Combat is too deadly?

[Caz]

Chivalry has inherently nothing whatsoever to do with fair fighting.  
    A common misconception is the modern view on chivalry.  People thing it was only about being a nice guy, having manners and fighting fair, like good sportsmanship.  It wasn't.  That's not what it was about.  It was perfectly chivalrous to stab someone in the nuts from behind in combat.  There's a wealth of published and translated instructional treatises on the code of chivalry from the high middle ages, very much worth checking out.

[Ian.Plumb]

Hi,

Chivalry has inherently nothing whatsoever to do with fair fighting. (SNIP) There's a wealth of published and translated instructional treatises on the code of chivalry from the high middle ages, very much worth checking out.

Very true on both counts. "The Book of Chivalry of Geoffroi de Charny",  edited and translated by Kennedy and historical study by Kaeuper, is available through the University of Pennsylvania Press. Geoffroi de Charny created a guide for new knights inducted into the ill-fated Company of the Star entitled "Livre de chevalerie". If you want to understand what the concept of chivalry meant to knights of the 14th century I heartily recommend reading the work of the man who died at Poitiers, the Oriflamme clenched in his hand, having slain the first Englishman to touch the bridle of his King's horse.

Cheers,

[Gideon13]

Ian:

I've taken your advice and just ordered the book.  Thanks for the pointer!

[Ian.Plumb]

Hi,

Ian:

I've taken your advice and just ordered the book.  Thanks for the pointer!

You are welcome. Personally I find the text fascinating. This isn't a book about the ideals of chivalry in the Arthurian sense. De Charny attempts to create a practical guide for young knights and ii is an interesting read.

If you want to conduct a similar "myth-busting" exercise where it comes to the role of noble women I recommend "Aristocratic Women in Medieval France", a collection of short essays edited by Theodore Evergates. In particular his article entitled "Aristocratic Women in the County of Champagne" has an excellent explanation of marriage and the rights men and women had in marriage. If you want female PCs and NPCs yet want to retain a medieval feel for your campaign this book provides many examples of both the freedoms and restrictions noble women possessed.

If you get a chance I'd likje to hear what you think of "The Book of Chivalry".

Cheers,