The trice armed bench

The Bench,

It started off so simply, to make a chair that would be strong enough to sit on in armour... Then came the additional requirements...

• Wouldn't it be nice not to just make a chair, but a bench in case others need a respite.
• Wouldn't It be nice if it had no pegs or pins to be lost
• Wouldn't it be nice it to folded up for easier transport
• Strong, very strong so up to 3 fully armoured fighter's could sit on it.

So naturally it needed to be made from wood, but not just any wood, that would be too easy... I decided on making it from Knotty wood (wood unsuitable to general sales as it has lots of knots (which look great) but also not straight and with an uneven surface. (which increases the "fun")

May I present the bench.

How the stand shall be armed,

I have been working away for awhile now on building an armour stand, I came across This about 2 months ago on Honor before victory and I decided to build it.

Here are my results, took almost 3 days due to the wood staining (its made from pine with a stain) one of the reason why I built this one is that is also packs down flat, and I can make it to my dimensions.. its kinda cool seeing what I look like in armour, as my view has been from the inside till now.

Armour stand back

Armour stand front

With armour on it

Closer shot with armour

Almost side on armour on armour stand shot

Should make maintenance easier, although there is a slight lean because of the weight of the armour, I will need to think of a solution. All I need now is some dress armour! and maybe a sword.

The greater whole.

Apologies for the following it's some personal enlightenment, possibly not fully related to the SCA.

Since joining the SCA I have come to value people a lot more than I once did, Not only has it allowed me to realise that not everyone is a self-serving jackass, but I don't have to be one of them either.

Service has become one of my most enjoyable parts of events. (at my last event I told her ladyship Ginevra that she would need to duck tape me to a pole to stop me helping)

Which is strange now I look back on it, I am a heavy fighter (hitting people with stick is fun) and I love building things (I am enjoying learning to sew, I remade my entire soft kit this year without patterns) but serving others gives me something that I have never had before and I can't quite define it, it's beyond my sphere of experiences.

Service is more than just fulfilling a needed task, the duty to help others is how police or doctors must feel, coming to work each day, far more than just creating ad's (which is what I used to do)

I guess it's that being part of a greater whole you find talked about in period literature.

I have always had a Moral code, but it was undefined and lacking substance. The SCA given me focus purely unintentionally (although I do have a traditional Knight as my mentor) I follow this: The knightly virtues as best I can now, but it can be tough sometimes but I find worthwhile.

I have heard it mentioned that "well what do you expect he wants to become a knight of course he follows the code" I disagree, acting "knighty" has little to do which wanting to be a knight and can be pursued by people who have no wish to become knights and far more to do with wanting to be a better person.

I will most likely never be recognised as a Knight within the sca and that's ok. My fighting level isn't good enough and most likely won't be for the foreseeable future mostly due to my inability to travel enough and I have a tendency to speak my mind which I can't seem to shake, Truth or "my truth" and then telling the person to their face not behind their back has rubbed many people the wrong way and I apologise for this, but it also contravenes the virtues of justice (Temperance) and nobility (charity), not to mention my limited social skills, a knight needs to inspire which I do not.

So next time I stand in the lists and have the opportunity to speak as to why I fight I have written a little speech.

Your Majesties, your excellencies, peers and Nobles I have the dubious honor of being lord leonhart hunt, squire to Sir Philippe De Tournay. I fight this day in the name of the Lady Amalia Shriber, but my reasons for fighting is far simpler, I fight because of you, not for you as it would be presumptuous to claim such an honor, but because of you. We are part of the glorious dream known as the SCA and it takes each one of us to make this dream happen, each of us has a part to play and I am honored that this is my part. I think of us as parts of a greater whole, A machine where each one of us is a cog that makes it turn, some cogs are larger than other some smaller some gilded or wood, some whole or missing teeth but thought us all this machine, our dream... is made real. I fight and may I say we fight because you all make it possible to do so. /end

Know that I fight (and not just on the field) because of you all, you have inspired me to be better than I am who knows how far this will reach in the future.

Honor in the SCA

What is Honor? Honor is your good name or reputation. it's the value of your word. It can also mean a mark of respect (example: A place of honor at the table) and finally A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.

Honor as a squire, refers to the first definition and can be tricky. Honor is subjective (Example, Holding a door open for a lady), based on the viewer's values and ideals, But there are a few most will agree upon as being honorable.

Value your word - What's you say and how it's said can be vastly important in people's estimation of your honor, if you're going to say something make your words mean more than just words, do not boast of yet undone deeds and value the commitments made by your words.

Help as you can - There is always someway you can help others, never is there a lack of need. It may be transporting gear or carrying items from another's "horse"  or cleaning out trash buckets. Expect no word of your deeds for these, but expect many words if yet undone and you stand idle.

Stand by your beliefs, but not until death. Beliefs can be a great source of inspiration and motivation, they can shape notions and breed dreams. But to be valuable they must always be challenged and you must be prepared to defend them with equal gusto, for blind belief (belief without reason) is pointless and can cause great damage. ( Example, I am constantly at odds with my Knight over who shot first in Star wars, He categorically states han, I say greedo and this is ok. Contrary belief is fine even between friends as we can both state a good argument for each side, but if I was to say it was Bobafett, this would be without reason and would degrade my honor due to lack of knowledge)

Honor in the SCA does not refer to battle prowess. While win/loss can be important to some and can be a deciding factor in team's/households/honor's (Second definition) your word or the value of your word is not defined by how well you swing a sword.

The loneliest waterfall

I have stated before that I use modern science in my training and fitness regime, So I thought I would share a little of what I do to get/keep and stay fit, (as I get older it's harder and harder to keep fit. I have never been an easy one to lose weight, I find it very hard and costs me a lot in sweat to even lose a little and build upper body strength. Contrary to opinion I am not naturally skinny it takes work.)

I have added a new dimension to my training after reading some  modern sports books about cold therapy (it's a technique used by most high end sports trainers and people needed to target specific areas for development), This has altered my workout times also.

• Each morning drink iced water 500mls (no food yet) but supplements allowed if you have a preworkout load
• Stretch
• Workout should take 90min - 120min (at gym) - 15min Hiit Cardio, following by either Peripheral heart action or Weight Room then yoga or pilates (yes I know it's not manly but flexibility is important)
• After workout hot shower followed by a gradual reduction to cold, full cold water for 5min
• Breakfast - Protein heavy with protein shake (almond milk with protein added)
• Icepack on the upper trapezius muscle (lower neck) for 30min while eating or any other problem area (ab's, belly)
• Normal daily activities
• Light lunch (or skip if not hungry)
• Dinner
• Cold shower (huzzah - they are not fun)

​The benefit of this regime is to workout when your body is at its weakest, after sleeping your insulin levels are at their lowest and your muscles haven't had a chance to store energy (sugar) yay science!

