Title: Runng-Fightng-art
Subject: "Running the Fighting at an Event" by Syr Yesungge Altan.
Author: Edited by Mark S. Harris
Last saved by: Mark S. Harris
Document comments: SCA, fight, battle, tournament, organize, put on, combat

Runng-Fightng-art - 3/15/18

"Running the Fighting at an Event" by Syr Yesungge Altan.

NOTE: See also the files: 10-Stwrd-Tips-art, tourn-ideas-msg, tournaments-art, Killing-Blow-art, battle-ideas-msg, b-battles-art, r-tourn-ideas-msg.

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NOTICE -

This article was added to this set of files, called Stefan's Florilegium, with the permission of the author. 

These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

Copyright to the contents of this file remains with the author or translator.

While the author will likely give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file.

Thank you,
Mark S. Harris...AKA:..Stefan li Rous
stefan at florilegium.org
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This was first published in Quid Nunc, March 2005.

Running the Fighting at an Event
by Syr Yesungge Altan

The trick to a smooth tourney is setting up the right staff members to assist in the running of the fighting, many hands make light work. Each tourney will need a number of personal to assist in its running. These include a Minister of the List, Herald, Marshal in Charge, Runner and a Water bearer. Small tourneys may allow one person to do two of the positions. Larger tourneys may need more than one of each position. Multiple list fields will need a marshal, herald and runner for each field. Each of these positions has a great deal more that goes into it, but I will just touch on them.

The Minister/Mistress of the List is the person who sets up the list of combatants and the order they will take the field. Two methods for doing this are the blind random order and seeded tourney. The blind random method: write all the names of the combatant on cards, shuffle, and begin drawing the top card and placing the name in the order they come up on the tourney tree. A seeded tourney is one were the combatants are placed on the tourney list in order of rank. It in more common to use this method in archery where there is a clear method of seeding the competitors. The top ranked individual will normally face the last ranked person, the second then faces the second from the bottom of the list, and so on till all have fought the first round.

The MOL will need several items to properly perform their duties. Tourney trees and names of the combatants, index cards, writing utensil, blank paper, paper weight, table and chair. One should also have beverages (non-alcoholic), munchies, something for shade. The MOL should arrange for their runners.

The Herald's main responsibility at the tourney field is to call the combatants to the field in the proper order. It is important to speak loudly and clearly and towards the fighters. Hearing through a helmet is sometimes difficult in a crowd. It is common for the Herald to lead the combatants in doing their honors before turning the field over to the marshal.

The Marshal in Charge will oversee the tourney itself. They should be the person to contact and arrange for the MOL, Herald, and Water bearers. They will also inspect the armor, weapons, and see to the overall safety of the list field. They will set up the list field and clear the ground of any possible dangers. They should also arrange the MOL table so they have a clear view of the field (also their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies should they be present). On occasion the marshal will do the honors to save the voice of the heralds in larger tourneys. The marshal is the final say on the victor of the bout (calling out the final decision of the combatants).

The Runner is the go between person from the list table to the herald and marshal. Their job is to carry information back and forth; next combatants up, winner of the bout, time to take a break, etc......

The Water bearer should be there as the combatants come off the field to offer (not force) water and/or Gatorade. They should also offer something to the marshals, MOL, and heralds. Remember to not enter the list field until it is Okayed by the marshal.

Tournament Styles

1. Single Elimination

Most basic of tournament, the list is filled out and the loser of each round is out. The winner advances to the next round. This continues till only one remains.

2. Double Elimination

The primary tournament tree is filled out and the rounds are fought. The winners advance in the primary and the losers are put in a secondary tree. The winner of the primary tree shall face the winner of the secondary. The person coming out of the secondary tree must defeat the primary tree combatant twice to win the tournament.

3. Round Robin

In this style, all combatants shall face every other entrant in the list. A total is kept of the victories and losses and the person with the fewest defeats is the winner.

4. Swiss Five

Five rounds each fought using a different weapons form. These may be determined before the tournaments beginning by assignment (round 1- great sword, round 2-polearm, etc) or done as a random draw as the combatants take the field.

5. Bear Pit

All combatants line up and the first two enter the list. A point goes to each for participation and one point goes to the victor who holds the field. The loser returns to the end of the line and the next combatant enters the list. The winner is the person at the end of a designated time with the most points.

6. Speed Round

Two combatants enter the list and have only 20 seconds to fight. Like the bear pit, the both combatants get a point for entering and the winner gains a second point and holds the field. If at the time limit there is not a winner, both leave the list and a new pair enters. At the end of the allotted time, the person with the most points wins.

7. Holmgang (Ox hide)

The list field is a small area approximately 5 feet by 8 feet. It is fought to the first blood so any good blow will count as a kill. If a combatant steps off the "hide" they are out. Again, points are kept and after the allotted amount of time, the combatant with the most points is declared the winner.

8. Warlord (Snowball)

The list is made out like that of a single elimination tournament. The winner of each round becomes the commander of the person they have defeated. This continues (round 2- two vs. two, round 3-four vs. four, round 4-eight vs. eight) till only two sides remain. These two "armies" shall face off for a best two of three in the finals to determine the victor.

