Belegarth Part II: The Field of Battle

March into the foreign realm of Rath. It is cold. Winter winds descend from gray skies, bringing the message of a brittle battle, of a season reaching its end. Warriors clad in heavy armor and winter garb warm their fingers. If their foam blades and wooden shields were made of steel and iron, they would shimmer with ice. Battle season has nearly passed.

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

Two lines face each other from across a 40-yard gap.

”Ready!” Sir Parr Ohmsford, knight and leader of the realm, yells.

The opposing line returns the affirmation.

“Lay on!”

For the sake of superiority, victory, warriors battle with full force. Swords sting in the cold, arrows whistle through the crisp air.

Sir Parr, Battle Christ and War are among the fearsome few who are always the last standing. Battle Christ fights with sword and board, an emblem of wings and a halo are depicted on his shield. Sir Par, dressed in a menacing and intricately armored coat of purple, also battles with sword and board, though when observed, it is evident that he is proficient in all weaponry.

War, leader of a San Diego-based unit, the Vargain Guard, also holds affinity for this combination.

Though he says, “When I started, I used a hammer and a mallet, mostly for intimidation.”

War describes his battle style as, “aggressive and hard.”

Sir Parr describes his as, “a traditional medieval fighting style.”

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

Kami, one of the few Urak-Hai present, said the Urak-Hai fighting style is, “a steam roller, we move slowly, are heavily armored and use power weapons, large swords and shields.”

Monkey, who fights only for himself, considers himself a spearman. His spear is easily six feet long and looks able to topple a horse.

“I moved with the group and stab anyone who comes near me,” Monkey said.

Though chaotic, this battleground is not a free-for-all. There is a code of conduct outlined in, “The Book of War” which states what hit is considered a kill and where a warrior can and cannot hit.

Head shots are illegal. Some weapons take two hits to make a kill. Weapons must be safe and regularly checked. It is the duty of the Chief Marshall to check weapons and maintain battle safety.

Armor must be made of alloys specific to the time period, bronze, copper and iron. It must not have protruding edges.

Shields must be padded, as well as all striking surfaces. The book covers every aspect of Belegarth battle. Though fearsome, players believe in a safe and fair sport.

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

As the season is ending, battle will halt until springtime. New officials are elected for the next season. A new King and Queen will take reign.

A Duke, who acts as vice president to the King, will be elected. As well as a scribe, who acts as secretary and treasurer, a chief marshall and a War Council representative, who communicates with the national War Council.

Whilst the winter turns, these officials will plan and maintain the sport. They will build weapons, sew garb and become familiar with their new positions.

As the weather dictates, the realm of Rath is closing its fighting season. Early next spring, along with the flowers and green grass, swordsmen will again take on their weapons and polish their skills through the summer.

Related Posts:

1. Life away from the field
2. There is room for two in BCS : Boise State and TCU battle for a chance
3. Plain white T’s with a message
4. Enter Belegarth: A journey of discovery
5. Poinsettia Bowl Battle