[Ansteorra-rapier] Proposed revision to rapier rules

[Pug Bainter]

Good Morning,

 

  As some folks know, we are working on reducing the Kingdom Rapier rules
down to match the other marshal areas by simply being statements of where we
differ from Society. This greatly reduces the complexity while improving the
clarify of our rules. It also allows for less churn when Society makes
changes.

 

  When discussing this recently with the Don Iago (KRM), Sir John (KEM),
Duke Ulsted (KSen) and Their August Majesties, I made a proposal which
generated a concern there may be some pushback based on earlier discussions.
Because of this concern, I asked permission to socialize this item with the
community to see if the concerns are still warranted.

 

  First, and foremost, we are a historical recreation group. This means we
need to be able to remember our history from time to time. Because of that,
the wording on this was very specific.

 

  It has come to pass that the evolution of our fencing blades has been
successful and the fading out of light rapier blades has succeeded. As part
of our rules simplification, there is one item I would like to propose
because it is in reality but not in law.

 


Ansteorra convention: Except under the Youth Rapier Program, Light Rapier is
to be eliminated within the borders of Ansteorra effective March 17th, 2013.
After that date, Light Rapier blades can only be used with variances
obtained in writing from the Kingdom Rapier Marshal at least 30 days in
advance such as for historical SCA theme events. Ansteorra’s Rapier
authorizations permit use of Light Rapier blades at out of Kingdom events
where allowed.

 

  In order to make sure we don’t cause any knee jerk reactions, the date
suggested here is to ensure that it will be published in the BlackStar and
socialized at Gulf Wars with our rapier community before going into effect.

 

  When first thinking through the elimination of light rapier blades (foils
& epees), it concerned me a great bit because of Bryn Gwlad just recently
having an anniversary event where some of the older equipment was not only
displayed for viewing, but also used in a tournament. The wording was
selected to allow for that in case others were interested in these types of
nostalgic events as well.

 

  Going back to us being a historical recreation group, the styles of weapon
we call a foil and epee today were created in the late 17th to 19th century
replacing the blades that we are commonly using within our heavy rapier
program. So while we may be taking a step back from our origins as an
organization, we are taking a step forward by disallowing historically
inaccurate weapons.

 


  There are some other arguments that could be used to counter this that
have shown invalid in many other areas of the Society and shouldn’t hold
this up either. The ones I’ve heard voiced are why eliminate a safe weapon
and allowing visitors to our kingdom to participate.

 

  While the original Markland arrows (padded wood disk w/ wood shaft) were
developed in Ansteorra for use in combat archery and were perfectly safe,
Ansteorra allowed them to fade out and then eliminated them because of
better options being available such as the modern Markland arrows (padded
UHMW w/ fiberglass shaft). I would be surprised if this was the only example
throughout our history that has been eliminated for non-safety reasons.

 

  With regards for the need to be accommodating to visitors who only fight
light rapier. I may be being naïve, but it is my opinion that this is a red
herring as the likelihood in this day and age that someone would need this
is statistically insignificant given that several kingdoms and the major
wars have already gone to heavy rapier blades only. This means that anyone
likely to be traveling and attending an SCA function is going to have heavy
rapier gear already.

 

  On a safety note, as our community is aging and given the extremely rare
use of light rapier blades, I would be concerned with marshals from the
newer generations being able to properly inspect them for safe versus unsafe
kinks, curves and pits. I know that I’ve been a combatant and marshal for
quite a few years and wouldn’t have a clue of what to look for since I’ve
never seen one on the adult field in my time fighting. This could be an
argument for elimination under the Youth Rapier program as well, but I am
(maybe mistakenly) assuming that this extremely small community of marshals
is being properly trained.

 

  Btw, I started this discussion only on this list at this time in case
there is a huge explosion that I can’t foresee. Depending on the feedback, I
plan on cross-posting to “The Legion of Swashbucklers” Facebook page as well
in order to get a breadth of feedback.

 

In service,

Baron Phelim Gervase called Pug, OP, OL, etc

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