The Armour Archive

Is there any update on when the COTT is scheduled? I was checking the Pennsic website battlefield schedule and didn't see the Thirty listed.

Galvyn Lockhart wrote:Is there any update on when the COTT is scheduled? I was checking the Pennsic website battlefield schedule and didn't see the Thirty listed.

The current target is Sunday's late afternoon per His Grace ...

"I have put in a request for the Sunday of Opening Ceremonies with a start time of 5PM. I would have said 6PM but I may be in a Command staff meeting at that time."

Is there any interest in having a gathering, feast, social afterwards? I know some have martial commitments for their various armies, but I suspect there will be batches of us that would love to do further deeds and just enjoy each others company with our friends and companions?

Bahh screw it .. I'll coordinate the post battle part. We are few and should spend times gathering and enjoying our company. There will be a post 'revel' after the combat. Some will need to go to meetings, courts and such, but I'll do my best to keep a good social going along for them to return to.

Thats sounds good to me, I should be able to hang around a bit.

I placed a Battlefield request some time ago and can not find any info about it on the website either so I have sent an email to the "battlefield coordinator" trying to find out what's going on. I have already started to place another request but will hold it in the queue until I hear from said person.

As of now the original request was placed for 5PM on the Sunday of Opening Ceremonies. If I have to re-submit I will ask for the same time with my only concession to movement being maybe going to a 4PM start time. Hopefully this will help people with commitments to War Command Staff meetings.

Not sure where the SNAFU occurred and I hope to take care of this asap.

Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA
Captain of the French in the Combat of the Thirty

I was thinking about what the good Master Galleron posted about weapon's mix. I have always thought that the Martel would be an exceedingly deadly weapon, as it is basically a big ole can opener. It would be cool to test it in the CoTT, (not the piercing of course, but the effects of blows using the hammer face. but per last years rules, it would be innefective, right? It may make for a fun backup weapon though. hmmmm...

I would assume a shield or buckler could be used in the other hand... I need to research... Havent' really come across much about the practical application of it.

It's has been requested by my King that I would bear arms for the French during this endeavor, which sounds great to me.

Now I just need to work on the accent ...

Gregoire de Lyon wrote:

sir nigel wrote:That being said I would ask that any wishing to stand by my side in this endeavour to please make thier presence known to me here.

Mon corps est a vous mon capitaine.

Sir Nigel,
It was an extreme honor to fight under your banner last year, and I would take the field with the French again if you will have me. I feared until this week that I would not make the journey this year, but the wheel of fortune has driven me to the top recently and I will be present.
Your servant,
James ap Llewelyn

I am intrigued by Master Galleron's link, and I will have along a fauchard for the deed should the decision be made to go that way. Since I had the pleasure of borrowing one of Master Galleron's poleaxes last year I made my own for this year. If it performs even half as well I will be pleased.

Cheers,
James ap Llewelyn

As of now this in the information I have in regards to the scheduling of the COtT.

I have had no response from the battlefield coordinator so I sent a message to the Mayor via another forum and have been told that we "are in." I have asked for Sunday of Opening Ceremonies at 5PM in hopes of accommodating some peoples command meetings. The only concession I have been willing to make is for an earlier start time of 4PM on the same day.

Hopefully I will hear back from the Mayor today and this will get on the schedule soon.

Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA

We!!!We!!! Mansur-

LOL

Thor.

Lucian Ro wrote:It's has been requested by my King that I would bear arms for the French during this endeavor, which sounds great to me.

Now I just need to work on the accent ...

Thorstenn wrote:We!!!We!!! Mansur-

LOL

Thor.

shouldn't that be WE!! WE!! SURRENDER!!!! Mansur....

I am working on getting time off for this event. If I can make it up, I'll probably get there just in time to roll out of the car and come fighting at the 30. If I have to, I'll come up just for this on Sunday and fly home on Tues or Wed.

I gotta admit, the other scenarios hold very little interest for me anymore.

g-

After a little bit of emailing I finally got the CotT on the master schedule.

