NSTIW: Castellan
"No shit, there I was...." is the start of many an epic tale. Here are collected stories and memories centered on the Northkeep Castellan event:
Centurion Gassion de Beaumarchais, Baron, Eldern Hills, Ansteorra C&T Marshal:
This one time, at Northkeep’s Castellan event, they held the first Cut & Thrust Championship in Ansteorra. As with all new, idealistic and novel activities there were many that entered, if only to share in the experience. It was a round robin, counted blow tournament, so lots of fighting! At the time, I was a Cadet to Dona Theresa and Don Timothy (‘cause they share, and I love them both). But, of the two, only Don Timothy entered the tournament. As can be expected of a Round Robin, Don Timothy and I were eventually paired in a match. Now, keep in mind, I had not long before sold him the helm he would wear that day... And with the history and a bit of setting provided...
No-stuff-there I was, standing across from a true mentor and friend, one I had not seen in quite a while, and we squared off. I had a plan, close in a bind and allow his actions and pressure to dictate where I’d strike. We circled... we tested a few strikes... gingerly closed measure a time or two... and then I seized the bind. I put pressure on his longsword from the inside, expecting counter pressure to close the line... but there was none. I struck to the outside, and found the return pressure I had sought, as he pushed to the inside I quickly turned on the backs of my feet and struck two master blows (it’s a German Longsword thing) once to each side. Now, I had anticipated a bit of... cover?, but there was none... In the end, I had dented his new helm, once on each side of his cheek plates and inadvertently a plate caught his ear... Now, beating up Don’s, while quite fun, isn’t my goal in life. Much less those I truly hold in esteem and high regard. What I heard as those blows landed we’re gasps of excitement from on-lookers, exclamations of enjoyment and more than a few “do that stuff again!” (only, the didn’t say the word “stuff”). Thus one instance made years of work, coordination and effort, on the part of so many people, worth it in my mind. This one day spurred me to devote much more time, artistry and service in the C&T area than I would have ever considered before.
From here, C&T Pas d’Armes in Ansteorra, at Gulfwar and beyond we’re born. And so, now you have a glimpse of where and why my passion for the art budded. I’m ever grateful for this memory, and all it sparked.
