11-30-2003, 05:12 PM
Aitor, Robert, all,<br>
before we propose a set date for the event to archeon, lets try to get the participaton of a few more groups and make sure that the date is right for them too. Has anyone approached any of the late Romans from britain? How many particpants will we have (roughly) from the groups already interested?<br>
<br>
I agree that if we fight we should do it accurately, and yes, heavy hasta can also be employed in the system. In fact, for safety purposes, these are not allowed to be thrown. Let's not forget though that there were plenty of missiles being hurled in late battles (plumbata and verutum, not to mention archery, and all of these can be employed.)<br>
<br>
I too was concerned that 'barbarian' groups accustomed to metal sword fighting would think the felt system for 'sissys' and not participate. However, similar 'metal minded' Celt groups have embraced the system once they actually tried it. As you know, most metal sword fighting is essentially a pre-arranged 'show' because these weapons are so dangerous. The beauty of the felt system, is that the combat is real, and not pre-determined. Therefore you can have real, all weekend combat scenarios of opposing groups in wildnerness areas. Moreover, in that it only produces the most minor of damage to equipment, units can both fight, and look authentic, in other words, you can finally make a really good, authentic shield, because you'll know it won't be destroyed after a one or two events of steel sword fighting.<br>
<br>
Aitor, if you send me your mailing address I will send you a 'felt' spearpoint. you can see how they work, and order the material locally. It is very cheap, you might even be able to get free scrap from a carpet store.<br>
<br>
We had upwards to 150 Roman soldiers fighting at Ostia with no serious injuries. most of these people never fought before.<br>
Minor damage was sustained to some equpment, not from the swords, but just from shields bumping together, falling on the ground, etc.<br>
<br>
While I like the 'standard weekend display' as much as anyone, i believe it will take combat simulation for the late roman/germanic period to grow, like virtually every other period. I don't believe 2000 would come to Hastings or 12,000 to Gettysburg if there were no battles.<br>
<br>
Dan <p></p><i></i>
before we propose a set date for the event to archeon, lets try to get the participaton of a few more groups and make sure that the date is right for them too. Has anyone approached any of the late Romans from britain? How many particpants will we have (roughly) from the groups already interested?<br>
<br>
I agree that if we fight we should do it accurately, and yes, heavy hasta can also be employed in the system. In fact, for safety purposes, these are not allowed to be thrown. Let's not forget though that there were plenty of missiles being hurled in late battles (plumbata and verutum, not to mention archery, and all of these can be employed.)<br>
<br>
I too was concerned that 'barbarian' groups accustomed to metal sword fighting would think the felt system for 'sissys' and not participate. However, similar 'metal minded' Celt groups have embraced the system once they actually tried it. As you know, most metal sword fighting is essentially a pre-arranged 'show' because these weapons are so dangerous. The beauty of the felt system, is that the combat is real, and not pre-determined. Therefore you can have real, all weekend combat scenarios of opposing groups in wildnerness areas. Moreover, in that it only produces the most minor of damage to equipment, units can both fight, and look authentic, in other words, you can finally make a really good, authentic shield, because you'll know it won't be destroyed after a one or two events of steel sword fighting.<br>
<br>
Aitor, if you send me your mailing address I will send you a 'felt' spearpoint. you can see how they work, and order the material locally. It is very cheap, you might even be able to get free scrap from a carpet store.<br>
<br>
We had upwards to 150 Roman soldiers fighting at Ostia with no serious injuries. most of these people never fought before.<br>
Minor damage was sustained to some equpment, not from the swords, but just from shields bumping together, falling on the ground, etc.<br>
<br>
While I like the 'standard weekend display' as much as anyone, i believe it will take combat simulation for the late roman/germanic period to grow, like virtually every other period. I don't believe 2000 would come to Hastings or 12,000 to Gettysburg if there were no battles.<br>
<br>
Dan <p></p><i></i>
