Crossroads in Time Event Policies and GuidelinesPremise:
Crossroads in Time is a gathering of individuals and groups for the purpose of enjoying pastimes, exchanging information, conducting mercantile activity, and executing portrayals of persons, practice, and things extant in the mainstream from the era from 1300AD to 1500AD in Europe—spanning the era from just before the Anglo-French Hundred Years’ War to just after the English Wars of the Roses.
Participation in this event is predicated on the requirement of pursuit and execution of a high fidelity portrayal of a typical person living at a certain time and place in Europe, wearing clothes, footgear, and displaying and using possessions appropriate to that time and place.
The event itself is meant to replicate an impromptu crossroads waystop, where nobles traveling between manor houses, soldiers marching to or from ports of departure, civilians en route to places of work or pilgrimage, minstrels and entertainers seeking to make a quick coin or two from the wayfarer, clerics traveling to and from debates and places of duty, and merchants enterprising on the business opportunities presented by this traffic all gather together for a moment before continuing on their way.
Kit Requirements:
General: These requirements apply to items visible to participants outside of enclosed tent structures in or visible from the medieval camp. In all cases the primary emphasis on kit is visual fidelity and evocation of a medieval model of design and appearance, to be followed by material and structural faithfulness to extant medieval artifacts and representations in iconography (illustrations, effigies, and other artwork made during the era portrayed). Direct replications of items portrayed in medieval art or surviving museum pieces is encouraged, as is combination of feasible design elements from the same era. Admixture of design elements from different eras and cultures or places in a single portrayal is discouraged.
Clothing: Clothing shall be fashioned of natural fibers and materials known to have been extant in Medieval Europe from 1300AD to 1500AD, including linen, hemp, wool, fustian (a linen-cotton blend), silk, leather, and fur (natural or synthetic adhering to natural coloration), and blends made from these materials (for example silk-fustian velvet). Clothing shall faithfully adhere to patterns, fashions, and modes of wear that were worn during the era of the person portrayed. Blue hospital scrubs shall not be worn by anyone at the event.
Footwear: Footwear shall adhere faithfully to the appearance and construction style of medieval footwear with allowances for safety and comfort (ie: gel insoles, orthopedic supports, or VibramTM soles and materials applied to soles for added traction). Shoes or footwear shall be without added or elevated heels.
Belts: Belts shall be made in such a way as to use a buckle with post, and adhere to thicknesses and sizes and lengths shown to be the fashion in the era portrayed. Belt mounts and tips shall adhere to design practices and elements seen in the era from 1300AD to 1500AD.
Furniture and Accessories: Tables, chests, boxes, stools, benches, chairs, and all other accessories, objects, or items to be displayed or used outside of a tent are to be made of natural materials and adhere faithfully to medieval models and design. Articles made in a collapsible or modular manner to facilitate breakdown and transport shall be constructed so that the article does not present a modern appearance.
Tentage and Structures: Structures shall be constructed of cloth canvas of cotton, linen, or hemp in shapes and sizes depicted in art and iconography from the period from 1300AD to 1500AD. Decorations and paintings shall be in accordance with medieval design motifs seen on depictions of tents and textile art of the era portrayed. Ropes shall be of natural materials (sisal, manila, hemp, or other natural rope fiber). Tensioning devices (“dogbones”) shall be of natural materials. Stakes shall be of steel, iron, or wood and not present a modern appearance or be driven completely into the ground so they are not visible.
Armor: Armor shall be constructed of steel (mild, spring, or stainless), leather, and natural-fiber fabric and worn by persons engaged in portrayals of military persons. Armor shall be worn as a coherent and complete head to toe expression of military dress in a specific era without admixture of armor components of different eras. Armor modifications or construction elements that do not adhere to medieval models or design principles known from examples of surviving armor are not acceptable. Mail may be of butted, welded, or riveted construction.
Weapons: Weapons shall be constructed in such a fashion as to replicate the appearance of medieval weaponry incorporating design elements appropriate to the era of the weapon. Weapons worn or displayed shall be consistent with the social status and role of the portrayal and the era of the portrayal.
