ANST - Are you going to Gulf Wars?

[Keith Ewing]

Greetings Fellow Ansteorrans.

I write this missive as an attempt to sway the opinions of anyone who 
has not yet decided to go to Gulf Wars in Meridies. I hope to give you 
many reasons to go and appeal to you on many levels.

The weather at Gulf Wars can be and often is perfect. The daytime 
temperatures are in the 70's. Nightime temps are cool enough that you 
get to wear all that period garb that is usually too hot to wear.  It's 
clear and cool, day or night.

Shopping at Gulf War is wonderful. There are many shops and booths with 
wares from all over the Knowne World.  It is like the great bazaars of 
the Orient. You can find almost anything there.

The artists of the two kingdoms compete in a splendid display. You can 
marvel at the time and loving effort that the many makers spent in 
their craft. Or you can listen to songs and poems and stories told by 
bards of exceeding skill. 

There is an incredible display of horsemanship from riders from many 
Kingdoms. They look glorious with their barding and mantles and crests 
and plumes.  Many of the best riders are from our own Kingdom.

There is dancing almost every night. Courtly gentlemen take beautiful 
ladies in hand and waft them across the dance floor as if they were 
floating.  Or if you prefer your dancing a little more primal, you can 
almost always find drummers sitting around a warm bright fire while 
scantily clad bodies writhe to the beat. 

The parties at Gulf War are legendary. On any night, you can find a 
bright tent or campfire filled with laughter and good-fellowship. It 
may be full of your old friends or full of strangers, but you will be 
welcome. 

Archers, fling deadly shafts at targets from dawn to dusk.  Or put on 
armor and fling shafts that are not quite so deadly at our enemies.

There are pick up fights available from the best fighters from 
throughout the Knowne World.  This is true on the heavy or light field. 
Sparring with a stranger from the other side of the world is as easy as 
walking up and saying, "Wanna dance?"  

There are many tournaments. I remember the skill shown on the dark 
field under the bright torches.  Sir Aaron won that tourney, though he 
was not yet a knight.  His opponents were fierce and honorable, but 
none could stand before the flame of valor that Brita inspired in 
Aaron's chest.

The Trimarans are the best enemies in the world. Nowhere will you find 
opponents with more skill, bravery, honor or distinction. There are 
heroes who live there.  Baldar, Bightor, Llewllyn, Benin, Tchosai, 
Lancelot and Erika are some of their names. They are truly worthy 
opponents for our great Kingdom.  And off the field, they are friendly, 
hospitable and fun loving. Seldom will you enter a Trimaran encampment 
without someone offering you a beverage. 

The Meridians are excellent hosts. They have found for us a wonderful 
site. And they are helping to expand it as Gulf Wars grows. They, too, 
are friendly and honorable people. And they built us a CASTLE!

Nowhere in the Knowne World do so many missiles seek fleshy targets as 
in the Castle Battles at Gulf Wars.  Ballistas, catapults, trebuchets, 
axes, javelins, bows and crossbows all fill the air with death. Yet the 
walls must still be defended against the hordes of siege ramps and 
ladders carrying many attackers over the walls. There have been 
elephants and siege towers and giant war armadillos. Who knows what 
will be there this year?


The other battles of Gulf Wars are glorious as well. The champions' 
battles allow us all to watch as our best are placed in a spotlight and 
compared to the best our enemies have to offer. In the field we stand 
staring at our valorous enemies and then Lay On is called and our 
armies surge across the moor like two ravening beasts seeking each 
others' throats. Or the resurrection battle when weary fighters stand 
and face the same opponent that they have already faced five or six 
times. Yet they smile and encourage each other with friendly insults 
and camaraderie.  Then there is the final push for the banner when all 
fatigue is forgotten and the battle that has been static for so long 
changes quickly and violently. Who will win? Wait for the dust to 
clear.

The last reason that I will give is one not meant so much to persuade 
as to cajole. It is our war, my friends. We should all go and support 
our kingdom as best we can.  If you are not a fighter, then bear water, 
or carry a banner, or volunteer to serve the many laurels who must 
judge the A&S competition, or volunteer for gate or for security. If 
none of these sound like fun to you, then host a party! Just come. I 
think you'll love it.

Duke Kein MacEwan, Knight of Ansteorra.

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