Wuffingas
Reenactment Society, Inc. (™)
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This
Manual and its appendices, diagrams, waivers, protocols, and dialogs -and all Wuffingas ™ Official Publications will
be posted on the Web site: http://www.hammerforgeandfile.com/wuffingasreenactmentsocietyinc/ & Forum: http://www.wuffingas.com/
etc, for copying PDF free of charge. We would like to thank publicly Mr. Michael Champion, for all their hard work, attention
to detail, and fidelity in regards to these publications. In these Manuals you will find information on becoming a Wuffingas
member, how to attain the accolade of Knight either: Poor, Bachelor, or Companion. How to strive for Grand Master of an Order.
How to become a Baron, Earl, Duke, King, Squire, Page, Marshal, Judge, or a General Player in the Common Populace. What is
expected of a Noble, Man at arms, Sergeant at Arms? Here are the guides for Referee, Sheriffs, Guild members or Masters.
Revised Version, April 29th 2008
Table Of Contents.
27.
Code of Wuffingas. Page ……………………………… 3
28.
Introduction/Dues… 4-7
29. General Rulings…
8-11
30. Marshals Manual…………………
………………..… 12-25
31. Wuffingas Armour Standards. Fighters Kit Guide
for Garrison, and Campaign, with Melee and Tourney rules. ………… 26-50
32. Weapons and Shields…
51-55
33. Weapons……………… ………………………………55-68
34. Black Powder Weapons…… …………………………
69-70
35. Archery… 71-78
36. The Tournament Company's………
………………… 79- 80
37. What did they say? Middle Age speak, customs,
and etiquette, helpful hints…..……………………… ………
81-83
38. Definitions for Ancient Warfare… 84-86
39. Standards
of demeanor……………………………… 87-88
40.
Corporate Protocol… 89-90
41. Children's List…
91-93
42. Knighthood Criteria… 94-97
43.
Waivers…. 98-100
21. Articles of Wuffingas Knightly Orders, and
Local Governance for Keeps- Kingdoms… 101-120
22. By-Laws.
Financial Report … 121
23. Awards. … 140-142
24
Points System…. 143-147
25. Order of Precedence.
148
26. Guilds. Arts and Science of ancient studies. 149
27.
Wuffings, Keeps, Shires, Baronies, Principalities, and Kingdoms.
28. Officer Contacts.
Our Code.
Wuffingas: "People
of the Wolf".
A Knight is sworn to Valor
His heart knows
only virtue
His sword defends the helpless
His mouth speaks only truth
His might upholds the
weak
His wroth undoes the wicked.
~Dragonheart I
Introduction.
The
Kith Wuffingas is a Family oriented group, fostering period authentic kit, in both common garb, and with arms, and armour
in the context of Historical Reenactment.
Our Clubs main thrusts
are an educational entity promoting Bronze-Iron, Iron Age, pre and post Migration period, Middle ages, up to the end of the
Renaissance. We promote social and martial sciences, the arts and sciences of the period. 1000 BCE to 1745 AD.
Therefore, Wuffingas endeavors to reenact any period of time, persona, or culture one would like, from the epoch before
the birth of the Savior, to the beginning of the Renaissance. This means you can portray a Bronze Age Scythian, Roman, Persian,
Greek Spartan or Hoplite. Iron age Celtic Warrior, Magyar, Bulgar, Kahazar, Alan, and Germanic Tribal Chief. Pictish Warlord,
Varangian, Valsgard, Vandal, or Viking, Aztec, Nubian, Moor, Persian, etc; whichever you choose upon the entire European,
American, Asian, African, or any other Continent as it is documented by three historical sources, between the years listed
above. Wuffingas also wishes to further realism in combat, authentic kit in garrison, and in the field. As a Society, we
reenact actual mock battles, under strict Sport Combat rule conventions. We also study tactics, logistics, armour, arms,
and other military relations of the times. We break up our Sports Combat element, for at home events, and practices, as opposed
to our Tourneys which are fought in Pas de Arms, Holmgang, William Marshall, and double elimination formats, to name a few,
-as scored by Judges. Overseen by Referees, as any reputable sport like Boxing, or Martial arts. Our purpose is to draw from
families of good character into the genre of period correct historical reenactment. To give an example of honorable chivalrous
behavior, and lead people with an example of respect and to acknowledge the rights and privileges as are known in our modern
Democratic Republic. Furthermore, and not to stress the Totalitarian, despotic, or feudal system of the times in question.
Nor any of said effects on present society, i. e., woman are not property. To not foster an atmosphere of debauchery, or
disrespect to children. Membership is open to anyone, 18 years of age and older. Minors 15-17 will need to have their parents
or guardians sign a release form, and have it notarized waiver before they may participate in any Wuffingas activity. Children
1-15 must be accompanied by a Parent, or Legal Guardian, with photo I. D. and sign said waiver and have their health certificate
on file. We advocate fairness in rank structure, and Corporation Government based on the American Ideals of Democratic Republicanism,
and Social fairness for woman, children, and minorities.
Wuffingas shall be a safe haven for all people,
races, sexes, and remember all religions, and hold a special interest and reverential welcome to American Soldiers and Sailors,
and are thankful of their sacrifices. In addition to; furthering brotherhood, and actual ancient battle reenactment; with
fairness among; all Classical, Dark age and full contact Historical Reenactment groups. We also are kind to all persons portraying
up to the middle of the 18th century AD, we wish moreover, to send a friendly excellence towards the "real world", and make
no distinction between the American public and our group.
We would
like to promote goodness to ALL MEMBERSHIP, and largess towards family, with recruitment and retention amongst honest law-abiding
people within the genre.
We shall foster an atmosphere where woman
and children can play and be treated with respect. We endeavor to have a good time -but NOT at the expense of our Honor.
This Gracious Wuffingas, is not a super-stringent Historical group, like one will
find at Williamsburg VA, (18th century), worried about exact thread count, number of stitches in a tunic, and period materials
ONLY, where you must be in persona at all times, but we do like that, and encourage it at events.
We advocate
period practice, and kit, with period materials whenever possible, thus being "periodesque", without running people off with
snobbery. Though not all of us can afford on day one, to order from some armorer on the Internet, a five thousand-dollar,
full suit of 1500th century stainless steel cap-a-pie armor. We still find it important to encourage everyone with us to
construct their arms and armor, garb, and accoutrements, camping gear, and furniture, to as close to period standards and
materials as is humanly and financially possible at the time.
We are not an elitist organization who demands
our people have only exact period armor, harness, tentage, cutlery, costume, et, -from the time they join us, but lets face
it, THAT IS OUR ULTIMATE GOAL.
No exposed plastic, duct tape, or modern materials like polyester, or colors,
like neon, will be found on our higher end fighters, Crown Tourney kit's, from Knight's, Squire's, or above, or any gentleman
at Arms who has been a paid Wuffingas Member more than two calendar years.
No Combatant, Marshall, archer,
siege Marshal, Archery Yeomen, etc., of our group, who is a *Knight, or *Marshall, shall have any plastic armor, or duct tape
on his person, *showing, unless in a case where a rivet was just broken and they need an emergency field repair during, Tourney,
Joust, Melee, or War.
All armor shall function as did the original said armor, i.e., Wuffingas allows no
fantasy, i.e., comic book, Hollywood (without documentation) armor, either leather, steel or otherwise. Your arms and armor
will reflect a known armor documented in history, and will be backed up by at least two pieces of historical evidence: in
either material, (an actual piece in the possession of a museum or private collection) or archeological proof.
