Heavy Fighting: Barony of Dragon's Laire
A Barony in the Kingdom of An Tir which is
a Part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA, Inc)
Baronial Marshal: HE Cedric Wlfraven
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Art of War
Greetings and good evening populous of Dragon's Laire; and all else whom read this.
This weekend was the event Art of War, put on by Aquaterra. This event is completely for the betterment of the An Tir army and kingdom as a whole. As it teaching tactics,scope,and the ideals of what the AN Tir army needs to not just win but be successful in the years to come.Partially by teach warbands and groups how to be successful and meaningful, But also how to work together as an army when we come from far flung corners, to gather for the glory of An Tir. They also teach the pertisipents how to teach others in these things. and how to help each local group work better together, and a common vocabulary for war.
This Art of war, the Myrmidons under the banner of Dragon's Laire. Brought 5 myrmidons 2 sons of Dragon's Laire , Connor and Morgan, and were joined by three others from further away. ( sorry i am horrible with names, but with out them we wouldnt have been able to accomplish what we did..and they were tanked much and often. )
We were the returning champions from the year before, but brought both fresh blood and fresh ideas with us in the form of Neoptolomus , Titus ( acting commander for the week end ), Ajax the younger,Andramache, Morigan, and Connor ( yes i know the spell their names differently sorry ) and myself.
Days of early mornings, amazing foods,long thoughtful classes by respected peers from both nere and far, Sir Edward,Sir Duncan,Sir Daniel,Sir Balan,Sir Brand,Sir Elleci; and far too many to be able to spell, but a wealth of knowledge on war fighting paralleled only by sport of kings on tourny fighting.A staff of amazing people that were lead by Lady Jade . This event is a seeding of ideas and a weekend of fun with grins all around and a bonding of fighters never to be forgotten and renewed apon re-meeting for the glory of An Tir at wars.
Tactics, logistics,theorys,practices,leadership,weapons styles and implementations,future wars, past wars, history, the "Dream", these where but a few of the classes and things shared by the event and teachers.
We all came away sore, but inspired, bewildered but empowered.
I wish more could have come.
To this end, I as heavy champion ( and beyond ) will be striving to work with you the Barony to help support and sponcer two new fighters to go next year from the Barony.I will need your help, as the event fee isnt cheap. But if other Barony's can sponcer a fighter..the glorious Barony of Dragon's Laire should be able to as well if not more so.
I would also love to see more of our old dawgs of war there.Showing the younger warriors their war prowess and instilling confidence in the next generation of Dragon's Laire's fighters.
But i will need everyone help in these things.
As for how your Barony's Warriors represented you this weekend? We in your name and under her Exelancies banner took the weekend again as champions of art of war.( chosen by meret of team building events and service )
For the glory of Dragons Laire.
In service of the Dream.
Idomeneus the Cretian
Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List by Idomeneus on 04/28/2013
Oasis War
From Lady Andromacha:
In the misty dawn of morn, Idomeneus, champion of Dragon's Laire, Diomedes Rib-Breaker, Ajax the Fierce,
and Andromacha of Lesbos, traveled through mountain pass to the Shire of Ambergard, where the horns of war
rang out from the Oasis.
Faced against the forces of Clan Cairn, St Ulric, Sir Walter and oath-bound squire, Richard, our intrepid warriors found allies with Ship's Crew and the Barony of Weldsmere, spilling the blood of enemies, sending souls to the ferryman.
Braced upon rocky crags, Idomeneus speared foes, like Zeus raining lightning from Olympus. Ajax and Diomedes , Ares possessed and Athena guided, charged forth against numbers greater than themselves, never yielding. Andromacha, with the wings of Hermes, dodged hail fire of arrows.
Through a day of fierce fighting, all found glory on either side, all returned home, re energized from the lust of war.
Thanks given to the Shire of Ambergard, for war that was fought.
Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List by Diomedes on 03/09/2013
Fighting Classes at Sunday Practice and the Baronial Social
Recently Sir John Wolfstan traveled to our occasional Sunday Practice at the Waterfront Park in Silverdale. He taught fighting and ran a small tournament in which fighters traveled from as far as Three Mountains to participate. Dame Brighid Ross provided the prize! Many moderns watched the fighting, which included Rapier by Don Talentus and Lord Caius, and came away impressed. Bravo!
The next week, Earl Sir Cire taught a class at the Baronial Social on great weapons and how to utilize them in one on one combat and battle.
Report from the Heavy Tournament at Yule
I would like to take the time to share to those who could not make Yule, the result of the heavy tournament. We had three fighters enter the list and they were Lord Ajax, M'lord Trent, M'lord neopttolamus (SP?). The format was a double round robin, the fighting was fierce but when the dust settled it was Lord Ajax who was standing as the undefeated victor of the tournament! He won a dagger made by Master Cedric, then their was also a necklace for most Chivalrous and it was a unanimous decision that it went to M'lord Neoptolomis. Please take the time to congratulate him for this was his first tournament. Also congratulate the other two fighters as well. I would also like to thank M'lord Titus for running the list, Lord Idomenius (SP?) for coaching support to the fighters, and Lady Andromache (SP?) for comedic humor.
In Service,
Lord Myrick le Bear
Yule Heavy Marshal in Charge
Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 12/03/2012
A Note on A Recent Practice
Greetings, Barony. Although it was only Conchobar and I at the park today, it was not only a fun practice but instructive as well. I'm proud of the fighting growth of our Baronial fighters, starting with Conchobar...he's made great strides over the last year and is truly an opponent worthy of word fame and accolades.
Sir Andras
Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 11/25/2012
A Note from our New Heavy Champion!
Dragons Laire.
Populace, peers and Peoples.
Thank you for coming out to 'Last chance', without out you it would not have been an event, and the dream would die.
As the newest Baronial champion of Dragons Laire, I reach out to any who have thought of fighting, thought of armoring up, or just wanted to swing a stick; and to all whom may know someone who has wanted to do these things but may have found the crass reputation of fighters daunting. Please come out to practices, approach us,me; I am yours' to ask of. And will help in any way I can, to get new people into armor, to teach the youth combatant, or even bust rust on neglected armor of those who wish to return.
To help this I will endeavour to not only be at as many practices as possible in this coming year, but I will be submit articles to the Flames that I think will be useful to both new and veteran fighters.
Long live the dream
Your Champion
Lord Idomeneus the Crass, of the Myrmidons
From an email Sent to the Dragon's Laire List on 09/30/2012
A Baronial Warband
At Last Chance, 2012, the Myrmidons accepted a position as a Baronial Warband. Here's what Baron Arontius had to say about it:
During Court on Saturday evening at Last Chance, we called forth the household known as The Myrmidons and designated them as an ‘Official’ Warband of the Barony of Dragon’s Laire. We wanted to take a few minutes to speak to this.
The idea started for us at Honey War. The forces of Dragon’s Laire gathered in the Baronial Pavilion. We formed a marching unit and THL Conchobar acted as our Vox Draconis herald as we marched forth on to the field of battle. It was a proud moment for Dragon’s Laire and something we cherished as Baron and Baroness. As the forces of Dragon’s Laire marched across site, all activity ceased and all fell silent to witness our progress. On the field of battle itself, the prowess exhibited carried the day and none could resist the forces of the Laire.
The pageantry and ferocity on the field seen on that occasion was something that we wanted to encourage in the forces of Dragon’s Laire. This year, the forces of The Myrmidons have been very evident in the local practices and in them we saw an opportunity encourage not only pageantry, but a group of people who could inspire the martiallate arts and the willingness to travel to wars and act as an organized fighting unit.
We approached The Myrmidons and asked them if they would consider becoming an official ‘Warband’ of the Barony. What we brought to the agreement was our backing and recognition of their contribution to the Barony (especially in the form of the armbands given them on Saturday and a banner we will gift them before next Tourney Season), as well as any personal support we could give as Baron and Baroness. What they would then bring to the agreement was at least several fighters dedicated to the Barony at any war in which we wanted to make our presence known, as well as encouragement of fighting and organized martiallate activities in the Barony.
