View source for Manual of Arms (MOA)

These are the rules as used at Ragnarok 2017, for current official rules go to our [[Manual of Arms]] page
(this page is still under construction, please forgive formatting errors temporarily)

All Dagorhir Rules are intended for the enjoyment and safety of our participants. Dagorhir
attributes our nationwide success to our sense of priorities behind our rules: safety, playability,
and realism. All weapon safety guidelines and combat rules are stringently enforced at all
times. This keeps the injuries to a minimum and keeps the fun, fun. Rules are kept as simple
as possible, to keep battles exciting and fast-paced, and to keep the system easy to learn.
Though realism plays a role, safety and playability are far more essential. Dagorhir's system is
a proven success after more than 30 years of play-testing.
Detailed below is the current "Manual of Arms". This version includes clarifications and
decisions from the Ragnarok War Councils through 2013. *Along with additions from RWCs
2014 & 2016.
(This Manual of Arms (MOA) is a summary of the Dagorhir rules. The Manual of Arms was
originally based on the 1988 Dagorhir Aratari Manual of Arms which was, in turn, a distillation of
the rules contained in the 1980 Dagorhir Handbook (Library of Congress Catalog Card Number
TXu 50-026) which was comprised of both the original ruleset and Aratari-specific rules.. This
MOA is included under the copyright to the New Millennium Dagorhir Handbook (Library of
Congress Catalog Number Txu 1-102-610). Numbering has been added for reference purposes.
Dagorhir is a very physical sport. While serious injuries are very rare, minor injuries such as
bruises, muscle strains, and skinned knuckles can result from being hit by Dagorhir weapons
and/or tripping, accidentally smashing one's hand into that of another participant, or running into
a tree, etc.)
---------------
"Rule Zero"
Dagorhir is a game of honor. In all aspects of Dagorhir, common sense supersedes loopholes.
In applying the rules, safety comes first, followed by playability, then "realism." Please read the
rules thoroughly (several times is recommended). The rules are written to be self-explanatory,
clear, and detailed, but not every angle of every situation can been covered. Often a rule is
clarified later in the same (or subsequent) paragraph. Loopholes will not even be considered by
the Heralds (referees), check-in personnel, officials, or other players.

1 - Participation

 1.1 - The minimum age for participation in Dagorhir battle games is 16; however, some
Dagorhir Chapters may choose to raise or lower this limit for their Chapter.

 1.2 - All participants must sign a release form before they will be allowed to participate in
any Dagorhir event. For those who are under 18, a legal guardian must sign the release
form with either a notary or a member of the Dagorhir check-in staff as witness.

 1.3 - All participants are required to wear a costume ("garb") that meets or preferably
exceeds minimum Dagorhir requirements as seen below. The intent of this rule is to
maintain a non-obtrusive appearance appropriate to a fantasy/medieval setting at
Dagorhir events. Garb is required on the battlefield and is strongly encouraged when in
public areas. How a player dresses while in a private camp is not regulated by these
rules; however garb at all times is strongly encouraged. The event staff reserves the
right to make certain areas, functions, gatherings, or the entire event garb required.
Proper garb not only benefits the player, but enhances the experience of other players
and improves the overall atmosphere of the event.

  1.3.1 - A tunic, shirt, dress, or vest of crotch length or longer. Bare chest is
acceptable if allowed by law and or camp/event rules, but only if the rest of the
costume meets or exceeds minimum garb standards. Clarification: Obviously
modern clothing such as sweat-pants, pajama pants, modern skirts, etc is not
acceptable.

   1.3.2 – Non-obtrusive pants, kilt, skirt, leggings, or similar leg-ware. Bare legs are
acceptable.

    1.3.3 – Non-obtrusive footwear (moccasins, earth-tone shoes, boots, sandals,
etc.). Bare feet are acceptable if allowed by the event rules.

 1.4 - Forbidden Garments, Patterns/Logos, and Equipment: The intent of this rule is to
limit the amount of obviously modern looking items at the event. It is sometimes possible
to wear modern clothing in a way (by modification or concealment for example) that it is
not considered forbidden. A herald or member of the event

  1.4.2 - Real swords, knives, or weapons of any sort (even in sheaths or cases)
may not be worn or carried during Dagorhir combat.