The cold therapy (showers and ice pack) are to stimulate brown fat, No it's not racist fat, it's subdermal fat stored around muscle groups, Which is not easily targeted by exercise - Caution - you can give yourself hypothermia if your not careful, it's a great technique but keep an eye on your body temperature you want to be shivering, (this burns a lot of fat) but you should recover quickly and your core should not drop to danger levels. Tip - read up on hypothermia if you're willing to try this (I use a thermometer to measure my body temp, don't want to get sick or land in hospital)

Need an icepack? use an old hot water bottle 50% water - 50% rubbing alcohol or vodka stays cold a long time and is reusable, Alcohol means it won't fully freeze.

why do this.. well I am not a quick fat loser after doing this for 1 week I have lost 2% body fat (which is a huge amount I have been stuck at 16% for a long time my target is 8%) I feel great not fatigued or over exercised (always, always stretch) and morning workouts means the rest of the day is free.

A pell of silk

With golden flight over (another fantastic event, run by a new steward Lord Callach and assisted by Lady Hilda) is now time to panic over Canterbury faire being just over 2 months away.

Our new Baron and baroness have been announced, THL Richard d’Allier and THL Ginevra Isabella di Serafino Visconti, I believe this to be an excellent choice due to both parties very long service records and commitment to "the game"

Cfaire this year is going to be very Busy with not only coronation but elevation of the new B&B and noteable other awards and appreciation of good works, alas this has reduced the combat time but pageantry is important for our game more so than hitting others with sticks.

Time to get to work! (must be shinier)

A rabbit.

And so another event grows ever closer, Golden Flight in Southron Gaard. I hope the changes to my Kit work well (this will be their first test before Canterbury faire) I look forward in great anticipation to who our new baron/baroness/s will be and their coming plans for Southron Gaard.

I leave you with this poem,

And now Count Roland in anguish and in pain,

With all his strength sounds the great horn again.

Bright drops of blood aye springing from his mouth,

Veins in his forehead are cracking with the strain.

That mighty voice cries out a second time;

Charlemagne hears it, high on the mountain pass,

Duke Naimon listens, and so do all the Franks.

Then says the king, "That is Count Roland's horn!

He'd never sounded it, except for an attack."

Ganelon says, "What battle can there be?

You have grown old, your hair is streaked with white;

The words you speak could well befit a child.

You ought to know how great is Roland's pride--

The wonder is God suffers it so long.

He captured Noples, and not by your command,

And then flushed out the Saracens inside;

He fought them all, Roland, your loyal man,

And then took water and washed the field of blood,

Hoping that you would not detect the fight.

Just for a rabbit he'll blow his horn all day!

Now he is playing some game to please his peers.

Who in the world would dare make war on him!

Ride on, I tell you! What are we waiting for?

We've far to go to see our lands once more."

- an excerpt from a French epic, chanson de geste

You've got mail

After 1 year saving

After 4 months build time

After another month in the mail and getting stopped by both UK and NZ customs

All I get is this lousy package

I wonder whats inside...

2 piece Late 15th Gothic Cuirass - front

2 piece Late 15th Gothic Cuirass - Back

16 Gauge mild steel, fluted, articulated and edge rolled

Time to make modifications! 

Leather Bottle

A few pics of my first attempt at making a period water bottle, I decided on the classic "bladder" style for my first attempt and its holds water! (no leaking) this one is quite small only holding 500mls of liquid (good for port)

Leather bottle, Veg tanned, Wax hardened and Natural colour

Leather bottle, Veg tanned, Wax hardened and Natural colour

it was quite easy taking only 2 days to make, another piece to add to my garb (or to give away) update: which I did to my Liege.

Dew on a rose

Apologies for the tardiness of this post, We have been preparing for our next event with my local group Wildmoor.

Perfection.

One of the things that has been lost in our modern world is dedication to a task or an ideal, to strive for it with a bright burning desire to become better.

It is said in japanese culture that one can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect cherry blossom, and this would not be wasted life...

I have no comparison for this in my upbringing in western culture, to dedicate yourself to something so profound as perfection is just beyond belief.

The idea of achieving perfection is so lost for me, nothing is ever perfect, and I hope I never find anything to be, for perfection is the death of desire.

we have medieval contemporaries who spent their entire lives transcribing one book or illuminating text, artisans who only made table legs.. but oh such tables leg they are, dedicating their lives to one small part or a total project is very noble.

But the SCA is a game, we are not lost in time and have reality to come back to, Where we have bills and jobs, But the idea that you can spend your entire life perfecting a small part of a greater project is a nice dream to ponder.

I have great admiration for those whose minds don't wander like bubbles in a breeze like mine is wont to do.

Its an endless dream, like rolling a rock up a hill, only to find that it's a circle.

Preserved meat, Biltong!

Biltong!

I have started looking into preservation techniques of food stuffs and starting with dried meat the 2 images below are my first attempt at biltong (and yes I vacuum packed it for long term storage) when I get the recipe right I will be making quite a bit for camping events along with other non-perishable foodstuffs (like cheese and beer!)

Biltong

Biltong close up

The recipe was simple involving vinegar, salt and coriander seeds but I have found this to be too salty and will try again with another batch next week.

But dried or preserved foods are as ancient as eating them, Ancient egyptians stored a multitude of food for emergency's, for War and to improve flavor and longevity. 

Biltong is a south african method of preservation by simpling immersing in a brine solution and drying it slowly over several days it can then be eaten as is or soaked in water and rehydrated then made into a stew. wrapped in a breathable material (like linen or cotton) it can keep for several months without spoiling or years if vacuum packed or frozen.

when I can, I am looking at also purchasing a smoker and smoking a small amount for even longer storage (and flavor) All hail food you don't need to refrigerate, perfect for the campsite and on the move. 

Stand ye ready?

Just came back from Spring thing, Viking themed event held in southron gaard. It's always great to see different ways of having events and different activities. Spring thing included a Treasure hunt, Archery (wand shoot), Heavy (holmgang), Bardic circle and a potluck.

I am also saddened at the announcement of our baron and baroness stepping down from the role, but I understand the need for change and new idea's/blood and see the demand the office takes on your time and skills, I am proud to be a part of Southron gaard, a group where so much effort is put into the simplest of things but it does take its toll over time.

Post event prep saves a lot of time in the long run, as soon as I get home I pack my gear ready for the next event, clean soft kit and garb, oil straps and start on repairs and preventative maintenance. Then bag and pack everything away so when it comes to leaving again for another event it's all in it's place and ready to leave.

The last thing you want to do is be cleaning mud from garb the day before an event.

Stand ye ready? Ildhafn may invade at any moment.

