[Steppes] Steppes Fighter Practice - 8-22-04

[meggiddo at netzero.net]

Heilsa,

I did indeed forgot a youth who was out this past Sunday. His name is
Joseph. He assisted me with picking up my arrows and bow and carrying
them off the field. I apologized to both this young man, our future, and
his mother for the over sight.

His proud mother is our own Chiara.

Michael Fray

meggiddo at netzero.net wrote:
> 
> Heilsa,
> 
> A hearty VIVAT to Hrafn (Curtis), our Knight Marshal, with his splendor
> showing at Pennsic this year. Hrafn will be back at practice next Sunday
> - 8-29-04.
> 
> Next Sunday, 8-29-04, will be the last opportunity to gain practice in
> melee before Gothic Wars. Those of you, that have attending and learning
> to fight as a group will have a more enjoyable time at Gothic Wars
> because of your time spent in practice. It will show on the battlefield!
> 
> A brief shower occurred at 11:30 AM and last all of 10 minutes. Of
> course, the humidity rose right after the rain fell to the ground. The
> sky cleared and the sun shined down.
> 
> Note about attendance, fighter practice and the weather:
> 
> The park (Mary Heads Carter in Carrollton) drains extremely well. The
> month of June where we have rain most of that month, the field was still
> suitable for a heavy fighter practice every Sunday afternoon.
> 
> It makes NO difference if it is Hot (100+) or Cold (25 degrees) or rain
> or shine.  We will be in the park.  We have been there even when it
> started to snow.
> 
> What can we do if it is raining?  Work on various projects - armor,
> weapons, etc., spend some time in a social gathering. Usually the
> pavilion is empty and we have it all to our selves.
> 
> When the rain lets up, then practice will continue.
> 
> So, come on out - even if it is raining where you are, does not mean it
> will be raining in the park.
> 
> After practice, we have a social gathering at one of the near buffets.
> Nothing like sitting down to hot meal and cold drinks in hand, in a cool
> or warm building (depending upon the season of course) with the memories
> fresh in all of our minds to re-fight those one-on-one battles or the
> group melee scenarios. To discuss possible improvements in armor,
> fighting style, or to just generally discuss the state of the world in
> general.
> 
> In attendance at this practice were the following:
> 
> Sir Mahdi, Baron of the Steppes,
> 
> Sir Duncan of Clan Ross,
> 
> Centurion Morgan and his Lady Kim,
> 
> Hosey and his children - Tori, Jon, and Nikko. Hosey is the Commander of
> the Condottieri. He trained and mentor Hrafn (Curtis).
> 
> Chiara - captain of the Steppes Baronial Guard,
> 
> Roc the Bold and his Lady Icia, Roc is also an excellent make of armor.
> 
> Clayton, who do not fight but stopped by and picked up his helm that Roc
> had made for him.
> 
> Honor from Elfsea, - nice to see you come out and fight,
> 
> Matt and his Lady Nicole  - Matt having decided to become a member of
> the Barony Guard.
> 
> Aria and his brother Donyell, - men-at-arms to Vicki,
> 
> Josh, - new fighter,
> 
> Robert - a transplant from Mid Realm,
> 
> Duncan and his Lady Kitty,
> 
> Eric and his Lady Stephanie, with their children,
> 
> Linda and her son, Levi.
> 
> Melissa,
> 
> Neal,
> 
> Dux, Cathy, and Thomas of the Fray were present - Thomas being the only
> one to armor up. I do not recall seeing Thomas fighting during the
> one-on-one phase of practice. Do recalling seeing all three leaving
> during the melee portion of the practice. They did not fight melee.
> 
> Happenings:
> 
> Various individual fights started the day as usually. Some of the fights
> that I recall:
> 
> Vicki vs. Aria
> Vicki vs. Donyell
> Aria vs. Donyell
> Sir Mahdi vs. Roc - Roc just recently became a man-at-arms to Sir Mahdi.
> Chiara vs. Linda in spear training
> Hosey vs. Melissa
> Hosey vs. Honor
> Josh vs. Matt
> Matt vs. Vicki
> 
> These are the ones that I recall and I hope that I got the pairings
> correct.
> 
> Combat archery calibration for Chiara, Eric, Robert, and Duncan
> (non-belted one) occurred before melee practice.
> 
> A simple resurrection battle took place on a restricted field much like
> a bridge or a gate battle would be at a SCA War event. Valuable training
> took place for all this day.
> 
> The training involved learning how to work together as group or unit.
> This type of training needs to take place long before anyone takes the
> field at a SCA War event. The feedback both at the individual level and
> at the group level is beyond price, especially, if you are serious about
> war!
> 