In any of the following but not limited to:
3. Excavation of textiles. Tapestries, etc.
4. Stone slabs,
monuments, murals, mosaics, tombstones, church carvings, sculpture of any kind, etc.
5. Funerary brasses.
6.
Plate (stained glass), figurines, game pieces, etc.
7. Vases, other pottery.
8. Manuscripts: secular,
biblical, canonist.
9. Period paintings
10. Written or pictorial tactical treatises of either a secular
or religious nature.
11. Or any other unmentioned sources, known to have existed in the years 1000 B.C.-1745 AD.
All armor meant to be used upon the list of reproduction shall surpass the original said armor in the case of gauge thickness
of the metal in question.
Dues.
Item 1.
Dues.
a.
Dues of $30 US dollars per each Head of Household adult per annum, in single or prorated per family shall be set and regulated
the Officer of the Treasury, and collected by the Exchequer of any local Chapters and forwarded to the Wuffingas Headquarters,
or personally mailed to Headquarters. This money is in Mutual Fund, CD's, and Savings until the BoD, may vote on AA. Real
Property for Wuffingas uses. BB. Equipment, tack, husbandry, tentage, State fees, etc. CC. Publications, mailings, advertisement.
DD. Pay for Judges. EE. Pay for Seneschals, Autocrats, and Chefs. FF. Insurance. Dues will be paid between May 1st, and
June 1st
Item 2.
Children.
Children 1-12
are free.
Item 3.
Young adults.
Young adults
age 13-17 are 1/10 price at $3 each per year, up to $10.
Item 4.
College
Students.
College students holding a GPA of 2.0 or higher are 1/2 price at $15 per annum.
Item
5.
Spouse or Adults living in and under Head of house.
Spouse etc, is $10 per annum.
Item
6.
Active Military.
Current deployed Military, and their immediate family are Free for the totality of
deployment. Huzzah!
a. Active duty CONUS, (Continental United States and APO, non combat duty Military are 1/2
Price at $15 per yer.
Item 7.
Requirements.
a.
All Officers. Royalty. Knights. Squires, and Administrative Officers will have dues paid, on time, or lose said rank.
Exceptions would be major grief, as in the death of a loved one. Major Health issues. Major mental or overtly stressful
situaltions.
Item 8.
Lifetime membership.
A one-time membership of $750, may be paid, to waive all membership dues for any
family of up to 7 members for life. In the case where a Lifetime member is banished the membership fee is lost to Wuffingas
Inc.
Item 9.
Martial Participation.
12.
No person may be required to participate in Armored, or any other combat activities. Any person who chooses to be involved,
may be, in combat related activities so long as they feel they are able physically, mentally, and spiritually, able. Are
willing to sign the Wuffingas Waiver, live up to our ideals of chivalry, and obey this manual.
13. Challenges on
the List or in Melee.
Challenges ought to be made amongst friends of like mind. Any challenge may be without
dishonor or penalty, and may be rejected without specifying a reason whatsoever.
Item
10a.
Wuffingas Membership, Chain of Command, Rules and Regulations.
Your
Word.
In Indiana a man's word is everything. A handshake is still a binding contract in this "backward" state.
We like that, very much.
And so, in Wuffingas, your word is binding. In all things, your word is sacred to us;
your word is your bond. You will be believed as if your words are the exact truth, without error at all times.
We're
not interested in coddling bad men for a larger membership.
Item
10b.
Liabilities.
Each fighter, and any participant
whosoever, recognizing the possibilities of physical injury to themselves, -in such combat, shall assume unto himself or herself
all risk, and liability for personal, physical, mental, and spiritual harm suffered by means of such combat, i.e., Martial
Activity. Other participants shall likewise recognize the risks involved in their very presence on, or near, the field of
said combat, and shall assume unto themselves the liabilities thereof. Which include personal, physical, mental, or spiritual
harm.
Item 10c
Combat Rules/ Tourney Rules/ Rules of war.
First and foremost, all combatants shall behave in a Knightly, Chivalrous, and
gentlemanly manner. For all are liable to become knights someday, may as well get practiced up. And shall fight according
to the appropriate Wuffingas conventions of combat, in the List, in Melee, and War.
A Marshall will look for
those killed by arrow, axes, javelins, trebuchet projectiles, etc., and using their Marshals staff, and/or a whistle, -in
a gentlemanly manner, inform said dead warriors, that they are dead. If a Marshall makes a mistake and pronounces you dead,
when you believe you are not, you will not argue with him/her on the field of battle. Marshall Pavilion will be open 24 /
7 to handle such grievance.
Item 10d.
Meetings.
1.
Meetings shall be used and considered when the following criteria are meet.
a. An Official meeting shall be where
5 (five) or more aid members gather for the exchange of information, socializing, demonstration for education of the general
or academic bodies, or combat in the name and A'spirt De Corp of Wuffingas R. S. Inc.
b. Or a meeting in the express
purpose of Holding Court.
c. Or a meeting in the express purpose of voting on any issue. All votes are held in
accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, and passed or declined by a 2.3 majority vote. No issue will be voted upon against
or in conflict with Wuffingas By-laws, Any Wuffingas Manual, any State or Federal law whatsoever. Attempting to do so is
an automatic Termination/Banishment offence.
d. At any meeting of Wuffingas the Highest Ranking Officer will Chair
the meeting. Take notes and minutes, preferably in hard copy, and audio /video devise and keep said meeting on file for ten,
(10) years.
Item 10e
Events
The term Event
shall include but not be limited to the following:
a. Single combat tourneys.
b. Melee combat skirmishes,
wars, battle scenarios, pas de arms, A' Outrance, A' Pleasance, etc.
c. Arts and Science competitions.
d.
Demo's for the public and private Organizations.
e. Feasts.
f. Courts. To include Chivalry, and Promotional.
g.
Collegians.
h. Award Ceremonies. To include Knighting.
i. Banishment's.
j. Counsels.
General Rulings.
Item 1d
Advanced training and light grappling.
During
an A' Outrance Tournament, a challenge is made by striking with fiend impunity the shield or banner of your enemy, with the
flat side of your steel sidearm, or your real, or primary weapon.
Item 1e
Formal Training Sessions.
In
a recent film Denzel Washington's character, "Creesy" says "There is no tough,…You are either trained, or you are untrained".
In light of that truth, it is declared that; "No person shall participate in combat
related activities including armored combat, archery, scouting, banner bearing, etc., in combat outside of formal training
sessions known as: "Pre-sanctioned training".
1. Sanctioned or
Authorized Fighter: is a fighter male or female, that has answered a 25 question written test concerning the list rules, armor
and weapons standards.
2. Endured a moderately physically difficult
procedure that determines that an individual fighter has learned a minimum of defensive and offensive skills, and may certify
with any suitable weapon known in history to have been used by their persona.
Note*1.
We will not have Viking persona's fighting with Japanese weapons, or any other mis-match of persona, in either clothing, armour,
weapons or accouterments. Sorry no Ninja-Celts, or Hyborian Highborn Wizards.
3. A series of
moves and countermands which determines if a fighter is safe to himself and others with an appropriate safe attitude.
4. Melee skills. Faced off against three fighters, vs. himself and his Provost,
a fighter will demonstrate that he is level headed, safe and understands the rules of Melee.