Update - Gamboised Cuisses

Front

Side 

Back

SIde

Updates Images for Gamboised Cuisses, legs sewn and attached to veg tanned leather belt.

Apologies for the state of the floor, pictures taken in my workroom

The Barnacle goose

A bit of weird (and horribly wrong), medieval trivia.

The Barnacle goose,

The barnacle goose was believed to reproduce not by laying eggs like other birds, but by growing in barnacles, and was hence considered acceptable food for Lent. and other fast days.

Nature produces [Bernacae] against Nature in the most extraordinary way. They are like marsh geese but somewhat smaller. They are produced from fir timber tossed along the sea, and are at first like gum. Afterwards they hang down by their beaks as if they were a seaweed attached to the timber, and are surrounded by shells in order to grow more freely. Having thus in process of time been clothed with a strong coat of feathers, they either fall into the water or fly freely away into the air. They derived their food and growth from the sap of the wood or from the sea, by a secret and most wonderful process of alimentation. (n. The act or process of giving or receiving nourishment) I have frequently seen, with my own eyes, more than a thousand of these small bodies of birds, hanging down on the sea-shore from one piece of timber, enclosed in their shells, and already formed. They do not breed and lay eggs like other birds, nor do they ever hatch any eggs, nor do they seem to build nests in any corner of the earth.

from - Vincent of Beauvais's great encyclopedia -The vast tome of the Speculum Naturale (Mirror of Nature), divided into thirty-two books and 3,718 chapters, is a summary of all of the science and natural history known to Western Europe towards the middle of the 13th century (his other works were: De eruditione filiorum nobilium ("The education of noble children") and De morali principis institutione ("The moral instruction of a prince")

The barnacle goose Bodleian Library, MS. Bodley 764, Folio 58v

...Bishops and religious men (viri religiosi) in some parts of Ireland do not scruple to dine off these birds at the time of fasting, because they are not flesh nor born of flesh... But in so doing they are led into sin. For if anyone were to eat of the leg of our first parent (Adam) although he was not born of flesh, that person could not be adjudged innocent of eating meat

At the Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215), Pope Innocent III explicitly prohibited the eating of these geese during Lent, arguing that despite their unusual reproduction, they lived and fed like ducks and so were of the same nature as other birds.

The question of the nature of barnacle geese also came up as a matter of Jewish dietary law in the Halakha, and Rabbeinu Tam (1100–71) determined that they were kosher (even if born of trees) and should be slaughtered following the normal prescriptions for birds

Today we have a different view of these strange "birds"

What looks like a carpenter's thumb, feels like a rubber hose and is sweeter and more tender than spiny lobster? 

Why, gooseneck barnacles.

For some time now, whispers have circulated around the Pacific Northwest about these tasty crustaceans, which in medieval times were named goose barnacles by naturalists who believed geese hatched from them.

By the hundreds of thousands such barnacles, now more often called gooseneck barnacles, decorate sea-splashed rocks on the Northwest spanish Coasts. They were long a delicacy to the Indians of the region who used to scrape them off rocks at great risk and reserve them for tribal elders.

Gooseneck barnacles are a very old tradition in Spain, where they are called percebes. Spaniards pay dearly for them at tapas bars where, displayed on lettuce or ice and served with garlicky aioli.

''We always eat them at Christmas time,'' said Adolfo Calles, a native of Madrid who is now chef and owner of La Gaviota in Seattle. He said he is delighted with the local supply of gooseneck barnacles.

''We boil them in sea water for about four minutes with some onion slices, a lemon and a few bay leaves and serve them cold,'' he said. ''They're great. And they're so cheap here. I know as soon as people find out how good they are they won't be so cheap anymore.''


The Portuguese, who call them percebas, have eaten them for centuries, too, as have the Italians and the French.

A strange tale, with a goose of truth in it.

Arise

Setting a goal

Goal setting is very important, Some of us do it instinctively or by mistake (I really need a X for the next event) But I humbly suggest you should make a little more effort at a structured goal system.

Lets take one of my goals as an example.

I want to become a better heavy fighter.

This is a complicated goal, as it relies on many variables and approaches so the best way to start would be to make a list (lists are good!)

So: How can I improve my fighting (make a list of all the ways you can think of no matter if you can do them or not)

1. Training more with my pell
2. Training with others
3. Travelling to more events
4. Altering my armour to suit me better (lighter more movement)
5. Altering my sword (changing balance/ weight or shape can alter how blows land)
6. Altering my shield (is it protecting me where I need it, is it too heavy or too light)
7. Increasing my physical fitness
8. Researching new techniques on the internet
9. Bugging other fighters for tips
10. Duct taping my liege to my pell

So with your list you need to look at the problems with each of the idea's on your list.

1. Motivation to get out and train
2. I have no other with enough experience in my local group to train with, and it may hamper their training to fight me all out.
3. I cannot afford to go to more than 3 events per year currently
4. This takes time, money and research, I can work on this but it will take time.
5. I have done this, I currently do not know of other alterations I could make, I will ask more experienced fighters.
6. I recently did this and I am happy with the new design for now
7. This is ongoing, I have a gym membership and will continue to go, I have researched optimal training methods including Peripheral heart action and HIT Cardio training, I am also looking into building fast twitch muscle fibres by including boxing routines into my training.
8. Youtube as an amazing resource for SCA fighting and training techniques, I will continue to research, but time is a problem.
9. I bet they're getting sick of my questions by now, I will stop asking for a while.
10. This is not a good idea, he's small but I'm pretty sure could beat me into submission.

So with your problems list done you can look at solutions

1. I have a pell, I can make the time. this I can do I need to motivate myself.
2. I do not have a solution for this at this time 
3. Need more money or cut costs, research required.
4. I can slowly make new gear. and can cut costs by going to op shops/ junk shops and watching out for fabric deals at spotlight and lincraft.
5. Ask other fighter about further optimisation
6. Happy with new design, ask other fighters for input.
7. Goto the gym more, can up training to 4 - 5 times a week now my basic fitness level is secure.
8. Spend more time on researching
9. Keep bugging fighters
10. Research stronger tape

So now we have Idea's, Problems and solutions.. what now? well now you need a schedule and decide how much time you can devote to your goal. If you have a family or a Job or study this limits your time but all is not lost! break down your day as see where you can fit in a little SCA, but remember to leave time for recreation.

