Types of fencing

General

1. There are two types of fencing combat in Lochac. These are:
   • Standard fencing (sometimes called "rapier")
   • Cut and Thrust fencing.
2. Different types of fencing combat cannot face each other in the same bout. For example, Cut and Thrust may not face Standard fencing.
3. You need separate authorisations for each type of fencing combat.
4. There are also separate authorisations for:
   • using spear in combat
   • being a non-fencing combatant (Gunner) who can use rubber band guns only.

Prerequisites

1. You must have a current Standard fencing authorisation to be authorised for Cut and Thrust fencing, or to be authorised to use a spear in either type of fencing.
2. There is no waiting period for obtaining these additional authorisations, and you may complete them at the same event or practice as your Standard fencing authorisation.
3. You can use a spear if you have a current Rapier Pike or Pole Weapon authorisation under prior Lochac rapier rules.
4. There are no authorisation prerequisites for a Gunner authorisation.

Single combat and melee

General

1. You can fight in single combat against one opponent, or in a melee, where you fight multiple opponents.
2. In single combat and melee, the objective is to win your fight. This could be by:
   • striking your opponent with a "fatal" blow
   • striking your opponent with an "incapacitating" blow so your opponent cannot continue to fight.
3. Organisers might come up with other ways to win a fight, such as making any hit on your opponent ("first touch" or "first blood").
4. If your opponent loses their weapon, you can allow them to pick their weapon up, or tell them to yield.

Melee

In a melee:

1. You can be part of a team, or fighting against everybody else on the field.
2. You can only attack an opponent if you are inside a 180 degree arc of their front view, as defined by the opponent's shoulders. If you are not sure that your opponent knows that you are there, you should call out to them to get their attention before you engage them.
3. If your opponents are part of a line, you can attack anybody in that line if you are inside the arc of their front view.
4. You are not allowed to attack an opponent from behind. The only time this changes is if a scenario allows "killing from behind". (see section 2.6.3)
5. You cannot turn your back on an opponent to gain an advantage (that is, to stop them attacking you). If you do this intentionally, you may be subject to sanctions under section 4.6.
6. You are not allowed to run at or past an opponent to attack them.
7. You are allowed to run from one part of the field to another. You must stop running when you are 5 metres from an opponent or group of combatants. Two-handed weapons, including spears, must be held vertically while running, with the point up.
8. You are allowed to use Cut and Thrust combat in a melee, as long as all the fencers are wearing Cut and Thrust equipment.

Gunners

1. Gunners are non-fencing combatants who are authorised to use a rubber band gun.
2. On the field, you must wear scarves on both arms to show that you are not a fencer. The scarves should be a contrasting colour to your sleeves. You are not restricted to scarves associated with ranks in the Guild of Defence, and if you are wearing a Guild scarf, a White Scarf, or other scarves as part of your clothing, you need to be aware that this may suggest to other fencers that you are a Gunner.
   1. If you have a Standard fencing authorisation, but are carrying only a gun, you can choose to wear scarves on both arms and be subject to the rules for killing gunners, or choose to not wear scarves and be slain as normal for a fencer.
3. In single combat and melee, the objective is to win your fight. This could be by:
   • striking your opponent with a "fatal" blow (shot)
   • striking your opponent with an "incapacitating" shot so your opponent cannot continue to fight.
4. You are able to continue shooting at opponents until:
   • you are "killed" or "incapacitated" by a shot from a rubber band gun
   • you are "killed" by a fencer according to the rules for "killing from behind" (see section 2.6.3), or "killing a gunner" (see section 2.6.4).
   • you run out of ammunition (remembering that you cannot pick up used ammunition on the field).