For me- the end of an era.

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:27 pm

I have to admit that, to a certain degree, I have hit a wall in my SCA/medievalist life. I must admit to myself that I not only can't financially afford to push the boundries of my particular brand of SCA lifestyle, I don't really have the desire to anymore.

I have sounded off on the internet for about ten years about what I feel the proper "way" is, about how to get there, and even how to stay there. I have said my piece. My books are always going to be there if anyone wants to know what I think.

I was greatly influenced throughout the 1980's by the modern approach to the study of traditional Japanese Budo. I liked the formality and seriousness of the "martial arts school", and the open admission that such study was, for the most part, in tribute to warriors of the past.

In my mind the SCA was one big dojo- a training hall without walls and of limitless size where martial, artistic and social forms could be studied and re-created as an intellectual and spiritual exercise. It also contained a special thing that the WMA schools will never have- a system of testing that involves matters of loyalty alongside matters of the selfless sacrifice of martial and emotional energy. This testing is done by a group of people so large that you could never fit them into one place- instead of one teacher who decides the legitimacy of your experience (or your rank) you must answer to literally thousands of teachers (who are also eternal students)...one must even weigh the opinion of those who have the least skill. The SCA is the only place that can give you this. You must be judged by many, many, many teachers. It truly is the Anvil of Virtue, because you must answer to people. A whole bunch of people. I once asked "Who is the Body of Honor? Who do you answer to?" The truth is that one must answer to everyone who walks upon our stage- the high, the low, those who know you well and even those who have only heard of you.

I will maintain my station, but devote my primary energy to my wife and family. I am no longer interested in conventional SCA combat, and I will not attend any fighting event where I must conform to typical SCA rules.

My primary interest will be in the unbelts of the SCA, so that I may advance the reputations of those who deserve to be knights. I can no longer spend huge amounts of mental or physical energy on my own renown, or on further adventures in the philosophical sphere where combat meets debate and the inner workings of the heart.

In a way I am announcing a retirement, in that I will no longer seek to prove myself or advance my vision over and over and over. I have shown myself over the last 20 years to be a fighter of some prowess, and I have advanced my thoughts across the known world through my books and through constant participation in certain internet communities.

I literally have said my piece, and find myself with nothing else -of any consequence- to say. I also have no desire to continue.

May God keep you all and guide you in your journey. Feel free to ask me anything in person, but I just don't have the time, money or energy to continue my role as one of the primary lances in the avant garde of the 14th Century Mafia, although I will remain a life-long member.

It's time for somebody else to do this job.

With great fondness I say goodbye to a vision and ideal that I have relentlessly pursued for ten years. My wife and family need not only my time, but my mental energy- something that they have never demanded or even asked for.

I will continue to do my part by making cool stuff for guys who want to advance our holy cause. Occasionally I will fight alongside a few of you, or against some of you. I will rejoice when we are together.

I will -hopefully- be at the following events-

Blackstone Raids, Border Raids and Pennsic

We can talk there, but online? I can't give it any more energy. It has been fun. I respect you all and love a great many of you. The internet helped me to grow up because I learned to listen to what other people had to say.

Now, make a holy chivalric vow....and follow through with it.

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:28 pm

Oh, I will probably not even read replies here on this thread. Feel free to contact me via my regular e-mail address if you must.

sha-ul · Post by **sha-ul** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:22 pm

I am sorry to hear this, I hope that your burnout is not too severe or long lasting. May fresh air and sunshine breath new life into your weary soul.
Even if you no longer have the time to remain a dominant force in here, may you keep fighting the good fight, the sca, and the larger world need chivalry now more than ever.

I know it's meager encouragement from an insignificant goob. but good luck& may G-D bless

Otto von Teich · Post by **Otto von Teich** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:51 am

You will be missed. Rest assured you have done a great deal for the SCA. You have accomplished a great deal over the years. Take a well deserved rest and enjoy the finer things in life (IE wife and daughter) Take good care of your body and mind, as they are the only ones youve got. I retired 7 years ago and didnt even realize it at the time. :wink:

Strongbow · Post by **Strongbow** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:28 am

Thanks Sir Vitus.

I found your posts and writings always thought provoking, and often inspirational.

MdB

Leo Medii · Post by **Leo Medii** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:02 am

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:33 am

Well that sucks... It like have a great source of inspiration and guidance fade away. No, it's EXACTLY that. In the years to come I'll tell newbies that I'm trying to be more like Sir Vitus when I grow up... and they won't know who I mean.

