[Coda]

I found an Amtgard field locally, after having not played in nearly a decade. It feels SO good to be getting back into this, and it's done WONDERS for both my physical and emotional health.

I still have one of my old swords that's still in good enough shape to be considered legal (though I had to replace the cover because the rules now say it has to be an OPAQUE cloth cover), and it's been funny to use it -- that sword is older than anyone else's Amtgard career on the field! It's also been funny to see people reacting to a sword that LIGHT, because they all use kite spar or fiberglass for weapon cores and rolled foam for blades so they're used to weapons with more heft. My old sword's still totally LEGAL, but this group just isn't used to it.

My son has started playing with me. I made him a suit of armor out of canvas and 3/8" foam, so it provides some actual protection in addition to a point of in-game armor. He's gotten surprisingly good rather quickly, and as long as he keeps up the offense instead of getting silly or scared I have to pay attention and try or else he CAN and WILL beat me.

Currently I'm working on a greatclub, because polearms aren't shield-breaking anymore. >_<