As an art project resurrected, I created some banner images. These are both in alphabetical order and by order of date created.
Images released under creative commons share alike with attribution
Updates:
Changed ‘dates’ image for Drachenwald
Speaking to the idea of making combat archery not only more visible, but more accepted, as well as a regular occurrence at events.
First off, plan in advance. Give the autocrats and field staff plenty of time to make considerations. Speak to the MoL and make any arrangements beforehand.
Anyone and everyone who is a marshal should be willing to participate in staff if they are on site. We all need to realize that just because someone usually does ‘the thing‘, doesnt mean they should always do ‘the thing‘.
Bring an IKCAC target, these can be used on any target archery range. Make sure to advertise the shoot as well as get scores for your Kingdom. The IKCAC is a great competition with the idea of getting people more familiar with using the equipment. As close as you can get to combat without taking the field.
Always bring extra pairs of glasses and equipment with you, even if you arent marshaling. The last thing we need to have is prepared combatants not able to take the field because staff wasnt prepared. I have been a CA marshal and forgotten a bow scale before. Luckily someone had one to use!
Consider the scenarios and work with the MiC to ensure the CA activities can be included safely. Regards to field space, direction of fire etc. Perhaps work on the rules of the scenario so the heavy participants are better accommodated. For instance, limit a specific 20 minute battle to 5 bolts/arrows. It both challenges the archer, and means the archer can’t take the field and kill everyone from a bridge.
Include more options than bows. Bring throwing axes, daggers, etc. The space constraints are far less and afford a different kind of engagement. Something like a Missile Combat Tourney with two opposing participants can be a howl to watch as they huck daggers at each other.
Ask people to bring equipment, pavices, armor, throwing weapons, whatever they can muster to ensure that anyone who wants to play, can play. Again the planning comes into play here. If people know it is happening, they can bring additional equipment to help. And those without equipment can ask and be answered.
Work with Siege community, if they can come so can we. Same with thrown weapons. Typically we dont think of thrown weapons on the field, but going from the thrown weapons range to armred thrown weapons should be an easy transition.
Speaking of engagement the CA community should be doing all it can to interface in a meaningful way with the armored community. Going to events like Old School War Practice is something that comes to mind. Going to weekly armored practices. Learning to communicate and work effectively with your army.
I like the motorcycle metaphor. Nobody sees a motorcycle or respects what it takes to operate or be on the road on one. But once you have ridden, you always are looking. In this same way Combat Archers (IMO) should also endeavor to take up other forms of arms. Spear, pole-arm, sword and board, anything.Experience in a fighting form or at the very least study of it, will help us perform better with those types of units.
Mentorship: Talk to your communuity, show up even when there is no CA happening, announce it. Talk to people. Perhaps authorizations can happen? But they cant if nobody represents!
Branding: Have a brand where when people see your banner etc, they now they can get ammo and bows inspected etc. Advertise.
There is so much more to say on this but for me it comes down to two things: Communication, and dedication.
Please add your comments below!
Related:
http://periodpersonas.com/village/2015/08/why-that-last-event-really-sucked/
Special Thanks to James Morrow for the inspiration to write this piece.
Well just when I thought Atl Atl was the height of ‘lobbing pointy things that way”, here comes a ‘new’ game, DARTS! A game loved by many, and played in many a bar, pub, or basement for many years. We are all familiar with the format, and the only real differences are number of darts thrown, and the scoring. Apparently Henry the VIII, liked it so, that in 1530, Anne Boleyn gave him a set of darts as a gift.
A friend from An Tir (William Cristofore) made me aware of this. Apparently it is getting traction over there. Currently Adiantum is busting the charts, and well done to all.
Rules on dart construction: metal points, wood shaft, and period fletching. Something like these from Widdy
The rules for game play are relatively simple. Throw from two distances: 10′ and 15′, and then one speed round at 10′.
The target is a 40 cm 10 ring target, scoring 1-10.
The rounds can be thrown in any order. Four throws per round, and all darts must be thrown individually.
Make sure its all good with your Kingdom Earl Marshals, but scoring should be available to any marshal! Please E-Mail them and ask for their support!
Game adapted for Society use by: Gerhard Kendal of Westmoreland
Draft for Inter-Kingdom usage can be found here.
Darts Scoresheet can be found on the Archery Page
An Tir rules: Handbook, page 31
Greetings all!
In case you were wondering how to make a throwing dagger for Combat Archery, here is tutorial for you!
First you will need some supplies:
1. You need to get shafting material and cut it to length. I prefer rattan for this, but you can also use double walled siloflex as described in the Marshals Handbook. One tube fits inside the other. Cut to about 10-11″ lengths. I find this is ideal for heft and handling.
2. Once you have the lengths use the actual circumference of your shaft for a template on your closed cell foam padding. Here I’m using 1/4″.
3. For each end I have cut 5 pieces. For each dagger you will need a minimum of 10 discs.
4. Grab you strapping tape. I generally use 1″ tape but I also have 1/2″ and 1/4″. You can use the 1″ tape and split it though to achieve the same effects.
5. Cut a sheath for the caps. This is the side wrap that will hold the discs together and join it all together. In this case about 6 1/2″ but this may vary slightly based in the circumference of your shaft. Be prepared to make custom cuts for each one.
6. Wrap the sheath around the discs and shaft. This is the fidgety part. Use three pieces of tape and attempt the butt the ends of the wrapping together as best you can to achieve an uninterrupted tube of padding.
7. The cap should be flat on the end. Uniform. An alternate method is to cut two long strips and criss-cross them over the top and strap them down. Given the amount of tape involved and how it ‘locks’ together, I see no concern.
8. Completely wrap around the sides so there is no exposed foam.
9. Criss-cross strapping tape over the top. The tape should extend past the foam sheath at least two inches. This will allow other taping to better secure the dagger padding.
10. Add strapping tape at least once around the shaft just below the sheath.
11. Add strapping tape along the shaft. In this case I used 7 pieces overlapped at least 1/4″. Your mileage may vary. The shafting tape should completely cover from sheath to sheath. No exposed rattan.
12. Repeat step 10.
13. Now it’s time to get yer groove on. Do you have colors in your device, Barony, or household you want to use? Skies the limit here with one exception: Or (yellow). If I remember correctly ammo cannot be covered with more than 15-20% Or. Im not sure by the letter of the rules if this applies to daggers, but I wouldn’t risk it. Keep it to a minimum to be safe.
14. Add strips of tape across the end caps. The tape should extend at least halfway down the sheath. Further is even ‘more gooder’. Feel free to make designs here. The electrical tape is as much for looks as for good measure.
15. Now side wrap with tape. I usually go from the end towards the middle. Wrapping around while keeping the tape taut. Add any decorative taping you wish but try to avoid smaller strips. You want to decrease any chance a flap of tape is hanging off.
16. Do not forget to add your label! Name and Kingdom. I prefer a strip of clear packing tape about 1 1/2″ wide and able to wrap the shaft twice. This allows the label to be seen clearly. Last but not least, enjoy your new throwing daggers!