All competitors are encouraged to bring a behord crest for display, regardless of intention to compete in the behord mêlée.
Size Requirement
We are striving to re-create the look of a 15th century medieval tournament as described by King René and as illustrated in period manuscripts. Therefore there is a single size requirement:
make your crest about as big as your head
Why so large? For a historically accurate look. All of the manuscripts show this to be about the correct scale.
For reference, here are some period illustrations with examples. The first two are from King René's tournament book, the second row is from the 14th century flemish manuscript The Romance of Alexander and the third and fourth rows are from the Manesse Codex.
Functional Requirements (behord mêlée competitors only)
For competitors entering the behord mêlée, the crest must also:
- be dislodgeable by a reasonably light blow
- be attached with a "keeper" so that it does not tumble to the ground once dislodged
If you intend to use velcro to attach the crest to the helmet, the Madrone Equestrian Guild standard is to put the loop side of the velcro on the crest and the hook side of the velcro on the helmet. There is no requirement for you to do it this way, but this is good for interchangeability should your crest disintegrate and you might need to borrow one to keep fighting.
Oversight
If a question arises about a crest (smaller than everyone elses, doesn't come off easily enough, not rigid, etc.) it will be resolved by the judges.
Crest FAQ's
- Why can't I use my 4 inch high crest, which is the minimum according to the SCA behord rules?
- Because we're trying to recreate the look of a historical tournament.
- Won't a big crest be easier to hit?
- Yes. Practice blocking.
- I'm going to use velcro to attach the crest. How much can I use?
- As much as it takes to keep the crest on during normal riding but still allow the crest to be knocked off by a reasonably light blow.
- How are you going to define "a reasonably light blow?"
- The judges will attempt to dislodge the crests of behord mêlée competitors before the mêlée itself. They will decide whether any adjustments are necessary. The wishes of competitors wishing to display a nice crest but not have it receive any blows will be respected.
- What if the judges deem my crest to be unsatisfactory?
- We'll loan you one, with the loop side of the velcro on the bottom of the crest. However, it most definitely will not match the rest of your outfit.
- Are there any material or construction tips?
- The pink insulation foam that is generally used for jousting tips works very well. It is light, easy to shape, and takes paint well, plus we have a near endless supply of the stuff from jousting practice. Generally the lighter the crest, the better. Article to make a crest.
- Should I make a really nice crest?
- Yes! Looking great on the field is sure to win favor with the judges. Even if you don't plan to compete in behord, you are encouraged to make and bring a crest for display.
