Society for Creative Anachronism



This document is an addition to the SCA Rules of Combat to include Spears or Pikes in Rapier Melees. All weapons longer than 60” overall or with a handle longer than 18” shall be governed by this rule-set. Acceptable Weapons The ONLY acceptable weapon thus-far is the blade-and-collar system sold by Alchem () mounted on a finished hardwood haft not to exceed 5’ in length. Other simulators may be included after review by the Marshallatte.To prevent excess damage people or equipment, cover any protrusions in leather or fabric. Spear and Pike simulators are NOT permitted to have quillions of any kind.MarshalsA Spear Marshal must be present, and supervising the field, for any scenarios in which Rapier Spears are used.A warranted rapier marshal who is authorized with a spear is a Spear Marshal.A warranted Provost Marshal who is authorized with spear is an Authorizing Spear Marshal.The KRM is a Spear Marshal by default, and may designate other Spear Marshals.Armor This weapon is considered a Heavy Rapier for purposes of armor and weapon compatibility. There is no additional armor requirement to wield or face a spear in melee combat.Conventions Regardless of what it looks like, the spear simulates a sharp point mounted on a haft. The blade-like construction is for flex and safety. The spear/pike is intended for Melee and shall be limited and regulated like Mock Gunnery. Blow Calling The spear is a thrust-only weapon. Fighters should avoid cutting opponents and call back any that land. Likewise, recipients are not required to enact wounds resulting from draw cuts.In order to force the “blade” to flex, fighters are taught to use counter-leverage or “paint” their opponents. This may feel like flat contact, or a draw cut. The blow is considered good when the tip makes contact, if the edge or flat follows it in this nature, the initial thrust is still good.Rules for wielding a spearA fighter must be able to control the weapon, and thus may have only ONE hand in the bottom third of the haft, and must keep both hands on the haft at all times.Fighters may open the leading hand to slide the haft through it, but the hand must remain in contact with the weapon, and in the front two-thirds of the haft.A fighter wounded in one arm, may wield a spear with one hand keeping the haft tucked between the good arm and the body, providing two points of contact so the fighter can execute sufficient control over the weapon. A fighter may not ‘set’ a spear by either bracing the base in the ground or against the foot, or locking the back arm. This action results in a lack of mobility and flex; and has been proven to land an excessively hard blow.A spear may not be used from the ground. It results in a dangerous angle of attack due to grounding of the haft and is a trip hazard. Therefore a legged fighter may NOT wield a spear. It may be handed off to a team-mate or marshal, or placed on the ground, at the fighter’s side until it can be safely removed. No “hold” shall be called for this action. If a safe solution cannot be found, a marshal will take the fighter and/or the spear out of play.Death From Behind is done by holding the collar of the spear and lowering the ‘blade’ much the same way as a heavy rapier. Performing DFB from any further back is NOT PERMITTED.To indicate death when leaving the field, a fighter shall hold the spear vertically and place the free hand on your head. A dead spearmanAuthorizationsThe authorization process for a Rapier Spear is a multiple-step process that allows the marshallate to assess the candidate’s abilities in both a one-on-one setting, and in large-scale melees before signing off on the authorization.Pre-requisitesThe fighter must meet the requirements to participate in rapier melees. Six months of authorized heavy rapier experience.Rapier melee experience at the marshals’ discretionAuthorization Process and FormEach step in this process has a sign-off on the form following this outline.A fighter who wishes to authorize in Spear must pass a skills test administered by an Authorizing Spear Marshal (see Marshals below). That skills test will demonstrate the fighter’s knowledge of the rules, and safe use of the spear in a controlled environment facing single opponents armed with both sword and spear.After passing the skills test, a fighter may fight in spear melees at SCA events under a provisional authorization. When engaging in combat with a spear on the melee field, the fighter must report to a Spear Marshal (see Marshals below) before combat starts. This marshal will monitor the fighter’s conduct on the field and shall pull the fighter off the field for any violations of the rules and conventions of the program.A fighter may only get one signature each day (of multi-day events) and needs at least two different marshal’s signatures during the process.The Spear Marshal’s primary responsibility is to watch the authorizee, but not to the exclusion of all other marshaling duties. (like watching out-of-bounds, looking for field hazards, etc.) This marshal should not be the marshal in charge of the scenario. If the Spear Marshal approves of the fighter’s performance, they will sign one of the three required events on the form.Once all signatures are acquired, the form is submitted to an Authorizing Spear Marshal to look over the paperwork, and confirm that it is correct and complete. This is one last opportunity to address any issues from the authorizing process by asking questions and/or a skill demonstration. Once satisfied, the fighter is authorized and is free to participate in spear melees.Please Print ClearlySCA Name:Date : Modern Name:Administration of a Skills Test by an Authorizing Spear MarshalI agree that the above named fighter has passed the initial skill demonstration for a spear authorization and I approve of this fighter participating in melee scenarios with a spear under supervision.Modern Name:Signature:SCA Name:Email:Supervised ParticipationOne signature per day. At least two different marshals.I agreed to allow the above named fighter to participate in a spear melee. After observation, I affirm that all rules and conventions were observed, and the authorization should continue. Any minor issues are included in the notes below my name. Spear marshal’s name Date Event Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Spear marshal’s name Date Event Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Spear marshal’s name Date Event Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________Approval of an Authorizing Spear MarshalI authorize the above named fighter to wield a spear in melee combat. Modern NameSignatureDate ................
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