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Hammer · **12-05-2013, 10:05 AM**

Hello all! I'm Emily, player of Thundering Hammer on Balmung. You can call me Hammer, or Ham -- I'm not picky.

I just picked up FFXIV on Monday, and have been ravenously devouring it all week. I played the beta briefly back in 2010, and I am so impressed by how much the game has improved since then.

I've been a gamer all my life, and have enjoyed roleplaying in MMOs for a little over ten years now. I haven't delved too deeply into the lore of this world yet, but I'm looking forward to learning!

I'm interested in all shades of roleplay, though I don't anticipate doing a lot of "tavern" roleplay, because my gaming time these days is limited and therefore very precious. I'd love to find an adventuring companion/group to roleplay with through dungeons or leveling. But of course, random RP is great too! So if you see a giant white-haired Roegadyn looking lost in Gridania, please feel free to say hello. Don't let her angry glare fool you -- she just has a bitchy resting face.

Beyond the game, I juggle many hobbies. I'm a student of medieval armored combat, which takes up a lot of my weekends. This week I'm ordering my first live steel swords, and I'm very excited! I also do a lot of wood and bone carving, and a little leatherworking. My goal for next year is to learn how to make functional leather armor and chainmail (because a full suit of armor can get really expensive!), but right now I'm trying to focus on pulling together a set of drinking horns for Christmas presents.

Guess that's enough for now. I'm happy to be here, and I'm really looking forward to meeting new people. The community seems exceptionally helpful and mature so far, which is a welcome change of pace.

Olofantur · **12-05-2013, 11:41 AM**

Greetings and Welcome to the RPC Hammer,

Good to hear you've had the chance to jump into the game and are enjoying it so far, it certainly is on a different level that 1.0, and even more so, pre-yoshida 1.0.

Its good to see that you've already taken a look at the Calendar and might be joining in the
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/calendar.ph...ent&eid=56 Speed meet.

As a note there is also
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/calendar.ph...ent&eid=55 The Coffer and Coffin event, a little more "fly by your pants" maybe you can drop in, not time requirment or duration.

Both great opportunities to get to know some of the people you might meet out in the world, or maybe connect with some one you have already seen but haven't had the chance to talk to much.

Here are a few more links that may (or may not.) help you along.
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/misc.php?page=welcome
That welcome post outlines a few of tools here at the RPC, like the calendar, the wiki, the lantern (my favorite.). As well as telling you a bit about us as a whole.

http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=1770
This RP Handbook might seem a bit of a retread of what you might already know, but I think Eva makes a good point in outlining topics, providing examples and leaving the conclusion open to a personal interpretation.

But on to the communities! since you've been here for a week maybe you haven't had the chance to see them running about. I'll recommend two for now, unless you have something more specific in mind you're looking for.

http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=1902
"Intermission" Is an OOC hub for Roleplayers on Balmung, This can be used to find where people are, what they might be up to, if they're open for another participant and all that jazz.

http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=5045
"Balmungs Finest" Focuses on the PVE. From dungeons, to Primals 'BF' is an attempt to group people on server before relying on cross server through the duty finder. You'll find all types here doing all sorts of content, from Sastasha to Titan.

Phew, well with the deluge of formality out of the way, thats very interesting that you're studying armored combat, do they focus on a particular weapon set or does it cover a wider array of weapon types vs armor types. I'm familiar (to a certain extent) with the Blunt vs Plate, etc ideals but most of my history for medieval Europe is centered around the politics, language and arts. Mostly on the Carolingian dynasty, the Capets/Valois to a lesser extent and a few other major families. (Henry the 8ths holy water sprinkler has to be one of my favorite weapons though that was on the Tail end of the time period.)

And "Resting bitch face" that goes along with the "Stick-up-arse" face a lot of Elezens have, though many of us are jerks, so perhaps there's a correlation.

Any who, feel free to ask any question you might have, sleuth around the forums for a bit to find a conversation you might be interested in. Hope to see you in Eorzea!

