Aneala Newcomers Guide

INTRODUCTION
HERALDRY
ARTS & SCIENCES
FOOD & DRINK
BASIC GARB
RATTAN COMBAT
YOUR FIRST EVENT
ARCHERY
OFFICERS
THE CONSTABLE
GLOSSARY

ARCHERY

What better symbol of the medieval world than a figure clothed in Lincoln green, with a clothyard shaft drawn to a longbow? The merry men of Sherwood, the archers of the Black Prince at Poiters, or Henry V at Agincourt - Their tales quicken the pulse still. The shadow of the Archer falls long over history.

The SCA practices two kinds of archery - Target, or live archery and Combat style.

TARGET

Live archery uses bows of any kind - Longbow, Crossbow, Recurve or Fibreglass, (but not Compound) of any weight (power). With no sights or modern aids, shooting wooden shafted arrows with sharp (field) points.

This is open to any responsible person, regardless of age. Various kinds of live archery are enjoyed in the SCA the usual target archery, using the coloured concentric target, cardboard animal targets, and novelty shoots. Novelty shoots can be almost anything you can imagine - a swinging cabbage, a William tell, apple off the dummies head, straw duck or even a moving target pulled by along by a string.

To participate in live archery you will need a bow, arrows, an arm bracer, a quiver, and a finger tab or shooting glove. Although a glove is more expensive, I recommend it over the tab.

A glove fits well immediately, and it doesn’t distract you, especially when speed is important.

There is no special clothing required for practice. (For events you will be wearing medieval costume/ garb) , try to choose something to wear that has close fitting sleeves and no flowing bits, these are very elegant but tend to foul the string. Save the fancy clothes for your victory feast.

If you have never done archery before it may be best to use a light weight fibreglass bow initially at least. These are not only cheap (approx $60)

but probably suitable for Combat Archery as well, there are also a number of these bows available for loan within the Aneala. A light weight bow will not be too strong for you to use, and if you purchase and later decide archery is not for you, can be sold, probably to another potential SCA archer.

COMBAT

The other form of archery seeks to recreate the skills of the archer at war. It enables archers to shoot at each other, and at the SCA Heavy Infantry. Combat Archery uses bows of 30 lbs weight or under, or crossbows of equivalent weight, both using wooden arrows fitted with a special rubber blunt, and splinter proof tape. Combat archers must be authorised to participate and wear specific safety gear. Authorisations involve proving to a Marshal that the archer knows the equipment and armour (safety gear) requirements, the rules of combat, and are of a legal age. Each time an archer presents themselves to engage in combat the marshal will check both archery gear and armour before allowing them to participate. Hence injuries are very rare. Details of all requirements can be obtained from the Local Group Marshals.

Because the Archers wear lighter armour than the sword bearing warriors, they are often referred to as Light Infantry or Lights, whilst the others are called Heavies or Heavy infantry.

Lights take part in mixed battles of both Heavies and lights, and light only battles.

Heavy Infantry may not strike at lights, but instead "kill" by getting close, pointing to your feet and loudly declaring "You’re dead". Pretty painless, hey ?

Many people do both forms of archery, although most have a preferred form. A few people have detailed expertise, and will gladly assist the newcomer with advice about getting/ borrowing gear, and/ or authorisation. the regnum includes the names of people who will gladly give advice and help you get started.