[MR] Archery in volleys?

[Siegfried Sebastian Faust]

At 02:20 PM 7/29/2003 -0400, Andrew Barrett wrote:
>Do combat archers in Atlantia often employ that sort of tactic, or as in 
>the Midrealm, is it the tendency to aim for individuals? I only ask, 
>because I'd love to practice with a group of archers who employ similar 
>tactics, so I could learn them.

We have been known to use volley tactics.  However, they are short lived.

The problem, is the length of our battlefields, and the range of our arrows.

In period, with strong war bows, shots to 300yds were not uncommon, and 
150yds and such were regular shooting.  In this type of situation, the 
archers have a long time (300 yds worth) to send in a rain of arrows upon 
the enemies while they approach.

In our combat, first of all, our arrows/bolts can, at best, go around 
50yds.  In fact, they often don't go that far.  Add to that, that, except 
at Pennsic/Gulf Wars perhaps, 50yds is probably the maximum length of the 
field in the first place.  (Hrmmm, is Crusades longer?  Having trouble 
remembering)  But most local events with fighters will have much shorter 
distances.

Even if the archers have a chance to take the 50yard shot, by the time they 
have reloaded, the enemy is upon them.  I have known the archers to get a 
second volley, when the enemy chose to walk slowly.  Therefore, it isn't a 
very effective tactic.  Although, it is very cool (IMO) to be in the front 
line as a shieldman, and to be marching forward, seeing the arrows from 
your own archers come down in front of you towards the enemy.

Finally, I should like to add a point about the specific 'two arrow' tactic 
you are talking about.  This tactic, as it may have been used in the middle 
ages, could have only been used at shorter ranges, where the first arrow 
was fired at a greater than 45 degree angle.  Giving it enough time in 
flight for it to meet the second, flatter arrow that was fired.  While 
perhaps very effective in period to have arrows literally coming straight 
down amongst the fighters... it is not effective in the SCA (at least most 
kingdoms) where the top and sides of the helm are proof against arrows 
(just as they are proof against thrusts).  Plus the fighter does need to 
know what hit them.  If they feel a 'thunk' on the top of their shoulder, 
look over and see nothing, then they are going to keep walking 
forward.  Again, not an effective use of your ammo.

So in summation, yes, we sometimes do volley fire, but mostly because it is 
fun and looks cool.   Not because it is effective, and not very often, as 
we don't get the chance.

Siegfried



_________________________________________________________________________
THL Siegfried Sebastian Faust     Baronial Web Minister & Archery Marshal
Barony of Highland Foorde        http://highland-foorde.atlantia.sca.org/