Kingdom of Meridies
Rapier Combat
Marshal Handbook
A.S. XXXIV
(Saturday, May 1, 1999)

INTRODUCTION

  1. The Marshal's Office is responsible for over-seeing fighting activities within the Kingdom of Meridies. Primarily, the Marshal's Office is responsible for safety in the fighting arts within the Kingdom of Meridies. The Marshal's Office is responsible for inspecting armor, inspecting weapons and inspecting the fighting field, The Marshals office is responsible for enforcing the rules contained in this handbook.
  2. The rapier marshallate is organized under the Kingdom Earl Marshal. Each respective rapier marshal (principality, regional, group, etc) reports directly to the next higher level rapier marshal.   Courtesy copies of Group Reports may be given to local Knight Marshal and/or Seneschal, if desired; However, the Group Rapier Marshal is in charge of all rapier activities (including fighter practices) for that group.
  3. It is the responsibility of the Kingdom Rapier Marshal to keep a roster of all warranted rapier marshals in the Kingdom. This report will be sent regularly to the Kingdom Earl Marshal. Each marshal of a territory or principality will report quarterly on period rapier in their area. Marshals of the Field will report quarterly to the regional/principality rapier marshals. Three missed reports are grounds for dismissal (two for a marshal of the Field).

TYPES OF MARSHALS

  1. Earl Marshal: This person is responsible for all combat related activities in the Kingdom, including but not limited to Armored combat and Rapier combat. The Earl Marshal is responsible for warranting all of the senior Marshals in the Kingdom.
  2. Kingdom Rapier Marshal (KRM): This is the coordinator of all rapier activities in the Kingdom. The Kingdom Rapier Marshal is also responsible for making sure that the rules and conventions for Rapier combat are followed. The KRM is in charge of all paperwork, warranting of the Kingdom’s rapier marshals, and discipline for those violating the rules of Rapier combat. The KRM shall appoint, per approval of the Earl Marshal, Regional/Principality Rapier Marshals. The KRM will report at least bi-annually to the Earl Marshal on the state of Rapier combat within the Kingdom of Meridies.
  3. Regional/Principality Rapier Marshal (R/PRM): These marshals are the direct deputies of the KRM. They have been assigned to directly supervise a region or principality. All matters concerning rapier combat within their respective regions should be handled by the appropriate R/PRM. Only when a situation is deemed serious enough (i.e.-permanent suspension of rapier privileges) should the KRM be involved. The R/PRM will report to the KRM at least four times a year.
  4. Group Rapier Marshal (GRM): These are warranted rapier marshals for a local group. They are to ensure that all safety and combat standards for rapier fighting are followed by their group participants for all group sponsored rapier activities. They report four times a year to their respective R/PRM. They may also send courtesy copies of their reports to their local knight’s marshal and/or seneshal.
  5. Rapier Marshal of the Field (RMoF): These are warranted rapier marshals who do not hold the office of GRM for a specific group. They are obligated to uphold the rules and conventions of Meridian Rapier combat at every rapier event they attend. They are to report quarterly to their respective R/PRM.
  6. Rapier Authorization Marshal (RAM): These are warranted rapier marshals who, in addition to the normal duties, may also conduct authorizations.  Although most are RMoFs, some may also double as the GRM for their local group.  RAMs should report their authorizations along with their normally scheduled reports.
  7. Rapier Marshal in Training (RMiT): These are fighters who have been given extra duties/responsibilities as a part of their training to become fully warranted marshals.  These individuals have completed all five rapier authorizations and are assigned to a supervising fully warranted rapier marshal who will oversee their training (6 months minimum).  An RMiT may assist any marshal in running/supervising any rapier activity.  An RMiT may also hold local practices.   RMiTs are to report quarterly to their respective R/PRM.