Coherent Portrayals:
General: The portrayals listed below are guidelines for those unfamiliar with the general clothing styles and social roles available in the era from 1300AD to 1500AD in Europe. It cannot hope to be conclusive or complete, and the medievalist is encouraged to conduct research and inquiry that will reveal many gaps and additional information not included in this summary. Medieval society is roughly hewn into the three estates, and civilian and military roles within the estates, with guidelines on minimum kit and additional elements that can be added to portray better equipped or more wealthy examples of the portrayal.
Third Estate: The Third Estate was made up of those who work. At the beginning of the era from 1300AD to 1500AD this class was considerably less wealthy than near the end, when the need for laborers, soldiers and specialists and the movement of wealth precipitated by the dual catastrophes of plague and war improved the lot of those who survived. The Third Estate is non-noble, comprising approximately ninety percent of the population in medieval Europe.
Civilian: Any of a broad range of semi-professional or professional persons engaged in occupations from shepherd to teamster to herbalist, either in their professional capacity or as private persons. Emphasis is on “soft kit,” (ie: clothing), tools and accessories used in the execution of the trade proper to the portrayal. Persons engaged in civilian professional portrayals should endeavor to obtain and become skilled at the tools that the portrayed person would have used.
Male, Rustic. Persons of this type would be laborers or craftsmen of the ruder occupations, or perhaps those whose occupations would be the most dirty and labor intensive.
1300-1350 1 set of braies, 1 pair of chausses, Long supertunic or Bocksten-style tunic, coif (weathered-looking), rope belt, leather shoes, whittle tang knife, thong garters, horn or wooden spoon, wooden bowl, wood or crockery cup.
1350-1400: As above, with hood and shorter supertunic.
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Male, Professional. Persons of this type would be skilled persons of some professional value, perhaps scriveners, or carpenters, or doctors of law, or herbalists, or other professional men of some kind.
1300-1350: 1 set of braies, 1 pair of chausses, long supertunic, white coif or hood (preferred), leather belt with buckle, leather shoes, knife (whittle or scale tang), garters with buckles, pewter or iron spoon, crockery bowl, crockery or pewter cup.
1350-1400: 1 set of braies, 1 pair of chausses or split hosen, Cote-hardie style tunic or Herjolfnes-style gown, white coif or hood (preferred), leather belt with buckle, leather shoes, knife (whittle or scale tang), garters with buckles, pewter or iron spoon, crockery bowl, crockery or pewter cup.
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Female, Rustic. Persons of this type would be engaged in basic kinds of labor, perhaps kitchen help, washer-women, firewood fetchers, seamstresses, or even “camp followers.”
1300-1350:
1350-1400: Kirtle or cotte, chemise, 1 pair hose, thong garters, leather shoes, whittle tang knife, rope belt, apron, head wrap, horn or wooden spoon, wooden bowl, wood or crockery cup.
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Female, Professional. Persons of this kind might be ladies-in waiting to the lady of a member of the third estate, or a skilled professional of some kind.
1300-1350:
1350-1400: Kirtle or cotte, chemise, 1 pair hose, leather shoes, garters with buckles, leather belt with buckle, cloth purse, knife (whittle or scale tang), wimple or veil set, pewter or iron spoon, crockery bowl, crockery or pewter cup.
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Military: Soldiers of the third estate were men who owed obligations for military service either because of the value of their possessions and income, or because they entered into contractual agreements with Captains of companies. Emphasis is on “hard kit,” (armor) and the implements of war—weapons. Ranging from barely equipped levies and retainers of petty lords or gangs of freebooters to well off Captains of companies, military persons were a frequent fact of life in the era from 1300AD to 1500AD.
Archer or Arbalester: A military professional employed in the use of a bow or crossbow. Emphasis is on kit specific to iconographic and written evidence of equipment utilized by military persons employed as archers or arbalesters. All portrayals of archers or arbalesters will be male, regardless of the gender of the person executing the portrayal.