Even 30min a day over a period of time can make a massive, massive difference. Don't make the mistake of scheduling time slots just write a "i'll do this on this day/ week/ month guide"

Daily

Mon - Cardio HIT (gym) Youtube research - Pell time

Tues - PHA Training Upper (Gym) - Researching Fighting 

Wed - PHA Training Core (Gym) - Researching Armour - Pell time

Thurs - PHA Training Imbalances (Gym) - Researching A&S Activities

Fri - PHA Training Lower (Gym) - Recreation - Pell time

Sat - Fighter practice

Sun - Rest

Weekly

Add a new post to my Blog

Research more on SCA politics and look at what's happening in a general overview with the rest of the known world (we are a small part this helps keep me in perspective) and its really good to see what's happening elsewhere.

Monthly

Send out emails to other Sca members I know and have build friendships with and keep in contact.

Bug other fighters for Idea's and tips

Learn more german

Research Garb

Visit Op Shops for materials

Yearly

Follow Up with SCA membership

Save money for events

reduce expenditure

Make largess 

Make items for "Tax" (to be donated to my group/baroney) as presents/prizes

I hope this helps in your own planning.

Wheel of time

What motivates you is a funny thing, it can be an idea or a word, maybe a simple concept or even a smell; Sounds corny I know, but finding motivation can be very important if you want to commit to something long term.

For my goals it's an ideal to try and be the best (not like better than others, just better than myself) which sounds weird because each time I improve the goal post changes, an impossible ideal but a worthy one, for what is as worthwhile as self-improvement? (it may sound a little selfish but you might be surprised how often self improvement also helps others)

I find is very hard to put anything in the "nope can't do it pile" but sometimes you need to take the time and decide what's important. But remember time marches on, each day the candle grows shorter, as much as we would like to think that we have all the time in the world mortality defines us as a species. For how we spend our days knowing that we have finite time is how our legacy will be judged.

We research days gone by... But forget we too will one day be history, Imagine how historians and scholars or a 21st century re-enactment group will perceive our time. Will we be remembered as Scholars? Warmonger's? Inventor's? or fade into mediocrity as we have wasted too much time on mindless games and achieved nothing.

Do a little day by day... by the end you will have moved mountains.

I am reminded of an old story,

An Old man has 3 sons,
He gave them gold coins in the amounts of 15, 10 and 5 gold coins
The first with 15 invested the gold, worked hard and returned 30 gold coins his father was pleased
The second with 10 gold coins did the same and returned 20 gold coins his father was also pleased
The third with 5 gold thought he was the wisest of them all and buried the coins to keep them safe, after some time he dug them up and returned them to his father. His father grew angry, "the gold was not to be simply kept safe, you were to use it and let to grow!"

The moral is simple, do not hide your gifts, use them and let them grow. To whom much is given much is required.

Meā Máxima Culpā

Commitment is a word that has lost meaning in our current modern society. In my opinion it means to stand by your word and if you fail do so, make amends for your failure.

Some vows are more important than others and require less amends, Others are more so but even those can end under the right conditions and agreement. Some will divide friends and loyalties or change lifestyles and ideals.

Who are we to judge what is right for people, who else can?

Do we not have a duty to stand by our ideals through good times and bad? Yet we must temper the blade lest it take innocent blood to satisfy its never ending thirst. It is so very easy to go too far, the line can be as thin as a whisper or as wide as a thought.

Forgiveness is always achievable but some roads are very long and may take your entire life to fulfil and yet those that do are the greatest among us, I believe there is no unforgivable transgression but the price may be everything.

I am not bound to a religion but one thing I truly believe in is forgiveness, the following is from the Confiteor the adopted roman right for forgiveness that can be traced back to early 16th C

Confíteor Deo omnipoténti
et vobis, fratres,
quia peccávi nimis
cogitatióne, verbo,
ópere et omissióne:
mea culpa, mea culpa,
mea máxima culpa.
Ideo precor beátam Maríam semper vírginem,
omnes angelos et sanctos,
et vos, fratres,
oráre pro me ad Dóminum Deum nostrum.

I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.

The things that haunt me the most are the things I have failed to do, I will not turn my back on a repentant friend.

But, Forgiveness must never be blind and without amends its just hollow words and empty promises.

Be welcome

To those reading this after following my post from stuff nation:

It's the same person, this is my hobby most of the gear I have I made myself (with bargain fabric or op shop's) apart from a few pieces I bought after winning a competition at Mitre 10, 3 almost 4 years ago (just to hopefully circumvent the hate that someone with a hobby can be unemployed) my hobby keeps me sane when not looking for work.

Leonhart is a Pseudonym, I do this because I don't want to individualized by the media as that was not the point of the story.

Please enjoy my work, I have never had this many hits on my blog.

Thou shalt not sleep bruised

Current project - Gamboised Cuisses late period (found in use between the 12 - 16th Century) worn under plate or under and over maile.

1340-1345 - 'soldiers at the Holy Sepulchre', Cathédrale, Strasbourg, Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame, Strasbourg, France

note the upper Thigh padding, these examples of underplate padding referred to as gamboised cuisses, worn under plate to absorb the impact trauma on plate

1340-1345 - 'soldiers at the Holy Sepulchre

Note again the padded leg portions with the characteristic style of ribbed padding as portrayed by the effigies.

Exeter Cathedral Richard Stapeldon Tomb 1320 194

The construction of the gamboised cuisses are of similar fashion to the gambersons and arming coats worn during the same time periods and follow the same evolution of design and materials during the following years.

I have been attempting to recreate these pattern for use by all (see Gambeson) based on effegie and portraits displaying the same.

I have just finished the upper thigh portion of the prototype for reproduction and will upload a pattern and direction once the knee and lower leg and finalized but just to tease with a picture.

Cuisse reproduction

Note the belt loops and lower attachment point are not present, I originally tried to integrate them into the base pattern but found once stuffed the alignment changed so they will be added as separate attached pieces.

The final set will be full leg of 3 pieces, Thigh, Knee and lower leg which can be mirrored for the opposite leg.

Cuisse inner view with knee attached

Cuisse outer view with knee attached

Never to rise.

The quest to build a better armour continues and hopefully will until the day I drop to the dirt, never to rise.

My aim is to more period with keeping safety in the forefront to this end I am redesigning my whole set of Armour with my changing needs for fighting.

From practice I have learnt that it needs to be robust and easy care, I honor my gear by lavishing much attention to it, cleaning and oiling it so it it always in top working condition but my new set with require more of my time so the other parts need to be low maintenance as possible while still retaining period appearance.

From events I have learnt I need more protection, especially for wars. Opponents can come at you from all sides and love your weak spots (as they should) I have decided to go full hard body (2 piece steel) for maximum protection (and period for my persona)

From my lady I have learnt what I want and what I need are two different things, we all have needs that must be fulfilled first and so time is a great factor in creation of kit, but the does not mean you should sit idle when there is work to be done.

From my friends and companions I have learnt to stand out is not a sin, Be shiny and revel in it. For excelling in an art is not something to be ashamed of or to stop trying to become better, do not be ashamed of having good gear, but never stop improving.

