Results and comments from the Aug/Sep 2003 survey.

	Ýves’ big SCA rapier survey #1 ~ Mindset comments: “it depends”
	Updated: May 24, 2005

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Policy blurb

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» 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 your amusement. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the surveyor.

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# 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 Question 16.

Respondents share their input on their mindset (or mind set) in SCA rapier. How do we like to play? It depends on various things.

The comments

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

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

Choice picks

Φ Loch. ~ These questions are situation and senario dependant. I remember once going to my knees for a lady I had authorised on that morning, she nailed me on the way down (moral, if your going to be nice to someone, do it out of distance).  ``Dameon

Φ East ~ Depends on the scenario. Sometimes we're fighting off our deadly opponents. Often we're just at a tourney, to amuse ourselves and others and show our skill. The blades are sharp at one, blunted at the other, and I give no quarter at the former but try to be entertaining at the latter.  ``Domenego

Φ Out. ~ The "rules of play" depend on circumstance: a tournament may be "with bated blades", a duel may be to "first blood" or "to the death." I find an overall mix of play very pleasing, although any given event may (and sometimes should) certainly follow specific "rules of play." I find those who only "play" one set of rules (i.e. No quarter is given or expected, "act of chivalry" required, etc.) unimaginative. I play for fun, and winning is fun, but winning isn't everything. I have little use for those who do think winning is everything (unless I can learn from them and move on).  ``Guillaume

Φ Aten. ~ My mindset changes depending upon the situation.
-- In a tournament that I want to win, the blade is sharp, and no quarter will be given outside chivalry. i.e. if my opponent is wounded, I will ask if he would like yield, and if not, he may take his time to switch hands, or make himself as comfortable as possible before I dispatch him.
--During "play" at practice, the blade is not sharp, and it is time to try new technique, fight at a level closer to, but still above, my opponent, and fight for the joy of combat.
--Occasionally, I have fought "à plaisance" tournaments, literally "for the joy of the crowd."

Æthelmearc

Φ My mindset tends to change with the scenario.  ``Parion

Φ What I bring to the table depends upon what is expected of a fighter for that day.  ``Corwin

Φ This answer changes not only on an event by event basis, but also on a 'bout by 'bout basis- in part depending on tha attitude of my honored opponent, as well as my daily whim...  ``Po

An Tir

Φ All depends upon my opponent/s and the given event.  ``Allyne

Φ This so depends on the situation- is this a tourney commanded by coronet or crown for entertainment? Is it requested entertainment at a feast? Is this for a championship? Is this a war? Each I think, ups the ruthlessness, but hopefully without diluting the quality of chivalry. If it is a command tourney, entertainment is the most important, and I may not be giving my best fight if it makes for good theater. At all tourneys, I will give point of courtesy. In a war, I am there to win for my queen and kingdom. Giving quarter and acts of chivalry only make me look good, and bring no benifit to the crown I fight for. I enjoy all of these situations, but think the expression of courtesy and chivalry is altered with the goal of the bout.  ``Gabrielle

Ansteorra

Φ Varies based on event needs.

Φ I have and do perform in each of these mindsets continually. I prefer different ones for different occasions.  ``Aeron

Atenveldt

Φ It depends on the scenario on this question. If the scenario is to have fun then you have fun. If it is for a prize or position the primary goal is still to have fun, but No quarter will be given.  ``Sebastiana

Atlantia

Φ It all depends on the circumstances and the goal. Each of the above has it's place.

Φ There is a time and place for each of the above. I temper my actions and viewpoint accordingly.  ``Celric

Φ This all depends on the tourney and the opponent. I prefer to know upfront what the inteded direction is.  ``Cam

Caid

Φ It depends solely on who i'm fighting.

Φ This is a situational question; in a silly tournement I will play it for all it's worth to the crowd, if it's for Queen's Champion, I fight for the honor of my Lady and the Queen and act accordingly.  ``Eogan

Φ My attitude at a tourney depends often on the atmosphere set forth by the event autocrate. I'm here to have fun but if my opponent is a study and serious foe, I shall meet him/her like wise to ensure that we both have a good experience. If my opponent is a bit more theatrical, well, far be it from me not to mathch him/her tit for tat!  ``Colwyn

Φ It all depends upon the situation. Sometimes a lesson in humility is required; sometimes you are training to develop the proper mindset; sometimes you are in the tournament to learn, not to win; sometimes it's just about making it fun for participants and spectators alike. Many different variables determine which mindset is appropriate.  ``Tora

Drachenwald

Φ I try to keep in spirit with the event, whether it is for the duel, the practice or the spectacle.  ``Muirghein

Meridies

Φ Depends on the venue.

Φ Depends on the day. always for fun. sometimes nice, sometimes not.

Midrealm

Φ It depends on whom I'm fighting and how serious they want to be. Most gentles want to play and have fun. I'm fine with that, and will play up some of the theatrics, die dramatically, give points of honor, etc. I do this more for the fun of my opponent, but I'm told that it's great for the spectators as well.  ``Toshikage

Northshield

Φ All the above are true depending on the day, location and scenario.  ``Fiskr

Outlands

Φ Give and take, it all depends on the opponent.  ``Jalid

Φ Time and tide... who I'm fighting and what type of tourney...  ``Volker

Φ Depending on the "atmosphere" is how I play the combat... light and whimsical, we're here for fun/amusement (with lots of taunts and witty insults!), serious tone, wounds deadly, no quarter, cold and calculating.  ``Antoine

West

Φ Depends on the tournment and the challenger.  ``Etain

Φ I bounce back and forth between all that apply.  ``Staffan

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Original page posted: October 18, 2004. Last tweaked: July 1, 2006.

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