1300-1350: Leather shoes, 1 pair chausses, 1 set braies, mid-length thigh tunic or Bocksten-style tunic, coif, leather belt with buckle, thong garters, kidney-shaped pouch, baselard, or ballock dagger, bowstave or arbalest with string, arrow or bolt bag, six accurately made arrows or bolts, horn or wooden spoon, wooden bowl, wood or crockery cup.
1350-1400: Leather shoes, 1 pair chausses, 1 set braies, Bocksten-style tunic, coif, leather belt with buckle, thong garters, kidney-shaped pouch, baselard, rondel, or ballock dagger, bowstave or arbalest with string, arrow or bolt bag, six accurately made arrows or bolts, horn or wooden spoon, wooden bowl, wood or crockery cup. Kit may include armor, to include padded jakk and steel cap (most common), to full plate harness and bascinet (least common). Kit must include bowstave (of yew, elm, or ash) or crossbow (of proper design and appearance), plus ammunition, wear of military weapons other than a falchion, broadsword, or dagger (ballock most common) discouraged.
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Additional kit might include: More arrows or bolts, up to a “sheaf” of 24, falchion or archer’s sword, archer’s buckler, steel cap, padded “jakk,” mail haubergeon, cloth scrip, leather or pottery water flask, linen sack for stuffing with straw (for bedding), a canvas lean-to tarp, etc. Armor could include up to full harness appropriate to the era.
Man at Arms: A military professional employed in the same capacity as a fully armored esquire or knight, but paid half as much as an esquire. Emphasis is on kit specific to iconographic and written evidence of equipment utilized by military persons employed as men at arms. Kit must include transitional plate or full plate harness and bascinet, with emphasis on less complete forms (for example frontal greaves only) and munitions-grade articles. Portrayal must include some of the full range of military weapons in use during the era from 1300AD to 1500AD to include the sword, the sword of war, the dagger (rondel most common), the mace, the poll axe, and the bec de corbin.
1300-1350: Leather shoes, 1 pair chausses, 1 pair braies, 1 Bocksten-style tunic, hood, leather belt with buckle, garters with buckle, arming cote, mail leg harness with steel knee protection or steel leg harness with front-only greave, mail hauberk or haubergeon, coat of plates, steel arm harness, steel cap with coif, sword, spear, rondel dagger, kidney-shaped or bag pouch, pewter or iron spoon, crockery bowl, crockery or pewter cup.
1350-1400:
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Additional kit might include: Pouch with knucklebones and coin replicas, cloth scrip, leather or pottery water flask, linen sack for stuffing with straw (for bedding), a canvas lean-to tarp, additional sets of clothing, etc.
Second Estate: The Second Estate was made up of those who fought, or so the saying goes. A case could be made that they did a fair amount of loafing, hunting, carousing, and leeching off the sweat of the toiling of others. However, the historical record shows that they were also intensely involved in matters of public administration and government—inquests, trials, and the dispensing of justice. Due to patterns of subinfeudination and socioeconomic turmoil resulting from fiscal problems related to war, the gentry class expanded significantly as larger holdings were divided. Generally speaking, it is impractical for all but the most experienced and dedicated to portray persons of this class, however due to the attraction of portraying noble persons among medievalists, guidelines for portraying poorer gentry-class persons, the so-called esquire, is provided. The second estate comprised--perhaps at most--five percent of the population of medieval Europe during from 1300AD to 1500AD.
Civilian: A member of the nobility in everyday finery, generally in traveling clothes.
Esquire: A man of the gentry, typically the holder of a small estate and a man of local repute and means. Emphasis is on soft kit depicted in various iconographic sources to include paintings, illustrations, and depictions of effigies, with additional emphasis on extra-personal kit which would have been brought along for use by a retinue. The portrayal may include military weapons. Portrayal should include evidence of conspicuous consumption, to include high grade material in clothing and jewelry of gold, precious metals, and precious and semi-precious stones.
Minimum kit would include: Complete head-to-toe soft kit with multiple spares, tent (at least 10’x 10’ or 10’ round), various pieces of furniture, pewter and/or crockery dining set, pewter or iron eating utensils, bedding, lanterns.
