Returning to this too long neglected page, I've removed the names of good friends who have moved away and moved on, added those who have joined us of late, and- consulting with the others who were in attendance at the recent Highland War, find myself of the belief that a fresh start of sorts is needed. Although still a neophyte to this game by many standards, I am struck by how much has changed in the seven years since I first found the SCA.
'Warband' is too grand a term for what the Hand was in the beginning. It began with a Celt, a Visigoth, and a Mongol, grew and shrank with the passing semesters, and peaked as an unruly collection of two scots, a dane, an icelander, a generic viking, an englishman, a welshman, a spaniard, three germans, an egyptian, a samurai, and that same mongol.
Now, with those who have come and those who have gone, we have- through chance, stumbled into a degree of cohesion, numbering five germans, a well travelled englishman, a spaniard, a welshman in a waffenrach, and that same damned mongol that we can't get rid of.
Horse nomads aside, all those people and places come together in the Holy Roman Empire of the late Renaissance, and so while we will of course not be requiring anyone to adjust their personas, we will be seeking to address the long absent theme of the warband by adhering to the model of a continental mercenary company as best we can. This allows us the freedom of individualized armor and weapons, without the wildly varied cross section of places and eras. The celtic homage of 'Hand of the Hunt' is being renamed in keeping with the flavor of the great mercenary companies to 'The Blue Company'. We will keep our emblem of the blue hand, our banner (which was late period already), and our previous allegiances.
Anyone with ideas, now is the perfect time to broach them.
Now if we could only do something about that damn mongol...
February 23rd, 2006
Despite the adversity of fortune, we managed to field eight fighters at Estrella. Below what we'd hoped, but a solid presence none the less. The Northern Alliance truly hit it's stride by the latter half of fighting on saturday, which carried through into the series of castle battles sunday. We have never lacked for courage, but it is greatly satisfying to watch as the skill of our fighters grows with each passing war.
March 11th marks our next event: the Court of Love Tournament in the Borderwinds of the West Kingdom. As the venerable royalty of the West chose to fight alongside our foes at Estrella, it is meet that in the same spirit of good spirited rivalry, that we choose to re-assert our claims to the territory of the Borderwinds, and woe to the conquered.
Beyond this, King's Hunt comes on April 1st, Mists/Cynagua War April 15th, and Treasure Chest War on April 22nd, and 23rd. We attended Seven Wars, and one border raid last year, and we look to maintain this high standard.
Fortune loves the brave.
Vae Victus.
Wilhelm Caius
November 20th, 2005
The last Great War of this year has come and gone, with an auspicious event on it's heels. Fighting at Great Western was hard and heavy, at the request of his Majesty, the Northern Alliance fought beneath the banner of the West Kingdom. As ever, when standing upon defense we were strong, and upon assault, stronger still.
With yet another memorable stroke, the reign of Dietrich and Adriana came to an end, and Rhys was made a knight of the Realm. Not since Gerhart has a monarch so supported the Isles, and never before has a King been so constant and venerable a presence to us on the field. The good thoughts, high regards and gratitude of the Hand remain with thier Graces, Duke Dietrich and Duchess Adrianna.
This year has been a great one for our number; in seven wars, upon seven different fields, and in three Kingdoms we stood in War. Estrella, the Mists, Nordwache, Calafia, Dun Or, al Sahid, and Loch Prado have all passed beneath our boots. We've never seen a better year, and may we never see a lesser one.
In the future, through the winter, and into next year will come Unbelted tourney in late January, Estrella in February, and the resumed season of War to follow.
On this day, and all others,
Vae Victus.
Wilhelm Caius
September 5th, 2005
Highland War was a fine time for the Alliance. Bolstered by the presence of His Majesty, and the IX Legion, the Hand and Starkhafn stood against all others with valor. The higher balance of polearms served well, particularly in the open field, broken wall, and castle scenarios.
On the field, Christian was named and sworn as der Zweiterstimme; the second voice of the Hand of the Hunt. Well deserved, and well done. We were also fortunate to welcome Wilhelm von Frankfurt, of Darach to our number.