We have the White List Field on Sunday the 8th from 5PM until 7PM.

I say that people start showing up early and we get this sucker rolling as close to 5PM as possible. There will be the usual delays getting people checked out and the normal breifing of the combatants.

The White List is empty from 4PM until 5PM so it won't hurt if we show up a little early anyways. Spread the word.

Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA

Lord Robert Downey wrote:I was thinking about what the good Master Galleron posted about weapon's mix. I have always thought that the Martel would be an exceedingly deadly weapon, as it is basically a big ole can opener. It would be cool to test it in the CoTT, (not the piercing of course, but the effects of blows using the hammer face. but per last years rules, it would be innefective, right? It may make for a fun backup weapon though. hmmmm...

I would assume a shield or buckler could be used in the other hand... I need to research... Havent' really come across much about the practical application of it.

YOu have any pictures of this weapon? It sounds hellacool.

HOw does one say hellacool in Medieval French?

Just commentary here...

*IF* the lists are set up the same as previous years, this is one of the regular block list fields. Not the long one (green list) that we have used in the past years.

We will be in closer quarters than what I think we have become accustomed to. This may also be a problem depending on the number of spectators if something else gets put in the green list.

Gilebert

sir nigel wrote:After a little bit of emailing I finally got the CotT on the master schedule.

We have the White List Field on Sunday the 8th from 5PM until 7PM.

I say that people start showing up early and we get this sucker rolling as close to 5PM as possible. There will be the usual delays getting people checked out and the normal breifing of the combatants.

The White List is empty from 4PM until 5PM so it won't hurt if we show up a little early anyways. Spread the word.

Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA

*@$!!***!! I just got word the the Midrealm command meeting starts at 5...GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!


Stephen

I had forgotten the list issue. Can anyone check with the folks running the fields to see if we can be moved back to the large field?

OK...I have the person that can make the change on speed dial...

Johannes what list do you want the CoTT moved to?

Stephen

Whichever field we normally have. I have trouble envisioning all of us on the smaller fields.

I think from reading Gilebert's post, we want the Green, unless they have relabeled them...

Stephen du Bois wrote:*@$!!***!! I just got word the the Midrealm command meeting starts at 5...GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!


Stephen

skip it. Send a deputy. its your vacation, dude.

Ok...CoTT is now on the GREEN list..its location will be changed on the online listing, but the hard copy schedule is already at the printers..

Stephen

Stephen,

Thanks! And you know where I stand on this whole modern military structure we put onto Pennsic...

Just say Go Get'em and come enjoy the only time all year you can do a COTT.

To echo Johannes, thanks and I am sure that Pellinor would be willing to debrief you later for just that one meeting. We'd love to have you out here again.

Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA

Stephen du Bois wrote:Ok...CoTT is now on the GREEN list..its location will be changed on the online listing, but the hard copy schedule is already at the printers..

Stephen

Stephen send Toramassa to the meeting it will be a good test for him anyway.

Tom.

So, have both rosters been filled for the COTT?


Val

Goodly Captain Johannes, here is the Lion and Rose's company roster for the battle.

Sir William Edwards the Black called Kieran
Lady Gabriella Hamilton, Squire of Haus Atzinger.
Sergeant Odo of the Abbey of St Martin, Esquire
Lord Wendall von der Eiserstien, Esquire
Luc d' Baeufait
Radovan van Rostock

All of the above fought in last years battle.

I'll be there

desperately trying to repair my harness and my prowess


as they have rusted in the time since i was injured at Estrella

Valstarr Hawkwind wrote:So, have both rosters been filled for the COTT?


Val

I don't believe so. At least I believe there is still room on the French roster.

Adrielle Kerrec wrote:I don't believe so. At least I believe there is still room on the French roster.

It's definitely English-heavy this year. Is that common?
I'll be fighting on the side of the French this year at the bidding of the Crown, even though I'm English, but if it is common for the French side to consistently have the lesser numbers then I may just champion the French side from now on.

