A e Rapier Handbook

thelmearc
Rapier
Combat
Handbook
Version 1.1 June AS XXXVII
From the Kingdom Marshal of Fence

Welcome to the first version of the new AEthelmearc Rapier Combat Handbook. This
handbook will hopefully prove useful for new fencers and experienced marshals alike. It is
intender to supplement the published Kingdom Policies of Fence, and does not replace them or
their authority. Any conflicts must be resolved in favor of the published policies.
Since there have been no previous editions of this handbook to base anything on,
everything written up here is basically new. Any errors are completely mine, since I wrote pretty
much everything herein presented. Please point out any errors to me so that they can be fixed in
future editions.
This handbook is intended to be printed out in three-ring binder format so that changes
can easily be made, and so that you can keep it in the same binder with a current copy of the
Kingdom Policies of Fence. It has intentionally been designed to change and hopefully grow.
Dona Elisa inn Rau Hara

AEthelmearc Kingdom Marshal of Fence
January 19, AS XXXV
A Very, Very, Remarkably Brief History of Fence

Men have been fighting with swords of various types for thousands of years, rapier
combat being one of the more recent evolutionary steps in the art of defense. Although rapier
combat has had a nominal military role, it was most popular amongst civilians who used it for
self-defense and dueling. After all, one could hardly wander the streets of London wearing
bulky armor. Originally, the weapons used had sharp edges and the manuals describing their
use advocated a style not much different from that used with a broadsword, as seen in the 1517
Opera Nova by Achille Marozzo, which emphasized strength and violence. Marozzo, who was
from Bologna, is widely considered the first writer of note on the art of fence and his success
seems to have started a flood of fencing manuals.
More than five hundred fencing manuals were published between 1517 and 1884. The
1594 English translation of Giacomo di Grassis His True Arte of Defence, published initially in
1570 in Venice, is the oldest fencing manual in English to have survived. No biographical
information about di Grassi is known, but he was a contemporary Camillo Agrippa and Achille
Marozzo. The English translation, by I. G. Gentleman, is fairly accurate and includes poorquality copies of the Italian editions illustrations.
Some of the earliest schools of fence originated in Italy and Spain, with the Italians
progressing towards an uncomplicated style and the Spanish turning fencing into a complex and
mysterious science, requiring knowledge of geometry and philosophy. Italian masters like
Camillo Agrippa (who simplified Marozzos approach) and Ridolfo Capo Ferro developed
pragmatic approaches in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, introducing innovations such as
linear fencing and thrusting as the primary attack. The Spanish schools of fence, under such
masters as Caranza and Thibault (a French man who taught in the Spanish style), stayed
mysterious and was devoted more to defense than attack.
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The early strength based forms, such as the English sword and buckler form, which
emphasized cuts, was overtaken by the newer thrust based styles of the Italians and Spanish, who
were using a long-bladed sword designed specifically for thrusting, i.e. a rapier. In fact, due to
the simplicity of their system, Italian fencing masters were greatly in demand throughout Europe
and in England. This started a controversy that raged for years between the masters of the old
schools, who still carried short-sword and buckler, and the new, often foreign, upstarts.
England was one of the last bastions of the cutting sword and their attitude towards this foreign
invasion was best summed up by George Silver in his 1599, Paradoxes of Defense.
Also of note was the German Marxbruder (Fraternity of St. Mark), which was possibly
the first organized nationalized approach to fencing. They established a university in Frankfurt
where aspiring students could go to earn degrees in arms.
The true origin of the rapier is clouded in contradictory statements made by a variety of
sources. The Germans and Italians both claim that they originated it. So, at various times, do the
French, the Spanish and even, oddly enough, the English. The same types of claims are made
about the origins of the tradition of dueling. At this point there is no way to clearly point to an
origin for either development.
Early in the 17th century, the rapier became dominant and thrusting was the supreme form
of attack. By the 18th century, the rapier had evolved into a simpler, shorter and lighter design
that was popularized as the small sword or the court sword. Its light weight resulted in increased
speed, and resulted in an almost completely linear fencing style. Although the small sword often
had an edge, it was usually to discourage the opponent from grabbing the blade and the weapon
was used exclusively for thrusting. The light weight made a more complex defensive style
possible, and the French masters developed a school based on subtlety of movement, doubletime parries and complex attacks. The French small sword school forms the basis for most of
modern fencing theory.
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A Few Historical Documents of Interest

Agocchie, Giovanni Dall [Bologna]
Explained the guards and blows of Marozzo.
1572 Del Arte di scrimia, libri tre. Ne quali breve mente si tratta dello Schremire della
Giostra, dell ordinar battaglie Opera necessaria a Capitani, Soldati et a qual si voglia
Gentilhuomo
Agrippa, Camillo [Milanese]
Italian who simplified Marozzos eleven guards to four. Used rapier for cutting
and thrusting. Introduced a primitive lunge, emphasized circular motions and use of
the parry dagger.
1553 - Trattato di Scientia darme, con un dialogo di filosofia (55 plates)
1557 - Mondo da comporre il moto Spera conforme al Dialogo del trattato della scienze darme
(4 sheets, 1 plate)
1568 Trattato di Scienza darme et un dialogo in detta materia (68 plates)
1604 Trattato di Scienza 3rd edition
Capo Ferro, Ridolfo [da Cagli]
Italian who taught a linear style of fence, added to the development of the
lunge (close to its modern form), and used shorter weapons. Emphasized thrusts.
1610 Gran simulacro dell arte e dell uso della scherma. (43 plates)
1652 Gran 2nd edition (44 plates)
Carranza, Jeronimo Sanchez de [Spain]
This Spanish master published a book which assumed a knowledge of
mathematics and philosophy. Focused on defense. Founder of the La Destreza
system. Widely regarded as a very abstruse work.
1569 De la filosofia de las armas, de su destreza y de la agresion y defension Christiana
1600 De la 2nd edition
Fabris, Salvator [Bologna]

Traveled to Germany, France and Spain thought to have studied fencing in
each of them. Insisted that thrust more important than cut and taught an enormous
number of body positions demanding great flexibility. Taught use of the sword itself to
parry rather than just off-hand (parry dagger, cloak) defense. His work is a bit of an
amalgam of 16th century theory and practice.
1606 Sienza [sic] e pratica dArme, Divisa in dui Libri: Nel Primo, si dismotra [sic] le suttilita
sopra le quali e fondata la professione. Nel secondo, Alcvne Raggioni, non piu da altri
intese. Con la tau ola, di quanto nell opera si Contiene. (109 plates dedicated to
Christian IV of Denmark)
Giganti, Nicoletto [Vinitino]
Described a move which closely resembles the modern flanconnade (stoccato
lunge), used left hand as counter-balance, used two parries
1606 Scola overo teatro nel qual sono rappresentate diverse maniere e modi di parare et di
ferire di spada sola, e di spada e pugnale; dove ogni studioso potra essercitarsi e farsi
prattico nella proffessione dell Armi (42 plates)
Grassi, Giacomo di [da Modena or da Corregio]
Reduced guards to three wards, advocated circular movement, hinted at use of
blade for parrys. Proponent of dagger as a defensive weapon.
1570 Ragione di adoprar sicuramente larme si da offensa come la difesa; con un trattato dell
inganno et con un modo di esercitarsi da se stesso per acquistare forza, giudicio et
prestezza.
1594 Giacomo di Grassi, his true Arte of Defence, plainlie teaching by infallable
demonstrations, apt Figures, and perfect Rules the manner and forme how a man,
without other Teacher or master may safelie handle all sortes of weapons as well offensive
as defensive. With a treatise of Disceit or Falsinge: and with a waie or meane by private
industrie to obtaine Strength, Judgement, and Activite. First written in Italian by the
foresaid Author, and Englished by J.G., gentleman.
Leckchner, Hans [German]
Misprinted as Lebkommer, this German wrote one of the earliest known extant
books on fence sometime between 1529 and 1536.
1531 (?) Der alten Fechter grndliche Kunst. Mit sampt verborgenen heymlichten,
Kmpffens, Ringens, Werffens, &c. Figrlich frgemalet. Bisher nie an Tag komen.
(48 pages)
Lovino, Giovanni Antonia [Milanese]

16th century Opera intorno alla Practica e Theorica del ben adoperare tutte le sorti di arme;
overo, la scienza dell Arme.
Manciolino, Antonio [Bologna]
Refused to deal with issues of honor, law or reasons for a duel, stating that
those issues are matters for philosophers, not fencers.
1531 Opera nova, dove sono tutti li documenti e vantaggi che si ponno havere nel mestier de
larmi dogni sorte, novemente correcta et stampata. (a few woodcuts unconnected to
the text)
Marozzo, Achille [di Bologna]
Look at as the first writer of note on the subject of fence introduced the first
coherent system. Emphasis on both of the edges of the sword, with some
mention of the point. No true guards, just stances and counter-attacks. All of the
parries use left defensive object. Topics included single dagger, single sword,
sword and buckler, case of swords, sword and cloak, sword and dagger, plus
other combinations. Included a chapter on honor.
1517 Opera nova
1536 Opera nova di achille Marozzo, Bolognese, Maestro Generale de larte de larmi.
1550 Opera nova 2nd edition
1568 Opera nova 3rd edition
1569 - Opera nova 4th edition
1615 - Opera nova 5th edition
Narvez, Don Luis Pacheco de
Followed in Carranzas footsteps furthering the Spanish mystery of geometric
fencing.
1599 1600 Libro de las grandezas de la espada, enque se declaran muchos secretos del que
compuso el comenda dor Geronima de Carrana. En el qual cada uno se podr liionar y
derender d solas, sin tener necessidad de maestro que la ensee.
(very prolific writer has many books more than I want to list )
Palladini, Camillo [Bologna]

Contemporary of Di Grassi and Saviolo. No mathematics or philosophy in his
book.
c. 1560 Discorso sopra larte della scherma; come larte della scherma necesseria a chi si
diletta darme.
Sainct-Didier, Henry de [French]
Frenchman who taught counter attacks, and no true parries. Taught position
of left hand and his book discusses how to disarm an opponent by grabbing their
sword. (Winner of the way too bloody long title contest)
1573 Traict contenant les secrets du premier livre sur lspe seule, mrede toutes armes, qui
sont spe dague, cappe, targue, bouelier, roundelle, lspe deux mains et las deux
spes, avec sec pourtra ictures, ayant les armes an poing pour se deffendre et offencer
un mesme temps des coups quon pent tiver, tant en assaillant qun deffendant, fort
utile et profitable pour adextrer la noblesse et suposts de Mars: redig par atr, ordre et
pratique. (64 woodcuts)
Salviolo, Vincentio [immigrated to England]
Arrived in England from Padua in 1590, opened a school and taught a mixture
of Italian and Spanish techniques. Considered thrust superior to cut.
1595 His practice, in two bookes; the first intereating of the use of the Rapier and Dagger, the
second of Honour and Honourable Quarrels.
Swetnam, Joseph [English]
Fencing instructor for Prince Henry of England and Charles I. Taught rapier
and dagger (unlike Silver) and prefer to continue using long rapiers while the
Europeans were moving towards shorter rapiers.
1617 The Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defense.
Thibault, Girard [Paris?]
French master who taught the Spanish style of fence.
1626 Acadmie de lspe, o se demonstrent par reigles mathmatiques, sur le fondement dun
cercle mystrieux, la thorie et pratique des vrais et iusqu present incognus secret du
maniement des armes, pied et cheval.
1628 Acadmie 2nd edition.
Viggiani, Angelo [Bologna]

