Unwritten Rules

Unwritten "rules" of Belegarth combat.

Standard of combat These unwritten "rules" can now be called "unofficial rules" since they have been written down somewhere accessible.

These are in no way enforceable in multi-realm events, but these rules have become the standard in many established realms and events.

If you have the question "Is this an unwritten rule" your best bet is to use common sense.

Standards
Marshals are often referred to as Heralds.

Heralds wear yellow tabards, sometimes edged.

Photographers will sometimes wear yellow tabards as well. Please do not hit them, they give us good pictures after the event is over.

Heralds are not shields.

Go easier on women and smaller fighters when using red weapons and heavy offensive shield usage. Does NOT mean tap fighting.

Drop to knees when a hold is called.

Don't call a hold to gain an advantage over fellow fighters.

Don't move during a hold.

Don't re-equip during a hold.

Hits after a hold are not counted. (Situational)

Avoid fighting near weapons piles.

Avoid fighting near onlookers.

Avoid fighting near unsafe locations. (Examples: parked cars, fences, narrow bridges)

Half draw on a throw means the hand should not go behind the head.

You can grab your own weapon anyway you want including the blade/striking surface.

Field Combat
Shield bashing archers can be dangerous (use common sense).

No catching arrows while in flight.

Swing lightly while calling the weapon color/class if coming up behind unaware fighters to kill them. Also can be used with red weapons/class two weapons and if the fighter is legged without a shield. (Referred to as a Courtesy shot/hit)

Take the courtesy shot so you aren't hit full force next time.

Weapon/arm above your head means you are dead and trying to get off the field. (Only clear the field if a marshal/herald tells you to unless it's an emergency.) Reference rule 3.4.2.1

Do not attempt to look like you are dead to gain a combat advantage over the "living" players. Also called Ghosting. (Examples: Leaving the field with your weapon/arm above your head when you didn't "die", sitting on your butt and waiting for someone to draw near)

If killed you can call "down", "dead", or "got it" to inform your opponent you are dead (Still lay down immediately). Reference rule 3.4.2.1

If killed you can raise your weapon/arm above your head to inform your opponent you are dead (Still lay down immediately). Reference rule 3.4.2.1

Dropping your weapon is not a valid show of death.

If you are dead, look dead. (Examples: An elbow to the ground while laying on your side, laying spread eagle on your belly/back)

If you are alive, look alive. (Examples: Walk around, kneel, roll)

No kicking people. Just because it is not a grapple doesn't mean you can kick someone. Shield kicking IS allowed. Reference rule 3.5.4

Purposefully hitting someone with a non-striking surface of a weapon is discouraged.

Don't hit or bash people with the core (inside/unpadded side) of a shield.

A shield is a shield, doesn't matter where it is.

An empty hand is considered part of the arm.

Hands and feet are always legal targets, you just take no damage if holding a weapon or having foot on ground.

Grappling on the field is best equated to high school wrestling. Reference rule 3.6

Gear
Weapons that slash are not meant to double as missile weapons. (Example: a javelin/staff combo)

No core in the head of a flail.

Wooden cores do not have to be 100% taped. Only the exposed handle. Reference rule 1.3.8.

Shields should not taco (edges meet when shield is bent in half).

Axes should not taco (edges meet when axe is bent in half).

Armor protrusions must not pass through a 2.5 inch hole. Reference rule: 3.4; Appendix A.

Not recognized in all places

A shot in motion continues if you loose an arm or are killed. Some places use if you're killed, no shot continues.

A weapon's "Magic Switch" from the dead arm/hand to the other. Drop the weapon and pick it back up if you loose an arm.

If you hit someone in the head, you are dead.

Some places make sure the other fighter can continue after a head shot. Other places keep fighting. IE: Don't use a head shot followed by a kill shot.

Missing a shield kick and kicking your opponent is death.

Don't throw anything other than a rock or javelin.

Hand on a shield is the same as hand on a weapon.

Arm on a shield is not the same as hand on a weapon.

Others
Dont be the first one to go to sleep at an event.

Dont show up at an event before 8AM without coffee/food for the Troll unlucky enough to pull the morning duty

Discouraged in the BOW means not intentional

Resources Compiled from information from the belegarth boards
"Unwritten Rules list" [1]
"Two missing archery rules" [2]
Belegarth Book of War [3]

Initial creation and formatting done. --Thorondor 21:40, 21 February 2008 (EST)