(Recommended for members who have fought fewer than 5 battles, or haven't fought in more than a year.)

Things you'll need: Bow & arrow, javelin, red weapon, blue weapon, rock,
green weapon, shield, 2 helpers (one in armor and helmet)

These rules have evolved over 24 years for playability & realism.  Result:
lots of little rules to remember, but a working system.

1) Don't hit anybody in the head or neck.  Only exception is missile weapons
in the air.

2) Worry about yourself; assume the other guy is doing the same.  When in doubt, take the hit!  Don't waste time arguing; if someone says you're hit, count it and ask questions later.  There may be times where someone asks, "Did I get anything?" -- Judge the shot and tell them QUICKLY what you think.

3) Show it when you're hit! Stay down when dead! Demonstrate
    Hit to the head from airborne missile is death.
    Hit to the neck from airborne arrow or javelin is death.
    Hit to the unarmored torso from anything is death.
    Hit to the arm = lose the arm (empty hand & put behind you).
    Hit to the leg = lose the leg (drop to the knee).
    Don't have to count hits to hands & feet.
    2 limbs hacked or smashed (not stabbed!)= death.

4) Show strike zones.

5) Show 'good' hit vs. glancing hit (hit each new fighter).
    Airborne missile weapons count on 'light' hits.
    What constitutes a 'glance' from a missile (doesn’t change direction).

6) Types of weapons SHOW & Demonstrate
    Weapon types only matter vs. shields & armor.
RED Weapons: 2 hands - penetrates armor, breaks shields-2 hits (drop it).
    Yell "RED!" when hitting so they know how to count it.
    1 handed = counts as blue.
BLUE Weapons: Penetrates armor on 2nd hit to zone.
    Can never break shields.
    No difference if you hold it in one hand or two.
GREEN Weapons: 2 handed, goes through armor on first hit.  SHOW
    You can lose 4 limbs to stabs & still survive.
MISSILE WEAPONS: Can't use a bow until 3rd battle.
    Only shields & head armor block arrows.  Deliberate block with something
    else = die
    Arrows & airborne javelins count as 2-handed green.
    Explain blocking & catching javelins, rocks.
    Arrows MUST be shot; rocks MUST be thrown.
    Javelin is exception: in hand, counts as spear (green)

7) ARMOR
- Helms (including leather and chainmail coifs) stop all missiles
- Mail stops first blue, all 1-handed green, ZONE rule, carry around hits,
   NO ONE IN METAL ARMOR CAN EVER INITIATE GRAPPLE!

8) Never use others' weapons without permission EXCEPT to return fire with
missiles (NEVER carry them away from immediate area).

9) Heralds = referees & score keepers. Ask them if you have questions.

10) Healing & Resurrection
    NO FAKING wounds or death!
    Healers can heal weapons & armor
    Healers can't resurrect dead players.
    Healers can't heal themselves.
    If healing gets interrupted, it starts over from beginning.
    Players can also get healed by going to Valhalla.

11) Field vs. Woods Battles
    Field scenarios = short 5-15 minute, no healing/resurrect.
    Wooods = one long scenario, resurrection & healing.
        FORTS must be deadfall only -- KILL NO PLANTS!

12) Remove jewelry & wear protection (knees & cup, especially).

RECAP:
* Worry about yourself, don't waste time arguing.  NO LAWYERS!
* Don't hit the head or neck with hand-held weapons.
* Hang out near/follow a vet & seek targets of opportunity.

By David Vierling/MT Graymael

Questions or Comments?  Post them on the Dagorhir Bulletin Board!