   1.4.3 - Weapons, shields, garb, and armor may not have clearly mundane logos
 or prints, nor may be made with fluorescent/neon colors.

    1.4.4 - Cleats and spikes are not permitted on the battlefield.

      1.4.5 – The event staff reserves the right to allow certain forbidden garments to
accommodate special needs, because of weather conditions, etc. These
exceptions will be made on a case by case basis. Players are encouraged to
overcome this with proper garb when it is possible.

 1.5 - If non-Dagorhir spectators, parental guardians, service staff, or similar bystanders
are present at an event, the event staff determines if they are required to wear garb.
This is handled on a case by case basis.
Examples of minimal, optimal, and illegal garb:

2 - General Rules

 2.1 - Event organizers reserve the right to eject or exclude any person from a Dagorhir
event for the following reasons:

  2.1.1 - Violating local, county, state, or federal laws which impact Dagorhir or
Dagorhir events, including but not limited to violations which endanger the safety
 of Dagorhir members, spectators, or bystanders; violations which endanger
Dagorhir's use of facilities; violations of Dagorhir's intellectual property rights
(including but not limited to using Dagorhir' name without legal permission and
 theft of copyrighted material from Dagorhir, Dagorhir chapters, or units); etc.

   2.1.2 - Endangering the safety of persons or property, including actions
demonstrating intent to cause actual injuries or harm on the Dagorhir battlefield.

    2.1.3 - Endangering Dagorhir's ability to use event facilities and/or related
equipment

     2.1.4 - Abusive language or other behavior unbecoming of a Dagorhir member
using a "reasonable person" standard.

      2.1.5 - Disobeying the Dagorhir-related requests and instructions of those in
charge of events.

       2.1.6 - Anything not noted above but negatively impacts a Dagorhir event or is
deemed to cast Dagorhir as a whole in an unsuitable manner; using a
 "reasonable person" standard.

 2.2 - The Herald (Dagorhir Referee) is the primary authority responsible for interpreting
and enforcing these rules on the battlefield.

  2.2.1 - A Herald has the right to remove anyone from the field for behaviors
described above.

3 - Types of Combat and Damage

 3.1 - As stated previously, in combat, common sense supersedes perceived loopholes.
 In all manners concerning these rules, Heralds and event organizers shall have final
 say. When resolving rules questions, Heralds shall consider the matter according to the
following criteria: safety first, playability second, and "realism" last.

 3.2 - Weapon Combat: To "kill" or "wound" someone in Dagorhir, you must use a
 weapon which has passed safety inspection for that event.

  3.2.1 - All weapons must be checked and marked by weapons checkers appointed by
 the event organizer before they may be used in combat.

   3.2.2 - There are five classifications of weapon types, divided into melee and
projectile weapons, which are designated by colored tape: Blue, Red, Green,
Yellow and White. Players are never allowed to strike to the head with melee
weapons. Airborne missile weapons a

   3.2.2.2 - Red melee weapons are longer hacking and smashing weapons
intended to be used primarily with two hands. A red weapon must be
 used with both hands to count as a red weapon; if used with a single
 hand, it counts as a blue weapon.

    3.2.2.3 - Green melee weapons are stabbing weapons, such as spears,
sword points, daggers, and stabbing points on pole arms.

     3.2.2.4 - Yellow projectile weapons include arrows, crossbow
bolts/quarrels, and thrown javelins. Arrows and crossbow bolts may never
be used as hand weapons; however, hand-held javelins may be used as
green melee weapons.

      3.2.2.5 - White projectile weapons are rocks and other blunt-force
 projectile weapons which only must be thrown and are only legal to the
 head.

 3.3 - Hit Locations: Hit locations include Torso, Leg, Arm, Head and Neck, Feet and
Hands

  3.3.1 - Torso: shoulders (including arm sockets), chest, stomach, crotch, sides,
back, and buttocks.

   3.3.2 - Leg: From the top of the foot (including ankle) to the torso (below the
buttocks).

    3.3.3 - Arm: From point where hand joins the wrist to the shoulder socket

     3.3.4 - Head: Off limits to all weapon/shield strikes except yellow and white
projectile weapons.

