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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!sun!qubix!steven
From: steven@qubix.UUCP (Steven Maurer)
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Fighting Florentine
Message-ID: <1004@qubix.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Apr-84 15:25:53 EST
Article-I.D.: qubix.1004
Posted: Mon Apr 16 15:25:53 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 18-Apr-84 01:18:51 EST
References: <6990@decwrl.UUCP>, <981@qubix.UUCP>, <2429@watcgl.UUCP>
Organization: Qubix Graphic Systems, Saratoga, CA
Lines: 49


>   Don't be too sure of your plate armour protecting you from a
>   triangular blade. To be of any use at all armour has to be
>   articulated, leaving weak points that are usually  covered by chain mail.
>   The triangular blade of which you speak was purported to be
>   particularly effective in penetrating chain mail. A thrust to
>   the neck region using a broadsword might do little damage (unless
>   it crushed the larynx) but the triangular blade would bite deep.

	Alas, this is not the case.   Usually the coif of the helmet
    hangs far down over the breastplate, which totally blocks off any
    blade penetration.

>   The armpits are also particularly vulnerable because of the
>   proximity to several large viens and arteries.

	Yes, and no.   Yes, in that almost all effective armor did not 
    have fully articulated armpits (though this problem was finally solved),
    no in that no one EVER based a combat strategy around it.

	Let me ask you a question....   have you ever tried to hit someone
    in the armpit???   DO you know how difficult that is to do on purpose??


>    This is an open question to all SCA members on the net, in the
>    mock fights you stage how important is mobility over armour?

	It is a myth generated by non-SCA types, that says that armor
    restricts mobility.   IT DOESN'T.  NO IT REALLY DOES NOT RESTRICT
    COMBAT MOBILITY.  (though I will admit tying your shoelaces can
    sometimes be a problem).   What armor DOES do, is tire you out.
    Not in the short run, but over any long period of exersion.


>   It has been said that a sword fight should not last more than a
>   few seconds (10-20) or everyone involved doesn't know what they're doing,
>   personal experience has led me to believe this is true but what have
>   others found?

	I have heard of a fight between experts reaching 15 minutes.
    This is amazing, considering that they were whaling away at each
    other for that time.    (Fights actually take longer, because, just
    like boxers, there is time spent 'feeling you opponent out', making
    feints, etc.).


    Steven Maurer