There are quite a few ways to enjoy the Skirmishes or Battles that usually make up a War,
on a hot day sitting on a hill under the shade of a pavllion with a chilled drink is rather nice,
for other ways please read on.

Below I have laid out the various combat options, some very general catergories,
arbitarily given specific names to various roles
and listed some retinues you may find on the Western Shores.

Any of the jewelled buttons should bring you back to the top.

Infantry -  Lochac Non- Plumed Combatants

For this you will need quite a bit of armour, infantry tend to get hit by other infantry. In wars particularly  you may get hit by a lot of  other infantry!

Get along to your local group fighter practice and speak to the Group Knight Marshal and the experienced fighters. The group may have some loaner equipment you borrow to try out this whole SCA combat thing before investing to much time or money. This will give you a reasonable idea of what you need and if you want to proceed.

Before getting into war combat you will need to get authorised, to get authorised you will need to demonstrate to a marshals satisfation that you  are not placing yourself or anyone else at risk. Go here for starter info on getting Authorised.

When making or getting your own armour, always make sure you have the best you can and that it is a comfortable fit. War fighting means you will be spending a lot of time in this kit and you will have to be able to move around a lot too, does the term footslogger mean anything to you?

In addition to your basic armour you will (at least you will in Lochac) need to obtain some 'mesh', this term covers a lot of materials but basically it all protects your face and is required to particiapte in mixed combat.

Go to Lochac Marshals site here or ask your local Knight Marshal what is required.

Scouts & Artillery

Scouts - Not currently a choice in Lochac : (

Artillery - Plumed Combatants

Artillery includes those equipped with  Bows, Crossbows, Slings, Siege Weapon, and various muscle propelled missiles.

Most of these fall under the  SCA Lochac category of 'Plumed' combatants and armour requirements are now identical to those required for 'Non Plumed'.  The main difference as far as kit goes is the choice of hand protection and how you may be slain in combat.

The intent of 'Plumed Combatants' is to allow a place on the battlefield for those who either cannot or choose not to be hit with rattan weapons.

Check out the technical requirements here, for local armour help get on to the mailing list for Dragons Bay and holler for help.

Marshals & Waterbearers

Marshals

Need little in the way of armour, but you will need to start getting clued up on fighting. Contact your local Group Knight Marshal and get down to fighter practice, learn how to do armour checks and marshal fights.

If you want to get a head start, get a stout pole that can block a full swing from a rattan great sword and either neatly spiral tape or paint it in black and yellow. You will also need a Marshals Tabard, usually the group will have some spares but make your own as it never hurts to look good.

They are usually black with crossed  yellow swords, front, back and sleeves, or in some other way have a prominent display of this emblem. But please note it is only to be worn if you  are on duty as a  marshal. If you are going to marshals wars and such you will need the same minimum armour as all other combatants.

 

Waterbearers

As you are providing water during the breaks you don't need armour, but you will need something to carry water in and dispense it from. 2 litre recycled soft drink bottles are readily available and with a spare cap, a quick drill and a suitable length of tubing they make excellent containers.

If you intend carrying  a couple of these around consider making or aquiring a shoulder bag or bags to ease the load and leave you hands free to help lace up helmets, and buckle the rough, tough and dexterily challenged fighters into their armour.  As a general rule it would be a good idea for a water bearer to familarise yourself with combat and the groups fighting fraternity.

Please note that  great care should be taken in relation to hygiene and avoiding the spreading of germs or dieseases.

Scouts

Not currentl y permitted in Lochac : (

Lightly armoured
Do not fight so carry no weapons, search for the enemy and may carry messenges.  They do not  hit or get hit with rattan, but may be shot at. Special conventions exist for being slain or captured by  Infantry.

Artillery

   
Archer

   
    Now armoured as per the minimum requirments for Infantry and equipped
    with some type of bow. If they display a "Plume" they do not  hit or get hit with rattan, may be shot at.
    Special convention for being slain or captured by  Infantry, if they do not have a "Plume" they may be hit.

Thrown Weapons

    Now armoured as per the minimum requirments for Infantry and equipped
    with some type of  javelin, throwing axe or similar.
    If they display a "Plume" they do not  hit or get hit with rattan, may be shot at.
    Special convention for being slain or captured by  Infantry, if they do not have a "Plume" they may be hit.

Engineer
   
    Now armoured as per the minimum requirments for Infantry.
    If they display a "Plume" they do not  hit or get hit with rattan, may be shot at. If they do not have a             "Plume" they may be hit.

   
    Close Order Infantry

    Low mobility, fully armoured and equippd  with rattan weapons.
    Usually equipped with large shields, and backed up by rear ranks with long weapons. They may be shot at     or hit with rattan weapons.

   
    Open Order Infantry

    Medium mobility, fully armoured and equipped with rattan weapons. Usually medium sized shields and         weapons. They may be shot at or hit with rattan weapons.

   
    Fast Infantry (sometimes called Cavalry)

    High mobility, fully armoured and equipped with rattan weapons. Possibly smaller shields if any and medium sized         weapons. They may be shot at or hit with rattan weapons.

Check out Kingdom armour & authorisation requirements and start collecting what you need. For Lochac (Australia) go here