      3.3.5 - Neck: Off limits to all weapon/shield strikes except yellow and white
projectile weapons. NOTE: Neck is unaffected by hits from white projectile
weapons.

       3.3.6 - Hands and Feet: Intentionally blocking any blow with a hand which is not
gripping a weapon or the handle of a shield results in the loss of that arm.
Intentionally blocking any blow with a foot results in the loss of that leg. Gripping
the blade or point of your opponent's weapon with your hand results in the loss of
that arm.

       3.3.7 - Hands and feet are unaffected by weapon hits if:

         3.3.7.1 - The foot is on the ground; if the foot is in the air when it is hit, it is
considered a hit to the leg.

          3.3.7.2 - Hands are holding a weapon or the handle of a shield. When not
holding anything, hands are considered part of the arm.

 3.4 - Judging Hits:

  3.4.1 - A hit from a handheld weapon counts when the weapon's striking surface
hits with sufficient force. Clarification: taps, grazing, and glancing shots do not
count as sufficient force.

   3.4.2 - Hits from projectile weapons count when the head of the weapon merely
strikes the target: stopping or being slightly deflected.

 3.5 - Weapon damage varies according to weapon type and whether the target area is
armored. See the Dagorhir Combat Quick Reference Chart for a one-page matrix
showing the effect of each color of weapon against armored and unarmored
 target areas.

4 - Weapons

 4.1 - General

  4.1.1 - All weapons are subject to rejection for any safety or construction
discrepancies as determined by the weapons checkers appointed by the event
organizers.

   4.1.2 - Weapons Checkers and Heralds have the final say in determining how to
classify a weapon, e.g., whether a weapon with a circular cross-section is a
"sword" or a "club."

    4.1.3 - A safe Dagorhir weapon is one which when used as intended will NOT
 result in bruises, break bones, or knock out teeth if an unarmored person is
 struck with a full-strength swing.

     4.1.3.1 -In order to ensure Rule 4.1.3, before being allowed onto the field,
all weapons are tested at full force, by event appointed Weapons
Checkers, unless previously failed by weapons checking staff for safety.

      4.1.4 - All weapons must have cloth covering over all striking surfaces

       4.1.5 -Two-and-a-half-inch rule: No part of a weapon's striking surface, whether
the tip, the edge, the face or any other part, may pass easily more than 0.5"
through a 2.5" diameter hole when tested in the direction of the strike.

