Adrian Empire MARSHAL-2002 User Manual

The Adrian Empire, Inc.

IMPERIAL CROWN WRIT #02-01

MARSHALS MANUAL

As per the expressed wishes of the Imperial Estates, July 20, 2002, the Marshal's Manual is authorized for playtesting
throughout Adria. This manual is available at the Adrian Empire website: http: //www.adrianempire.org/library.html The
Imperial War 2002 shall utilize the manual for its marshalling with this exception: If you have been qualified as a
marshal under the old system, and attend the Saturday morning Meeting of the Marshals, then you will be deemed
qualified to marshal at the Imperial War 2002.

So say We,
Maedb Hawkins, Empress and Karl von Katzburg, Kaiser
July 31, 2002

AS ADOPTED FOR PLAYTEST JULY 2002

© 2002 The Adrian Empire Inc., all rights reserved.

Anyone is welcome to point out any error or omission that they may find.

Imperial Crown Marshal [e-mail]

Empress [e-mail]
Emperor [e-mail]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface................................................................................................................................................................4

I. Description of a Marshal.............................................................................................................................4

A. Perspective........................................................................................................................................4

B. Who may be a Marshal......................................................................................................................4

C. Scope of Duties and Responsibilities...................................................................................................4

II. Equipment Inspections.................................................................................................................................5

A. Armor ...............................................................................................................................................5

B. Weapons...........................................................................................................................................6

III. Marshalling Combat in General....................................................................................................................7

A. "Lay on"............................................................................................................................................7

B. "Hold"...............................................................................................................................................7

C. What to Watch For............................................................................................................................8

IV. Marshalling Tournaments.............................................................................................................................9

A. Prerequisites......................................................................................................................................9

B. List Field Setup................................................................................................................................10

C. Combat Initiation.............................................................................................................................10

D. Combat...........................................................................................................................................12

E. Conflict Resolution...........................................................................................................................13

V. Marshalling War........................................................................................................................................13

A. Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................13

B. BattleField Setup .............................................................................................................................14

C. Pre-Combat ....................................................................................................................................14

D. During Combat................................................................................................................................16

E. When the Battles are Over...............................................................................................................17

VI. Marshalling Combat Demonstrations..........................................................................................................17

A. Set-up .............................................................................................................................................17

B. During Combat Demonstration.........................................................................................................18

VII. Qualification, Authorization, and Training ...................................................................................................19

A. Combatant Qualification...................................................................................................................19

B. Marshal Authorization Procedure .....................................................................................................20

Appendix A: Running a Tournament....................................................................................................................22

A. Round-Robin List ............................................................................................................................22

B. Single Elimination List.......................................................................................................................22

C. Double Elimination List.....................................................................................................................22

D. Pas d'Armes....................................................................................................................................23

E. Mad Dog List..................................................................................................................................25

F. Donnybrook....................................................................................................................................26

G. Conduct of Tournaments..................................................................................................................26

Appendix B: Marshal's Kit .................................................................................................................................27

Testing and Measuring Equipment..............................................................................................................27

Repair Equipment......................................................................................................................................27

Forms.......................................................................................................................................................27

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Manuals....................................................................................................................................................27

Miscellaneous ...........................................................................................................................................27

Appendix C: Ministry Offices .............................................................................................................................28

A. Imperial Minister of Joust and War...................................................................................................28

B. Imperial Minister of Combat.............................................................................................................29

C. Imperial Crown Marshal..................................................................................................................29

D. Minister of Joust and War for Chartered Subdivision........................................................................29

E. Crown Marshal for Chartered Subdivision........................................................................................30

Appendix D: Oaths ............................................................................................................................................30

A. The Sword Oath..............................................................................................................................30

B. The Marshal's Oath..........................................................................................................................30

Appendix E: Qualification Tests..........................................................................................................................30

Adrian Empire Combat Qualification Test: Shinai.......................................................................................31

Adrian Empire Combat Qualification Test: Renaissance Schlager................................................................32

Adrian Empire Combat Qualification Test: Cut-And-Thrust........................................................................33

Adrian Empire Combat Qualification Test: Armored...................................................................................34

Adrian Empire Combat Qualification Test: Marshals...................................................................................35

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PREFACE

This is the manual of procedures for the Marshallate within the Adrian Empire, being the year sixteen anno Adriano,
and revis ed during the reign of Their Imperial Majesties, Dame Maedb Hawkins and Sir Karl von Katzburg. Special
thanks to the many members who have contributed significantly to this manual, who include (but are certainly not
limited to):

• Sir Coda der Drachesohn, Gottesknecht

• Sir Arion Hirsch von Schutzhundheim

• Sir Frederick von Burg

I. DESCRIPTION OF A MARSHAL

A. PERSPECTIVE

You are a marshal. You are in control on the field of combat. The safety of the fighters and the
spectators is in your hands. Take your job serio usly.

