Recommendations for Research

[Raymond Belair]

I am currently undertaking a fantasy fiction writing project and would like to develop a solid understanding of real-life sword fighting and historical combat techniques.

Any recommendations for where I should start my research would be greatly appreciated. One of the first things I need is knowlege of light weapon "dueling" techniques (in a life-or-death situation). I really want my fight scenes to be believable and grounded in practical reality.

Thanks,
RayB

[Allen Johnson]

well we can spend the rest of our lives trying to form a solid understanding but at least you are on the right path! <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think the first place is to define what weapons your people are using, what armour (if any) is present, and are there any special "rules" that apply to your fantasy world (ie- the Force, or what ever). If the weapons and armour are the same as real world examples, then there are a myriad of period manuals you can choose from. You mentioned light weapon dueling. This is still a pretty broad category. Even the differences between smallsword and rapier dueling are enough to take good notice of. Also the cut &amp; thrust weapons and backswords could be considered "light" and have appliciable uses. For that matter, bastard and longswords are a lot lighter than most newcomers realize and were very prevelant in period duels. So yeah, sort out those few things first and we might be able to help focus your research a bit better. Welcome!

[Jeremy Martin]

I'd like to read about good polearm fighters myself.

I think one of the best ways to really start to understand is to find an ARMA group near you and practice some yourself. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Ryan Ricks]

i agree. if you can find some arma people to train with, or at least watch, that'd be great. maybe you should try watching the videos we have on the site.

i'm working on a similar project. i think if you read most of the articles on this site, you could go a long way towards avoiding the common fight cliches so prevelant in stage, film, and fiction.

[Raymond Belair]

I'd like to thank everyone for their responses - I didn't realize how much information is out there when I decided to tackle this, so it's good to know there are some friendly enthusiasts out there willing to guide a newbie!

Allen - As far as the exact type of weapons my characters will be using in the story, I haven't locked on to anything in particular yet. I was going to wait until I hand developed a little bit of knowlege (just enough to be dangerous!) before getting specific. I'll be happy to take any suggestions for what would seem most appropriate. I haven't carved any of the story mechanics in stone yet, so I am open to develop the details as needed.

The premise of the story is that there exists a brand of highly specialized magic that is intertwined with dueling. Each combatant seeks to complete a series of maneuvers in order to harness and shape the the energies generated by the duel. At the same time they are trying to complete their own ritual, they are trying to disrupt their opponent. The "winner" of the duel gains ultimate control of the energies created by the conflict and is able to successfully cast his spell.

The more intense the conflict the more powerful the spell. A fight to submission is normally for minor or temporary magical effects. A duel to first blood generates more energy and therefore greater influences. The extremely rare duel to the death can unleash magnificent power.

I was thinking that perhaps each Spellsword would have his (or her) own specialized "signature" weapon. But I don't know how disparate these weapons can be and still be logical - i.e. does it make sense for one opponent to have a rapier, while another has a cut-and-thrust type weapon, or a pair of long dueling knives, etc. If this doesn't make sense, I will need to select a type of weapon that all Spellswords use, and find a way to make each one unique.

Well, those are the basics of what I'm working on. I'm reading through various articles here and elsewhere on the web. I have a few books on the way ("Italian Rapier Combat" by Ridolfo Capo Ferro, and "The Secret History of the Sword" by J. Christoph Amberger).

Thanks Again!
-RayB

[Raymond Belair]

Jeremy - I really like the idea of portraying polearm fighters. In all the years of reading fantasy literature I can't remember a single instance of encountering a detailed treatment of a character that uses this style of combat.

I will definately explore these possibilites when I wrap up my current project, and post a note here if I develop something along those lines.

Thanks,
-RayB

[Jeremy Martin]

Hey, that sounds great.

On this site you can also find instructions on how to make some practice weapons. If you have someone who you can do this with, try taking some of your ideas and with these tools try running through them with co-operating opponent and sparring with intent against a resisting opponent using your ideas.

This may point out some obvious flaws in what you were thinking of doing.

Lance posted this video:
http://www.rsw.com.hk/nodachi-vs-spadona.zip

I think it's good in showing the difference between what works, and just what you'll think will work. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> According to Lance, this guy had a lot of Anime influence, and I think it shows.

Oh, and generally spin moves = you dead(unless you use the FORCE(tm) ). <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you want my IM's, for whatever reason, you can send me a private msg. I'd be interested in keeping-up with how this project turns out.

[Allen Johnson]

It might be interesting to have them switch weapons according to the nature of the duel. Also your technique will change if your are going just to first blood as opposed to death. This is actually something I'm working on with the Scottish broadsword (baskethilt). Or have them change weapons based on the abilities of their opponents. Just an idea... Another thought might be to give a list of the characters and their personalities and temperments. That way we might be able to match up a coresponding weapon.
Another idea may be to identify if there are any real world influences into the culture of the different characters. Like in the Lord of the Rings movies the Rohirriam (sp?) had a cool look of a sort of Angl-Saxon/Scandinavian hybrid. Thus, they had alot of mail and single sword and shield, spears ect. Also their art on their weapons, armour and accoutraments corresponded with that influence as well.