[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

Cheers from Saint Mark!

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

"Well, Paul, it was a good showing ... not what we had hoped, of course, but respectable. I just wish we had been able to pull off one more Gold."

"You personally did much better than last year, sir, but I know what you mean ..."

Clarkson filled their drinks from an antique crystal decanter.

"Maybe we'll make a big push for next year ... recruit athletes in more fields, work hard all year ... maybe even attempt to host ... we'll see. I know it's not that important in the grand scheme, but ..."

"I know," smiled Paul. "Here's to letting things bother us unnecessarily."

The Prince laughed. "Yes, to needless angst and to next year!"

 

"

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

"Nice work with the foil yesterday, Paul!"

"Thank you, sir. I'm pleased that I was on the top of my game when it mattered the most."

"Your first round against Hadjivanor was close at first, but you really warmed up and had a great finish. Your match against Cook was even better. I hope this trend continues and you can bring home Gold again when you face Pham."

"It's too bad you weren't able to defeat Pham yourself, sir. I think you performed quite well. You just couldn't catch a break in the scoring."

"No, Pham was better yesterday, Paul. I wasn't at my best. My best would have won, though, and that's the frustrating part. Oh well. It's water under the bridge. It's up to you now, Paul. I believe you're Saint Mark's last chance for one more Gold in this Esferiad."

"I'll do my best."

"I know you will. Best of luck to you!"

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Fencing with Foils

 

This week will see the Esferiad Fencing competition with the foil. Earler, we discussed some of the important points about fencing in general. Let's go into the details of fencing with a foil.

What is a foil? Well in fencing, a foil is one of the three swords we use (see our previous article).

The foil itself has a rectangular shaped steel blade as opposed to the epee’s triangular silhouette. The blade, like all other blades in fencing, is extremely flexible in order to prevent harming your opponent, or the blade. 

The maximum length of the blade is 90cm. With the tip of the blade covered by an electric button, and a pommel at the bottom, the maximum blade for the entire sword in itself is 110cm.
Where the blade meets the handle there is a guard, meant to protect the hand from the opposing sword. The guard on the foil is a lot flatter than the epee, but still circular. It’s like a small dome surrounding the hand. 

The handle of the blade can be either a classic french grip or pistol grip. The french grip is a grip shaped like the grip on a hammer, but it’s not held like a hammer. This grip is more classical, however a lot of fencers prefer the pistol grip (named for its resemblance to a pistol).

On electric swords, the tip of the blade is covered by a button, connected through the blade and into a socket in the hand guard. This socket is connected to a wire that runs through the fencer’s clothing, and to a light or a buzzer, which is activated when the button is touched.

On non-electric swords, which are used for practice, there’s no electricity, or button. Just a plane rubber tip, covering the point of the blade.

With a high demand for accuracy and good form, foil fencing is about as classy as fencing could get. And with a need for good form, there also comes a need for knowledge of the rules. As complex as they may be.

In addition to the normal rules in fencing, foil has its own specifications to certain parts of the rule book.

The goal in any fencing match is to touch your sword to your opponent’s target area. In foil fencing, the goal is to thrust the tip of your sword directly onto your opponent’s target area, which includes the torso, back, abdomen and crotch.

To win, a player must get 15 points, or have the most points after 3 rounds. However, if the final bout ends in a tie, a priority minute is set.

The priority minute is a one minute bout, where one fencer is given “priority” by the judges. This “priority” determines which fencer wins the bout, if neither player scores a point within the minute.

In foil, as well as sabre fencing, there is a rule implemented called “right of way”, or “priority. A lot of people are confused by this rule, but it’s not as complex as most people make it out to be.

In order to understand this rule, we need to figure out what it’s for. The right of way was made to enforce aggressive fencing, with good form, from each fencer. 

During a fencing bout, the fencer who is playing more aggressively, or with better form, is given the right of way.

The player with the right of way, is given a point if both fencers make a touch simultaneously. Simple as that.

However, the right of way can be taken if the defensive fencer successfully parries an attack, But will be given back to the other fencer, if they don’t follow up with an attack. This is what makes the parry and riposte so important.

