The Woods Battle : Pennsic 2010

[Broadway]

Denting a 14g helm isn't all that difficult. If a shot like that is giving you a brain bleed, mayhaps you are just a bit too old and fragile to be playing our game.

[Glaukos the Athenian]

Animal was ok Thursday. It happend right at the end of the final field battle Friday. Ive spoken with both Ratty and the lady she spoke to at the field and the issue is resolved. Apologies were offered and accepted. No drama.

That aside. Regardless of what tape a person has on, who he fights for, or even if the guy really is an asshole, from behind like that ? seriously? half an inch dent. brain bleed. life flight. thats serious shit. im hoping whomever did it gets kicked in the bean bag by karma.

Good to hear he is doing better. Please send best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Maeryk, there is talk and there is deed. This was a cowardly hit by someone looking for the unholy fame of having "killed" a mighty warrior without risk. Whoever it was here is my Shakespeare paraphrase for him: "Scorn and defiance, slight regard, contempt, And anything that may not misbecome the ... sender" do I prize him at..."

Being who he is is probably punishment enough, though we would want more.


Glaukos the Athenian

[Maeryk]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

[Thorvald Weretiger]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

[Maeryk]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

Agreed, 100%. Though nobody, really, "makes a name for themselves" by taking out a Tuchuk, any more than taking out anyone else.

you guys are great and honorable fighters.. I've fought against, and beside your clans in years past. However, I think some of you believe your own press a bit too much.

Yer just another bunch of fighters.. good ones.. some even great ones.. but just another bunch of fighters, all the same.

[Thorvald Weretiger]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

Agreed, 100%. Though nobody, really, "makes a name for themselves" by taking out a Tuchuk, any more than taking out anyone else.

you guys are great and honorable fighters.. I've fought against, and beside your clans in years past. However, I think some of you believe your own press a bit too much.

Yer just another bunch of fighters.. good ones.. some even great ones.. but just another bunch of fighters, all the same.

Really? Whens the last time people paid your group out the yingyang to fight for them?

[Maeryk]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

Agreed, 100%. Though nobody, really, "makes a name for themselves" by taking out a Tuchuk, any more than taking out anyone else.

you guys are great and honorable fighters.. I've fought against, and beside your clans in years past. However, I think some of you believe your own press a bit too much.

Yer just another bunch of fighters.. good ones.. some even great ones.. but just another bunch of fighters, all the same.

Really? Whens the last time people paid your group out the yingyang to fight for them?

Uhh.. the last time I fought with em.

in which battle, I seem to remember, we acted as the prow on the plow, opening Calontir up so you guys could pour through and wreak havoc inside the phalanx.. (but that was years ago at Pennsic).

Far as I know, even though I no longer fight with em, Confed still gets paid pretty good to fight.

[Thorvald Weretiger]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

Agreed, 100%. Though nobody, really, "makes a name for themselves" by taking out a Tuchuk, any more than taking out anyone else.

you guys are great and honorable fighters.. I've fought against, and beside your clans in years past. However, I think some of you believe your own press a bit too much.

Yer just another bunch of fighters.. good ones.. some even great ones.. but just another bunch of fighters, all the same.

Really? Whens the last time people paid your group out the yingyang to fight for them?

Uhh.. the last time I fought with em.

in which battle, I seem to remember, we acted as the prow on the plow, opening Calontir up so you guys could pour through and wreak havoc inside the phalanx.. (but that was years ago at Pennsic).

Far as I know, even though I no longer fight with em, Confed still gets paid pretty good to fight.

just out of curiousity, who do you fight with these days?

[Maeryk]

No doubt, and as I said.. behavior like that is utterly unacceptable, no matter what the cause or drive. And I honestly hope Animal _does_ get better, fast.

But if you talk enough shit, eventually, some of it is going to come back to you.

Face to face, id have no problem with the hit. but from behind, walking from the fight with saber above his head, clearly dead? thats bullshit. as was put forth earlier, theres word and theres deed. As many here would attest, Animal is an honorable man. Rough around the edges and lacking a sugar coated tongue, but still honorable. Neither he nor any body else deserves to get gacked from behind by some slack jawed cousin fucker trying to make a name for himself by taking out a Tuchuk.

Agreed, 100%. Though nobody, really, "makes a name for themselves" by taking out a Tuchuk, any more than taking out anyone else.

you guys are great and honorable fighters.. I've fought against, and beside your clans in years past. However, I think some of you believe your own press a bit too much.

