Heard on the radio today that a re enactment of The battle of Hastings was cancelled due to the fact it was to muddy ( camperjam take note ) its a pity they didnt have Health an safety in 1066 , how different things could have turned out , instead of one in the eye for Harold it could have been look out ,mind what you are doing with that sharp stick , you could have someones eye out
Using real weapons would certainly help with regards to authenticity, as would rubbish medical care afterwards.
I have a Long Bow, I can tell you that at between 20-20metres I've never tried further) mine has enough power for an arrow to penetrate Steel plate, now, even if you replaced the real heads for rubber, they could possibly kill, what do they use? I'm really intrigued now!