The Myrmidons are a welcoming group and any who want to fight with them in the name of Dragon’s Laire will be welcomed in joining with them. But at the same time we encourage others to consider forming their own warbands. Do you dream of seeing a fighting group dedicated to the styles practiced by the Crusading Knights (the Templars, Hospitallers, etc.)? Do you see a fighting unit who are kitted and fighting in a Landsknecht style? Or Roman?
With the long winter season in front of us, now is the time to start dreaming, repairing your armor and planning for next Tourney Season. If you want some help, let us know and we’ll get you connected with the right people. Are you ready to form your own warband? Let us know. We’ll get you running there as well.
Beware The Laire!
Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon’s Laire.
From an email Sent to the Dragon's Laire List on 10/01/2012
About Heavy Fighting
The Original and most common style of Marshall Arts as practiced in the SCA is what is commonly referred to as "Heavy" fighting. It's goal is to approximate the traditional fighting skills of the Medieval Knight. The primary weapon style is "sword and board" or sword and shield, but other weapons such as the mace, two-handed great sword, battle axe, assorted pole arms and a style called florentine using two swords are also used.
Heavy Fighting at June Faire (© 2002 Dame Gwen the Potter)
Heavy fighting like other marshal arts is a full contact sport. Blows are made with sufficient force to simulate real combat. To ensure the safety of the sport, each fighter or heavy must wear armor that adheres to a comprehensive set of regulations. Vital areas of the body must be protected in specific ways, however, a variety of interpretations are possible allowing each fighter to construct armor to express their particular persona or personal flair. Bruises are common and often considered a badge of honor, especially when received from a top notch fighter. Full details on armor requirements are laid out in the ABC's or An Tir Book of Combat.
Weapons are constructed of rattan, padded and wrapped in layers of duct tape. The weight of these weapons approximates real swords or other weapons. Requirements for weapon construction is also covered in the ABC's.
Combat occurs in two forums; tournament or tourney fighting and war scenarios. Tourney fighting pits one fighter against another in a formal bout. Occasionally, melee or small team fighting is included in a tourney format. Wars are set up to involve a large number of fighters in armies often including archers and siege weapons. They give fighters an opportunity to practice strategy and unit tactics.
A slain man "breathes his last" at Last Chance 2002 (© 2002 unknown)
In all fighting situations, the slain man says if he be slain. And dying a good "death" is almost as important as striking a good blow. Marshals keep an eye on the festivities to ensure safety regulations are observed. Should the marshals deem the fighting unsafe for any reason, from a loose strap to a pet loose on the eric, a hold is called on the field. When the fighters hear a shout of "Hold" all fighting ceases. Marshals then give instructions to resolve the issue and fighting may resume at the marshal's call of lay on. A Shout of "Hold" has also become a general warning of unsafe conditions throughout the SCA.
Contact the Baronial Marshal:
A Joke
A knight and his men returned to their castle after a hard day of fighting. "How are we faring?" asked the king. "Sire!" replied the knight, "I have been robbing and pillaging on your behalf all day, burning the towns of your enemies to the west." "What?" shrieked the king, "I don't have any enemies to the west!" "Oh!" said the knight, "Well, you do now."
Videos from Fight Practice
Our own Don Talentus has taken several videos of local fight practices and offers them for your viewing pleasure! The videos are at Talon's youtube site.
Pictures from a Fight Practice
THL Theodoric was out and about with his camera in December 2011 and took these pictures at fight practice.
AnTir Book of Combat (ABC's)
Available online at: http://antir.sca.org/Pubs/ABC_9thEd_2009.pdf.
Baronial Fight Practice
Practice is on Tuesday nights from 6-8 at the VFW hall on Central Valley (at the same time as the Baronial Social).
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