Yer just another bunch of fighters.. good ones.. some even great ones.. but just another bunch of fighters, all the same.

Really? Whens the last time people paid your group out the yingyang to fight for them?

Uhh.. the last time I fought with em.

in which battle, I seem to remember, we acted as the prow on the plow, opening Calontir up so you guys could pour through and wreak havoc inside the phalanx.. (but that was years ago at Pennsic).

Far as I know, even though I no longer fight with em, Confed still gets paid pretty good to fight.

just out of curiousity, who do you fight with these days?

I'm not fighting right now, and unless some medical issues get sorted out, probably won't again.

And I miss it.. A LOT. grumble grumble.

Like I said.. in NO way am I disrespecting you guys.. you are as good as any of the best units out there.. but I don't think too many people are actively "counting coup" as much as just loving a good scrum.

[Thorvald Weretiger]

Not fighting now? When did you stop fighting?

[Euric Germanicus]

Unfort, its a common theme it seems, at least last couple of years. We lose a bunch of people, cause they wont fight in the woods, either of em. I havent got the official numbers for AEthelmearc yet, but i wouldnt be surprised if we were down by 50% for the woods battle. I know Midrealm took a hit also on their numbers.

Its a shame, Woods battle is usually my favorite battle, along side the Aliied Champ battle. But you have a bunch of folks running around like chicken little, screaming how dangerous the woods are, or how bridges are, and some of these guys are knights, and well it gives an excuse to those who are looking for one, not to come out.

But hey, their loss. They miss out on some great fights.

So far my best memory of the war, was Grettr(Clovenshield) and I, climbing our way half way up the huge hill to my right, that basically was the wall, and fighting great ax on great ax against each other, neither one getting a killing blow in, and then the cannon went off to end the battle. I basically slid back down to the bottom of the hill.

I thought that was you on that hill Finn! Serpentius formed up behind Black Talon and I went to my left up that hill. Jimmu (dude in white Samuri kit) was facing off against you guys. We looked at you for a second and went the the opposite end of the line to find some fun. You were behind a large fallen tree correct?

[Syrfinn]

Lol yeah, that was me.

It was fun, and that was one reason I liked all the deadfall, it allowed for us to use it, since we were normally outnumbered. Though for some reason a lot of our commanders kept bringing our guys out from it, and well then they just got surrounded.

[Euric Germanicus]

Hah, yeah. I looked at it for a second and was like "No way in HELL I'm running over that thing!" Then we moved away

[Murdock]

"by a polearm so hard it CREASED his 14 gauge stainless steel helmet. "

Broadway said it some what less kindly but,


Even i can do that with a single handed sword on a good day, most anyone with an unpadded pole can do it.

Not saying the shot wasn't excessive or generally bad. But creasing 14 ga ain't all that hard. Glad he's ok but i'd re do the padding, and watch for other failures in the metal. It may also be a soft helmet.

[Owyn]

I thought the new woods were wonderful. A real forest, not a hill with a few trees on it. We fight in deeper wood than that from time to time, locally, but it was pretty good. Mostly people were moving along trails, which meant those of us loping like wolves through the thicker parts were able to do some serious flanking and attacks on the rears of formations. Poison ivy was very overstated.

My favorite two memories: running with Sir Alex, and the two of us winding up behind the Mid formation on our left (their right) flank (whoops!). We fought and died gallantly. Also, being the last guy left in our line, and stepping into the middle of the trail, saluting the forty or so Mid troops ten feet away, and dropping into a guard. Thanks for not pummeling me when you finally decided to charge, guys.

[DukeAvery]

There were two last events that happened towards the ends of the woods I would share.

A fellow archiver gifted to me with a beautifully appointed rattan sword, scabbarded with a brass chape, complete with baldric studded all around. I confess I don't completely understand why, except that it was the most amazing display of battlefield largesse I've ever witnessed and had to do with me going out "one more time" (I was struggling with the heat and humidity). I was quite frankly stunned. Tell your story if you will brother, otherwise, thank you, and I shall tell our tale to my sons.

And as I marched out of the woods I was greeted (as we all were) by lovely ladies from the kingdom of Atlantia, who had delicious ice confections and benches set up those who would partake. A touching parting gesture, and much appreciated. Thank you, Atlantia.

And there ends my tale. I do not know why, but the harder I try to be a knightly person the better my luck gets.

Regards

Avery

[Violen]

Lets Level about the Poison Ivy.


