Loose the Dogs of War!

The smaller unit flees before our combined might. We chase them through the trees and underbrush. Without warning, we’re hit by unseen forces all along our right flank. They gain a momentary advantage, and in the midst of the ensuing scuffle, I receive a strong blow to the head. “I’m dead!” I yell as I fall to the ground and pull my shield over my fetal body. I’m surrounded by the crunch of leaves and twigs under many booted feet, and the thwack of rattan on leather and metal. All I can see are feet retreating down the hill, and then returning in a renewed frenzy of activity. The battle rages on, all around me.

Someone trips, and several hundred pounds of flesh and steel land on top of me. In this position, it’s an easy load to bear. Finally our enemy is pushed back down the hill, and the noises of fighting grow distant. I feel a tap on my helm, and look up into the face of a fighter I don’t know. “It’s all clear,” he says, “you can go resurrect now.” I leave the woods, suck down some water, and prepare to reenter the forest, one more time.

The firing of the cannon, the call of “Lay on” by the Marshals, a whistle blow, or any combination of the three signals the beginning of the battle.

When the cannon fires everyone wants to run. Don’t! Unless speed is vital to your objective, take your pace from your unit.

Move with your unit. Stay with your unit. Fight as a unit.

Shield up! Shield up! Keep your shield up!

First Contact

The only legal charge is a three-step charge. In practice, this means you can speed up from a walk just before you hit the opposing line. Or, you must slow down from a run just before making contact. Neither is easy.

When making contact during a charge, drop your weight down and then push forwards, just like in football.

Don’t worry about killing anyone yet. Your first objective is to break their line.

Don’t go head-to-head with an opposing shieldman. Try to push between two enemy shieldmen.

On your way through the line swing your sword at your enemies. This is the only time you may strike someone who is not facing you. This is also the perfect time to kill that bastard you just shoved out of your way. Once you have passed one or two steps beyond the enemy line, you must stop striking at that line. You cannot attack someone from behind.

Do not hit with your shield! You may make contact and then push, but shield bashing is strictly prohibited.

If there is a guy on the ground, just walk on him. Seriously, step up on his shield and keep going. This is why it’s important to die correctly.

Getting Hit and Dying

If you get hit, take it immediately. If you don’t, you will be repeatedly clubbed like a baby seal.

Here’s how to take your shots:

Shield arm - Put your shield and arm behind your back and swing your sword like your life depends on it.

Sword arm - Put your sword and arm behind your back and keep moving. Your shield can keep your brothers alive. Also, your enemies may not know you’ve lost an arm, and aggressive shield work can occupy an opponent so your friends can kill him.

Legs - Drop to your knees and keep working. You’re out of the direct line of sight. You’d be surprised how many kills you can get from this position.

Head or body - Yell, “Dead!” Fall down, roll into a fetal position, and pull your shield over your body. Stay there until you are told to move.

Die loudly. This has two important purposes. First, it tells your companions that you are no longer with them. Secondly, it keeps you from being driven into the ground like fence post.

If you ever feel unsafe in the middle of a battle, die properly and leave the field at the appropriate time.

There are two times it is appropriate to leave the field if you are dead. During a hold a Marshal may call, “Dead out!” Or if the immediate area is clear of fighting, someone will tap you on the helm and give you an all-clear signal. At this point you should leave the field by the shortest safe route, and then work your way back to your mustering point.

Holds

Hold! Whenever you hear it, repeat it once, stop attacking, and drop to one knee. Only after all fighting has stopped should you stop blocking.

General Hold - This stops action across the entire field. They can become annoyingly long.

Local Hold - Local holds only affect a small area and Marshals usually stand around its boundary. If you stumble into a local hold, you are immediately bound by it and cannot leave. This is usually done for medical, or minor safety reasons, or to remove large piles of dead bodies.

Hats off! Water Bearers in! - If you hear the Marshals call it, you know it s going to be a long hold. Take advantage of the water bearers while you can...Hey! I meant drink the water!

Internal Water - With your helm on, there are two ways of drinking water. Suck it through a straw. Or, tilt your head back and pour it on your face, and hopefully in your mouth.

External Water - This can be more important than you realize. Pour some over your head or down your back. If there is even the slightest of breezes, you’ll cool down quickly.

Soak a bandanna in water and wrap it around your head or other body part. It’s a great, quick cool-down.

Drink Gatorade or other sports drinks if you have the option.

Always be polite and thank the water bearers, they may be saving your life.

A long water hold is often called in the middle of long battles to keep fighters and Marshals from collapsing from heat exhaustion and dehydration.

A short hold is often called just following the initial impact of a charge. This is for safety reasons, and to remove the newly created piles of dead.

It is improper to discuss any tactical issues during a hold.

Anyone can call a hold. If you see something dangerous, like someone on the ground screaming in pain, or someone’s helmet kicking around the field, yell, “Hold!” Be prepared to tell everyone why you called it, and let the Marshals take it from there.

At the end of a hold the Marshals raise their staffs and call, “Stand if you are able.” Get ready.

When the Marshals call “Lay on,” or blow the whistle, recommence killing.

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