Since these are public shows the participants need to have appropriate garb and equipment, though this may vary according to circumstances. New rec fighters must use wooden weapons until they have been qualified to use steel, and of course all fighters must follow the safety rules . For guidelines on historically accurate garb, see the Markland Basic Clothing Standards . Frat Fighting is a competetive sport in which the participants try to eliminate their opponents using weapons that are specially constructed for safety. A certain amount of functional armor must be worn, though like the weapons it is not necessarily historically accurate in appearance.
Frat wars last a weekend and have several different battle scenarios each day.
A more detailed description can be found here. Rules for Fratricidal combat are found here . Living History Markland's living history displays are an important part of our educational status, as well as being fun. We have a number of different historical groups or camps, some of which are official Markland groups, while others are simply common interest activity groups. At most of Markland's own events you don't have to part of a group to participate.