Challenge a Plaisance: Polehammers, Pollaxes and Spears

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:40 pm

Good Day!

On the ninth of May, Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine, at four hours after high noon, Lord William Featherstone would like to issue a challenge a plaisance (in peace) between friends at St. Aiden's Melee College, in the Noble Kingdom of Atlantia, AFTER the full day of fighting and training.

Lord Featherstone wishes to hold the field against three separate chalengers, each for a duration of ten minutes as timed by the sandglass or until both combatants feel that honor has been met.

Let the first chalenger meet him in the open field for ten minutes with with matched six foot polehammers.

Let the second chalenger meet him in the open field for ten minutes with with matched five foot pollaxes.

Let the final chalenger meet him over a barrier draped with the heraldic pennant of the Armour Archive for ten minutes with with matched almost-nine-foot spears.

All weapons will be provided, as will water and refreshments in between the ten minute bouts.

Weapons and barrier will be freely available when not in use for others to issue and accept their own personal chalenges.

The barrier has been handcrafted by Lord Featherstoneâ€™s Lady, Midori, a carpenter of excellent skill. A day-shade with light food, iced water, goblets, roses and places to rest will be set up by Lord William Featherstone. Small prizes will be available to hand out for impressive deeds and chivalry.

Permission has been asked for, and granted by the hosts of the St. Aiden's Melee College. And the patrons of the event are deeply thanked for their gracious grant of acquiescence!

Lord Featherstone would also request the service of a King of arms (Marshal) and timekeeper as those positions have not yet been fulfilled.

With respect,

Lord William Featherstone (aka Aaron)

P.S. Video documentation will be done by Nicholas Featherstone, son of William Featherstone, and will be made available to the Armour Archive and others afterwards. Will is paying his son $1 per minute of good footage that makes it through editing, so this should generate good videoâ€¦money is riding on it.

Leo Medii · Post by **Leo Medii** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:52 pm

Dang....what fun this would be.

I'm glad your last name isn't Feathersword (which is how I read it at first).

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 3:54 pm

Thank you Sir!

I'm not that great of a fighter, but I love doing these things.

Sean Powell helped me make the wording more clear and give it some flair. Thanks Sean!

-Aaron

Gethin · Post by **Gethin** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:13 pm

Aaron,
This sounds like a wonderful way to pass an afternoon away, sadly I will not be able to make it.
Out of curiosity, why did you choose polehammer and axe? To me, they are very similar weapons.
I hope you have a most excellent time.

Eirik · Post by **Eirik** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:39 pm

Wish I could be there. I'd love to go 10 minutes of almost-nine-foot spears!!

May your combat be as honorable and gracious (and cool!) as your challenge

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 5:25 am

Hi Gethin,

I've got matching polehammers and spears already, and can make the 5 foot pollaxes with ease (I've made many pollaxes).

And...I'm only authorized on spear and polearm...and pollaxe and polehammer are my best forms. :oops:

This isn't some Uber Duke making the challange. It's me, and I'm of modest skill and slow, on a good day. :oops:

So I need to gear it to what I do best so I don't make my challangers embrassed that they came out to fight me. :oops:

I've got good strength and endurance and understand how to use a pollaxe and polehammer.

The pollaxes also have the advantage that I have thrusting tips on the axe head itself so you can hook your opponent as a shot, giving the game a much different feel for 5 foot (in close) pollaxes.

With thanks,

-Aaron

PS: Thanks everyone! Now is anyone in Atlantia that will be there for this? BWI airport isn't far away if I need to import people, but that's costly. :oops:

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:49 am

Nobody will fight me?

Come on people, I'm old, slow, almost blind in one eye, fight with odd weapons and am over armoured...and I'm too much of a challange?

Will I have to invite a combat archer to shoot at me while I block for a Deed of Arms?

Anybody?

And someone else said that there may be too many challengers.

-Aaron

Skutai · Post by **Skutai** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:54 am

I'm yer huckleberry.

That is, Lord Featherstone,

If I'm an at the St. Aiden event (I intend to be), I am physically able (I hope to be), and the creek don't rise, I'll match you across that barrier.

I look forward to stabbing you soon,
Skutai

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:57 am

God Bless you Skutai!!

Thank you!

I was starting to wonder if I was becoming a leper. :oops:

With thanks,

Lord William Featherstone (aka Aaron)

Tristan vom Schwarzwald · Fri May 01, 2009 11:18 am

Come on Atlantians!

Even with a torn ACL this challenge stirs my blood! Were it not for my injury I would take up arms for this...who amongst you will step forward?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 11:21 am

So far:

Spears at the Barrier:

Skutai

Polehammers: Need somebody

Pollaxes: Need somebody

I guess I could recruit at the event as well, but I thought there would be more takers. :oops:

-Aaron

Cian of Storvik · Post by **Cian of Storvik** » Fri May 01, 2009 11:37 am

I may not be going, but I can probably get a couple of guys to take you up on the challenge. I'll shoot an email out to a few of the Blackspear guys.

