From: grs07071@runt.appstate.edu
Subject: <None>
Organization: Appalachian State University
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 18:26:38 GMT

In reply to the Reply...:

	I agree with what you said principally, gentle whose name I cannot
remember [scum that I am] but I must argue my point.

I was not aware that there was no rule regarding light blows, but that simply
fascinates me that something which is not even a rule can become the norm.

My point in all of this is that all the fighters on the field are [I DEARLY
HOPE, ANYWAY] holding back from their most powerful blows.  I know I do; if I
didn't, somebody would be in the hospital and I'd be in more trouble thann I
already have gotten in.

I think that if any blow were regarded as effective, we'd see a lot less
problem with blow acknowledgement and thus there would be no question of
whether or not a blow should have been effective *due to what it *felt* like.*
I cannot in good conscience take a blow that is not hard enough to sting me,
and I know people who will do just that.  Unfortunately, that seems to have
become the norm, and all because of the 'light' business.  I think a glancing
blow should be obvious in itself, to the helm, mainly; but what of a glancing
blow that skids off your sword and lands in your armpit? just because it
doesn't have enough force to chop your arm off outright doesn't mean it won't
sever an artery.

I think the main problem is that people are judging the effectiveness of a blow
based on a full-power swing: would this blow, if swung full power, have done
damage? 
The answer, realistically, is a resounding yes. and that's where we get into
differing interpretations of 'how hard does hard have to be?'


forgive me for the sexist-sounding remark, but if the women were the principal
fighters, an I doubt me not there are quite a few who would love for that to be
the case, there probably wouldn't be anything like 'light', because they would
have figured out a long time ago that calling light is merely an incentive to
strike harder.  
and, lord help us, what of the fighter who is hit and simply says 'no!' because
he can't think of the right word? what is his opponent supposed to think then?

I really do hate arguing this point, since it is bound to be unpopular for
awhile...
but look at the advantages.
In Atlantia, it is being considered that perhaps the face thrust should be
dropped because there is too much conflict with blow acknowledgement.  if light
could not be called, there would be no such.
In Atlantia, they are considering that if they do keep face thrusts, then they
will have to upgrade the armor standards for helmets.  this would cost massive
bucks which we don't need to spend, if the 'no-light' rule could be put into
effect.
if your opponent couldn't call 'light' but could call 'glance', the marshals
would have MUCH more control over what was glancing and what was not, since
they are outside the helmet and can see the angles.
However, my lords and ladies, if you call light because it didn't feel heavy
enough, you are, IMHO, doing yourself a disservice because your opponent, one
day, may be someone who fights the way I used to: if they say light, hit 'em
harder.  and harder. and eventually, since you're trying to be nice, and
everybody calls light, you say to hell with it and go in swinging.
and possibly injure someone.

I know that removing light blows would make for a faster combat, but it would
also make for a far SAFER combat.  and that's what we're all after, right?
Because if the light rule stays in, eventually we'll get to the point where
we're all in full plate mail, and the dents in that armor will scare everybody.
I personally would LOVE to return to true medieval fighting, where you didn't
really have any finesse, but simply bashed until your opponent couldn't hold
his shield up anymore.  or you broke his arm with your two handed sword even
though his arm is behind a shield.  or simply ran him down. or even hit him so
hard that he got knocked down, and you stood on top of him and ran him through.



But that won't happen.

Unless this *unofficial* light rule stays in.
because the problems with blow acknowledgement will get worse and worse.
and then we'll all run off and join the Historical Armed Combat Association.
which would be terrific for everybody to watch, but hell on the people in
armor.


Sorry for the diatribe...but I really do think this needs serious study.
and I speak as one who has seen the effects of overly hard blows from both
directions, and been chastised for it.

Jonathan Blackbow
nobody in particular