My Deputy for Armored Combat, Sir Draenge, and I have solicited and reviewed feedback on dying defensively and have a proposal for a revision that better reflects the actual practice and is hopefully a safe procedure. Please review and let us know your thoughts.
Current Rule:
1. Dead combatants should die defensively by hiding under their shields or weapons and then leave the field as soon and as safely as possible at the marshal’s direction. Dead combatants may neither hand weapons nor shout advice to the living.
Proposed Revision:
1. Dead combatants must immediately cease being an active combatant and indicate that they are “dead” in a manner that is both clear and safe. The best way of dying safely is left to the “dead” combatant and can change depending on the situation, but should always include calling out “good”.
Examples of dying clearly include:
Dying defensively (hiding under their shield or weapons)
Taking a knee
Giving a salute
Once safe the “dead” combatant shall leave the field weapon over head. They must leave the field in a way that does not affect the ongoing combat. It is recommended that as they leave the field they call out “dead”. Dead combatants may neither hand weapons nor shout advice to the living.