Did you okay this with the autocrat and the MoL? Not trying to be a party pooper (I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem with it), but just make sure that they are aware of the activity in advance, and so that they can have a marshal ready and aren't blind sided.
-Cian

Broadway · Post by **Broadway** » Fri May 01, 2009 11:50 am

I'd love to Aaron, but Maryland might as well be on the other side of the planet.

I rarely if ever get up there for events.

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Fri May 01, 2009 11:55 am

Still looking to see if I'm going to make it. I'm hoping to track down a scadian friendly baby-sitter who can help keep a 3 year old occupied while daddy gets in some fighting time. If I can make it I'll take you with whatever pole-weapon happens to be left (if there are any). If none remain I'll watch and chear.

Sean

Glaukos the Athenian · Fri May 01, 2009 11:57 am

I am not authorized in polearms or spear yet, and you left swords out, so I'll have to just stand by and cheer....

Glaukos

Skutai · Post by **Skutai** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:00 pm

Glaukos, perhaps Aaron would agree to a round of fisticuffs.

Tristan vom Schwarzwald · Fri May 01, 2009 12:07 pm

Cian of Storvik wrote:I may not be going, but I can probably get a couple of guys to take you up on the challenge. I'll shoot an email out to a few of the Blackspear guys.

Did you okay this with the autocrat and the MoL? Not trying to be a party pooper (I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem with it), but just make sure that they are aware of the activity in advance, and so that they can have a marshal ready and aren't blind sided.
-Cian

It is buried in the first post so it is hard to find:

"Permission has been asked for, and granted by the hosts of the St. Aiden's Melee College. And the patrons of the event are deeply thanked for their gracious grant of acquiescence!"

House Blackspear, you have the hearts of warriors and the might of giants. Those who have faced you know that your banner means a formidable fight is at hand. Surely there are some among you who would accept this challenge...

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:24 pm

Hi Cian,

Thank you for doing that for me! I know that there are very few polearm fighters in Atlantia, and so it's a very small chance that any of them will be at any single event.

I organized this with the autocrat and everyone who had an e-mail listing on the website.

With respect,

-Aaron

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:27 pm

Dante della Luna wrote:I'd love to Aaron, but Maryland might as well be on the other side of the planet.

I rarely if ever get up there for events.

Yeah, I know how you feel. I'd love to go down there and fight the southern Atlantia Armour Archive crew, but the drive is long and my family needs me.

It's entirely possible that I'll be in Southern Atlantia from 2012 to 2015.

With respect and thanks,

-Aaron

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:28 pm

Glaukos the Athenian wrote:I am not authorized in polearms or spear yet, and you left swords out, so I'll have to just stand by and cheer....

Glaukos

I guess that afterwards you and I could go for a mixed round, if I have any wind left in me.

38 minutes vs. Sir Angus at Pennsic took the wind out of me, and I was tired. I think breaking this into ten minute blocks will make it easier for everyone.

With respect,

-Aaron

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:33 pm

Sean Powell wrote:Still looking to see if I'm going to make it. I'm hoping to track down a scadian friendly baby-sitter who can help keep a 3 year old occupied while daddy gets in some fighting time. If I can make it I'll take you with whatever pole-weapon happens to be left (if there are any). If none remain I'll watch and chear.

Sean

Sean,

I almost want to reserve a spot for you, and leave it vacant if you don't arrive. You are THE tank of the East, and an outstanding, talented and historically wonderful fighter.

With deep respect,

-Aaron

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri May 01, 2009 12:36 pm

Whoops

Permission from the autocrat is granted but permission from the MiC is still pending. I was digging around my e-mail and noticed that the MIC had not responded yet, but everyone else had.

Please stay tuned for details :oops:

With embarrassment,

-Aaron

PS: I get to use this :oops:

at lot on the Archive. :oops:

Urdok · Post by **Urdok** » Mon May 04, 2009 9:33 am

I'm a nobody, just authorized newbie, but I would love to fill one of the polearm slots. I should know by the middle of the week if I can make the Melee College.

Vladimir · Post by **Vladimir** » Mon May 04, 2009 11:23 am

I would love to, but I'm not going to have any gas money.

It's always the gas money. grrrrrr

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Mon May 04, 2009 12:14 pm

Aaron,

I have heard your challenge of arms. Let us meet on the 9th day of May, in the open field with matched pole-hammers. Let us meet without animosity but with love of all things martial and combative. Let us gird ourselves in our most protective steel that we may more throughly test ourselves without loss of life nor limb. Let us fight for the glory of the deed and the entertainment of the crowd around us. Let us fight as our forfathers fought with not but the king of arms and the lord above to declare the victor.

With these words I accept your challenge.

Symon de Poitiers, Esquire to Sir Geoffrey Fitzgallen

========
A) "A plaisance" means no cheap/fast wins with a thrust to arm-pit, elbow or groin. If we do this we do it right and try to beat the armor into shape using each other as anvils.