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger. . . ."

Practice!

Practice, practice, practice! the mantra of the successful. (Note: Training being what you do with an instructor or coach and practice is what you do all by yourself)

During a fight you have a lot to concentrate on, your position, your opponent's sword/feet/shoulders, your sword/feet/shoulders, measure and time the last thing you want to think about is your attack or defense movement.

Practice and build muscle memory to allow you to throw a perfect blow without thinking about the individual movements, it takes 6+ months of weekly practice to build solid memory (studies show about 10,000 hours to become an expert)

Be cautious when you start building the memory of throwing the blow correctly, nothing is worse than having to unlearn a shot. Start slow, who cares how fast or strong your shot is these things can be altered easily, (speed can be added with basic boxer training, blow strength can be changed by adding mass to weapon or armour/body or by weight training) Technique is important not only for success but to prevent injury.

I cheat, I admit it! I use modern sports knowledge to improve my training Muscle memory , I use techniques studied though boxing and MMA  for footwork, fast twitch muscle training Muscle Fiber Type and modern injury prevention techniques including warming up and cooldown.

I have a rudimentary diet (I like my food too much to follow a strict diet) and take supplements to improve muscle growth and provide nutrients my diet misses/lacks in quantity.

But most of all, have fun! Training shouldn't be a chore and you can be as intensive as you want, but if your goal is to be competitive then train hard, We have giants to chase!

Husk of wheat exploding!

Finding something that inspires you will help alot with all you do in life and more so when it comes to combat. Getting out there and doing it, is by far the most important part; It doesn't matter if you come first or last getting "stuck in" is most of the battle.

Fail, make a fool of yourself (I have done this many times) and will continue to, but it won't ever stop me from trying, I hope you will too.

Inspiration can be many many things, your consort, a movie, a historical figure or even an idea (like a husk of wheat exploding(old joke sorry)), for me it's a poem, if I may by Robert Frost;

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The path less traveled, is my inspiration for all I do in life. It may not be as bloody as 300 spartans or William Marshal (the perfect knight) but to me no less inspiring.

Do not follow

The lowest point

How far can we fall? without saying a word, how we love to believe the worst of others and never seek the truth.

I remember just this last event "Chivalry" was accused of leaving bows in the rain, the story ran like wildfire, I heard it thirdhand; The truth was much simpler, It started raining heavily and the wind picked up, 3 of the knights immediately noticed that the archery pavilion was still up and was in danger is being blown away so they took it down and moved the gear inside a few of the loaner bows were slightly wet as were a few arrows, So a rumor took off that the knights left the bows in the rain.. and on and on it went.

Seek the truth, do not follow.

Blind faith is as dangerous as blind obedience, asking why is not a sin you should always question, even if you know the answer because its the best way to learn the mindset of your teacher and find the truth of the matter.

Recently I berated my local group about not thinking about others, I failed this simple test of seeking the truth. it was forgetfulness not deliberate malice (but it didn't hurt to remind them) I erred and will remember for next time my own lesson.

We love to think the worst of people, we even do it without realising, It is conditioned within our society that we don't even question  our worst fears. (Or greatest hopes in the dark of the night)

We all mess up, not one of us is perfect but believing the worst of someone even as they try to make amends is a greater failure.

Reflection

Why do you fight?

Heavy combat within the SCA is a personal journey of re-discovery, Finding within ourselves that which has been lost by the march of civilization. ("preface for later comments", I believe all fighters are equal when it comes to gender once you make a commitment to fighting you are a fighter, not male or female. Apart from some minor difference in power generation and frame weight transfer men and women are equals, gender doesn't define activities, there is no advantage or disadvantage you cannot overcome.)

Fighting has been shown to reduce stress, keep you in shape, increase your hand-eye coordination, endurance and reflexes. (most studies have been about martial arts but I see no reason why this wouldn't extend to SCA combat in any form)

SCA fighting requires discipline, honor, humility, control, freedom, aggression & peace. You must learn your limitations and work to break or bend them to excel. You can be any shape or size, whole or disabled because one important lesson I have learned is experienced beats age the majority of the time.

Do you fight to win? To learn or to teach? For Love, for loss? To grandstand or humility? To become a part of  a group? To stand out? for all or nothing?

Do you fight for yourself or others? for glory and renown?

Is fighting for you something more than just being a "stick jock" something you cannot put into words, it makes you try harder and work to become a better person, More than just standing with friends and your SCA family? More than your upbringing or personal circumstances, beyond faith and personal ideals.

Why do you fight?

Because you can?

Argent Annulet

Chivalry is hard to define and yet harder to teach, especially in this modern world we live in where things like Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility and Hope are considered by many as "old fashioned" and trying to find a real world equivalent is difficult at best.

I was thinking about chivalry and walked past a roundabout, stood and watching for a few minutes (well it was about half an hour) watching the cars go their separate ways and seeing who would wait for whome,

I was surprised that many times the courtesy of letting someone else go is beyond what's required by the law (road code) In NZ we give way to the right, but why then were people letting those not on their right go first?

The roundabout could be used as a teaching tool to help newcomers with chivalry, a modern day example that they can relate to, and can be used to question and be questioned.

The Law (justice) Requires you to Give way to the right.
Mercy, to let those struggling or in the wrong lane go first.
Generosity, To let another pass before you when it is not there turn.
Faith, In knowing that it's your turn to go next.
Nobility, Not allowing every person to go before you when others are waiting behind you.
Hope, That others will follow the rules and not break them resulting in an accident.
Courage, Moving into your lane knowing that if others do not wait an accident will occur.

I present the Chivalric roundabout.

To Gild a Lily..

Expectations or lack there of,

I've been in the SCA for while now coming up on 3 years and I have noticed a curious correlation within my local baroney, some people are expected to perform most of the work while others have no expectations thrust upon them, While this is mostly voluntary like the duty of a squire to his/her knight others are less so, Like organising events.

We have a core group of people who seem to organise everything, while inclusion of new people is possible it seems to be oft overlooked when planning events, who will run future events if we don't start training them now? Some events are large and difficult enough already without the inclusion of untrained stewards/helpers but I believe it's critical to include even the newest members.

This can be tricky as we also don't want to chase them away, too many expectations can drive a person away but too few and they are left feeling like outcasts which the SCA has a real problem with, a balance must be sought. A good chatelaine can help with this also but they must be on the ball and have contacts with that "core" group who do plan and scheme.

