The Society Earl Marshal and Deputy Marshal for Armored Combat is pleased to make available for commentary the proposed update to AC-rattan weapon construction: Commentary must be received no later than July 31, 2026.
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Proposed update to AC-rattan weapon construction: Create 2 categories of weapons with heads: 1) Constructed heads – these are the current rules, #13.2.13 (Armored Combat: Equipment standards – Handheld weapons – Marshal Rules Wiki)
2) Integral heads – a proposed new option. While weapons of this type have been in use for years in some kingdoms (aka “carved or turned maces”), they don’t meet current rules on weapon construction. This option would allow these to be used, within the new standards on their construction.
The handbook would include the following changes (changes are in italics)
13.2.13 For weapons with a constructed head: (Remove: If a weapon has a head)
a) The head must not be constructed of only rigid materials. (rattan is a rigid material)
b) The head must be firmly and securely attached to the haft.
c) The head must allow at least 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give between the striking surface and the weapon haft.
d) Semi-rigid ultra-lightweight shaped foam heads, or split rattan construction techniques do not require 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give, as long as their construction provides striking characteristics similar to an unpadded weapon constructed of a single piece of rattan.
e) Pick heads must be made from a flexible material. Rattan cannot be used in the construction on the pick head.
13.2.14 For weapons with an integral head (e.g. carved or turned rattan):
a) Must be constructed of a single piece of rattan for the whole weapon, not to exceed 30 inches (760 mm).
b) The head must be carved or turned to be significantly larger than the diameter of the haft to create a striking area clearly distinct from the haft, and be at least 3 inches (76 mm) in length.
c) Maces constructed in this manner do not require the head to have 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give.
d) Bar maces (maces with no haft section) and similar weapons are strictly prohibited.
13.2.15 Rattan used in weapons must be less than 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
Example: a “turned mace” with a head of 2.25 inches and a haft/handle of 1.25 inches. This results in a ½ inch difference between the head and the haft, creating a clear striking area.
After discussions with the KEMs and the kingdoms using weapons of this type, we determined that (1) they are safe, due to being similar or smaller in size as other allowed rattan weapons, and (2) its use as a mass weapon does not confer an undue advantage (ie. it handles and moves like a mass weapon, and not as a very light sword with mass weapon advantage).
As this is a significant change to construction of weapons with heads, we are seeking feedback from the AC-rattan community. (i.e. instead of always requiring padding for weapons with heads, we would add an option that does not require padding).
Please email all commentary to [email protected] and [email protected], and use the title “Proposed option on integral heads – commentary” in the subject line. CC’ing your Kingdom Earl Marshal and Kingdom Deputy for AC Rattan is highly recommended.
Commentary must be received no later than July 31, 2026.
In Service,
Arabella da Siena, Society Marshal
William Hauke of Effingham, Society Deputy Marshal for Armored Combat
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