Wombat · **12-05-2013, 11:47 AM**

Hello and welcome! You've found a fantastic community here. Say hi to Kodaro if you see him around and don't hesitate to ask if you need help with something. I'm still learning the game myself, and the RPC has been nothing if not helpful.

{PS Swords are cool. You are cool.}

Roen · **12-05-2013, 12:18 PM**

Bitchy resting face... HAHA! Â

Welcome! Â As a relative newbie myself, I have found this community to be very helpful and receptive.

And Roen runs around lost... ALL THE TIME. Â >.> Â I think Ul'dah is the only place she doesn't get lost now. Â Kind of.

So if you bump into her scratching her head or turned around in Gridania, feel free to say hi!

Hammer · **12-05-2013, 12:48 PM**

Thank you all for the welcome, and for the links and helpful info! I'll keep my eyes open for you guys in-game. Big Grin

I've been eyeballing those linkshells, but I'm not sure how to join one. I think I need to find someone (foolish enough) to invite me. Is that correct?

I may drop in the Coffer and Coffin for a bit next week as you suggested, but 9:00pm EST is normally when I go to bed, so it'll be a short cameo, haha.

Olofantur: You sound like someone who would enjoy the SCA! I have to confess I could never really get into the political kingdom games side of medieval history, but I have been teaching myself calligraphy and how to make illuminated manuscripts, although more like the kind you'd find in the Book of Kells.

As for my armored combat group, we learn many different weapons. Each semester is structured around a different weapon. The standard curriculum includes single-handed sword, two-handed sword, hand-and-a-half, dagger/buckler, quarterstaff, and florentine. Advanced curriculum run the gamut of the more historically unusual weapons: axe, mace, warhammer, pike, polearms, etc., and our independent study for knighthood involves a weapon of our choice. They do train us how to use each weapon effectively against an armored opponent, though for the sake of simplicity we assume the opponent is wearing a standard set of full plate. (Many of our combat drills end in thrusts to the gusset.)

The curriculum focuses on chivalry and knighthood, and the majority of our forms and drills are based on Hans Talhoffer's swordfighting manuscripts, so the instruction has more of a late Middle Ages English/Germanic feel. But on the whole, most of the students and instructors in our branch are more interested in the Viking and pre-Christian Celtic eras (myself included). They give us a high degree of flexibility in how we armor ourselves, so when I make my armor I'm going to try to give it a Celtic aesthetic.

Between foam safety weapons, polyurethane training weapons, live steel, and armor, it is not an inexpensive hobby, but for nerds like me who have a long-standing fascination with medieval combat, it is money well spent. Smile

Sorry for the wall of text. I tend to ramble on subjects that inspire me.

Olofantur · **12-05-2013, 01:28 PM**

(12-05-2013, 12:48 PM)Hammer Wrote: Thank you all for the welcome, and for the links and helpful info! I'll keep my eyes open for you guys in-game.

I've been eyeballing those linkshells, but I'm not sure how to join one. I think I need to find someone (foolish enough) to invite me. Is that correct?

They (in most cases) have some one listed as a recruited, for Balmungs Finest the list is on the cover page, intermission you can just post to the linkshell entry and some one should mention when they're online.

(12-05-2013, 12:48 PM)Hammer Wrote: I may drop in the Coffer and Coffin for a bit next week as you suggested, but 9:00pm EST is normally when I go to bed, so it'll be a short cameo, haha.

Lots of us show up early, and stay very late to account for the differing time zones, so you'll at least get to see a couple people!

(12-05-2013, 12:48 PM)Hammer Wrote: although more like the kind you'd find in the Book of Kells.

When I was in London in August and had the chance to (among many other things) visit the British Library and view some of the laid out pages it was fascinating to observe them. While my interest was most in the treaties (such as James the 2nd letter to the Shogunate, Napoleans captured letter to Josephine and the musical texts.) The illuminated scriptures, mostly fables were always quite interesting. The depth of detail, particularly in the Title works (Names & locations of events) is astounding, though admittedly the kind of people who commissioned that work demanded it. Or in the case of the Church they could hardly be expected to do less.

