03-22-2012, 05:58 AM
I have been SCA since 1978, though not active lately. To be fair, SCA is not re-enactment, authenticity is encouraged but not required. Minimum requirements are a reasonable attempt at period clothing. Period being Fall of the Roman Empire to the death of Queen Elizabeth I. I knew someone once who had a Late Roman persona and fought with a lorica segmentata shield and short sword. I also fought both war and tournament combat often, war especially ( its more fun) and believe me when the swords are flying you want the protection. Blows are full speed and a killing blow on unprotected body parts can result in severe pain and bruising lasting weeks. There is an emphasis on safety in large part because they don't want anyone to get killed or severely injured which could well happen if it were otherwise. Also, don't forget the SCA started in the US, and most of it is located there although there are groups around the world. The significance of that is the letigiousness of the US. One thing they do NOT want are lawsuits for injury and/or deaths. Getting hit by sticks may not sound like a big deal until you get clobbered. I had deep bone bruises for months after someone targeted an unprotected part of my leg. Likewise, protection around certain parts of the body is required becasue should a weapon get past the armor and hit solidly, the result could be death. It really spoils everyone's fun to kill or be killed by someone for real. As I said before about clothing, in armor, authenticity is encouraged but not required as long as its safe and not obviously out of period. There are some really good reasons why this is so. Again, its recreation ( in the spirit of the Middle Ages) not re-enactment. Its a different game.
Caesar audieritis hoc
