Lochac Rapier Combat Manual V3.0
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The Kingdom of Lochac Rapier Combat Handbook Version 3.5 14 April 2017 Non scriptum non est. Text included verbatim from the SCA Inc. Rapier Marshal’s Handbook is copyright© The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. All other text is copyright© The Society for Creative Anachronism, New Zealand, Inc. and The Society for Creative Anachronism Australia Ltd. It may be freely copied for SCA purposes provided it is copied in full and this notice remains intact. Table of Contents 1.Introduction ....................................................................................................... 3 2.Canon ............................................................................................................... 4 2.1General Information .......................................................................................... 4 2.2Behaviour on the field ....................................................................................... 4 2.3Use of Weapons and Parrying Devices ................................................................. 6 2.4Acknowledgement of blows ................................................................................ 9 2.5Melee Combat ................................................................................................ 12 3.Equipment Specifications ................................................................................... 13 3.1General Equipment Requirements ..................................................................... 13 3.2Protective Equipment (Armour) ........................................................................ 13 3.2.1Definitions ................................................................................................... 13 3.2.2General Protective Equipment Requirements .................................................... 15 3.2.3Head ........................................................................................................... 15 3.2.4Neck and Throat ........................................................................................ 16 3.2.5Torso and Other Incapacitating Zones ............................................................ 16 3.2.6Arms and Legs ............................................................................................. 16 3.3Standard Offensive Equipment (Weapons) ......................................................... 17 3.3.1General Offensive Equipment Requirements ..................................................... 17 3.3.2Blade Points ................................................................................................. 17 3.3.3Steel Blades ................................................................................................. 18 3.3.4Fibreglass Blades .......................................................................................... 18 3.3.5Rubber Band Guns ........................................................................................ 19 3.4Standard Defensive Equipment ......................................................................... 20 3.4.1Definition of Standard Defensive Equipment..................................................... 20 3.4.2Rigid Parrying Devices ................................................................................... 20 3.4.3Non-Rigid Parrying Devices ............................................................................ 20 3.4.4Non Standard Equipment ............................................................................... 21 4.Authorisations .................................................................................................. 22 4.1General Requirements ..................................................................................... 22 4.2Combat Authorisations .................................................................................... 24 4.3Marshallate Authorisations ............................................................................... 27 5.Rapier Administration ........................................................................................ 29 5.1Rapier Marshallate Organisation ....................................................................... 29 5.1.1Kingdom Rapier Marshal ................................................................................ 29 5.1.2Deputy Kingdom Rapier Marshals for Cut and Thrust ......................................... 29 5.1.3Group Rapier Marshals .................................................................................. 30 5.1.4Rapier Marshals in Charge (RMIC) .................................................................. 30 5.1.5Rapier Marshals at Large ............................................................................... 31 5.2Rapier Events ................................................................................................. 32 5.2.1Equipment Inspection ................................................................................... 32 5.2.2Conduct of Combat ....................................................................................... 33 5.3Disciplinary Action .......................................................................................... 35 5.3.1Combatants ................................................................................................. 35 5.3.2Marshals ...................................................................................................... 36 5.3.3Appeals ....................................................................................................... 37 6.Appendices ...................................................................................................... 38 6.1Introduction ................................................................................................... 38 6.2The Rules of the List for the SCA. Inc, ............................................................... 38 6.3Society Blade Flexibility Test ............................................................................ 39 6.4Procedure for making changes to these rules ..................................................... 39 6.5Document History ........................................................................................... 40 Revision 3.5, 14 April 2017. The official version of this document is available at http://www.sca.org.au/rapier/. Any photocopies or print- outs, either full or partial, are not controlled. Page 2 of 43 1. Introduction 1.1 These rules set fundamental standards for rapier (including Cut and Thrust – formerly known as Sidesword) combat in Lochac. All combatants and marshals are responsible for knowing these rules, as well as the rapier rules of the Society. 1.2 Rules are designed to promote safe rapier combat in the Kingdom. However, no matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good judgment, and concern for the participants. If a question arises when applying these standards, choose the answer that promotes the greatest degree of safety for all participants. 1.3 The intention of these rules is to set up a framework under which combatants from across the Kingdom can be confident that when they travel to another group the rules under which rapier combat will operate will be clear and consistent. 1.4 This document is subject to change as clarifications are added, as mundane law develops or as situations arise. All participants are required to remain abreast of any changes so as to reduce potential confusion on the field. 1.5 Rapier combat is intended to re-create the rapier fighting styles of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is not an arena for modern "Olympic- style" fencing, although training in that area is useful for safety and skill development. Participants are encouraged to study the fencing manuals of the period, and to develop fighting styles based on their study. Revision 3.5, 14 April 2017. The official version of this document is available at http://www.sca.org.au/rapier/. Any photocopies or print- outs, either full or partial, are not controlled. Page 3 of 43 Canon 2.1 General Information 2.1.1 Rapier Combat shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the Lists for the SCA Inc (see Appendix 6.1), the Society Rapier rules and these rules. 2.1.2 All combatants, prior to every combat or practice, shall insure their equipment is safe, in good working order and has been inspected by a member of the Kingdom Marshallate authorised to inspect rapier gear. 2.1.3 At inter-kingdom events, for any given Kingdom's tourney, guest combatants shall meet SCA standards for protective gear, but shall comply with whatever weapons standards are being used by the host kingdom for that tourney. 2.1.4 The Crown's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with Rapier Combat is the Earl Marshal, then the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, then, by delegation, members of the Kingdom Rapier Marshallate. 2.1.5 For rapier combat to occur within Lochac a Rapier Marshal in Charge (RMIC) must be assigned and each bout must be supervised by an authorised rapier marshal. An authorised rapier marshal may marshal both Rapier and Cut and Thrust Rapier. 2.1.6 There are two categories of rapier combat in Lochac, each of which require separate authorisations. Unless specified otherwise, this document refers to both categories. These categories are: 2.1.6.1 Rapier (referred to as Heavy Rapier in the Society Rules); and 2.1.6.2 Cut and Thrust Rapier. 2.2 Behaviour on the field 2.2.1 All combatants shall obey the commands of the marshals overseeing the field, or be removed from