This rule does not exist in epee, because if each player touches at the same time, they both get a point.

Let's discuss one of the moves often utitilzed by Saint Mark fencing, and perfected by Prince Marcarius.

His Serene Highness' fléche has three steps to it. Firstly, he starts by pointing his blade up so that his opponent’s blade is also up (in case it isn’t already there). The point of doing this is to uncover his opponent’s bottom target. Secondly, he feints on the bottom target by moving his entire forearm downward (moving his entire forearm is critical because that’s what makes the feint visible to the opponent). In other words, making his move look very apparent is key because that’s what makes his opponent fall for his feint. Thirdly, he finishes on sixth (or up), which is the line he uncovered in the first two steps. When done right, these three steps can make his indirect flèche unstoppable.

 

Credit: adapted from https://fencingprodigy.com/what-is-a-foil/ 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

"Another Silver, sir!" Clarkson beamed.

"Yes, and it was a lot of fun competing, Clarkson," answered Prince Marcarius with a smile. "I only wish Saint Mark had been doing better this Esferiad. Only one Gold so far is a little disappointing ... especially when several of our top competitors are bested by contestants who hadn't shown the skill to do so in the past. It has been a few months since some of them have competed, though. I know they couldn't have been working harder than our athletes in the meantime, but perhaps they have just hit upon the right strategies. Chance and the Fates, Luck if you will ... all of that comes into play. No matter, though. We still have a team of which I am quite proud."

"Quite so, sir."

"What do you think about Standish's suggestion to invite all of the Esferiad competitors to the Gala this year?"

"Well, it seems to me that that would be a bit unfair to Saint Mark's own athletes, sir. They should be able to enjoy one night focused on our appreciation of their contributions without sharing the lime light as it were."

"That was my thought too, Clarkson. It would raise more money, but the event has a two-fold purpose, and we must not lose sight of that. Perhaps we'll develop a different opportunity to socialize with the other nations' teams."

"Yes, sir."

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

Is Fencing Like Sword Fighting?

 

The 5 Main Differences Between Sword Fighting and Fencing:

The Reach of the Definition
The Importance of Technique
The Weapons
The Clothing
The Rules

 

 

1. The Reach of the Definition
A sword fight is an act of combat where the opponents use swords to attack and defend. 

Fencing, on the other hand, comes from the word defense. It is the art of defending yourself using a weapon. 

Emphasis is put first and foremost on keeping yourself from getting hit at all. Unlike sword fighting, fencing doesn’t have to be done with swords. Any weapon can be used in the art of defense.

 

 

2. The Importance of Technique
Sword fighting is much less worried about skill or technique. The most important thing about sword fighting is to take out an opponent as quickly as possible. 

You aren’t as concerned about where your feet are, as long as you’re swinging your weapon in the right direction.

Fencing is all about skill and technique. There is a lot of work that goes into the sport of fencing, and it takes a lot of training to become efficient at it. 

Fencing is much more delicate than sword fighting and showcases the use of footwork and subtle movements.

 

 

3. The Weapons
While the three weapons used in fencing today were derived from historical swords, they no longer resemble their predecessors very closely. The swords used in fencing competition are unique to the sport, and each is made for a certain purpose.

There are three disciplines of fencing: foil, épée and sabre. According to historical records, the foil started from military training, the épée was developed from swordsmanship duels, and the sabre can be traced back to the cavalry. 

Each discipline has its own specific targets and rules, as well as different competitive characteristics:

● Foil

The foil, which weighs about 500g, is the lightest among the three weapons, and the weapon of choice for most beginners. A foil fencer scores only by hitting the opponent's torso with the blade tip. As the foil is lighter and has fewer targets than both épée and sabre, it demands better techniques and strategies.

● Épée

The major difference between foil and épée is that the épée is heavier and has a larger target area. The fencer scores a touché when the weapon tip or blade touches the opponent's head, limbs or torso.

