Fool's War XXVI - Saxon Violence
Al Sihah Shrine Park (Macon, GA)
Shire of Tir Briste
April 23-26, 2015
The 3rd stop on the Hadi Banner Tour - Fool's War XXVI.
Earl Benen, Marek and I journeyed into the southern lands of Meridies to visit Tir Briste for the event. Fool's War is a long running event with a good history of excellent fighting and great fun. The event was at a new site this year (Al Sihah Shrine Park) outside of Macon, GA.The event was centered on a Saxon theme. From the event flyer:
Earl Benen and I fought on the side of Wessex led by Sir Thomas Alfred. Middlesex was led by Earl Ulric von Brandenburg, Sussex was led by Duke Thorsten in Rollosson (Trimaris) and Essex was led by Sir Dietrich von Stroheim (Atlantia). (I think I have the right nomenclatures for everyone) That is Sit Thomas out in front of his Wessex warband as the 4 on 4 free-for-all melee started. Note the Essex contingent creeping in from the east behind him.
The fighting was solid and fun. It was a good inter-kingdom affair with all the trappings typical of a large scale melee. We had 4 teams. Throughout the event, the teams were aligned and rearranged in different ways to determine the 'victor' to be named the 'Bretwalda' for all the Saxon factions. To this end, Earl Ulric's Middlesex came out on top and united the forces under his banner. It should be noted that the Middlesex contingent unfairly was reinforced by the King of Meridies, Mordan, and and a group of Danefolk. No one can stand before the gaze and might of Meridian majesty and be victorious. Everyone knows this.
For myself, I had a fairly rough day on the field but did enjoy it in spite of the difficulties. It was my first melee event fighting since Gulf Wars in 2006. I was very much in a 're-learning how to fight melee' mode most of the day. In the first round, I took an overzealous blow. That coupled with some queasiness I went into the day with had me sit down for a couple of rounds. I recovered and got back into the fray to be impaled, bowled over and dog piled upon over several engagements which all culminated in me leaving the field earlier than I would have wished. Next time will be better.
Public Service Announcement: Once again, the smart guy who knows better (read: ME) failed to stay hydrated enough. DRINK WATER! If you want to have a chance of staying on the field, you have got to stay hydrated. No reason not to. No excuse for not doing it. DRINK WATER! Additionally, prepare to be prepared. I knew I was going into a melee and did not prepare my body for it. DRINK WATER! You've got to 'pre-hydrate' in the days leading up to these events. Wearing a heavy kit and trumping around in the Southeastern US humidity places a heavy toll on your body. DRINK WATER! Be aware. Take care of yourself.
The event activities started very late due to a deluge of rain that began early in the morning and went to almost noon. The rain caused the field to be inundated with water that produced muddy tracks for mundane vehicles to get bogged down in. Once the rain left, humidity spiked and the sun started intermittently peaking out to oppress the populace resulting in a fairly short day of fighting. By 2:30ish, a majority of the heavy combatants had retired from the field. Additionally, Mother Nature plagued the site with Fire Ants. While our troupe was lucky in not encountering the scourge, many were not.
Our intrepid group camped with Macleod Keep and Sir Baras' house. Sir Simon, Mistress Katharine and Sir Baras are most excellent hosts whose hospitality is top notch. I am horrible with names so apologize for not remembering everyone we met in the camp. We had a great time. No cup ever went unfilled and no plate was found empty. They are gracious and courteous hosts that I look forward to meeting again in my travels.
At the end of the day, with another impending storm lurking to the west, we opted to pack up and make our journey home. Marek and I as well as a few 'less meaty' men assisted Earl Benen in extracting our war wagon from the car park. We played a short and exhausting game of Tetris as we packed the camp into our chariot. We bid our farewells and made the journey north just as the rains begun again.
Fool's War is still a fun event. I would consider this a down year due to the weather and site difficulties, but like an Meridian event we found fun, friends and food in plenty. I congratulate Tir Briste in pulling off Fool's War in the most difficult of circumstances. The did an outstanding job in less than ideal conditions.
Well met, friends. Safe journey to thee.
