Sotahuuto

Yesterday the organizers released the rules for Sotahuuto 2009. There may still be some changes to the rules, since the organizers will consider new ideas till 1.3.2009, before locking the rules down. Thus you should voice any concerns before then.

There were no drastic changes, save one, compared to last years rules. As was expected, the core guidelines for weapon safety and combat remained the same. So you should be fine with this little post here, and your previous translated rules.

The changes are as follows:

- The minimum length for thrown spears (javelins) is now one meter (100cm)
- No sharp extremities may extend from the inside of a combatants shield. This is to protect the carrier of the shield. So no sharp bolts or nails protruding from the shield.
- 25mm glass fiber body is now allowed in spears, that are at least 3m long

Then the interesting one:

- The "backstab-rule" has been removed. So surprising attacks, or attacks from behind no longer kill instantly, nor ignore armour. All attacks are now equal, and armour protects against all attacks (except from siege engines).

This was propably one of the biggest discrepancies between finnish and estonian rules, and should now cause less confusion.

I thought it would be nice for you to be aware of any changes as early as possible. All of us appreciate your attendance, since Vishna Grimm has truly become a part of sotahuuto. We await eagerly for your participation this year!

Edit: I actually noticed, that the url for the english 2008 rules no longer works (http://www.sotahuuto.fi/?p=/english/sot ... 08/saannot). I hope the organizers still have the translation handy, though I could provide a new one if required.

As an interesting aside the page linked above is stated as being updated 1.1.1970, which I believe is before the conception of the internet...

TMl kirjoitti: Edit: I actually noticed, that the url for the english 2008 rules no longer works (http://www.sotahuuto.fi/?p=/english/sot ... 08/saannot). I hope the organizers still have the translation handy, though I could provide a new one if required.

Here is 2008 rules: http://www.sotahuuto.fi/sotahuuto2008/? ... 08/saannot

Have to say that the backstab rule's removal will surely coordinate a shift in the playstyles of several teams, atleast the lighter hit-n-run orientated ones such as Camulos. In short, I think the difference in good hit-n-run teams will be more drastic, when more factors come into play and the individual skill of the combatants participating takes a heavier role.

Though I agree that it's easy to strike that 2 times (first one through armor and the second one kills) if you get the surprise moment.

The rule for throwing javelins is a good one, in that it limits the former, a bit unfair size of the things. I think my current ones are only about 70-80cm so its back to the drawing board for me.

Not too happy about the changes, but adaptability is a skill to master.