1300-1350:
1350-1400:
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Additional kit might include: Tents for retinue, jewelry, gaming equipment, replica coins, additional items of clothing and equipment for use by retinue.
Lady: A woman of the gentry, either the wife of an esquire, or a lady of independent means. Emphasis is on soft kit depicted in various iconographic sources to include paintings, illustrations, and depictions of effigies, with additional emphasis on extra-personal kit which would have been brought along for use by a retinue. Portrayal will include no armor, and no military weapons. Portrayal may include heraldic identification common to ladies of the gentry, if desired. Portrayal should include evidence of conspicuous consumption (gold, precious metals, precious and semi-precious stones).
Minimum kit would include: Complete head-to-toe soft kit appropriate to the portrayed era with multiple spares, tent (at least 10’x 10’ or 10’ round), various pieces of furniture, pewter and/or crockery dining set, pewter or iron eating utensils, bedding, lanterns.
Additional kit might include: Tents for retinue, jewelry, gaming equipment, replica coins, additional items of clothing and equipment for use by retinue.
1300-1350:
1350-1400:
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
Military:
Esquire: The lowest rank of “men of cote armour.” Employed in the same manner as knights, but paid half as much. Emphasis is on kit specific to iconographic and written evidence of equipment used by military persons employed as esquires, with additional emphasis on extra-personal kit that is likely to have been brought along to support a retinue. Kit must include transitional plate or full plate and mail armor, with at least some items of quality and increased decoration. Portrayal must include some of the full range of military weapons in use during the era from 1300AD to 1500AD to include the sword, the sword of war, the dagger (rondel most common), the mace, the poll axe, and the bec de corbin. Portrayals may also include the incorporation of heraldic identification common to men of the esquire class during the era portrayed. Portrayal should include evidence of conspicuous consumption (gold, precious metals, precious and semi-precious stones). All portrayals of military esquires will be male, regardless of the gender of the person executing the portrayal.
Minimum kit would include: Complete head-to-toe soft kit with multiple spares, complete transitional or full plate and mail harness with gauntlets and visor, various weapons, tent (at least 10’ x 10’ or 10’ round), various pieces of furniture, pewter and or crockery dining set, pewter or iron eating utensils, bedding, lanterns.
Additional kit might include: Tents for retinue, jewelry, gaming equipment, replica coins, additional items of clothing and equipment for use by retinue. Horses are almost guaranteed, though due to issues of transport and care their absence is permissible.
1300-1350:
1350-1400:
1400-1450:
1450-1500:
First Estate: The First Estate was the clergy—those who prayed. Ranging from humble parish priests and lay members of local churches to members of religious orders to warrior priests and wealthy second sons of nobles occupying influential Abbotships and Bishoprics, the religious sentiment of the middle ages held them to be a class of their own. The portrayal of a member of the first estate would be of a person of professional or lay religious occupation, male or female. Emphasis is on soft kit specific to the various clerical orders extant from 1300AD to 1500AD. Kit will be determined by selection of clerical rank, position, and order.
Civilian: “Civilian” portrayals of clerics would be parish priests, deacons, acolytes, monks of various orders, mendicants, and other clerical persons in their traveling clothes or vestments.
Military: “Military” portrayals of members of the first estate would be of members of religious military orders, such as the Knights of Saint John, the Teutonic Order, or the Knights Templar.
Prohibitions:
General: These prohibitions are put into place to preserve a pre-modern aesthetic for all participants and also to minimize ecological impact and provide a safe and sanitary environment. These prohibitions are not inclusive and are designed to provide guidelines and clarification in cases where prohibited acts might be unclear. In no case is an act or practice that disturbs the enjoyment of other participants or the pre-modern aesthetic of the event to be construed to be permitted, even if not expressly prohibited here. Prohibitions marked with an asterisk are permitted within personal tent structures.
1. Use of tobacco products is prohibited in the medieval camp.*
2. Wear of modern glasses by those persons not legally blind without optical correction is prohibited in the medieval camp.*
3. Use and/or outside wear of cellular telephones or electronic communications devices is prohibited in the medieval camp.*
4. Disposal of human or other waste outside of those facilities provided is prohibited.
5. Parking of vehicles or erection of modern tent structures within sight of the medieval camp is prohibited.
6. Use of modern light giving or generating devices that project light outside of any tent is prohibited in the medieval camp.
