by Lothar

Let’s face it. If you ever bought a sword that was not custom made for you, it probably came with a crappy scabbard (crappard). It is usually some ugly fake black leather or wood grained plastic with aluminum fittings. Not to worry. You can toss that piece of crap away once you make your own authentic wooden scabbard. Just follow this guide.

First you will need some materials:

• a sword (duh)
• 3 planks of ¼ inch thick wood (they should be at least one inch wider and one inch longer than your sword blade)
• wood glue
• a saw
• sandpaper
• block planer
• clamps
• a pen or pencil
• leather (for scabbard wrapping and belt)
• leather lace or sinew
• razor or exacto knife
• leather punches or awl
• chape and top mount (optional)
• buckle (optional)

Please take notice that the start time of this years Winter Althyng starts at 3:30PM instead of its normal start time of 12noon. The Feast of Plenty will start immediately following the Winter Althyng.

Date: Saturday, 1/24/2009

Location: 3rd & Walnut Club Lansdale PA, 19446

Time: 3:30 - 7:00

Immediately followed by the Feast of Plenty

Daytime temperatures in the sixties and nights that felt more like late spring made for a great backdrop to Fall War this year. Once again at Blackbird forest, the camping area was much improved over that of Death and Taxes war, with far less hacking away of the undergrowth needed to setup camp.

The battlefield area not only featured a wooden pavilion area with tables for the spectators, but a variety of terrain that the reeves put to good use. Along with regular field battles, Control point and capture the flag scenarios led later in the day to the "Bone" tourney. Several one on one battles eventually led to the losing side joining forces with the victors until we were down to two teams, each with a warlord. Eventually Adam from the Order of the Lost Boys was left the final recipient of the bone at the end of several rounds of fighting.

Later in the day, Mama Lightman set forth an official challenge to King Angus for the Crown of Markland which was accepted on his behalf by those Lost Boys who were present. Details on the upcoming Crown War are to follow as they are available.

Saturday evening's festivities included many Marklanders in costumes, both mundane and period to celebrate Halloween, and an impromptu sake party which made for much drunken singing into the night.

All in all a great War and a great way to end the camping season, Thanks to those who hosted Fall War for a great event!

--Genjiro Tenmakutsukuri
MKA Gabriel de la Vega
Archer of Rivenwood
Tentmaker

Fall Council Meeting Minutes are up. Click Here to see them.

Also we have produced the complete set of rules with the new or amended rules. Click Here to see the new proposed rules to be voted on at the Winter Althyng.