        4.1.6 - Two-inch rule: No non-striking component of a weapon, such as a cross
guard, a non-striking tip, or a pommel, may pass easily more than 0.5" through a
 2" diameter hole when tested perpendicular to the striking surface or shaft of the
weapon.
4.1.7 - The flat (non-striking surface) of bladed weapons must be safely padded
 to prevent injury from hits from the flat of the blade.
4.1.8 - Hafts on axes, flails, maces, polearms, and the like must be safely padded
except for a reasonable area for a handhold. This means the haft padding on
swung weapons must be as safe as their striking surface. The haft on spears
(which are thrusting-only weapons) is not required to be as heavily-padded as
 that of a swung weapon.
4.1.9 - No swung weapon may have more than 1/3 of its overall length
 unpadded, nor have more than 30" unpadded. (Duplicate of Restriction 4.1.11.7)
4.1.10 - Single-edged weapons such as glaives and cutlasses must have their
non-striking edge clearly marked with a 12-inch piece of silver or gray tape at
 least 1 inch wide.
4.1.11 - Restrictions:
4.1.11.1 - The pommel of a weapon must be padded to prevent injury in
 the event of an accidental "hit" and must not easily go through a 2
inch-diameter hole.
4.1.11.2 - All swung weapons must conform to the following:
4.1.11.2.1 - Blue weapons of 18” or more must weigh at least 12
ounces. Under that length does not need to meet a weight or
balance requirement. (Updated RWC 2016)
4.1.11.2.2 - Red weapons must weigh at least 24 ounces
4.1.11.2.3 - Balance above the un-padded handle section.
4.1.11.3 - The shaft or blade of a red or blue weapon may not flex greater
than 45 degrees when the weapon is swung in the plane/direction of the
striking surface.
4.1.11.4 - The shaft of a spear or javelin may not flex greater than 90
degrees under reasonable testing stress.
4.1.11.5 - No weapons other than aluminum-shafted arrows may have
metal cores.
4.1.11.6 - No weapon may have a spike or blade at the butt (pommel)
 end. Note that double-ended weapons (below) may have stabbing points
 at ends; this is different from a blue sword with a green stabbing spike on
 the pommel.
4.1.11.7 - No swung weapon may have more than 1/3 of its overall length
unpadded, nor have more than 30 total inches unpadded.
4.1.11.8 - Double-ended weapons such as quarter staves are always
considered to be blue weapons.
4.1.11.9 - Any weapon with a wooden core must have all wood covered
with tape.
4.1.11.10 - Disallowed weapons include but are not limited to: Nets,
 lassos, pungee sticks, nunchucks, tonfas, double-ended daggers, punch
 dagger
4.1.12 - Miscellaneous - Whenever you strike an opponent from behind,
simultaneously call out the color of your weapon ("Red!" "One-Handed Green!")
 so that your opponent will know how to react. If a weapon color is not called out,
expect that your opponent will treat it as a hit from a blue weapon, the most
common weapon encountered on the battlefield. (Incorrect placing. Duplicate
 of Miscellaneous Combat Info 4.10.1)
4.2 - Blue Weapons
4.2.1 - Blue weapons are edged (hacking) or mass (smashing) melee weapons
intended primarily for one-handed use.
4.2.2 - Blue weapons must have a minimum total length of 12 inches and a
maximum total length less than 48
4.3 - Red Weapons
4.3.1 - Red melee weapons are long hacking and smashing weapons intended to
be used primarily with two hands.
4.3.2 - A swung weapon (sword, axe, mace, glaive, halberd, etc.), 48 inches or
longer is considered a red weapon when swung with two hands
4.3.3 - A red weapon used with one hand counts as a blue weapon for damage
4.3.4 - Red weapons may have green stabbing tips.
4.3.5 - Red weapons go through armor on the first hit when used two-handed
4.3.6 - All Red weapons when used two-handed can destroy a shield with two
solid blows from their legal striking surface (e.g., a solid hit from the haft of a
 glaive would not count). Blows which are mostly blocked by another weapon and
 light or glancing hits to a shield do not count as "shield breaking" hits. The fighter
 wielding the shield judges if the blows are solid "shield-breaking" red hits;
 however, the physical size of the fighter delivering the blows must always be
 considered; i.e., a "solid" hit from a smaller, lighter person will generally feel
 "lighter" than one from a more massive fighter.
4.3.7 - Red weapons must weigh at least 24 ounces and balance above the top
 of the hand-grip.
4.4 - Green Weapons
4.4.1 - Green weapons are stabbing weapons, such as spears, sword points,
daggers, and stabbing points on pole arms.
4.4.2 - One-hand green thrusts do not penetrate armor, including "pool-cue" style