7. Use of modern devices such as a radio, CD player, MP3 player, or other mechanical or electronic device that produces sound audible outside of a tent is prohibited in the medieval camp.
8. Cutting of existing vegetation for firewood or other purpose is prohibited. Also prohibited is the use of explosive or artillery means of rendering existing vegetation into combustible fuel for fires.
9. Set-up or breakdown of camps is not permitted outside the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
General: The below narratives address a variety of questions that may arise.
What is this thing all about anyway?
Crossroads in Time is about applied medievalism and immersion.
This event was conceived during the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Faire in 2005, when the members of the newly-formed living history group Compaignye du Chalis realized that their efforts did not have a suitable outlet or venue. It was decided to consider alternatives to the events that the group had attended in the past.
Shortly after, it was concluded that no suitable venue or event existed in the Western United States for medieval living history, or that existing venues were too distant from Las Vegas, Nevada, the group’s base. Because of this, it was decided that it would be necessary to host an event.
Understanding that there were very few groups in the Western United States with an avowed goal to pursue high fidelity presentation of 14th century civilian and military persons, objects, and activities, the Compaignye du Chalis decided that an event designed to provide a focus for the efforts of groups and individuals interested in pursuing high fidelity portrayals would be enjoyable and could have the effect of encouraging isolated medievalists in their pursuit of living history.
Because of these goals and intents, one could best describe Crossroads in Time as a living history seminar and festival. It is a professional or vocational event that combines self and group education with recreation.
Can you explain to me what living history is?
Living history refers to a method of education or recreation that involves immersion in historical context. The goal of living history is to increase understanding of a place, practice, culture, or time (in this case the late middle ages) by surrounding the participants in sensory inputs replicating appropriate elements of time, place, practice, and culture. It is also considered important to mitigate or remove distracting elements or objects not appropriate to the time, place, practice, or culture being experienced.
In the United States, several groups are pursuing living history in the era from 1300 to 1500. These links can provide some useful information about living history and applied medievalism in general:
http://www.labelle.org/
http://www.redshield-1391.org/
http://www.wolfeargent.com/
http://www.theredcompany-1471.org/ (status indeterminate, site still up)
http://www.mron.org
http://www.camlann.org
Where and when will this event be held?
Site selection and market research to determine a suitable location is being conducted. The exact site location will be announced at least six months ahead of time so interested parties can make arrangements for participation.
The event will be held on dates between April 15 and July 15 2007. Research of weather conditions at prospective sites on particular dates, the effect of holidays on participation, and prospective participant demographics is being conducted. The precise dates of the event will be announced as soon as the site and all other arrangements are secured.
I would like to attend this event, but it is too distant to drive. What options do I have if I want to participate?
The event will be held within some proximity to a major air travel hub. The best course of action in such a case is to make lodging arrangements at the site with another group or individual who has a tent (either replica or modern), or to make lodging arrangements off site at a hotel and then travel daily to the event via rented conveyance.
This event is too long for me to attend the whole thing. How will you address day-visits and people who want to participate for only part of the event?
Persons who wish to attend the event, for however long, must pay the full site fee. This is fair to those who are attending the entire event, and makes for simple accounting.
It is not required that participants remain at the site for the entire time; for example a person or group could arrive on the fourth day of the event and leave on the seventh day, if they wish.
I don’t have a replica tent. How do I participate?
There will be a place set aside for the erection and use of modern camping equipment. This site will be out of visual contact of the medieval camp and event proper, but it will be within walking distance.
I don’t have replica clothes or kit. How do I obtain them? How do I know what is appropriate to my portrayal?
Many people, even those who have been involved in re-enactment or applied medievalism, lack a kit appropriate for use in high fidelity re-enactment, so don’t feel alone or discouraged. There is ample time to consider your desired portrayal and obtain suitable kit to execute that portrayal.