B. WHO MAY BE A MARSHAL

Any member of the Adrian Empire may choose to become a marshal. It is highly recommended that the
person desiring to become an authorized marshal also have achieved at least the Sergeant's level of combat.

C. SCOPE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Marshals conduct armor and weapons checks, qualify combatants and have ultimate authority on the field.
Marshals are the safety officers of the empire. In the case where a marshal’s judgment is called into question,
an appeals process exists to help ensure fairness and objectivity. The marshal’s main job is to see that combat
activity in the Adrian Empire Inc. is safe and fair. Secondly, the marshal helps to ensure that combat in Adria
is both fun and educational for participants and spectators.

A marshal in the Empire of Adria is expected to be able to know how to:

• Administer the basic sword oath by heart

• Conduct an armor inspection for all types of combat

• Conduct a weapons inspection for all types of weapons

• Identify any item on the banned weapons list

• Describe the target and non-target areas of the body

• Describe and demonstrate a legal blow with all weapon types

• Marshal single combat

• Marshal melee combat (tournament and war)

• Run a single-elimination tournament

• Authorize a marshal

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II. EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

A. ARMOR

Armor standards are found in Section III of the Adrian Combat Manual. The marshallate will check every
fighter for armor and weapons compliance before combat begins. If a combatant is found to be wearing sub­standard armor, corrections may be made, and the combatant re-checked. See Appendix B: Marshal's Kit for
the items needed to perform an armor inspection.

Failure to meet armoring minimums will preclude a fighter from participation until the minimums are met.

ARMOR CHECK

The following is the method for conducting an armor inspection:

1. Ask the fully armored (including helm) combatant to stand facing you, arms out.

2. Ensure that all of the places that require rigid protection, based on the type of combat, are covered
with such. If leather is being used for rigid protection, make sure it hasn't become soft from use to the
point that it is no longer adequately rigid.

3. Look for any unfastened buckles, loose ties, etc. and mention them to the combatant.

4. Ask if the combatant is wearing groin protection. Do not hit the combatant in the groin.

5. Tell the combatant to tilt his head back and look up. Verify that the entire throat is covered with no
skin showing. Examine any large openings in the helm, measuring any that appear larger than allowed
in the Adrian Combat Manual for the type of combat in which the helm will be used.

6. Tell the combatant to tilt his head forward. Verify that the back of the head and neck are sufficiently
covered. The cervical vertebrae can be found by running a hand down the neck from the back of the
head. The first large lump is the cervical vertebrae.

7. Placing one arm behind the combatants shoulder, use the other hand to press on the front of the helm
to ensure that it does not bottom out on their face. It is acceptable for the tip of the nose to touch.

8. Hold the helm with both hands and pull up on the helm to ensure that it does not easily come off of the
head. Do not yank the helm.

9. Turn the combatant around to see that the entire back of the head is covered and no skin is showing.

10. Check for undisguised plastic or aluminum, modern sports or military gear, or tennis shoes.

11. Examine shield for splinters and loose edging. If the combat type required rigid hand protection, check
that the combatant either has a gauntlet or an adequate combination of shield hand guard and demi­gauntlet.

12. If the combatant smells of alcohol or appears to be inebriated, ask them if they have had any alcohol
prior to coming to the field and remove them from the field if they have.

When conducting an armor inspection, do not:

• Test armor by hitting it with weapons

• Hit the combatant in the groin

• Yank on the helm

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B. WEAPONS

The marshallate shall inspect all weapons before allowin g them to be used in combat. Weapons standards are
found in Section III of the Adrian Combat Manual. See Appendix B: Marshal's Kit for the items needed to
perform a weapons inspection.