Taught thrust superior to cut, always come to guard in single sword with right
foot forward and one of the fathers of the lunge, which he called the punta sopramano.
Used seven guards.
1575 Lo schermo. Nel quale, per via di dialogo si discorre intorno all eccelenza dellarmi et
delle lettere, et intorno all offesa et difesa. Et insegna uno schermo di spada sola sicuro e
singolare con una tavola copiosissima. (nine plates) (this work was finished in 1560,
but not printed until well after the authors death as per his request)
This is a very short list of some of the more significant (and vaguely available) historical
documents on the art of defense. It is by no means complete.
Modern Weapon Forms

There are basically three options open to thelmearc fencers; the foil, the epee, and the
schlger. The first two are available to anyone in thelmearc and the choice between them is
primarily based on personal preference. The latter form is open only to advanced fencers in
thelmearc. All of the following weights and measurements apply to standard FIE fencing
equipment and are meant to give you an idea what is available from retailers of modern fencing
gear. SCA standards are somewhat different and allow the use of larger and odder shaped bells
and grips. You can not, however, tamper with the blades except to shorten the tang or blunt the
end of a schlger. The use of cut-down blades is strictly forbidden in thelmearc.
The foil is a practice weapon theoretically descended from the 18th century small sword,
or court sword. The foil has a thin, flexible blade with a rectangular cross-section and a small
bell guard. Traditional foil technique emphasizes strong defense and quick killing attacks to the
body. The total weight of an FIE legal foil ready for use is less than 500 grams, and has a
maximum total length of 110 cm. The blade is made of steel and is rectangular in cross-section.
The edges must be smooth and incapable of cutting. The blade is mounted with the widest
dimension placed horizontally. The foil blade should only have a smooth curve of less than 2 cm
in the center of the blade. A foil bell guard is a minimum of 9.5 cm and a maximum of 12 cm in
diameter. The foil blade is mounted in the center of the guard.
An epee is descended from the dueling swords of the mid-19th century. Epees have stiff
blades with triangular cross-sections and large bell guards. Traditional epee technique
emphasizes timing, point control and good counter attack. The total weight of an FIE legal foil
ready for use is not to exceed 770 grams and has a maximum total length of 110 cm. The blade
is made of steel and is triangular in cross-section. It should be as straight as possible, with less
than a 1 cm curve, located in the center of the blade. The guard must have a circular edge and a
maximum diameter of 13.5 cm, with a total depth of between 3.0 and 5.5 cm. Offset guards are
common, though the distance between the center of the guard and the point at which the blade
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passes through the guard should not be more than 3.5 cm. Also available are so called doublewide epees or musketeer blades which are wider in the blade than the standard epee. There are
no FIE or manufacturers standards with regard to double-wides, and in the SCA, as long as they
meet Society flexibility standards, they are treated the same as any other epee.
Sabre is descended from the naval and cavalry swords of the 19th century and has a light
blade and curved knuckle guard. Sabre technique emphasizes speed, feints, and a strong offense.
Sabre blades are not legal, at the Society level, for use in the SCA. However, the sabre guard
may still be used. A standard sabre guard is made in one piece and should have a smooth,
continuous convex form, without holes.
The most common SCA schlger is actually the non-sharpened form of a live blade used
in German fencing fraternities. The word schlger is taken out of context in the SCA, but
basically it refers to a fairly stiff, blunt, oval cross-sectioned blade. Schlger blades are
approximately 34" in length, though they can be special ordered in lengths up to at least 45, and
blade width varies from 5/8" to 1/4" at the tip. There are also diamond cross-sectioned blades
called Del Tin blades which are legal for use in thelmearc. Schlaeger blades are heavier and
much harder to break than the other blade types, and unlike foils and epees, schlaegers have
distinct cutting edges and distinct flats. These characteristics make them very popular. There
are actually several different types of schlaeger blades now and you will want to keep track of
any new blade types approved at the Society and Kingdom level.
All weapons are composed of the following parts: a flexible steel blade with a point at its
forward extremity and a tang, the threaded section of the blade, at the rear. The hilt of the
weapon is composed of three sections; the guard which protects the sword hand, a grip or handle
which enables the fencer to hold the weapon, and the pommel or locking nut, which typically
screws onto the tang and secures the guard and the grip to the blade. The blade is divided into
two sections, the forte - the thicker half of the blade near the bell, and the foible - the thinner half
of the blade including the tip.
Grips There are a wide variety of grips available for foil and epee. These grips fall into two
broad categories, traditional and pistol. The pistol grip, a non-period invention also known as the
orthopedic grip, is illegal for SCA fencing unless you have a documented medical condition
requiring their use. There are three main varieties of traditional grips; French, Italian and
Spanish. All of these consist of a relatively simple handle, a large, exposed pommel and, in the
case of Spanish and Italian grips, crossbars or similar prongs for extra grip.
Example of a pistol grip not legal for SCA use
The French grip is the simplest of all fencing grips in construction, and the cheapest. It
emphasizes finger control over strength, and provides considerable flexibility, and a variety of
possible hand positions. It is the most common grip used by SCA fencers.
Example of the French grip
The Italian grip is noted for its strength, but is fairly rare, partially because it requires a
special tang on the blades that are used with it. It is the only modern ambidextrous fencing grip.
Example of an Italian grip
The Spanish grip is a compromise between the French and Italian grip, and is currently
illegal in modern FIE fencing, due to the perceived safety hazard of not being able to release the
weapon easily. Most of the commonly available Spanish grips are actually pistol grips and
therefore are not period and not legal for SCA use. Inquire about the nature of the grip before
purchasing one.
Guards Foil guards are circular and vary in diameter from approximately 9.5 to 12 cm across.
Epee guards are almost always 13.5 cm (the maximum FIE size) for the best protection, although
they can vary considerably in shape, depth (3 - 5.5 cm), weight, and eccentricity, or off
centeredness (up to 3.5 cm off center). Typically epee guards are round and bowl shaped,
protecting your hand more than a foil bell. Mini epee guards are also available from some
venders. Sabre guards can also be fitted for use on foils and epees, and come in left- or righthanded versions (the outside of the guard being larger).
Sabre guard
Epee guard
Blades There are a large number of variables to consider when shopping for blades, including
stiffness, length, durability, flex point, weight, balance, corrosion resistance and price.
Stiff blades provide better point control, and are better for cutting, but are less responsive
to quick flicks of the wrist. One way of testing the flexibility of a blade is to find its flex point,
the point in the blade where the curve ends. A flex point of less than 1/3 of the length from the
tip indicates a strong middle, but may also indicate a whippy or less durable foible (the upper,
weaker section of the blade). A lower flex point may make the blade feel spongy, slow or tipheavy, but may also indicate a stronger foible that is more durable and less easily parried. Some
brands of blades (e.g. Allstar) are sold in different flexibility grades. Blades that feel heavier in
the tip often provide better point control, while those which are lighter in the tip often make for
faster parries. For SCA use it is usually better to get a stiffer, stronger blade because of our
extensive use of cuts, but flexibility choices are completely personal and you may have to try
several different types of blade to find the ones best suited to your style.
Blades generally come in 5 sizes, with 5 being the longest (90cm for foil and epee) and
by far the most common. Obviously, shorter blades are somewhat lighter and have quicker
response times, but even the change of centimeter in length dramatically effects attack distance.
These shorter blades can be useful for children, fencers who prefer lighter blades, or those who
often provoke infighting, in which a long blade can be a liability. If you are using a non-standard
blade, you should inform your opponents.
Blades typically break at the flex point in the foible or at the tip. Another common mode
of failure is where the tang will snap at the base of the blade. Signals that a blade is about to
break are sharp bends or kinks in the middle of the blade, and S-bends in the foible, both of
which indicate serious metal fatigue. It is sometimes possible to train a kink or S-curve out of a
blade, but if the kink or S-curve is persistent the blade can no longer be used.
Maraging steel foil blades have a reputation for lasting considerably longer than regular
steel blades, and are supposed to break more cleanly. Many fencers find that their durability
offsets the higher blade cost, but these blades are specifically designed for modern electrical
fencing (they are mandatory in many high-level modern fencing competitions). They are often
extremely flexible and do not stand up well to SCA style fencing, sometimes being compared to
fencing with cooked spaghetti noodles. Caution should be exercised when purchasing them.
Stiffer maraging blades do exist, so careful questioning of different dealers may uncover the type
of blade you want.
Maraging epee blades are also available. Also of interest is a blade produced by Leon
Paul, a non-maraging FIE blade that is stamped from a sheet of steel, rather than forged whole.
These blades are generally very lightweight and flexible, and they usually fail by folding rather
than breaking.
There are two main varieties of schlager blade available: oval cross-sectioned blades
and diamond cross-sectioned blades (most commonly Del Tins but there are other types
available now as well). These blade come in lengths from about 34 to 45 or more. If you are
using a blade substantially longer than 34, you should inform your opponent. Blades shorter
than 34 are currently not permitted in thelmearc., but if you have a strong desire to use a short
blade and you find one that meets Society flexibility standards, you can always submit an
experimental weapons plan for its use. Unlike with foils and epees, period open guards and hilts
may be used with schlaeger blades as long as they present no sharp edges or hazardous
protrusions.
The length and thread of the tang is of importance; some blades are cut and threaded for
French or pistol grips only, and some blades with French grips require an extra fitting for the
thread. When ordering a blade, make sure that you specify they type of grip that you are using
and what threading you need. Italian grips also require a special tang, since part of it is exposed
in the hilt. The international standard tang threading is 6mm. Any blade ordered in Europe or
bought in Europe, unless a change is specified, will be threaded at 6mm. However, while metric
threading is standard, it is not universal, especially in the United States, where 12x24 threads are
still fairly common. Dies to re-thread the tang from 6mm to 12x24 can be found at most
hardware stores, but this problem can be avoided by keeping track of the type of threading your
grips and pommels require. If the tang must be cut to fit the grip, be very careful to leave enough
thread to screw the pommel nut on securely. Also, the top joint of the tang, where it fits through
the bell, often has to be filed down to fit into your grip.
Tangs are attached by an exterior pommel on traditional grips. Several pommel styles are
available from ornate to very plain. The pommel is also threaded 6mm or 12x24, so make sure
any new equipment you order has the right threads. A 12x24 can be re-threaded to a 6mm using
a tap, but you cant go the other way around.
Many foil and epee fencers prefer a bend at the join of the tang and blade, so that the
blade points slightly inside when held in sixte (see glossary). It is also possible to put this bend
into the forte instead, if the fencer is left handed or it is preferred. Some blades come pre-bent,
and you should ask your distributor if this is an option or a concern.
A gentle curve in the foible of the blade is also common, and helps to square the point
against oblique surfaces, such as your opponent. Such a bend must be smooth and gradual.
Sharp kinks and S-curves are prohibited. Foible bends are best worked into the blade using the
sole of ones shoe and the floor, pulling through the entire length of the foible. You can also retrain your blade in this fashion if it starts to kink or S-curve. NEVER grasp the blade and bend it
at a point. This only increases metal fatigue and will cause the blade to break sooner.
In modern FIE fencing there is a maximum allowable blade curvature for foil and epee
blades. The total curvature of the blade is measured at the widest separation between the blade
and an imaginary line drawn between the join of the forte and the tang and the join of the foible
and tip. The blade can be laid across a flat surface, such as a table top, to measure the arch.
Epees typically should not rise more than 1 cm above the surface, while foils are allowed 2 cm.
The objective is to angle the point to hit oblique surfaces better, and for this purpose this is a
significant enough amount of curvature. If instead the objective is to hook the blade around
blocking parries or body parts, the above limits are fairly restrictive, and a slighter larger curve
may be put into the blade. Remember that the groove on the epee goes on the top (thumb side)
of the blade, and the outside of the blade curvature. These limits are only suggestions and not
requirements of the SCA. Your blade may have a larger curve to it, but that may reduce the life
of the blade. It can also be indicative of higher than necessary calibration.
In SCA fencing a blades flexibility is tested by holding the weapon parallel to the ground,
with the handle supported against a table or bench, and hanging a 3-ounce (85 gram) weight just
behind the tip. If the blade is a dagger (up to 18" in length) and flexes visibly more then 1/4" or
6 mm, the blade is sufficiently flexible. If the blade is a rapier (more than 18" in length) it
should flex at least 1/2 inch or 12 mm.
Foil and epee blades from both dry or practice, and electric. Dry blades have a flat,
nail head shaped point and are the most commonly used in the SCA because they are easily
capped off with standard plastic fencing tips (also known as buttons). They are also typically
much cheaper and tend to be stiffer blades. Electric blades have a sharp, hollow, threaded point,
and a small channel in the side of the blade (for the wire used to score touches). Many of the
more expensive and durable blades are only available as electrics, but they can be much more
difficult to tip. When you order your blades make sure that you know what you are getting.
Never by a wired electric blade. You will be spending a lot of money for things you dont need
and cant use in SCA fencing. Also be aware that sometimes when you order a practice blade
you might get an electric blade with a metal barrel bonded onto the end. You cant fit a standard
button on to one of these barrels, making them difficult to tip. Most solutions are ungainly and
usually result in a poorly balanced weapon. Make sure that your dealer knows you want only
practice blades with blunted nail-head points. This is less of a problem with epee blades
because the greater weight of the epee is less affected by a weightier tip.
Finally, when you order buttons, always request colored ones. You will not be allowed to
use clear buttons because they cannot be seen by supervising marshals. Small rubber archery
bird blunts, like those used for schlaeger blades, can also be used to tip electric foils, and epees
but the balance is sometimes adversely affected.
Schlaeger blades are tipped first with a metal casting or washer and then with a large
rubber archery bird blunt. Padding may be necessary to hold the tip in place and keep it from
wobbling. Standard foil/epee buttons can not be used; they do not even come close to fitting.
Before placing a tip on a schlaeger, the end of the blade much be filed down or cut flat and any
sharp edges filed smooth. This is best done using hand tools and not a filing wheel, which may
effect the temper of the blade.
There are several different distributors and manufacturers of fencing equipment out there,
so if you dont like the weapons you are using now, try ordering something different or from
somewhere different next time. You should also take a look at what other people are using,
because sometimes you might find that someone else has already managed to assemble the right
combination of parts for you. Then all you have to do is ask them where they get their supplies.
If you run into a brand of blade that is remarkably good or remarkably bad (breaks into jagged
point, S-curves immediately) let your Regional and the Kingdom Marshal of Fence, and the
people you fence with, know.
Where to Find Fencing Gear An Incomplete List of Dealers

