Combat of the Thirty

[grailchaser]

For the last week or so, my fellow conspirator Miles de Colwell and I have been busy putting together an event that's been sorely missed at Rowany Festival

Comments

[col_ki]

I see that the rules have changed to effectively make mail and plate proof against all blows, except for someone hitting you in the helmet three times.

Is this to deliberately encourage sword-and-shield? (as two handed weapons no longer have an explicit rules advantage?)

What are the consequences of being hit in a non-vital, non-armoured spot? (like say, the middle of the back? or a forearm?)

[grailchaser]

In fact, shields are restricted from this Deed of Arms. According to a number of sources, they didn't fight with shields in the Combat of the Thirty - and neither shall we. Although some illustrations show them bearing shields (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Combat_des_Trente.jpg), the only vaguely contemporary illustration that I've seen of the Combat of the Thirty confirms that they bore no shields (http://chrsouchon.free.fr/tregontf.htm... )

[kegzilla]

I think whoever came up with the no shields idea might want to read this period account. Notably the following line;

"Then Beaumanoir he sware by Christ, who on the tree was tied,
Ere that should be, full many a shield and hawberk should be tried!"

From: http://www.nipissingu.ca/department/history/muhlberger/chroniqu/texts/AINSWORT.HTM

Also, wouldnt something like a spear or two handed axe (a common knightly weapon) naturally confer some sort of advantage over something like a mace?

My nitpicking aside, I am very jealous of all who are entering and look forward to fighting in the C30 when I have armour and go to festival. (In fact, the C30 is the only real reason I want to go) :P

[col_ki]

There are quite a few mentions of shields:

"Their shields they dressed, their swords they gat, then to the fray did hie"

"Great smiting is there of their swords, great splintering of spears,
And their broad shields in cantels fly, while blood their harness smears. "

"And then began a strife so dread, that one incessant clang
Of weighty blows on helm and shield for o’er the wide moor rang."

But then again, this is a translation of a *poem*, so there may be some licence taken.

[col_ki]

Sir Andre,

I have come to the relisation that I will not be able to assemble a suitable harness to participate in the Combat of the 30.

Can I be your herald?

[grailchaser]

Ah! What a shame you can't join us on the field.

I would be honoured if you would be my herald, Columb.

- Andre