SCA Combat Archers

[RackThor]

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

[Lord Dane]

Possible strategies against stationary combat archers in groups or line formation on open field:
Phalanx formation or Roman pseudo for line infantry with body-size shields; or
A rapid frontal charge with good dispersal to minimize losses & overwhelm them; or
A flanking charge with cavalry in conjunction or in the lead.

[Thorsteinn]

I was a SCA Combat Archer back in the early '90's.

Were they effective?

Could be, especially if you were fighting back when bird blunts & chemical stoppers where used. They were good at either firing into mass formations or for taking out select targets. After they went to APD's & Baldar blunts they became a bit of a joke.

How did you fight combat archers?

Used to be all you had to do was get within 5 yards of 'em and call em dead. So if some archers were causing you pain just send out some plate armoured boys (plate being proof) and kill 'em. Now if you have a lot of 'em you just go after them with your shield or glaive and chase them down. At Antir/West War in '93 or '94 I was able to show that Antir archers couldn't hit a dancing man at 30 paces. I was that man.

Siege weapons, Javelin's, and good throwing axes can be much more efficient.

I can honestly say that CA has changed quite a bit in the past 20 years. Way more than Heavy or Rapier.

Do you have any other questions? I have more stories than that if you would like to hear them.

[RackThor]

I know some pals in the SCA that I am around that do very well as a SCA archer however I considered trying my hand at it, but only if it is still effective, however I did notice the armor in your photo Thorsteinn. Did you make it yourself?

[Sir Nate]

Dont you need to have done HEMA Or something along those lines to join or particapate in s.c.a.?

[Ian]

Dont you need to have done HEMA Or something along those lines to join or particapate in s.c.a.?

No, SCA combat is its own sport, and requires no prior experience.

[Sir Rodney]

Dont you need to have done HEMA Or something along those lines to join or particapate in s.c.a.?

No, SCA combat is its own sport, and requires no prior experience.

Sir Ian is very correct; you don’t need any prior experience to join the SCA.  Simply find your local chapter via the interweb and show up at the next fighter’s practice.  They may have some loaner gear to get you going.

The SCA can be a funny place.  Some take it to near living history standards, some take it too close to Middle Earth, some are too serious, and some don’t take it seriously enough.  Find your happy place and branch out from there.   

[Thorsteinn]

I know some pals in the SCA that I am around that do very well as a SCA archer however I considered trying my hand at it, but only if it is still effective, however I did notice the armor in your photo Thorsteinn. Did you make it yourself?

Give it a go! YMMV and you could have a blast. I started back when CA was the realm of the light fighter. My first war as a combatant was West/An-Tir 1993 in Yreka, CA. Got to man the Ballista & had a blast.

Not a single piece of armor I wear hasn't passed through my hands to be made or modded. I made my lamellar, gambeson, & coif.

A pic of me all prettied up at a demo in Reno is attached, and one at the 2013 Silver Desert Champinship held in Fallon, NV where I'm less pretty.

[Sir Nate]

Well, I think Ill do good.
I have 2 years of sport fencing exeperience.
Sparred with my brothers(free style) up till I was about 12.
Ya, lol. Thought I needed more combat experience to join Sca
Wow, This is Good News! im gonna Join As soon As I have the Right Gear.
So far I have one thing that is(from reading requirements) sca worthy.
This Is Fantastic News!
give me a few years Ill be on the fields of Pennsic in No time.
Huzzah!

[Ian]

Wow, This is Good News! im gonna Join As soon As I have the Right Gear.

You can go to a fighter practice without having any gear.  In fact it's probably best you do to make sure you like it before you spend a ton on gear.  And if you do like it, you'll have a better idea of what type of gear works best for you.  Buying gear before playing is not advised.

[Sir Nate]

Makes sense. will Do.
Heh. Im not much of an Archer, But are there rules against German Gothic Archers! With Blades on there Bows!
That would be scary

[Thorsteinn]

We all start in loaner armour. It's what makes us know why custom stuff is so keen.

BTW If you buy nothing else (and make the rest), then buy your helm. If you want to do SCA/HEMA/WMA I know some folks that'll make you an LH helm that will pass all three inc HMB/BOTN if you like.

[Ian]

You can buy my SCA helm! ;-)

http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=168864

[Thorsteinn]

You can buy my SCA helm! ;-)

http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=168864

Windrose is keen stuff. So is Aesir.

Mine was made by the guy at Aesir when he was at Windrose. 

[Sir Edward]

You can buy my SCA helm! ;-)

http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=168864

+1 for Windrose.