WARRANTS

  1. The Kingdom Rapier Marshal shall determine who shall be a warranted Rapier Marshal. Appeals are made to the Earl Marshal.
  2. All warrants shall be valid for two (2) years and may be renewed for additional two year terms.  All warrants issued prior to 5/25/97 are null and void.
  3. Any fighter, with a marshal warrant from another kingdom, now residing in Meridies must consult the KRM to arrange for a new warrant.
  4. Requirements to become warranted
    1. Be a resident of Meridies (exceptions will be handled on a case by case basis by the KRM).
    2. Be authorized in all weapons and styles for the Kingdom.
    3. Have successfully completed a training program of no less than six (6) months that included at least:
      1. Six supervised sessions marshalling at fighter practices and events (at least half [three or more] must be events).
      2. Attendance of a rapier marshal training seminar with either a R/PRM or the KRM present.
      3. Passing the written qualifications test with a score of no less than 90%.
      4. The candidate must be acceptable to the R/PRM and KRM. A candidate who is found to be unacceptable must be informed in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:
A Rapier Marshal is expected to:

  1. Show a consistent attitude for safety.
  2. Know and enforce the rules of Meridien Rapier
  3. Encourage Rapier activity throughout the kingdom.
  4. Demonstrate a knowledge of Rapier history. They must recognize, use, and be able to teach realistic and period techniques.
  5. Organize and supervise rapier activities at events and practices.
  6. Report on all rapier activities participated in.

USHERS

  1. There shall be persons known as Ushers. Ushers shall be authorized fighters.
  2. The Usher's duty shall be to observe combat and advise the Marshals and the combatants.
  3. They shall also insure that weapons, equipment, and combat does not endanger the Marshal, bystanders, duelists or other observers.
  4. Ushers shall be appointed as needed by the Rapier Marshal, and may be authorized marshals or RMiTs themselves. The appointment lasts for the duration of the tournament or fighter practice

