Where are all of the TRUE Warriors?

[Duke Icefalcon]

I have been playing this game for many years. Over 20 now. In those years, I have heard boasts and tall tales. Great warriors from around the country who would wreck the greatest warriors of your Kingdom or mine.

Battle of the Nations comes around and folks get to really test their mettle. A call is sent out to the greatest warriors our nation can put forth, to defend honor of a REAL country, the best in the world. Team USA has sent out a call to arms. A few giants among men answered the call and then.....? Crickets.

Where are the true men who would test their mettle against the best of the REAL world in a test of arms and strength?

If you have the means; armor yourself in a protective manner against real steel weapons, arm yourself with a real steel weapon and to travel to Poland this spring.

If you can really stand behind the words "I am a warrior in heart and body".

If you have a patriotism to step forward and help represent YOUR country in a world championship. (Are you Marines going to le the Gunner have all of the fun without you? Are you other strong servicemen going to let another opportunity to defend the honor of your nation go by?)

Let me know. I am looking for big, strong, Americans with heart to stand beside me, Duke Lucan, Duke Jade, Duke Uther, Duke Felix, Max Von Halstern, Nissan Maxima and many other you know on a field in Poland, wearing the colors of our nation.

If you have what it takes, contact me and I will get you the info on what you need to do to be part of our team.

Duke Andreas Eisfalke Von Ulm / Andre Sinou - Tactical Commander- Team USA, Battle of the Nations

[Jonny Deuteronomy]

Is this for funsies or is the team really short-handed?
I could perhaps step up if my Nation truly needs me.
It turns out the jousting may not be all that after all in 2012.

I'm 5'11" 220# 49yo pole/spear melee specialist, in rather reasonable shape with 20+yrsSCAhvy and some slight renown.

I'd need help getting kitted out...do you know any armouries?

May I use a polarm to do binds and throws? I haven't seen that in any of the films and I think it could be a game-changer. Ankle sweeps? Takedowns? Tripping? Hooking?

[Vitus von Atzinger]

Everyone is BROKE. That's the problem.

[olaf haraldson]

Yeah, that's the biggest obstacle to me...
I mean, realistically, I'm a pretty small guy, and might get tossed around anyway... but if I had the money, I'd love to at least try it!

[Kenwrec Wulfe]

I have been playing this game for many years. Over 20 now. In those years, I have heard boasts and tall tales. Great warriors from around the country who would wreck the greatest warriors of your Kingdom or mine.

Battle of the Nations comes around and folks get to really test their mettle. A call is sent out to the greatest warriors our nation can put forth, to defend honor of a REAL country, the best in the world. Team USA has sent out a call to arms. A few giants among men answered the call and then.....? Crickets.

Where are the true men who would test their mettle against the best of the REAL world in a test of arms and strength?

If you have the means; armor yourself in a protective manner against real steel weapons, arm yourself with a real steel weapon and to travel to Poland this spring.

If you can really stand behind the words "I am a warrior in heart and body".

If you have a patriotism to step forward and help represent YOUR country in a world championship. (Are you Marines going to le the Gunner have all of the fun without you? Are you other strong servicemen going to let another opportunity to defend the honor of your nation go by?)

Let me know. I am looking for big, strong, Americans with heart to stand beside me, Duke Lucan, Duke Jade, Duke Uther, Duke Felix, Max Von Halstern, Nissan Maxima and many other you know on a field in Poland, wearing the colors of our nation.

If you have what it takes, contact me and I will get you the info on what you need to do to be part of our team.

Duke Andreas Eisfalke Von Ulm / Andre Sinou - Tactical Commander- Team USA, Battle of the Nations

I would be there in the beat of a heart, if I had the funds to afford it, Your Grace.

[Murdock]

"Everyone is BROKE. That's the problem."

There is that, broke or broken.

In my case both.

Still trying to do my part.

