So a "weird leftie" who is physically fit, 4'6" and 80 pounds.
Frankly you sound like a fighting terror in the making!
People are nervous fighting lefties. because they're rare.
Shorter than 5 feet is rare in the fighting SCA.
Weighing less than 200 pounds is rare in the fighting SCA, let alone less than a 100 pounds. At one time my armour itself weighed 104 pounds!
You are a lady fighter, and that is also rare (at least as rare as lefties).
So in a way you are an exotic fighter in the extreme (at least four ways, if not five). You will be unexpected to say the least, and shock is a viable tactic. Use that to your advantage!
What is your current armour "style", what do you have that works WELL, what do need, and how can we suggest inexpensive solutions to get these items for you.
I would suggest a super-light aluminum shield from Mandrake Armoury, strapped like a heater preferably. But two sword might work well too. Chabi fights two sword. Maybe a buckler for the "shield snatch" that Duke Paul has talked about.
Leather vambraces from House of Wolf would be good, as would leather shoulders and possibly body armour.
A quick rush to a Sword and Board's shield side would be an effective tactic. You're out of their vision, they lower their shield to find out where you went...then SMACK!
The other would be to get UNDER than shield and pop up between your opponent's shield and their body. That was a shock for a local fighter or two here against Chabi. A stout thrusting tip is a must!
With a buckler or second sword you could "grab" the bottom of their shield and open it like a gararge door, and waltz inside their guard and go to town. Very few fighters are experienced at throwing good shots at something INSIDE their shield.
Might give them the hebie-jebbies...and they would be very carefull when they fight you a second time.
And as a lady, your voice alone can sometimes be a combat-multiplier. I remember a legend that was posted here on the Archive about a Grand Melee. The fellow who told the story was quite good, but suddenly heard a giggle and then a lovely, cultured, alto, female voice behind him say, "Turn and fight, Sir Knight." He turned around, shield and sword dropping down to a relaxed position and started to say, "Pardon?" and she smacked him (and giggled). He said he was on the ground laughing next. He was outfoxed by his predisposition that all fighters on the field were male.
I have some stainless steel elbows, knees and shoulders I can mail to a military base out there if you'd like to work with them and some leather. They've sat here for nearly a year without any local fighters to pick them up. I just haven't been able to get people to armour up, and I've got ten sets. I love encouraging new fighters, but I can't find them!
-Aaron
). The thing I am thinking is that Robyn needs armor that fits, and fits well as the bruises are attesting to. Also, leather is fairly light, very strong when water hardened and with a little work, will look nice.
) Britannicus