Prellhauw: A CKdF Fight Night

Inspired by Adam Franti's excellent lecture and class at Longpoint 2019, our next fight night will be a bit of a departure from our norm. We will be simulating the conduct of a 16th Century German fechtschule. Unlike events simulating battle or judicial combat, a fechtschule was a civic event and exhibition of martial prowess by and between citizens.  Participants eschewed both the brawling of peasants and the homicidal intensity of the knightly class. Representing their guilds and their town as a whole, fencers were expected to adhere to rules of good conduct, sportsmanship, and restraint.  To eliminate tedious recording of blows and scores, and disagreement between judges, the winner of a match was the first to deliver a bleeding head wound to his opponent. As an added flourish, fencers might recite a poem, a declaration of loyalty to the town, or a token of respect for their opponent.

So here's the plan, in summary:

• Fencers will be organized into “guilds” of four
• Each guild will fight each other guild
• Matches will go until the first solid head hit. Doubles don't count. 
• You may use the edge or the flat of the blade (prellhauw – it's legit), but not the point
• You can hit the body or arms as part of a play, but those hits don't score
• Thrusting will be penalized, as it was in the fechtschule
• No grappling, tripping, striking, etc.  Hands stay on your sword.
• At the end of the night, the guild with the most total wins gets bragging rights, and a free round at the post-fechtschule party (TBD).
• If time permits, we will run a second round “King of the Hill” style
• Separate prize for “Best Pre-Fight Poem” (to be honest, a dirty limerick or other bit of doggerel may suffice)

Gear Required:  Longsword, mask with back of head protection, gloves, elbow and forearm protectors

Fighters are capped at 16, so register!  All are welcome, even the goons of RkdF.