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Warriors

Oskorei fighting in a single-combat tournament at Corfe Castle, Wales Oskorei fighting in a single-combat tournament at Corfe Castle, Wales Oskorei fighting in a single-combat tournament at Corfe Castle, Wales

One of the paths to follow with Oskorei is that of a Warrior. Our goal here is three fold:

1) To fight safely

2) To have fun

3) To be the last Warriors standing on the field, surrounded by our fallen foes

In order to be the best on the field we train as often as possible with ourselves and with other groups. Training takes place every Tuesday (6pm onwards) and Sunday (2pm onwards) whenever we are not at a show. Please Contact Us if you would like to come along.

Oskorei skirmishing at Gloucester Docks Oskorei hold the line at Gloucester Docks The fearsome Boarsnout

Training is not compulsory, but to be at the height of your abilities it is recommended to come as often as possible. If you have not come to train for some time, you will be required to, before you attend any battle, to ensure safety.

We fight using specific target areas, which can be explained simply, as if you were wearing T-Shirt and Shorts. 'Head shots' are not allowed in general melee, but can be pre-arranged in any one-on-one fights, assuming both Warriors have been trained and agree.

Oskorei in the thick of it An Oskorei champion in single combat Oskorei in the thick of it

We fight with (blunted!) steel saexes (machetes), axes, spears, swords and two-handed Dane axes. We defend ourselves with shields, helmets, protective gloves, bracers, leather jacks and chainmail. We also practice combat archery. Using steel weapons can be painful, but by pulling the blows and using the flat of the blade, it is on a similar level to paintball.

A lot of our training focuses on individual fighting styles. Equally important though is Unit training. We train to fight as the 'heavies' in the shield wall and also as skirmishers, each with its own vital role in any battlefield.

Oskorei lead the advance The spear-wall Oskorei charge the enemy

There are several ranks to attain: Bondsman, Freeman, Warrior and Huscarl. As you advance in proficiency and confidence you will be tested and promoted.

When ready, Warriors are invited to fight with the group in a Battle at one of the many show's over the year. Oskorei usually fight together, either as a unit on their own or as part of a bigger unit. The Battles range from small Village skirmishes (5-10 aside) to large fullscale battle re-enactments such as York and Hastings (100-1500 per side). The battles aren't acted or rehearsed but there may be a scenario 'script' to follow and the sides may be slightly off-balance to ensure a historic battle goes as expected!

An Oskorei training session An Oskorei weapons rack Oskorei training for battle

As a Warrior you will be expected to buy and to keep your gear in good condition. The experienced members of the group will be able to teach you weapon and armour maintenance. New members will be able to borrow other members equipment, though as soon as they start to attend shows they will be expected to start clothing and arming themselves authentically.

The Warrior path can be a hard one and to start with it may seem that you spend more time lying dead on the field than fighting on it, but nothing compares with thrill of the fight - being at the head of a boarsnout as it crashes through the enemy lines - capturing the enemies standard - standing over one of the enemies best warriors after a 'Champions Fight'. A great hobby.

Oskorei in the thick of it at Nailsea Carnival, Bristol Inside an Oskorei tent Oskorei in single combat at Nailsea Carnival, Bristol