Just as a side point, there are many things which constitute an re-enactment event. I have seen all of the following both in private and at major public displays:
Scripted battles based on historical events with determined results.
examples
- battle of Hastings held in England. approximately 2000 participants, each person can act, fight and die independently, but large scripted events such as the withdrawal of the Norman line, or the rush of the cavalry and set up and orchestrated.
- Scripted fighting at tournaments with planed moves and 'worked' results.
Large scale battles based on historical events without determined results.
Admittedly rare at 'Large Scale' gathering they happen non the less.
examples
- some of the Viking and Norse groups as well as some of the late medieval groups (to mention but a few)run a 'lets see who wins this time' re-enactment where perhaps Richard lives through the battle of Bosworth and the Tudor dynasty is defeated. (usually more entertaining for a re-enactor to participate)
Small pitched battles or individual fights not based on any event, but simply within a certain 'time frame or region' (time frame or region can be as specific as England in 1410 - 1420 or as broad as Earth 1000 - 1700).
This is the most common re-enactment I have seen
Examples:
- Tournament fighting with rosters or round robin challenges
- Most all serious jousting groups are non-determined outcome
- Most medieval 'group' combat is an undetermined battle between 2 or more groups to 'hold the bridge', 'take the hill', 'kill the king' etc. Sometimes even with re-spawn points.
- Last man standing or bear pit toss ups.
- Duals to 'satisfaction' - my favorite.
- Heck, I've even played ‘capture the flag’ in full 1150s harness. (try running away from 5 guys while wearing 45 pounds of armour!)
As I said, this is the most common re-enactment I have seen. Non scripted combat from whichever period the group presents, sometimes with objectives, sometimes to simply showcase or practice the fighting styles of the time.
That being said, I think we have all seen almost all of these in airsoft. As one can see, we do not have to alter our game at all. We are already re-enacting modern combat. Some of us are just doing a better job than others.
The whole point of this is not that it will change our laws today, it will not result in the legalization of airsoft tomorrow or change public opinion instantly. It does however provide a more acceptable public face for our sport (something we are endlessly seeking). It also groups us in with organizations who are known to the government and society at large. The bonus is that they are known as large, growing, popular (and harmless) groups who are willing to push and shove and lobby and carry on to be able to have laws that allow them to play their games.
This is a stepping stone to begin to achieve the recognition and popular support that will eventually (if necessary) allow us to either defend or initiate changes in legislation for the benefit of our hobby.