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

[Greg Shetler]

Mmmmm... Don't know if Milia is on this list, but it should be mentioned
here that she made it to practice.  Also don't know if Thomas is on this
list, but he fought some and had a great time, as always :)  The report was
corrected on SteppesFP list, but I'd hate to have their feelings hurt if the
correction isn't posted here - I don't think they're on SteppesFP, but may
be here, since they live in Steppes....

Dux

-----Original Message-----
From: steppes-bounces+mordockvonrugen=comcast.net at ansteorra.org
[mailto:steppes-bounces+mordockvonrugen=comcast.net at ansteorra.org] On Behalf
Of meggiddo at netzero.net
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 8:55 PM
To: Barony of Steppes - SCA, Inc.
Subject: Re: [Steppes] Steppes Fighter Practice - 8-22-04

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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> Steppes at ansteorra.org
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