9. Meanest Mother (Grand Melee)

All entered in the list form a circle. No one is allowed to strike at the person immediately to their left or right until they have engaged some else in the list. Last person standing (obviously the one that grew up with the meanest mother) is the victor.

10. Restricted Weapons

This tournament only allows specific weapons in the list field. It can be weapon type (single sword, great sword, no shields) or by other requirements, such as only 6 feet of rattan per combatant, 4 foot axe, 2 foot sword or 6 foot great sword, or two 3 foot swords.

The list is arranged as to the wish of the one running the tourney (single, double elimination, etc.)

Melees

Staffing the battles

Ensure you have enough marshals on hand to adequately watch the field. Limited front altercations will require fewer people than a woods battle (reasons should be obvious) but this is not always the case. If a bridge battle breaks through it may become an open field on the other side. Always be prepared for a sudden change.

Make certain all the boundaries are clearly marked out. This is to ensure a fighter does not accidentally pop out onto the archery range or attack an unarmed camp site. Also set a 'no mans land' between the spectators and the combat area. I would suggest a minimum distance of the reach of the longest weapon on the field plus 5 feet.

It is a good idea to have a chiurgeon ready and nearby. A water bearing crew will make the days fighting better for everyone. Give clear instruction to all non-combat crew they are to not enter the field till a hold is called or the end of the scenario. They are of equal importance to the marshals for the safety of the combatants.

1. Open Field Battle

Here the two opposing forces line up on opposite sides of the field. At the lay on they advance to the fray. This is as it sounds, with no obstacles on the field.

2. Broken Field Battle

This field has obstructions in the area the battle is to take place. They may be in the form of large rocks, buildings, a couple of trees, etc, etc. These must be fought around.

3. Ravine Battle

Both forces have decided to enter a ravine and meet somewhere near the middle. In this battle, if you step one foot out of the boundary, you must step back in quickly. If you do not step in with good speed, he marshal may make you go to the back of the army and start again.

4. Woods Battle

Here the combatants have met in a wooded area. They must advance through the trees and engage their opponents.

5. Shallow River Battle

Through the battlefield runs a river that is waist deep. Combatants are able to cross the water on their knees. If a combatant has been legged, they can no longer cross the water as they will drown.

6. Bridge Battle

This river is to deep and too swift to cross without the use a bridge. If a combatant should step one foot over the edge, they will tumble into the river and perish.

7. Fjord Battle

The river in this scenario has a crossing were the combatants may cross on their knees. No one may enter the water any were other than the fjord.

8. Frozen River Battle

The battle takes place on a frozen river. No running is allowed, as there is not enough traction. At a location designated prior to the battle beginning, a hold is called and the marshal shall hold out a weapon (determined by the number of people in the scenario, 5 people per side uses a single sword-25 per side uses a great sword or spear) he/she will turn in a circle and any the weapon touches have now fallen through the ice. At this point the marshal shall stay in this area and any one he/she is able to touch thereafter has also fallen into the icy waters.

9. Boat Battle

Use PVC pipe to make a boat. A minimum of two people are required to move each boat, with a maximum of five. The boats can move when the entire boat is lifted from the ground and the crew moves forward to engage the enemy. If a combatant should step out of the boat, they are lost to the depths of the sea.

10. Ship Boarding

Two ships are sitting side by side (8 feet apart) with a plank between to allow the crews to attempt to board their opponent's vessel. Should anyone step off the plank, they will fall to the sea.

11. Fortification Battle

This may be fought in a simulated castle or a simple house. These can be constructed from stacked hay bales, board construction or if using existing structures make sure they are sturdy enough to withstand being struck repeatedly. Also, get permission from the owners. Remember to watch for windows and doorways were combatants may emerge from.

These scenarios may be used singly or combined. Example, a woods battle with a shallow river in the center, or a frozen lake in the center of a broken field. These may also be stacked to create a campaign. Your first battle is on an open field, advance through the woods on the other side, cross the shallow river and then over the bridge to attack the castle.

One should always attempt to make the fun even for both sides. Have each side get a chance to assault the castle, defend a bridge, or sail the large ship against the little boats. If one side is heavily out numbered, give them a gate to defend. Should all of the better fighters (awarded vs. newbie) end up on one side, ask the combatants to trade sides for a couple of battles to even up the firepower.

Marshalate note.

When searching for a tourney site, you should keep four major points in mind; fighting space, footing, headroom, and spectator area. All of these affect fighting style and safety. Indoors or outdoors doesn't matter much, unless it is raining or unusually hot or cold.

Ensuring the safety of those on the field is the most important part of your function in the battle. Look over the areas were the fighting is to take place and locate holes, rocks, branches, sticker bushes, barbed wire, and other dangers. Remove any that you can, make clearly those you can't and if there are too many markers, move the field and change the scenario if necessary. Everyone's day will be considerably less fun if we have to watch a friend go to the hospital.

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Copyright 2005 by Mike Burnet. Yesungge at eastlink.ca. Permission is granted for republication in SCA-related publications, provided the author is credited.  Addresses change, but a reasonable attempt should be made to ensure that the author is notified of the publication and if possible receives a copy.

If this article is reprinted in a publication, please place a notice in the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.

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Edited by Mark S. Harris	Runng-Fightng-art	 of