In competitions, only stabs, not slashes, are allowed. Defence is essential – as the whole body is a valid target area, fencers need to be highly skilled to fend off their opponents' attacks. As the fencers shift back-and-forth between attack and defence, the épée match has the slowest pace among the three disciplines.

● Sabre

The sabre is also known as the soldier's sword. In competitions, you can thrust and cut your opponent, and the target area is everywhere above the waist (including the head and armpits).

As the sabre discipline has a large range of movements, and demands quick and strong attacks, the fencers' footwork and responses to strategy changes are key to winning.

Sword fighting makes use of training and actual swords that replicate the swords used in the past. They are more representative of what would have been used by men on the field of battle. There’s not a need for specialized weaponry.

 

 

4. The Clothing
Sword fighting has no guidelines on what you should wear when sword fighting. There may be costumes worn if sword fighting is taking place in a reenactment setting. 

It’s possible to engage in a sword fight whatever the occasion. Hopefully, proper safety precautions are always taken.

In fencing, there is a very strict uniform that must be adhered to, especially in competition. The fencing uniform is widely recognized and features a jacket, mask, glove, and other components that help keep the fencer safe.

 

 

5. The Rules
A fencing bout is regulated and restricted by a set of rules everyone must abide by. These rules include things like who has the right-of-way and a certain area the fencers must stay inside (see also above). Because it is a sport, these rules must be followed to ensure fairness.

Sword fighting is much less restricted. As a general pastime, sword fighting can be done in different ways. 

This educational article is brought to you by The Royal Saint Mark Esferiad Committee

 

 

Credit: This article based of information from  https://bestsportslounge.com/fencing-sword-fighting and https://news.yahoo.com/olympic-fencing-differences-foil-epee-sabre-065011378.html

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Focus on Fencing

His Serene Highness, Prince Marcarius (left, in the air) and Kyle Hadjiivanov in the Quaterfinals

 

HSH, Marcarius, has shown marked improvement since last year's Esferiad, defeating both of his opponents in the Epee Individuals. He has become a master of the flèche, using his speed to surprise his opponent more often than not. 

In a flèche, a fencer transfers their weight onto their front foot and starts to extend the arm. The rear leg initiates the attack, but the ball of the leading foot provides the explosive impulse that is needed to drive the fencer toward the opponent. Continuing to bring the weapon, arm, and front shoulder forward, the fencer picks up their back foot, crossing their front leg, and landing it in front of the other foot - as if taking an exaggerated walking stride. It is at this point, when the back foot lands and just after that arm has become fully extended, that the hit should be made.

After attempting the hit, the fencer continues to move forward, running past their opponent, to avoid the riposte if he or she was parried, or a counterattack. If the fencer moves past as quickly as possible, the opponent generally only has one chance to hit the fleching fencer as they pass.

Some fencers appear to be merely charging down the piste at an opponent at distance, but the flèche utilizes timing, not distance, and HSH has superb timing.

We anticipate some exciting fencing to come!

 

 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

"Congratulations on your Equestrian Team Silver, sir," Clarkson said while pouring the prince a brandy.

"Thank you, Clarkson. I guess I shouldn't be so down on myself for this year's Esferiad. Although we had several more Golds last year, we did earn more medals overall ... and there are still a couple of opportunities. I'm also glad that we were able to connect with a few of the other leaders. I'm excited about the Sultan's electric train proposal. This should be a boon to trade and tourism on Aura."

"Quite so, sir. Did you want me to invite the athletes' families to the Saint Mark Team Gala as you did last year, sir?"

"Yes, of course. They deserve the time to receive their nation's lauds and if it raises even half of what it did for the Special Esferiad as it did last year, it'll be wonderful."

"Quite so, sir."

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

 "What!? Zombies!!!???"

The prince woke from his nightmare in a sweat. It had been an odd Esferiad and the stress was showing.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Sir Maxwell put his phone in his jacket pocket and leaned toward Prince Marcarius, speaking in a low voice.

"Sir, Her Royal Highness, Tamara, Princess of Cambria has passed in the night."

Shocked showed clearly on the prince's face.