Training will be administered for a period of not less than six consecutive weekly sessions of one and one half-hours in
duration. If you are forced to miss a session due to work or illness, the Trainer or Marshall is at his discretion to start
you over, or continue the lessons.
Present in the training and
helpful will be two Authorized Fighters, and one tested and Warranted Marshall of any level.
Note*
When a fighter is being trained to authorize, familiarize he/she with as many weapons styles as he/she can absorb, thus qualifying
them to authorize in as many weapons at once the first time they authorize. Do everything in your power to help get folks
authorized.
Item 1f
Weapon types, per period persona.
People with a persona, for example a 15th Century Bergundian Knight will fight with weapons and ware Armour appropriate
to his chosen period of time. Mixed weapons from cultures not in sync are prohibited. No Viking would be fighting with a
sword know to have existed in the Wars of the Roses. For instance, no Aztec Warrior would be fighting in Florentine fashion
with katana's. Such behavior and practice is prohibited on the Wuffingas List's, and Melee.
Because a bad
standard or unwholesome president was set in this Country in the beginning of Reenactment, we of Wuffingas have found it wise
to raise the bar.
Some feel their being asked to hold a standard that is not reasonable, or "just too much".
Talk about "Period Nazi's" and phrases with "Period Police" are thrown about.
We on the other hand find satisfaction
is studying the past and taking the time, to yes, even save the money to put together a kit we can be proud of.
Note*1.
Wuffingas philosophy is very Real Life Comes First, and we are sticklers for remembering safety in all we do.
And secondly we are reenactors, not play school kiddies. You are not being
"messed with", if someone points out that duct tape holding your helmet together isn't right for period. It's not. Why do
some want it to be acceptable to do less than their best? Duct tape armour, and mix-matched armour looks bad, and the general
public hates to see it on our kit. And thirdly the issues of kit condition. Maintenance is as important as the attention
to detail we strive for in putting our rig together in the first place. Instead of ignoring the forty-five year public and
academic out-cry against bad garb and bad arms and armour, why don't we do something about it?
If we set a
high standard right from the beginning people will think of that standard as normal.
Note* A lot of fighters
are initially very excited about getting their armor and weapons together, but once they realize that their hard work and
dedication i.e., their new beautiful armor, gets torn apart with week to week use, they get discouraged, and begin to neglect
it. (Mr. Duct tape Armor)
Don't let that happen to you, for here
we are taking material upkeep, i.e. preventive maintenance, to a new and very strict level. Continuing to be held to a certain
standard makes some Gentles feel as if they are being singled out. Others are just plain ornery and can't stand to be told
what to do, especially if said past-time is something of the nature of our reenactment group.
Item
2
The Royal Procession.
At the beginning of each event,
the Hosting Barony, etc., and all fighters, Artisans, Guilds, and populace will process before the Royalty and Guests of Honor.
At an event, all fighters, Officers, and Members, must without reasonable exception,
participate in the royal procession, exceptions are the obvious, i.e., people sitting at 'moneychangers', cooking the feast,
security, handicap, etc. Thus, he/she, will be presented to the Sovereign (King, Queen, Prince, Baron, Knight, or his /her
Consort. If a fighter (this does not refer to the family of fighters, sometimes people are busy with children, have handicaps
etc.,) refuses for any reason to recognize said Sovereign, or Consort. Said member is to be banished from those day's activities,
Martial or otherwise. (I.e., leave a bad attitude, grudges, and resentment at home). Treat this a Hobby, not a political
debating chamber).
Item
2a.
Consistent positive mental, and spiritual Attitude.
The
Marshalls and its fighters of all Rank shall set and example for others to follow.
All combatants shall adhere
to and take pre-event responsibility for the maintenance for and of the appropriate armor and weapons standards. (Get your
stuff ready before it's inspected). You, not the Marshall or Referee's, are responsible for your kit. Don't think just because
someone overlooked, or mistook a piece of foul armour, or weapons, for good that it is okay for you to 'slip by'.
[ ] [
]
[
]
Manuel for Wuffingas Marshal's.
Item 1.
Uniformity
of purpose. "All for one and one, for all"!
This Manual and its
appendices are world wide and therefore uniform for each and every member, and will be followed without deviation. All Wuffingas
Brothers and Sisters Fighters, and participants of any degree or rank, as known this date, (August 15, 2004) and to be formed
in the future, will abide by this rule and no other. These are the maximum and minimum, rules and standards acceptable for
martial combat in Wuffingas. Any additions in the future will be Organizational wide.
One
of the major problems, with the "get 'em on the field" mentality, is the lack of cohesion, that one finds it sometimes difficult
to travel from Kingdom to Kingdom, and either have ones armor and weapons not pass inspection or in some cases find a completely
different system of blows calibration. Wuffingas doesn't have blows calibration issues. -Or one finds fighting "styles"
and "local traditions" that are not uniform to the spirit of fairness and honesty, thus creating a mass of hard feelings,
a huge flux in membership, and utter confusion among the rank and file beginners.
Item
1a
The reputation of the Club in terms of honesty on the battlefield.
As a Marshall you are a fair Witness/Referee/
and safety Officer. Each member of Wuffingas will adhere, obey, and respect all duly appointed Marshalls. What more can
be said? We are nothing without honesty. We are only an off scouring without a good reputation for trustworthiness, and
being a good Person that the general public can embrace us for our policies, and behavior on, and off the List.
Item 1b.
To what degree will a Marshall inspect Arms and Armour?
Armor Standards? Armour Standards WHILE at an event are those of the Society.
We have at least 52 Kingdoms but only one rulebook. Just like the NFL, NHL, etc. So we all must pull together to keep each
and every fighter in all the nation uniform, and Marshalls shall calibrate their own gauges, and dowels after each event to
ensure they are not worn down. (If so, weld thickness and grind to exact specs.) Using tool steel instead of aluminum helps
here
Item 1c.
The
Realm Marshall
This Marshall, is the Highest-ranking Marshall in Wuffingas. The Marshalls in all ranks, All Kings
& Queens, Knights, Squires, Men at Arms, …including but not limited to Archery Marshall General, Siege-Engine Marshall
General, and all Ranks of Wuffingas Fighters, will report to he Realm Marshall.
Item
2.
Infringement
The Chain of Command will not be infringed.
Item
3.
Reports
Reports to the chain of Command are to be made by all Official Warranted Marshal's quarterly.
Were talking about a couple of pieces of paper listing whose whom, and what's what? No more complicated that signing a waiver.
Report days are the last day of March, June, September, and December. Each Warranted Marshall shall report to his higher only.
Physical Illness and personal tragedy are reasons for missing report.
We are making report paperwork, and helping those in need as easy as possible. But like all things, they must be done, "decently
and in order".
Item 4.
Negation of Warrant, via Unfaithful
in service.
Missing two consecutive reports negates your Marshall's
Warrant. Showing favoritism or bias on the List or Melee field will negate your Warrant, and if Ranked bring you before Marshals
Court.
Item 5.
Marshall's
report for Keep/Shire/Barony
All Grades of Wuffingas Marshall
shall report to the People of Wuffingas, and separately to the Regent Royal of his/her said Kingdom, once per annum…
via in person at an event, conference call, web-mail, or certified snail mail by the end of the first week after each new
year, in order to Swear Fealty to the Officer's of the Company, and Position of the Crown. If you for any reason cannot,
or will not Swear Fealty to the Company, or Crown, you cannot and will not be a Marshall in this organization. "If you are
not for us you are against us". We have no tolerance for double-minded individuals, or those who want to be connected via
association but whose hearts are not on our side.
