Duels and scenes of war

Dueling is an integral part of life for a mercenary encampment.  It sharpens skills needed in battle
as well as giving bragging rights and putting the swagger in a soldier's step.  For the very young,
the camp rats, learning fighting skills and camp chores are their initiation into a soldier's society.  

This section is composed to two groups of photographs:  the first gives a glimpse into exhibition
fighting as seen at various events.  The second group of photographs highlights the semi-annual
event known as The Prize.


                  

                 
  
                 

                     

                   

               

 

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The Prize is a single-elimination tournament held semi-annually, on the national level in June,
and state level in December.  The term 'prizefighting' derives its roots from this event.  The cul-
mination of this event is the final round of competition of the rapier and dagger, which are con-
sidered a gentleman's weapons.  Winner of the final round wins the Prize, a large silver cup.   As
this competition is part of the activities of a reenactment society,  competitors must also put up
items as a bet on their performance, the items corollating with their status within the group.  
Winner of the Prize takes all.  

There are also other events in the tournament - the dagger tournament, and the saber tournament.
The dagger is considered a weapon of the lower classes.  As such, the bets for the dagger tournament
are consistent with the poorer grittier side of seventeenth century existence.  The saber is an eastern
weapon, and all bets for the saber tournament must reflect eastern origins.