GUIDELINES

  1. INSPECTION
    1. Armor Inspection must be done with all the armor on the body of the fighter who is going to wear it. It is not otherwise possible to get an accurate idea of what is covered and what is not, nor where gaps may occur as the fencer moves.
    2. Punch testing need only be done when the armor is first used, and/or whenever the Marshal in charge feels an additional punch test is warranted. (Acceptable punch tests shall deliver a consistent force. Acceptable tests are noted in Appendix #1 of the Meridien Rapier Rules)   NOTE:  All protective equipment shall be formally tested (including fabric and mask tests, as appropriate) at least once every two years.  This is the responsibility of the fighter, but it is suggested that each local group have an annual "testing day" to assist in this.
    3. The following general guidelines should be used when conducting armor inspection.
      1. Leg Armor: Check that the fighter's legs are completely covered with an appropriate weight cloth.
      2. Groin: ASK a male fighter's if he remembered his cup, or ask him to tap his cup. Do not knee someone in the groin to check.
      3. Body: Check that the fighter's body is completely covered in various positions (i.e. lunging, on one's knees, etc.).
      4. Arm: Check that the fighter's arms are covered completely and that a full four layers goes past the shoulder and armpit.
      5. Hands and Wrists: Check that the fighter is wearing gloves with adequate coverage.  If material is not appropriate for their hilt type recommend improvement. Check to see if the sleeve is secure under the cuff (will not pull out).
      6. Neck and Head: Check that the neck is covered completely and that the neck protection (the gorget) and head protection will not gap as the fighter moves their head. Check that the welds in the mesh of the mask are not broken. Check that the back of the head is completely covered. Check that the fighter's helmet or mask cannot be dislodged easily. The use of a drape versus a hood is acceptable provided the marshal cannot touch bare skin at any point around and under the drape.
      7. Check for sharp edges, broken or missing rivets, or other signs that the equipment is falling apart.
    4. Weapon Inspection
      1. Schlagers and daggers:
        1. Verify that the blade of the weapon is free of rust and that all nicks in the blade has been smoothed down. Check the tape on the end of the blade to see if it is still firmly in place. If a fighter is asked to retape their weapon, it should be done immediately; before any bouts are to be fought.
        2. Verify that the rubber tip on the blade is firmly attached and that the blade has not penetrated the tip.
        3. Verify that the hilt of the weapon is securely attached and free of sharp edges
        4. Failed blades shall be marked by:
          1. Breaking the blade outright, or
          2. Spray painting the top third orange or other bright color , or
          3. Filing three deep grooves in the forte of the blade, each one an inch apart. Use a triangular file to leave a 'V' shaped notch in the blade.
      2. Cloaks: Verify that cloaks have no rigid weights or any structural problems. Cloaks may not be soaked in water before a bout to weight them down.
      3. Bucklers: Check the rim of the shield for sharp edges. Check the rest of the buckler for sharp edges, broken or missing rivets, protruding bolts and signs that the buckler is falling apart.
      4. Check the miscellaneous defensive equipment for wear, sturdiness, and safety.
  2. MARSHALLING:
    The following guidelines should be used when marshaling rapier combat. In addition to these criteria, the general marshaling criteria defined in the Meridian Marshaling Handbook shall also apply.
    1. There shall be NO Rapier combat (list, melee, fighter practice) unless there is at least one Rapier Marshal observing the Field. If an usher is present, the usher should at least be an authorized fighter and it is preferable that they be a Rapier Marshal or RMiT. The usher or ushers shall help observe combat and should advise the Marshal of blows observed.  RMiTs may serve as Marshal in Charge for fighter practices only.
    2. The Marshal shall have ABSOLUTE say on any question regarding a duelist's performance on the Field. If a duelist is cutting or thrusting improperly, or behaving in any way that is outside the Rules, Customs or Authorizations for Rapier Combat, then the Marshal may elect to expel him/her from the Field.
    3. Revocations of Authorizations
      1. Any Marshal may revoke authorization for any weapon if he/she feels the duelist no longer meets minimum standards, and the duelist MUST re-authorize before using that weapon again. The combatant may appeal the decision. This revocation, and any appeal, must be done in writing, with copies sent to the respective R/PRM and the KRM.
      2. Revocations may be appealed all the way to the KRM, following the standard chain of command.
    4. Rapier Marshals should specifically be aware of, and be on the lookout for the following things that are unique to the marshaling of rapier combat, including but not limited to:
      1. Any use of a rigid parry device that might bring it into contact with the opponents body in a manner that could injure their opponent or themselves.
      2. Improper cutting and thrusting techniques.
      3. Loss of the rubber tip on a weapon. If a tip comes loose, an immediate HOLD shall be called as this sort of equipment failure can be potentially dangerous.
      4. A broken rapier blade. If a blade breaks, an immediate HOLD shall be called as this sort of equipment failure can be very serious.
  3. TRAINING:
    1. Review the Rules, Combat Etiquette,  and Equipment Requirements with any new arrival.
    2. Provide basic instruction, where needed, in movement, pressure, point control, blow calling, etc.  Do this with your own method taking as much time as you feel the student needs before recommending they attempt authorization.
    3. If needed, there is a Training Guideline at the end of this handbook.

NOTE: Please refer to the Meridies Marshal's Handbook for more information on the running of the marshallate (authorization, reports, terms, marshallate courts...).

TRAINING GUIDELINE:
This is a suggestion of how one might train newcomers in basic schlager.  Marshals are encouraged to instruct their students however they wish.  This is just a guideline to get you started.

Topics that should be covered:

NOTE: Almost every lesson involves: a discussion/seminar section, a combat training section, and a sparring section. These sections do not have to be conducted in this particular order at all. In fact it is some times more efficient to first engage in combat training for an hour or so and then cover the discussion/seminar material during a rest/water break.

Lesson 1) Equipment Requirements, Foot Work, Point control, Stance
                    (Does not require trainees to have equipment)

  1. Review current armor and weapon requirements, including unusual circumstances  (e.g. drapes, bassinet helms, skirts etc.)
  2. Demonstrate proper foot positioning and run foot work drills, including basic steps (advance, retreat, forward pass, reverse pass, lateral steps, lunge, lunge recovers, etc.)
  3. Test point control, using own masked body as target, (still and in motion). If trainee is inexperienced then teach point work drills. Emphasize pinpoint precision and the proper pressure for a touch to be good.
  4. Teach at least the following basic stances: High Guard, Low guard, Low Ward, High Ward, Broad Ward.  Suggest various uses for each and demonstrate how they can be combined when using a second weapon.

