[Ansteorra-archery] Combat Archery in Bonwicke

[Ld. Cian Rhys Gravenor]

Greetings Francois,

I'm really glad to hear that more and more people are getting interested in the most period aspect of what we do in combat in the SCA. You could recruit equip fighters with a bow or crossbow and that's not a bad idea. When they run out of ammunition they can still pick up a sword and board or spear and continue to fight. It would also be a good idea to have dedicated archers who are experienced shooters. The kill/death ratio is much in favor of the archer. 

Myself, I prefer crossbow but there are advantages to both it and the bow as well. The chief advantage is cost. You might be able to find a cheap 30lb bow for low cost but the ammo is more expensive. And might be more difficult to get the kill if you find yourself in a crush. You can make a decent crossbow for around $80 and the ammo is cheaper because the bolt shafts are half the length of arrows. I recommend fathead blunts over the marshmallows of doom, btw. 

Practicing with a shield man is a must. Another good thing to have is someone with spear hook that can grab a shield and create an opening for the archer.  

If you have more questions, ask away.  Good luck and have fun. 

HL Cian
The kingdom of Ansteorra. 


Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 20, 2012, at 1:25 PM, "Frank Schalles" <francisschalles at gmail.com> wrote:

> Archers!
> 
> Yes, the natives are getting rowdy out here in the West. In an effort to prepare for a revolt we
> Bonwickian Archers are wondering what training - expertise there might be in the kingdom to assist us in
> preparation for combat archery. Could it be a simple as getting heavy fighters to learn archery and the rules?
> 
> See, I got your attention. I know it's not that easy. But we want to learn and hopefully participate in the 
> Gulf Wars if not 2013, then 2014. Should we lean to crossbows vs. bows? We need training in Shield/Archer
> Teams and tactics. Anyone wish to share?
> 
> Francois de Lions
> 
> -- 
> Change is a function of the Universe, embrace it.
> 
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