(note that inclusion in this list is not an endorsement of the products or services mentioned)
Alchem Inc. (www.alcheminc.com/fencing.html) Safeflex daggers

314 East 195th St.
Euclid, Ohio 44119
(216) 313-8674
Allstar-USA Fencing Equipment (www.allstar-usa.com) Modern equipment
199 West 25th Street
Fifth Floor (on premises of Fencers Club)
New York, NY 10001
1-888-ALSTAR5 or 1-212-279-8656
American Fencers Supply Co. (www.amfence.com) Modern equipment
1180 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA. 94103
phone: 415-863-7911 fax: 415-431-4931
Black Rose Creations (www.blackrose-creations.com)
They are not taking orders at present
c/o Terry M. Marr
7 Devonshire Drive
Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.08234-7111
609-926-1297
Blade Fencing Equipment (www.blade-fencing.com)
Modern equipment Allstar dealer
245 West 29th Street
New York, NY 10001
ph: 1-800-828-5661 || fax: 212-244-3134 || NY/NJ/CT: 212-244-3090
Blue Gauntlet Fencing Gear (www.blue-gauntlet.com)
Modern equipment
479 N. Midland Avenue
Saddle Brook, NJ. 07663
Phone: 201-797-3332 Fax: 201-797-9190
Cutting Edge (home1.gte.net/22sew/)
Clothing and really annoying music on their site
11628 Foxfire Drive
Hudson, FL 34669-2301
813-856-6733
Darkwood Armory (www.darkwoodarmory.com) Sells Del Tin blades

5514 Frank Hough Rd.
Panama City, FL 32404
850-872-1873
DEL TIN ARMI ANTICHE (www.italpro.com/deltin/)
Via dei Fabbri, 13
I- 33085 MANIAGO PN ITALY
tel +39 0427 72550 fax +39 0427 732734
Fencers Edge (www.fencersedge.com)
Carries a line of "health products" to enhance your performance. (Don't ask me).
Also carry some ankle/thigh/calf supports.
308 Springfield Ave
Berkeley Heights, NJ, 07922
The Fencing Post (www.thefencingpost.com/)
1004 Bird Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125
Toll Free (800) 459-7207
To Order by Phone (408) 297-4448
To Order by Fax (408) 275-8060
Gerhard Kendal's Rubberband Guns (www.lydia.org/bandgun)
1192 Shavington Street
North Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7L 1K9
(604) 988-0304
Leon Paul Equipment (www.leonpaul.com/main/main.html) Modern equipment
they carry a transparent fencing mask !
Units 1 and 2 Cedar Way
Camley Street
London NW1 0JQ
phone +44 (0)207 388 8132 fax +44 (0)207 388 8134
Popinjay's
Adam William & Lucia Williams-Young
42 Winter St.
Bangor ME 04401
(207) 945-4557
Physical Chess (physicalchess.com)
2933 Vauxhall Road
Vauxhall, NJ 07088
1-800-FENCING
Quality Performers (QP-Sport) (www.qp-sport.co.nz) New Zealand company that

produces chest protectors - gives a list of the US distributors
16 Buller Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand
Telephone / fax +64-6-757 4773
USA Fax (206) 888 2218
George Santelli Inc. (www.santelli.com) Modern equipment
465 South Dean St.
Englewood, New Jersey
Phone: 201-871-3105 FAX: 201-871-8718
Scottie Armoury (http://Mail.InfoMagic.NET/~scotarm/)
P.O. Box 278
Peoria, AZ 85380
voice (602) 284-2280 fax (602) 923-1975
Syke's Sutlery (sykesutler.home.att.net) Syke's has a new owner, who is supplying
Black Rose weapons (since they own that too) and Santelli
7 Devonshire Drive
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234-7111
(609) 926-1297
Triplette Competition Arms (www.triplette.com) Modern Equipment - watch out for
their "SCA" stuff it is not always what you will really want.
101 E. Main Street
Elkin, NC 28621
phone: 336-835-7774 fax: 336-835-4099
Uhlmann-Fechtsport (www.uhlmann-fechtsport.de/inhalt_e.htm) German manufacturer
of modern equipment (carried by many US distributors)
Uhlandstr. 12
D-88471 Laupheim Germany
Tel: +49 7392 - 9697
Zivkovic Modern Equipment Inc. (www.zivkovic.com/) Sells some really wild
transparent masks
77 Arnold Rd.
Wellesley Hills, MA 02181
(617) 235-3324 fax: (617) 239-1224
Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

RULES OF THE LISTS
The basic rules for the SCA combat are contained in the Rules of the Lists. These Rules,
however, do not specifically cover non-tourney field activities such as wars, combat
archery, and period fencing. In practice, the Rules have been extended to cover these
activities, with the observance of honor and chivalry being the overriding element, along
with the safety of the combatants. The following is intended to bring together the
appropriate rules for conducting both tourney field combat and other SCA combat
activities.
A. The Rules of the Lists are reprinted from Appendix B of the Corpora of the SCA.
1. Each fighter, recognizing the possibilities of physical injury to him or herself in such
combat, shall assume unto himself or herself all risk and liability for harm suffered by
means of such combat. No fighter shall engage in combat unless and until he or she has
inspected the field of combat and satisfied himself or herself that it is suitable for combat.
Other participants shall likewise recognize the risks involved in their presence on or near
the field of combat, and shall assume unto themselves the liabilities thereof.
2. No person shall participate in Combat-Related Activities (including armored combat,
period fencing, combat archery, scouting, and banner bearing in combat) outside of
formal training sessions unless he or she shall have been properly authorized under
Society and Kingdom procedures.
3. All combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Sovereign or his or her
representative.
4. All combatants shall adhere to the appropriate armor and weapons standards of the
Society, and to any additional standards of the Kingdom in which the event takes place.
The Sovereign may waive the additional Kingdom standards.
5. The Sovereign or the Marshallate may bar any weapon or armor from use upon the
field of combat. Should a warranted Marshal bar any weapon or armor, an appeal may be
made to the Sovereign to allow the weapon or armor.
6. Combatants shall behave in a knightly and chivalrous manner, and shall fight
according to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions of Combat.
7. No one may be required to participate in Combat-Related Activities. Any combatant
may, without dishonor or penalty, reject any challenge without specifying a reason. A
fight in a tournament lists is not to be considered a challenge, and therefore may not be
declined or rejected without forfeiting the bout.
8. Fighting with real weapons, whether fast or slow, is strictly forbidden at any Society
event. This rule does not consider approved weaponry which meets the Society and
Kingdom standards for traditional Society combat and/or Society period rapier combat,
used in the context of mutual sport, to be real weaponry.
9. No projectile weapons shall be allowed and no weapons shall be thrown within the
Lists of a tournament. The use of approved projectile weapons for melee, war, or combat
archery shall conform to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions of Combat.
B. Applications of the Rules of the List
Ref Rule 1: Other participants include Marshals, and also support personnel whose
activities bring them close to fighting in a situation where boundaries are not clearly
Page C - 1 Version 1.1
defined. Heralds, List Pages, and similar officers who leave the field entirely before
combat begins are exempt from this requirement, as are Water-Bearers and Chirurgeons
who remain in fixed support points outside the tournament field or battle area. WaterBearers and Chirurgeons who take part in mobile support groups within the overall
boundaries of a battle area must receive a basic orientation in field safety, and sign a
proper Waiver.
Ref Rule 2: The Crown and/or Marshallate of each Kingdom shall establish standards and
procedures for the authorization of fighters to participate in combat. These procedures
shall adhere to the Combat Authorization Procedures in this Handbook. At Kingdom
option, these procedures may involve either a general authorization to participate in
armored combat, or a set of separate authorization procedures for the use of (or for
combat AGAINST) specific weapons or classes of weapons. The Crown and/or
Marshallate of each Kingdom shall establish standards and procedures for the
authorization of combat archers and missile users to participate in combat. Kingdoms
may establish such additional limitations on the participation of minors as may be
deemed necessary. It is usual for authorizations from other Kingdoms to be accepted,
although exceptions may prove necessary in the case of specific individuals. The Crown
may not simply grant an authorization, unless the recipient has successfully completed
the authorization process as delineated in Society and Kingdom law.
Ref Rule 4: Kingdoms may apply armor and weapons standards that are stricter than the
Society standards, should they be deemed necessary, but may not reduce or waive any
Society standard.
Ref Rule 5: If a fighter regards an opponents weapon or armor as unduly dangerous to
face, he or she can request the Marshal of the field to re-inspect the item. Either fighter
has the option of appealing the decision of the re-inspecting Marshal to the Marshal in
Charge and ultimately to the Sovereign.
Ref Rule 6: Engaging in any Society combat activity with the deliberate intent to inflict
bodily harm to an opponent is strictly forbidden.
Ref Rule 7: No one is required to engage in SCA combat should he or she prefer not to
do so.
Ref Rule 8: Since fighting with real weapons is forbidden at any Society prevent,
threatening the use of such weapons is likewise expressly forbidden. At the discretion of
the Sovereign and the Marshal in Charge recognized experts may be permitted to present
choreographed demonstrations with real weapons under strictly controlled conditions.
Posing for still photographs with real weapons is permitted. No one may wear any real
weapon onto the field while participating in combat or present during combat. At the
discretion of the Sovereign and the Marshal in Charge, an exception may be made for
marshals or other noncombatants to wear knives bonded with peace straps.
Ref Rule 9: The prohibition on thrown weapons refers to weapons in combat, or thrown
in a hostile manner. It does not apply to tossing as a gentle, short-range method of
transferring or removing a tournament weapon or item from the Lists or area of combat.
The use of archery, firearms, slings, javelins, throwing axes, throwing knives, or any
other projectile is forbidden within Tournament Lists, or in any other situation where
spectators cannot be separated from the potential line of fire by more than the effective
range of the weapons.
Page C - 2 Version 1.1
The Tournament What every fencer should know

