Weaponry

Atlantia A&S Criteria

Weapons used for individual combat in period, metal or non-metal, including swords, knives, spears, polearms, pikes, axes, maces, quarterstaves, longbows and arrows, crossbows and bolts, slings, etc. SCA combat weaponry is not acceptable. No firearms, mines or bombs. No siege engines, earthworks, or similar troop offensive/defensive constructions.

NOTE: Use of period mercury-gilding or similarly hazardous period techniques will disqualify an entry. Substitution of equivalent modern processes with appropriate safeguards, noted as such in the documentation. shall not be penalized in scoring.

Information also available as PDF.


DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive summary. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and tools used during the process;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references (books, portraits, etc.) from reliable sources;
  • Artistic design, specific design or material aspects based on intended use.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

  • 0: Clearly modern in materials, design, construction, or embellishment;
  • 1-2: Generally period, with some obviously modern elements (e.g. stainless steel, not-quite-period decorative motifs, questionable blade shape, etc.);
  • 3-4: Obvious mix of elements from different cultures or periods (e.g. an epee decorated with early Norse motifs);
  • 5-6: Overall period style and execution, with minor inconsistencies (e.g. some obviously purchased hardware, modern shortcuts in process that don’t quite approximate period results, etc.);
  • 7-8: Period design and execution with no inconsistencies; period materials or reasonable equivalents; processes used produce results equivalent to those produced in period;
  • 9-10: Special effort to achieve a completely period product in design, materials, decoration, techniques, etc. e.g.: Hand forged blade, handmade hardware, handmade bowstring and hand-fletched arrows, etc. Entrant provides accessory items as appropriate (scabbard, quiver, blade cover, etc.).

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Degree of original work in design (1 point for “kit” knives, etc.);
  • Variety and difficulty of materials used;
  • Variety/difficulty of construction techniques attempted (forging, welding, finishing, woodwork, fittings, fletching, etc.);
  • Variety and difficulty of embellishment and decorative techniques attempted (blade engraving, etching, inlaying, carving, jewelling, etc.);
  • Scope of endeavor: consider number of pieces, size of work relative to amount of detail.

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry on a scale of 1-10 considering the following. Judges may wish to consult such criteria as Metalwork, Leatherwork, and Woodwork for detail on techniques.

  • Mastery of period style and technique. Note: Entrant who has made modifications or substitutions for economic or safety reasons can still demonstrate understanding of period practice by their choice of alternate processes/material;
  • Material use. Consider choice, preparation, and handling. Are materials proper strength and quality? Are they appropriate to each other and to the project?;
  • Construction: Parts fit properly? Processes applied correctly with proper results? Blade edges and ridges even? Etc. Finishing and decorative techniques. Are edges smoothed, blades sharpened, surfaces finished, embellishment well placed and well-done?;
  • Function. Is weapon strong enough for intended combat use? Are swords, knives, etc. balanced? Will arrows fly? Does the weapon fit comfortably and securely in the hand?;
  • Special consideration such as personalized decoration, embellishment, etc.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.