When I was a  newcomer I remember well being lost and left out, my first event I knew only 2 people in a camp of over 200 and spent most of the 3 days in my campsite only coming out for events my "household" was a part of (which was few and far between), Now I know better.. I rock up and make things happen or ask to be included/participating, But this took time (and quite a lot of it) if I was asked to help out organise "blargh" I would have jumped at the chance. This is a lesson for me as well and I will be looking within my local group for those people being left out and try to bring them into the fold. (if they want to be)

I have found that a small group of people seem to do little to enrich the "dream" and that's their choice I guess and I have to live with that, But it's hard sometimes especially when those people complain about the outcome or criticize your hard work or the work of others (especially behind their backs). Sometimes I don't know how to deal with it or handle it badly, in the mundane world I can just ignore/walk away but as part of a group I feel it's my duty to address and try to fix their concerns so they can have a better time next time, I lie awake at night thinking of ways to please the unpleasable.. /sigh

I think there is only 1 - 2 people who actually read this so please ignore my rambling, it's designed as a record for me, but even if I write a years worth of posts and only 1 person finds value in something I have said I believe my job is done and so I can see how far I have come in later years to answer my own questions /thanks for reading my poor musings.

Its a good lie.

I love the SCA, you will never find a better group of people to drink and make merry with, but it's all a lie.

The culture we epitomise as medieval life we create within the SCA, Isn't a true reflection of the medieval world. And why would we want it to be? I have been researching Chivalry  and have now read many texts regarding the subject. (including Libre del ordre de cavayleria and translated copy of Livre de Chevalerie)

They mostly paint a drab gray world, surrounded by enemies, heretic's and Duty. Honor was what each lord decided it was and included no mercy for the lowborn, (in most cases, there is a story a knight who decided each man and woman were equal regardless of station, his name was William marshal, the truest knight who ever lived.) They weren't even considered people, animals were more valued. Chivalry (as we know it today) wasn't really adopted until late into the 17th Century, before that it was only limited to nobel's of sufficient station. (or nation)

In the SCA everyone is of Noble birth (low station) and as your deeds are recognised within the Group/s you can rise in station/rank, All power is an illusion and only what we attribute to it. The more you achieve the more you rise in respect within the Group, by word or by deed, Teach all and respect all.

In period we would have had lowborn to do the grubbier tasks, this makes an interesting (in my mind anyway) dynamic of Service and duty, Service and duty is part of the game/dream, not a "chore" each of us within our group/s should serve those higher on the "ladder" and in turn those above have the duty to support the growth of those below, The goal is to grow the game, a lie to be sure as rising in station in Medieval times was a difficult enterprise unless you have large amounts of money, Artisan's skills, A large amount of time to devote or martial prowess; Within our Game/Dream you dont need either (although it doesn't hurt)

Medieval men and women have very different roles (although you would be surprised what some of the woman got up to) In the SCA we have a closer to equal playing field, some of the roles are dominated by women or men but nothing is barred from participation. We are of many names, households, countries and faiths but we come together as one whole for the Dream.

The SCA is the best kind of lie, but it is important to realise that it is a lie/untruth/misrepresentation of the life in the time we portray, because failure to remember the hardship or dark times is a disservice for how far we have come as a civilization and that is very important.

I realize I am remiss, And haven't mentioned physical conditioning. As with anything you can put in a much as you want to of time/materials/funds, but unless you're a natural you will need to workout to not only provide your "wind/stamina" but to build muscle and flexibility.

My routine on a weekly basis is:

Mon - Gym (cardio)
Tue - Pell (slow work)
Wed - Gym (Upper Body)
Thus - Pell (accuracy)
Fri - Gym (lower Body)
Sat - Pell (speed)
Sun - Fighters practice

Each routine is approx 1 hour at least (if i'm feeling energetic will extend the time) Including warm up and cooldown time total workout takes 1hr 30min - 2 hrs per day.

• Cardio is simply running or swimming/rowing machine. 
• Slow work is exaggerated slowness in practicing strikes to build muscle memory and so I know when I ramp up the speed I won't injure myself or others.
• Upper Body, concentrates on arms and core.
• Accuracy is the same as slow work but at speed with a focus on targeting.
• Lower Body focuses on legs (I also throw a little core work in)
• Speed is the same as the other two pell work but focusing on delivering the blow at speed while still retaining accuracy.

I won't cover the exercises in this blog and what works for me prob won't work for you. There's a lot of other information on the internet which covers this topic much better than I could.

Always, always warm up and cool down before excising it will save your fighting career and prevent downtime due to injury.

Finally have fun, it's a competitive sport, not a job if your not enjoying it change your routine so its something you enjoy, Play tennis as a warmup or go swimming, don't like running? Cycle instead.

Your will be surprise how much 1 hr a day can change your fitness level, you can always do more but keeping that 1hr a day up will make a big difference.

The Knightly Virtues

The Knightly Virtues

The Knightly Virtues has changed significantly  and within the SCA it takes on different values as a squire I was introduced to the 7 Knightly virtues;

Courage
Justice
Mercy
Generosity
Faith
Nobility
Hope

The challenge come to applying these within the SCA or to your everyday life, I have found it hard and sometimes seems impossible but even attempting is "Knightly" Although I needed a better definition of the Code  for without defining the virtues how can I apply them to my life?

How do you define Courage?  Is courage standing before an enemy, Is it standing with a friend or is it Obeying your king? Sure straightforward right?, What if your friend is defending a town your king as ordered destroyed? This is unlikely to happen in the SCA (unless ildhafn invades *grin* ) but this example illuminates many problems with the chivalric code, it is not clear and provides gray area's.

I believe a Knight needs to walk the thin line between honor and honesty.

When researching Chivalric virtues I came across a very good definition of the virtues written by a group of Sca knights;

Prologue: Over the centuries, the meaning of "the Knightly Virtues" has shifted and changed with the times, and in truth has never been codified in a fashion that was universally accepted. What is moral and correct in one era, may be of little consequence in another. Conversely, great importance may become attached to a concept which was thought to be unworthy of the nobility, in bygone days. Simply put, it is the greatest duty of a Knight to have integrity and honor for the time and place in which he lives. The Knightly Virtues, as listed below, are meant to inform those who would be Knights, now.

Prowess (Valor, Excellence): Strive for excellence in all endeavors expected of a Knight, especially martial, yet also otherwise. Embody strength which is used in the service of justice, rather than for personal aggrandizement and gain. Use your martial, intellectual, and moral strength to resist and defeat all forms of tyranny over the minds and bodies of all mankind. Remember that your mind will maintain strength longer than your body. Long after you pass, your declarations of word and stands for principle, if they are Knightly, will still have power to affect the course of events.

Justice (Temperance): Seek always to understand and follow the "right" path, unencumbered by bias or personal interests. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so its use must be tempered by humanity and mercy. Seek wise counsel in determining that which is "right", while making clear that your acceptance of input will not abrogate your role as arbiter. Accept that your judgments will create both delight and anger. Yet, if the "right" you proclaim rings true, and you invoke it without bending to temptation for expediency, you will earn renown beyond measure. Learn the difference between enforcing the letter of the law, and living within its spirit.