There are a number of sellers of living history or re-enactment goods appropriate for use at this event. Inquiries on various internet bulletin boards such as Firestryker (http://www.wolfeargent.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi ), the Armour Archive ( www.armourarchive.org ), Sword Forum International ( http://www.swordforum.com/ ) and others will yield a wealth of information. In addition, two United States vendors of medieval clothing and wares are especially helpful: Historic Enterprises (http://www.historicenterprises.com/ ) and Revival Clothing (http://www.revivalclothing.com/ ).
You use the terms “high fidelity,” “coherent” and “medieval models” a lot. What does that mean?
“Consistency” and “Coherency” refer to the appropriateness of items to be used alongside one another because of their use in the same era in history. The overall goal is that a portrayal shall be recognizable as representative of a particular era. As an example, a man at arms kit with mail for leg protection (used in the early 14th century) and an armet (used in the later 15th century) for a helmet is not consistent or coherent. However, if a steel cap and coif, or a bascinet were used, then the items would present a coherent portrayal.
The term “medieval models” refers to the use of medieval design elements in an article. Again, the overall goal is that the item should be instantly recognizable as a replica of a medieval object represented either in a surviving artifact or in a painting, drawing, statue, or other artistic representation. As an example, a wooden bench made in the style shown in a painting from the year 1386 without visible modern hardware adheres to the medieval model. A wooden bench made in the art deco style with visible screws does not.
“High fidelity” refers to the successful application of intent to copy a medieval object. A coat cut to the right length and shape, made of materials extant in the era from 1300AD to 1500AD and appropriate to the portrayal, without visible machine stitching and with buttons replicating finds from the river Thames is an example of high fidelity. The same coat made with synthetic materials, visible machine stitching, and plastic buttons of medieval design is not an example of high fidelity.
How about pets?
Because of the length of this event, pets are permitted, provided that they have all shots required by the laws of the locality that the event is held in, and that they are controlled according to the laws of the state and county that the event is held in. These documents and procedures will be reviewed upon arrival.
Leashes and accessories for pets will be held to the same requirements as human kit, as regards visual faithfulness to medieval design aesthetic.
Pets present both the opportunity for joy and the opportunity for trouble. The owners of pets will be liable for the behavior of their animals, and an unruly or bothersome pet and its owner will be ejected from the site without refund or recourse. If you are unfamiliar with the personality of your pet in field conditions, are concerned with the health of your pet due to ticks or other hazards found in the out of doors, or if your pet does not get along well in busy, unfamiliar settings or in the presence of unfamiliar people and horses, or makes calls or barks uncontrollably, it is recommended that you enlist a friend who can look after your pet at home or obtain suitable kennel or boarding arrangements.
How are you addressing sanitation and hygiene?
Because of the nature of the event, and because those arranging for the event are doing so not out of a desire for profit but because they desire to enjoy the event, only basic services are provided.
Chemical latrines in sufficient quantity to service the participants, located in a place convenient for their use without negatively impacting the aesthetic of the event will be available. Dumpsters for the disposal of trash will be available, as will sturdy garbage bags. Potable water will be provided by means of a water truck or trailer.
However, each participating group and individual is responsible for movement of trash to the dumpster, transport of water from the water point, and bringing means to secure their own personal hygiene such as a camp shower (to be used inside a tent).
The event will be held in a location close enough to a town or city that participants may choose to take a trip into town and have a shower or bath at their expense, or to satisfy other needs of hygiene which are difficult to address at a primitive site.
Will there be combat or fighting? What about archery or other martial activities?
The emphasis of the event is not on combat, at least no more than it is on any other aspect of medieval life. Persons bringing authentic or replica archery equipment will have an area provided for its use. Western Martial Arts instruction is welcome. There will be no “tacticals” or group martial re-enactment at this event, but discussion of this for future gatherings is welcome.
In all cases, the requirement for all kit to adhere faithfully to medieval models of design and material composition as given in Kit Requirements, above, applies.