If the dimensions of any part of the weapon look questionable, check it with the appropriate gauge. See

Appendix B: Marshal's Kit for a list of gauges included in the Marshals Kit.

1. HAND-HELD WEAPONS
a. Shinai

• Does the tip come off easily?

• Does the shinai have all four (4) slats?

• Is the edge marked?

• If shinai has been modified, is the shinai still safe?

b. Shinai Pole-Weapons

• Does the shinai portion meet all the requirements above?

• Does the shinai fit snugly into the pole? (Hold it upside -down by the haft and shake it.)

• Are there any bends in the haft? (A slight flex is acceptable.)

• Is the overall length within one -half inch (1/2") of maximum allowed?

c. Renaissance Weapons

• Are there any cracks or defects in the guard or blade?

• Will the tip come off? (Have the combatant hold the sword while you pull on the tip.)

• Has the red tape covering the tip worn off?

• Is the flex within acceptable range? (Check the flexibility as described in Appendix B of

the Adrian Combat Manual.)
Any blade that maintains a sharp bend after being flexed must be permanently removed
from the field. A slight curve over the length of the blade is acceptable.

• For Cut & Thrust rapiers, does the combatant have a swept hilt or rigid hand-protection?

d. Defensive items for Renaissance Combat (e.g. mug, parrying dagger, cloak, etc.)

• Are they any sharp points? (Parry-only daggers must have rounded tips.)

• Can the weapon be broken into sharp points?

e. Weapons intended for Armored Combat

• Does the sword have the proper width, helm penetratio n, and weight? (If the weapon

seems heavy, weigh it to ensure that it does not exceed the allowed maximum.)

• Does the sword have cracks or defects that might result is breakage during combat?

• Does the blade have burrs that could cause injury or damage to an opponent's gear?

• Are the pommels are firmly secured?

• Are the heads are firmly secured to the haft?

• For pole-weapons, does the overall length exceed the allowed maximum?

• Is there an excessive amount of splintering on the haft that would significantly weake n the

haft?

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2. MISSILES, BOWS, SIEGE WEAPONS
a. Arrows

• In a spot-check of random arrows, are there any signs of "punch-through?" (Test for

punch -through by grasping the arrow shaft and wiggling the head of the arrow. Any
movement of the shaft inside the head will disqualify the arrow from further use, and be
just cause for further inspection of that quiver's arrows.)

• Have the arrows been constructed according to the Archery Construction Guidelines? (At

the Crown Marshal's discretion, a random arrow may be dis sected for inspection.)

b. Javelins and Ballista Bolts

• Are the tennis balls firmly attached to the front of the golf tube?

• Is the padding (ballista bolts only) adequate?

c. Bows

• Is the poundage appropriate for the combat type?

• Are there any cracks or stress marks on the bow, limb or arms?

• Does the bowstring have excessive fraying?

• Is the bowstring correctly attached to the ends of the limbs?

d. Siege Weapons

• Does the release mechanism operate properly? (Have the siege weapon operator

demonstrate this.)

• Are all the rocks and balls within the weight limits?

• Have the rocks and balls been constructed according to the Archery Construction

Guidelines? (At the Crown Marshal's discretion, a random rock or bolt may be dissected

for inspection.)

III. MARSHALLING COMBAT IN GENERAL

A. "LAY ON"

The phrase "lay on" is the signal to commence combat.

B. "HOLD"

The word “hold,” when shouted during combat, stops all activity immediately.
All combatants must cease fighting and kneel when a hold is called. In the case where a comba tant is

physically incapable of kneeling, they may stand, place and hold their weapon on their head.

• A marshal may call a hold for any reason.

• In one -on-one tournament combat, the combatants freeze in place (as best they can) while the marshals

deal with the situation that caused the hold. If there is no need to move the combatants from where they
were when the hold was called, they may continue the combat from their "frozen" positions.

• A hold is a stoppage in time. Combatants are not allowed to discuss strategy during a hold.

• If combatants have moved during the hold (e.g. to clear an area for an injured combatant), they must

return to their original position they were in prior to the hold before the lay on is called.

• If the hold was called because the combatants were up against a boundary, the combatants may be moved

back into the fighting area, retake their original positions, and resume combat on the word of the marshal.

