by Scorch Flamedancer » Fri Apr 17, 2015 12:07 pm
Bremen's Fortress is fully acknowledged by the BLBOD, having received their completed contract last week. While their contract was only recently completed, they have been active since September 9th of last year. While I'm not sure what you mean by standings, in that any freehold far removed from El Paso without causing major problems is in good standings. I will tell you I have visited their park many times since it's first day. They are very enthusiastic about the game of Amtgard and all that it has to offer from on the field into the sewing room. It's true, the core of their group originally played Belegarth, many have them have said they prefer our form of combat, field honor and etiquette, our emphasis and encouragement of crafting, and that people are taught that learning and improving one's self is more important than winning. In Belegarth, there is a heavy emphasis on kill count over personal betterment, which is something these fighters are tired of.
You would think coming from Belegarth, there would be a lot of smack and prejudice against magical abilities, lack of full contact rules etc, but most Belegrim that have gone to the park immediately pick up a magic class first. Right now, they have more Wizards, Bards, and Druids running around on the field then any other class. Which is a headache for balancing games, let me tell you. They enjoy the speed and skill needed to perform shots as opposed to the brute force they thought was the only way to fight.
I feel that each and every member of Bremen's Fortress has been searching for The Dream in Belegarth, but haven't quite been able to find it. This new land is able to offer that, and to a whole new generation of players too, since children under 16 aren't allowed to play Belegarth, period. For the first time for these people, parents are able to fight with their kids on the field, teach them how to shoot a bow, memorize spells, and bond in a way that mundane life makes difficult for age gaps.
If anyone is considering voting against this amazing group of people, I implore you to speak with one of them and ask what Amtgard means to them. We have an opportunity to welcome in an amazing group of people into Westmarch, and I would hate to squander that opportunity.
My body is my sword, my mind is my blade. Without them, I would be nothing.