ANST - ECS ?! Empire of Chivalry and Steel

[Michael F. Gunter]

> Just because I may not like the 
> way they do their thing does'nt mean its wrong or uncool.  It seems to 
> have lessened the crap alot.  We can now actually talk and share stories 
> now about the various groups and what happens at each others events.  

To each his own, indeed.

ECS has an interesting combat system in which even the kids can begin to
learn. It's a three part authorization and members can advance or stay as
finances and desires allow. First is a boffer style that is open to 
everyone, from kids on up. This teaches the basics of combat and honor
upon the field. The next level is very close to SCA Rapier combat. The
final level is fully armored dulled live-steel. This is only for the most
advanced fighters of course.  Having never seen them do live steel combat
I can't vouch for it's authenticity.

Evidently, their Crowns are chosen differently as well. When there are
people who wish to vie for Crown, a Crown War is held with the contenders
leading armies to battle.  This isn't as common as it seems since the last
King finally resigned due to mundane problems and burn out. It seemed that
nobody else wanted to be Crown so He just kept going until he forced them
to get somebody else.


>    Anyway got off on a tangent, My friends who are in ECS say they enjoy 
> the "freedom" of the ECS.  I personally do not know a great deal about 
> it, other than.....It is on a point system,   You must get so many 
> points to become a knight.  Too each his own!!!  Just my 2 pennies 
> worth.

I'm not too sure I mind this either. One of the ongoing battles in the
SCA is "just what ARE the standards that the Peerages want?". Almost 
everybody who gets into a Medieval organization wants to be a Knight. Well
this has a standard that everybody who strives for that title has a real
chance of making it. And when someone recieves the accolade everyone knows
why.  Evidently the point system is not easy.  Master Robin once said that
he didn't want the SCA to become the "Boy Scout Merit Badge System" where
the awards are only given if you fill in the blanks. My comment back to him
was "Well, Dukes are respected and there's only one way to get that."
Just some more gas on the campfire.

>  Almar

Yers,

Gunthar
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