[Samuel]

Im actually focusing on 2013.... I think if I started prepping for this with a plate and pins in my ankle right now im liable to be stuffed in a basement well by loved ones with lotion and sandisches delivered via basket...

[Aaron]

I'm in school, and under orders to stay there and not take vacation. I couldn't even put in for a vacation to go to Fukashima, so Poland is out.

-Aaron

[Baron Eirik]

Everyone is BROKE. That's the problem.

Yup.

[Aaron]

Time, money, will and physical fitness must all join together on this one. If one of those four items is missing, the table will not stand. I'm short on time.

-Aaron

[Aaron]

What is the estimated cost to go to this event, to include the plane fare? I'd put in $20 for someone else to go. And if many of us put in $20, we might be able to fund one other person.

-Aaron

[Sean Powell]

I could probably scrape together the money and build a kit but I'm WAY below ducal level combat intensity and I'm looking to quit my job and move so every penny I can save is important... I really wish I could. I mean I wish I was physically capable of that level of intensity but my 1/2 hour lunch workout is kicking my office-paunch ass.

Sean

[Aaron]

Excellent points.

What is the minimum level you would consider for each of the metrics you are looking for in a fighter for this event? For example, I'd say my "stats" (OK, I'm an old time D&D geek that hasn't played in almost 20 years...) out of ten (compared to the "average" SCA heavy fighter) are:

Physical: 7
Financial: 7
Fighting Level: 3
Time available: 1
Armour: 10 (OK, I'm proud)

That one for time puts me out of the running. This Sunday is the first practice I'll be able to attend for the last six months, and it's only 20 minutes down the road.

-Aaron

-Aaron

[St. George]

If someone wants to front the cash, I'll go for sho.

[Aaron]

OK, let's start a Send George to Poland fund.

The question is, how much cash is the minimum level? The plane ticket alone will be ~$3K I think (transport of armour), then hotels, etc.... My $20 for the cause will be a drop in the bucket, but if there are enough drops we could see a flood of help.

-Aaron

[Nissan Maxima]

Is this for funsies or is the team really short-handed?
I could perhaps step up if my Nation truly needs me.
It turns out the jousting may not be all that after all in 2012.

I'm 5'11" 220# 49yo pole/spear melee specialist, in rather reasonable shape with 20+yrsSCAhvy and some slight renown.

I'd need help getting kitted out...do you know any armouries?

May I use a polarm to do binds and throws? I haven't seen that in any of the films and I think it could be a game-changer. Ankle sweeps? Takedowns? Tripping? Hooking?

Yup, we need some guys. And yes you can throw guys around with a polearm.

[Kilkenny]

Your Grace,

Perhaps a dozen years ago I would have joined in this emprise. Today, the landscape is different for me in many ways. Financially, it's not viable for me to undertake this at this time. On more personal levels it's not something I could take on now.

I admit to some envy that others will be able to take part in this and that I will not. Would that it had happened in the twentieth century

[Jan]

So many things to entice me...I could visit the cousins again and drink good vodka late into the evening. Fighting of that nature, but I also fall into to "can't afford it bucket", especially since I would have to upgrade my kit substantially.

But hey...if the conversation with the VP goes well next week that all may change.

[Gurahl]

Gunner,

I would do it as a chance to travel and represent America, however Uncle Sam says I get to travel and represent America in a country not quite as lovely as Poland. It saddens me greatly to miss a chance to stand beside people I have respected for so long.

[Sir Guy]

I did a bundget and I am thinking someplacew between 7-8k. But then again i will need all new armour and alot of the soft kit as well since they will have Period inspectors wondering around.

I am figuring out how get sponsers now.

[Aaron]

PM me your mailing address and I'm in for $20 (at least) to see you go and fight.

Your $8K estimate might be right. And that means I'd be out of the running even IF I had the time. With three kids, I can't say, "Golly, would it be OK if Daddy blew $8K on something fun for him, while you go to public school and have your own Battle of Street Gangs while you study? I knew you'd be fine with that!"

