Martial Activities
A civil war is settled in the field, one bout at a time. Six forms are fought at this war, from the heavy list to the archery range, and every one of them wants you in it.
Looking for Times?
Every Tournament Lives on the Schedule
Tournament times, fields, scenarios, and prizes are all on the schedule page, filtered by discipline and updated as the marshals confirm them. This page is what does not change: the forms fought here, who marshals them, and what you need before you take the field.
Open the Schedule✦ ✦ ✦
What Is Fought Here
The Forms
Each form has its own marshal, its own field, and its own authorization. Write to the marshal of your form with any question about equipment, eligibility, or running a scenario of your own.
Heavy
Armored combat, from single-sword tournaments and deeds of arms to the field battles that decide the war. The largest program at this war, running most days on the Heavy Tournament Field and the Melee Field.
Rapier
The lighter blade, fought with the same seriousness and rather more conversation. Rapier fighters share the Field of Roses pickups with the heavy list and hold their own bouts besides.
Combat Archery
Bows and crossbows on the melee field, shooting into and around the armored lines. Combat archers fight alongside the heavy units in the field battles and hold ranged tournaments of their own.
Siege
Engines on the melee field, and open range time for anyone curious enough to come and shoot one. If you have never touched a siege engine, this is the war to try it.
Target Archery
The range runs nearly all week, open for practice between the shoots. Period shoots, challenges, and the Archery Rose fill the days, with the range closing briefly for lunch.
Thrown Weapons
Axes, knives, and spears against the block. The Thrown Weapons Rose is held at the range, and throwers are welcome to come and learn the form at any open range time.
First Things First
Before You Take the Field
Nobody fights at this war without passing through inspection first. Plan for it, and you will make your bout with time to spare.
Carry your membership and authorization
Have your SCA membership card and your authorization for the form you intend to fight. If you are unsure whether your authorization covers what you plan to do, write to that form’s marshal before the event rather than finding out at the list.
Come to inspection early
Inspections and authorizations are held each morning before the fighting begins, and the times are posted on the schedule. Bring every piece of kit you plan to use, including the weapon you were going to swap in halfway through.
Mark your weapons as the scenario requires
Some tournaments carry their own equipment requirements beyond the usual standards, such as contrasting tape on cutting edges for the torchlight bouts. Those requirements are listed with each tournament on the schedule.
Authorize on site if you need to
New fighters and those adding a form can authorize at the event. Find the marshal for your form at the morning inspection and say so; they will arrange it.
Drink more water than you think you need
October in North Carolina can still turn warm, and armor does not forgive. Field hydration is provided at the lists, and marshals will send you off the field if you need it.
Not Fighting?
Watching the War
The field is worth watching even if you never intend to take it. A few things worth knowing from the sidelines.
Where to Stand
Stay behind the ropes and out of the marshals’ lanes. If a marshal asks you to move, move first and ask after. Weapons leave the field in unexpected directions.
Bring a Chair
Seating at the lists is limited, and the good tournaments run long. A chair and a hat will serve you better than anything else you pack.
Children at the Lists
Children are welcome to watch and are best kept within arm’s reach at the ropes. Youth combat is run separately from the adult lists.
Cheer for Them
Applause carries a long way inside a helm. The fighters can hear you, and they will fight better for it.
Bring Us a Scenario
Sponsor a Tournament
Nearly every tournament on the field this year came from someone who offered to run one. If you have a scenario, a theme, or a prize you would like to put up, the marshals will find you a slot and a field.
What to Send
The name of the tournament, the form it is fought in, the scenario or format, roughly how long it needs, any equipment requirements, and what the prize will be.
Who to Send It To
Write to the marshal of the form, or to the Marshal in Charge if it spans more than one. Confirmed tournaments appear on the schedule with your name as sponsor.
Questions About the Field?
Reach the Marshals
Questions about a scenario, an authorization, or a form not listed here: write to the Marshal in Charge, or to the marshal of your form above.
Email the Marshal in Charge See the Schedule