thrusts where the spear slides through one hand while being pushed with the
other.
4.4.3 - To penetrate armor, a green weapon must be thrust with both hands from
the beginning of the thrust until it has connected solidly with the target.
4.4.4 - Spears must have at least 1/3 of the haft padded, but because spears are
strictly thrusting weapons (as opposed to hacking weapons), the padding does
 not have to be as thick as on a hacking weapon.
4.5 - Yellow Weapons
4.5.1 - General
4.5.1.1 - Yellow weapons must be used at half-drawn (arrows) or thrown
with half force (javelins) at ranges closer than 20 feet.
4.5.1.2 - A yellow weapon must travel its own length through the air after
 it is released to count as a legal hit.
4.5.1.3 - Yellow weapons do no damage if they strike shields and
Dagorhir-legal head/neck armor such as a helmet or coif.
4.5.1.4 - Players may not ever carry another fighter's missile weapons
around without the owner's express permission. You may return fire with
missiles that have been shot/thrown at you, but if you leave the
 immediate area where the missiles were fired/thrown, you may not take
 any missiles other than your own with you. Players must always return the
 owner's missiles to the owner upon request.
4.5.2 - Javelins:
4.5.2.1 - The maximum weight of a javelin is 1.5 pounds.
4.5.2.2 - Javelins must be between 4 and 7 feet in length.
4.5.2.3 - Because they may be used as both thrown- and hand-weapons,
all javelins must pass standards for both yellow and green classifications;
"yellow only" javelins are not allowed.
4.5.2.4 - All javelins must have a yellow cover on the head (not on the
pommel). No other weapons may have a yellow cover. This is to clearly
show in the heat of battle which end of a javelin is safe to throw at the
enemy.
4.5.2.5 - Javelins are exempt from weapon flex rule and instead must not
flex more than 90 degrees.
4.5.2.6 - Any block which stops the head of the javelin from striking its
target is a legal block, including catching the javelin by the shaft or
 blocking it with any weapon.
4.5.2.7 - Javelins must be padded along their entire length.
4.5.2.8 - Javelins may not easily pass (<0.5") through a 3.5" diameter
 hole. The softer padded face of the javelin must be at least 3.5" wide in all
directions. The stiffer structural base foam must be at least 3" in diameter
where it meets the open cell face foam.
4.5.3 - Archery:
4.5.3.1 - All bows must have a draw weight of 35 pounds or less at 28
inches draw.
4.5.3.2 - Compound (pulley) bows are not allowed.
4.5.3.3 - Crossbows must have a maximum draw weight of 35 lbs with a
draw length of 12"
4.5.3.4 - Arrows must always be shot; they can never be used as hand
weapons.
4.5.3.5 - To be an archer at an event, a player must bring at least 2
 passing arrows to the field.
4.5.3.6 - If an arrow is deflected, even minutely, it is considered to have
 hit.
4.5.3.6.1 - An arrow must strike with its head to cause a hit.
4.5.3.7 - Once an arrow has hit an object (changed its path) it is
 harmless. An arrow cannot strike multiple targets.
4.5.3.8 - To better simulate the speed and power of real arrows in flight,
 the only things which can stop arrows are shields or Dagorhir-legal head
 armor such as a helmet or coif. Arrows cannot be caught, blocked,
 deflected, or knocked out of the air by anything else, including hands,
 feet, weapons, or other equipment. If an arrow is blocked intentionally with
 anything other than a body part, shield, or head armor, the fighter doing
 the blocking is dead automatically.
4.5.3.9 - Bows may be used to turn aside thrusts without suffering any
damage. However, if a bow is hacked or smashed by a red or blue
weapon, the bow is considered broken. A healer may heal a bow.
4.5.3.10 - Archers are allowed to call shots for clarity, i.e., they may call
 out to let their target know where a hit landed or if the hit was "good," as
 in the case of a glancing or ricocheting arrow.
4.5.3.11 - If an arrow strikes a limb which has already been hacked or
smashed by a blue or red weapon, the arrow is considered to have
continued as if the limb were not there, hitting whatever is in its path.
4.5.3.12 - If a weapon accidentally blocks an arrow from hitting a target,
 the arrow is considered to have hit the target anyway.
4.5.3.13 - If an arrow hits a fighter's hand, that arm is lost (regardless of
whether the hand held a weapon or shield).
4.5.3.14 - If an arrow hits a foot which is off the ground, that leg is lost.
4.5.3.15 - Arrows:
4.5.3.15.1 - All arrow shafts over 28" in length are required to have
a draw stop (generally a ring of tape around the shaft) placed
