[Steppes] Steppes Fighter Practice - 12-26-2004

[Mike]

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