| ‘Loose-through’ has
always been a bone of contention within the LT.
Some people do not like it at all, while others
have considered it a lifesaver in a battle.
However, I have been having long discussions with
senior staff in the LT, and although I have always
been an advocate of loose-through, it will henceforth
no longer be used within combat situations.
I can almost hear the cries of dismay as you read
this … however, as with a lot of things
that are put into place to make life easier, some
people have at times taken the proverbial, upsetting
others. For example, running out of your battle
line, towards the enemy, getting very close and
shouting “loose-through” and then
running back to the line is inexcusable. I have
actually seen people standing between 10 and 20
feet away from the target and shouting “loose-through”.
When I tell them they are in the wrong, they burble
something about feeling unsafe to shoot …
I appreciate your desire not to hurt others. I
appreciate the fact you may not wish to loose
arrows into rivers and bushes. However, it is
possible to shoot someone at close range and not
hurt them. If you are using a bow you vary the
drawlength, and if you are using a crossbow, aim
low. I will happily shoot someone in the boots
at a range of five foot – if you are unsure
of this, find me at an event (I am usually asleep
in the back of the guild tent!) and I will demonstrate
this to you!
Loose-through will still be usable in certain
situations, in a roleplay environment; e.g. sitting
down around a fire etc. and someone upsets you.
At this point you can point a loaded weapon and
use the damage call if you are within four feet
of this person. If when on patrol, you walk around
a corner or a tree and an enemy is stood grinning
at you, you may use the call, but only if you
are carrying a loaded weapon, and only if you
are within four feet.
If while reading this, you are one of the people
who has been guilty of misusing this call, please
do not feel annoyed or upset, rather learn from
it. I have had to have words about this with some
people, and as far as I am concerned there is
no problem with these people. If you have any
problems with this, again, let me know and we
can discuss it.
Be aware, however, if I see the call being used
repeatedly in combat in open areas, I will punch
your bow comp card. If you feel a shot is unsafe,
move to make it safe!
Paul Boschen
Head of Bow Competency |