> The sides were chosen and consisted of the following:
> 
> Sir Duncan carrying sword and shield,
> Robert carrying sword and shield,
> Eric carrying sword and shield,
> Matt carrying sword and shield,
> Vicki carrying sword and shield. - Commanding
> Aria carrying sword and shield,
> Donyell carrying sword and shield,
> Josh carrying unpadded glaive,
> Linda carrying 9-foot fiberglass spear,
> 
> Vs.,
> 
> Sir Mahdi carrying sword and shield,
> Honor carrying sword and shield,
> Centurion Morgan carrying sword and shield,
> Roc carrying great axe,
> Hosey carrying sword and shield - Commanding,
> Duncan carrying sword and shield,
> Chiara carrying 9-foot fiberglass spear,
> Michael - combat archer with both UHMW and Baldar Blunts and 30 lb bow.
> 
> The two different commanders offered up two separate style of command
> during a SCA melee. It needs to be noted that each commander of any unit
> will have their own style that suits them. In addition, the better
> commanders will take advantage of what each fighter reporting them has
> to offer. This mix of fighters will vary from scenario to scenario -
> thus a successful commander will adjust to ensure their side will always
> have the advantage, which does not necessary mean or equal to the number
> of fighters following them nor their individual skill levels. Enough
> soap box.
> 
> The restricted field battles set up so that if some one stepped over the
> boundary markers, then they were "Dead" and had to go back to the
> resurrection point and wait until one side or another was completely
> killed off.
> 
> Example of this scenario:
> 
> Both sides came out and faced off and the fight was on. When the dust
> cleared (so to speak) on side, there were 4 fighters still on the field,
> while the other side had been "killed" off. The other side came out in
> force to fight the last 4 fighters that still held the field. Thus,
> these 4 fighters got too experienced being out number and having to
> fight more that one foe at a time. This type of scenario does happen
> more often than one might think.
> To those who have not been in such a scenario before nor have practiced
> for it a question?
> 
> How well would you fare?
> 
> Combat archery was involved a portion of the time. I did set out on one
> scenario to re-inspect and re-load my quiver.
> 
> Plus, allow the heavy fighters an opportunity not to worry about this
> "old archer, who is getting on in years"! :)
> 
> Three separate battles were completed - note a battle here is where we
> went 4 or 5 even 6 times before it was agreed that we needed a break.
> 
> At which time, we stopped fighting, got some water, rested a bit and
> discussed both the triumphs and the defeats of those battles. Once,
> again valuable feedback provided to all during this rest periods.
> 
> The beginning of the 4th battle was called due to lighting and thunder.
> It then started to rain. Small drops of cooling water fell to the ground
> and those of us that were lucky enough had some fall on us.
> 
> The weather from start to finish proved to be delightful for August. The
> sun shone down at the beginning of practice, and by the middle of the
> practice the sky have become overcast, providing additional shade for
> all. Plus, the humidity had drop.
> 
> Once again, I provided a shade pavilion and a "Thank You" to Aria,
> Donyell, Nikko, Tori, and Vicki in assisting in set-up.
> 
> Tear Down group - Donyell, Chiara, Nikko, Matt, and Aria.
> 
> I hope that have listed all of those who pitched and help. In
> additional, a "Thank You" to Sir Duncan for the use of his weapons and
> shields that help outfitted some of the newer fighters so that they
> could get on the field.
> 
> I have not forgotten that Aria loaned out a sword and Roc loaned out a
> sword and one of the Condottieri's shields.
> 
> Of course, there were a free exchange of advice and pointers for every
> one.
> 
> Next Sunday, the agenda will be practice both one-on-one at the
> beginning and then melee war practice.
> 
> Remember to bring plenty of water and what were else you would like to
> drink and/or snack on. No alcoholic drinks though, park rules!
> 
> Remember, next Sunday is August 29th, the last weekend before Gothic
> Wars. There will melee practice. So one and all come out and join a side
> - See how well you would fare as part of a group in practice?
> 
> Michael Fray
> Unit Combat Artillery for the Condottieri
> Steppes Deputy Knight Marshal
> Combat Archery Authorizing Marshal at Large
> King's Archer
> Holder of the Gryce
> 
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