adamstjohn wrote:When someone tells you "kill from behind", they are telling you "I killed you a second ago". You are not just dead, you are ALREADY dead.
So when you kill someone from behind like that, what are you supposed to say/do? In most cases there're rules regarding running out of trees and nailing fullpower when his back is turned, aren't there?
In paintball it's a barrel-tag followed by a 'You're dead'.
Or, you come up behind someone within 10ft or so (depends on field rules)and say "surrender or die." At that point, the guy can either acknowledge his death, or turn around and attempt to shoot. At which point you can shoot him from close range without getting in trouble via the field rules.
Aniol Jagiello
I can't protect you without holding a sword.
I can't embrace you while holding a sword.
the rule "west of the rockies" (i.e, Estrella kingdoms) is:
You must *control* the person with your weapon, typically by placing it on their shoulder or in front of their face - and tell them "DEAD FROM BEHIND, M'LORD" (polite version). Must be loud enough for them to hear and acknowledge. You can only "kill" someone from behind who DOESN'T know you are there...
East of the Rockies, this rule is not used, but instead, you must gain acknowledged eye contact with anyone before striking them. You are allowed to lightly tap them, or foul their weapons from behind. This is sometimes interpreted as a "near bear hug".
Everywhere (as I understand it) you are usually allowed to pass through a line and wack someone in the back of the head 1-2 steps through. They should know you are there.
In all cases, you are only allowed to strike someone (full force) with whom you are ENGAGED. Either via eye contact (can be quite brief) as above, or if your formed unit is engaged with his "on a continuous front".
I have played extensively with both - and neither is a particularly satisfying solution. I don't like killing people from behind (even when allowed) and will often shout at someone to gain acknowledgment first (even in the West). Both rules can be "cheesedicked" in various ways.
Dont preach fair to me, i have a degree in music. - Violen
Sigifrith Hauknefr wrote: I would not sweat someone who uttered an exclamation of frustration upon being killed from behind. Even if it happens to carry some minor tactical info.
Nope, cheesy. At least as cheesy as keeping hold of someone's spear after you die.
/adam lawrence /athestan of wortham /sca drachenwald /thebusinesscomedian.com
"REGINA NOS VIDET"
"What we do is not a sporting event, but a celebration of prowess, art, and culture": after Jehan de Pelham
Submitting tactical information to your allies is taking an active role.
Taking an active role after you've been "killed" is breaking the rules.
Breaking the rules with intent is cheating.
Cheating is dishonourable.
We should strive to behave as honourably as we can. And a little bit more
OK, I do, on occasion, fall over dead in melees. At Pennsic (the only SCA war I’ve been to) I fell over dead once and was fine. But I didn’t say anything, even “GOOD!â€