Item
5a.
What is meant by "fealty"?
The people coming
in off he street are not bound by any such oath, nor should they think they need be pressured into giving an oath, in any
way, shape, or form.
Webster's New Universal, Unabridged Dictionary, says, "feal, a. Old French, feal, feyal,
fedeil, from Latin fidelis, faithful, true, from fides, faith. Stanch: loyal, as tenants swore to be feal to their lords".
"Fealty,
n. plural of fealties. Old French fealte, feelte. Latin fidelities, faithfulness, trustworthy".
When one joins the Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marines, they swear an oath to be loyal to the Service, and to obey all Commands.
When a man or woman comes to America from any other Country, they swear an oath, right hand raised. When we stand in Court,
we lay our hands upon that which we hold as sacred writ, and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, "So help you God". So We think it not strange to demand such an oath from those running our Organization.
We of Wuffingas eschew actual Feudalism. A time when position in life, and
religion were forced upon one from birth. Where the powerful "lorded" over the weak, and "low-born". No chance for advancement,
no vote, no true freedom even for the "free-born".
Wuffingas is an American Reenactment Society, and as such
promotes American Patriotism, with all Truth and Justice for all. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Capitalism, free
market, Equal Opportunity.
But when it comes to this Oath of Fealty, from our Marshals, Men at Arms, Squires,
Knights, and Kings, we are very serious. To swear fealty, the conversation would go something like this; "I Robert P. Shyan-Norwalt
do hereby swear fealty to the Wuffingas Reenactment Society, Inc, and to my Crown, King Sir so-in-so, and promise to be faithful,
trustworthy, and true". You could "hate" Sir so-in-so's guts, and still be faithful to his Office. This of course is an
oath from those already high ranking in the organization.
Item 6
Judges.
A Judge, may be appointed as a Judge, through
Wuffingas Inc. Judges will be unbiased, NON members-paid-per-diem, i.e., outsiders with no stock within the Organization-Society,
and thus not within the standard Chain of Command. As Wuffingas fighters are not paid, carrying favor, bribes, and coercion
will be held down. No need for those who throw fights, or "take a dive". No need to harangue the Judges with curses and
insults.
Judges are trained and appointed via the Official W.R.S., Heads, Directors, and are answerable within
a Corporate scope only. Pay and Benefits are the sole responsibility and charge of the Company. In time a body of Judges
will form an independent Sanctioning Body, to call tourneys' in the same way an Olympic Event or State Regulated Boxing Association.
Item 7
Naming Practice in the Public Eye.
Any and all Titles and Job descriptions will have a Period Equivalent, to match the time and cultural practice of the individual
persona in question. For example, The Kings "CHAMPION"* and/or Queens/CHIEFTESS**, of Kingdom levels, chosen in "Tourney
of the Reign, Kingdom or High King Tourney", as Judged by three Judges and two Referee's, with Marshall's.
Item 8
How a Monarch is chosen? Terms of Service. Kingdom Protocol.
Each State in the USA is it's own Kingdom. Each Kingdom will adhere to and follow
this ONE rule of Order. For example the Kingdom of Caledonia is Indiana. Within Indiana so far we have three Baronies'.
All Kingdoms follow this same rules system. No variation is allowed as in the NFL or NHL. Rules, is the rules. Soon we
will fight to see who it is that will sit the Caledonian Throne for the summer season of 2008. Each King will sit the throne
for the War season appointing Generals, and spend the rest of the year running events, and awarding the faithful.
The Populace can vote a rude, mean spirited or angry King out. In such a case The CEO of Wuffingas will take the vote,
on day of event. No outside appeals are forthcoming.
These Kings
Reign for one probationary calendar month, and may be extended for the whole six month reign. If no vote can be realized
that Kingdom Throne must be vacant until the next Tourney and the Kingdom ran by a Company appointed Regent. For example
the Kingdom of Styria, (Delaware) is at this time operated by *Sir Eric Von Hilbmann, Esq, Squire to Chief Oenghus Maqq Loc.
3. The Royalty. A King* (Or his
period equivalent) and/or Queen* (Or her period equivalent) are the Royal seat of any State in the Union, (reenactment wise)
for a set term. One King shall Reign over the lot for one month of each Calendar Year as the High King. (Or the equivalent
of High King, or High Queen) in any State of the Union,
AS DETERMINED
BY RIGHT OF ARMS IN Wuffingas SANCTIONED CROWN TOURNEY'S with rattan, for beginners, hard wood waster, for intermediate, and
for the throne itself, live real rebated steel.
Item 9.
Wuffingas
Crown
No Wuffingas Crown may be won in the final four match without the use of a real steel rebated sword.
No Wuffingas Crown, High King, or Champions Battle, may be won using self-determinate blows. A man or woman of
low moral character can hold no Wuffingas Crown.
Item 10.
Melee
events for choosing Champions, are as follows:
A.
Winter Champion. Jan 1-last day of April. To be fought as soon as possible in the month of January.
B.
Spring/Summer, May 1st- last day of August. To be fought as soon as possible in the month of May.
C.
Summer/Fall, September 1st- Last day of December. To be fought for as soon as possible in the month of September.
6. Tourney of the King's Champion's will be named at the High King Tourney to
fight byes.
Item 11.
The Realm Marshall (Head Referee)
The B.o.A., will chose a Realm Marshall every three years. The Next appointment
will be January 5th 2010.
In the matter of the armor, weapons, tournaments,
melees, wars, and the Safety of this Realms Gentle Populace, (and only in those regards), no one outranks The Marshall, Of
Wuffingas. The Realm Marshall shall preside over Wuffingas propriety events, &endeavors. You can hold as many Marshall
Warrants from as many organizations as you wish, just so long as he/she is aware of rule or weapons changes form genre to
genre, and can at all times maintain that distinction. No one, under any circumstance may appeal the Realm Marshals decision
to any Crown, Member, Sovereign, Court Patron, Prince, Baron, or Knight on or off event site, -on day of said event.
Item 11a.
Stops for the Realm Marshall
The
Realm Marshall may not be the Kingdom Marshall for his own, or any other Kingdom, during his tenure as Realm Marshall, though
he may locally Marshall for Kingdom Events, Baronies, Shires, Households, and/or Tournament Companies of Knights, so long
as no occasion of disagreement between his/her personal Barony, Shire, House or Company come to a negative decision with the
King., or a Crown Patron. If said occasion arises, The Realm Marshall shall remove himself from the argument, by declining
his local vote.
Item 12
Combatants Grievance Procedure
In such a case where a Gentle feels the need to appeal a decision by the Realm
Marshall, they shall do so by certified letter (hard copy, -not an E-mail) to the Sovereign of the Kingdom in question, who
will hear such cases, and who will respond to the Marshall, -who will respond to said Gentle by certified letter.
Item 13.
Marshall's responsibility's
The
Marshalls shall keep a running Roster with Name, Persona name (if they have one), Membership number, test score, date of Warrant,
progress/evaluation report, address, E-mail address, and phone number of each Fighter and /or Marshall, in all Kingdoms, Principalities,
Duchy, Baronies, and Shires in all the Knowne World.