between 27" and 28" down the shaft from inside of the nock.
(Udated RWC 2016)
4.5.3.15.2 - Arrows may not easily pass (<0.5") through a 2.5"
diameter hole. The softer padded face of the arrow must be at
 least 2.5" wide in all directions. The stiffer structural base foam
 must be at least 2" in diameter where it meets the open cell face
 foam.
4.5.3.15.3 - All arrows must contain a circular metal disk
 measuring at least 3/4 of an inch in diameter and 1/16 of an inch
 thick (the size of a penny) secured perpendicularly (flat) at the end
 of the shaft, unless it is an arrow with a golf tube shaft. In this
 case, a washer or disk slightly larger than the golf tube's rolled
 edge must be used instead. All circular disks must be at least the
 hardness of a penny. (Updated RWC 2016)
4.5.3.15.4 - All arrow striking surfaces must be constructed of
open-cell foam.
4.5.3.15.5 - All arrows must have at least two full vanes/fletchings
(feathers) and a nock.
4.5.3.15.6 - Only duct (cloth) or strapping tape may be used in
arrow construction.
4.5.3.15.7 - All wooden arrows must have their shafts wrapped in
tape.
4.5.3.15.8 - There can be no tape on the striking surface of an
arrow
4.5.3.15.9 - The head of the arrow must not be able to be moved
easily from side to side.
4.5.3.15.10 - In order to avoid confusing golf tube arrows with
javelins, no arrow using a golf tube shaft may have a yellow cover.
4.6 - White Weapons:
4.6.1 - Rocks must be at least 4" in diameter and constructed of foam with a little
tape as possible, and all aspects of their construction must conform to the 2 1/2
inch rule.
4.6.2 - The maximum weight of a rock is 1.5 pounds.
4.6.3 - Rocks must be thrown; a fighter may never strike another fighter with a
hand-held rock.
4.7 - Shields:
4.7.1 - Shields must be safely padded on the front and all edges. Any dangerous
protrusions (bolts, handles, etc.) on the rear must be taped and/or padded for the
user's safety.
4.7.2 - A shield maybe used or worn in any manner, and it will still remain a
 shield; e.g., a shield may be carried on the arm, held in one or two hands, worn
 on the back, or propped against a fighter's side.
4.7.3 - A fighter may wear or carry only one shield at a time in combat.
4.7.4 - A shield may not be taller than the distance between the wielder's chin
 and their ankles, nor wider than 3 feet.
4.7.5 - The minimum diameter of a shield is 12 inches.
4.7.6 - Shields may be virtually any shape, but must have handles and/or
arm-straps. If a shield is made to strap onto the body and has no means to carry
 it on the fighter's arm, it is not allowed. As with all weapons rules,
 Weapons-Checkers and Heralds have the final say in determining what is a
 shield versus what is armor.
4.7.7 - All Red weapons when used two-handed can destroy a shield with two
solid blows from their legal striking surface (e.g., a solid hit from the haft of a
 glaive would not count). Blows which are mostly blocked by another weapon and
 light or glancing hits to a shield do not count as "shield breaking" hits. The fighter
 wielding the shield judges if the blows are solid "shield-breaking" red hits;
 however, the physical size of the fighter delivering the blows must always be
 considered; i.e., a "solid" hit from a smaller, lighter person will generally feel
 "lighter" than one from a more massive fighter. (Duplicate of Red Weapon/Shield
 Info 4.3.6)
4.7.8 - When a shield is destroyed by two red-weapon hits, the wielder of the
shield must immediately drop the shield. Additional hits from any type of weapon
that strike before the shield is dropped count as though the shield isn't there
(generally counting first against the shield-wielder's arm, then their torso).
4.7.9 - Anvilling, laying a weapon on a shield or body art to avoid taking damage
 is not permitted. Thus, a weapon must intercept the red weapon before it strikes
the shield. If the blocking weapon is driven back against the shield by the hit from
the red weapon, it does not constitute anvilling. If the red weapon continues past
the attempted block with significant force, the blow still counts as a red-weapon
 hit. (Incorrect placing. Duplicate of info in Miscellaneous Combat Info 4.10.3)
4.7.10 - Fighters may use a red weapon while also using a shield.
4.7.11 - Shield "spikes" are for ornamentation only and do no damage.
4.7.12 - Shield Kicking: Players are allowed to kick shields, provided the kicker
keeps one foot on the ground. (No flying kicks!) Shield kicking must be done with
regard for the safety of other fighters and will be monitored carefully by the
Heralds.
4.7.13 – Shields may be covered in non-latex based soft plastic sealant (e.g.