Sean

Mord · Post by **Mord** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:37 am

Good luck. May God keep you.

Mord.

William of Stonebridge · Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:20 am

Sean Powell wrote:Well that sucks... It like have a great source of inspiration and guidance fade away. No, it's EXACTLY that. In the years to come I'll tell newbies that I'm trying to be more like Sir Vitus when I grow up... and they won't know who I mean.

Sean

Quoted for truth.

You are a fine example and inspiration to us all. I hope someday to meet you face to face. I am sorry to hear of disillusionment and pray that you find what you are looking for during your hiatus from here and conventional SCA combat. Putting your focus to your wife and family above all else is commendable. Your presence, insight and advice will be missed.

God save Sir Vitus!

Leo Medii · Post by **Leo Medii** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:55 am

The loss I feel is indescribable on this.

And, I worry. Cause I'm very much like Vitus, and sometimes I find myself feeling EXACTLY like he is.
My wife will be crying tonight.....she is so proud to be one of his mafia squires.

marcus the pale · Post by **marcus the pale** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 12:42 pm

sha-ul wrote:I am sorry to hear this...
*snip*
...the sca, and the larger world need chivalry now more than ever.

qft

AEiric Orvender · Post by **AEiric Orvender** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:04 pm

Sean Powell wrote:Well that sucks... It like have a great source of inspiration and guidance fade away. No, it's EXACTLY that. In the years to come I'll tell newbies that I'm trying to be more like Sir Vitus when I grow up... and they won't know who I mean.

Sean

Only if you fail...
The tribes of the Celtoi had an oral tradition... they told the stories of their great warriors, stories to uphold those warrior's beliefs and deeds.

In the years to come when you tell newbies that I'm trying to be more like Sir Vitus, and they ask you who Sir Vitus was... tell them.
Tell them everything. The exploits, the skill, and the inspiration that Sir Vitus inspires in you.

If Sir Vitus chooses to sail into the mists of time the it is the duty and honor of those who knew him, fought alongside him , and learned from him. To keep him alive within the eyes of those who aspire to be more.

Ã†iric Ã˜rvender
Ã†iric of the Left Hand, Called Archer's Bane, Child of the North Seas, Husband to Keely Summer-Walker, Foster-son of Yulfa She Wolf, Valkyrie Weis Ulv og Harii of the Ring Tribe, Brigit's Champion, Consort's Champion, Warrior of the Tribe of the Ring.

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:25 pm

Leo Medii wrote:The loss I feel is indescribable on this.

And, I worry. Cause I'm very much like Vitus, and sometimes I find myself feeling EXACTLY like he is.
My wife will be crying tonight.....she is so proud to be one of his mafia squires.

I will miss him, but the perfect should be the goal of the good, not its enemy. I believe he has mistaken the two.

Leo Medii · Post by **Leo Medii** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:07 pm

Sometimes....I feel like I'm climbing a great mountain. The mountain of the body of honour, to honour those who were our knightly ancestors. The great warriors of the past. And, many times, I feel as if I'm being pulled down the mountain by those below me, and being pushed back down the mountain by those above me.

It is as if a great wave is constantly seeking to sweep you out to sea, and historical living, honouring the warriors of the past, and doing and seeking the path they strode is the beach.......

white mountain armoury · Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:13 pm

Leo Medii wrote:Sometimes....I feel like I'm climbing a great mountain. The mountain of the body of honour, to honour those who were our knightly ancestors. The great warriors of the past. And, many times, I feel as if I'm being pulled down the mountain by those below me, and being pushed back down the mountain by those above me.

It is as if a great wave is constantly seeking to sweep you out to sea, and historical living, honouring the warriors of the past, and doing and seeking the path they strode is the beach.......

I believe its supposed to be a struggle, if not something is missing and false.

BdeB · Post by **BdeB** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:28 pm

Whew guys, you are getting a little melodramtic here aren't you? I just read this as "I am not going to post on the Armour Archive anymore." The SCA activity level that Vitus is describing is pretty much the same as it has been for many years for him. I think you guys are reading too much into this...

Leo Medii · Post by **Leo Medii** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:45 pm

Yeah, I might be knee jerking myself cause he is an inspiration to me and my outlook on the SCA.

And, it is a struggle. As a freind of mine once said, if it was easy, everyone would do it.

white mountain armoury · Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:58 pm

BdeB wrote:Whew guys, you are getting a little melodramtic here aren't you? I just read this as "I am not going to post on the Armour Archive anymore." The SCA activity level that Vitus is describing is pretty much the same as it has been for many years for him. I think you guys are reading too much into this...