Item 14
Ducal
Marshall's
There will be one Duchy Marshall, for every 1000 Wuffingas
members in each State of the Union. There shall be at a minimum 25 Duke Marshall\'92s in the USA.
Ducal
Marshalls are both tested and warranted. Duke Marshall\'92s shall be The Right Hand, Confidants, Compatriots, and Advisors
of the Realm Marshall.
Duke Marshalls, shall have first priority
as M.I.C.s (Marshall in Charge) at any event.
A Dukes Marshall shall
have first priority to fill the Realm Marshall\'92s position should it be opened. Realm Marshalls make recommendations to
the King\'92s as to who his choices are for this position.
If the
B.o.D.'s/ Royalty for that six month period, disagree with any one of those chosen by the Realm Marshall, they may replace
5 names on the list. A majority vote of 2/3 is needed to fill a Duke Marshall\'92s position.
Once
the Gentles of Wuffingas have need for more than ten Duke\'92s Marshal\'92s, the numbers need will reflect the tallies set
forth in this ruling. (I.e., if once we have 150,000 members, there shall be 150 Dukes Marshalls, fifty recommendations by
the Realm Marshall, with a B.o.A. vote of 25%).
Dukes Marshalls
report to Principality Marshalls, thus balancing the power of the Marshalls.
Item
14a.
Kingdom Marshall's
There will be Kingdom Marshalls,
both tested and warranted.
One Kingdom Marshall will be chosen by unanimous vote of the Patrons Royal, for each
Kingdom. Tested and Warranted through the Realm Marshall, and shall report to the Realm Marshall.
Item
14b
Principality Marshall's
There will be: Three Principality
Marshall's, both tested and warranted for each Principality.
The
Prince; (any Landed Baron of Wuffingas), of said Principality shall appoint Principality Marshall's, Princes shall seek advice
for said appointment from their Patron, and local Knights of The Order's of Chivalry, and Clan Chief's, and War-Lords of War
Halls, Principality Marshals Report to Kingdom Marshalls
Item 15
Baronial
Level Marshalls.
Baronial Marshals will report to their choice of
Principality Marshall, or Dukes Marshall. On the Local (Keep, Shire, Barony) There will be one Marshall for every three fighter's,
never less than one for eight, in a large Barony, which-ever plan suits the safety issues of that Barony.
Item
16
Ducal Marshall's
There will be one Duchy Marshall, for
every 1000 Wuffingas members in each State of the Union. There shall be at a minimum 25 Duke Marshall\'92s in the USA.
Ducal Marshall\'92s are both tested and warranted. Duke Marshall\'92s shall be
The Right Hand, Confidants, Compatriots, and Advisors of the Realm Marshall.
Duke
Marshall's, shall have first priority as MIC's (Marshall in Charge) at any event.
A
Dukes Marshall shall have first priority to fill the Realm Marshalls position should it be opened. Realm Marshalls make recommendations
to the Kings as to who his choices are for this position.
If the
B.o.D.'s/ Royalty for that six month period, disagree with any one of those chosen by the Realm Marshall, they may replace
5 names on the list. A majority vote of 2/3 is needed to fill a Duke Marshall\'92s position.
Once
the Gentles of Wuffingas have need for more than ten Duke's Marshals, the numbers need will reflect the tallies set forth
in this ruling. (I.e., if once we have 150,000 members, there shall be 150 Dukes Marshalls, fifty recommendations by the Realm
Marshall, with a B.o.A. vote of 25%).
Dukes Marshall's report to
Principality Marshalls, thus balancing the power of the Marshalls.
Item
17
Shire/Keep level.
There will be Shire/Keep Marshalls,
both tested and warranted. One for each three (3) fighters, or seven, (7) members. Ten members with three fighting Wuffingas
make a Shire. If you have Ten fighters in a Shire, there will be no less than five, unless your group only three fighters,
then it would be a third no more than eight Baronial Marshalls, or if eighty fighters are accounted for, will insure safe
Marshalls arts, and conduct for all gentles, as most fighter practices take place on the Baronial, or Shire level. If a Barony
from the larger cities grows beyond the need for eight Marshal\'92s, i.e., 81 fighters on the roster, due\'92s paid, a new
Barony should begin, see Corporate Rulings on Landed Barons.
On the
Shire Level there will be no less than one Marshall for every three fighters. If possible there will be three Marshalls for
each Shire, Burgh, Keep, or any other known group nomenclature used in the Realm. In reference to a small group, they must
have (3) fighters present, and one being a Warranted Marshall, to hold fighter practice. Shire Marshals report to their choice
of Baronial Marshall.
Item 17a
How many Marshalls per capita
on larger scale?
A Barony consists of 70 paid members. Their will
be one Baronial Marshall, both tested and Warranted, before anyone may hold an event, or fighter practice, within said Barony.
Item 18
Marshall in Charge, (MIC)
The
Marshall In Charge, hereafter M.I.C., of an specific event, regardless of Rank or Title, will be the leading, i.e., decision
making Marshall, for the entirety of that specific event, from Shire level up to Kingdom level, excluding Duchy Marshall,
who can only be overturned by the Realm Marshall.
Note* to MIC's.
You'll want to learn as much as you can from more knowledgeable i.e., more experienced Marshalls especially if it's your first
solo event.
a. As Marshall in charge, you are responsible for organizing
the Marshaling, checking sanction cards, etc. Marshall's may be a Referee, but a Judge is not a Marshall or any other Wuffingas
player, ever.
b. Where will new authorizations take place? And when?
c. How big of a List (playing field) can be staked out?
d. Thrown weapons, target archery, combat archery, and experimental weapons are
allowed? This does not mean that you have to do it all yourself. You do however, need to:
e.
Check the field itself. Is the lay of the land safe from too many holes or depressions, or roots and obstacles that might
trip a fighter? What about rocks stumps, playground furniture, etc?
f.
Arrange for equipment inspection early as possible.
g. Make an announcement for all available Marshal\'92s to help.
Know who\'92s warranted in your area, if necessary respectfully insist on their help, - in the case where an event might be
canceled.
h. Know all the in's and out's (can the carpet be ruined
by knee cops?) especially if its an indoor, or winter site.
I. Is
there a sufficient water source?
What about shade?
k.
Special requirements for the handicapped, for the State in which you live?
l.
At the end of the day do your report and mail it straightaway. Don't worry it's short and easy paperwork. There are hundreds
of more details, and your individual leadership style will bear this out
Item
19*
Honoring Other Groups Titles, & Rank.
"Where are you going William? I'm going to pick a fight".
It has been brought to our attention that we ought to try and Treaty with other Organizations for solidarity, and brotherhood.
I agree. Therefore. One must be a Wuffingas member, tested and warranted, to Marshall at a Wuffingas event. One may hold
Warrants form other Organizations so long as they are not holding Peerage Rank within that non-Wuffingas Group Group.
Once if ever a treaty is reached between our group and others? If you currently
are a Warranted Marshall/Referee in any reputable Reenactment Group, such as; ECS, Companie and Order of the Knights of St.
Maurice, Markland, Adrain Empire, and can pass our Written test, your Warrant is considered good with us. -So long as you
acknowledge in writing the Sovereignty of ourselves, have proof of insurance, and demonstrate an equal standing of our Association,
sign a liability waiver, AND extend the same courtesy for our Marshalls in your group.
:0)
Item 20.
