Recently the Barony of Small Gray Bear held a War Practice and invited the nearby shires to join.  The day was beautiful with clear blue skies and a temperature in the 60's.  It was a good day to die.

The practice started with some folks warming up one-on-one while a new fighter was authorized.  Turn-out was good with over 20 warriors of varying degrees of experience gathered together to learn and teach.  Soon everyone was in armor and Sir Connor, Sir Fenris, Sir Radu, and Sir Rashid called the gathered warriors together.  With Sir Connor and Sir Radu on one side and Sir Fenris and Sir Rashid on the other they divided the forces equally making an effort to keep established fighting units together.  After final selection of weapons and last minute preparations and planning, the two sides faced off across the field.

The practice started in earnest with some open field battles.  The first couple times it was decided that there would be no flanking units to simulate the current lines being part of larger forces.  Very quickly the results of good communication and quick thinking became apparent as one side was better organized and won the first engagement.  Once the dead were counted, all forces gathered to go over what went right and what went wrong.  Then with lessons learned, each side lined up to do it again.  This scenario was repeated multiple times until it was decided that the forces should break for water and refreshment. 

Once the warriors had recovered they were once again gathered to run scenarios involving a breech or bridge.  After a bit of confusion on the rules of the engagement, the two sides settled in to some serious work.  As before the sides would clash until one force emerged victorious then the two sides would gather and discuss what happened.  Much was learned and even the least experienced voice held weight and was listened to.

Finally, the forces began to tire and an end to the melee was called.  After further refreshment, some combatants broke up into pick-up fights with various weapon styles being seen.  The marshals were also busy completing new authorizations for Fiberglass Spear to allow those who are skilled in such a weapon to bring it to the field in the coming wars.

Those who were present all agreed it had been a successful day and it has been decided to gather once more before Gulf Wars for another War Practice.  The next practice will be held on March 8th.