Medieval Paintball (Skirmish Fighting)

[Keegan]

As an Archer I play the equivalent (or as near as) of Medieval Paintball.

Called The SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism).
We aim to recreate times gone by. Specifically The Medieval Era.

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international non-profit educational organisation that is dedicated to the research and recreation of pre-17th century  History, with a particular focus on its practical applications in arts and sciences,  costuming, cooking, martial arts, dance, calligraphy and illumination, metalwork, archery and music. etc.

Basically it's dress up with a Medieval theme.

To compare the martial arts section of the Society. The Combat Archery is akin to paintball using Bow and Arrows, add to this, many Men and Women fighting with a variety of heavier weapons made of rattan cane. Swords, Glaves, Pikes etc. War and melee fighting becomes a very exciting and challenging pastime.

Wearing a variety of protective armour and allowing for choice of era, country and peerage, gives everyone wishing to play, scope to indulge as much as they wish. The protection allows all to enjoy the benefits of challenging, fighting and besting an opponent and then drinking and swapping "No .... there I was Stories" with a new found friend (or enemy) after the battles have ended.

Camping is involved at most of the war weekends and camping can be 1 to 5 star. I have witnessed 4 poster beds and Royal bathhouses.

http://www.sca.org/officers/chatelain/newcomers.html (Please note that this is the American site) It is wonderfully comprehensive and a good basic intro.

http://www.sca.org.au/lochac/  is the more Local information ...

I trust you will be entertained. Even for a moment.