Tactical Limits
The general rules under which the War itself will be conducted, compromises between
conflicting sides standards and the tactical limits for each planned battle should be negotiated and agreed to in writing
in advance by the authorized representatives of al belligerent groups involved. The rules and tactical limits should be published
in the appropriate newsletters. For inter-Kingdom wars, notices should be placed also in the local, Principality, and Kingdom
newsletters. In addition, copies of all of the rules and agreements should be available on site in a handout for people who
do not receive the newsletters.
Item 21.
Marshall's per
battle.
Each side in a battle should provide a reasonable number
of Warranted Marshal\'92s if not enough Marshal\'92s are present the sides of conflagration shall draft such tested and Warranted
from their armies. If there are not enough tested and warranted Marshall\s present to Marshall the War; the War will be canceled.
(In case of rain the war will be held in he gym)
Item 22.
Briefings
for Marshalls.
All Marshall, Judges, Referee's, MIC, and MIT\s (Marshal
in Training), should be separately briefed prior to the meetings of all participants. They will attend the Group, Royalty,
and Crown meetings no matter what degree of Marshall's experience, time in service or otherwise. Emphasis at all briefing
will be safety, tactical limits, and prevention of accidents, in accordance with the said, tactical limits. No questions
will be asked by anyone lesser than the Rank of Knight.
Item 23.
Briefings
for fighters.
Each fighter will have the tactical limits explained
to him or her prior to hostilities. The MIC will run said meeting & equipment inspection must be closed down before
this meeting takes place.
Item 24.
Supervising Marshall.
(Runner)
A Supervising Marshall should be chosen for each war, to
run for the MIC, and for each battle in said war, (bridge battle, field battle, siege of castle, etc.) he shall be responsible
for the activities of the Marshall\'92s in his charge. If possible, the MIC should not be a member of one of the belligerent
groups, (we realize this is not always, if ever, possible, but it is ideal)
Item
25.
"Holds", or Stopping the combat for any reason.
Never
use the word Hold, Hole, Whole, or any other word that sounds like 'Hold' while on the list of tourney, melee, or war.
When
Hold/Stop, or Whistle is called in war, all movement shall cease. Conversation shall take place between combatants only
in low tones, as not to drowned out any instructions by Marshall's, or Referee's. As in a lull in real war in real time,
men may converse to the betterment of their lives and fortunes. Brag of their prowess, challenge opponents, discuss tactics
for "lay -on", but, physical position shall not change, unless the combatant feels unsafe if kept in his last held position
and can argue for his actions.
Sometimes the MIC will find it necessary
to move the entire fighting-field over "X" amount of feet one way or another, because of terrain, or nearness to spectators,
or any other unsafe possibility, etc. To end a hold and "recommence the bloodshed", the MIC, gives a preemptors command of
"All Ready", a prolonged pause. "On your guards", a prolonged pause, and "Lay on". At the exact instant the last sound of
the word \'91on\'92 you may kill and be killed. Any member of any rank may call a 'Hold'. A hold will be called for the following
reason
a. Broken people. Any injury of any severity.
b. Broken tempers. Do not continue to fight if you are angry in the real and actual
since of the word. If you are really mad. Mad enough to hit out of revenge, and not out of feelings of Honor, and your in
a position where you can't just go out of bounds (get captured) without getting hurt, call your own hold, and leave. Or, call
a hold, and kindly excuse yourself from the field. No one will think less of you for doing so, as a matter of fact you be
known as an honest and trustworthy man or woman.
c. Broken armor.
Things fly apart, do not continue to fight if you have come to the knowledge that some required piece of armor is in disrepair.
If you see someone's armor is broken, inform him or her immediately.
e.
Broken boundaries. By either yourself, any other fighter, of spectators, or especially children onto the field, while playing
near the Lists.
Item 26
Calling a "Stop" or a "Hold"
Should not be called for dropped weapons, or for fighters who have slipped
and fallen (unless they indicate that they are in danger of injury) or are experiencing distress, or the approach of a combatant
to a boundary where there are neither spectators nor any natural hazards, such as dips or ravines. Any Marshall, or Wuffingas
member, has the preemptor authority to call a hold, and judges the removable from combat, and from the field (without laying
hands on said person) any combatant who violates the rules of Tactical Limits, or who performs any unsafe or especially a
dishonorable }
Item 27.
Non-com's control issues.
Marshall have the authority or regulate the movement of non-combatants on
the field, and to control the location of spectators.
Item 28.
Emergency's.
In the event of an emergency, such as an injury, the Marshall\'92s shall cooperate
with the authorized persons responding to the emergency, (EMTs) and keep the area clear of would-be spectators.
Item 29.
How to get thrown out of a Tourney or Melee.
Any dishonorable act which would constitute ejection of a fighter or Marshall,
or non-combatant off the field of battle would be, but not limited to the following:
a.
A real physical fight between armored, or non-armored members, or spectators. In the case of real assault by any member or
non-member the local authorities shall be called, and an arrests & police report made.
b. Arguing with a Judge.
d. Being under the influence of alcohol, or illegal drugs while
in or out of armor, where obnoxious, rude, and/or racist/sexist remarks are made on the list.
14.
Trying to sway a Judge.
15. Cursing a fellow fighter or Marshall. (This means personnel comments directed at the
person in question) Not just saying, "Oh *%@#$"! When you've been "killed".
g.
Where the force of blows is "cranked up" to get someone, or some group that is not "liked" by the local group.
h. Or the Realm Marshall deems that any behavior unchivalrous has occurred.
Item 30.
Marshall's Identification of the List.
No Marshall, Judge, Referee or MIC will have a rattan weapon in hand while Marshaling, nor engage in combat, at any time,
during the battle
Item 31.
Marshal Armor on the field:
Those in close and those on the
perimeter. Marshalls shall have on (wearing on their person while on the field during combat, all of the following) either
a Marshall\'92s sash* with staff*, and helm band*) or Marshalls tabard, helm band, and staff. The Marshalls Tabard or sash
shall be made out of any period style material, i.e., cotton, silk, twill, trigger, muslin, linen, or canvas, etc., in those
colors approximately known as: Orange and White, with the sash or tabard being the Marshalls colors, and his or her personnel
heraldry, to be used as symbols of the Marshaling. The Marshall\s staff shall be of either rattan or protruded fiberglass
between 5 and 8 feet in length, taped orange, and white
The Heraldry
of the Marshalcies, all Marshals Marshaling (only) this in no way supersedes your personal device,) on the field of battle,
and the MIC, for the day of event. Shall be as follows: All black background, Two red maces lay atop a golden anvil, crossed.
All Marshals shall either hold a heater/kite/oval shield with this device, or a
tabard with the same, at all times on the field, with their helm band, tabard, and staff.
Each
Marshall shall have a cloth helm band of orange and white. No other participant will wear those colors, in that manner, on
the field of battle.
Item 31 a
Dying.
Die defensively, on your back or side, never face down, with your shield above you held with both arms, legs
tucked underneath. Be watching the fighting going on around you and be in a defensive posture. Not actually acting dead with
body relaxed and eyes closed. Warriors may not strike a fallen foe. If someone trips, wait until they are firmly back on
their feet before you engage them. To hit a man who is tripping, and has not yet reached the ground is dishonorable.
Item 31 b
Pitfalls and other safety issues.