1. All participants in tournament or melee at SCA events must be authorized in the
weapon forms to be used.
2. Each fencer is responsible for ensuring that they understand the format of the
tournament or melee. If the are unclear on the format or special conditions of the
tournament they must ask the MiC for clarification.
3. Prior to entry into a list or melee field, even just for a warm-up bout, your armor and
weapons must be inspected by a marshal. Check with the MiC for any special
procedures that need to be followed.
4. To enter combat at an SCA event you must be able to present your authorization card
to the list minister or mistress (MOL). Each person on the field must have a waiver
filed with the MOL before they can take part in combat.
5. The list marshal will ask each of the combatants if they are ready. Each fencer on the
field should clearly acknowledge that they are or are not prepared. Combat then
begins at the list marshals command.
6. Any participant, fencer, marshal or member of the populace may call "HOLD" if an
unsafe condition exists, such as a child running into a list or a broken weapon. A call
of HOLD must be in a loud sustained fashion.
7. When a HOLD is called all combat will immediately stop. Fencers shall freeze,
check their immediate area for hazards and then assume a non-threatening position
with their weapons pointed away from anyone on the field. Fencers must maintain
their current position unless otherwise directed by a marshal. Do not wander from
your current position, this is especially important in melee.
8. It is the responsibility of each fencer to determine what weapons their opponent is
using and to resolve any questions before the fight. If time and space permit,
calibration should also be conducted between unfamiliar opponents before entering
the list.
9. Rubber Band Guns are not permitted during single combat.
10. All fencing shall stay within the boundaries of the list or melee field. If the fencers
are in danger of overrunning the list ropes or running out of the field, the marshal
shall call ROPE or EDGE OF LIST in a loud, clear voice, and the fencers should
attempt to alter their trajectory. If the fencers run into the list ropes or are in danger
of overrunning the list ropes into civilians, a HOLD shall be called. The
combatants should be reset in the center of the field in the same relative positions
before combat resumes.
Page D - 1 Version 1.1
11. A fencer should be aware of his opponents position on the field and not force them
intentionally into any field hazards.
12. A fencer is armed as long as they retain least one offensive weapon. If a fencer drops
their only offensive weapon, it is up to their opponent whether the fencer is allowed
to recover the dropped weapon.
13. A fencer shall resolve any disputes before they leave the field. Once the fencer leaves
the field, the outcome of the fight stands.
14. Unless otherwise specified by the rules of a tourney or scenario, all fighting is done in
the round.
15. A fencer should check to make sure they are wearing all the required items of armor
each time they re-enter the list. They should also check their weapons for any
obvious problems like a loose or missing tip. If the fencer is unsure of the condition
of their equipment, they should present it to a marshal for inspection.
16. A fencer must not engage in rapier combat with the deliberate intent to injure an
opponent. No true offensive steel or weaponry may be worn or carried into the list.
17. A fighter shall not grab an opponents blade.
18. During combat, only marshals and fencers are permitted within the boundaries of the
list field. Spectators should be kept at a safe distance, especially when Rubber Band
Guns are used.
19. Fencers who are using non-standard equipment, such as a 45 schlager blade, or is
wearing necessary safety gear, such as a knee brace, which may effect blow calls,
must inform their opponents of this fact each time they enter the list.
20. Unsafe or dishonorable conduct is not permitted. This includes:
grappling or physical contact between opponents
throwing a weapon or defensive object at an opponent
striking with excessive force
consistently ignoring blows
use of a disabled limb
deliberately running into the ropes
deliberately running out of the list area
deliberate misuse of the rules
unchivalrous behavior of any form
21. During combat, removal or loss of head protection results in an immediate HOLD.
The fencer who removed or lost his head protection forfeits the fight.
Responsibilities of the Marshal-in-Charge

1. The Rapier-Marshal-in-Charge (MIC) must explain any additional rules needed for a
scenario before the beginning of the scenario. The additional rules cannot supersede
any of the rules specified in the Policies of the Marshal of Fence. (e.g. Today were
sumo wrestling!!)
2. The MIC shall explain how to resolve "double kills" before the fighting begins.
3. The MIC is responsible for announcing the procedure for equipment inspection and
list sign-in.
4. If there is not an MOL present the MIC is responsible for checking authorization
cards and for insuring the appropriate waivers are signed.
5. In addition, see the MIC section in the Marshallate portion of this handbook.
The Marshallate
Structure
The marshallate of AEthelmearc is structured as follows:
Kingdom Marshal of Fence (KMoF)
The KMoF is ultimately responsible for all rapier combat in AEthelmearc. The KMoF
must maintain contact with the Society Fencing Marshal and with the Kingdom Earl Marshal in
quarterly reports. The KMoF must maintain the Policies of the Marshal of Fence, ensure their
compliance with Society standards and maintain the list of fencing marshals.
Deputy Kingdom Marshal of Fence (Drop-Dead)
The Kingdom Marshal must always have a deputy who can take over in the event that the
Kingdom Rapier Marshal is no longer able to perform the duties of the office. The Drop-Dead
must be kept informed of any problems, proposed changes in policy and have a copy of the
current roster of marshals.
Regional Marshals
The regional marshals are the senior representative of the marshallate in their region.
Each one is appointed by and is directly responsible to the KMoF. The Regional Marshal is
responsible for ensuring the safe practice of rapier combat in their region, and is ultimately
responsible for training, warranting and supervising all of the marshals in their region. They
must also keep a record of all the MITs in their region and of any approved experimental
weapons use. Ideally, the Regional will not be the Local Marshal for the group in which they
reside. Regional Marshals must submit a written report to the KMoF on a quarterly basis by the
15th of February, May, August, and November.
Local Marshals
Local marshals are responsible for ensuring the safe practice of rapier combat within their
Barony, Shire, or other local group in which they reside. The Local Marshal is directly
responsible to the Regional Marshal. The local marshal helps train fencers, assists in the
authorization of fencers, and brings to the attention of the Regional Marshal any candidates for
the marshallate. Local marshals are also responsible for overseeing the safe conduct of practices
held in their local group. Local marshals may train new marshals, but they must keep the
regional apprized of who they are training. A Local Marshal is equal to a Marshal-At-Large in
the chain of command. Local Marshals submit written reports to their Regionals by the 1st of
February, May, August, and November.
Page E-1 Version 1.1
Marshal-at-Large (MaL)
Marshals-at-Large are not directly responsible for a particular geographic region, but they
are still directly responsible to the Regional Marshal of the area in which they reside. MaLs
shall perform general marshallate duties such as the authorization of fencers, inspections of
armor and arms, and the marshalling of bouts and melees. If the MaL is training new marshals,
they must write a report to the appropriate regional apprizing the regional of the status of each of
their trainees.
Marshal-in-Charge (MiC)
The MiC is the marshal in charge of the fencing for the day at a particular event. Any
warranted marshal can act as a MiC. The MiCs primary duty is to ensure that rapier combat
activities for that event are supervised at all times and conducted in a safe manner and in
accordance to the Policies of the Marshal of Fence. After each event the MiC needs to submit a
report (verbal or written, as requested) to the autocrat of the event, and a written report to the
appropriate Regional. Any sanctions, injuries or other unusual events must be reported as soon
as possible to the appropriate Regional. Serious injuries must be reported directly to the KMoF
within 24 hours by phone, with a written report to follow as soon as possible. A serious injury is
defined as any injury which causes a fencer to withdraw from a tournament or from bouting.
Marshals-in-Training (MITs)
MITs have NO official standing within the SCA.
Becoming a Marshal Persons wishing to become marshals must have a paid membership in the SCA, and a
through understanding of the rapier combat rules. Any warranted marshal may train an MIT, but
they should introduce said MIT to the Regional Marshal at the earliest opportunity and the
warranted marshal must submit short written reports on the status of the MIT each quarter. It
must be understood that an MIT has NO status within the SCA and all of their activities while in
training must be actively supervised by a warranted marshal. If there are no warranted marshals
in your area, you should contact the appropriate regional in order to get training.
Training will include:
Line marshalling in bouts, melees and practices

Participation in authorization procedures (see authorization section)
Participation in weapons and armor inspections (see inspection section)
Participation in the administration of tournaments
To become a warranted marshal, the interested MIT must contact the appropriate Regional to
initiate the process.
Issuing a Warrant
When the Regional Marshal or Kingdom Marshal warrants a new marshal, the Marshals
warrant form must be filled out, signed by the Regional or KmoF, and returned to the Kingdom
Marshal of Fence. At the same time a marshals card will be issued to the new marshal. Regional
Marshals must inform the KMoF anytime they make a new marshal. The warrant expires each
time the SCA membership expires and must be renewed on a yearly basis, by filling out a
warrant form and having it signed by the KMoF or Regional Marshal.
Responsibilities of a Marshal
A marshal must inspect the armor and weapons of the combatants for compliance with the
policies of the marshal of fence, prior to combat. This includes all practices, tournaments and
any warm-up or pick-up bouts.
No SCA rapier combat may be conducted without a warranted Fencing Marshal.
I. Marshals are responsible for overseeing the safety and conduct of rapier combat both at
tournaments and formal SCA practices.
II. Marshals must maintain membership in the SCA and must receive and read the Kingdom
newsletter to keep abreast of any changes in law or policy.
III. Marshals must be thoroughly familiar with the Corporate and Kingdom Policies of Fence and
Marshalling standards. Marshals must have a current copy of the Kingdom Policies of Fence and
of the AEthelmearc Rapier Combat Handbook.
IV. Marshals must enforce the Rules of the List.
V. Each marshal should be an impartial observer. If there are any conflicts of interest, a different
marshal should be sought to oversee combat. Unless there are clear violations, or they are
requested by either of the combatants to supply an opinion about a blow, the marshal should
allow fencers to resolve each combat.
VI. Each marshal should be prepared to halt a bout at any point, especially under the following
circumstances:
A) Danger a broken weapon, armor failure, civilians on the list field etc.
B) Loss of temper or composure
C) Infraction of the rules non-acceptance of blows, excessive blow, unacceptable use of
equipment, grappling, etc.
D) When one of the combatants or another marshal requests a halt such a hold may
only be called for safety reasons. If a combatant abuses this system, they may be sanctioned.
VII. Marshals should, at the request of another marshal, either of the combatants, or the crown,
or under their own initiative based on prior difficulties, actively marshal combat. This means
that they may give unsolicited opinions about the strength or location of blows and may stop the
bout to discuss it with each of the combatants.
VIII. If a combatant repeatedly appears to disregard blows or disobey the rules of the list, or is
fighting in an unsafe manner, the marshal should stop the fight, confer with any other marshals
observing the bout, and then talk to each of the combatants. Combat should not resume until the
combatants demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem, and satisfy the marshals concerns.
IX. A marshal may at any time, request another marshal to watch the same combat.
X. Marshal should at the resolution of each combat, ask each combatant, before they leave the
list, if they are satisfied.
XI. All SCA rapier combat must be actively supervised by a warranted marshal. This means
that the marshal must be paying attention to the combatants and their surroundings.
XII. Marshals may eject a fencer from a bout or tournament for serious infractions of the rules,
unsafe behavior, or unchivalrous behavior. If a fencer is ejected a written report must be made
within 24 hours. (see DISPUTES AND SANCTIONS section)
XIII.
Marshals must bar from the field any person impaired by drugs or alcohol.
XIV. Marshals should be wearing appropriate clothing which allows adequate mobility; i.e. the
ability to quickly move out of the way of a bout. No full Elizabethan gowns. This also means
that the marshal in the list should not present a safety hazard themselves by sitting down or not
paying attention to the action.
INJURIES
Marshals are responsible for maintaining order in the event of an injury, allowing only
the medic, and the combatants consort, or close relations near. The remainder of the populace
should be kept back. Injuries are to be reported to the MIC immediately, and must be reported to
the Kingdom Marshal of Fence in writing. Serious injuries must be reported both in writing and
via phone within 24 hours of their occurrence. Any injury which results in the withdraw of a
combatant must be reported.
Should an injury of any kind occur at an event or official practice, the Marshal-in-Charge
will submit a detailed report of the injury to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence and should include
SCA and legal name, and contact information of the injured person or persons and
of all persons directly involved in the injury
The date and place of the injury
The circumstances as nearly as they can be reconstructed
SCA and legal name, and contact information of any marshal or fencer witnessing
the injury
The nature of the injury
A description of the action(s) taken by the marshals, the chirugeons, and/or any
other official representatives of the SCA
The legal and SCA name(s) of the warranted chirugeon(s) in attendance, if any
Any other relevant details
Note: Chiurgeonate reports are protected by patient confidentiality and may not be requested by
the marshals. If the injury is caused by equipment failure, the MiC must inspect the equipment
to determine the nature of the failure. The MiC may request to hold the equipment in order to
pass it on to the appropriate Regional Marshal or KmoF for further inspection. The fencer(s)
have a right to refuse any such request and any such held equipment will be returned to the
fencer in a timely fashion or at their request.
DISPUTES AND SANCTIONS

