SCA Combat Archers

[Sir Nate]

I have my fencing mask:)

[Sir Nate]

gonna have to pass on that helm Ian, sorry. For now its out of budget.

As far as wearing mail Armor goes, What are the requirements?

[Thorsteinn]

For the SCA? What Kingdom do you live in? And what do you mean by wearing of mail?

[Sir Nate]

Let me Find out.

[Sir Nate]

Apparently in the Philly area(I googled), theres a branch called the barony of bhakail. The southernmost barony in the Eastern Kingdom.

Sorry was talking about other areas other than helm.
Different kingdoms and Battles have different Requirements in armor dont they?
If I got a good gambeson(I have a cruddy one) and Riveted mail could I participate in events? Or would I need more protection?
(I know requirements for plate armor, And helms)

[Don Jorge]

Nate, you would still need elbow, knee, and kidney protection at minimum...also gloves (duh)

[Ian]

Some individual groups have requirements that go above and beyond the basic requirements found in the SCA Marshall's Handbook.  You should really go to an SCA fighter practice FIRST and they will be able to guide you on all the specific requirements that govern them.  I know it's very tempting to buy a bunch of stuff beforehand, but you're going to waste a lot of money and end up replacing a bunch of stuff in the future because you got too excited and jumped the gun and bought stuff your local group is going to say no to.  Let your local SCA group tell you what you should and should not get.

[Sir James A]

Buying gear before playing is not advised.

Oh, *I* will totally advise buying gear before playing. I'll advise buying multiple sets of gear, so you have different ones to try out.

But that's because I'm happy to spend other people's money on lots of armor, whether they need to or not.

**** I'm joking about buying lots of gear. Best way is to see if you like something before you spend the money. If you like it, invest in it. ****

[Sir Nate]

Well I have my fencing mask, some thick hockey gloves. And some 14 gauge knee pads on upper leg padding.
That would get me through some practices .

[Ian]

Well I have my fencing mask, some thick hockey gloves. And some 14 gauge knee pads on upper leg padding.
That would get me through some practices .

You can't use a fencing mask for SCA heavy combat.  There are also several other pieces of protection required just to meet the minimums.  Just go to a fighter practice and let them show you the ropes and show you what specific gear you need.  Not sure why you seem kind of resistant to doing that.  I'm positive the SCA veterans on this forum would advise you just go and see what you think, and get in some loner gear first.

[Sir Edward]

I'm positive the SCA veterans on this forum would advise you just go and see what you think, and get in some loner gear first.

I'd say that's true of any sword-fighting group, HEMA/WMA included. Different groups have different requirements, and different emphasis. It's best to find out from those you'll be participating with, what it is that they would recommend to you.

[Sir James A]

SCA combat for minors also requires parental consent forms if I remember correctly.

[Lord Chagatai]

It is best to go to a practice...look for the knight marshal or a white belt (symbol of a knight in the sca) or a red belt (squire) they will definitely show you the ropes and talk about kingdom requirements...you don't even have the minimum to fight so I would go to a practice. And I wholeheartedly say do not buy any gear until you know that it is what you want to do. It can get very expensive...my helm alone was $500. Also you need to be 16 and have parental consent. If you let me know where you are I will find lis for you and point you in the right direction.

Lord Chagatai Burilgi, squire to Sir Chinua, kingdom of the Outlands, barony of al-Barran


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Sir Rodney]

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.

[Sir Nate]

Ya I'll have to go to the combat practice. I'm sorry, I didn't address going to it.
How about this, once I go to a combat practice and get associated with a local group, I'll inform you guys of what kinda stuff I'll need.
It will probably be in spring.  When the weather warms up.