The field itself can cause problems. I know those (many) that have been injured by falling in a hole, or tripping on roots,
etc. Some of these injuries as in football, boxing, hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, weight lifting,
power lifting, bodybuilding, bowling, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, track and field, martial arts and hop-scotch, can
be, and are often, the cause of injuries that require time, and medical attention to recover from. You should know by now
that we at Wuffingas believe in safety, not just for legal reasons, but the afore mentioned injuries, halt the progress of
peoples real lives. In Wuffingas real life comes first. We want to prevent as many injuries as possible, so we have seen
to every angle we can think of, to have said injuries only occur as God wills. Armor wears out, watch it. Mismatched or
ill fitting armour can "bite" you. Bodies wear out. Match your aggression, and feats of daring on the battlefield in line
with your physical capabilities, ability to recover, and health issues.
As your getting older you recover from
injury with slower and slower time periods.
You have to watch your diet more closely to stay trim for a good fighting
weight.
Some of us now require glasses or contacts to see as well as we used to.
People sometimes lose
their tempers watch them. As the fighters come BACK out onto the field after say, battle three for the day, take a look around
see if anyone who went to get a drink, or a bite of lunch, has forgotten there elbow cop, or face grill?
Be kind,
be a friend.
Unfortunately some fighter really get caught up in the
fight, and you might have to call hold several times, and put yourself between some fighters before it registers in their
head. I say again be vigilant, many good people are counting on you
Item
31c
Sanctions form.
Note* One Verbal, and three written
warnings in one years time for violations against this tome, results in a fighter being unsanctioned.
If
to you're satisfied honestly the Soldier in question simply do not comprehend the problem, help them fix the problem, through
training, -or emergency armor inspection, and let them repair the armor or fix the behavior to the utmost of your ability
to correct a problem.
Item 32.
Fields of Honor, and Contrition
Of course the Field of Honor is the battlefield itself, where you may prove yourself
a worthy and honorable Knight, or whichever Title in History you choose. You as well shall be honored and lauded by friend,
foe, and your Royal Patrons. The field of Shame or Penance, or Contrition, …(penalty box) will be a designated area,
or platform where any gentle, who has committed an act of dishonor, be it ever so base, (simply an accident or mistake), may
stand and contemplate his/her actions. It is a tool whereby a Marshal or Royal Patron may keep control of tempers. Like a
hockey penalty box it is not a permanent stain on the record or reputation of any fighter. We shall all grace this field of
penance at one time or another, probably more than once per event. Times will range from 10 seconds to five minutes. Any one,
who refuses this discipline, will never receive the accolade of Knighthood.
We hear lots of debate on "Honor",
so much so that the word at some events rakes the nerves like fingernails on a blackboard. The "Chiv" in some places has
tumbled chivalry into an abyss of immoral mire. We hope to foster a genre where respect and honor are restored to the field.
Item 32 a
Cross genre players.
We should be Men and Woman of good faith when we grace each other's events. Until Wuffingas "Knighthood" is recognized
as equal too, in every way, and acknowledged, and affirmed as such, in any other groups "Knighthood" they will not be recognized
with us. After all, what's fair, is fair. Goodmorrow.
Item 33.
Three
Priorities of safety in reference to Marshalling.
There are three priorities in being Marshall, and they are in
this order:
1. Safety of noncombatants, and civilians.
a. Remember the legalities of our day. No matter what anyone says about " that's
okay, nobodies gonna sue anyone around hear", you will remember all safety, and Marshaled rules, and follow them at all functions,
no matter who is present saying otherwise.
And consider this; do
you want it on your conscious, that someone was physically harmed because you were not there, and willing to stop it?
b. No one is allowed in the roped off no-mans-land, between the List and the
spectators, at any time for any reason. This no-mans land will be 12 feet wide, (the width of a spear thrust) for the entire
circumference of the List, or Field of Battle.
2. Safety of Combatants.
a. No one shall enter the combat area until summoned by the MIC, if present.
b. Combat Injuries
The
following text (i.e. the section on Combat injuries) is the policy statement on the procedures, and Marshall's protocol for
treating injuries that may occur in combat areas. This is the domain of the Medical (Chiurgeons Guild) of Wuffingas, but should
and will be studied by the Marshaling.
c. In the event of any suspected
injury on the field, the Marshall should halt all fighting in the area and determine if additional help is needed. The hold
may be a "local hold" as long as the safety of the injured person may be maintained.
d.
A Marshall should call for additional medical attention if he or she suspects that a participant is experiencing more than
momentary distress. It is an extremely serious matter to delay the application of first aid when it is needed, and a Marshall
who ignores injuries may be subject to revocation of the authorization to supervise combat-related activities.
e. Combat cannot resume until the injured participant can continue, is removed
from the field, or before the provisions in paragraph (f). Are met or exceeded.
f.
If the area is large enough, and the MIC on the field can provide adequate Marshalls to protect the injured party, if the
injury is sleight, i.e., sprained ankle, -and the support personnel, fighting may be moved and allowed to resume on the rest
of the field. Both the MIC and the responding medical staff must be in agreement for this to happen.
g.
The MIC should survey the overall situation as well as attending to the injured party, and make every effort to release as
much of the field as possible so that combat may proceed. Let it be known that people are more important than the mock combat.
h Encourage your fighters to have arms and armor ship-shape before you pack your
bags, spent your money, and time! Some would insist on hurting themselves, safety not even entering the equation, and if not
for us, their would be thousands more injuries then there are, some serious, that otherwise would need not happen.
i. General: It should always be remembered that when an injury occurs on the
field the primary concern is getting to and assisting the injured party. Second to this objective, but no less important,
is the safety of persons entering the field to help and the well being of anyone already on the field. For example, fighters
standing around in armor in the sun could be subjected to heat exhaustion, cramps, or even stroke.
Wuffingas Armour standards.
Item 1
Armour Inspection for all Gentles, Nobel's, Royal, and Marshallete.
Amour inspection is vital to the safe running of any List. It is one of the
core legs of the Honor and Excellence that hold this august body together in fairness, Largess, Franchise, and true spirit
of Knighthood. A Warranted Marshal of any rank will perform Armour inspection, Page to King it makes no difference. Any
rank Marshall will inspect with unbiased diligence any higher rank Wuffingas without fear of reprisal. Any faults found in
either armour or weapons, will be noted and CORRECTED before that Wuffingas Member is allowed to trade blows on this Holy
List. If a Page Warranted Marshal's tell you to fix a broken rivet and he is chided or threatened, ostracized or disrespected
in any way, the offending Party may expect the most severe reprimand from the Marshals Court, up to and including Banishment.
Any Wuffingas Royal who attempts to use his Station to have leniency graced towards him/her will be Unsanctioned to fight,
hold Court of otherwise engage in Wuffingas activities until Marshall's Court is convened. Favoritism and any Nepotism in
Wuffingas are frowned upon, at the highest levels of the Company.
Item
2
Armor Mass.
Note*1. Mass is more important i.e., useful
to absorb blows, than the tensile, torsion or shearing toughness of any material, therefore Titanium, is forbidden as helm
material, unless of 10 Ga. material.
All joints of Helms, two piece
knee and elbow cops, and seems shall be constructed as follows.
A. Drilled and riveted with 3/16 rivets, every 2.5
inches on center, or closer.
B. If applicable welded on the inside
and outside. Butt Weld, (so as the weld goes clean through both sides) or Lap welded, then ground smooth, no modern welds,
as in the case of a Norman helms, (900-1100 AD) should be visible.
C.
