Royal Guild of Defence
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Kingdom of Lochac Royal Guild of Defence |
Punta Dritta - January 2006
Contents
From the Lord Guildmaster of Defence
Reports on Prizes in the Kingdom of Lochac
North of the Border - Fencing Fest II
Greetings to all members of the Lochac Guild of Defence and indeed to everyone reading this message.
It has been suggested (strongly) by Lord Owen Cantor ap Hughe, Provost Secretary of the Guild, that I provide you with some information on myself. Why he thinks you would find this interesting is a matter of some small concern to me, however it is apparently the way these things are done, and I am a firm believer in tradition, so here we go.
My name is Dameon Greybeard and I have been associated with the Noble Art of Defence, as practiced in this land, for the past 14 years. I was introduced to period fencing by Ancient Guild Master Edmund the Lame at Rowany Festival in AS 26, and my training was continued by Ancient Guildmaster Baron Don François Henri Guyon. If any can be said to be the founding fathers of fencing in Lochac it would be these two Gentles.
Over the years I have held the post of Rapier Marshal for the Barony of Politarchopolis and for the Principality of Lochac. I hold the rank of Ancient Guildmaster and I am a member of the Order of the White Scarf of Lochac and at Spring War last year I accepted the office of Lord Guildmaster from Guildmaster Don Ibn Jelal. Owen, my friend, I hope that the above satisfies propriety.
It is my sincere hope that I will be able to maintain the high standards of Guildmaster Ibn Jelal and I will be looking for ways to increase the Guild's profile within the Kingdom. It is my hope that we will become an example to all, both on and off the field.
The coming year looks as though it will see some interesting changes; already there has been the introduction of a New Arts and Sciences stream, that of 'Historical Combat Studies'. Please note, this activity will not be a vehicle for free-form combat with steel weapons, but rather an in-depth look at the techniques and mindset of pre 16th century practitioners of violence '' err'' the Noble Art of Defence. It will hopefully complement the Guild's research and teaching and provide new insights and a different method for looking at our chosen area of study. His Grace, Sir Cornelius Von Beck, Master of the Laurel and a Provost in our Guild, will be taking on the Kingdom post of Deputy Arts and Sciences Minister for this activity.
I invite comments from all of you. If you have thoughts on how we might improve the Guild in any way, please contact me and chat.
Don Dameon Greybeard
[new] Lord Guildmaster
Royal Guild of Defence of Lochac
Be it known to all members of the Royal Guild of Defence that a Guild meeting shall be held during the course of the Rowany Festival, at a time to be announced by the Provost Secretary at the commencement of the playing of Guild Prizes upon the Rapier Field at 2pm on Good Friday, the Fourteenth Day of April.
This meeting shall engender discussion on matters brought to the Lord Guildmaster, Ancient Guildmaster Baron Don Dameon Greybeard, of concern to the Guild, being:
Other matters of concern may also be brought to the attention of the Provost Secretary or the Lord Guildmaster prior to Rowany Festival for inclusion on the agenda.
All Guildmasters, Provosts, Journeymen, Free Scholars and Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and add their voice to matters concerning the Royal Guild of Defence of the Kingdom of Lochac.
Yours in Service
Provost Lord Owen Cantor ap Hughe
Provost Secretary to the Royal Guild of Defence
Reports on Prizes in the Kingdom of Lochac
Be It Known To All That Profess Skill At Arms That:
On Saturday 3 December, AS40, in River Haven, Journeyman Somerled of Redcliffe did play his Provost's Prize in the following forms: Single Rapier; Rapier and Buckler; Rapier and Dagger; Case of Rapier; and Rapier and Baton. The candidate was examined by Ancient Guildmaster Edmund the Lame and Guildmaster Henry Fox. Following their examination, the Guildmasters did agree that the candidate had successfully played the Prize, and did raise him to the rank of Provost.