Knewbie Knockabout next week for many of us, with Crown tournament in Darach the week to follow. Great Western War looms near, the last great battle of the year. We have fought on all fields this year. To the north in Nordwache, and the West Kingdom; to the south, in Calafia; to the East, Estrella.. All that remains is Great West.
Vae Victus.
Wilhelm Caius
August 3rd, 2005
Darkwell this year was a novel experience.
We enjoyed the pleasure of charging our Allies rather than charging with them.
We enjoyed the pleasure of charging with Corvus, rather than charging them.
His Majesty honored us with his presence for many of the day's battles, and were honored with striking the first blow at least once every scenario by the Army's command. With thanks to Erick, the new tabards were able to be distributed to those of our warriors who had earned them, and were proud to welcome Aki to the Hunt.
Great. Now we have a samurai to keep in line. ^_-
Highland War coming up next in September, and Great Western in October.
To date this has been our finest year yet, let's end it with the same vigor we started.
Vae Victus
Caius
May 29th, 2005
The lull before the storm.
The spring War season hits a pause that will end with Darkwell in July. The coronation of Dietrich and Adriana, and the following tournament to determine the Queen's champion will be attended by several of our number, any with interest are invited to attend, and take part in one of the Kingdom's best attended tournaments. Announcement regarding Potrero to follow.
April 30th, 2005
Two wars in as many weeks. Life is good.
A small presence at Mists/Cynagua War in the West Kingdom was never the less greatly enjoyable. Those of the Hand who braved the trip recieved rings from our patron, and former opponent, Prince Leohtulf of the Mists; hereafter to be called Leohtulf Ring-giver. His Royal Highness, Prince Dietrich of Caid attended as well, to whom we gladly pledged our swords. It has been further resolved that in foreign wars, when no allies of the Northern alliance are present, that the Hand will sell it's services as a mercenary company.
Then came Treasure Chest War in Nordwache. We are proud to welcome two new Hunters to our ranks, as Roth Helm-breaker (but not in a good way), and Malcolm the Unlucky earned thier places on the line. In the games and open field squad skirmishes our band acquitted themselves well, though it was in the bridge battles that we truly came to dominate, with our backs held by the Horsemen. This month has been a fine trial by fire for us, and I feel we are building great momentum towards Darkwell.
Also, our thoughts, best wishes, and prayers go out to Tom and his family, as well as the entire Starkhafn clan.
March 21st, 2005
Once again, the Hand of the Hunt has descended upon the Barony of Tarnmist, in a raid on the West Kingdom. Prince Leohtulf of the Mists; Barons Erich Helmscheid, and Achmere ib' Tamim were all present to recieve our demand (Transcript of the document presented) for the 'return' of Borderwinds to Caid. Following a clash of arms, the sole Western survivor, Duke Frederick, surrendered himself unto the redoubtable Duke Dietrich to end the skirmish. Tribute was paid to the warband by the Western vassals, to the amount of one hundred and ten gold coins, to stay our hands for the time being...
Though the last has not been heard of this matter, so swears the Hand of the Hunt.
In other news, following the tremendously enjoyable trip northwards (Thanks as always to Achmere, and to Tomas Longspee, who put on a damned fine event), we have a full calender looming ahead of us. April 2nd, the King's Hunt in Carreg Wen. April 9th, Reyni and several others intend to witness the tournament to name our next King and Queen. All who are able to join, are encouraged to do so.
"Woe to the Conquered."
-Challenge exchanged before clash of Arms at Court of Love & Beauty
Vae Victus
Caius
February 25th, 2005
Estrella is gone again. This year, both Cameron and Donnchad earned their place on the line; welcome to the Hunt. A friendly contest was waged with the Starkhafn Stormtroopers, counting crowns, which ended in two apiece. We have never been greater in number, in camraderie, or in spirit than we were at this war, and it is a challenge laid before all Hunters to see us even stronger come Darkwell. But before then, several more events fall:
First, March 12th. Court of Love & Beauty in the Borderwinds of the West Kingdom. We will be invading this event, presenting our terms, no doubt fighting a melee or three, and taking part in thier tournament. We will also be providing crash space for any of out Northern alliance bretheran who brave the drive to join us. Looking far ahead, Treasure Chest War, in Nordwache, and the King's Hunt in Carreg Wen will fall before Darkwell. Be ready.
