Galatians fight better in the shadow of Ancyra Hill. It draws them back, shelters them, and reminds them, that this field is home. It motivates them to fight harder to clear the enemy from the field, and it calms them to steel their nerves and their tongues.

The fighting was fierce, the death toll was high, but a small crack unit of Galatians did overcome all opponents. As always the Galatians excelled on the open fields, but it was in the hut battles that they really showed their metal. As soon as the enemy felt safe hidden away in a hovel, the Galatians burned them out. They were no match for their Celtic savagery and determination.

When asked to take the castle, the Galatians summoned their brawn. They pushed in with the spearhead of Romans, and when the moment was right and all eyes were on the crease of red, they shot out like a cannon to the perpendicular left, and surprised those looking to exploit the Roman flank. Within a moment, the Galatians were intermixed in the enemy rank, killing indiscriminately. So embedded were they that the enemy could offer no counter-attack or draw aim on them with a bow. They fell quickly, spirit broken. Later, when the enemy got to return the favor, they were ejected from the castle by a mighty Galatian counter-charge, and when the battle was called, and old Galatian Warlord still stood despite being surrounded.

But this is just one example of the Galatian Prowess. When the battles were done, the master of the day’s events sought out the Galatians. Knowing that the foppish court is of no comfort to the Celts, he called the fighters together on the battlefield. Though their numbers were small, the Galatians were awarded the honor of Best Unit. They were given the battle map, so that they might remember their many conquests throughout the day. Gifts and kind words were lavished upon the White and Black; one comment in particular humored the narrator: “Galatians fight hard and never stop; they take their blows and never argue when others don’t take theirs. They are gracious fighters. They don’t bitch and complain. They make fighting fun. They are everything a SCA unit should be.”

High praise for a bunch of Celtic mercenaries.

Congrats to Penseur (Raymond, that’s right we named him since he took too much time) on authorizing. Hooray! Shields.

After a long day of fighting, three men, okay, three men and Rachel entered the list field eying the coveted title of "Hero of Galatia". In a round robin format the would be champions competed. First event was pole weapons, with Boagrious sweeping the event, Rachel with one win, and Mor Grendel, despite the injuries, fought valiantly and was forced to withdraw. Second event was spear with Boagrious beating Rachel with the unfamiliar weapon. . With Boagrious winning two out of the three events, he was declared the "Hero of Galatia."

If you ever manage to get a chance to see him, give him a congrats, or challenge him for the position.

Great location, good people, tasty food and lots of *twack* sounds made for a most excellent war. Enjoy the pictures!

What a great practice! A beautiful day, great fighting and good people makes for an excellent time to be had by all. We look forward to many more practices in the future.

Pictures are up in the Gallery. Enjoy!