Long Live the Crown of Lochac
Be It Known To All That Profess Skill At Arms That:
I, Guildmaster ibn Jelal, did give leave and license to our Scholar Maree de Couty, William de Cameron, to play her Free Scholar's Prize against all Free Scholars, Journeymen, Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz Rapier and Dagger. These are to give notice that the said Scholar did play her Prize at the Canterbury Faire upon the Field on the Sunday afternoon, against Free Scholar William de Cameron, Free Scholar Colum mac Fheradaigh, Journeyman Luan an Fael and Provost Somerled of Redcliffe. Upon due consideration her examiners did declare her successful, and elevated her to the rank of Free Scholar.
Furthermore...
I, Guildmaster ibn Jelal, did give leave and license to our Free Scholar, William de Cameron, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz Single Rapier, Rapier and Cloak, Case of Rapier. These are to give notice that the said Free Scholar did play his Prize at the Canterbury Faire upon the Field on the Sunday afternoon, against Journeyman Luan an Fael, Provost Somerled of Redcliffe, and Guildmaster ibn Jelal. Upon due consideration his examiners did declare him successful, and elevated him to the rank of Journeyman.
Furthermore...
I, Guildmaster ibn Jelal, did give leave and licence to our Scholar, Emrys Tudor, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Guild Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier and Buckler, Rapier and Parrying Gauntlet, Rapier and Dagger. These are to give notice that the said Scholar did play his Prize at the Canterbury Faire upon the Field on the Sunday afternoon, against Journeyman Luan an Fael, Provost Somerled of Redcliffe, and Guildmaster ibn Jelal. Upon due consideration his examiners did declare him successful, and elevated him to the rank of Journeyman.
Furthermore...
I, Guildmaster ibn Jelal, do give leave and licence to our Scholar, Hagen von Duernstein, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Guild Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier and Dagger, Rapier and Buckler, Rapier and Baton. These are to give notice that the said Scholar did play his Prize at the Canterbury Faire upon the Field on the Sunday afternoon, against Journeyman Luan an Fael, Provost Somerled of Redcliffe, and Guildmaster ibn Jelal. Upon due consideration his examiners did declare him successful, and elevated him to the rank of Journeyman.
Long Live the Crown of Lochac
I, Guildmaster Don ibn Jelal, do give leave and license to our Scholar, Benedict Stonhewer of Askerigg, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier and Dagger; Rapier and Baton; and Rapier and Cloak. These are to give notice that the said Scholar will be at the Rowany Festival upon the Field, to perform and do his utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the prize.
I, Guildmaster Don Henry Fox, do give leave and license to our Free Scholar, Giles Leabrook, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier and Parrying Gauntlet; Rapier and Buckler; and Rapier and Baton. These are to give notice that the said Free Scholar will be at the Rowany Festival upon the Field, to perform and do his utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the Prize.
I, Provost Dona Sabine d'Ricoldi da Forli, do give leave and licence to our Free Scholar, Prospero di Luca Greco, to play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier; Rapier and dagger; and polearm (played to the conventions of heavy combat). These are to give notice that the said Free Scholar will be at the Rowany Festival upon the Field, to perform and do their utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the prizes.
I, Ancient Guildmaster Don Dameon Greybeard, acting in my capacity as Lord Guildmaster, do decree that Free Scholar Donnchadh Bailie, sponsored by Provost Dona Sabine d'Ricoldi da Forli, may play his Journeyman's Prize against all Journeymen, Provosts and Guildmasters in their subtle mystery at three of the following weapons, viz: Rapier and Parrying Gauntlet; Rapier and Buckler; Rapier and Cloak; Rapier and Dagger; and Case of Rapier. If, during that prize, a second Provost or Guildmaster should step forward as a co-sponsor, the Free Scholar may also attempt his Provost's Prize. These are to give notice that the said Free Scholar will be at the Rowany Festival upon the Field, to perform and do his utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the Prize.
