[Ansteorra] Falling down

[tomjenkins]

You know, I've heard this argument roar on before... but I have to say, 
Alden's explanation of it goes further in explaining the use of "dying" than 
any other I've read. I have two really bad knees, so falling down on the 
ground, or getting up for that matter, is never my idea of fun... however, 
if it can further our mission and entertain the masses, then I believe it's 
worth it. Well worth it.

The best way I've seen thus far for encouraging others to fall down and die 
isn't a brow beating or yelling at them... it's to offer an award for the 
best death of the tourney. Opinions on the subject may vary, but everyone 
loves a prize :)

Ld. Thomas Logan Macleod

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul DeLisle" <ferretpd at gmail.com>
To: "'Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.'" <ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Falling down


>> And I'll fall (pun!) on the other side of the discussion.  :)  I don't
>> prefer falling down.  I don't believe we're killing each other, I choose
> to
>> believe we're brothers in arms, not enemies, striking telling blows at
> each
>> other until one is acknowledged as being superior for the moment.
>
>
> I've heard that argument before...everyone is entitled to their opinion, 
> and
> their view of what is happening out there...but one isn't any more "right"
> than any other (although those that enhance the "feel" of the event come
> close...)
> Personally, I think that what we are doing is....What We Are Doing.
>
> This is a Tournament.
> Medieval, Renaissance, Historical Re-enactment, it doesn't matter.
> Soundtracks by Queen aside; "A Knight's Tale" didn't have it all wrong. 
> What
> we are doing is displaying our Martial skill *and* (while we are at it) 
> our
> Nobility, Style, and Wit; with all the flair, theatrics, and by-play that 
> we
> can muster; for the entertainment and edification of the Nobles, and 
> Ladies
> (or Lords) that are spectators. (Any of whom might either be potential
> Patrons, or at least deserve [by virtue of Noblesse Oblige] the best show
> that we can provide.)
>
> As someone already pointed out, this ain't Fighter Practice!
> Can't fall down? Okay, I can buy that...my bones are getting a bit creaky
> these days, too. But that's *NO* excuse to avoid entertaining the 
> populace,
> and showing your own.......unique....
> ("Idiom, Sir?"  "Idiom! Thank you, Patsy!")
>
> So, when you are bested, step back and announce to the crowd (loudly) 
> that:
> "On this day, Lord ArgleBargle has bested the mightiest fight that I could
> provide...and to *him* goes the Victory!"
>
> Or stop, drop your sword (or rapier), and hold your head (chest, neck, 
> hip,
> etc), and cry out that "This wound has slain me! I pray you, milord; help 
> me
> to my tent, that I may die with dignity!"
>
> (BTW, *don't* use the word "Chirurgeon"....it'll create all sorts of
> excitement that you *don't* want!)
>
> Gonna die? *shrug* Everyone in a tourney (except possibly one fighter) 
> does.
> There are a thousand ways to make it cool...and only one way to make it
> boring.
>
> Which do you want to be remembered (or forgotten) for?
>
> In service, I remain
> Alden Pharamond
> Ansteorra
> (Olde, grumpy Don living in a cave outside Tir Medoin.)
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ansteorra mailing list
> Ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
> http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/ansteorra-ansteorra.org


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