(12-05-2013, 12:48 PM)Hammer Wrote: -snip-

Two handed swords in the Germanic style? Hrm I tried to find a good picture along the lines of a few texts i've looked at but there wasn't much online aside from.

Show Content

Forgive the "noobishness" of the questions related, but does the style use the weapon as a blunt object as much as an actual blade? I always found it interesting the amount of grappling that happens, or even clubbing them with the haft to unbalance. the utilization of the weapon as a whole.

I don't know much of Hans Talhoffer, aside from his germanic roots and role as a representative of the Arch Bishop of Salzburg. Interesting how the focus of the groups leans to the Celtic "Albion" days, I imagine most of the representations of combat you would have to work off of would be depictions in tapestries, or formal accounts of battles, maybe Frankish Manuscripts about skirmishes with people of Brittany? Interesting stuff none the less. I've read through copies of copies of records about the Battle of Agincourt, going so far as to look at the Carol, but aside from troop movements, notes of the dead, there wasn't much. Though I imagine skimming for the sake of picking out names dulled me to some nuances.

Ah well Best of luck in your endeavor to begin your armor working, Twelve knows its Eorzean counterpart will be easier on the hands!

Wombat · **12-05-2013, 01:31 PM**

It was a worthwhile read! I've been looking for some kind of HEMA group in my area but not luck yet. I'd really like to study grossemesser and buckler. I've been interested in historical armored combat since I was a kid, but so far all I've been able (to afford) to get into is larping. They're almost, but not entirely, exactly nothing alike. >.<

Hammer · **12-05-2013, 03:35 PM**

(12-05-2013, 01:28 PM)Olofantur Wrote: When I was in London in August and had the chance to (among many other things) visit the British Library and view some of the laid out pages it was fascinating to observe them. While my interest was most in the treaties (such as James the 2nd letter to the Shogunate, Napoleans captured letter to Josephine and the musical texts.) The illuminated scriptures, mostly fables were always quite interesting. The depth of detail, particularly in the Title works (Names & locations of events) is astounding, though admittedly the kind of people who commissioned that work demanded it. Or in the case of the Church they could hardly be expected to do less.

Ohhh, how wonderful that you got to visit the British Library! Did you see the Lindisfarne Gospels? It must have been amazing to see those manuscripts in person. The level of detail blows my mind. It must have taken a great deal of time and perfect concentration to complete a page -- and what happens if you make a mistake or splatter your ink? Although I guess vellum was more forgiving of mistakes back then.

(12-05-2013, 01:28 PM)Olofantur Wrote: Forgive the "noobishness" of the questions related, but does the style use the weapon as a blunt object as much as an actual blade? I always found it interesting the amount of grappling that happens, or even clubbing them with the haft to unbalance. the utilization of the weapon as a whole.

Yes, it is common to use the pommel and quillions of any type of sword (single- or two-handed) as a weapon. I've found this useful for throwing your opponent off guard when they're expecting a strike from the blade, or when you're forced into close-range combat without enough room to maneuver. I believe one of the plates you linked is depicting a murder stroke, in which you grab the blade with both hands and strike with the hilt as if it was a warhammer. Creativity like that is risky, but can be very rewarding. And yes, grappling is pretty common too! If you have an opportunity to safely grab your opponent's weapon, hand, or arm, it can put them at a serious disadvantage. This is why I favor single-handed sword myself!

(12-05-2013, 01:28 PM)Olofantur Wrote: Interesting how the focus of the groups leans to the Celtic "Albion" days, I imagine most of the representations of combat you would have to work off of would be depictions in tapestries, or formal accounts of battles, maybe Frankish Manuscripts about skirmishes with people of Brittany?

I should clarify that when I said my combat group was more interested in Viking and pre-Christian Celtic eras, I meant that they're more interested in the history, literature, religion, culture, etc. of those eras. You're correct that information on ancient Celtic combat techniques is scarce. I've seen a few lessons on Viking sword-and-shield combat, but that's beyond the scope of our lessons. So basically, we array ourselves like Vikings and Celts, and fight like Germans. Might be a bit of a bastardization, but I'll take what I can get, haha!