I, Ancient Guildmaster, Don Dameon Greybeard, do give leave and license to our Journeyman, Gregory Tortouse de Sloleye, to play his Provost's Prize against all Provosts and Masters in their subtle mystery at these weapons, viz: Rapier; Rapier and Dagger; Rapier and Buckler; Rapier and Cloak; and Case of Rapier. These are to give notice that the said Journeyman will be at the Rowany Festival upon the Field, to perform and do his utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the Prize.
By Journeyman Aelfrythe of Saxony
This pathfinder has been complied to assist those members of the Society for Creative Anachronism pursuing the rank of Free Scholar in The Royal Guild of Defence, a subgroup of that organisation. These resources have been put together with the help of the Masters of the Guild (the heads of the Guild, those authorised to teach by the Crown) at the Gore Street Ward, and will aid in gaining knowledge of the schools and styles of fencing that are available within the set limits of the Guild (pre -17th century Europe).
Free Scholar: The first ranking in the Guild. A student that has a basic capability in Renaissance fencing but has no in-depth knowledge of the Renaissance Fencing Masters, and has yet to develop a full range of fencing styles or concepts in civilian combat.
Don Francois Henri Guyon
Guildmaster of the Royal Guild of Defence of Lochac
As the information in this area is diverse, you will not find it on one shelf of a library. Try these keywords/ subjects as a starting point in library databases and on the Internet to help with your search.
Names of Renaissance Masters:
Library of Congress subject headings:
British Library:
Names of publisher:
Names of authors:
There are a number of publications available on this topic. These have been recommended for Free Scholars by the Masters of Defence.
Having trouble with the terminology?
ARMA - Definitions and
study terminology
The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts (ARMA) presents a list
of key terms, phrases, concepts, principles and ideas to encourage the use
of proper vocabulary in relation to historical fencing.
The discussions on these lists can help answer questions you may have.
These sites will help broaden your understanding of Renaissance fencing and its context.
Produced by Trudi Lynch
26 September 200
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August 2006
Rapier Training, Tournament and Melee Weekend open to all who have an interest in rapier combat.
Yes, it's happening again! A total weekend devoted to the Arte of Rapier Combat. Spread over two days will be training sessions, a tournament or two, melee sessions and a rapier game, a relaxed weekend of fencing and feasting. Lunch is served on both days, with a feast of simple foods on the Saturday night. Billets, booking and information can be arranged by contact with the Steward.
This weekend is open to all ladies and gentlemen who have an interest in rapier combat. Current and future combatants, those who wish to watch and those who wish to learn. There should not be a time during the weekend where an enthusiastic lady or gentleman cannot find something interesting to learn or do. Need to brush-up on a weapon form? Need to authorise in another weapon form? Interested in rapier but did not know where to start? This is your best chance to get all of these things done. More to the point it is the chance to fence, and fence amongst others with the same interest.
| Where: | Artesanos Hall, Wesley St, Lutwyche | |
| Time: | 10am Start both days, Saturday until 10pm, Sunday until the evening | |
| Cost: | $30 for the weekend, $20 day rate and under 14 half-price. | |
| Booking Contact: | Stephen Eledge (Owen Lamb) | |
| Ph: | (07)39019800 | |
| Mobile: | 0431977408 | |
| E-mail: | ledei_borethwl at yahoo.com | |
| Bookings Close: | 31 July 2006 | |
By Journeyman William Blacwode
This paper is a summary of a talk presented to the Innilgard Guild Day, Sunday 29 September 2004. This paper is based on both the original I33 manuscript[1] and the interpretation of I33 by Wagner and Hand (2003). The terminology used comes from Wagner and Hand. Other comments are the author's opinions.
Nothing is known of the general use of this type of sword play.
Speculations that this may have been a highly developed fighting form used in civilian contexts or as a type of medieval sport fencing, or both.
