Road & Battles 2016

[higgins]

Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty...

[EinBein]

Nice ones Have they got a good beating already?

[higgins]

Haven't even punched holes into the straps yet

Although I did test out the couters. A direct "test cut style" hit from a longsword resulted in a minor dent. Some paint popped from the inside, but the dent is actually a good sign -- it means the armor isn't likely to shatter.


[click for the full sized image]

[nemedeus]

Are you smithing these pieces yourself, perchance?
Because i don't even want to think about how much that would cost if it were bought...

[higgins]

These things can get ridiculously expensive, especially when bought from major retailers with good online presence that mainly cater to Western Europe, such as Sharukhan Market or Age of Craft. When ordering from Russia or Ukraine, from smiths that don't have as large online presence, you can pretty much cut those prices in half. Sellers with some online presence such as Forge of Svan (probably the most affordable online shop that I've found) ride the middle price-point. Note that hardening doesn't come by default for many of those prices!

That said, even within the wares of a single seller, you need to make sure whether you get an anatomical fit or just tubes on your forearms (which is clearly reflected in the price difference).

And if you want a historically accurate armor, custom fitted to your own body... I don't know how much it would cost, but they sure do look nice. (Spot Ian LaSpina's helm under his past works.)

As for my new arm harness, it was mostly patronage from one of my club's founding members who has taken up armorsmithing as a hobby. He said he'll make armor for anyone in our club who's willing to participate in the World Championships. I gave him my extra copy of The Pourpoint of Charles de Blois for his trouble, but one can hardly call that a "trade", as the book probably covered the raw materials alone, if that.

[Agamemnon]

Seemingly relevant:

[higgins]

youtu.be/vOT_Fbt6kQI

[higgins]

Oh sheeeet...



I feared I might face Poland or Ukraine in my group, but... having BOTH of them? Just my luck!

[higgins]

Oops...

[higgins]

Streaming site is up: http://www.imcf2016montemorvelho.com/

[EinBein]

Wow. Good Marketing! I feel urged to come and watch.

[Korbel]

Only now I discover the polish team had some troubles with finances... they were 500 euros short to send all the fighters to Portugal. Fortunately they raised 4400 euros from crowdfunding, so they don't need to worry about anything (fuel, food and all) and can take some crew with them.
Well, not the cheapest hobby

[higgins]

http://www.imcf2016montemorvelho.com/

Thursday
10.00 - 11.00 Opening Ceremony
11.00 - 13.00 Pool stage of male and female Polearm
13.00 - 15.00 5 vs 5 Pool A
15.00 - 16.00 Finals Male Polearm
16.00 - 18.00 5 vs. 5 Pool D

Friday
10.00 – 12.00 Pool stage male and female long sword
12.00 – 14.00 5 vs. 5 Pool B
14.30 - 16.00 Finals of the long sword
16.00 – 18.00 5 vs. 5 Pool C
18.00 – 19.00 Kill the King

Saturday
10.00 – 12.30 Pool stage male and female sword & shield
13.00 – 15.00 10 vs. 10 Pool Round
15.00 – 16.30 First part/ finals of the sword & shield
17.00 – 18.00 5 vs. 5 1/8 and 1/4 finals
18.00 – 19.00 Kill the King

Sunday
10.00 – 12.00 Round 1 & 2 of 3 vs. 3 and 16 vs. 16
13.00 – 14.00 10 vs. 10 Finals
14.00 – 15.00 5 vs. 5 Semi-finals & Finals
15.00 – 16.00 Awards and closing Ceremony

[EinBein]

You have two kings to kill? I doubt such a contest would have been allowed in real middle ages though Even if it was just for the name...

[Korbel]

So Henri, you start fighting on Thursday™?
Maybe you could let us know, when exactly you compete? I will cheer you for sure! (well, maybe except for when fighting Poles)