Neither roster is full up. Last year was the only year we've held it where we actually made it to full teams the day of the event, usually we lose about 40% of our rosters over the summer as people realize they can't make the trip.

As far as the sides, the English have only won the COTT once since 1351, one year we had to split the French team into 2 15 man teams to make a fair fight (twice).

Lucien has been removed from the English rolls, and will suffer no ill will for foreswearing his spoken intention to fight for his rightful lord, the King of England. His ransom negotiations, however, promise to be protracted and expensive...

Seriously, though, I am looking forward to seeing you all again this year, and anyone who has the appropriate gear and can make it (and bring the right mind-set) should show up to make it the best it can be.

My list as of right now, having removed people who have fallen out:

Sir Johannes von Bruechenheim
Drusillus von Oberbessenbach
Earl Benin
Sir Jost von Lueck
Lord Eadric of Stonemarche
Murdock
Angus MacClerie
James B
Richard de Scolay
Sir William Edwards the Black called Kieran
Lady Gabriella Hamilton, Squire of Haus Atzinger.
Sergeant Odo of the Abbey of St Martin, Esquire
Lord Wendall von der Eiserstien, Esquire
Luc d' Baeufait
Radovan van Rostock
Sir Jean Paul de Sens
Sir Ieuan Gower
Baron Talun MacDubhain
Sir Vitus von Atzinger
Count Yngvarr
Lord Iain Ruadh
Lord Hedinn
Sir Stephen du Bois
Sir Cedric of Dorchester
Lady Genevieve
Lord Owyn Claerwyn

If I have missed anyone spoken to me, or screwed up spelling of a name or completely missed the title, please let me know and I will make modifications.

This year, I would like someone to get a good solid list of participants, something we mean to do every year but manage to do without.

Greetings all,

As of now this is the roster that I have. It will be updated as things change. I am waiting to hear back from a few people yet. Please note that my roster is not yet full.

Captain: Earl Nigel MacFarlane
2nd: Baron Sir Manfred Von Halstern

HRM Thorstenn Rex Trimaris
Duke Edmund of Hertford
Duke Palymar of the Two Baronies
Duke Alaric
Earl Sir Brion Thornbird ap Rhys, OL
Sir Galvyn Lochart
Sir Cellach Mac Cormaic
Sir Sichelgaita Von Halstern
Sir Albrecht Von Halstern
Master Galleron de Cressy
Lord Eric (Von Halstern?)
Baron Richard Larmer Esq.
Baron Gregoire de Lyon Esq.
Baron William Hauke of Effingham Esq.
Bleddyn de Caldicot Esq.
Jessmond von Atzinger Esq.
Lord Lucian Ro
Seamus Yanger Esq.
Lord Robert Downey Esq.
Ambrose St John
Guillaume le Briton
Lord Gilebert le Braceeur de DijonLucian Ro
Edward MacTavish Esq.
Eldric von Atzinger Esq.
Ingram von Atzinger Esq.
Domnall
James ap Llewelyn
Johnathan More

Cheers,
Earl Nigel Macfarlane KSCA
Captain of the French forces at Pennsic 35/37/38/39

On another note, for those of you that use Facebook, I have created an FB page.

Just search "The Combat of the Thirty".

Cheers,
Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA

I planned on standing for England again

Here are the rules for the Combat of the Thirty:
**************************************************