Plasti-dip) as an alternative to cloth as long as they pass all other requirements.
4.8 - Shield Bashing and Checking:
4.8.1 - A shield bash means using a shield to strike an opponent starting from a
distance more than two steps away.
4.8.2 - A shield check means using a shield to strike an opponent starting from a
distance two steps away or closer.
4.8.3 - Players may shield bash an opponent on their front or side. Bashing an
opponent from the rear is prohibited. Bashing an opponent who has lost a leg is
prohibited.
4.8.4 - Players may shield check an opponent from any direction. Players may
shield check opponents who have lost a leg.
4.8.5 - It is never permissible to strike a fighter in the head or neck with a shield.
4.9 - Grappling:
4.9.1 - Grappling is defined as wrestling in a safe and reasonable manner,
attempting to subdue or unbalance your opponent without strikes, throws, or
joint/nerve holds.
4.9.2 - A person in armor or rigid plastic safety equipment or carrying a bow
 and/or arrows may never initiate a grapple.
4.9.3 - Players are not allowed to initiate a grapple starting more than two steps
away from an opponent.
4.9.4 - Grappling from behind should be done with great caution and will be
 closely monitored by Heralds for safety.
4.9.5 - Body checks (blocking your opponent's movement using one's body) are
allowed.
4.9.6 - Punching and kicking are never allowed, except in the case of shield kicks
as outlined above.
4.9.7 - An unarmored fighter may choose to initiate a grapple with any opponent,
including those who are armored or carrying bows or arrows.
4.10 - Miscellaneous:
4.10.1 - Whenever you strike an opponent from behind, simultaneously call out
 the color of your weapon ("Red!" "One-Handed Green!") so that your opponent
 will know how to react. If a weapon color is not called out, expect that your
 opponent will treat it as a hit from a blue weapon, the most common weapon
 encountered on the battlefield.
4.10.2 - Strikes ignore sheathed weapons (i.e., one that is attached/hanging from
one's belt or over one's back) or any other worn object, including baggy clothing
such as cloaks. If an attack would have made legal contact with a fighter had the
object been absent, then it should be counted as a hit. A weapon must be in a
fighter's hand to intercept an attack.
4.10.3 - Anvilling, the act of laying one's weapon on a shield or body part to avoid
taking damage, is not permitted.
5 - Armor
5.1 - General
5.1.1 - All types of armor provide the same level of protection.
5.1.1.1 - Armor is subject to the same restrictions as garb with regards to
resemblance to modern clothing and incorporation of modern symbols.
Armor may not be constructed in such a way as to resemble clearly
 modern hats, caps, jackets, trousers, etc. (this is not an exhaustive list)
 nor may it incorporate clearly modern symbols and designs. Armor does
 not waive the garb requirement for the wearer unless all modern clothing
 is completely covered by the armor.
5.1.1.2 - Only items specifically constructed as armor and recognizable as
armor shall be counted as armor. Armor shall be counted as such only
when worn as intended. No item with an obvious function other than
 armor, such as straps, quivers, pouches, boots, scabbards, bandoleers,
 etc. (this is not an exhaustive list) shall be considered to be armor
 regardless of the material of its construction.
5.1.2 - Armor protects only the area it covers: e.g., one hit from a blue weapon to
an unarmored elbow results in the loss of that arm, even if the rest of the arm is
armored.
5.1.2.1 - Hits to areas that are both armored and unarmored must be
 taken to the unarmored area. Gaps in armor coverage of ¾” or less shall
 be ignored.
5.1.3 - Armor may not be concealed and must remain visible to other fighters.
Players may wear a surcoat or tabard over armor so long as the armor is easily
visible.
5.1.3.1 - Items of garb that appear to be armor, at the discretion of either
the events’ armor checker or garb checker, or any herald, may not be
 worn on the field.
5.1.4 - The front, back, and sides of any part of the body are considered a single
strike zone for armor coverage. Hits anywhere on armor on the left leg are
considered hits to the "left leg armor," and hits to a fighter's armored chest, sides,
and back are considered hits to the "torso armor" even if the hits land on different
pieces of armor such as a breastplate and backplate. Think of armor protection in
Dagorhir this way: armor lessens the damage from some types of hits, but does
not eliminate damage entirely. Henc
5.1.13 - No one wearing armor or rigid safety gear may initiate grappling.