If a dispute arises during a bout or other combat, marshals must mediate the dispute and
attempt to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. The ultimate goal of the marshal is to ensure the
safety of all participants and to maintain a friendly atmosphere on the field. Listen to both sides
of the dispute and attempt to help the combatants come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. If
you did not directly observe the event in question, it might be prudent to ask for impartial
opinions from other marshals or fencers who may have observed the event in question.
Combatants who are unwilling or unable to maintain their temper or are unwilling to resolve
their difficulties should be asked to step out of the tournament or melee until they regain their
composure. If you feel that you are unable to mediate the combatants dispute, or if you feel that
you are beginning to loose your temper, bring in another marshal to help.
If at any time a marshal is not able to resolve a question or dispute, he or she must report
the problem to the next senior marshal available.
Marshal Marshal-in-Charge Regional Marshal Kingdom Marshal Earl Marshal Crown
Sanctions against Combatants

When a combatant breaks the rules, sanctions may be imposed. If a marshal sees a
violation of the rules, they should immediately report it to the MiC. Depending on the severity
of the infraction, it may need to be reported to the next higher marshal in the chain of command.
The Marshal on the Field may do the following
Reprimand After an incident in the list or on the field, the marshal on the field should warn
the combatant that their action was dishonorable, unsafe or a violation of the rules. The marshal
should discuss the incident with the combatant, preferably in private, and make sure they
understand the nature of the problem. After a reprimand, the marshal should report the incident
to the Marshal-in-Charge, and has the option of reporting the incident in writing to their
immediate supervisor.
Removal from the Bout If, in the opinion of the marshal on the field, a combatant is unable to
continue fencing safely, the marshal may remove the combatant from the bout. The combatant
must be informed why such action is being taken, with reference to the specific violation or
behavior which is unacceptable. Once removed from the bout, at the discretion of the marshal in
charge, the combatant may continue to fence for the remainder of the event. Any removal of a
combatant from a bout must be reported to the MiC immediately and reported in writing to the
appropriate Regional.
The Marshal-in-Charge of an event may, in addition to the previous actions, perform:

Removal from the Field - The MiC of an event or practice may, at their discretion or upon the
advice of other marshals, decide that a combatant should be removed from fencing for the day or
event. Removal from the field should only be imposed for serious violations or safety concerns
and the combatant must be informed why such an action has been taken, with reference to the
specific rules broken or unacceptable behavior. The MiC must make a detailed written report
documenting the action for their immediate supervisor, including the SCA and legal name of the
sanctioned combatant, all the details of the incident and any other relevant information. If
possible, written statements should be acquired from any marshal or marshals who witnessed the
violation as well.
Confiscation of Authorization - If a fencer engages in repeated or extreme violations, such that
their ability to fencer in a safe and honorable fashion is called in to question, the Marshal-inCharge of an event or practice may decide that more serious action is required. This action
should only be taken in extreme circumstances. In this event, the fencer must be informed why
this action is being taken, with reference to the rules being violated or the unacceptable behavior
being demonstrated. If the MiC decides this level of sanction is necessary, they must confiscate
the offending fencers authorization card and submit it, along with a detailed written report
describing the offence(s) and any other relevant information to the appropriate Regional Marshal
of Fence within 48 hours. If the fencer refuses to surrender their authorization card, the autocrate
of the event should be informed so that the offending fencer can be removed from the event.
Again, a detailed report must be forwarded as described above. Written statements should be
acquired from any other fencers or marshals involved or anyone who witnessed the violation as
well.
The Regional Marshal must then choose to do one of the following:
initiate a Removal of Authorization procedure for the offending fencer

decide that the temporary confiscation of the fencers authorization card was sufficient
punishment and return the authorization card
decide that the marshals actions were unwarranted, return the authorization card, and
sanction the marshal involved
decide to forward the decision to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence
The Regional Marshal must decide on a course of action within two weeks, inform the Kingdom
Marshal of Fence of their decision, and forward a copy of the written reports as soon as possible.
NOTE: For fencers who also have other authorizations, their card must still be removed. The
Kingdom MOL will be informed and a new card with the fencing authorizations removed should
be issued. The MIC of fence may not prevent the fencer from participation in other marshal
activities, but must retain possession of the card, and present it on the combatants behalf to the
MOL of the other events.
The Kingdom Marshal may, in addition to the above:

Removal of Authorization - If a fencer engages in repeated or extreme violations of the
policies of fence, or is not able to participate in a safe and honorable fashion, then the Kingdom
Marshal of Fence may remove any or all fencing authorizations from the fencer. The Kingdom
MOL will be informed, as well as the Earl Marshal and Crown. Kingdom Marshals of Fence for
neighboring Kingdoms may also be informed. The fencer will be informed of the duration of
their removal, and of any special conditions which must be met before their authorizations may
be returned.
Sanctions against Marshals Only the Kingdom Marshal of Fence may remove a marshals
warrant. A written request for such action may be made by the Regional Marshals or by any
other concerned marshal or other any other concerned party. A written statement of removal and
the reasons for removal must be provided to the sanctioned marshal and said marshal must return
their warrant card. The Kingdom MOL will be informed of the change in status, as well as the
Regionals, the Earl Marshal and the Crown. If the individual sanctioned was a Local Marshal
the local seneschal will also be informed.
Appeals of Sanctions All sanctions may be appealed to the next higher level in the marshallate
chain of command, as follows:
Marshal Marshal-in-Charge Regional Marshal Kingdom Marshal Earl Marshal Crown
Inspections of Fencers in AEthelmearc

As per Corpora, all fencers must have their armor and weapons inspected by a warranted marshal
prior to fencing both at practices and at events. (BTW - this means that if you are training an
MIT and have them doing all of the inspections, you MUST be paying careful attention to
everything that they are doing. You are still responsible if anything goes wrong.) Marshals must
ensure that the armor and weapons meet the standards set in the official Policies of the Marshal
of Fence.
ARMOR INSPECTION The fencers armor must be tested while ALL of the armor is being worn. If there are
any questions about specific pieces of the armor (like the mask) it should be examined
separately later.
No skin shall show anywhere on the fencer's body, regardless of the position or stance
of the fencer. None ! Ever !
Any armor that prevents proper calibration and acceptance of blow must be disallowed.
This includes excessively loose armor and anything that alters the shape of the body,
such as padded shoulders, or excessively large codpieces. If you are not sure, test this
by having the fencer close their eyes and then throw some shots and ask if they felt it.
You should also throw some shots that don't go anywhere near them and ask it they felt
those.
If a necessary piece of gear, such as a knee or wrist brace with metal re-enforcement,
creates a small area where blows cannot be felt, the fencer MUST tell each of their
opponents and the list marshal about this prior to each bout to prevent both confusion
and frustration.
Armor that could trap a blade, and potentially break it, is not allowed (like slashed
oversleeves with lots of pockets where a blade could get trapped).
Head Gear
The fencing mask must completely cover the front and sides of the head and be
securely attached. This means that the mask must have a new elastic band on the back
(there must still be some spring to the elastic and it must actually touch the back of the
head) or a fabric tie of some form must be used. Check the mesh for any rust or
significant dents. Press on the mask with your thumbs to see if it flexes. If you suspect
the mask is not safe or is not a 12 kilo or better mask, you can suggest that it be punch
tested (this is completely at the owners desecration, and is not currently a requirement
in AEthelmearc). The mesh must not contact the wearers face. Check to make sure that
the bib is securely attached and that there are no holes between the frame of the mask
and the bib. The back of the head must be covered with a piece of standard four-thrust
armor, either firmly attached to the mask frame, or by a hood or cowl of the same
material. In either case, the covering must extend low enough to cover the back of the
neck. If you poke them just under the hood you should hit them between the shoulder
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blades. Carefully check the side of the mask, where the hood attaches to the mask
frame, and make sure there is not a hole leaving the skin just below the ear exposed.
Neck Protection
The throat and neck protection is required from the bottom edge of the jawbone down
to the bottom of the collarbone. The minimum (for foil/epee) is 4 oz. leather with at
least 1/4 inch resilient padding or equivalent (schlaeger requires a minimum of 8 oz
leather and 1/4 inch of open cell foam). The bib on a modern fencing mask by itself is
not sufficient. Additional protection for the throat and neck may be a high, stiff collar, a
gorget, a cowl, or the equivalent. Have the fencer look up and slide your hand under the
bib. You should not touch skin. Ask the fencer to tilt their head and check again. Make
sure that weapons cannot easily slide under the neck protection (this is especially a
problem with metal or waxed leather gorgets that do not fit their owners properly). In
addition, gorgets used for schlager fencing must cover the cervical vertebrae at the back
of the neck (the section of the spine which juts out just above the shoulder blades) with
rigid material (steel or leather).
Body Armor
Standard puncture-resistant armor must cover the body from the top of the shoulder to
the base of the groin and must also cover the underarm extending down the inner arm
for a minimum of one-third the distance to the elbow. Ask the fencer to raise their arms
and check to make sure that both of the underarms are covered properly. The side of the
fencer must be covered by standard armor to just below their hips. If they bend to the
side and their armor lifts up to expose their waist, or they expose their sides or belly
when they lift their arms, they are insufficiently armored. The edges of any closure
must overlap by at least 3 inches. If possible, poke through along the closure and make
sure that you do not touch underneath their armor (but behave yourself while doing this
: ). The lower arms must be covered by at least one layer of tight-weave material.
Gloves
Leather gloves must be worn on both hands. Ask the fencer to hold out their hands and
check the gloves for any holes. The gloves must overlap the wrist openings of the
sleeves by at least 3 inches, and cover any cuff opening. A blade should not be able to
go up the sleeve. If gloves designed for electric equipment are used, the openings for
wires must be sewn shut or otherwise secured.
Personal Armor
Men must wear a cup. You many -not- test for this by thumping them ! Ask if they are
wearing a cup. If they say yes - go on with the inspection. If they are stupid enough
to say yes when they are not wearing a cup, they deserve what they get. Women must
have their groin covered with puncture-resistant armor, or be wearing enough skirting
that a low line thrust cannot hit them in an area with less than four-thrust protection.
Once again - you may not check this by hand ! If they are obviously not sufficiently
covered (i.e. they are just wearing jeans and there is a clear shot to their groin) they do
not pass inspection. Additional breast armor for females is left to individual discretion.
Whatever they chose to wear, it must not interfere with blow calling. (BTW - for all of
the guys out there - women have two breasts. This means that there will be a space in
the middle where the garb may stick out with no body underneath it. If you think that
you have gotten a clean shot on the chest, but they did not call it - this might mean that
you are tagging the garb, but not the person. Instead of getting mad about it, call a hold
and discuss it. )
Legs and Feet