• "Dead" combatants may leave the field.

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C. WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. TIMING OF BLOWS

• Simultaneous blows (in order to judge whether or not a double-kill has occurred).

2. BOUNDARIES

• Combatants approaching the list or battlefield boundary.

• Spectators getting too close to the list or battlefield boundary from the outside.

3. BREAKAGE

• Broken weapons

• Loss of blunting tips

• Broken armor or straps

• Excessive splintering of shields or hafts

4. HEALTH AND INJURY

• Signs of extreme exhaustion of the combatants, marked by a combatants inability to defend or

attack effectively.

• Injuries

If a combatant is injured on the field, immediately call a hold and call for a physicker to attend to
the injured combatant. Do not remove any pieces of armor until the physicker arrives unless that
armor is restricting the breathing of the combatant in some way.

5. COMBATANTS' BEHAVIOR

• Blatantly ignoring blows received.

• Excessive force (Refer to Article I.E. of the Adrian Combat Manual for issues concerning

excessive force and fighters conduct on the field.)

• Loss of temper (If a combatant loses his temper, instruct the combatant to calm down or leave the

field. The marshal has authority over any combatant regardless of their rank, status, etc.)

TOURNAMENT

If a combatant is hit with an apparent good blow:

• Allow the combatant a few seconds to accept the blow.

• If it goes unacknowledged, call a hold and ask the combatant that was hit if he felt the blow.

• Inform him of where you saw the blow land, angle of the blow and what part of the weapon

landed.

• Refrain from sounding judgmental (e.g. "It looked like it came in from here and landed here," as

opposed to "You are so dead").

• Also, ask the combatant that threw the blow his opinion of the blow and what he felt when it

landed (e.g. Was it a dull thud like hitting a shield; or a mushy impact, like hitting gambeson?).

• If this occurs a second time, the marshal may make the decision for the combatant.

• If the initial blow was obviously good, the marshal shall award the point and caution the receiving

combatant to be more aware of incoming blows.

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WAR

If a combatant is hit with an obviously good blo w that goes unacknowledged:

• Point your staff at that combatant and announce that he has been killed (or wounded) loud enough

for him to hear you.

• If the combatant does not hear you, tap him with your staff to get his attention or call a hold if you

cannot get to him.

6. KIBITZING

Spectators and dead combatants are not allowed to advise, call blows on, or otherwise affect those on
the field. Inform anyone doing so that this is not allowed. Cheering and encouragement is acceptable.

IV. MARSHALLING TOURNAMENTS

These are the procedures for marshalling tournament combat and includes:

• Prerequisites

• List field setup

• Combat initiation

• Combat

• Conflict resolution

Local chartered subdivisions may add to the rules in this section as long as it does not conflict with this manual or the

Adrian Bylaws.

A. PREREQUISITES

1. PERSON IN CHARGE

A tournament should have one person that is in charge of the combat portion of the event. Generally, it
is the Minister of Joust and War, but could be any authorized marshal. The Marshal of the Field shall:

• Make sure the list field is set up properly

• Have the marshallate perform armor and weapons are inspections and man the list fields

• Ensure that the lists run smoothly for the day.

• The Marshal of the Field has the final word concerning all combat related issues arising during the

tournament. Appeals to the Marshal of the Fields decision must be made to the Crown.

2. NUMBER OF MARSHALS

There must be at least two (2) authorized marshals present to conduct a tournament. This will allow
enough marshals to run one (1) list field. Each list field must be manned by at least two (2) marshals.
It is recommended that there be at least three (3) marshals on the each list field.

3. WARM-UPS AND CHALLENGES

"Warm -up" bouts or challenges may be conducted prior to or in between rounds as long as at least one
(1) marshal is actively monitoring the combat.

4. SHORT LISTS

In the case where there are not enough combatants for a Knights Renaissance Schlager list, the local
sovereign or Minister of Joust and War may combine both Knights and Sergeants lists into one (1)
Knights list. Any combatants qualified to fight in a Sergeants Renaissance Schlager list can, at the
discretion of the sovereign or Minister of Joust and War, be allowed to participate in the Knights list
for that day. The win counts as a Knights list win. This is not an option if there are enough Sergeants
and Knights present for a full Knights list.

