants wear real armor and use swords and spears made of rattan or similar materials, springy enough to absorb some of the force of the blow without snapping, and light enough to approximate the weight of a steel weapon.

Everyone fighting is presumed to be equipped in a similar manner, with the same effective blows regardless of the actual armor you are wearing.

Armored combat with rattan also includes combat archery and siege weaponry used in melees or battles.

Classes of participant

1. The term "combatant" or "fighter" is used in these rules to refer to people who are actually fighting.
2. The term "marshal" is used to refer to people who are supervising the fighting and fighting area.
3. Non-combatants are people such as marshals, heralds or fighter support, who provide a supporting role to combat or are present on the field during combat without being part of the combat or fighting itself.
4. Spectators are anyone present in the general area where combat activities are taking place, but not on the field.

Armored combat activities

Armored combat activities include:

1. Tournament single combat
2. Tournament melee combat
3. Battles - with or without ranged weapons
4. Combat archery and thrown weapons
5. Using siege engines or structures

Note: Youth armored combat is not covered by these rules.

Authorization categories

1. Society required minimum authorization categories are:
   • Armored combat - rattan
   • Combat archery
   • Combat siege
2. Kingdoms are allowed to define additional types of authorizations and requirements, such as authorizations in specific weapon forms, categories, or multiple groupings.
   1. Standard armored combat weapons fall into 7 categories:
      • Single-handed weapons
      • Two-handed weapons
      • Spears
      • Throwing weapons
      • Archery - Handbows
      • Archery - Crossbows
      • Siege engines
3. Northshield's armored combat authorization categories:
   1. Armored Combat One Handed (1H) - One handed weapons will encompass all weapon forms that are under 4 feet in total length and used single handed (weapon and shield, dagger, two weapons, armored combat approved thrown weapons, etc.).
   2. Armored Combat Two Handed (2H) - Two handed weapons will encompass all weapon forms under 7.5 feet but over 4 feet (Great Sword, Polearm, etc.) and other weapons using two hands that are not in a standalone authorization.
   3. Armored Combat Spears (Spear) - Spear will be for all spears over 7.5 feet in total length.
   4. Armored Combat Combat Archery (CA) - This includes hand bows and crossbows
   5. Armored Combat Siege (SG) - This includes all siege warfare items.