Vae Victus
Caius
February 5th, 2005
First and foremost, with Estrella looming near, the fresh batch of line shields need to be painted, and marked with the blue hand. Since I note that it has'nt been written anywhere previously, let me address the gap between tradition and writ: All new fighters are expected to fight at least one war on the shield line, before they may choose any other weapon form for everyday war fighting. The core of our unit strategy is the shield line, and everyone needs the experience of fighting on it, in order to support it properly.
Secondly, an event is coming up on March 12th, in Borderwinds, West Kingdom; this is typically a medium sized tournament, with some excellent fighting, and should we ask, a few melees. If there is sufficient interest from our band, I'll consider invading the event again (Twice before, we have attended events in the West, and presented a treaty demanding the surrender of the Borderwinds to it's "rightful" rulers, the King and Queen of Caid). Should any other members of the Northern Alliance feel up to the drive, we would love to have more than ourselves. This event also marks the return of rapier fighting to the West, as several of our fellow Islesians will be putting on a demo for the benefit of the Westies. I want us to make a strong show of support.
It's go time.
Vae Victus
Caius
December 2nd, 2004
Costumed Fighter Practice this coming sunday, for the purpose of updating the two year old unit photo, as well as getting a few snaps of individuals. Anyone with any pieces of spare armor, make sure to bring these out as we have new fighters who will make use of them. Following practice, we'll be having a sit down meeting to discuss the past year, and what we want to aim for next year.. and of course, Estrella.
By way of prior warning, since pre-registering is drawing short, Any of our warband who choose to pre-reg (Highly recommended, btw.. its cheaper), fill in 'Hand of the Hunt' as your local chapter, and specify requested site as 'Next to Starkhafn' as once again we will be camping apart from the Isles site.
November 18th, 2004
We're lucky enough to count a promising batch of newbies once again. The off-season of Wars looks to be getting spent properly: adding new fighters, improving the collective look, and improving equipment before Estrella. Also of note, and for the record, there are only two more practices before payback will be leavied upon jokers. =) In the near future, we will be taking a trip on some sunday to the Ventura practice, once the newbies are ready to authorize. At present, I suggest aiming at early January as a date for this. Finishing decorative touches also need to be added to the front line battle shields.
October 4th, 2004
Western looms. Life is good.
First, news of actual import: we will be camping as near as we can to Starkhafn, and the Northern alliance at Western War. Makes our life (and Reyn's in particular) much easier.
Not that any of us pay much attention to titles and such, but it has been agreed among the warband that the leader's title should more accurately describe why it is they are 'in charge'. Thus, the leader of the Hand of the Hunt will be called 'Declamatio'. Latin for 'the loudest', or 'loud and violent speech', which works just as well, methinks.
August 2nd, 2004
Darkwell has come and gone. A fantastic time was had, the Alliance fought well, and our warband was honored with holding the center of the line all day. Many thanks to Kolfinna, for a marvelously well run event, to Conrad and the rest of the Allies for bringing us fully into the family of the North, and to our opponents, chief among them Corvus, for some of the best fighting in a very long while. Contests can only be as fine as one's opponents, and this was a terrific contest. Highland War comes up next, though I regret to report that a good friend of mine is getting married that very saturday. Thus, I will be unable to attend Highland. I intend to call a gathering, and decide with the help of the warband, who will lead in my absence. Thanks to the Alliance's new structure, we have a shiny new title to tack onto whoever is chosen.
We also have decided that more shields need to be made and painted (We'll talk out the details next sunday at practice), and we are proud to need another tabard; August has authorized and acquitted himself admirably in his first war. Welcome to the Hunt.