No body armour
To understand this style of fighting it is essential to understand the nature of the weapons in use
The illustrations in I33 do not allow identification of the exact type of sword employed. However, it is clearly a single handed wide-bladed sword with a taper to a fine point. As is typical of the swords of this period, it possessed simple cross quillons and a blade of about 31-33 inches in length, which was edged on both sides. The balance point was probably about 5 inches up the blade from the quillons. (The sword resembled an SCA heavy sword more than a rapier)
Steel buckler, round central boss (possibly with small point mounted centrally), backwards sloping outer surface, steel handle running across the diameter at the back. Probably about 12 inches in diameter, but hard to define as odd perspective changes in the drawings confuse size issues.
Fighting relatively close (making grappling a useful adjunct)
Hitting and thrusting are useful
Buckler needed to defend the hand and arm. Not normally used to defend body separately from the sword
Buckler used to deflect and control opponents sword rather than trap the point
Strikes can be delivered with great force.
Fighting is aggressive, fast, and lethal. Killing is primarily (but not always) with thrusts.
At close quarters grappling is used to bind the opponent for a strike.
Footwork is very important in this fast moving style. However, the stylised drawings do not provide an adequate indication of foot or body movements (though they supply detailed views of the complex hand positions). Wagner and Hand have found that 16C foot movements generally work well with the style, and some illustrations suggest similarity in form. Generally the footwork is illustrated as being conducted on the balls of the feet, possibly as a result of the poor traction associated with the leather soles on medieval turn-shoes. [4]
If the sword arm or hand is exposed it should be cut or hit. The buckler covers the sword hand and arm (and the buckler hand and arm) at all times unless the opponent's sword is completely bound or unless the sword arm is out of reach of the opponent's sword. The buckler can be rotated across the forearm so that it is nearly always between the sword arm and the opponent's sword.
Aggressive control of opponents blade through binds:
Attack by binding the sword arm - the shield knock (schiltschlac) (illustrated right)
Thrusts:
The manual says it has seven wards (custodia ' and even supplies a Latin poem to aid in remembering what they are). The number seven had great religious and numerological significance at the time. In fact the system has at least two or three additional wards (depending on how you count them) that are not included in the count. All these wards are starting positions which are 'loaded' for attack, i.e. they clearly predispose the attacker to a particular type of attack (exceptions: Longpoint and Walpurgis Ward).
Each ward has one or more counters (contrarium, obsessio, obsedeo, obsessor). These counter positions block the major possibilities of the corresponding ward and can open attack possibilities. As wards can counter wards, and attacks can me made from counter positions the differences between counters and wards is subtle. Interestingly, I33 assumes that when faced with the standard counter to a ward the attacker will not be so foolish as to attack with the obvious movement that flows from that ward.
Speed is important. The attacker needs to move into a ward and attack before his opponent can nullify the potential with his counter.
Please note - I am still in the process of converting this paper to web format. please bear with me until it is complete - Taryn
[1]
Forgeng (2003) The Medieval Art of Swordsmanship. A translation with
illustrations can also be found online from Dieter Bachmann at
http://freywild.ch/i33/i33en.html
[2]
Wagner and Hand 2003
[3]
John Jordan 2004
[4]
Wagner and Hand 2003
Punta Dritta is the newsletter of the Royal Guild of Defence of Lochac. It is published every six months, to coincide with the 12th Night and Midwinter Coronation events. Extra issues may also be published to coincide with the May and November Coronation Tourneys. The contents remain the property of the respective authors. Please contact the editor if you wish to reproduce anything found in the newsletter.
Punta Dritta may be downloaded for free from www.sca.org.au/rapier/PD_index.htm.
The contact details for the Editor are:
Steve Pye
Provost secretary
37 Fellows St
Latham ACT 2615
Email:
owain AT homemail DOT com DOT au DONT SPAM ME
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| Created: 20th July 2005 Last Modified: 20th July 2005 |
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