MEDIEVAL
ARCHERY AND PROJECTILES GLOSSARY
Combat
Point: the padded head of a quarrel. Also the intended
striking surface of the quarrel.
Draw:
The distance from a bow's string, at rest, to the string when
pulled into the firing position.
Inchpounds:
The number determined by multiplying the length of the draw
in inches by the pounds of pull at the locked position on
the string. Example: fifty pounds of pull on the string at
the locked position after having a draw of 10 inches equals
500 inchpounds. An acceptable strength for a crossbow.
No-firing
zone: The zone(s) or areas that have been designated
by the Marshal as illegal areas for the firing/throwing of
any kind of projectiles. Any target that might otherwise be
considered a legal target may not be attacked with any kind
of missile fire when the would-be target's positioning would
jeopardize the No-Firing Zone.
Quarrel:
An arrow or bolt to be fired by a bow or crossbow.
Secondary/
backup weapon: An additional SCA legal weapon carried
by a Combatant which is intended to be used only as a backup
in the event the primary weapon is dropped, lost, etc.. Such
a weapon is not normally in hand during the Combat, but can
be carried attached to the Combatant in some manner so as
to be readily available or may be laid nearby.
Siege
Engine: Any mechanical device that is designed to
launch projectiles. Such devices are usually large and must
be stationary when fired. Examples include catapults, trebuchets,
ballistas, etc..
Stop:
A rigid disk, usually made of wood, designed to cap the shaft
of a quarrel that prevents the shaft from punching through
the padding of the point.
Strength:
The string tension measured in pounds when the bow or crossbow
is pulled to it's maximum allowable draw. The measurement
is taken at the point of the string where the quarrel would
normally be placed for firing.
Striking
Surface: The part of any weapon that is designed
to strike an opponent. In this case, the striking surface
refers to the area of the combat point that is padded and
assumed to be sharp and lethal.
Vanes:
The feather or plastic guides applied near the base of the
shaft that adds to the stability of a quarrels flight.
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