Loyalty (Obedience, Faithfulness): Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live with, and have professed to others. There are many circumstances where compromise is expected. Loyalty is not among them. While your loyalty must never be blind, it also must never be for sale. Be prepared for people to condemn you for your loyalty, when they lack understanding for the basis of your faith. At times, you may stand alone, being loyal to what was, rather than what is. Your final loyalty to a person or cause may be this; to speak the truth to them, no matter how difficult that truth is for them to hear, most especially if they have done wrong.

Defense (Selflessness, Sacrifice): The ideal Knight swears to defend his liege, and all those who rightfully depend upon him. Always defend your nation, your family, and those whom you know are worthy of your shield. In choosing the role of the Knightly Defender, you acknowledge that your place is in harm's way, between threats and those you defend. Although this path may be hard, costly, and even seem bitter to others, the Knightly Defender accepts this as an honor, rather than an obligation. In such times, a Knight inspires all with his example and good nature, even his enemies.

Courage (Integrity, Honesty): Being a Knight often means choosing the more difficult path; often the personally expensive one. Be prepared to absorb losses in service of the precepts and people you champion. At the same time, a Knight must remember that stupidity and courage are cousins – pointless risk or sacrifice is not noble. Courage means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than allowing for the expedient lie. Manifest your truth whenever possible, while remembering to temper justice with mercy. Be prepared, as the purest truths can bring grief. In living this, a Knight upholds the highest truths and surpasses the greatest tests of the human spirit. The Knight exhibits power, with integrity and control, while acknowledging his risks and dangers.

Faith (Perseverance, Wisdom): A Knight must have faith in his beliefs. Whatever the Knight's beliefs may be, they root the Knight with the strength of certainty, and give hope in the face of despair created by human failings. Faith, like Justice must never be blind, yet must persist without compromise. Yet, the Knight must not mistake stubbornness for Faith. Truly holding to this requires genuine internal reflection; taking time to carefully examine values, and why they are held. The Knight who blindly accepts a belief without examining its consequences does the same as blindly accepting orders which lead to certain destruction, without benefit, to him or those he defends. Wisdom informs Faith, and that which is learned to be untrue is set aside, without shame, in the face of new knowledge.

Humility (Morality): Value first the contributions of others, and give respect where it is due. Do not boast of your own accomplishments; if they are worthy, others will naturally do this for you. As much fun as it is to tell a good story, tell the deeds of others before your own, according them their own word-fame, rightfully earned through their virtuous deeds. Let your own actions be ethical, so they speak louder than your words. Let others see by your example, that the Knightly path is worthy of respect and emulation.

Largesse (Generosity, Kindness): Be generous, in so far as your resources reasonably allow. Be known as a giver of gifts, who expects nothing in return. Remember that your gifts are often more important to the receivers, when in the form of your actions and words, rather than material things. A kind word often lasts longer in a person's memory than any object. Consider that nothing belongs to you, that you are merely the custodian of what you possess, and giving freely will come easy for you.

Nobility (Charity): Live with dedication to the greatness of character, by holding to the virtues and duties of a Knight. Remember that these ideals can rarely be reached or maintained, and that it is the quality of striving towards them which ennobles your soul. Nobility influences others, by offering a compelling example of personal dedication to the most beautiful expressions of the human spirit. Be Charitable with yourself and others in your speech, your actions, and your intentions. Teach the Knightly path openly to any who seek your counsel, and encourage them to excel. Recognize that this can be easy in any given moment, but as with all of the Knightly Virtues, you will never be finished. In certain ways, living into his Nobility gives the Knight his greatest reward, for if he is successful, he will be surrounded by noble friends; a band of great strength against the forces of mediocrity, cynicism, cowardice and corruption. The Nobility of a true Knight creates other Knights out of those around him.

Franchise (Accountability): Seek to live these virtues as they were meant to be lived. Accept no compromises in your commitment. When you err, make amends in as public or powerful a fashion as that in which you made the error. Explain yourself in the simplest, most clear terms, and never make excuses. Own not only your own mistakes, but the mistakes of others when theirs resulted from yours. Maintain in all ways possible the appearance and station of a Knight. As you wish to live, you must live. You must comport yourself in the present as the person you wish to become in the next moment, hour, day, and year. Do not try to live this way, actually do so. Know that you, and those who serve in fealty to you, are a reflection upon your fellow Knights, and keep their honor safe with your own.

Epilogue: Do not restrict your exploration of these Knightly Virtues to a small world, or exempt some portion of your life. Do not display them only to those who you think deserve them from you. Instead, seek to infuse every aspect of your life, and all of your interactions, with these qualities. Remember that your expression of the Knightly Virtues is most powerful when it is easier to do something else, something lesser, and that living these Virtues creates a Knightly legacy. Should you succeed, in even a small measure, you will be remembered well for your quality, and indeed be worthy of the rank and station of a Knight. Let your renown and word-fame become your Knightly reputation on the lips of those who have met you, as well as those who never will.

I find these a much more expansive set of Virtues and they do a good job of defining the roles it can play within each virtue, but it is an almost impossible code. I have found it very hard to live up to, maybe I just don't have what it takes to be a "Knight" or maybe that's the point, the code is an ideal virtue one to strive for but never reach for once we do what else is there?

We hold truth, faithfulness, generosity and loyalty to be modern ideals, But they are rarely upheld and often scorned as a weakness or old fashioned. But to be knighty I believe you must follow the Code and stick to it even when the night is at its darkest.

Be Knightley in word and deed, Even if no-one else recognises you, Know that the code will help you make more moral/rational/"right" decisions and that in itself is worthwhile.

The rose before the thorn.

Fealty is an interesting thing, it means more than just duty or service. Fealty can use a useful tool for sorting out conflicting opinions, Allowing you to focus on who/what's important.

But! Must be used with caution and in moderation too much focus on one thing can lead you too miss important event around you, this was a hard lesson for me to learn.

My fealty is simple

Anyone in immediate Need/Distress
My Lady
My Knights Lady (or whom he/she favors)
The Crown
My Knight
My Kingdom's representatives
The Baron/ Baroness
My Local group
The peers
The general populace
Myself

Basically, it operates as a list of whome I can serve at any given time and allows me to choose where my service lies, its valuable and dangerous too much of anything is a bad thing, this includes service. If I followed this list religiously I would still be unarmed and unarmoured.

In Medieval times, an Armsman/Squire/Knight would be provided for by his/her liege so fealty was far more involved and demanding. A Bound knight/ squire/ armsman would live his life for the service of his/her liege. We can apply some aspects of this to SCA culture but must take into account the mundane world needs also.

