ES - FW: ANST - Are you going to Gulf Wars?

[Vicki Marsh]

Some of you may have already read this, but others are not on the previous 
lists.

I apologize for any duplication, but this and the next post from His Grace 
are worth reading.

If our fighter practice today is any indication, Elfsea could make one hell 
of a difference.

Your Warrior Laurel Baroness,
And the Baaddest Byzantine around,

Xene

-----Original Message-----
From:	Keith Ewing [SMTP:keandbc at ix.netcom.com]
Sent:	Friday, February 26, 1999 1:37 PM
To:	ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Cc:	ansteorra-chivalry at Ansteorra.ORG; 
ansteorra-armored-combat at Ansteorra.ORG
Subject:	ANST - Are you going to Gulf Wars?

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 scan  
tily 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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