All portions of the lower body must be covered with at least one layer of fabric.
Spandex, cotton gauze and nylon tights are unacceptable. Cotton-poly blends and sweat
pants are acceptable. Skirts are acceptable as long as they do not trip the wearer and no
skin is exposed even in an extended lung position. If skin can be seen through the
material, the material is too thin. Footwear must completely enclose the foot and the
ankle must be covered sufficiently that no skin shows in an extended lunge position.
Weapons Inspection
All offensive weapons must be inspected by a qualified marshal.
Foils and Epees

The blades should be straight or have a single gradual bend. Hold the blade up and
line it up against something that is straight, like the edge of a distant table, lines in
the ceiling or distant list ropes. Always check both sets of edges (i.e. check the
blade and then turn it 90 degrees in your hand and check it again). Thrust the blade
lightly into the floor with the natural bend of the blade and then hold it up and look
along the blade again. Has an S-curve appeared ? Is there a kink in the blade ? Now
thrust it against the bend and check to make sure that an S-curve or kink has not
appeared. Does the blade bend the other way now ? If the blade curves first one way
and then another, it is not a good blade. The blade should retain -one- gradual
curve.
NEVER bend a blade in your hands to try to "straighten a bend." To properly train a
blade hold your foot a few inches over the floor and run the length of the blade
under your foot applying only light pressure. Do this a few times to see if you can
train an S-curve out of the blade. If the S-curve does not go away, or re-appears
after a couple of thrusts, the blade does not pass.
Visually check the blade for any rust, burrs, cracks or other flaw that might indicate
a weakness in the metal. The hilt should be checked for sharp edges or points, and
you must check that blades cannot be caught or broken with the hilt. Make sure that
there are no holes in the guard that the button of a weapon can fit through. If you
are not sure about a blade - ask other marshals.
While you are inspecting a weapon you must ask yourself these questions - "Am I
willing to face this blade on the field ? Am I willing to let a brand new fencer face
this weapon ?" If the answer to either of these questions is no - don't pass the blade.
Tips must be secured to the blade with tape that contrasts in color with BOTH the
weapon (i.e. no silver duct tape) and the tip. If the tip is red the tape should be yellow.
There should be enough tape on the end of the blade that it can be clearly seen across
the lists. Tape must -not- cover the end of the tip. Check to make sure that the tip is not
warn through or cracking. Tug gently on the tip and make sure that it does not pop off.
Daggers
Flexi-daggers, Safe-flex daggers and the like should be inspected as above.
Schlaegers Only schlaeger marshals can inspect schlaeger blades. If a fencer comes up
with a schlaeger blade make sure that they are wearing appropriate neck protection.
Ask the fencer how the blade was tipped. Before placing a tip on the blade, the point of
a schlaeger blade needs to be filed or cut down flat. The tip of a schlaeger blade needs
to be covered with a metal casing or washer, and then covered with a rubber archery
bird blunt. The tip should not be excessively loose and padding, such a pieces of
leather, can be used to hold the tip firmly on the blade. Anything else needs to be
carefully inspected to make sure that the point of the schlaeger is completely encased
and signs of weakess, such as cracks or worn spots can be detected.
The rubber tip of the schlaeger must be taped to the blade itself with electrical tape or
woven cloth tape in a color that contrasts with the blade and the tip. Tool dip is not an
acceptable substitute. The tape must not cover the end of the rubber tip, but should
leave enough of the tip showing that a marshal would be able to see if the rubber tip is
wearing through.
Run your bare hand along blade and check for rough spots, burrs or sharp areas. Any
sharp edges or burrs must be filed smooth. Check for rust. Now you finally get to check
the bend and straightness of the blade.
Open guards and hilts may be used so long as they present no sharp edges or
protrusions, which would present a hazard to the fencer or an opponent.
Everything else
There are a wide variety of parry objects that can be used in the list, ranging from
cloaks to mugs to puppets. Take a quick look at each of the items that the fencers
intents to take into the list. Bucklers can not be greater than 20 inches in diameter (or
315 square inches for any other shape) and the edge needs to be covered sufficiently to
prevent splintering or jagged bits. No spikes or areas where a blade can be caught and
broken. Cloaks may not have metal weights or chains. Neither can any other non-rigid
parry object. When inspecting a non-traditional parry object, critically examine it for
any possible hazard - Can it trap a blade and break it ? Can it break/shatter and cut or
blind someone ?
Remember - even with armor that you are familiar with, inspect it carefully. You may be saving
someone's life.
Authorization of Fencers in AEthelmearc

As standard procedure, no person may use any weapons form in any Period Fencing activity in
the SCA unless that person has been properly authorized in that weapons form. A person who is
not authorized in a particular weapons form may use that form at official practices at the
discretion of the Marshal-in-Charge.
Conducting an Authorization:
1. Each fencer must authorize in Single Rapier before using any other weapons form, as all other
forms build upon the skills and techniques of Single Rapier.
2. Authorizations may be conducted only at SCA events or official practices.
3. Authorizations must be performed by two warranted marshals who are themselves authorized
in the weapons form being attempted. One marshal will fence the candidate for
authorization in the form being attempted. The other marshal will observe. (Actually, it is
often better if both of the marshals fence the candidate in schlaeger both of the marshals
must- fence the candidate). Ideally, at least one of the marshals running the authorization
should be unfamiliar with the fencing style of the candidate (i.e. an out of area marshal).
4. "Marshals-in-training" have no official status; while they may observe and comment on the
candidate for authorization, they technically should not fence the candidate as part of the
authorization process.
5. If the candidate has been taught primarily by one person, this person should not be one of the
marshals running the authorization. The teacher is encouraged, however, to watch the
authorization, though coaching is not allowed.
Criteria for Authorization:
The following criteria are intended to guide individual marshals in their assessment of a
candidate. Each particular candidate for authorization should be assessed on his or her own
merits, in light of his or her own performance at authorization, and in accordance with both the
letter and spirit of the rules set forth in the Policies of the Marshal of Fence. No marshal should
authorize a candidate unless the marshal truly believes that the candidate can and will fence
safely (and this includes at tournaments none of this well they are under stress now so they are
doing silly things - you must determine how you believe they will fence in the high stress
environment of a tournament) and within the rules. Due to the nature of Period Fencing,
assessment of safety must include an assessment of the basic competence of the candidate with
the weapons form being attempted.
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In order to authorize in any weapons form, the candidate must demonstrate:

1. knowledge and understanding of the Policies of the Marshal of Fence, especially those
rules that apply to the particular weapons form being attempted;
2. the ability to safely execute and properly acknowledge blows;
3. the safe and effective execution of the offensive and defensive techniques appropriate to
that weapons form, in the setting of an actual bout; and
4. the degree of competence and skill commensurate with the weapons form being
attempted. Mere safety, without basic competence in the weapons form is insufficient for
authorization. (i.e. if they defend like mad, do wonderful parries and never attack this is
not enough)
a) single rapier:
The candidate should be able to demonstrate the following safely and competently:
basic footwork (advances, retreats), while maintaining balance and an awareness of distance;
simple straight line attacks;
basic parries;
at least one complex attack, such as a feint or beat attack or a combination;
draw cuts;
reasonable point control;
reasonable calibration and blow-calling; and
an understanding of the uses of the off-hand. (i.e. they must be able to defend with their off-hand)
b) rapier and rigid parry object:

parries (or blocks) of attacks with the rigid parry object;
preventing the rapier and the parry object from becoming entangled;
avoiding striking or attacking with the parry object;
making openings with the parry object; and
use of the parry object in concert with the rapier.
c) rapier and non-rigid parry object:

parries (or blocks) of attacks with the non-rigid parry object;
preventing the rapier and the parry object from becoming entangled;
avoiding striking or attacking with the parry object;
making openings with the parry object; and
use of the parry object in concert with the rapier.
d) rapier and dagger:

knowledge of the legal target area for dagger attacks;
attacks with the dagger; (they need to at least attempt to attack with the dagger)
parries (or blocks) of attacks with the dagger;
preventing the rapier and the dagger from becoming entangled;
making openings with the dagger;
use of the dagger alone; and

