The Armour Archive

This thread is to comemmorate the passing of a very old friend of mine, Shaitan Tuchux, Tarn Clan, who died after fighting at Ymir last Saturday.

I put this in the fighting thread category because I feel that is where he might have wanted it.
He was first and foremost, a fighter as well as a combat leader, of no small renowne for both.

So far I am not privy to any remembrance or other ceremonial details.
I do not have a Facebook which is where I am told that is being organized.

Fare well, Dog.
We are diminished.

This is not easy. I've known Shaitan since Dagorhir days. He has been a fixture of my reenacting experience for as long as I can remember. He wasn't everybodies friend. He was a force of chaos at times, but he was OUR force of chaos.

He came to the event and stayed under the Elephants tent with us. Had no idea he was coming and was glad to see him. He jumped in one of my chairs and called it his own for the day. We joked and talked of times gone by. He fought in the same round robin list as I and we got to cross swords. He had a good day. Fought well, won some and gave several inspired fights that caused his opponents to work for their win. Did the three man as well.

We wound down after the fighting under the tent like I have done so many times with so many people. Trading barbs and whitty banter. We had a couple shots of bourbon while reliving some of the fights of the day. My last memory of him was leaving with a wink and carrying his gear to the car. I was still dressing down so I told him to take care and I'd see him soon.

In court we heard that an ambulance had been called and some event staff were pulled to deal with an unknown emergency. I assumed car accident at the sites gate as they said the road was blocked. Once court was over I went back to the field to pick up the rest of my stuff and prepare to head out.

It was dark as I got to my car and I noticed that Falcones vehicle was blocking the road with its flashers on. I was curious if the emergency was resolved and walked that way. As I passed the truck I heard people calling my name in the dark. Searching for me. I yelled I was on the way and headed towards the ambulance and police cars trying to figure out what was happening and why they were calling my name.

When I got to Falcone he told me we had lost Gregg. I didn't understand and still don't. We got to see him in the ambulance. To say goodbye. I told him he had a good day and that I would miss him. What else can you say to someone lost too soon?

What any friend of Shaitan should know is that as soon as someone knew he was in trouble they tried their best to bring him back. The people of the event moved heaven and earth to get help there as soon as possible. Several first responders were among the attendees and they did their best. He was with friends at the end. I am so glad he came to the event so that we got some time together.

When I got home I was pulling out the event gear I had in the car and remembered him sitting in my chair. I looked at it and it still had stains from his bourbon and coke on it. I placed it at the head of my fire pit and sat with Shaitan one last time.

It is one thing to read about a death and quite another to know the one who is gone; I didn't know the man but you did so his memory lives on in you. May he R.I.P.

I heard about this late, late Saturday and it's still a shock.

I think we'll still catch glimpses of him on the field.

Cat

It's hard to lose old friends.

That lucky bastard. He went the way he wanted to.

A day of fighting and drinking with friends. Can't think of a better way.

That was an amazing exit. May the Lord and his angels cheer Shaitan's arrival. He left this world in style. May he be greeted in Heaven and admired.

Agreed. What timing.

Here's a video I found of a Pennsic Town Battle. You can see him in action around 6:45.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn3tWVStftI