Sadly or Fortunately, fully Period is almost impossible when it comes to fealty, the SCA is a game we play. I try to do the best possible to recreate medieval culture but unless I win lotto and can Hire an entire medieval towns work of labour and craftsmen, full immersion is not possible.

Just try day by day.

Training a local group

I have been put in an awkward position for a while now (8 months), being a "new fighter" but also running our local training for our small group of 3 - 4 Fighters, its been an interesting ride so far and I thought I would share a few of the problems and how I overcame them.

Knowledge - Being a new fighter I knew little to nothing about SCA combat, I have a background of steel fighting for 6 years but little in that helped prepare me for training for full contact fighting, Actually having to land blows at power changes the whole dynamic of combat, likewise only having to block to reduce the blows power has completely changed my defense so I was learning from almost square one. (Footwork transfers over mostly apart from weight distribution and the mind game somewhat transfers over well.) Having to then teach others as I learnt was an interesting experience and also finding a way of teaching that suited our groups fighters.

You dont need to reinvent the wheel. Firstly I read everything I could get my hands on regarding formal SCA combat, Oldcastle,bellatrix,oplomachia (which the former king introduced me to, after beating me so bad I'm still sore) various kingdoms and groups posts about training and their ideas, then after watching several hundred video's with SCadians opinions on the topic. Then after some trial and error I picked a training method based on what I thought our local fighters would respond best to. My choice was Oplomachia. Its a straight forward system that teaches in a clear and concise manner, the only downside is its very specific in learning the method and each step is very precise (which is good and bad) The good being clear goal, the bad being if someone can't/won't perform the movement correctly, each move build into the next for a complete fighting style so each step must be achieved.

I have also had a lot of help with my personal training which I have tried to pass on as best I can remember by my liege and the Knights and fighters of Southron Gaard. "Remember when you land the blow think of a husk of wheat exploding" Sir Gabs - canterbury faire 2015

Dedication - I started out with a clear goal, get heavy fighting going in my local group, I had a lot of help from Lady Aveline who continues to turn up and until recently I had Elias (who moved to darton) I run heavy practice at 10am each sunday and I make sure that I am always on time so those that want to join in know that someone will always be there to fight. I think this was a smart move providing continuity to the group, knowing each sunday something is happening that they can participate in.

Gear - I badged Southron gaard our parent group until we got some gear out of the for training purposes, they were very kind in loaning us some gear for new fighters to try. that way they can decide whether they want to invest in the sport and many of you know that its not cheap. trying to train with little/no gear is very hard as there is only so much you can do out of armour due to either the movement limitations or weight limitations of the gear, you can do some footwork for example but things like frame weight transfer is very tough to learn out of armour.

Free Fighting is still an issue as I do not have the skill required to lower my level, I either make it too easy or too hard but I am informed that this comes with time, I have recently been linked an excellent resource regarding training that is a must read if you're serious about training others, Link

Its still a learning process but I feel teaching has helped me gain insight into fighting and without the opportunity would make me a lesser fighter.

Hope, Do not simply hope.

Its always disappointing when you put a lot of work into something and people simply don't show up, But sadly its part of life and you leave yourself wondering why bother?

I believe this is the most important part of the knightly code, Hope. 

"But Surely" I hear you say, "helping others is the most important!" I disagree, Hope provides the fuel to continue, Hope provides the drive to train "I really want to win that next tournament!" Hope provides the drive to persevere when others give up, Hope is the spark that creation is born from, Hope keeps me going to fighter practice when its raining in case someone else shows up.

But alas hope is a two sided coin, Hope alone is nothing you need to not just hope, but turn it into action. When you make a personal vow don't let it fall by the wayside, actively seek its result. "I'm going to win the next tournament" Break it down, see what you need to do to make it happen, whether its more physical training or pestering other fighters for training or learning to meditate to overcome those tourney jitters. Do not simply hope.

It need not be big, but turn those dreams into reality day by day.

Durch die kehle

Its funny,

I was walking down the road today heading to pick up some steel for an armouring project and an acquaintance came upto me and asked what I was doing....

Without realising it I was in my spare time practicing heavy fighting, I was running though the movements while walking along, throwing shots (empty handed) and practicing footwork.

The SCA truly has me by the throat.

On another note, my armouring project is coming along nicely, sadly landsknechts don't have much armour in documentation (paintings, woodcuts, account) outside of the black legion but from a few effigies it can be surmised that they may have worn a coat of plates (at least the nobles did) this armour is quite appropriate for the time period and is documented for the area/culture.

Image of an Mid 14th C Early 15th Coat of plates Inside

So I am attempting to make a Coat of plates to move away from the need for a gambeson and to increase my protection in wars.

Alas, my search for steel continues. I am hoping to find a source of 0.9mm Spring steel.

Image of an Mid 14th C Early 15th Coat of plates Outside

You have been weighed and measured.....

Post event training, Now with Canterbury faire over it may seem like we have plenty of time to get everything done, Think again.

With planning for next year, alterations to armour (also taking into account the time it takes to get simple things like some rivets (4 weeks) or vege tanned leather (2 weeks AUS supplier) it soon becomes clear that for next year, I need to start yesterday.

With my brewing for next year already down (straw wine, Raspberry wine, (I think I will have a lot of friends at faire this year with this brew) Malted Ginger (This ran out so fast this year) and Apfelwein (german hard cider, my staple brew) oh and I am making some small beer later in the year.

 My attention turns to my training and ongoing battle to work on my kit, it is far from done. I have been introduced to the idea of a gambeson-less kit, this required increased steel protection with minor padding as required the idea is to reduce the kits weight while not sacrificing the ability to sleep on my bruises.

This is accomplished by transitioning to a coat of plates like kit (not a full coat of plates, while period accurate it is simply unnecessary with sacrifices mobility for no gain) it will also involved adding full arms and legs to my kit instead of the modular pieces I currently have (I will incorporate them into my new kit) my parts will still be modular in design as it makes them easier to transport.

I also have my ongoing project of largess, its a tricky subjects but one I feel is necessary to "the game" it was done by nobles, I even have accounts of nobles from my persona giving largess, I feel that for my part it should be simple but still cost me in either time or money that I have to sacrifice from my own tasks/wants but not needs, (like the shields myself and my lady made this year for the kids) But it but no means should cripple you. Its a delicate balancing act of cost/time and I feel my largess should be a part of both. I should also note largess is entirely optional and is not a "Tax" for the barony/group it is a gift to friends and acquaintances or just those in need or you feel need something shiny.

Back to learning that offside legshot with the pirouet of course :)

Welcome to the new world, May god save if it is right for him to do so.