War College / Fighter’s Collegium
Giles County Agri Park
Pulaski, TN
Pulaski, TN
The Barony of Iron Mountain and the Canton of South Reach
January 27, 2024
The air was wet. A true day for amphibians if ever there was one. Fortunately, the chill air was enough to keep any building rain of toads at bay. A cold, wet day in the midlands.
This was the stage set before me and my journey from the Cumbrian highlands of Meridies to the southern reaches of the Barony of Glaedenfeld. The journey was uneventful but required vigilance due to the conditions. I arrived unscathed and was greeted warmly by friends, adding a brightness to the gloomy weather.
The Meridian Fighter’s Collegium/War College is a kingdom event where we go to learn the tradecraft of martial activities. It used to be two separate events, but has been combined for some time now. Many classes were taught on the arts of war and tournament. The location used this year had ample space, but the frequent and near constant precipitation held the attendance in the vicinities of the sites hall and covered pavilion. There was still plenty of room for everyone that came.
The day started with an Iron Rose tournament won by Song Qingzhao. Classes followed soon after for armored and rapier disciplines alike. I joined in for discussion and practical’s on melee with our Meridian General Kikuchi-Sensei and the Northern Warband Leader, Count Barthelemy. The first class covering line breaking and taking an obstacle was a nice warmup to the day. His excellency followed this with a ‘working with spearman’ exercise. There was a lot of good discussion. The drills were well thought and adaptive to our needs.
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| Photo Credit to Kungaloosh Photography (https://gallery.kungaloosh.photography/) |
Lunch break followed. I opted for some pick up fighting during the intermission. I managed 5 or 6 pickups before classes started back up. As classes resumed, I noted that I was having a tendonitis flareup in my sword arm so opted to ground my kit. Apologies to anyone that I had to turn away looking for passes afterward.
Sir Seamus lead off the afternoon session with a command and communication class. I was able to assist some which was rewarding. Once done, HL Bram Halfdannarson led some melee drills. I joined in to assist my Ursi Fratris with the exercises. It was good to get some time teaching, even if it was just as an assistant. I don’t do it enough outside of our Shire practices and probably should. I’ve been told that I know stuff worth sharing.
I was able to catch part of one last class before court. It walked in on the end of County Barthelemy’s ‘How to get knighted…’ class. I only caught the last 15 or 20 minutes, but what I heard was excellent and taught with the enthusiasm that is inherent in everything His Excellency does. Hate that I did not catch the entire session.
At court, Their Majesties, His Highness, and Their Excellencies Glaedenfeld held our attention as several recognitions were bestowed. As a member of the Legio Ursi, I joined in to help bring Xenos Theodrikes into our order and add his name to the Mantle. As a member of the Order of the Sable Sword, I stood with the order in overwatch of the proceedings, embraced in our cloaked regalia, creating a stir in the throng for the purport our presence. When the Sable Sword appears, it is to bring someone into the fold. This day, Martin de Bernay was added to our rolls and cloaked in an heirloom cloak warn by His Majesty.
Thus the day ended and I made farewells and departed for my homestead. Luckily, the rain had ceased for the most part and only the wet highways laid in front of me as I made my way back up onto the plateau.
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| Photo Credit to Kungaloosh Photography (https://gallery.kungaloosh.photography/) |
The idea of Fighters Collegium and War College has always been one of teaching. This year was no different. I think my only regret is having to split time between the two disciplines of melee and single combat. I emphasized melee this time around. Having been selected as a Commander for the North in Meridies, I felt that is where I need to be, to learn, and to become better known to those who do not know me. Last year at Gulf Wars, I was on then Meridian General Sir Seamus’s staff as a line commander. This was my first taste of the idea of command in SCA melee. I learned enough to know that I need to know more. Lol. This year as part of Kikuchi-Sensei’s command I am stepping up a bit higher in the chain. I am trying to learn my responsibilities and what the underlying expectations are for the Commander role I am in. There is much I don’t know. And as they say, that is the first thing we all need to accept as we start to learn. It will be an adventure and I look forward to the lessons to come.
That is all I have this time around, friends. Thank you for your time.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'
Squire to Earl Benen MacTire
Warden of the Northern PlateauShire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