"Good God, that that's terrible!" he replied in a hoarse whisper. "We must make our excuses and return to our suite. It would be inappropriate to continue enjoying ourselves right now. Please send my condolences to the Cambrian royal family. Once you learn the details of the services, if they are open to the public, please make my arrangements to attend."

"Of course, sir."

The prince excused himself politely, thanked his host for a lovely evening, and made his way to his waiting limosine.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Prince Marcarius was pleased to see King James of Larxia after he had finished his discussion of archery, wines, and a new trans-Auran electric railway with Sultan Arif.

He reassured him that the Larxian announcer's behavior was inconsequential (in fact Sir Maxwell had to inform the prince as to what King James was referring). 

"Saint Mark would certainly be interested in trade and scientific cooperation with Larxia, Bubble, and others, James. Thank you for including us. I will bring the proposals to my advisors. Perhaps you would ike to be my guest in Saint Mark later this year?"

The conversation continued pleasantly, more focused on the week's events and common interests.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

"Sir Maxwell Standish, Personal Secretary to His Serene Highness Marcarius, Prince of The Holy Principality of Saint Mark, accompaning His Serene Highness," he stated briskly, but politely, to the guard at the Duchy door. The Prince at his side nodded and smiled to the guard as he let them through.

The Duchy Estate was lovely, and the Prince admired the antiques and mosaics as they passed into the main hall and greeted the Mpitarika.

"This is a beautiful estate. Thank you so much for your kind invitation. Blue Bubble is really doing remakably in this Esferiad! You must be so proud."

Several of the Heads of State and important guests had already arrived, including His Majesty the Sultan of Arifiyyah and his beautiful wife, Queen Isabella. He walked over to them and held out his hand.

"Arif and Isabella! So good to see you again! I had hoped that we would have a chance to get together again. I am grateful to our host for providing this opportunity. Congratulations on the fine performance by your basketball team! I trust your time here has been as pleasant as mine so far?"

A footman discreetly offered champagne from a silver tray which the Prince accepted and his Secretary declined.

"Ah! A charming Giovannian vintage! Very nice," noted the Prince. "To further victories!" he toasted, smiling toward his royal friends.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

Clarkson cleared the tea things as the prince read the sheaf of papers at his desk.

"Well, we have three more medals, Clarkson," the prince stated without looking up.

"Yes, sir. Congratulations on your Bronze in Dressage."

"Thank you, Clarkson!" The prince looked up and grinned broadly. " I'm quite pleased to be an Esferic medalist! I'm even more pleased that our team is doing fairly well. I wish we had more than Paul's Gold, but there are still more opportunities. Amelia would have earned Gold almost certainly if it hadn't been for her blasted appendix. Thank God she came out of that well. Do you know that girl is still pushing ahead with the next event! Her doctors say it's alright. Her parents wish she would drop out, of course. Brave young lady that."

"Yes, sir. She is quite remarkable. Did you see the invitation from Kassakira Petrovikan, Mpitarika of Blue Bubble, among your papers?"

"Yes. It sounds like a good opportunity to meet several of my neighboring leaders, and the Duchy is supposed to be lovely. Please send my acceptance."

"Very good, sir."

 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

"Wow, Amelia! Your fans sure do care for you!" said Prince Marcarius as he looked at the room full of bouquets.

"Yes, sir," answered Amelia with a small frown. "At least even more of them did donate to the hospital."

"They just want to cheer you up, dear," said Amelia's mother as she smoothed the sheet covering her daughter's legs.

"Yeah, Mia. Be happy you're so loved," said Conrad Sessions as he smiled and moved a cactus to make room for a spot for him to sit on the windowsill. "You gave everyone quite a jolt when you fell so gracefully from the board."

"One of the most graceful falls I've ever seen," joked Matthew Archer.

Her teammates tried to cover their concern and show their relief by their gentle ribbing.

"The quick response of the emergency team and the excellent work of the doctors here saved your life you know, Mia. Next time listen to your own body and the advice of your trainer." Her father frowned and held her hand.

"Dad, I know. It was foolish of me to push myself that far, but I just thought it was gas ... not my stupid appendix!"