Individuals interested in engaging in free-play chivalric combats may do so, provided the guidelines for combat as stated below are followed:
A. Formal Combats (Deeds of Arms) were done between two or more men at arms of the gentry class or up; "Men of Cote." What is this? Two well armored men at arms with personal heraldry depicting at least the esquire class.
B. Deeds of Arms were at least semi-formal affairs with some kind of pre-arrangement, even if it is so little as to say "I think you look at me too directly, meet me upon the field in an hour to satisfy honor." With a smile, of course, in this case, because it is merely a pretense.
C. Men of Cote must wear full harness to Deeds of Arms. The armor must be actual armor. There isn't much need to go further, especially among those who understand living history or high fidelity re-enactment. I could define material specifications all day long and someone would find a backdoor--as I will here demonstrate by attempting to provide a road that those who get it will follow to its logical conclusion:
i. All harness worn must provide full body, head, and limb coverage to include shins and hands appropriate to the era of harness depicted and replicate or approximate a harness depicted in iconography (brasses, illustrations, effigies, statuary, or other art). Persons bringing out of the ordinary harness should bring a printed copy of the iconography justifying it for the education of all present. Especial attention shall be paid to joint, neck and throat head, and spine protection.
ii. Steel plate (stainless, mild, or spring), steel mail (stainless, mild, or spring--butted or riveted is equally acceptable), splinted leather defenses, textile armors (cotton, fustian, linen, hemp, or silk), brass, bronze, soft or hardened leather are acceptable materials.
iii. The addition of modern or ahistorical protective gear beneath layers of accurately depicted foundation garments or completely hidden by harness is optional at the wearer's discretion (for example a body bracelet for protection of the kidneys and lower vertebrae).
iv. The absence of complete harness hidden by textile shells is not permitted; simulation of complete harness achieved by use of a textile shell or covering garment is not permitted. Use of purely ahistorical torso armor covered by textile shells is not permitted.
v. Modifications of medieval harness made to suit SCA combat conventions is unauthorized: no bargrills, no basket hilts, no shield baskets.
vi. Armor construction techniques which are standard modern practice are acceptable: welded helmet construction, welded cop and poleyn construction, machine riveted mail, machine sewing, are acceptable.
vii. No aluminum, plastic, or titanium shields. No plastic, rubber, or other modern shield edging. Plywood shields are acceptable provided the nature of the material is concealed by leather, cloth, or paint.
viii. Footwear of modern appearance is prohibited. Welt soles are permissible, provided the footwear presents the approximation of medieval footwear existing from 1300AD to 1500AD
D. Blow calling and calibration are un-necessary. Combatants either yield or are stopped from further combat by the King of Arms.
E. Acted out wounds is prohibited and universally considered by medievalists to be ahistorical practice.
F. Falling down will be either due to actual distress or accident, not to simulate "death" or "stunning."
G. Steel weapons will be rebated steel weapons with edges of at least 1mm, and a tip not smaller than a U.S. nickel in size, clean and without burs, made by a manufacturer acceptable to both combatants. Men at arms desiring to do combat with rebated steel weapons are responsible for determining the acceptability of their desired weapon in coordination with their opponent.
H. Wooden weapons will be either wood or rattan bastons made in the fashion suggested by King Rene, covered with thin unhardened leather, to simulate either a mace or a sword. The length of such bastons shall not exceed thirty-six inches in total in any case.
I. Combatants shall before each contest agree upon what shall be permitted, and not deviate from those permissions given.
This all sounds dangerous. Is this safe?
Not completely.
Participation in an event of this nature involves a fair amount of field craft, possibilities of encounters with animal and insect pests, bad weather, driving long distances, people unfamiliar with each other, wearing weapons, participating in WMA instruction and free-play combats, and employing siege engines some distance from a town. All participants will sign a waiver explaining that they understand the risks involved and hold the permit holders non-liable for any injuries caused by participation.
This sounds excellent! But I’ll be seventeen at the time of the event. Can I participate?
If your legal guardians attend and participate, yes. If not, use this year to develop your kit, and we’ll be glad to see you next time!
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
posted 10-21-2005 03:13 AM
posted 11-03-2005 11:59 PM
