Oyez, Oyez!

4.4.02: CHANGE NOTE: Helmets & Gauntlets are *not* to be proof in the Vespers tournament! They will, however, be more likely to gain the combatant a point or two extra that must be scored upon them.
4.4.02: CHANGE NOTE: Two points will be assessed for blows to the body or head, while one point will count for blows struck to the arm, hand, leg, feet or hips.

In the days of our most illustrious ancestors, squires-in-arms and young knights bachelor would sometimes, on the occasion of a feat of armes, compete in a "Vespers" or "Vigil" of the tournament--a competition to demonstrate their courage, prowess and knightly vigor before their more experienced peers.

Frequently, this feat of arms would take place on the Friday before the tournament--hence "vigil"--and would be observed by many renowned knights who intended to participate in the contest the following day.

We in the Company of Saint George hope to encourage combatants to develop the entire spectrum of chivalric virtues through the study of arms. One aspect of this study is the participation in tournaments; indeed, we believe that under the stress of competition the character of both combatants is simultaneously tested and forged. Unfortunately, many who would benefit from this experience do not yet possess the requisite equipment nor the experience to qualify them for the more dangerous and intense armoured feats of arms practiced in combat societies and amongst practitioners of Western martial arts. But we still want to encourage combatants to work towards this experience, since it cannot be replaced and is unique, whether fought with rebated weapons or with batons.

To experiment with a possible solution, we intend to hold a "vespers" tournament, to be conducted by combatants who are presumed to be unarmoured and requiring only minimal equipment. It will take the challenge-form of the pas d'armes, but will have more structure and will be carefully watched by the panel of judges who will a) assess the qualifications of unknown combatants who wish to compete in the pas d'armes; b) record comments on the combatants for their benefit; and c) judge the outcome of the tournament, though not of any particular fight.

The "vespers" tournament is meant not as an end unto itself, but as a preliminary where less experienced combatants can earn renown by competing with others and against combatants of renown, learn about the structure of the pas d'arms format, and gain some of the experience earned in competitive, non-sparring situations. Hopefully, it will spark the combatants interest and confidence, provide them with valuable feedback from those more experienced than themselves and inspire them to collect the equipment and experience necessary for the armoured feat of arms.

The Company of Saint George proposes to hold the first "Vespers" tournament at the Schola Saint George Swordsmanship Symposium, on Friday evening, June 7th, 2002 .

For combatants  not affiliated with one of our sponsoring schools or recognized combat societies, participation in the "vespers" list is a prerequisite to competing in the following day's list.

We hope that even those of small experience will come and compete in this tournament, for their presence will benefit all who participate. We hope futher that combatants of renown will consent to serve as defenders, giving combatants the opportunity to meet them in formal combat.
 
 

Item: The form of the tournment will be of a pas d'armes; the combatants will be divided into Gules (red) and Azure (blue), and arrayed on opposite sides of the list.

Item: Each pass will be determined as below:

1. Commencaille: To open the tournament and to set the tone sought by the judges, one or more bouts might be fought by combatants of renown. Other bouts can be placed during the course of the evening's combats.
2. Longsword, Counted blows: The fight will continue until one combatant has scored five points upon the other
3. Longsword, Counted blows: As above, but the combatants on the opposite sides will challenge.
4. Spear, Counted blows: Fought with spears to five points (3 points for face or body strike); the side that has been adjudged to have done the best in the longsword passes will be offered the opportunity to challenge or to receive the challenges.
5. Weapon's choice, to "satisfaction": Until one combatant or the other declares themselves bested, or until the marshals or judges cry "You have done enough".  Whichever side has been judged to have done the best in the spear pass will be offered the opportunity to challenge or to receive the challenges.
6. Special Matches: The judges will select three fights they would like to see showcased in the final pass.

Item: All combatants are expected to conduct themselves in a knightly and chivalrous manner at all times, regardless of affiliation, provocation, or historical area of interest. Combatants shall further be responsible for their own actions and shall endeavor to make the lists as safe as possible themselves, their opponents and all who observe. Combatants who pose a danger to themselves or others shall be removed by the marshals or judges immediately.

Item: The combatants must present their arms and equipment to the Marshal, who will inspect each piece and declare each combatant able to fight. Marshals may, during the course of the tournament, remove any combatant or piece of equipment for physical or emotive failure.

Item: Combatants must agree to sign the waiver provided for the tourament and for the event. They must convey to the judges their experiences and intentions for the evening's list. The judges will then determine if they should be admitted. All combatants are encouraged to supply a blank "fight book" to the judges to record comments on their performance.

Item: Judges or participating school sponsors will be looking for:

• A declaration from the student's teacher that they possess the following and are prepared for combat using the weapons and armour declared below or a qualification card from a recognized combat society.
• A minimum of 6 months of experience training in European medieval swordsmanship
• A demonstrated knowledge of safety respecting the handling of medieval weapons and of the mechanisms governing the tournament.
• Proper equipment and demeanor necessary for safely competing in the list.

