From: graydon@micor.ocunix.on.ca (Graydon)
Subject: Re: Rapier Combat in Meridies? (was: SCA Rapier combat illegal?)
Organization: M.B. Cormier INC.
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 92 13:43:36 EDT

z_berryrw@ccsvax.sfasu.edu writes:

> In article <kJV0NB2w162w@micor.ocunix.on.ca>, graydon@micor.ocunix.on.ca
>  (Graydon) writes:
> > wew@naucse.cse.nau.edu (Bill Wilson) writes:
> >> From article <1992Jul20.125023.19889@progress.com>, by schuldy@progress.CO
> >> > Wolfrick and I were having a discussion in email about rapier
> ...deleted to save bandwidth....
> >> 
> > 
> > Uller's beard!
> > A duel involves a dispute, and seconds, and agreed upon terms of
> > resolution, and an intent to at least injure.  SCA fighting resembles
> > this (any SCA fighting) about as much as a Holstein cow resemles a
> > puffin.
> > 
> > Graydon
> > 
> >         Graydon the Curious         /graydon@micor.ocunix.on.ca
> >   Skraeling Althing, EAldormere, MK / "Nihil est quin obsisti possit"
> 
> Graydon,
> 
> I would respectfully point out that "duels" as you have defined them _DO_
> occur in the SCA.  I am referring to challenge or honour duels.  These combat
> do occasionally arise, and are a valid part of the re-creation we do.  If one
> feels dishonoured or wronged, the Field of Honour can be an appropriate means
> of redress.  As long as these "duels" are strictly within the rules of SCA
> combat (either Medieval or Renaisance styles) then IMHO they are appropriate.
> 
> There is in your definition of a "duel" "an intent to at least injure."  Whil
> we consider SCA fighting safe and fun, from the point of view of an outsider,
> all SCA combat involves injury.  We understand that the injuries are an accep
> able part of the game and take steps to limit their severity.  But a deep mus
> bruise (not uncommon) is still an injury.
> 
> This point may seem nit-picky and petty, but we as Scadians live in the moder
> world.  Like it or not, we must make allowances for mundane laws and customs.
> I whole-heartedly wish that our Meridian friends could play light-weapons
> without driving to an Ansteorran event.  But if, in fact Mundane laws prohibi
> this, then we must respect the law.  This respect does not include, IMHO,
> accepting that said laws are valid and permanent.
>   
> We need facts on this matter.  I would ask any of you who are legal
> profesionals inside the Kingdon of Meridies to comment, in an informed,
> unofficial capacity as to the actual legal state of affairs.  I understand th
> problems involved with this medium and the various legal aspects of giving 
> advice or counsel here.  But could we at least have some hard facts?
> 
> Respectfully,
> 
> Wolfrick Thorinsson, Shire of Greywood, Ansteorra
> z_berryrw@ccsvax.sfasu.edu
> 

You may indeed suffer from a court system able to decide that
bruises suffered in an SCA combat sport constitute injury, and
make the bout a duel, which considering the bruises of the
local high school greco-roman wrestling team just ok.  I hope
you don't, but you might.

What I was objecting to is the conflation of SCA combat sports
with dueling - you courts may be that dumb, but why do you have
to go along with it?

Graydon

        Graydon the Curious         /graydon@micor.ocunix.on.ca
  Skraeling Althing, EAldormere, MK / "Nihil est quin obsisti possit"
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca