Pennsic War

Recently I returned from a week-long SCA event known as the Pennsic War (http://www.pennsicwar.org)

Atlantia allied with the Midrealm this year, so it was red tape on my helm for a change.

I fought in three Tournaments... Sunday (right after opening ceremonies) was the Laurel's Hard Suit Tourney. I was fresh, my fighting was crisp; I finished in the upper half overall after a few very fun fights. There were four fields with about nine fighters in each fighting round-robin to determine the top of each field; I didn't quite make it to the finals, but I did receive the Chivalry prize for the day, a lovely veil which is quite fetching on my lady. I had made Atholl Brose for my entry prize, and my sponsor, Maestra Lucia, made a Psalter letter 'L' which was gifted to the nicest armor. The fighter was wearing Lamillar, an early period helm, and his garments were all done in celtic knotwork - very consistent in his appearance from head to toe.

Monday afternoon after the bridge battles was the Ladies of the Rose Tourney. I am disappointed in myself for only winning one fight for my sponsor, Duchess Padraigin. The fight was with another lefty; I got very keyed up and spent what energy I had left on him, only to find out AFTER the fight that it was a bye. For that fight, though, I left no doubts in anyone's mind. Thereafter, I took two losses back to back and decided that I will need to work on stamina in the coming months.


We outnumbered our opponents by approximately 2 to 1 in all the melee engagements, resulting in a final split of War Points 25 to 1. Holy Crap.

Time after time, they took the field against us and fought valiantly and with spirit. What a noble foe!

Near the end of the Mountain Pass battle on Thursday, Sir Bryce de Byram did it again - created a great moment for all within hearing. We (Atlantian forces) were on our Right side of the pass and had held the banner uncontested. In the final minutes, we (80 or so) had pressed those standing against us (20 or so at that point) against their resurrection point. Immediatley following the hold, Bryce began singing a song of valiant warriors, small in number, standing against larger forces. Nobody struck a blow, half the guys were crying as he finished. Most dropped weapons, crossed the line for backslapping bearhugs; after which we regained positions, checked that all were ready, and we swept over them in the final assault. An unforgettable moment.

So much more... no time to record everything; I'll probably post little bits and pieces as part of other posts in the coming months.