After Action Review/Highlights of Berks Contingent Fighter Practice/Potluck picnic!

Overall assessment and Highlights of April 2015 Berks Contingent Potluck Picnic/ Fighter Practice “mini-event”. Not that this is a normal event.... but why not toss up some personal highlights/feelings from the event?

The first Picnic/Practice of the year was this past weekend and we are judging it a Success.
21 players attended this go (three of which were marshals) and much teaching/learning was done- everything from small weapon to sword/shield to 2 handers…. To Crossbow and normal Bow.

Only one attendee was new to larping- but she had been at last year’s events and fully intends on making the May event.

For me, I had a lot of fun teaching and helping work with players to get their targeting right for the martial aspect of larping. The more you drill on where you need to be swinging, the safer you will be- especially if you have to fight at night.

The big thing we do at these practices besides training with one’s usual kit is trying out new weapons and styles…. Or relearning little-used ones. It’s not often I get to show experienced players the main differences between all three styles of 1hand edge Master Florentine- and why might want to use the rarer of the three.

Also got to demonstrate how to deal with multiple opponents and how important knowing what’s around you when fighting for one’s life. *grin* Last thing you want to do is let yourself get pinned…
Archery Practice… was fun to watch the Shieldmen volunteers get bombarded.

The rules discussion was lively and much was refined/clarified for some and this can only prove to be good for everyone going forward.

After sundown, it was firepit time and it was just great to simply sit, and enjoy the company of friends.

In contrast to last year, we had more stay over in tents. While cold, there was plenty of blankets and future events should not be nearly be as chilly.

All in all, I had fun hosting/participating and look forward to both the next full KR event (April) & the next fighter practice- tentatively scheduled for June.

I hope to see more folks at the next Practice/Picnic.... look forward to seeing everyone in a week!

I did get some sparring in and one of the things not necessarily taught but gleaned, was that I stay still too often in combat. Moving around will definitely help me avoid getting hit while also helping me to land more blows.

The food hit the spot, especially pancakes in the morning. I hadn't planned on staying overnight, but I'm glad I did. Getting to hang out with everyone without the medieval attire is always a plus.

One thing I found out, is that my shield can take a beating. Leslie's aim with a bow is deadly, and we all learned that May's is as well. "First Aid Assess."

I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!

Love love loved it as usual! Found out I really like to florentine which isn't something I'd do with my character. Also, I really enjoy using a bow. Though my arm will be a reminder of how not to fire one for a few days xD. Got to spar with a few people with my staff, one handed and small weapon. Exchanged arrows with John for a short time until May took him down, haha.

Food was wonderful and the company was awesome. I loved getting to interact with people I don't normally get the chance to. Can't wait to do it again and can't wait to see you all this weekend!