Gatalop 2010!

I'm the guy right of center in the chain maille with the brown belt.

Last weekend (October 30 and 31), I took the kids to an SCA event called Gatalop XXVII. It’s an SCA event that takes place in Dauphin Island, AL. It’s hosted at an old Civil War-era fort called Fort Gaines. This Medieval event is a recreation (NOT re-enactment) of various Viking and 14th century war and combat scenarios. There are also other great activities like ancient pottery classes, medieval cooking, medieval sewing, armor crafting, weapon crafting, and general history lessons.

What did I participate in? Combat! (Yes, I played with the kids too, and was able to teach them about some history. I’ll get to that later.)

We formed up 2 teams and played through various scenarios. Our team had an overall “General” and several other “Sergeants” that lead the smaller groups. Being a leader in a fast-paced environment like a massive martial combat offensive is obviously a difficult task. We’re all using Medieval methods and no modern technology, so shouting is our only form of communication. The problem is that our “enemy” (consistent of many, many friends… not true enemies) is able to hear our commands, though we can hear theirs also.

Now, we had 4 leaders in our group. One for the shield wall (my group), one for the runners (mobile fighters), and one for the secondary shield defense. The 4th is the overall General. During combat, most of the noise is yelling, war-cries, shields and helmets being hit by rattan swords and axes, and stomping feet running. It’s hard to tell when a leader gives a command. They often have to repeat it over and over. It can get frustrating when your commands don’t get heard… even when you try your hardest. It’s also frustrating when everyone follows your lead, then you realize your command was wrong.

Luckily, both sides did great. Our team won half the fights, and as far as I could tell, everyone fought with honor. I had a complete blast.

Now, as far as me and the kids’ time together, we had a blast! It was their first time to camp out in a tent. I made them some medieval garb to wear and they looked the part. They made friends and when I was fighting, my friend, Hunter, watched them for me. In the SCA, we have Kings and Queens, and there is a formal award ceremony that takes place in the evenings simply called “court.” During court, both kids got gifts from the king and queen. They were VERY excited for this. In the daylight, I took them walking around the fort. We explored the old tunnels and look-out holes. Since the entire place is next to the Gulf of Mexico, on an island, we were surrounded by beautiful scenes of waves, large ships, and lots of relaxed people fishing their days away.

God was with us and it was obvious. We were happy, all three of us made friends, and I was able to walk away from the day of fighting with only a few bruises. As far as I know, there were no major injuries. With any combat recreation or re-enactment, there are always bruises and cuts, and it looks like that’s all there was.

Gatalop 28 will be next year at the same place. I’m already counting the days!