I've enjoyed our chat, Olofantur. It's always nice to meet a fellow medieval enthusiast. Smile

Hammer · **12-05-2013, 03:41 PM**

(12-05-2013, 01:31 PM)Wombat Wrote: It was a worthwhile read! I've been looking for some kind of HEMA group in my area but not luck yet. I'd really like to study grossemesser and buckler. I've been interested in historical armored combat since I was a kid, but so far all I've been able (to afford) to get into is larping. They're almost, but not entirely, exactly nothing alike. >.<

Wombat, I can relate to that -- I grew up wanting to be a warrior! I hope you find a good HEMA group someday. I've never been to a LARP, but having seen a few videos, I also think that it is really not the same. Have you looked into groups like the SCA, Dagorhir, or Belegarth? I don't have any personal experience with them, but they all do non-scripted armored combat, albeit with safety weapons or rattans. They each have chapters all over the US, so maybe you can find one within a reasonable driving distance? If gear affordability is an issue, keep an eye on eBay, Craigslist, and armourarchive.org -- as well as message boards for those various groups.

You might also poke around your LARP group to see if anyone else is interested in starting your own group, or opening a new chapter for one of the groups I mentioned above. I bet they have good resources to help new groups get underway.

Olofantur · **12-05-2013, 03:59 PM**

(12-05-2013, 03:35 PM)Hammer Wrote: I've enjoyed our chat, Olofantur. It's always nice to meet a fellow medieval enthusiast.

Like wise!

And i'll admit, I was kind of distracted by the Magna Carta and other works to properly identify everything that was on display Undecided

My understanding of the ability to make mistakes was both due to, as you say Vellums nature, as well as the ink, seeing as it acts more like a Bob Ross wet-on-wet mixture until deliberately dried. ...I could go on about that for days.

But anyways, Safe journeys. Chocobo

Wombat · **12-05-2013, 04:15 PM**

I had actually tried to get involved with the SCA during college but couldn't commit myself to it due to time constraints. I don't know why I had never thought to try it again, but I'll start checking out the local chapter.
A few of my friends from the larping group have invited me out to their HEMA group before as well but as they live a few hours away I haven't had rhe opportunity to join them yet. Thanks for ideas on where to look to find a group!

Whittledown · **12-05-2013, 04:26 PM**

Welcome to Balmung!Â Always nice to see a new Roegadyn dame!Â If you happen across Obsidian Hornet in game feel free to pose at her.Â

Hope to see you in game!

Erik Mynhier · **12-05-2013, 04:51 PM**

Erik encounters the rare Roe RPer....

*Readies the pokeball, "I'm gonna catch her!"

[Image: Oh-Shit-ash-ketchum-11013761-640-360.jpg]

Hammer · **12-05-2013, 08:18 PM**

(12-05-2013, 04:26 PM)Whittledown Wrote: Welcome to Balmung!Â Always nice to see a new Roegadyn dame!Â If you happen across Obsidian Hornet in game feel free to pose at her.Â

Hope to see you in game!

Sweet! *Roega-dame fistbump*

But actually, we know each other already. This is Hel from Agoge. Glad to see you're still kicking around the RP scene. Smile

(12-05-2013, 04:51 PM)Erik Mynhier Wrote: Erik encounters the rare Roe RPer....

*Readies the pokeball, "I'm gonna catch her!"

Haha, are Roe ladies really rare? But... why? They're so rad!

Olofantur · **12-05-2013, 08:26 PM**

(12-05-2013, 08:18 PM)Hammer Wrote: Haha, are Roe ladies really rare? But... why? They're so rad!

Good question!

http://i.imgur.com/nhTm07A.jpg

Female Hellsguard are the rarest race/gender combo (on most servers and main characters only.) Though the polls were done a while ago. The statistics are pretty interesting, I found the class dispersal particularly so..

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