Item: Students of participating Schola or recognized combat societies can present a prequalification to the judges and be automatically admitted. Prequalifications may be received from the head of participating schools.

Item: The judges will be comprised of experienced tournament combatants who will observe each fight and will, if so moved, comment to the gallery on particularly noteworthy events. If a "fight book" is provided by the combatants, they are encouraged to record specific comments or areas in need of improvement. Further, they will be charged with determining the victor at the end of the tournament.

Item: For combatants seeking admission to the Armoured Pas d'Armes, the judges or participating school sponsors will determine their qualification based upon:

• 1 year of training in European swordsmanship, or equivilent.
• Demonstrated skill at weapon handling and comportment necessary for safe conduct within the lists.
• A solid understanding of the tournament mechanisms and expectations placed upon a tournament combatant.
• Specific experience with the weapons forms desired (rebated and/or baton).
• Sufficient armour and equipment to compete in the pas d'armes with the desired weapons.

Blows & Calibration

Item: All blows--except those to an armoured medieval helmet--should be struck with intent, but should be controlled to a "touch" by the time they contact the opponent. Combatants are responsible for pulling their attacks to ensure this.

Item: The whole body will be considered a viable target. Strikes to the body, or head with sufficient kinetic potential will count for two points, while blows to the hands, arms, legs, feet or hips will count as one. Mere touches to the body or head count only as one point.

Item: Combatants will be allowed to use limited elbow pushes or--with care--execute pushes or leverage with the blade or hilt. Such maneuvers must be executed with the utmost of control and will count--if immobilizing or disarming to their opponent--as successful "three-point" strikes.

Item: Combatants may signal strikes with the pommel, or quillions. This is done by simply touching the opponent with the pommel or quillion with sufficeint kinetic energy in the body where a hard strike would have been possible should the attack have been followed-through.  In combats with the spear, only thrusts with the tip will be counted.

Item: Combatants will call their own blows; however, they are also responsible for aknowledging when an opponent as "pulled" an attack for safety reasons (as with a stop thrust pulled owing to an aggressive advance). They are expected to give their opponents the benefit of the doubt in this regard. Should the combatant be unaware of such a pull, the marshals or judges may intervene to "call" the attack.

Armour Standards

Item: The combatants shall be armoured according to the following standards for the Vespers tourney:

• The head shall be defended by at a minimum a 3-weapon fencing mask, preferably with reinforcing at the back.

• Combatants are strongly encouraged to acquire a reproduction medieval helmet, made from at least 18g. material, with occular and other openings no wider than 3/4". Grilles must also conform to this standard. Pierced visors are expressely forbidden unless the match is particularly close to a historical example.  Note that they MUST adhere to a c. 1200 - 1500 period and be credibly a reproduction or an accurate synthesis of a cohesive medieval style.
• The throat shall be defended such that the tip of a weapon cannot easily make contact with the throat, spine or major blood vessels. A hound-style collar is the minimum level of defence expected; an aventail of mail or cloth is preferred.

• The body shall be defended by the equivilent of at least a padded gambeson, although not armoured heavily enough that blows cannot still be felt through the body defence.

• The elbows and knees shall be defended at a minimum by padding; the use of couters and poleyns is highly recommended.

• The hands shall be defended by, at a minimum, sturdy gloves. Medieval gauntlets are recommended.  Hockey or similar sporting defenses *must* be covered or camoflaged.

• No modern athletic shoes are allowed. All combatants will equip with boots or at a minimum "slippers". Medieval shoes are strongly encouraged.

Weapon Standards

Item: Weapons shall be constructed in a style that is impact absorbant, unless both combatants have more than four years experience. A limited number of weapons will be available for combatants to employ during the tournament. Currently longswords may be of two designs:

• Chicago Swordplay Guild Shinai-based longswords: These shinai are fitted with a compressible thrusting tip and are covered in a sheathing of thin leather. Sole-leather is added to make the edges; (more details coming soon from the CSG). Longswords of this variety must also be fitted with quillions; if they do not have a pommel, then pommel strikes are disallowed.

• Order of the Selohaar-style Longswords: 3/4" hickory dowels form the base, fitted with quillions and a pommel. "Pool fun" noodles are then wrapped around the quillions (the ones with the hole in the middle) and the sides shaved to give semblence to a blade. Leave 1.5" of foam beyond the tip for a thrusting tip and stuff it with more of the foam.

Spears will be constructed of hardwood, and will be 6' in length. The tips are made of compressive material.

PARTICIPATING SCHOLA or RECOGNIZED COMBAT SOCIETIES:

Coming Soon! Contact us if you think your school or organization would be interested in being included.

Recognized Combat Societies

Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)
Adrian Empire
Empire of Chivalry & Steel
 

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