use of the dagger in concert with the rapier.
e) case of rapier:
attacks with both blades;
parries (or blocks) of attacks with both blades;
preventing the two blades from becoming entangled;
making openings with one blade while attacking with the other;
use of both blades in concert. ( this is the big one are they alternating hands or are they actually
using both at the same time )
For all of the advanced weapons forms (b-e) the candidate must not only display safety and basic
competence, they need to show some skill and understanding of the weapons form. If they walk
out with a cloak and never move it, this is not displaying skill in the form. If they walk out with
a dagger and only use it to block, see if they want to do a rigid parry qualification instead. It
doesnt have to be great skill, just enough to show that they are using the form as it was meant to
be used.
Recommended Authorization Procedures:
While there is no single correct way to conduct an authorization, there are several elements
which should be included in any thorough authorization:
1.The candidate's weapons and armor must be inspected to ensure that they comply with the
required armor and weapons standards. (If there is something wrong with their arms or
armor, try quizzing the candidate to see if they can figure out what is wrong sometimes
they get nervous and unintentionally forget something obvious.)
2.The candidate should respond to several questions about the Policies of the Marshal of
Fence. For a first authorization, the candidate should be questioned about the rules and
customs of combat in Period Fencing and the Kingdom of AEthelmearc. For later
authorizations, the candidate should be questioned about rules applicable to the particular
weapons form being attempted.
( This is not trivial pursuit time, like asking how many ounces of leather need to be in the
gorget. This should be an honest attempt to make sure that they understand the basic rules
of fencing. What are the valid target areas ? What are the basic armor requirements ? Try
borrowing their blade and making one cut on their chest and then one cut on their back and
ask if them if they are dead. Make sure they understand that the foot and the leg (and the
hand and the arm) are separate. It is actually possible to fail someone here. If they cant
figure out in a timely fashion whether they are dead or not they have obviously not had
enough practice yet.)
3.The candidate should first spar with one marshal, starting at a slower than normal pace so
that each of the fencers can get the feel of the other. Both the candidate and the marshal
fencing them should verbally acknowledge valid hits, without taking them. This is just so
that the marshal can get the general feel of their opponent and it allows the candidate
(hopefully) to relax into the procedure.
During this phase the observing marshal should look for holes in the candidates fencing
are they not defending with their off-hand ? Do they never back up ? Can they parry ?
Sometimes it helps to break this into three phases
1st is the candidate safe ? Can they protect themselves ? Are their opponents safe ?
Are they doing anything obviously wrong (like whipping, or hopping around ?)
2nd is the candidate defending themselves ? Both with parries and with their off-hand ?
3rd is the candidate attacking ? do they have more than one attack ? do they ever hit ?
The marshal fencing the candidate is responsible for determining if the candidates
calibration (both giving and receiving) is good and whether they are responding
appropriately to the shots. Are you having fun ? Usually a fun fight means that the
candidate is a safe fencer. Gradually increase your speed and see how they respond
Some people break defense and offense into two separate stages, but this doesnt seem
necessary. You want to see all of the components working smoothly together. If
something looks wrong or something is missing in their style, then break things down into
components to try and identify areas that further work is necessary, this usually means that
they have already not passed the authorization.
4.The marshals should confer briefly at this point while sending the candidate to get a drink
or just get them to pop their mask to get some air - is the observer seeing anything that
worries them? Discuss the calibration and how well they are taking shots. Develop a plan
to look at areas that seem weak. (If they dont attack often, leave big holes in your
defense. What will they do if pressed? Are they really parrying or just swinging the sword
around and never actually contacting the blade? Do you feel in danger of being struck by
their buckler? What will they do if I really press them or speed up a lot?)
5.The candidate and the marshal fencing them should now engage in several bouts in the
usual fashion, each attacking and defending, each properly acknowledging and accepting
blows. Carry out your plans to check weak points. Are they accepting blows properly or
do they seem not to have an abdomen ? Is there a really big pause before they accept a
blow ? You MUST make sure they fence off-handed for a while they must be as safe with
their off-hand as their primary. Try to leg them and see what they do. Continue to fence
until you are satisfied that this person is safe and authorizable, or you are satisfied that
they are not- safe or authorizable, but you know why-. If things are really indeterminate
(I dont like this but I cant figure out why) have someone else fence them while you
watch.
REMEMBER THE MARSHAL IS NOT TRYING TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPERIORITY HERE !
In most cases the marshals skill level is going to be much greater than the candidates,
though not always, and the marshal needs to allow the candidate to show their skills. You need
to leave openings in your defense. If this is a dagger authorization, step in close and allow them
a chance to hit you with the dagger. Slow down the candidates pace. Open up your guard and
allow them to hit you see if they maintain good calibration while you leave your chest wide
open and advance at them. Dont go just for kill shots on them see if they are defending their
arms, legs, and hands.
Outcome of the Authorization:
1.Advice and training may be given to the candidate by the marshals at any time during the
authorization, but the candidates primary teacher is not allowed to coach them during the
authorization you are testing their knowledge and skill, not their teachers.
2.Once the authorization procedure is completed, the two marshals performing the
authorization should then hold another discussion, aside from the candidate (again send
them to get a drink and make sure they take off their mask), discussing the strengths and
weakness demonstrated in the course of the authorization. The marshals who will be
signing the paperwork may accept suggestions and observations from other marshals or
observers, but they must make the final decision as to whether or not the candidate is to be
authorized.
3.Options available to the marshals include:
a) declining to grant authorization:
It is the responsibility of the marshallate to decline authorization to those persons who are
unable to demonstrate safe and competent fencing.
b) authorization:
If the candidate is successful, the necessary paperwork must be completed.
c) provisional authorization:
In certain instances, with the permission of the Marshal-in-Charge, a borderline candidate
may be authorized for the purposes of the particular day, event, or tournament only, in
order to provide the marshals with additional time to evaluate him or her. This option
should be pursued only when the marshals are certain they will have adequate opportunity
to observe the candidate throughout the rest of the day, event or tournament. And the
candidate must sign a wavier with the MOL before they can be entered into the days
events.
4.The candidate should be informed of the outcome of the authorization by the marshals. The
marshals should discuss the reasons for their decision and the strengths and weaknesses
demonstrated by the candidate, as well as provide any suggestions for improvement.
Always try to make sure that the candidate understands fully why they have not been
authorized if it is declined - tell them what to work on, show them some drills and always
point out things that they are doing well. Be as encouraging as possible.
5.A successful candidate for authorization must complete the authorization form and get the
appropriate marshals signatures. Make sure that they sign the waiver on the back and that
you circle or check the form they have successfully authorized for, while crossing out all of
the other forms. Make sure that the candidate understands that it is their responsibility to
get the lower half of the form to the Kingdom MOL in a timely fashion.
Visitors to thelmearc
Visitors to thelmearc who are authorized in Rapier combat in their home Kingdom may
participate in Rapier combat in thelmearc without re-authorizing on the following
conditions:
A) They should be familiar with the standard weapons used in thelmearc.
B) They must demonstrate familiarity with the thelmearc Policies of Fence and
demonstrate their ability to follow said policies in a safe and honorable fashion to the
satisfaction of the Marshal-in-Charge (MiC).
C) The MiC has inspected their weapons and armor to ensure that it conforms as nearly as
possible to the standards of thelmearc. As long as the visitors armor conforms with
Society standards, their armor may be passed by the MiC. Their weapon must conform
with local standards.
If the visitor comes from a Kingdom with significantly different weapons standards (i.e. a
schlager only Kingdom) or if the MiC needs confirmation that the visitor is able to safely
apply thelmearc policies, an authorization may be preformed following the format of a
standard authorization.
If the visitor has been approved by the MiC to participate in the days activities, the lower
half of a standard authorization form must been filled out, front and back, and the words
Temporary Authorization or One Day Only written on the form. The upper portion of
the form is NOT filled out, and the fencer does NOT keep the 60 day portion of the form.
The filled out form (and make sure they signed the waiver) is then submitted to the MOL
for inclusion with the their event report.
You may not issue an thelmearc authorization card to someone who is a resident in
another Kingdom. This is now forbidden by a ruling from the Deputy Society Marshal for
Rapier Combat.
Fencing Glossary Modern Terms

Absence of blade: also absence or absence de fer; when the blades are not touching
Advance: also marche; a movement forward towards your opponent.
Aids: the last three fingers of the sword hand, which theoretically should loosely hold the grip
Aller: French for GO
Angulation: A movement of the wrist in order to effectively parry an attack or in order to
keep ones weapon pointed at an opponent
Appel: A stomp with the foot to get attention or distract your opponent
Assault: friendly combat between to fencers where no score is kept (modern FIE term)
Attack: the initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and continuously
threatening an opponent. An attempt to strike an opponent.
Attack in Preparation: an offensive action taken while your opponent is still setting up an attack
Attack au Fer: attacks against an opponents blade, e.g. beat, coul, etc.
Authorization: the process of determining whether a person is safe and competent enough in
a weapons form to use it at official SCA tournaments, melees and wars
Balestra: (Italian) a forward hop or jump, typically followed by an attack such as a lunge. This move can
be illegal in SCA fencing if the fencer is unable to stop immediately upon a hold call.
Barrage: a fence-off between two or more fencers who are tied in the semi-final stage of a tournament
Battement: see beat
Beat: a sharp rap on an opponents blade; an attempt to knock the opponents weapon aside or out of line
by striking ones foible or middle against the opponents foible. Offensively knocking an
opponents blade away.
Bib: the chin and throat protector attached to the mask not sufficient throat protection for SCA fencing.
Bind: action in which the opponents blade is forced in a diagonally opposite line or away from the body.
Bout: a combat between two fencers. In modern terminology - an assault during which score is kept.
Broadsword: a military sword and fencing weapon popular in the 18 and 19th centuries, similar to a
heavy sabre; any straight-bladed, double-edged, single-handed cutting sword of the postmedieval period.
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Broken Time: a sudden change in the tempo or rhythm of one fencers actions, used to fool the opponent
into responding at the wrong time.
Buckler: a small shield 20 inches in diameter or less used defensively in rapier combat.
Button: the brightly colored rubber or plastic safety tip on the end of practice or dry blades.
Change of Engagement: when blades are in contact, moving your opponents blade into a different line of
attack from high to low line or from one side of the body to the other
Circular Parry: a parry made in the opposite line to the attack; i.e. the defender first circles their blade
around their opponents blade (a disengage) to the opposite side from where it started, and then
parries it to the opposite side from where they would have if the defender had preformed a
straight parry. Also called a counter-parry.
Compound: an attack or riposte incorporating one or more feints to the opposite line that the action
finishes in. Any attack that incorporates more than one blade movement in order to open a line
to the opponents body. Also called a composed attack.
Conversation: the back-and-forth play of the blades in a fencing match (modern term).
Coquille: Belle Guard
Corps-a-corps: French lit. body-to-body; physical contact between two fencers during a bout, illegal to
perform intentionally. (core-a-core).
Coul: lit. running; also graze, glis, or glissade; an attack or feint that slides along an opponents blade
without forcing it out of line.
Counter-attack: an attack made in response to the opponents attack.
Counter-disengage: a disengage in the opposite direction, to deceive the counter-parry.
Counter-parry: see circular parry
Counter-riposte: an attack that immediately follows a parry of the opponents riposte.
Counter-time: an attack that responds to the opponents counter-attack, typically a riposte following the
parry of the counter-attack.
Coup lanc: an attack that starts before a halt in play but lands after.
Coup darrt: a stop thrust a straight attack against an advancing opponent whose weapon is out of line
Coup de temps: time thrust a counterattack that occurs between the offensive motions of an opponent,
striking them in the midst of their compound attack.
Coup doubl: a double touch both attacks land at the same time
Coup: lit. cut-over; an attack or feint that passes over the top of an opponents blade. Basically a
disengage that passes over the top an opponents blade rather than under it. (ku-pay)
Croise: lit. to cross also semi-bind; an action in which the opponents blade is forced into the high or
low line on the same side by levering it up or down. The intent of this move is to lever an
opponents blade out of line while opening a line of attack. (qwah-zeh)
Cross: an advance or retreat by crossing one leg over the other; also pass avant (forward cross), pass
arriere (backwards cross).
Cuissarde: the section of the fencing jacket that protects the groin. (kwi-sard)
Cut: an attack made with a pulling or pushing motion, landing with either the edge or the point.
Deception: French tromper; avoidance of an attempt to engage the blades. Basically escaping an
opponents parry or parries
Derobement: deception of the attack au fer (a beat) or prise de fer. Basically getting your opponent to
commit to a move that results in blade contact and then getting your blade out of the way before
the move lands.
Direct: an attack or riposte that finishes in the same line in which it was formed, with no feints out of line.
Disarm: forcing your opponent to release their grip on their weapon.
Disengage: a small circular movement of the blade under an opponents blade with the intent to escape
an opponents parry, removes the blades from engagement (contact) or changes the line of
engagement. Quick small movements under the opponents blade to keep them confused.
Displacement: moving the target (your body) to avoid an attack by dodging, tilting or sucking in your gut.
Doubl: an attack or riposte that describes a complete circle around the opponents blade, and finishes in
opposite line (i.e. other side) or is composed of two disengages so that it ends up on the same
side of your opponents blade as it started on.
Double-wide: a form of epee that is wider in the blade than a standard epee. Treated like any other epee
in the SCA as long as it meets Society flexibility requirements.
Dry: also steam; fencing without electrical scoring aids. All SCA combats are dry.
Engagement: when the blades are in contact with each other, eg. during a parry, attack au fer (beat), prise
de fer, or coul.
En Garde: (On Guard) the stance that fencers assume at the start of a bout or assault.
Envelopment: an engagement that sweeps the opponents blade through a full circle.
Epee: a fencing weapon with a triangular cross-section blade and a large bell guard.
Escrime: French lit. fencing (ay-screem).
Esquive: see displacement (es-kee-vay)
Event: an official activity of the SCA which is covered by the insurance policy of the SCA.
False: an action that is intended to fail, but draw a predicted reaction from the opponent; also the back
edge of a sabre blade or the flat sides of a schlager.
Feint: attacking into one line with the intention of switching to another line or pulling out before the
attack is completed. Used to provoke a response, typically a parry, from ones opponent or to
establish a tempo. Must look like a real attack to be successful.
Fencing Time: also temps descrime; the time required to complete a single, simple fencing action.
First Blood: a bout that is resolved by the first successful, non-fatal drawing of blood.
FIE: Federation Internationale dEscrime, the world governing body of modern fencing,, no association
with the SCA.
Finta in tempo: Italian lit. feint in time; a feint of counter-attack that draws a counter-time parry, which
is deceived (i.e. you stop them after getting them to commit to parry while attacking).
Flanconade: Italian. a thrust to the side of the body which is exposed just under the elbow.
Fleche: French lit. arrow; an attack in which the aggressor leaps off his leading foot, attempts to make
a hit, and then passes the opponent at a run. Can be illegal in SCA fencing if executed such that
the fencer can not stop if a hold is called.
Flexi-dagger: the product name of a small flexible blade approximately 18 inches in length, tempered
only about halfway down the blade and with a rolled tip like a sabre blade. Flexi-daggers score
touches like regular blades, and may be used against foils, epees and schlagers.
Flick: a cut-like action that lands with the point, often involving some whip of the foible to throw the
point around a block or other obstruction. Some forms of this attack are illegal in SCA fencing
depending on how the blade hits whipping is not allowed and tip cuts do not count in some
Kingdoms.
Florentine: a fencing style where a secondary full blade is used in the off-hand.
Flying Parry: a parry and riposte made in one motion, usually as a coupe.
Foible: the outer third of the blade, i.e the tip end of the blade which is the weakest section.
Foil: a fencing weapon with a rectangular cross-section blade and a small bell guard.
Forte: the lower, strongest third of the blade, nearest the hilt. (fort)
French Grip: a traditional hilt with a slightly curved grip and large pommel.
Froissement: an attack that displaces the opponents blade by a strong grazing action. (f-roys-ma).
Glide: see coul.
Gorget: required piece of armor which protects the neck. See Policies of Fence for more information.
Guard: the metal cup or bow that protects hand. Also, the defensive position assumed when not
attacking.
Handle: the part of the hilt that you hold in your hand.
Heavy Weapons: Weapons used in SCA heavy combat. Many not be used in conjunction with rapiers.
Heidelberg: German fraternity dueling with the object of scaring the face. Not at all like SCA or FIE
fencing.
Hilt: the handle of the sword, consisting of the guard, grip and pommel.
Homologated: certified for use in FIE competitions.
In Quartata: an attack made with a quarter turn to the inside, concealing the front of the body, but
exposing the back.
Indirect: an attack or riposte that finishes in the opposite line to which it formed, by means of a disengage
or coup.
Insistence: forcing an attack through a parry.
Interception: a counter-attack that intercepts and checks an indirect attack or other disengagement.
Invitation: a line that is intentionally left open to encourage the opponent to attack.
Italian Grip: a traditional hilt with finger-rings and a crossbar.
Liement: see bind (lee-a-ma)
Line: the direction of an attack (i.e. high/low, inside/outside), often equated to the parry that must be used
to deflect the attack.
Lunge: an attack made by extending the rear leg and landing on the bent front leg. Full uncontrolled
lunges are not legal in SCA fencing.
Mal-parry: also mal-par; a parry that fails to prevent the attack from landing.
Manipulators: the thumb and index finger of the sword hand used to control the motion of the blade.
Maraging: a special steel used for making blades; said to be stronger and break more cleanly than
conventional steel.
Marker Points: an old method of detecting hits using inked points.
Martingale: a strap that binds the grip to the wrist/forearm.
Match: the aggregate of bouts between two fencing teams.
Measure: the distance between two fencers.
Mezzo-cercho: Italian..The first foil parry of the Italian school, a half-circle movement of the blade
upward.
Middle: the middle third of the blade, between foible and forte.
Moulinet: a thrust made with an overhand swinging motion of the wrist. (mo-lee-neh)
Neuvieme: an unconventional parry (#9) sometimes described as blade behind the back, pointing down (a
variant of octave), other times similar to elevated sixte.
Octave: parry #8 in the French school; blade down and to the outside, wrist supinated (bent with palm
upward). Meant to defend against a low-line attack.
Opposition: holding the opponents blade in a non-threatening line; a time-hit; any attack or counterattack with opposition. Your blade keeps contact with your opponents blade and pushes it aside.
Parry: a block of the attack, made with the forte of ones own blade. A defensive action made with a
weapon to prevent the attack from arriving.
Pass: an attack made with a cross; eg. fleche, Russian lunge. Also, the act of moving past the opponent.
Passata-sotto: Italian. a lunge made by dropping one hand to the floor and stepping backwards.
Pass: an attack that passes the target without hitting; also a cross-step (see cross).
Pattinanado: Italian. An advance followed by a lunge.
Phrase: an uninterrupted series of blade actions.
Piste: the linear strip on which modern fencing bouts are fought (~2m by 14m).
Pistol Grip: a modern, orthopedic grip, shaped vaguely like a small pistol. Illegal (out of period) for
SCA fencing unless there is a certified medial condition requiring its use.
Plaqu: a point attack that lands flat. (pla-kay)
Plastron: a partial jacket worn for extra protection; typically a half-jacket worn under the main jacket or
other armor, on the weapon side of the body.
Point: A valid blow, or an attack made with the tip of the weapon, a thrust.
Point in Line: also line; an extended arm and blade that threatens the opponent.
Pommel: a fastener that attaches the grip to the blade.
Preparation: the initial phase of an attack, in modern fencing it is the phase before right-of-way is
established.
Presentation: offering ones blade for engagement by the opponent.
Press: an attempt to push the opponents blade aside or out of line by pushing horizontally on the
opponents weapon.
Prime: parry #1in the French school; blade down and to the inside, wrist pronated (palm down with
thumb near six oclock).
Principle of Defence: the use of forte against foible when parrying.
Prise de Fer: also taking the blade; an engagement of the blades that forces the opponents weapon into a
new line.
Pronation: the hand with the palm facing downwards.
Quarte: parry #4 in the French school; blade up and to the inside, wrist supinated (palm upward).
Quillons: the cross-bar of a sword
Quinte: parry #5 in the French school; blade up and to the inside, wrist pronated (palm downward). In
sabre, the blade is held above the head to protect from head cuts.
Rapier: a long, double-edged thrusting sword popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Redoublement: a new action that follows an attack that missed or was parried.
Remise: immediate replacement of an attack that missed or was parried, without pulling back the arm.
Reprise: renewal of an attack that missed or was parried, after a return to en-garde.
Retreat: step back; opposite of advance.
Ricasso: Italian. The flat part of the blade above the cross-bar for gripping.
Right-of-way: rules used in modern foil and sabre fencing to determine the awarding of points.
Riposte: an attack made immediately after a successful parry of the opponents blade.
Sabre: a fencing weapon with a thin, flat blade and knuckle guard. Sabre blades are not legal for use in
SCA fencing, but the bells can be used.
Salle: the formal term for a fencing hall.
Salute: a customary acknowledgement of ones opponent (the list marshal and anyone else appropriate)
using the weapon preformed at the start and end of a bout.
Second Intention: a false action used to draw a response from the opponent which
will open the
opportunity for the intended action that follow, typically a counter-riposte.