"I'll leave you to your family and friends, Amelia," said the prince as he opened the door. "Praise God that you are out of danger. Saint Mark is awed by your strength and courage."

"Thank you, sir," smiled Amelia.

After the door closed, Amelia turned to her father. "The doctors said I can still compete, dad, and that's what I'm going to do."

Her father's face turned red and her mother stood.

Conrad and Matthew looked at each other and excused themselves from the coming family "discussion." "Rest up, Mia! Glad you're better!" They called as they hurried out the door.

 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

A New Esferic Record for Saint Mark Dressage!

The Saint Mark Dressage Team set a new Esferic record of 73.560 in the Group A event.

Dressage is often described as “horse dancing” as it features rhythmic footwork, pirouettes and other beautiful moves that the horses display in a routine set to music in the arena. Watching the team's performance was like attending a fine ballet. It's unfortunate that the team couldn't somehow have saved this score for the finals, as it would have earned them a gold. As it turned out, they finished with the bronze medal.

This team continues to gift its audiences with gorgeous displays. Fine work, Saint Mark!

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

Amelia Springstein Collapses!

Amelia Springstein, shining star of the Saint Mark Esferic diving team, collapsed after her 3m Springboard medal dive and was rushed to the Kharventhin Teaching Hospital. It was discovered that she suffered a ruptured appendix, but is now resting comfortably after emergency surgery.

Ms. Springstein had been heavily favored to win this event and performed brilliantly in her first heat. She looked to be in some sort of discomfort during the semifinals, but according to sources, shrugged off the concerns and advice of her trainer. In the finals, Ms. Springstein grabbed her side and half dove, half collapsed off the diving board (and still finished eighth). She had to be pulled from the pool and revived before being helicoptered to the hospital.

We applaud her courage and pray for a full recovery.

Ms. Springstein asks that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers donate to the Kharventhin Teaching Hospital.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

 

The two gentlemen who sat across from each other over tea in the elegant suite could have been brothers. They were each of about the same age, lean, and with dark hair. Sharing a love of archery, they had become friends over the years. 

The prince smiled. "Fine shooting, Paul! I'm going to have to abdicate if I'm ever to be able to find enough practice time to beat you again."

Paul laughed. "Do you really think more practice would do it, sir?"

As Clarkson served, the banter and ribbing continued. Paul was thrilled with his gold and the prince was equally happy and proud. 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Medals For Saint Mark

Saint Mark is proud to have won three medals on the first day of the Esferiad! Paul Emberfell won gold in Archery, Lady Angela Deye took the silver in the Equestrian Individual Dressage, and Arthur Windswept achieved bronze in One-Person Dinghy Sailing. His Serene Highness showed well in Archery, placing fourth.

Paul Emberfell 

Paul Emberfell, the nephew of The Archbishop of Sanctus Leo, is a rising star in international archery. Although Prince Marcarius bested him at the Saint Markan Regionals, Mr. Emberfell has risen to the top here on Lavender Island. He is the third son of Archibald Emberfell, professor of history at the Markan Institue of the Arcane, and engaged to fashion designer, Mariah Gale. Mr. Emberfell has been devoted to archery since his childhood and has won First Place in The Auran Games and Silver in the Saint Markan Regionals.

This is a proud day for our nation. It is hoped that these three medals will be the start of many more. Huzzah for Saint Mark!

 

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Saint Markan Athletes ~ A Focus On Surfing

From Left: Dale Waverley, Samantha Waverley, Oliver Crest

 

While swimming and sailing are ancient Markan sports, surfing is relatively new. It began a mere ten years ago on the beaches of The Wild Cry as an import from The Lavender Island. Two of the Waverley triplets, Dale and Samantha, have gained local prominence, tieing for gold in the Saint Mark Sea Seasonal, and will be demonstrating their skills on the world stage for the first time at these games. The third member of the Markan surfing team is Oliver Crest, the third son of the Count of Willisby and the winner of the bronze medal in the Saint Mark Sea Seasonal.

We wish them luck as they endeavour to bring Saint Mark surfing back to the Lavender Island!

