Cunnan - User contributions [en]

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2006-06-10T15:04:08Z

214.13.216.139:

Shieldwall

2006-06-10T15:01:51Z

214.13.216.139:

A '''shieldwall''' is a [[formation]] line of [[fighter|warriors]] standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their [[shield|shields]] ''locked together'', that is, with edges overlapping and held tightly against each other. This literally locks the line into place, and is extremely difficult to force apart. With sufficient skill and training, however, the shieldwall can be quickly opened and closed to allow other [[fighters]] to slip through the ranks, either to charge or retreat.

Fighters in a shieldwall cannot be attacked on their [[flank]] as they are protected by the shields of their comrades. From behind the shieldwall, fighters with [[polearm|polearms]] or [[archer|bows]] can [[kill]] attackers in relative safety. When attacking a shieldwall, the goal is to punch through and disrupt the entire formation. This is most easily done by employing a tactic called a [[column charge]].
The ends of a shieldwall are called the [[flank|flanks]] and must be protected.

[[category:combat]]

Tactics

2006-06-10T14:56:48Z

214.13.216.139: /* Tactics in the SCA */

'''Tactics''' are, quite simply, [[battle]]plans. The term tactics is used to define the action and direction on the [[battlefield]] itself. [[Strategy]] is usually defined as the planned movement of [[army|armies]] to achieve an overall goal. The provisioning of armies is called [[logistics]].

There is an ancient military [[maxim]] that ''amateurs talk tactics, dilettantes talk strategy, professionals talk logistics'', reflecting the reletive importance of these three things.

== Tactics in the SCA ==
Most [[SCA]] tactics occur within the context of [[team combat]]. Experienced [[commander|commanders]] tend to keep their tactics simple and direct, as suits [[period]] combat. Overly elaborate tactics executed by reletively inexperienced [[fighter|troops]] tend to be self-defeating.

By far the most common tactic in SCA [[combat]] is to form a [[shieldwall]] for tight unit cohesion; then to field [[flank|flankers]] who attempt to get around the vulnerable sides of an enemy [[formation]] or to form a column charge to punch a hole in the enemy wall.

[[category:combat]]