Combat of the Thirty
1.) No basket hilts--all swords will have cross hilts. (NB: One handed weapons are going to be of very little use since you may only thrust with them.)
2.) No un-padded poll arms--all pole weapons must have an appropriately-shaped head of significant mass.
3.) No pole weapon may exceed 6 feet, no spear may exceed 7 feet, no sword may exceed 50 inches.
4.) We are using an assumed-plate standard. Blows to the body and limbs have no effect.
5.) Thrusts to an open face (i.e., a bargrill), neck, armpit, inside of the elbow, back of the ass, or back of the thigh (unless someone is actually wearing closed cuisses) all "kill" (or render you unable to continue—same thing). If you are "killed" you are out of the entire combat.
6.) Heavy blows to the head *did* have an effect, so any blow with a two-handed weapon will count towards a "stun." If you are struck three times to the head in any single engagement you are counted as stunned and must yield. We're all gentlemen, so we can all use common sense and a sense of honor to be realistic about what "a single engagement" means. If you get hit twice and then fighting breaks off, that's it, you start counting over. If three different guys hit you in the head one after the other with no real break in the fighting then you're stunned.
7.) Anyone who gets beaten so hard he can't continue may choose to yield.
8.) Anyone who is completely unarmed must yield (note that even a dagger is enough to prevent this).
9.) Anyone who touches the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet must yield.
10.) Capturing Prisoners: If you "must yield" (see above) or choose to do so then anyone (from the other side) can lay his weapon upon you or lay their hand upon to let you know that you are captured (e.g., "you're my prisoner," "yield!," "I've captured you," etc.). If no one does this then you may continue to fight as though nothing had happened.
11.) The captor must walk his prisoner off the field. While he's doing so, the captor may, of course, be forced to fight. If he is killed himself then the prisoner goes free. During such fights the prisoner must stand quietly awaiting the outcome.
12.) Prisoner's must off to the side of the field. If the person who captures them is "killed" (not captured, *killed*), then they are released and may return to the fighting as though nothing had happened.
13.) Ransom: There will only be one ransom paid and it is after the combat is over. You do not return to the engagement if you pay your ransom. The only way to return to the combat is if your captor dies.
14.) Combat will last until all of one side are either captured, killed or have retired voluntarily. A 10-minute break will be called every 15 minutes. (No one may bring in a horse at the last minute!) Anyone may voluntarily leave the field for as long as he wishes to rest and/or rearm at any time.
15.) The winning side is the one in possession of the field at the end.
16.) There's no setup of any kind required for this combat, but each side is required to bring enough water for their own people.
************************************************

Weapons will be as follows: two-handed swords between 44-50", not a sword that you can only grip the pommel with your second hands index finger and thumb; pole weapons that are 6' and under, be it a hammer, mace or axe and must be a two-handed weapon that look likes a medieval weapon and spears under 7 feet; back-up weapons are limited to daggers and short swords only. Earl Nigel and Sir Johannes will have the final say on all weapons.

Combat will be as follows:

Ransoms will be limited to one ransom this year as in the last several years. They are not the focus of this Deed. Bring a ransom that you feel is appropriate for your station. In the past I have brought anything from a breastplate, to rings and coins and even a bottle of Scotch. These days I bring coin and jewels.

We will stay with the "3 blows in one engagement" will cause you to be "stunned" guideline. This is not 3 blows in the battle but in one engagement. If you can separate from your opponents long enough to regain your composure than you can reset your counter so to speak. If you are "stunned" you can be captured by anyone that can place their hand upon you. If no one can get to you to capture you then you are not captured. All legal targets areas may be struck but the only blows that need to be acknowledged are those to the head.

Thrusts to maille covered vital areas are to be ignored unless any combatant decides that he has been bested by the thrust and can "yield" a blow to an opponent. That is for each person to decide but the standing rule is that if a vital area is covered by maille then it is proof against thrusts. We are trying to stun with concussive blows as the fighting convention. Thrust are not concussive and therefore will not counted unless the struck opponent decides to count it.

If you are driven to three points, ie one hand goes to the ground, and someone can lay their hand or weapon upon you they can capture you.

Captured people must be lead off of the field but can be rescued by someone from their unit while they are being escorted off the field.

We have agreed that the only way you can return to the field is if the person that has captured you dies during the course of action.

To that end, the ways that you can die in this Deed are as follows:

Thrust to any vital area, be it the armpit, inside the elbow, back of the thigh to include the buttocks and to the face of any "open-faced" helm. The only way that these areas are safe is if they are in fact covered in plate armour or maille. Master Galleron is a perfect example of being "fully" covered.


Cheers,

Earl Nigel MacFarlane KSCA