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Heavy Fighting: Barony of Dragon's Laire

A Barony in the Kingdom of An Tir which is
a Part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA, Inc)

Baronial Marshal: HE Cedric Wlfraven

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Current Happenings

The new site for winter practice is working out well! On October 19th the first practice featured a tournament. The finals of the tournament featured Master Andras against M'Lord Albrecht. The winner of the tournament was Master Andras. Huzzah!

About Heavy Fighting

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 action, JF'02, Photo provided by Gwen the Potter
Heavy Fighting at June Faire (© 2002 Dame Gwen the Potter)

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.

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.


A slain man "breathes his last" at Last Chance 2002 (© 2002 unknown)

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. 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.

Contact the Baronial Marshal:

HE Cedric Wlfraven

A Joke

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."

AnTir Book of Combat (ABC's)

Available online at: http://antir.sca.org/Pubs/ABC_9thEd_2009.pdf.

Winter Fighter Practice

Practice is held Wednesdays 7-9 PM at Olympic Soccer and Sports Center, 1199 Union Ave. W, Bremerton, WA 98312. There is a 5$ site fee to attend this practice and there is No room for socializing. For socializing please attend the Baronial Weekly Social, every Tuesday at the VFW Hall.