5.1.14 - Rigid body armor including helmets must not have projections which
protrude more than 1/2 inch from the armor.
5.1.15 - Rigid armor including helmets must have no spikes or points and must
have blunted edges.
5.1.16 - Armor must not be able to catch any appendages such as fingers.
5.1.17 - Armor must be passed by heralds from two separate realms, assuming
 an inter-realm event.
5.2 - Metal Armor: (Includes 2014 changes)
5.2.1 - Metal armor may be made of iron, steel, bronze, brass, or copper, or
titanium. Aluminum and other modern alloys are not allowed.
5.2.2 - The minimum thickness of non-chainmail metal armor is 0.9mm (usually
called 19 gauge).
5.2.3 - Chainmail, defined as armor constructed solely of interconnected metal
rings, must not be able to have it's weave penetrated by a 3/8” thick rod (dowel)
 in order to pass as armor.
5.2.4 – The maximum thickness of metal armor is 1/8”.
5.2.5 - Rigid metal hand, knee or elbow armor is forbidden (ring or chainmail is
permitted).
5.2.6 - Helmets may not have non-period grills. (most “SCA” helmets have
non-period grills)
5.3 - Leather Armor:
5.3.1 - The minimum thickness for leather armor is 3/16 inch and may be
 achieved by layering several pieces of thin leather.
5.3.2 - Armor that is metal studded or scaled, or has metal brigandine plates or
rings, based on non-armor backing, can only be counted as armor if the
studs/scales/plates/rings are not more than ¾” apart. This can be easily tested
 by moving a penny around the surface of the armor. If at any time the penny is
completely flat on the backing without touching any studs/scales/plates/rings, the
armor fails.
5.4 - Armor may not be constructed of plastic or other non-period materials.
6 - Wounds and Healing
6.1 - When in doubt of any of these rules, ask a Herald.
6.2 - When killed, scream and fall to a prone position on the ground.
6.3 - When you lose an arm, drop anything that is in that hand and put the arm behind
your back. Do not switch equipment from the lost arm to your non-injured arm (this so
called "magic switch" is specifically prohibited). Do not use your "lost" arm to aid in
 shield checking, shield bashing, or grappling.
6.3.1 - If the arm was hacked or smashed with a blue or red weapon, any other
strike to the same arm counts as a torso hit, because in the Dagorhir combat
 rules the arm would not be there to intercept the hit.
6.4 - If you lose a leg, you must immediately kneel on that knee. To move from place to
place you must either crawl, dragging the injured leg, or have comrades carry you.
Hopping around on your uninjured leg is not allowed. However, you may make a lunge
 off the good leg toward an opponent. Any strike to a leg that has already been lost does
 not count. If both legs are wounded, you may only "knee walk", drag yourself by your
 arms, or be carried in order to move.
6.5 - If both knees are on the ground, and the leg wound is from a hacking or smashing
weapon then any hit to either leg is considered a hit on the good leg.
6.6 - If the target is lunging/rolling around and has a wounded leg (hacking or smashing)
and is hit in either leg (even the one already hit) it is considered a hit on the good leg.
6.7 - If you have two limbs hacked or smashed by red and/or blue weapons, the result is
death. Wounds from green and yellow weapons do not count towards this rule, even if
they are inflicted by the green stabbing point of a red or blue weapon.
6.8 - If asked, a fighter must accurately describe their current armor damage and wound
status. Players may never fake death or wounds during a battle to mislead opponents.
6.8.1 - Because kneeling is how we show wounds to a leg, kneeling during combat isn't
allowed. Crouching is allowed as long as neither knee is touching the ground.
6.9 - At no time may the dead speak to the living, unless it is to shout a safety warning
 that is "outside" of Dagorhir combat; e.g., "Look out, you're about to step off a cliff!"
6.10 - Healing
6.10.1 - The Healer cannot heal her/himself or their own equipment.
6.10.2 - To heal a person, the Healer must be in direct physical contact with the
injured person.
6.10.3 - A healer may not heal a person while either are under direct attack. If the
Healer or injured person is attacked or distracted, or contact is broken for any
reason, the entire Poem of Healing must be read or recited again.
6.10.4 - A Poem of Healing must then be recited or read aloud. The minimum
length of a poem of healing is 180 syllables and must be approved at event
check-in.
6.10.5 - When the healer completes reading the Healing Poem, all wounds and
any items held by the wounded fighter are healed or repaired (i.e. armor, bow,
shield, etc.).