Whidbey Swordplay Association

On September 7th, the Whidbey Swordplay Association hosted an exhilarating Sword Games Workshop that showcased the thrilling art of historical European martial arts through a series of engaging and competitive events. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as everyone gathered to witness a day of skill, strategy, and camaraderie.

THE GAMES

1. Bait the Beast:
The day kicked off with “Bait the Beast,” a dynamic event that tested competitors’ ability to find or defend openings. Participants had to lure a single armed combatant, confined to a small ring of cones, into leaving them an opening where they must then land a touch with the back of their hand. The challenge was not only physical but also mental, requiring sharp reflexes and quick thinking.

2. Gauntlet Storm:
Following this, “Gauntlet Storm” ramped up the intensity. In this high-energy high-risk contest, competitors were split into two teams on opposing sides of a field. The format emphasized endurance and adaptability as participants navigated each others flying gauntlets, allowing no more than three gauntlets to remain on their side of the field for more than three seconds.

3. Tax Collector:
“Tax Collector” challenged members’ ability to read their surroundings and gauge distances as they try to chase down their target while engaging or avoiding the montante-weilding bodyguard. From one end of the field to the other, skirmishes ensued and swords clashed in the fast paced game.

3. Until Death do us Part:
Next was “Until Death do us Part,” a dynamic and strategic duel that required combatants to pair up with one another, locking arms and fighting until both combatants are finally hit. This event was a true test of reading opponents strategies and learning their tactics, while showcasing the participants’ ability to bait and lure their opponents into a trap of their own.

4. Where the Wild Things Are:
The whimsical yet demanding “Where the Wild Things Are” brought a unique and unexpected twist to the day’s events. This challenge involved a series of imaginative strikes and unpredictable maneuvers, requiring competitors to adapt their strategies on the fly. If they could think it, then they swung it. Flips, twirls, and shenanigans are the stuff of legends.

5. House of Melee:
Finally, the day concluded with “House of Melee,” a comprehensive showcase of group combat skills. Every competitor chose a card from a playing deck. The number on the card was the amount of hit-points they began the melee with. Only the person drawing the card would know how many hit points they have, the rest of the competitors must tread carefully as the free for all begins.

Overall, the Sword Games Workshop was a resounding success, demonstrating the skill, dedication, and spirit of the Whidbey Swordplay Association’s members. Each event offered a unique challenge, and the participants’ performances reflected their hard work and passion for the art of swordplay. The workshop not only provided an opportunity for competition but also for learning and camaraderie, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.