Erminespot

The Liechtenstein School of SwordplayFiled Under: Fighting

In running up to the Pas d’Armes du l’Arbre d’Or, Baron Alejandro and I conducted a series of greatsword fights, building a friendly rivalry.  I was looking to get some practice in before attempting to authorize, and I’m not sure Alejandro’s motivations, but sometimes things are best left un-pondered.  Regardless, we had a great time taunting each other into fights where all that stood between your advisary and your soon to be bruised body was a few feet of rattan.

Girard strikes Alejandro

We fought till one of us had scored 5 good blows, so best of 9.  We kept score for ourselves.  We would often simply keep fighting while scoring, yelling “good, two!” as we threw our own blow.

So, considering how fun this was, and how out of practice I am with this fun form, and that it’s really only good for dueling, I open myself up for challenges once again.  I will make an effort to ensure I have a greatsword with me at any and all martial events.  Find me at a practice, a demo, or pickups at an event, and say, “Your Excellency, I challange you to 9 passes of greatsword,” and I shall accept your challange.

The only valid reasons to push off the challange are; some piece of armor is broken past the point of being legal/safe and can not be fixed today, I am injured to the point where I can not fight any more, or I have some very pressing time restriction that I can not dodge (like court).  Notice, I didn’t include “I’m too tired” or any number of other pansy excuses.

What you need to join is an SCA legal greatsword, adequate hand protection, and if we’re at an event – a valid great weapon authorization.  Otherwise, sky’s the limit.  Bring it on.

The loser of the 9 passes should publicly state that the challenge was fought, the score, and something of the victor’s virtue.

So, who wan’ts into the Liechtenstein School of Swordplay?  (Why Liechtenstein?  Well, in what form did Sir Ulrich win his first tourney?)

Tags: Fighting, greatsword