Jump to the home page.

Ýves’ big SCA rapier survey #1 ~
“Let’s do more than just fence” (history and realism)

Updated: 24 May 2005 


You are here: Home » SCA » Rapier » Survey 1

Policy blurb

By default, authors of comments sent in response to this survey are named only by their permission. Usually, other people mentioned in a comment are named only with their permission as well. Each comment represents only what the author typed in for the survey at the time.

» This survey was conducted during August-September 2003. Things change over time. «

Some comments were edited for content. Certain harsh words have been changed for our mutual amusement. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the surveyor.

To get YOUR name listed with YOUR comments, just give me permission. See the email link at the bottom of the page. Let me know your SCA name and kingdom (as of Aug/Sep 2003), and I'll add the attribution to your entries.

# of Responses
by Kingdom
 
AEth.  = 34/235
Anst.  = 36/240
An Tir = 56/347
Art.   = 12/124
Aten.  = 27/460
Atl.   = 60/425
Caid   = 49/400
Drach. = 21/76
Eald.  = 12/77
East   = 46/480
Loch.  = 22/120
Mer.   = 27/140
Mid.   = 52/640
Nor.   = 25/164
Out.   = 26/214
Tri.   = 46/237
West   = 14/70
Unk.   = 2

The gist

The comments below were sent in response to both Question 2 and Question 3.

Respondents share their desires for more history and realism.

The comments

 

Note: Any remarks from Yves in the comments below look like this. [Or like this.]

Other comments on this topic are on separate pages.
See the links at the bottom of this page.
 

Choice picks

Φ Out. ~ More realistic judging ot injuries, and shot calling. Having been stabbed in real life to a depth of 4 inches in the arm by a weapon that is about the same size and shape as a rapier, I can say that shot injury and will to fight are dependant on the person. Period fencers would most likely have suffered several cuts, tip cuts limb and face wounds while working to master the art of defense and should be much hardier than we give them credit for.  ``Doring

Φ Mid. ~ I'm a big fan of more historically accurate combat, both in terms of working within historical systems of combat and finding better historical tourney/scenario formats. Mostly I avoid single- and double-elim tourneys, unless I have very strong feelings about entering them (like a Rose Tourney, or maybe a regional or Kingdom championship). I'll do round-robins (especially the way we mostly do them hereabouts, where you just fight everyone in your pool, at your own pace), and really like prize-playing kinds of things, or tourneys that are "judged" by a gallery of onlookers.  ``Christian

Æthelmearc

Φ If special rules grant an opportunity to learn more/practice period rapier technique, I greatly prefer these.  ``Corwin

Φ I prefer to keep things at least somewhat historically believeable, with an allowance for melees because they're fun and interesting. I'm not a big fan of the "Monty Python's Holy Grail" and similar scenarios.  ``Jean

An Tir

Φ More historical accuracy- within the bounds of safety.

Caid

Φ I prefer as historical as possible.

Φ Continued emphasis on period weapons and techniques - move away from non-period epees and foils more emphasis on teaching actual period techniques.  ``Felinah

Drachenwald

Φ Teching of really historical ways of fencing.

Ealdormere

Φ I like recreating atmosphere. Having a stuffed pink unicorn or some such as a parry object detracts from that.

East

Φ Period garb, weapons and swordplay.  ``Alain

Lochac

Φ Only thing I'd keep out is one shot wonders. period fencing with period weapons is much more flamboyant and fun.  ``Gregory

Φ Most of all I would like to see us strive to enhance the period aspects of our chosen activity, both technical and social (pre 1600).  ``Dameon

Meridies

Φ Special rules, if they encourage good, clean fencing or the historical aspect of what we do, can be fun.  ``Irene

Midrealm

Φ I want to try to get as close to historically accurate combat as possible. While playing games, having silly scenarios, and weird parrying devices are fine every so often, that's NOT what I'm interested in.  ``Toshikage

Outlands

Φ Tip cuts! Realistic wound reactions/penalties! I prefer a more "realistic" approach to Rapier... more "Queen Margot / The Mission / 3 Musketeers" than "Mask of Zorro / Princess Bride".  ``Antoine

Such reactions and penalties provide fuel for a realism vs. playability discussion...

Trimaris

Φ More research into period methodologies.

Φ Anythig that would imporve people's understanding of the disipline and it history.  ``Elric

Φ I'm sure that the "boffer" groups outside the SCA would love to have the silly secondaries. Let's be real here. We are attempting to recreate the middle ages, not recreate some silly movie.

[end]
 
Up to index Comments - lists/melees  
Question 2
Let's just fence
Comments - moderation
Question 3
Let's add spice

 

Your feedback is most welcome. Would you like to send me email?

Original page posted: October 18, 2004 • Last tweaked: April 27, 2009
 
The address for this page is [ www.therotunda.net/rapier/survey-1/q02-history.shtml ]
 
Nothing on my Web site is the official publication of anyone else. Unauthorized use for profit is not permitted.