Lap joints may be brazed if the lap is of at least one half inch.
E.
All visors shall be attached and secured in such a way that there is minimal chance that they will become detached or come
open in normal usage. And that hinges latches, pins, and straps as used in history are rattan, waster, and steel, "weapons
friendly".
F. There shall be no internal projections of greater than
3/8 inch. Minor projections of necessary structural components shall be padded with closed cell foam, another 3/8 inch beyond
the required 1/2 inch. All metal shall be free of sharp edges. Face guard bars, or perforated mesh with holes no larger than
3/4 inch in diameter of 16ga steel should not attach to the interior of the helm.
G.
Armors worn by any fighter will meat the Wuffingas standard each and every time it is inspected.
H.
It will be inspected at each and every practice.
I. It will be inspected at each and every event.
J.
On multiple day events each other (fighters, water bearers, archers, etc., before each battle will casually inspect it.
Note*2 Undergarments, and Fighting Garments of late Middle Ages.
*Gambasson's,
Aceton's, or other quilted Jacks, and Brigindens, as we know them, are not period for all of the time periods covered in Wuffingas,
but due to the nature of our combat, and the risk of subsequent injury, we allow them on all persona. Whichever time period
you choose, and however you design, and wear your armor, and depending on which period culture, and mundane financial capabilities
you have, or type of wars you like to engage in, your armor must meet the following standard: All armor, no matter which period
in time you choose, for your "look", i.e., 9th century Viking, or 11th century Norman Miles, -shall be constructed in a hard
over soft fashion. As follows: 8-10 oz. leather over 1/4 inch cotton batted gambasson. Using aketon, gambasson, coat of plates,
lamellar, scale, or full plate to accomplish the hard over soft. Rule. *As in a gambasson under a lamellar Italo-Norman harness.
Or a coat of Plates as is known to have been excavated at Visby Sweden are all acceptable. I.e., 5th century BCE Celts, or
9th Century AD Vikings and Saxons usually went into combat (if they had the station money) with simply a tunic and Bernie
(chain maille shirt). Alas we cannot allow that, -so other considerations must be made.
Note *2a.
The
space age memory foam is disallowed and prohibited.
Item 2
Parts
of the human body will be armored, and thus kept relatively safe from blows?
Note*3.
The MIC, may throw out any armor he feels is unsafe, after a Marshalls consultation of two other more experienced Marshalls,
on said armor. Marshalls will not balk at unwrapping a sword or any other weapon, definitely if it fails at weight.
3. Lets start at the top. Head, to include chin, "adams apple", jaw, and entire
face. A Wuffingas Helm of any culture or period in MILD steel will be of no less than 14-gauge bowl, w/16 ga sides, and
a grill or faceplate of 16 ga.
Note*3. 12-13 Ga Tops, 14 ga cheek pieces, and 16 ga drape is recommended. For
live steel fighters advancing towards Knighthood a 16-ga. Perforation plate or drilled holes of no larger than 1/2 inch over
eyes, nose, mouth is required. If the helm in question is made in stainless, it may be 14-ga bowl, 16-ga face with 18-ga
back.
4. Helms (helmets) will be padded either in period fashion,
(goat hair, horsehair, and dear fur. And/or various wool's, natural, piled, or felted, cotton, linen, or flax fabric, -stuffing
in a coif with a leather padded revitted liner. And/or foam: A Wuffingas Helm of any culture or period in MILD steel will
be of no less than 14-gauge bowl, w/16 ga sides, and a grill or faceplate of 16 ga. Note* 12-13 Ga Tops, 14 ga cheek pieces,
and 16 ga drape is recommended. If in stainless, it may be 14-ga bowl, 16 Ga/ face with 18-ga back. 12 ga stainless, is
in all practicality a "lifers" helm.
The Helm must cover the entire head, and upper cervical vertebrae, i.e., 9/10
of the entire neck no matter how long or short the persons neck is.
If
fighting Live Steel, waster, or rattan, The Helms face plate or bar grill will extend one inch below the chin which standing
straight up, eyes forward, shoulders relaxed. Beards are misleading in this regard.
aa.
Is it missing bars, or are bars rusted under the allowed diameter?
bb.
Are rivets secure, are rivets cracked, are they made of steel, (a lot of pop-rivets are aluminum and so prohibited). Are
they peened to not cause cuts or abrasions? Are rivets missing, with broken welds, etc? This is known as checking for serviceability.
Hereafter known as "check for serviceability of"
cc. All helms
shall be equipped with a chin-strap or other mean of preventing the helm from being dislodged during combat. An equivalent
might be, for example, a strap from helm to breastplate. A snug fit is a wrong fit if no chinstrap is in place. Watch out,
for helms with chin straps so thin that they tend to choke the wearer or break on a good spear thrust.
dd.
Eyewear. The lens of all eyewear shall be shatterproof safety glass or high impact plastic. Glass lenses are prohibited.
The wearing sports glass frames is strongly recommended, and shall not touch the faceplate, or bar grill.
The
wearing of contacts is at risk, of the wearer, to either loss them in the heat of battle, or other problems, they are not
recommended.
ee. The Bars of a grill, for Bassinets, Barbutes,
Spangenhelms, or slots of a Great Helms, or any other helm, will pass a test whereby a 1 1/4 " metal (Steel dowel) may not
pass through them.
Item 3
Physical Test with the Helm
on.
Have the Fighter tilt the head 360 degrees to make sure no flesh
may be reached with a 1 1/4 " dowel. (If the helm is equipped with regulation steel gorget and/or attached chain maille Evantail,
the test will be passed/waived.)
If the face comes into contact
with the grill by pushing against the fighter's face as they lean into your hand, more padding or adjustments to the chin-strap
must be added before being allowed onto the List. The chin-strap and padding will prevent the helm from rotating around
the head. It's always funny to see this, but in melee it could be dangerous. :0)
Note*4.
Especially in the terms of authentically looking helms, in this section a slight degree of leeway must be observed. It is
very hard sometimes to reconcile period armor, and our modern standards due to the liability of our age.
5.
The helm will be padded either in period fashion, (i.e., goat, camel, or horsehair. Wool, cotton, fabric, stuffing in a coif
with a leather padded liner, or Foam: Closed -cell foam: Resilient foam: that gives but is yet tough and elastic, i.e. dense,
plastic, closed-cell foam such as ethyl polymer. Like camping mattress pads. Neoprene, or polyurethane. If modern materials
are used they will be hidden in fabric, or equivalent (no duct tape, or any other modern tape or glue showing, to satisfy
the public outcry against such openly modern usage. Again memory foam is no good, and prohibited.
c.
Head Armor Inspection. All parts of the Helmet that might come s head shall be padded with a minimum
of 1/2 inch of resilient or closed cell foam, or equivalent, or shall be suspended in such a way as to prevent injurious contact.
Similarly, parts of the helm that might in any way come into contact with the wearers neck or body will also be padded in
the above said fashion.\par }
Note*4. Once the closed cell foam
has been in use in the helm for a period sufficient to lessen, at all, in any way, its original resiliency, it shall be replaced
at the Marshalls discretion, i.e., the helm will be rejected.
Check
the overall appearance and serviceability, of the helm. }
Item 4.
Marshall's
Helm.
A Marshalls helm is a regulation heavy weapons helm with the
bar grill removed, or fixed with a altered t-bar grill, with the bars spaced at 3"-4" on center, as a American footb
