[Ansteorra] Story from Crown Tourney - new fighter's POV

[pancua]

Greetings!

I am a new light fighter in Bryn Gwlad and perhaps I am speaking out of turn
since this is more about heavy but I, for one would be greatly disappointed
to see fighting turned into an indoor event. Why? I could site history and
traditions, valor and glory but that's not it. Well, that's not JUST it.
It's also cause of the challenge. The challenge to myself. The challenge
within my own mind. The challenge to push past my own boundaries, to train
harder, to become better, to become faster. To take better care of myself,
to know my own body, my own limitations and how to recognize the signs.

All of us, fighters and non, understand the affects of heat and what it does
to the human body. Our chirugeons have gone to great lengths to educate the
populace. There are those of us, fighters and non, who listen and take the
necessary precautions. There are those of us, fighters and non, who will
still feel the affects in various degrees. It's a simple fact of life.

Does this mean we should change our way of fighting? In my opinion, no. To
do so robs me of my fun. Robs me of my ability to challenge myself. Robs me
of my sense of accomplishment.

That, for me, is a far greater offense then anything the sun could put upon
me.

-- 
In humble service to The Barony of  Bryn Gwlad,

Lady Magdelena "Dena" Cortez
MKA Katy Hendrick
Cell: 512-585-4172

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 7:19 AM, Dave W <wiselaw at comcast.net> wrote:

> Greetings all,
>
> Whether one cites 'traditions' or 'history', I am glad to see us fight
> outside, irrespective of the weather.  Having fought for going on 29 years
> now, I've been to far more events than I can possibly recall.  There are
> some events that stand out, some good, some bad.  Brushing off the snow to
> commence a Crown tournament match in the Western Region, brought a smile,
> despite (or perhaps because of the chill).  Watching the cloud of dust
> arise
> as my horse pawed the hot dry lands of Bryn Gwlad when the heat hit 103 at
> the first Lysts of Castleton is a memory I'll cherish forever.
> Unfortunately, I also remember the first time I saw the results when folks
> decided to move the fighting under the covered metal pavilions at Steppes
> Warlord due to heat.  What was supposed to be a glorious tournament of our
> most dedicated fighters, turned into a cheesy fight practice.  People drove
> their cars over there and kept the radios going so they could have their
> rock music playing while watching the fighting, after all they had their
> shade, might as well have the tunes going.....'Make believe' or not, it
> certainly wasn't much of a 're-creation of pre-seventeenth century
> life'.....
>
> There are countless ways for folks to spend their days that don't run the
> risk of breaking a sweat.  That is what video games and bowling are for.
> However, the opportunity to match strength and wits against a seasoned
> opponent, or as I often describe it, a chess match with immediate brutal
> consequences, loses something every time we compromise for 'convenience'.
> While folks need to recognize the issues heat can present, I would hate to
> think our folks are so slow that they need others to act as nannies for
> them.  Instead, be sure to thank the water bearer who will also endure the
> weather and recognize the kindness they offer you.  Return courtesy with
> courtesy, seems simple to me....
>
> Sir Alexis LaBouche
>
> p.s. Haven't kept track of the number of kingdoms, but has been quite a
> few.
> Also, there was a certain charge up Senlac Hill in full mail harness
> against
> a couple of feisty Saxons wielding steel weapons...While not the original
> Battle of Hastings, the weight of the riveted mail harness over the aketon
> felt pretty real to me as I adjusted the conical to account for the trot of
> the horse..
>
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