-Aaron

[FrauHirsch1]

Do you guys have a funding mechanism? Paypal?

Advertising on each kingdom's facebook group might be worthwhile, and the Adrian Empire, ECS, and Markland..

There are a number of people who I think would be great additions and would love to go, but they just don't have the funds.

[Edward MacTavish]

http://www.usaknights.org/index.html

Has an option to donate.

Edward

[MJBlazek]

No money, no kit... but I am planning on making a $25 donation after Christmas. Depending on how well my Christmas shopping goes it might even be $50

[FrauHirsch1]

Thanks Edward, but I think a more focused campaign might be a good idea. Even asking for $5-$10.

[twoswords]

I would love to go. I believe I have the fighting level and experience needed. I have the travel arrangements. I even have the kit for it!

What I don't have is a piece of paper saying VISA stamped the right way. If I leave the USA, I wont be allowed back in without a fully new one, which takes up to 9 months to get back.

[twoswords]

Could a possible idea for funding be to send out a post on the various Kingdom lists, announcing what BOTN is, and that there is a team from the US looking to go? Info could include all needed sources, that the team is looking for more people, as well as informing of the option to donate any amount towards funding of travel and gear.

Hmm...I have a month off during winter. Perhaps time to see what I can make to auction off in favor of BOTN Team US.

[Jan van Nyenrode]

Hi Guys,

Just a litte side question. When will the BOTN 2012 actually be, and which countries are to participate? Can't find that information on the website.

Thanks,

Jan

[Maelgwyn]

I'm not able to go but I'd be glad to make something to contribute. Guys who are going should publish a wish list with size info. Anyone need a shield boss? Vambraces with spring steel splints? An authentic pouch? A custom shield? I imagine some others here might be willing to donate their talents as well.

I'd buy a fundraiser t-shirt if they were offered.

I'm also looking at gearing up to provide local practice for at least one participant. I expect that a good number of local sparring partners will be needed.

[Gethin]

There are many reasons why I can not participate, but this is the reason why I will not participate. Taken from your website "This sport has no room for chivalry..." .
Not my thing.
I have a great amount of respect for Jade and Uther, as well as anyone else who wants to play this game. I don't think that I would be philosophically compatable for the team.
Best of luck and may you all have an incredible time!

[Jonathan Baird]

That is one person's opinion not the entire teams. or mine.

[Count Johnathan]

Gethin that is an odd statement that doesn't sit well with many an SCA fighter I am sure though Chivalry is a personal pursuance and I think one could participate in this activity and keep their personal code of chivalry intact.

Alas I neither have the proper kit or funds to participate in such a contest and I must admit it vexes me greatly to miss out on the opportunity. I have stood shoulder to shoulder and or on opposing sides of most of the names listed and can only imagine the shock such a team of fighting men will be to their game.

I have a feeling HG duke Baldar would probably be quite interested in such a venture. I would try to contact him if I were you your grace.

[Gethin]

Mr. Baird- Yes, yes it is.
(edit: I just realized that you could be refering to the captain and not me.)
Count Johnathan- I am sorry, but I am unclear as to what you are referring to. Is it the statement that "this sport has no room for chivalry" or that I am not interested in playing that kind of game?

[Ingvarr]

Just curious how large a team you are trying to get over. From looking at the rules, there are 1v1 5v5 and 21v21 fights and it looks like you're carrying 27 now.

[Jonathan Baird]

Mr. Baird- Yes, yes it is.
(edit: I just realized that you could be refering to the captain and not me.)
Count Johnathan- I am sorry, but I am unclear as to what you are referring to. Is it the statement that "this sport has no room for chivalry" or that I am not interested in playing that kind of game?

That is why I edited my comment because I reread it and saw it could be taken more than one way. I was referencing the Chivalry aspect.

I am the web master for that site and I disagreed with what was said at the time I edited the page to include this but I am a team player and while I will disagree politely and say that is not my opinion I stand behind the captain.