Greetings friends!
If you are like me and enjoy shooting people in armored scenarios, then listen up! I have a proposal for you.
One of the time honored traditions when going against an archer is: wait until they shoot then run them down!
Its a good tactic which forces some considerations on our part. Staggering our shots, making sure we are accompanied by a shield, etc. But what if we are left all alone to our devices? What if two polemen spy you, and decide one of them WILL kill you?!
We have options!
Here, CATCH!
Carry some throwing weapons*! take two throwing axes with you on the field! After you shoot, another combatant may advance with impunity, but when you reach behind and produce a throwing axe, watch in glee as their eyes widen. have a care to not engage in melee, it is a throwing weapon only! Remember you cannot engage in melee unless you discard your bow in a safe manner. Which brings me to the next option…
Come out swinging!
When I initially thought about doing CA, my dream was to have two swords on me as well. I love to shoot, but if necessary I could grab the swords and swing my way to happy town. But then I discovered that you must safely dispose of your bow*. The specifics of this rule may vary slightly from Kingdom to Kingdom, but for me and my crossbow, it means getting it off the field into a safe zone. There is additionally the issue of demi vs full gauntlets. This needn’t be an issue if you can get your hands on (pun intended) fully articulated or otherwise dextrous gauntlets. Just wear full all the time!
Missile combatants should be the Scouts of the field. Be ready at all times and be willing to help an enemy cross the street to Valhalla whenever the opportunity presents itself!
I have yet to find resellers of thrown weapons, or sources for construction. If you find any, please post in the comments below!
edit:
http://www.argentlupus.com/ThrowingMace.html
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References:
* http://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/docs/marshal_handbook.pdf (see section(s): III.D.2,III.D.3)