[Moo] Topic for comment from Curia

[lady_esperanza at cox.net]

Their Highnesses (and their Majesties), asked for comment regarding changes to the current rules regarding the Appearance Law for the fighters of Atlantia.

The current law is in the Atlantian Great Book of Law, 10. Rights of Subjects, 10.1 - Concerning Non-Period Items.

10.1.4   All plastic and/or modern sports equipment used by all participants on the field of combat must be covered in a manner to disguise the material in an attempt to display historical pre-17th Century accoutrements to the average passerby.

10.1.4.1   Plastic and other modern materials specifically required to promote safety or those that are medically required are exempt from this ruling. However, every attempt must be made, in good faith, to disguise those items.

10.1.4.2   Hand protection and shield edges may be made of plastic materials. However, it is the owner’s responsibility to attempt to disguise the appearance of those items to bring them into compliance with the spirit of this law.

10.1.4.3   Participants who are residents of another kingdom are to be considered our guests and are exempt from this ruling provided they meet Society minimum standards.

10.1.4.4   Newly transplanted citizens to Atlantia are to be granted a four month period of time to come into compliance with these laws.

Their stated intent was not to necessarily tighten the rules but to change the wording of the Law so that it would be more clearly defined. Their quandary was more how can the Law wording be changed to include what is wanted without taking a step back, something that their Highnesses would not like to see.

Some example of issues that were sited during Curia include:

1. Fighter X has made armor of plastic lamellar. This armor looks great, can't tell it's plastic from 10 feet away or even a foot away but by the letter of the law, all plastic needs to be covered.
2. Plastic and other modern materials specifically required to promote safety or those that are medically required are exempt from this ruling. Well, isn't all armor required to promote safety and therefore by the letter of the law exempt from this ruling?
3. Fighter X notices popped rivet on armor before fighting starts in the morning, armor temporarily fixed with duct tape, armor is safe to fight by marshal but by the letter of the law fighter should not be fighting if it does not meet the appearance rule.

They also asked for comments regarding expanding the Appearance Law to the populace of Atlantia. They spoke of not wearing tennis shoes, sunglasses, covering blatantly modern items,etc.

Feel free to discuss this on the e lists. If you would like your make your comments known to their Majesties and Highnesses please email: trh at atlantia.sca.org and trm at atlantia.sca.org. It was asked that comments be made before 12th Night, which is Jan 8th.

Lady Esperanza Susanna Flecha
Seneschal, Barony of Stierbach