[Steppes] Steppes Fighter Practice - 12-26-2004
Mike
meggiddo at netzero.net
Mon Dec 27 14:38:45 PST 2004
Heilsa,
The day afternoon Christmas means different things to different people -
to some it was time to go shopping for the reduce sales, others were on
the road traveling, still others settling down in front of a screen to
watch the various football games - yet others had tickets to the local
game this past afternoon. While yet others, still in the after glow of
that Saturday's celebration was feeling the need for a day of rest and
enjoyment...
The afternoon was warm and sunny, it was welcome to be outside soaking
up those warming rays - especially after those brutal days of cold that
had arrived before. The ground was firm and waiting for the clash of
shield upon shield and the sweet sound of rattan to echo upon that
ground. Thus, the hard core gathered in the park over a period of time
of that afternoon or some could say the committed - in various forms of
the word :).
In attendance this day in order of appearance:
Hosey and his children - Tori, Jon, and Nikko
Michael Fray
Icia and Roc the Bold
Matt
Chiara Francecsa Arianna d'Onofrio and her daughter - Victoria
The start of this day started slowly as each individual arrived over a
period of time, and the discussions that arose in varying degree of SCA
related combat activities, as well as general discussion that occurs
among those of similar interests gather at any such event.
Topics involved ranged from the proper of use of siege equipment
including - trebuchets, ballista, catapults, onager, combat, and combat
archery to paint ball to movies worth or not worth seeing and why and so on.
This discussion also included several of the last War events in how each
that part take was discuss and questions asked in regard to why certain
actions were taken or not taken upon those fields. How earlier training
had paid off upon those fields of combat was discussed.
To those, who think it is all about the mindless swing of rattan and not
about the use of intelligence that each fighter has, then you are
mistaken. The Art of War - even here within this hobby or game we play
is more about applying what is between the ears than that of muscle
memory. Although the proper training of the body to action and response
to outside forces is important as well.
The proper training combined with an understanding of both those who
stand with you upon any battlefield, plus understanding what is
available to the opposing side combine to give the experience to those
who open their minds for themselves, while others are left behind in the
dust over the long term. This is the key to receiving the maximum
enjoyment from each encounter within this game of ours.
If you have reach this far, then you will notice that we did not get
into armor, although we did train for the upcoming events. Perhaps,
those with true insight and understanding of the Arts, will agree that
training did indeed take place this past Sunday. For those who do not
truly understand - then you have a long and dusty road ahead of you, and
I wish you well on your journey...
At the end of the day - we traveled to one of the local buffets and
enjoyed dinner where further discourse was held on a wide range of subjects.
Next Sunday - January 2nd, 2005 - the Joint War Practice of the two
baronies, Elfsea and Steppes is schedule to take place in Mary Heads
Carter park in Carrollton during the regular schedule practice time.
This will start at 2 PM.
Michael Fray
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