I haven't had it in years, but the last few times i did, it took a doctor's script to get me enough cortisone to make my face stop looking like Frankenstein.
That was when i was a teenager. My mom is the same way and every once in a while she still gets it, and its never just light. its always huge sacs of puss and nasty skin.

How bad was the poison ivy? I realize i could probably stick to the road, but would you guys say that if im half as allergic as i used to be i should sit this one out?


I love the ravine battle at Gulf soo much. Everyone tells me how much they love the woods battle at Pennsic. That video that got posted is awesome!

But id rather not have to leave the war and go to a hospital....

[Maeryk]

Lets Level about the Poison Ivy.


I haven't had it in years, but the last few times i did, it took a doctor's script to get me enough cortisone to make my face stop looking like Frankenstein.
That was when i was a teenager. My mom is the same way and every once in a while she still gets it, and its never just light. its always huge sacs of puss and nasty skin.

How bad was the poison ivy? I realize i could probably stick to the road, but would you guys say that if im half as allergic as i used to be i should sit this one out?


I love the ravine battle at Gulf soo much. Everyone tells me how much they love the woods battle at Pennsic. That video that got posted is awesome!

But id rather not have to leave the war and go to a hospital....

You need two things:

1) Technu

http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/technu.html

2) Jewel weed.

http://www.altnature.com/jewelweed.htm

The second, BTW, grows thickly at Pennsic, near the lake and in/around the creek.

[Euric Germanicus]

Lets Level about the Poison Ivy.


I haven't had it in years, but the last few times i did, it took a doctor's script to get me enough cortisone to make my face stop looking like Frankenstein.
That was when i was a teenager. My mom is the same way and every once in a while she still gets it, and its never just light. its always huge sacs of puss and nasty skin.

How bad was the poison ivy? I realize i could probably stick to the road, but would you guys say that if im half as allergic as i used to be i should sit this one out?


I love the ravine battle at Gulf soo much. Everyone tells me how much they love the woods battle at Pennsic. That video that got posted is awesome!

But id rather not have to leave the war and go to a hospital....

Right now my fiancee is fighting off a case on her ankles and me on the back of my leg. (From her putting her cold feet on me at night!)

I was wearing greaves and her a full pant. Pennsic-Ivy is no joke.

[Sigifrith Hauknefr]

I fought mostly in the center woods, although got completely overheated. If you think the footing in the rough is bad... try it with your legs cramping.

There were places where the footing was bad, so it was suitable only for maneuver, not fighting. There was some risk in walking backward and tripping, but frankly no one could move forward quickly enough to really press you anyway.

I looked for poison ivy and did not see a speck of it in "southern" (entry area) part of the woods. There was a fair amount of stuff that looked kinda like poison ivy. I assume there was a little.

My favorite part was going cross-country with Caid and literally interdicting the "cliff" road from all Midrealm allied reinforcements for a time... eventually we were overwhelmed by a determined push.

[Duke Icefalcon]

The terrain dictated the victor in the battle. It was not anyone's fault as this was the first year and no one knew. The Middle had little chance with the ridge in their flank and the other flank being the East res point. I hope to change this so the chance is even on both sides.

Sorry to hear about Animal. There seemed to be many hits from behind this year. I do not think that our foes are dishonerable. I think that there might be a rule interpretation that might be causing this.

Cheers!

Ice

[Owyn]

The terrain dictated the victor in the battle. It was not anyone's fault as this was the first year and no one knew. The Middle had little chance with the ridge in their flank and the other flank being the East res point. I hope to change this so the chance is even on both sides.

I really hope this can be accomplished, Your Grace. We were being filled in on the map and plan for the day, the night before. It was pretty clear to me after the briefing that the Mids were going to need a miracle to win that one. The terrain and flag positioning was very much against them. Despite that, they fought gallantly and with great heart throughout the morning - it was an outstanding battle! I'd love to see the layout set up a bit more evenly next year.

[Richard Blackmoore]

I've never been a fan of the Tuchux as a group. That being said, I am very sorry that Animal got hurt and hope that he is OK. No one should get drilled hard from behind without engagement. I finally got to meet Animal last year at the AA get together, he was talking about recovering from his heart problems. The guy needs a break.

As far as him 'talking shit'? Yes, he can be very annoying sometimes although I'm not always sure he is doing it on purpose (I can be the same way frankly).

That does not in any way justify cheating, which is what a hard attack from behind without engagement is. At a minimum it is an unfortunate accident or error, that we need to avoid if at all possible.

By the way, did anyone fall off the 'cliffs' Tristen was talking about pre-Pennsic in his description the woods? That was the one thing that sounded truly life threatening, a 30' fall in armour backwards over an unmarked cliff...

Richard Blackmoore

[William Freskyn Murray]

I pulled a hamstring half hour in so my experience was pretty limited. One of the Mid fighters twisted his ankle at the starting cannon, I think he made it 20 yards and his day was over. A buddy fighting spear back pedaled from a charge, tripped over stumps and landed on his back on the road and got a rock between the shoulders.

ALL of this could just as easily have happened in the old woods in my opinion.

My injury was minor and happened because I charged through deadfall into a polearm and my left foot stopped and didn't finish the charge with me. In addition to the muscle pull I landed on the polearm fighter and drove him into a tree, for which I apologized A LOT.

Woods are woods, it was hot and brutal. I will go back next year.

Will

[Owyn]

By the way, did anyone fall off the 'cliffs' Tristen was talking about pre-Pennsic in his description the woods? That was the one thing that sounded truly life threatening, a 30' fall in armour backwards over an unmarked cliff...

The cliffs were more like a really steep, heavily wooded hill (at least, the sections I saw), and were marked out of bounds. Probably a good call - fighting on there could have been treacherous, and led to injuries. And the placement was such that there almost certainly would have been fighting there...

[Jean Paul de Sens]

Denting a 14g helm isn't all that difficult. If a shot like that is giving you a brain bleed, mayhaps you are just a bit too old and fragile to be playing our game.

Dude. It's not "normal", and shouldn't be either. If it is, there's something a bit off with you.

It's a piece of grass. You shouldn't be putting dents in 14 g stainless steel helm with a piece of grass by default.

JP

[Angusm0628]

Glad to hear Animal's doing better. I knew he was in a rough way when he kept asking Helen her name in a short span of time...

[Broadway]

Where did I say it was normal?

I just said it wasn't all that difficult. Nothing to write home about.

[Benedek]

There's also a huge difference between 14g stainless and 14g mild.

Which was he wearing?


Happy to hear Animal is doin better though.

[Thorvald Weretiger]

There's also a huge difference between 14g stainless and 14g mild.

Which was he wearing?


Happy to hear Animal is doin better though.

Last I checked, his back slats are stainless.

[Valerian]

Lets Level about the Poison Ivy.

How bad was the poison ivy? I realize i could probably stick to the road, but would you guys say that if im half as allergic as i used to be i should sit this one out?


But id rather not have to leave the war and go to a hospital....

The ivy didn't look any worse than the old woods, and I spent some time looking while walking between res and the fighting, given the dire warnings. As a precaution, I wore and threw away a $5 pair of Target pajama pants over my leg armor, and washed with Tecnu when I got back to camp. No issues for myself or any of my unit that I'm aware of.

I thought the battle was fun, though the rough terrain off the paths and the muddy conditions made it more of a road battle. I didn't witness much serious fighting off the paths, though there were some skirmishes there in the areas I was in. I tried fighting off path with a spear a few times, but I found the footing pretty treacherous, with a lot of half-hidden fallen logs and gullies, and trying to retreat while fighting was difficult. I had more luck on the roads.

Personally, I thought the calibration was a lot better in the woods than in some of the other battles.

My $.02

-Valerian

Baron Valerian of Somerset
Barony of Carolingia
East Kingdom

[Thorstenn]

While I am glad Animal is OK, you might want to talk to the Chux with the Punisher painted on his face plate, he tried to do the same thing to my lady after jumping hay bales (going out of bounds) to strike her (no engagement) from behind in the second battle on the first day. It was a cheep shot, and uncalled for. Not to mention he lost his cool on the field as well.
Neither Animal, my lady, nor anybody else should be treated in such a way. Wrong is wrong.

Thor.

Animal was ok Thursday. It happend right at the end of the final field battle Friday. Ive spoken with both Ratty and the lady she spoke to at the field and the issue is resolved. Apologies were offered and accepted. No drama.

That aside. Regardless of what tape a person has on, who he fights for, or even if the guy really is an asshole, from behind like that ? seriously? half an inch dent. brain bleed. life flight. thats serious shit. im hoping whomever did it gets kicked in the bean bag by karma.

[DukeAvery]

What's with all these back attacks?

Come on people we're better than this.

