Heavy Hi-Jinks

Baronial Marshal:   Lord Oliver Tarney

Start with a joke they say --A knight and his men returned to their castle after a hard day of fighting. "How are we faring?" asked the king. "Sire!" replied the knight, "I have been robbing and pillaging on your behalf all day, burning the towns of your enemies to the west." "What?" shrieked the king, "I don't have any enemies to the west!" "Oh!" said the knight, "Well, you do now."

The Original and most common style of Marshall Arts as practiced in the SCA is what is commonly referred to as "Heavy" fighting. It's goal is to approximate the traditional fighting skills of the Medieval Knight. The primary weapon style is "sword and board" or sword and shield, but other weapons such as the mace, two-handed great sword, battle axe, assorted pole arms and a style called florentine using two swords are also used. 

Heavy fighting like other marshal arts is a full contact sport. Blows are made with sufficient force to simulate real combat. To ensure the safety of the sport, each fighter or heavy must wear armor that adheres to a comprehensive set of regulations.  Vital areas of the body must be protected in specific ways, however, a variety of interpretations are possible allowing each fighter to construct armor to express their particular persona or personal flair. Bruises are common and often considered a badge of honor, especially when received from a top notch fighter. Full details on armor requirements are laid out in the ABC's or An Tir Book of Combat. It is available on line at http://www.antir.sca.org/Pubs/Abc/ABC.pdf. At Left; heavy action at Junefaire 2002

Weapons are constructed of rattan, padded and wrapped in layers of duct tape. The weight of these weapons approximates real swords or other weapons. Requirements for weapon construction is also covered in the ABC's. 

Combat occurs in two forums; tournament or tourney fighting and war scenarios.  Tourney fighting pits one fighter against another in a formal bout.  Occasionally, melee or small team fighting is included in a tourney format. Wars are set up to involve a large number of fighters in armies often including archers and siege weapons. They give fighters an opportunity to practice strategy and unit tactics.

In all fighting situations, the slain man says if he be slain. And dying a good "death" is almost as important as striking a good blow. (at Right a slain man "breathes his last" at Last Chance 2002) Marshals keep an eye on the festivities to ensure safety regulations are observed. Should the marshals deem the fighting unsafe for any reason, from a loose strap to a pet loose on the eric, a hold is called on the field. When the fighters hear a shout of "Hold" all fighting ceases. Marshals then give instructions to resolve the issue and fighting may resume at the marshal's call of lay on.  A Shout of "Hold" has also become a general warning of unsafe conditions throughout the SCA.

If you are interested in fighting or marshaling, fighter practice is the place to begin your journey. Dragons' Laire schedules a weekly fighter practice where fighters of all skill levels from beginners to top Knights share techniques and get a chance to keep in shape. For fighting:  Bring armor (if you have it), and we have a few loaner pieces in case you need a bit here or there.  Contact the Marshal THL Conchobhor MacEoin for more information.

In the Archives: Articles of interest on this topic
Heavy World of the SCA - New 6/17/04- a comprehensive article on the craft of heavy fighting A  Missive on Shield Making - practical advice from an experienced hand- New 8/21 Even our younger fighters make important contributions.  Check out young Alan's Instructions for Boffer Construction. This detailed document is easy to follow and we are proud to present it here.

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	Marshal Frederick gives some last minute instructions to Junior Heavies at Fight Practice.  Then comes the call to Lay On.