IKV Melota Bat'leth Tournament 2007

For the 4th straight year the IKV Bayou Serpent traveled the 3 hour plus drive to the IKV Melota's fall bat'leth tournament on October 5-7,2007, joined by Lt Ni'Vek who was making his first voyage. Ni'vek had recent back surgery and didn't compete in the fighting but did participate in the non-combat games.The tournament was once again held at Purtis Creek State Park.After getting some bad star charts from a now dead ferengi and getting turned around a bit,we arrived about 9:30pm Friday night.We met with everyone,set up camp,talked for a bit and went to sleep since I had been awake for about 28 hours.

Saturday morning saw rain and lots of it.Fighting normally begins at 9am but was pushed back an hour and a half to try to let the rain pass but it didn't. The rain was almost constant,ranging from drizzle to downpours but we fought anyway.

Bat'leth was first up.Just as last year this was taken by Qel'ogh-wI,CO of the IKV Melota.I myself made it to 3rd place.

Mekleth was next and was taken by Gavin,a mundane I believe, but well trained in another club he is in with weapons. This is my worst event and was knocked out in the first round.

D'k tahg was up next and this has always been my best event.I came in second to Kartoq in sudden death and had to earn that spot! Lt Cmdr K'Mok,XO of the Melota,gave me a real challenge.Matches are supposed to go to 3 points but we were both at 5 and a half before I finally got a shot in and didn't get hit myself.The same thing was repeated with Kartoq,going to 5 points I think but I never got the opening I needed.Kartoq earned every bit of it.Qapla!

Due to our late start, it was now getting dark very fast and we had to start the non-combat games.My team which included K'tokQ,Salek's son Eril,and myself did manage to come in second place even though we couldn't see a thing.The game was a course that had you doing a variety of things such as doing a jigsaw puzzle,spear throwing (I nailed the target in my first throw and in the dark),untieing knots, and a few other things.The ferengi pinata and tribble hunt were easier in the dark since the tribbles had glow necklaces on and were filled with treats ranging from candy to alcohol instead of more baby tribbles.The ferengi was also filled with treats since his innards had been removed prior and he was drawn and quarter to get them.His head was then stuck on a spear for the ceremony.I came home with many prizes including a set of glasses with the Klingon trefoil etched on them,a 10 year anniversary etched goblet,and the coolest one being a large piece of wood with Trek artwork by Salek's daughter Erin.Thanks to Amereth for giving that one to me since it was rightfully hers and she chose to give it to a worthy opponent in the game.

The ceremonies started late due to a mix up on the park's part with the covered pavilion.This year was the 10th anniversary of the Melota and the ceremony was much more elaborate which is saying a lot since their ceremonies are second to none. Ten torches were lit by the warriors in the ceremony and I was honored to be in on it since I don't belong to the ship.Awards were given for the combat and for overall points which was as follows:

1st place points: (Tournament Dahar) Lt Cmdr Kartoq 2nd place points: Cmdr Ri'Par 3rd place points: Lt Cmdr Qel'ogh-wI

I was given the honor of promoting Qel'ogh-wI's parmachi ogh wI to Lt Cmdr on the order or Admiral Qob and passed to me by the QC Lt Cmdr K'Allen since he was unable to attend.Event pins and anniversary pins were handed out along with a "friend of the Melota" pin being given to me for always being there for the tournament. The "Order Of Kamin" award was passed out by Lt Dragen to Qel'ogh-wI,an award that honors the memory Lord Kamin who passed a few years ago and is given to one warrior who shows the honor and heart of a warrior.This was voted on by all officers present and I hear it was a close one.We then all got out of the uniforms and enjoyed our bloodwine til early in the morning before sleeping,repacking and saying our goodbyes. Ni'Vek promises to return and I will always be there to fight,drink,and fellowship with the entire Melota crew. Job well done once again! Qapla!