About the talk
From the rolling hills of Skyrim to the dungeons that house so many dragons, sword fighting is a core part of many of our favourite games—but do games reflect the histories and realities of swordplay? Join a panel of sword-fighting experts for a discussion of game combat. The panellists bring experience as a historian, game designer, fencing champion and Dungeon Master, alongside real-world practice in fencing, LARP or HEMA.
Speakers
Emerald Hendry
Emerald Hendry has studied historical swordplay in one form or another for more than 20 years. Their main focus is HEMA sabre and rapier, alongside experience ranging from Viking re-enactment and knife fighting to kickboxing and submission wrestling. Emerald is also a lifelong gamer, especially fond of tabletop RPGs and miniature games, and has playtested numerous indie RPGs.
Kimberly Pater
Kimberly Pater started fencing foil as a teenager, inspired heavily by her love of Tamora Pierce books and The Princess Bride. She has more recently begun HEMA and is enjoying dabbling in both sabre and rapier. She loves cooperative board games and is cautiously optimistic about WOW Forever.
Abigail Dell’Oro
Abigail Dell’Oro is a lifelong tabletop gaming enthusiast, having been running D&D campaigns for as long as she can remember. She is also an avid HEMAist, having represented the Old Sword Club at sabre tournaments both in Sydney and interstate.
Dr. Tess Gardner
Australian National University
Tess Gardner is an historian of early 20th century Australia and China and an historical fencer focusing on 19th century sabre. She enjoys strategy games and trashy sci-fi.