EK50 was amazingly hot, but I loved it. My favorite events of all time were SCA 20 year and SCA 30 year. I was extremely sorry I missed SCA and WK 50 years. I wasn't going to miss this one.
To me, these anniversary events are really magical. They are relaxed, but full of importance at the same time. They mix SCA history (which I love more than I love medieval history) with SCA now. THey celebrate us for no other reason than what we do is so much fun. And we get to pretend, for a minute or two, that the game really matters. I mean, in the great scheme of things, who cares about the history of the King's and Queens of the East? At an event like EK50, more than anywhere else, we get to care.
My favorite part was getting the herald for Ken Mondschein in the joust. It was excellent, but it was so hot that they had to end it early. I'd worked competitive jousts before, back in the old days at Ren Faire, using balsa-tipped lances. I always thought the SCA foam-tipped lances were a dorky idea by comparison: but watching them side by side, I have to admit that the foam lances are cool, because they EXPLODE when broken.
Oh: fighting.
I did ok. Not great, but ok. We started the grand tournament with 4 double elimination lists. I went into the losers list courtesy or Arne (although we had a great fight) and it got down to four of us for three spots--me, Arne, Horic, and I don't know who else. I lost to Horic, but won the third spot by beating that fourth guy. I was again using my light sword, and my double strike technique landed on Arne but I couldn't kill him. I hit Horic too, but same thing. That's the problem with light shaved rattan swords. For my third fight, I grabbed my crown sword. I through an Upsilon leg shot, and then threw a hard shot that I think caught some shield but was good anyway.
I the pulled an Aethelmarc knight named Flossen. He was really tough. He ducked a lot. I took his leg killed him. Then I drew Duke Tindel, who took of both my arms. My last fight was against Ricahrd Crow. I took out my polearm, and we had a good fight but he creamed me. Did I mention the heat index of 110 degrees? Can you say "Hydrate?" I got the shakes pretty bad once the adrenalin went away. Had a headache till the sun went down. Pounded water, but that didn't matter much.
Went to the shop and did my Pre-pensic armor overhaul. FINALLY cut down my Bauzebauds. Now they fit. Fixed the broken straps too. Hung my new shield, Altered my C belt so it will hold up my current leg armor. Ready to go.
Last night I went to practice, still using my old shield. I got one fight in, then a loose zip-tie poked me in the eye and I decided that, in memory of Merlin, I was quitting for the night.
It's 17 days until Pennsic. My next time in armor will be next Tuesday at McCarren Park.