Seconde: parry #2 in the French school; blade down and to the outside, wrist pronated (palm down).
Septime: parry #7 in the French school; blade down and to the inside, wrist supinated (palm up).
Simple: an attack or riposte that involves no feints or blade play.
Simultaneous: A term used in modern fencing to denote two attacks for which right-of-way is impossible
to determine.
Single Stick: a form of fencing using basket-hilted wooden sticks.
Sixte: parry #6 in the French school; blade up and to the outside, wrist supinated (palm up and out).
Small Sword: light dueling sword popular in the 18th century, precursor to the foil.
Spanish Grip: a non -period type of traditional grip which is not legal in the SCA.
Stop Hit: a counter-attack that hits; also a counter-attack whose touch is valid by virtue of its timing.
Supination: a hand with the palm facing up.
Tac au Tac: a riposte made immediately after a percussive parry off of an opponents blade.
Tang: the part of the blade that is threaded and inserted into the handle and pommel.
Thrust: an attack made by moving the sword parallel to its length and landing with the point.
Tierce: parry #3 in the French school; blade up and to the outside, wrist pronated (palm down).
Time Hit: old name for a stop hit with opposition.
Trompement: a deception of the parry.
Volta: a turning or rotation of the fencers body.
Whip-over: a sabre blow in which a touch results from the foible of the blade whipping over the
opponents guard or blade when parried. Illegal in SCA fencing (no whipping !).
The Other Fencing Glossary

Abstain: French for sorry I wasnt paying attention
Advance: forward motion made by male fencers towards female fencers, usually resulting in laughter, a
slap across the face and a heavy fighter searching for said male fencer.
Attack-in-Preparation: when you sneak up and hit your opponent while they are still putting on their gear.
Especially effective if they have just pulled something over their head.
Bid: what you need to wear when given chocolate
Barrage: shelling your opponent with cannon fire from several miles away. Alternatively firing
repeatedly at your opponent with a gun from several feet away.
Change of Engagement: finding a new consort or a new fiance.
Disengage: getting rid of your fiance or consort, usually by fencing too much.
Dry Fencing: fencing without alcohol.
En Garde: a paranoid state in which the fencer believes that everyone is out to get them.
Engagement: what your fiance breaks when they find out all you do is fence.
Envelopment: what people with cloaks try to do to you when you are not looking
Escrime: the noise a male fencer makes when he puts on the cup that he left outside in the car during
winter.
Feeble: what older fencers try to fake people into believing they are.
Feint: what a fencer does after they get their credit card bill after Pennsic
FIE: an Old English Curse
Foible: the stupid thing that you do with allows an opponent to hit you
French Grip: secret fencers handshake
Guard: what you have to do at events to make sure that your friends dont borrow all your food,
especially important with regard to alcohol or chocolate.
Pommel: Beating your opponent senseless with the hilt of your weapon, for German personas only.
Right-of-Way: one of the driving laws you break in an effort to get to the tournament on time.
Score: What fencers try to do after a tournament, usually with the help of alcohol and chocolate.
Taking the blade: Borrowing someone elses weapon when they arent looking.

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thelmearc

Version 1.1 June AS XXXVII

From the Kingdom Marshal of Fence

Dona Elisa inn Rau Hara

A Very, Very, Remarkably Brief History of Fence

Page -1 Version 1.1

Page A-2 Version 1.1

A Few Historical Documents of Interest

Page A-3 Version 1.1

Fabris, Salvator [Bologna]

Page A-4 Version 1.1

Lovino, Giovanni Antonia [Milanese]

Page A-5 Version 1.1

Palladini, Camillo [Bologna]

Viggiani, Angelo [Bologna]

Page A-7 Version 1.1

Modern Weapon Forms

Page B-1 Version 1.1

Page B-2 Version 1.1

Example of a pistol grip not legal for SCA use

Example of the French grip

Page B-3 Version 1.1

Example of an Italian grip

Page B-4 Version 1.1

Page A-3 Version 1.1

Page B-4 Version 1.1

Page B-5 Version 1.1

Page B-6 Version 1.1

Page B-7 Version 1.1

Where to Find Fencing Gear An Incomplete List of Dealers

Alchem Inc. (www.alcheminc.com/fencing.html) Safeflex daggers

Page B-8 Version 1.1

Darkwood Armory (www.darkwoodarmory.com) Sells Del Tin blades

Quality Performers (QP-Sport) (www.qp-sport.co.nz) New Zealand company that

Page B-10 Version 1.1

Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

Page C - 2 Version 1.1

The Tournament What every fencer should know

Page D - 1 Version 1.1

Page D - 2 Version 1.1

Responsibilities of the Marshal-in-Charge

Page D - 3 Version 1.1

Page E-1 Version 1.1

Line marshalling in bouts, melees and practices

Page E-2 Version 1.1

Page E-3 Version 1.1

Page E-4 Version 1.1

Page E-5 Version 1.1

DISPUTES AND SANCTIONS

Sanctions against Combatants

Page E-6 Version 1.1

The Marshal-in-Charge of an event may, in addition to the previous actions, perform:

initiate a Removal of Authorization procedure for the offending fencer

Page E-7 Version 1.1

The Kingdom Marshal may, in addition to the above:

Page E-8 Version 1.1

Inspections of Fencers in AEthelmearc

Page F-1 Version 1.1

Page F-2 Version 1.1

Legs and Feet

Foils and Epees

Page F-3 Version 1.1

Page F-4 Version 1.1

Authorization of Fencers in AEthelmearc