Why Two Pells Are Better Than One

So, a week or two ago I saw a post on a fellow Dagorhir friends' Facebook page and it was about head shots occurring because fighters who threw said shot "were used to fighting people taller than them" at their local park/practice, and how to handle the situation. This got me thinking and I came up with a solution that I would like to share with my fellow Dagorhir fighters.....


The 'Muscle Memory' Game

First, let's look at the issue at hand: the head shot. They happen for a myriad of reasons, and a vast majority of the time, they're purely accidental. I personally haven't had this happen to me, being a fighter who is short in stature, and I can't speak to the situation my friend was referring to because I wasn't there, but in my humble and honest opinion, muscle memory, which was brought up as a possible contributing factor, is a poor excuse for one reason: while I understand the conditioning factor at work here, any good fighter will be able to adjust their fighting to any given situation. The shots you throw may be ingrained into your muscle memory, but your eyes see it differently. If the person in front of you isn't towering over you, why are you swinging at them as if they are? If your opponent's head is where the torso of the "giants" of your local practice would be, don't aim there. Adjust your shot accordingly and aim lower. This situation is precisely the reason why I don't religiously do muscle memory training because your brain switches to autopilot and you won't be able to pull an errant shot in time to prevent the aforementioned head shot, and I prefer to be aware of what I'm doing in battle. If you see someone struggling with this issue at your local practice, newbie or not, politely help them out and show them how to adjust their shots in relation to the height of their opponent.

As the fighter on the receiving end of the head shot, remember to remain as calm as possible. If you feel yourself becoming angry, take a time out to collect your thoughts and take a few deep breaths. The last thing you want to do is blow up at the other fighter, especially if they're a newer fighter, over an accident because you may scare them away. If it's a frequent occurrence, work with them in a positive way to fix the situation.

Now, onto my solution....



Two Pells Are Better Than One

For those who religiously do muscle memory training with a pell, may I be so bold as to suggest having TWO pells instead of one? One should be relatively the same height as you, and the other should be shorter or taller than you, depending on your height. Train on both each time you do your pell training, doing the exact same routine on both pells. WHY, you ask? Because it will train you to be able to adjust your shots to the height of your opponent. It's my opinion that you're limiting yourself by using just ONE pell because it won't simulate the differences in height you're going to encounter on the field. You'll most likely fight people shorter than you as well as people taller than you at some point, so why prepare yourself for only one of these situations? Training for both of these situations will make you a well rounded fighter and go a long way in preventing the situation mentioned above.


Let's all keep each other safe, huh?

Knighthood: What it means to be a knight

This post is geared towards those just starting out on the path or those considering the path to knighthood from the perspective of a squire.

What is knighthood?

It isn't just a title, its a way of life. You don't just act as a knight in a Dagorhir setting, you live it everyday. At your job, in your community, even at home. If you only act as a knight when people are watching, you're doing it wrong.

Knighthood, to me, isn't about the fighting, it's about service/helping and dedication to the game. Medic shifts, troll shifts, security, weapons check; these are examples of the services we provide at events and should be done from the goodness of your heart, without expecting anything in return, and without being asked.

Knighthood is lending gear or garb to newbies or those in need, even if it doesn't get returned. You can always get or make new stuff, but helping others have fun and get acclimated to the game is worth far more and can go a long way in growing the game.

Knighthood is helping other people put up their tents, stabilize them in the horrid storms Ragnarok often gets, or providing them with a place to stay if they have none. It's also giving food or drink to someone who may not have enough.

Knighthood is making sure everyone is safe and having a good time because if you aren't having fun, you aren't doing it right. It's helping a drunk event goer get safely back to camp, or looking after them if they're sick. It's accompanying someone to the bathroom if they need an escort. It's standing up for and doing what's right.

Knighthood is about teaching others and growing the game, but it's also a learning experience for the squire/knight. You should never stop learning and always be seeking to better yourself in and out of the game so that you can set a good example and pass on what you've learned.

Knighthood is a responsibility, one that isn't to be taken lightly. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding to those who walk the long road.

Qualities of a Knight

- Selfless

You aren't afraid to give of yourself to others and aren't self absorbed and greedy. Items can be replaced, a good first impression cannot

- Humble

You see everyone as equal and don't consider yourself better than anyone else. You're not arrogant or egotistical

- Patience

Becoming a knight doesn't happen overnight and isn't easy. It takes time and effort. Teaching others also isn't easy because everyone learns differently and some require more than others. Don't rush at it

- Perseverance

The road is long and tough, but you never give up despite the odds or obstacles against you. Keep at it

- Bravery/Courage

You aren't afraid to take charge, and you're also not afraid to fail. You realize that making mistakes is a learning opportunity and don't get frustrated when you make a mistake. You dust yourself off and get up and do it again.

You also stare fear and adversity in the face, laugh, and conquer them and march forward with your head held high

- Helpful

You lend a helping hand wherever it is needed without being asked

- Knowledgeable

You always seek knowledge and new ways of doing things, but you also aren't afraid to admit you don't know everything and can point someone in the right direction of the knowledge they seek.

- Open Minded

You are aware that your way of doing things isn't the only way and that it may not work for everyone. You're willing to accept ideas etc. from others and don't dismiss them because you've never tried it that way

- Student

You're a teacher, but also a student. You're always learning and willing to learn. You never stop being a student

- Compassionate

You have a big heart and are there for people when they need it, even if it's just an ear to listen. You don't hold anger or grudges in your heart

- Honor

You care more about fun than winning. You play by the rules and you're not a sore loser or a poor winner. Winning isn't everything. It's better to lose honorably than win by cheating

Reasons TO be a Knight

There are many reasons to become a knight, but the biggest ones are:

- To grow the game
- To pass on the knowledge you've gained
- To enhance the experience of everyone around you and make sure they're safe and having fun
- To help others whenever/however you can

Knighthood isn't all about the person taking up the mantle

Reasons NOT to be a Knight

Basically, if you're only in it for yourself, you're doing it for all the wrong reasons. Don't take up the mantle if you're only in it for the title/fame/glory, to pull rank on people, to keep the knowledge to yourself, if you're a cheater/dirty fighter, if you're an asshole or egotistical, etc. Basically, if you're selfish, it's not for you.

As a knight, you lead by example. If you set a bad example, that's what others will learn from and absorb, and that isn't good for the game.

And as a leader, you shouldn't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Get in those trenches with the rest of your people. Remember, you were once in their shoes. You were once new, at the bottom of the totem pole. Don't let a title change that or cause you to forget where you came from.

My Values

I don't consider myself better than anyone else. I try to help others become better instead of looking down on them. I was once new and inexperienced and I haven't forgotten that.

I refuse to back hack anybody, unless I'm flanking in a team/field battle. My belief is that if all you do is back hack, you either care too much about winning, or you lack skills, confidence, or both. If it's the latter, please come find me at an event and I'll be happy to spar with you and teach you some things :)

Learning is key. Whether it's watching fighting videos or reading books, I'm always looking to learn something new. It's my belief that the more I know, the more I can teach