Yup, possible, I have done it befor as well, but I just said "I am not hanging out here anymore" see what good that did me

Although this statement
"I will maintain my station, but devote my primary energy to my wife and family. I am no longer interested in conventional SCA combat, and I will not attend any fighting event where I must conform to typical SCA rules."
Implies atleast cutting back on this hobby. Although I dont know what his level of activity is.
Every day I wonder if this "thing" is time well spent, but if it improves me or those around me it obviously is.
Lately we have been without Sir Alfreds words, and now without Vitus words as well, while there are still many more here to draw from we will be poorer non the less.

Sinister_Theo · Post by **Sinister_Theo** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:59 pm

Vitus has been the shock-jock of the SCA for years. He has presented great words, words that make many twitch, and some humor too.

If what he offers is so great seek him out. Don't use the internet, take the time to meet up with him.

Syrfinn · Post by **Syrfinn** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:52 pm

Hope you find happiness, Vitus.

I know a few people lately, who have specifically stopped doing sca business over the internet, as far as message boards and such. Takes a lot of the personnal contact away that we used to have.

With that being said, I love this medium, cause it lets me keep in touch with people who I normally only see at Pennsic, who I grew up in the sca with.

Granted, Im at a different crossroads right now. Ive been considering the last 4 months of hanging them up.

Have gone thru little bumps here and there, but nothing like the apathy I am currently experiencing with SCA right now.

Nissan Maxima · Post by **Nissan Maxima** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:20 pm

They come. They go.
Sometimes they come back.

D. Sebastian · Post by **D. Sebastian** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:06 pm

Thank you for your passion and efforts in your desire for us to improve this great Society, Syr Knight.

I wish you well on this next part of your journey.

Baron Alejandro · Post by **Baron Alejandro** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:05 pm

Nissan Maxima wrote:They come. They go.
Sometimes they come back.

You're going to have to invent someone now.

BendSinister · Post by **BendSinister** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:09 am

I Thank Sir Vitus von Atzinger for your time and thought. If it helps, I have learned from you.
BS

Jehan de Pelham · Post by **Jehan de Pelham** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:08 pm

Be glorious!

John
Jehan de Pelham, your squire
www.mron.org

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:34 pm

Thank you for your leadership. Now your inspirational memory will lead others. I've enjoyed your writings and have bought your books.

With respect,

-Aaron

Guy Dawkins · Post by **Guy Dawkins** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:17 pm

Well, he kicked the ball and now it's up to the rest of us to keep it moving.

But he should have been at the Deed on Friday at Gulf Wars.

brunester · Post by **brunester** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:29 pm

...............does this mean hes gonna give out his
"super secret awesome shield recipe"?

sorry

Thorvald Weretiger · Post by **Thorvald Weretiger** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:47 pm

Found on Legio

The Ballad of Brave Sir Vitus (you know the tune...)

Bravely bold Sir Vitus, rode forth from Camelot.
He was not afraid to die, O Brave Sir Vitus.
He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways.
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Vitus!
He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp,
Or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken.
To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away,
And his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Vitus!
His head smashed in and his heart cut out,
And his liver removed and his bowels unplugged,
And his nostrils raped and his bottom burned off,
And his penis...

(Vitus interrupts the song)

(Vitus encounters the 3-Headed Tuchuk, and talks to himn for 3 days)

(After Vitus runs away from the 3-Headed Tuchuk, who listened INTENTLY the whole time)

MINSTREL: Brave Sir Vitus ran away

Vitus: No!

MINSTREL (singing): Bravely ran away away

Vitus: I didn't!

MINSTREL (singing): When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled

Vitus: No!

MINSTREL (singing): Yes Brave Sir Vitus turned about

Vitus: I didn't!

MINSTREL (singing): And gallantly he chickened out Bravely taking to his feet

Vitus: I never did!

MINSTREL (singing): He beat a very brave retreat

Vitus: Oh, lie!

MINSTREL (singing): Bravest of the brave Sir Vitus

Vitus: I never!

(Later, when Vitus meets up with King Arthur)

MINSTREL (singing): Packing it in and packing it up
And sneaking away and buggering off
And chickening out and pissing off home
Yes, bravely he is throwing in the sponge

joking aside, if you read this Vitus...thank you. both for the lessons found in your books and your words in here.you truly are an inspiration and you'll be missed greatly. hopefully you'll attend Pennsic for one last go round before you ride off into the sunset. id be honored if you'd join me for a beverage before ya go.