SCA target archery is not too different from target practice really, however I wanted to see if any of you have personal stories about being, or encountering combat archers on the field of battle. Were they effective? How did you fight combat archers? If you are one share your knowledge, and if your good at beating them please do the same.
Thank you,
RackThor
Sorry RackThor, I meant to answer your question but then … Squirrel! … Where was I? Ah yes, SCA archery.
SCA target archery is a separate competitive sport very similar to regular target archery, except you’re in period clothing and using the most period bow that you can make or afford. You shoot at butts or bales and are scored accordingly. Sometimes Kingdoms run a yearlong championship at several different events and the total points winner is crowned archery champion.
SCA combat archery is a whole other animal. You are required wear full armour and are considered fair game on the field of combat. The arrows are very large in diameter and the safety tips are heavy. Combine this with gauntlets and your accuracy leaves something to be desired.
The best way I can describe SCA combat archery is like having a 20’ spear. You can reach out and touch others who can’t reach you in return (Knights hate this fact). Working in pairs with another archer has worked well for me. It’s hard for your targets to focus on two archers 10’ apart. When the lead archer fires, the second archer usually finds a nice gap to hit as someone invariably raises a shield or tries to protect their buddy. Beware of flanking maneuvers as a unit that catches an undefended archer in the backfield will grind you into the ground for the suffering you’ve caused.
