notuprisingparty

RAPIER

Rapierfighters! BAR ROOM BRAWL!

Ok, so here's your first heads up. I'm still working the schedule but either Friday or Saturday we will have a bar brawl (probably several). Weapons will be checked at the door. Anything over 18" in blade length that is easily visible (hint) will be confiscated. Lay-on will occur at random and will be yelled from the gambling table by the dealer Patrons are encouraged to act it up - talk, yell, gamble, but be ready for the layon! What can you to to help? Simple, since nothing with a blade over 18" is allowed, you will WANT to bring a dagger (or be able to hide something larger). Also, unusual offhand weapons that would have been in a bar/inn/tavern may be allowed - all of them will be considered "blunt' weapons, meaning you have to hit your opponent over the head to knock him out" - that being said, all offhand weapons must be constructed of non-rigid material (foam, leather, etc). So, for example, a rubber chicken counts, as does a foam lute, perhaps a nice pool-noodle bottle of wine? I will look them all over for safety, and all participants will have a few minutes to do so as well. So, time to be creative! What will you bring to the fight?!? I'd like to make this not only fun for us, but something bystanders can watch and enjoy (so we will probably do this a the dueling grounds). Post on the Facebook page and lets get some ideas rolling!

A rapier tourney was scheduled for the following day. That night, the King's Master of Fence fell deathly ill and the steward approached the King to inform him that the tourney would need to be run by someone else. Now, the King was well into his cups by this point, and so was blurry both of eye and judgement. Looking around at the merryment in the hall he pointed to a brightly colored blob and proclaimed "You! Run the tourney tomorrow! And make it ENTERTAINING!" The steward started to protest but the King would have none of it. Unfortunately for all, twas the King's Jester that he had pointed at. Thus was the Jester's Rapier Tournament born. So, bring your wits, your humor, an open mind, your creativity, oh, and a sword and dagger to the field and try a very diffrent type of tourney. Coming to a non event near you soon.

Gene

Rapier Schedule (tentative)
Thursday, 2pm, Rapier Mixer - Lower Melee Field. I should be on site by 2 and will be at the Lower (grassy) Melee Field to mix it up with any fighters on site. We can look at the numbers and plan melee for Friday accordingly. I might even give some insight into the Jesters Tourney....
Friday - Melee Day! We will stage on the Lower Melee Field at 10am and start off with the Bar-Room Brawl! If you have pistols, bring them. If you have extras to... loan, bring them too. We just might have a couple of range-weapons only melees too! (just don't fall in love with your ammo - and bring plenty of it). I have some unusual and fun melees planned and, depending on numbers, we'll adjust accordingly.
Saturday - Tourney Day! We'll have two standard round robin tournies...who am I kidding, We'll have some really DIFFERENT tourneys today! There will be the Jester's Tourney starting at 10, followed by the Long Reach Tourney - a combined pistol/rapier tourney at around 1 (or shortly after the Jester's tourney), and, depending on numbers likely a 3rd tourney after that. I did say bring your pistols, right?
I would recommend bringing a full kit to the tourney field if you have one (two swords, dagger, cloak, buckler or cane) as we might use them for the 3rd tourney depending on numbers.
Oh, and John Gibson, no you cannot use your cannon for the duels....but the melees might be another matter...
Hopefully we'll go home with a few "No Sh*t There I Was" stories.
See you there!
Antoine

Scroll down for scheduled Events....
Greeting warriors!
Seeing as there will be a number of us at a Party in June, it was suggested that spending some time swinging rattan
sticks at one another might be fun! To that end, being known as Sir Etienne in some circles, I have offered to organize
these types of martial activities. Let me state clearly that, for consistency sake, we will follow all conventions for combat,
armor, and weapons that would be acceptable with the Society for Creative Anachronism. 
First, to honor Thor’s day we will be holding a ‘hammer only’ prize tournament Thursday afternoon. The prize is an
etched brass pouch decoration declaring your prowess at pummeling foes like tent stakes! You are encouraged to bring
a rattan combat hammer (can be either 1 handed or 2) for the tournament.  But, if not, don’t worry - there will be some
available. (I know a guy…).  Gauntlets are required for the loaners, however. The exact time will be announced soon, but
we’re hoping that having it later in the day will allow more people to participate as they arrive on site.
On Friday morning, we will be holding multiple tournaments that have proven popular at previous parties. 
  To start things off we will hold a Novice Tourney. If you have been fighting for a year or less, come test your
progress against others. 
  Immediately following this will be a “Non SCA Knight” Prize Tourney. (Those fighting in the Novice tourney
should fight in this as well!) Those that fight WITHOUT a shield are automatically credited with one win added to
their pool total. The list field will be set up with plenty of room for polearm and great sword work.  Previously,
this has been a well contested type of tournament so the winner may very well need a place to sit and rest
afterwards – therefore, a Leopold bench will be given to the winner! (picture pending) 
Both of these tournaments will be handled in a round robin pool style with top placers finishing out in a 2 out of 3 single
elimination standard tournament bracket. 
Was that a CHALLENGE I heard? Those that wear white belts will be on hand PRIOR and during these tournaments to
help the participants warm up and offer training tips. Whispers have been heard that the most interesting challenge TO
one of these knights (delivered, accepted, and fought within the general fighting on Friday) will earn not only a prize for
themselves but for that knight as well! (Regardless of who wins said challenge!) Put a bit of thought into your challenge,
for you never know who the judges will be!

Finally, on Saturday, MELEE! 
 Starting at 10am. We will change things up a bit by starting at the castle gateway. We will do our best to even up
the sides so that maximum fun may be achieved for all. There will be a few ‘twists’ from what you know from
previous years. 
 We will then work our way back thru the columns, the bridge, and then the open field last. After all, don’t you
want to be closer to camp when you’re exhausted from a full day of fighting?
Combat archery will be allowed but certain scenarios may be limited due to safety or situation.
More detail on the scenarios as we draw closer. 
Still not enough armor time you say? Have an idea you want to test out, drop me a note with your suggestion.
Confirmed Scheduled Heavy Events:
Thursday 3pm -  Hammer only Prize Tourney main list field
Bring your own hammer (1H or 2H) or there will be some of each ready for use (gauntlets needed for the loaners)
Prize is an etched brass pouch decoration (pouch not included)

Friday
List Field
10am Novice Tourney starts
Immediately following is the "Future Knights" Prize Tourney for those who do not currently wear white belts. - Pool based to elimination format
If you do not use a shield in the pools, you are credited with an automatic win toward your point total.
Prize is a Leopold Bench!

The Challenge Challenge - During Friday's combat at the list field, knights will be on hand to train, assist, and help warm-up. If you can make the most interesting challenge, you AND that knight might win a prize! You never know who the judges might be! Be loud and creative!

Saturday
10am to whenever we are exhausted
Remember we are starting at the castle, do NOT wait around in front of the bridge. Open field is last!