Lesson 2) Rules of Combat, Basic Parries, Blow Calling, Directed Sparring

  1. Review current rules of combat: What is a good blow. How to treat a legless opponent. What to do if a "Hold!" is called. What happens if you are touched here? etc.
  2. Teach the basic Capaferro Parries: 1,2,3,4,5,5',6,7,8 Demonstrate uses for each.
  3. Also Teach quillion parries to each of the four quadrants.
  4. Arm your trainees and demonstrate good blows to various regions of their body (including mask, boots, groin, arteries, etc.) Familiarize them with receiving draw cuts as well. Teach them how to differentiate between a disabling shoulder shot and a killing shoulder shot. Basically provide a hands on application of the rules of combat already discussed. Make sure they understand how little pressure is required.
  5. Spar with each of your trainees individually. Do not let them spar amongst themselves yet. Only with yourself or other marshals. (If an unusually large class, you could use some of the more experienced authorized fighters present as sparring partners.) Focus on combining foot work, point control, parrying, and blow calling. Have them call their blows; they need not lose arms or drop to their legs. Use only thrusts, no draw cuts, yet.

 Lesson 3) Etiquette and Attitude, Open hand, Draw Cuts, Calibration, Free Sparring

  1. Review appropriate combat etiquette: Communication between combatants at all times. Listen to the Marshals. What is a salute? (History and examples) etc.   Also, remind them that it is not required to give an injured opponent time to change hands or drop to the ground; however, if one chooses to do so, one should wait until their opponent is ready to proceed.  Discuss acts of chivalry. They are not as expected with Rapier as they are with Rattan. In fact, some rapier fighters consider acts of chivalry to be insulting. It is a practice that should never be viewed as compulsory, but still has a valuable place in light weapons.
  2. Briefly define some of the terms one is likely to hear at a tourney.
  3. Discuss the various ways personal attitude can have an effect on safety.
  4. Discuss the various ways presentational attitude can be employed for entertainment, while still maintaining an underlining decorum that breeds safety and good sport. These are the skills that make rapier combat such a pleasure. It is always better to upstage your opponent than to beat him. A victor will be a statistic. A showman will be remembered.
  5. Arm your trainees and teach basic use of the open hand for parrying: You may have to have them fight DoubleOpenHand against your SingleRapier or Case before they get it.  Another approach is to put something in their open hand (e.g. buckler) for a while, then take it away again.  Eventually, they will get it.
  6. Teach how to deliver good draw cuts: proper pressure, length of the blade, along the edge, etc. Test their effectiveness on your self.
  7. Once your trainees have both of these concepts down, show them how (using the open hand for simple binds) they can combine them to create effective up close attacks..
  8. Conduct directed sparring as before, but now focusing on this days material.  Once they have got it, let them engage in some free sparring, too.

Lesson 4) Care and Feeding of Equipment and Self, Off Hand & Legless, Free Sparring

  1. Review basic health concerns related to rapier combat: rest, water, light meals. It is not good to fight on an empty stomach. Also, a healthy frame of mind is essential for safety and full enjoyment. Headaches and even foul moods can be distracting and debilitating and lead to accidents. Rage is never appropriate on the field and can lead to loss of privilege.
  2. Suggest regular maintenance for armor and weaponry: a simple rubdown of all weapons after every day of use, inspecting for knicks. A good cleaning every month or so and after every day in the rain. Armor should also be inspected off the body regularly looking for weaknesses in the cloth and breaking seems. Bucklers, cloaks, etc.
  3. Arm your trainees and teach them to fight with the rapier in their off hand. They should get accustomed to doing this both with an open hand and without.
  4. Instruct them in the various techniques of legless combat.
  5. Teach them how to do simple calibrations and allow them to spar amongst themselves. They should now begin to play out complete bouts, losing injured limbs, etc.
  6. Review what they are likely to encounter during their authorization procedure.

Go to Rapier Rules

Go to Appendices

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