Having too much fun

Hartmann · Post by **Hartmann** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:47 pm

Somehow I have to think there's different flavours of adrenalin... I still use some of it when fightimng at my best, but that doesn't feel like when I'm angry, much. Very intense, but mostly highly enjoyable.

It also seems I have my adrenalin on tap, I can sort of pour me as much as I need when I'm fighting, without actually going too far. I almost never loose my temper when fighting, I can only remember about four times in a 22 year career.

Kilkenny · Post by **Kilkenny** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:57 pm

Steve -SoFC- wrote:
a babboon can fight with an amazing level of ferocity, but it probably can't enter the void, so I have to think from a book of five rings basis oh yeah, big time

I would say that the primitive motivation of savage ferocity of the baboon is, in fact, the very beast we are talking about.

See I've seen the beast in the eyes of other, highly effective martial artists. I don't know how to describe it.

Steve

Part of the problem is that we're clearly not all talking about the same beast.

IMO, savage ferocity has no place on the SCA field. We're playing with our friends out there, not genuinely fighting for our lives. Play hard, but no going to genuine survival mode.

I agree with Mordreth, in that I really doubt the baboon finds itself in the void and I am certain that the best fighting humans do. It's also possible to be in the void without being in survival mode.

Survival mode here being used as meaning that there is only one rule - me and mine walk away.

mongrel · Post by **mongrel** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:21 pm

+1

I feel that there are various circumstances which bring out different animals within us, but still, they are fierce. Like mentioned above the fight or flight mode where we do anything to survive at all costs. That has no place in our game. There's also the adrenal sort of zone we get where to us, we're calm focused and just in there. To spectators however its an entirely different story as they watch it plow through a crowd of enemy killing each of them while not being touched. In any case I feel everyone (especially on our path) has some sort of primal creature that comes out when we put our armor on. Not to say that its savage or a cold blooded murderer or uncontrollable rage, but rather a creature which enjoys violent sport with its brothers. I also feel we release, feed, love, and care for this creature every time we fight whether we know it or not. Some people call it the warrior spirit others call it "beast" and Kilkenny calls it "puppy" whatever the name its still the same entity inside of us.

-mongrel-

Glaukos the Athenian · Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:57 pm

Thanks Mongrel (Your Grace Gavin) and all.

Don't get me wrong, I am known for carrying more of the madness of Dyonisos and less the restraint of Apollo when I plow into an enemy shield wall at full speed. (Once I did it so well I went through two lines of enemies and was facing the third line when they called a halt.... I was in a sea of read taped helmets and not a damned blue taped one in a 10 foot radius... but that is another story...)

I guess the issue is removing the mental restraint that allows for full development of force while keeping cool emotionally. In this case the dichotomy is the fact that I am fighting people to be good, and probably fun around a campfire.

One of my most touching experiences in last years Pennsic (which was my first) was strolling on the very last night by the encampment of Darkyard, the awesome Midrealm household, and stopping while I watched a bard singing/telling a story/song of the bravery and nobility of their warriors. The guy was good. As I was watching, a nice lady from the household noticed me watching and invited me in, asked me to help myself to beer and food, and to sit down and listen.

Here were the fellows I had fought against daily. Their ladies and their children. And while the songs were about their deeds and their bravery and their nobility, I was touched by the sincerity of it all. Their hospitality and friendship to a complete stranger. (Zeus protects strangers and visitors so his blessings with them). Behold my "enemies".

I will follow Eorl Thorvaldr's advise and continue having fun. But I think I can lose a bit the restraint and give good Nissan (or rather bad Nissan) and Roibeard the fight they desire.

I Thank you all for your kind advise. And if you see me in the field, seek me or move aside... I am coming through....

Glaukos the Athenian

GardenGnome · Post by **GardenGnome** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:32 am

Glaukos the Athenian wrote:One of my most touching experiences in last years Pennsic (which was my first) was strolling on the very last night by the encampment of Darkyard, the awesome Midrealm household, and stopping while I watched a bard singing/telling a story/song of the bravery and nobility of their warriors. The guy was good. As I was watching, a nice lady from the household noticed me watching and invited me in, asked me to help myself to beer and food, and to sit down and listen.

Here were the fellows I had fought against daily. Their ladies and their children. And while the songs were about their deeds and their bravery and their nobility, I was touched by the sincerity of it all. Their hospitality and friendship to a complete stranger. (Zeus protects strangers and visitors so his blessings with them). Behold my "enemies".

Quick derail..

Hospitality to strangers is the norm for our camp. I am often one of the offering it. It gladens my heart to hear that we could be a part of that "Pennsic Magic" for your first Pennsic. To bad mundane life is getting in the way of my Pennsic this year.

Back to topic =)

Like others I have had issues with the "beast" in the past. I think all have dealt with it one form or another. I have always been one of those calm fighters. Granted in melee I have been known to do some real weird/crazy things never been a good tournament fighter. Never has the beast come out fully it has been close. When it gets to that I walk away from the field. The other side is not my enemy, they are my friends who love the same sport I do, they are my brothers and sisters.

In fact I dislike it when people with long weapons try to incite their side by hitting them or their shield. I always repsond back that I don't need to hit to inspire me to protect my spear brother and shield brother in a rather forcefull voice. Last 4 years never had to say it.

Needless to say there is no such thing as too much fun. But there is such a thing of too little control. What we do can potentially hurt people when control is lost, we are not playing ping pong.

Fionn of House Darkyard Contubernium VI Man at Arms of HG Valharic Caligula Aurelius

Mord · Post by **Mord** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:50 am

Glaukos,

I would say you've found your real enemy when you found the beast within you. It's a very hard enemy, but overcome it with the rest of your person, and you'll do fine.

Mord.