Ranger Games

[R.D.Metcalf]

when I first came here I suggested some ranger competitions for our proposed moots. I would like to expand on that a bit. Those familiar with Seneca runs at frontier events will get the concept. A timed run involving the tools of the trade, the bow, sword, axe, spear, and various simulated scenarios/targets at different points to test and develop skill with prizes or bragging rights awarded. As this is definitely a very hands on hobby I figured this might be something worth further consideration. It can be scaled up for the more hard core, and scaled down for children or divided into its various forms for the disabled and the older folk.

I am guaging interest with an eye to host such an event late fall, if any carolinians or Tennesseeans or anyone willing to travel wishes to join up to hash out rules, concerns, the course etc. please feel free to contact me if you want to help make this happen.

~RD

[E.MacKermak]

Love the sound of that...similar to a Ranger version of Mountain Man Rendezvous competitions. Sounds like a good time to be had.

[Greg]

Reading through that, all I could help thinking of was Cowboy action shooting, where three or four different historical firearms are set down at stations next to each other, and the shooter is timed as well as scored for accuracy, firing each in turn, going from station to station. A similar event, with archery, cutting bottles, etc. could be set up and rather fun.

All the same, I think what you were referring to was splitting things up into different skills, etc. Either way, that'd be a blast. All of this, of course, would have to be performed in kit, yes?

[Faolan]

And we can call them "Randir Games"


Faolan

[mcapanelli]

And we can call them "Randir Games"


Faolan

HA HA HA HA. I was waiting for someone to write something like this. As for the games I think you'd all be sorely disappointed in my ranging performance. Now fighting I can and have held my own against some really good people but bushcraft? I'm in sore need of a teacher.

[mcapanelli]

I should add though if your all willing to put up with an out of shape resident of the concrete jungle and show him some bushcraft I'd love to attend. I can show you all the proper way to hail a cab on 48th and 6th and how to not look like the dreaded "tourist".

[R.D.Metcalf]

Reading through that, all I could help thinking of was Cowboy action shooting, where three or four different historical firearms are set down at stations next to each other, and the shooter is timed as well as scored for accuracy, firing each in turn, going from station to station. A similar event, with archery, cutting bottles, etc. could be set up and rather fun.

All the same, I think what you were referring to was splitting things up into different skills, etc. Either way, that'd be a blast. All of this, of course, would have to be performed in kit, yes?

Actually Greg it could be set up something like an action shoot or anyway the participants want it. Kit would be preferred but at the same time I wouldnt want to exclude anyone.



Erich, you hit the nail on the head.


Mike, bushcraft or no you've lived in a place where I wouldnt survive a day, I dread Asheville traffic I cant imagine a larger city And your martial knowledge makes you invaluable. Just dont laugh too hard when you hand me my @ss in the fencing bout.

[Willrett]

It sounds like it could be a great time. It would also be nice to get everyone together so we can learn from each other.

[Peter Remling]

What da ya mean, older folk?

For the more urban people, you might want to have a snipe hunt. Best way to learn outdoor skills, am I right ?

Actually the competitions would be great fun. Great Idea !

[Cinead]

Archery games like a clout shoot, popping jay or the axe shoot?

[R.D.Metcalf]

The axe shoot would be cool.....but the gent or lady that made the shot with a bow would be plain scary


Pete, I meant to say wiser and more experienced, sorry

I guess we could send'em snipe hutin' and tell'em if they get lost come back and let us know Its fine lesson in life and a saying I live by, my friend, : "Your only lost if you give a damn where you are"

[Kiriana]

Oh yes, this does sound like fun.

But were you talking THIS COMING FALL? If so, Erich you will have to wait till next year babe!! But, if this were to become something of an annual Moot.. that would be fun.

[Pwyll]

While I was still in the Corps (mumble, mumble) years ago, we spent some time in Norway, with their Brigade North.

While there, we got a chance to participate in their testing for the Norwegian Infantryman's qualification. It was basically a 17 klick run, carrying rifle. At the beginning of the course, you had to memorize a message. Then there were directions to the next point, alhtough it was well marked, anyway.

One station was "object discoery" where you had to look down marked lanes and find the hidden target. Hand the marked paper in to a judge. Then run to the next station. Range estimation.

Part of it was just a 5 click run. There was an orienteering section as well, move to different points, find direction and distance to the next. And in the middle, right after th 5 click straight run when your heart was pounding and you were breathign hard, was rifle range. 5 shots, at an unmarked distance. Only hits in the black count. At the end, you had to write down the message.

The whole thing was timed, and you would get time added for failures at any station. Complete failure at any station would disqualify. We had some guys get disqualified on the rifle range, who were otherwise doing well.

Another compaison to this is the Pentathalon, modern version. Shooting, fencing, swimming, cross country and equestrian. Useful skills for a soldier (late 19th century).

So, something like either of those might be considered.

[Pwyll]

Rudolf the longbow ranger
Had a very lengthy bow.
And in the thickest forest
It would make him travel slow.

All of the other rangers
used to curse and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolf
Join in any Ranger games!

Then at the battle of the Black Gate,
From two hundred yards away.
Ruldof shot at their top brass,
And nailed a Nazgul in his ass.

Then all the Rangers loved him,
And gave him sympathetic looks.
"One hell of a shot, but Rudolf,
You'll never make it in the books!"

[Pwyll]

*Hangs head in shame*