How Do You Train Your Character
Introductions and Goals
As Fall fades and the promise of Winter can be felt on the wind; the off season approacheth. Camping gear away and all the foam moved to the basement; the off season approacheth. A field of conquest placed on pause, the final fire is lit, the last goodbye said; the off season approacheth.
In the Northwoods the reenactment season begins to slow as opportunities for multiple character interaction and immersion creeps to stop, yielding to the oncoming of Winter. For some, this lull in events is a great opportunity to work on those long put off crafting and garb projects, turning practice nights into community socials and skill sharing workshops. For those realms lucky enough to find indoor practice space for the Winter, the small group training continues. But what about those fighters who do not have access to winter space, or even access to sparring partners? How does one keep up their fighting game on their own? What drills can one do to work specific battle techniques without actually facing an opponent? How does one take advantage of the off season to better train their character for their season opener?
In the Northwoods the reenactment season begins to slow as opportunities for multiple character interaction and immersion creeps to stop, yielding to the oncoming of Winter. For some, this lull in events is a great opportunity to work on those long put off crafting and garb projects, turning practice nights into community socials and skill sharing workshops. For those realms lucky enough to find indoor practice space for the Winter, the small group training continues. But what about those fighters who do not have access to winter space, or even access to sparring partners? How does one keep up their fighting game on their own? What drills can one do to work specific battle techniques without actually facing an opponent? How does one take advantage of the off season to better train their character for their season opener?
For my fighter class who seasonally dwells in a land of bitter wind and blowing snow, Winter has been treated as an off season. In the past, the cold month hiatus has been molded into catching up on projects gone by the wayside while hunkered in the warmth of the indoors. The fighter instead shifts to the roll of craftsman, accountant, designer, or if I am to be truly honest...sometimes just depressed fighter. It slows down over winter. Story plot will often drag out over gray and stormy days with little motivation to do anything but wait impatiently for the light and warmth to return; putting spring back in our step. Many characters, including my Coyote seem to catch the seasonal lows.
However, this Winter I would like to shift my low time into actively advancing my fighter class using cross training techniques that while may not be directly fighting focused can be used as tools to help the fighter along. Tools such as Pell Drills, Fencing Blocks, Advanced Footwork, Boxing, Trail Running or Hiking, Hooping, and Dynamic Dance Stretching. Down the line, a Quick Link page will be created for drill videos and additional background information that is relevant to various topics I myself will be using for winter training. Given that I will most likely be attempting most of this endeavor alone, I am going to be writing much of it out, as both understanding the details of why and writing seem to help me organize my thoughts.
Throughout the plog, I would like to cover a wide range of topics, such as: Why I choose to fight and why you might too, the multiple settings in which I fight in (The SCA, Dagorhir, and Belegarth worlds), what can be obtained from each world, uncommon cross training techniques, mistakes made in the past, and the ever challenging path of self improvement.
Ideally, this plog will merge into a variety of fringe topic related to persona creation, immersion, and how to level up ones character; for there is more to gain from traveling between the worlds than just an increased martial skill level. With open eyes and attentive ears ones character can gain a plethora of experience that cross games into real life.
Ideally, this plog will merge into a variety of fringe topic related to persona creation, immersion, and how to level up ones character; for there is more to gain from traveling between the worlds than just an increased martial skill level. With open eyes and attentive ears ones character can gain a plethora of experience that cross games into real life.
There are a ton of very skilled fighters spread across this nation; every game and every region has their local badass. The more you seek out the fight, have an open mind for learning and spar with others, the better your fighter will get. As far as my coyote has traveled, it sadly does not have the means to travel everywhere desired as often as desired. Understanding that every fighter views the game differently and has different goals to achieve, makes me curious to know where their drive and passion comes, wishing to convert their knowledge and perspective into something my character can feed on. Therefore, I write openly in hopes to share what experience I possess, to encourage others to share with me what shortcuts and perspectives they might have in their stores. These pages will explore how I train my character in hopes that any following will share with me how you train your character. May any who read be able to pull something from it texts.
For those of us who dedicate more than a passing moment to the pursuit of sword mastery and character development, hopefully you understand what I am trying to convey. Ever searching for a greater drive, a stronger will, and efficient hands for a lifetime spent in the chase. Bring on the level ups!
For those of us who dedicate more than a passing moment to the pursuit of sword mastery and character development, hopefully you understand what I am trying to convey. Ever searching for a greater drive, a stronger will, and efficient hands for a lifetime spent in the chase. Bring on the level ups!