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B. LIST FIELD SETUP

1. SIZE

A list field intended for single combat shall be no smaller than fifteen (15) feet square with a fenced
boundary. The recommended size is twenty five (25) feet square, with a fenced boundary.

If no fencing is available for list fields, the field must be at least:

• No smaller than thirty (30) feet square if surrounded by the populace;

• Penned in on three (3) sides by natural obstacles (e.g. trees, hedges, castle walls, etc.)

• Thirty (30) feet away from the nearest encampment.

2. FENCING

The border of a list field shall be composed of at least one (1) strand of rope (minimum size 3/8"),
strung at least thirty inches (30") high at the posts. Posts that support two (2) strands of rope, one
along the top and one in the middle, are preferred. The lower strand assists in keeping small children
from running onto the field. The top of posts used to hold the list field rope must not end in a point that
could cause injury if fallen upon.

3. EXTERNAL BORDER

The list field must have an external area of at least five feet (5') out that is to be kept clear of tent
ropes, spectators, equipment, etc. A second set of ropes and poles is recommended, but not required.
For multiple, connected list fields, a five foot (5') border between the list fields is not necessary.

4. ENTRANCES

Each list field should have at least 2 entrances.

5. HAZARDS

Examine the inside of the field for gopher holes or sprinkler heads, filling holes if possible or moving
the list field if the hazard cannot be avoided.

Since most park sprinkler-heads are flat and mostly flush with the ground, informing the combatants of
where they are should be sufficient.

C. COMBAT INITIATION

1. OPENING COURT

At opening court, the Marshal of the Field shall inform the populace of the days tournament activities,
the order of combat, and any other relevant information or special rules associate d with the days
combat. Local customs that limit target areas or types of blows should be mentioned if there are
combatants from out of the area who may not be aware of them.

2. SWORD OATH

Once the lists are closed, all combatants must take the sword oath. Announce loudly, at least twice
that "Combatants must now gather neigh for the Sword Oath!" Once all are gathered, perform the
sword oath as described in Appendix D.

3. INSPECTIONS

After the sword oath has been given, begin conducting armor and weapons inspections.

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4. ANNOUNCEMENT

A herald or marshal should announce how long is left until combat begins. Make this announcement
twice:

• Once at least twenty (20) minutes before the first combat is to begin, and

• Again five (5) minutes before the first combat is to begin

5. MARSHALS' MEETING

The Marshal of the Field calls together all people wishing to marshal that day, informing them of
special rules they need to be aware of or things they need to watch for. If there are multiple list fields,
the Marshal of the Field assigns marshals to the field they will run for the day.

6. STAFF

When on the field, all marshals shall have a staff that is at least six (6) feet long.

Unsheathed swords may NOT be used as marshaling staves.

7. ON-SITE INSPECTION

When the combata nts arrive for the first round of combat, ask them if they have been inspected. If
not, inspect them. If the inspection fails, depending on time issues, either wait for the combatant to fix
the problem or postpone the combat until the next one is over. If the combatant cannot fix the problem
by the end of the next combat, the combatant forfeits this round. When the combatants arrive for
subsequent rounds, ask them if everything is back in place, and check for a gorget (the most
commonly forgotten item between rounds).

8. MARSHAL ASSIGNMENT

Prior to the start of combat, decide which marshal will watch blows to which combatant. Generally,
the marshal on the sword-side of a combatant will watch blows thrown to that combatants opponent.

9. TAKE POSITION

Have the combatants take opposite ends of the field and face each other.

10. ANNOUNCE ROUND

Loudly announce the round number and combatants' names. For example: "In the first round combat
on this field, Sir Trotts <point to him> will do honorable combat with Pug Dungfist" <point>.

11. SALUTES

Loudly call out the salutes. For example: "My lords, please salute the Crown, salute the lord/lady
whose favor you bear, salute your honorable opponent." (In subsequent rounds, salutes need only

be made to their opponents.)

12. BEGIN

To begin the combat, two (2) marshals shall:

• Cross staves between the fighters

• Confirm that both combatants are ready to begin

• Ask each combatant if they are ready

• Announce something like "For honor and glory, lay on!"

The marshals may move to observe the combat, but if there are four (4) corner judges, this should not

be necessary. The words "lay on" are the signal that combat is to begin. This is universal for all
manners of combat.