[Ansteorra] a question for fighters

Paul DeLisle ferret at hot.rr.com
Sun Feb 9 09:21:07 PST 2003


> 1) What is most likely to be the problem...

Well, you (usually) can't do anything about weapon-failure, so we'll skip
that. Other than that:
Armor failure (usually a blown rivet, or a failed strap, it seems)
Lanyard failure (if they're picky about that sort of thing)

> 2) I'm working at Estrella as a waterbearer, and was wondering if there's
> anything that fighters need to repair problems and get back on
> the field...What 3-4 items could someone have on the sidelines that would
> be the MOST helpful? (Obviously an anvil would be right out... :-)

Well, #1 is obvious... The Forc-umm...I mean Duct Tape. (Also a short, sharp
clasp-knife in your pocket won't hurt; as a Water-bearer, you aren't on the
field during actual combat, so it won't break the "Live steel" rule.)

The second: Well, carrying an anvil is out, but you *can* carry a handy
alternative to temp-fix blown rivets:
Get some #6 and #8 short screws and nuts (from the hardware store), and a
spring-loaded set-punch (Harbor Freight will have such a critter pretty
cheap...) You can use the set punch to help remove the old rivet, then put
the screw in it's place, and add a nut. Then use the set punch to dimple the
threaded end of the screw (at the edge, near the nut), to prevent the nut
from working off (at least, temporarily.) Be sure that the screw doesn't
stick up; that's why they need to be *short*, and of a few different lengths
(I'd suggest 1/4" and 3/8")

Third would be a few lengths of boot lace, or 3/16" cord; to replace broken
lanyards, help hold a piece of armor in-place, etc.

And if you're feeling *really* industrious: make a few straps (of varying
widths from 1/2" to 1", about a foot long) with holes in them, to replace
broken straps.

Remember, if you do this, be *sure* to point the fighter in the direction of
a Marshal before letting them go on the field...a Marshal should check the
repair before allowing the fighter to fight again.

And, speaking as a fighter who's recieved this kind of care from
waterbearers in the past:
Thank you.

In Service, I remain
Alden Pharamond
Tempio, Ansteorra





More information about the Ansteorra mailing list