ballistabob and I made it to Defending the Gate. The event was a lot of fun, and I got the chance to enjoy the two activities that I love the most: A&S and rapier.
A&S: The Prize of St. Catherine took place, and it was a really good format. I got to be part of a panel of judges, along with
attack_laurel, and I must say that it was a very good experience. We got to judge two extremely impressive entries, and much fun was had by all.Most importantly, I believe that this format, in which judges sit down with the artist and have a dialog, questions and answers, and feedback, for about an hour, is really useful. Not only the artisan can get some very useful feedback, but as a judge I also got the chance to see the approaches that other artisans take upon various types of projects. In fact, I liked Alina's approach to the farthingale, and I may use some of that with my own. And Catherine's Florentine coat was very nice.
Rapier: Luckily, I did make it on time to fight on the section of Defending the Gate of the tournament. There was a very good turnout, and I had a blast. After the melees were over, I got a chance to do some pickups and got to fight a couple of fighters from the Midrealm, who of course I don't get to fight every day.
The first one was Sir Ragnarr (of the Mid, not from Atlantia), with whom I enjoyed some honest-to-goodness no-holds-barred brawling that left us both out of air and laughing maniacally. The other was a nice tall gentleman whose name I still can't spell, but who is a Bronze ringer and also a terrific fight like his friend. With his speed and his long monkey arms, he's just the kind of fight I like since I have to be fast on my feet and get past his blades before he can peg me.
A really tough brawler and a monkey-arms speed demon, I'd love to cross blades with both gentleman again some day.
And that's it for today. I still have pictures of the event that I want to post, and that I will share with you later. Plus, I have a doll to work on that is calling my name.
Au revoir
~Belfebe
