Combat Guilds

The study of swordplay has been a passion of man throughout the centuries. From the very beginning, since the invention of the sword, man has worked to perfect it and the use of it. Swords and other medieval weapons were the primary instruments used in combat and warfare for many centuries. Swordplay and warfare in the Middle Ages was brutal at best. Armor was developed to defend against the improving weapons and weapons changed to overcome and penetrate newer armor. With the evolution of the sword, heavy armor began to be reduced and ultimately set aside. Speed and agility were far more important than mass and weighty armor.

The need for increased proficiency with swords and other hand weapons to defend oneself grew, although swordplay did have a few barriers to clear. Through much of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the study of swordplay outside of the military or for warfare use was not looked upon favorably and was considered to be for thieves and actors or performers. The study of defence was not accepted for civilians. Weapons and the knowledge of weapon making and materials expanded with time, reaching all new heights by the end of 1400’s. Our social views and acceptance of civilian swordplay began to change as well. Scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers began to study this new field. Crowns and wealthy nobility alike began to commission these men to develop studies and better understanding of this new science. Some people, very few, began to teach this new art, mostly to the rich, wealthy and influential members of the court. A new wave of fascination and interest had rolled over most of Europe. By the early 1500’s, schools were opened for the purpose of teaching swordplay. It was at this time in 1540 that King Henry the VIII issued the first charter, for a school of this type, to the Company of the London Masters of Defence. A new art was born -- the Art of Defence.

The purpose of the Masters of Defence Guild of Adria is to help promote true historical swordplay - in all forms - and the study of swordplay in the Empire. There are many forms and types of combat provided to us in the combat manual. For the most part, swordplay in Adria has been concerned with the “What”, what target to hit, what weapons to use and what armor you need to wear. It hasn’t been concerned with the “How”, as long as it was done safely. Our combat structure has been based strictly on points, not on how the point was scored.

What we have left is a game of “sword-tag”. The purpose of the guild is to allow its members to study and practice historical “sword-play” in a structured method, without the focus on just points. It places more weight on how the combat takes place, with style and form being more important than touches. By no means does the Guild belittle or criticize the normal combat system or structure, for both types have their place and enjoyment. Instead, the Guild hopes to encourage its members to research and study period styles of swordplay to help enrich the Empire’s overall combat system.

The Masters of Defence Guild will also serve other purposes as well. Besides researching historical styles, it will be a test group for new types of combat and for new weapons for use in the regular lists. It would be a group of experts on combat to play-test and review new ideas, weapons and armor. The Guild would act as an advisor to the Crowns and Ministers of Joust & War. The Guild would also be able to produce training materials, instruction videos, etc., for new members and remote regions to help unify combat in Adria. Most of all, the guild would provide an outlet to Adrians who truly love historical Swordplay.

Guild Officers

Five Ancient Masters: Sir Trakx Greenwood of Castilles
Sir Arion von Schutzhundheim of Brandenburg
Sir Coda der Drachesohn of Esperance
Sir William Baine of Aragon
Sir Nicolas of Tierra del Fuego

Important Papers

Regional Guilds and Groups

Terre Neuve Combat Academy

Guildmaster: Sir Sivax Wartongue
Founded by Sir Sivax Wartongue, this is a pretty informal training ground for combatants, so that it meets the needs of everyone's schedules. He, and the other Academy members, will be present at all Terre Neuve fighter practices in order to train anyone interested in historical swordplay. They try to provide extra weapons and armor for those new members who have need. And they have periodic prize tournaments in which they display their skills, and invite others to do the same.