Regards

Avery

[Cian of Storvik]

A fellow archiver gifted to me with a beautifully appointed rattan sword, scabbarded with a brass chape, complete with baldric studded all around. I confess I don't completely understand why, except that it was the most amazing display of battlefield largesse I've ever witnessed and had to do with me going out "one more time" (I was struggling with the heat and humidity). I was quite frankly stunned. Tell your story if you will brother, otherwise, thank you, and I shall tell our tale to my sons...

This is my reckoning though heat and exhaustion may have altered my perceptions that day...
It was toward the end of the woods battle. I had a critical failure of my leg harness. One that would have required removal of my armor in nearly it's entirety to fix. I walked back to res point and was directed by the marshals to drop gear back as far as I could walk. I found a clearing near a berm on the road and dropped my shield, sword and helmet near a round shield that looked like a big buckler with a blue and yellow sun at it's center.
I milled around slightly disoriented for a few minutes contemplating how I could do a temporary fix to get my leg harness working again before succumbing to the futility of a field repair. I sat down half leaning against the berm and I was unaware of anyone else around me, and then I came back to conciousness with the disturbance of a fighter near by who was struggling with their armor. He was a bit agitated it seemed, but seemingly eager to get back into fight with much haste.
I asked if he could use some help getting the arm strapped. And the offer was accepted with thanks, by the weary soldier. It was at this time I noticed the strawberry leaves on his helmet. He finished armoring himself and he asked me my name, and I gave it. At some point I mentioned my leg harness being damaged and unable to continue fighting. Then he started off at a quick pace down the road. This might be paraphrasing, but I believe I said "Good luck, your Grace. And if you come back alive, I will give you my sword." (It certainly wasn't doing me any good. I had neary struck a single good blow that day with it). I was unsure if he had heard me, as his helmet was on, and he had already mad distance from me as he quickly paced toward the woods.
I remember searching through the res area looking for the tree where I had stowed my costrel and sword scabbard, and upon finding them retired back at my position on the berm. Minutes passed, and once again I had fallen into another stupor as I contemplated why the hell I was there. Short of being a living pell for the Mid-realm for the 2 days of fighting, my purpose was most unclear. My sword was muddied and the duct tape showed signs of where I had lain it unsuccessfuly against a midrealm helm a time or two. I wondered if any of the blows or face thrusts I had given had been taken. I don't know how much time had passed, but the call had gone out for either a 5 or 10 minute warning. It mattered little as I was a flacid fixture on the side of the road, now noticing how tired I had become. Barely able to lift my arms even without bearing a sword or shield.
I don't know how long he was there, but I came to realize the Duke I had helped armor had returned and dropped his helm on the road. He paced back and forth as he told some other fighters of his latest engagement and described what he felt was an ignominious death at the hands of a larger force of men.
I picked-up my sword now in it's proper scabbard which now hid most of the dirt and mud, and I wrapped the belt around it as I got up from the berm. And I held it out from me and I said "Your grace, I told you I would give you my sword if you came back alive. But you did even better. You fought on until your death. I want you to have this."
He asked me if I was serious. And for a moment did not want to accept the gift. But I felt it was earned and told him it was his. He asked me again for my name, and I asked him for his own, it was only then I knew the recipient was Duke Avery of Kempsford from the West.
We exchanged pleasentries, and his grace made a rousing comment of how he would like to cross swords with me sometime. (This part was found especially amusing as I retold the exchange in camp, where an Atlantian Duke who knew of Duke Avery prowess commented that I would hardly be a challenge for Duke Avery's dog in rattan combat (much less Duke Avery), despite it's lack of opposable thumbs.)
His grace, further expressed how much it meant for him to recieve this award having much trials and tribulations in his journey to Pennsic. And he then vowed to come to pennsic a year hence and cross swords with me. And he would introduce me to his Bellatrix style of fighting. he told me to train hard, and to inspire others, and fight until I could be king and bring happiness to the people of my Kingdom. (paraphrasing here).

All the words are not there, and it may not sound very motivational in transcribing, but at the time it was, and I was moved. And despite my only rare occasional practices, and attendance at events. I feel invigorated to train. To practice and become better.
In a way, I hope my gift has invigorated in some small way his participation the SCA, as his words have done for me.
-Cian

[Glaukos the Athenian]

Few people know the inspiration Cian has been to so many in the SCA.

Though I rarely see him these days, I am not surprised by his display of generosity and chivalry.

Thank you Cian,


Glaukos the Athenian