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Ugh.

Lady Angela Deye was annoyed by the image that looked back from the deco mirror in her smart dressing room. She had long ago become comfortable with her thick, orange hair, and although she was a bit on the shorter side, she did have a nice figure. What drew her displeasure was the blazer ... red. 

Ugh. I look horrible in red, she muttered to herself. Why did the Markan colors have to be red, white and gold? It wouldn't be so bad if she had only had to wear it for the parade, but it was also part of the Markan equestrian team's official riding costume. Maybe she could convince His Highness to go with white as the main color next year and a more traditional black for the riding costume. Oh well. There's nothing to do about it right now. Red it is.

She smiled a bit, amused by her own vanity, tucked her hair under her black cap, and turned to leave her suite. She had just enough time to get some riding in at the Lavandula Equestrian Center.

[II Summer Esferiad Roleplay/IC]

Saint Mark's official Esferiad team blazer, worn with white shirt and white slacks

 

 

His Serene Highness, Marcarius, Prince of the Holy Principality of Saint Mark, seemed anything but the confident ruler of an ancient nation as he was usually portrayed in the press. Instead, he was pacing around his elegant bedroom, his open face revealing a mixture of worry and excitement. This wasn't his first time participating in international competition, but the last time he hadn't done so well. His national team did, however, and that more than made up for his personal failures, but he hoped he could improve on last year's performance. All members of the Elector Houses of Saint Mark were familiar with the gentlemanly pusuits of shooting, riding, and fencing, but he excelled at these ... at least in Saint Mark. He hoped this past year of training would also allow him to excell in the world arena.

Edward Clarkson, the unflappable Valet to the Prince, was calmly and efficiently packing His Highness' gear. He observed the prince's unease and sought to relieve it by turning his attention to the team he loved.

"Your Highness must be quite proud. Saint Mark has a splendid team this year. There are several areas in which we will be very difficult to best."

"Right so, Clarkson!" beamed the prince. "I am indeed proud of them! We should really present a challenge to the others this year! While I am quite pleased with what we accomplished last year, I think we will do even better this year."

[II Summer Esferiad - Signups/OOC]

The Holy Principality of Saint Mark will participate.

We have completed our roster! Huzzah!

[1st T20 World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

The match did not go as Saint Mark had hoped, but that's how it is sometimes.

During the match, Prince Marcarius and King James enjoyed discussing the play-by-play and good-natured ribbing.
After it finished, the prince stood and shook hands with the king.

"Congratulations, King James. Your team played quite well. Thank you for your kind hospitaity and I look forward to touring your palace and joining in your box again for the finals"

[1st T20 World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

Coach Waterman stood facing the room while the team took their seats. 

"As you may have heard, His Serene Highness has rearranged his busy schedule just so that he can personally attend our critical next match against Larxia. I know I don't have to tell you what an honor this is. We are at the top of our game. We will concentrate, play smart, and win this match!"

The team cheered and Waterman smiled and raised his hand for quiet.

"Your Captain tells me that you have something to say about the awful storm that has slammed into our host's country. Egleston ... ?"

The team captain rose and turned to face the room.

"Yes, Coach. At the suggestion of several of the team, and after discussion with everyone, we have all agreed to donate whatever we earn from endorsements during the next month to the hurricane relief fund. In addition, Hunter's family is organizing a fundraiser, collecting donations from Saint Mark for every run we score."

"Good show! I'm proud of this team. You are a fine group ... and maybe it'll also give us a little added incentive to do well! He laughed and the team joined him.

[1st T20 World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]]

RAF Gryphon: Gryphon 1 to Ground, we are approaching northwest circling around the worst of the storm and requesting clearance to land.

Control: Ground to Gryphon 1, you are either very brave or very crazy. You are cleared for immediate landing on runway C. 

Ninety minutes later, Prince Marcarius was relaxing with a cup of tea in his suite, Howard Gresham was finalizing the schedule on the secure phone with King James' secretary, and the crew of the RAF Gryphon was beginning a well-deserved, one week vacation.