Charge!!

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Today I attended my first ever battle and got to be scum. Yes, scum. Scum is the lowest soldier who has no armor but a helmet and carries a 9 foot spear. It was great. We started out with some sparing in pairs. I attempted to learn how to fight with a spear. You are not supposed to hit people, in mock battles and reenactment anyway, in the feet, ankles, shins, knees, hands, forearms, or head. Basically you aim for the thighs, upper arms, and stomach. This was difficult since we were supposed to hold the spear angled at about 45 degrees to the ground, our right (back) hand up above our shoulder and on top of the spear and the left (front) hand lower and either on top or bottom of the spear. Also, we were wearing heavy duty work gloves, a cap (basically padding), and a helmet, nose piece and all. I had no perifial vision and after about 10-15 minutes my arms were tired from holding the spear up. I probably got "killed" about 15 times before sparing was over. Then we moved to battle formations. As scum, I and the other 4 spear-people were in the back, in our case second, rank with the sword and shield carriers in front. We learned how to move from at ease position to weapons ready - which also involves yelling - and then we learned how to close ranks and about face. Then we practiced our battle cries ("God wills it!" and "Normandy!" - both call and repeat) and practiced charging the bushes. After formations we broke into two teams and tried to defend or breech the "gate". Once again I ended up "dead" quite a lot. We ended by playing king of the circle, where if you can defeat everyone else in the circle you win. I did not do very well at all. After practice we needed to get to Beeson - across campus and about 3 or 4 blocks out - to start making our outfits. So, with helmets on and weapons in hand, we marched in two columns across campus and to the Living History house. The looks we got from people we passed were great! It felt like we were storming campus or something. The only problem with carrying a 9 foot spear is that it keeps hitting low hanging branches. After about a 25 minute walk we reached the house and started to try find tunics that fit or got measured so that we could make our own. Luckily, I found one that almost fit so I only have to add a bit in the seams on the arms. But after I am done with my tunic I get to start on my under tunic, hoses, and shoes. Sounds like it will be a lot of sewing. I have already sworn off major sewing twice now; I guess I will have to give that up so that I can dress like a medieval soldier. I am really looking forward to next week's practice and sewing session!

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Photos

Tunic
Me in my homemade tunic

Comments

[Curtis Makela]

I can actually see you doing this. I love the description. I wish I could be in a battle. Sounds like fun!