B) This is a fitting retirement for the demo kit. Not certain what I'll do with it after this event but I hope to replace it before Pennsic Warriors of History.

C) Find someone to be Judge/King of Arms for the fight from the outside. I don't even know if I can survive a full 10 minutes of all-out in the tank-suit anymore. I sure as heck can't keep count of how many good strikes occur over 10 minutes... not that I care who wins or looses but it would be fun to know.

D) You owe a certain grandmother in Connecticut an appology for not getting to see her grand-daughter on Mothers day. I think that may be your worst sin.

Sean

Kilkenny · Post by **Kilkenny** » Mon May 04, 2009 1:47 pm

Aaron wrote:So far:

Spears at the Barrier: Skutai

Polehammers: Need somebody

Pollaxes: Need somebody

I guess I could recruit at the event as well, but I thought there would be more takers.

-Aaron

While it's within my travel range, you've got it opposite Eastern Crown, which is being held in my home Barony. Otherwise, I might have given it a shot ...

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Mon May 04, 2009 3:10 pm

Dear Symon de Poitiers, Esquire to Sir Geoffrey Fitzgallen,

I am deeply honored and very thankful. This is "a plaisance" as you said, and we're out for a fun time between friends, and definately not attempting to injure each other. The armour does take a lot

Ah!!! The demo kit is to retire???? Bummer.

But IF it must go out, this would be a wonderful last run. I'm praying I can get some good shots and do the "How a Man Shall Be Armed" bit for Tournaments Illuminated. I pray a picture of you and I make the cover. Now THAT would be a fitting retirement IMO.

If you tire, we can slow down or even take a breather. This is "a plaisance" as you said. And I don't even pay attention to wins and loses really. If the armour is on, I feel like I've won.

Truly that is a horrible sin, which I would like to attone for by being beaten. :oops:

With respect and thanks,

Lord William Fetherstone (aka Aaron)

Baron Alejandro · Post by **Baron Alejandro** » Mon May 04, 2009 3:22 pm

Tristan vom Schwarzwald wrote:Come on Atlantians!

Even with a torn ACL this challenge stirs my blood! Were it not for my injury I would take up arms for this...who amongst you will step forward?

Can you stand?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Mon May 04, 2009 3:39 pm

Good Day Duke Gavin Kilkenny,

That was a mighty fine offer!

I would fight you in a heartbeat, but I fear that I would not pose a challange. :oops:

One time I fought Duke Caridoc of the Bow and the fight went like this:

(Aaron thinking to himself during the fight):

WOW! That's THE Duke Caridoc of the Bow!

WOW! Duke Caridoc of the Bow is getting closer!

WOW! That leather armour is nicely done!

WOW! His sword is getting closer to me!

WOW! I just lost to Duke Caridoc of the Bow! What an honor!

I was a happy statue. :oops:

With respect,

-Aaron

Tristan vom Schwarzwald · Mon May 04, 2009 3:56 pm

Baron Alejandro wrote:
Tristan vom Schwarzwald wrote:Come on Atlantians!

Even with a torn ACL this challenge stirs my blood! Were it not for my injury I would take up arms for this...who amongst you will step forward?

Can you stand?

Yup, I can stand but I am banned from sports until the ACL is reconstructed and rehabed.

Baron Alejandro · Post by **Baron Alejandro** » Mon May 04, 2009 4:34 pm

I wonder if it would be entire folly to do spears at the barrier. No chance of a leg hit.

Skutai · Post by **Skutai** » Mon May 04, 2009 5:00 pm

Baron Alejandro wrote:I wonder if it would be entire folly to do spears at the barrier. No chance of a leg hit.

I crouch so low when I fight spear there's no chance of a leg hit anyway. The barrier should actually level the field a bit.

Sean Powell · Post by **Sean Powell** » Mon May 04, 2009 5:50 pm

I believe you will find 16th century wood-cuts showing spears at the barrier and the armorers wearing only 3/4 harness (with those funky cuises that are all lames and extend from th fauld down). I believe that legs were not necessarily a valid target. One did not train for stabing at legs from horseback since you might injure your opponents horse and be out a fine ransom if you won. If you arn't going to do it from horseback why do it afoot? :lol:

Sean

Noe · Post by **Noe** » Tue May 05, 2009 7:47 am

Dante della Luna wrote:I'd love to Aaron, but Maryland might as well be on the other side of the planet.

I rarely if ever get up there for events.

Funny you should say that. In my case, it is.

Aaron, you know I would not hesitate to take up your challenge. I wouldn't last 4 minutes, but I'd make you work for it.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue May 05, 2009 11:44 am

Hi!

The MIC said YES!

We are good to go!

Now, if I can just get the weather to behave. Saturday's weather is:

Saturday: Scattered thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

As long as the thunderstorms are scattered away from me, instead of scattering my friends and I, I'm good.

-Aaron