Ichiban no Yari

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

Spirits raised [within the army], spearmen would take up the foremost ranks and the two sides begin to approach each other in set stages, moves that came under the term kurai'dzume. This was a critical time since too early an onset by anyone seeking to make a name for himself might trigger a rash charge by many, thus breaking the line. The man who did break ranks in order to gain advancement while the lines were too far apart would surely meet death.

The general commanding the formation that would engage first must make his decision correctly as much depended on it. This was termed hikiwatari-no-yari, or 'weighing the situation.' This 'weighing' or 'looking for a chance' is a very noticeable feature of classical bugei and a number of modern weaponed 'ways.' Finally, both sides would come to a halt just outside of spears' reach, facing each other, and a hush would descend on the battlefield. At any moment one side or the other would move forward, kachiiro-no-sonae, or the 'colour of victory,' sensing that their chance had come. Often, the weaker side realized it was staring defeat in the face and gave way before the thrusting spears, but this was not always the case and some brave samurai wold hurl defiance at his adversaries, daring them to come on.

The warrior who shouted this defiance thus gained the right to declare his name aloud and call upon himself the honour of being 'first spear.' Then, in leaping forwards with his attack - at very close range, of course, he would give his comrades courage and, though facing immediate death, disrupt the enemy's line and give his men the chance to thrust through. The one responsible for this initial decisive moment that may actually decide the outcome, was indeed the ichiban-no-yari.

If the moment was judged incorrectly and the enemy army's spirit was only a false show of strength so that it needed only a small thrust to destroy it, then the action that followed was judged the result of kuzaregiwa-no-ko. The enemy 'on the verge of collapse' and the one who had first attacked was not honoured.

Seibu Musensha, an historinan writing about the Saburi-ryu-no-Sojutsu, points out that the honour of Ichiban-yari was only accorded to one who, braving immediate death, would sally forward against a strong and well-prepared enemy, and by doing so, achieve the important task of giving his comrades the chance of victory, for this was certainly no hollow honour; ...

Japanese Spears - Roald and Patricia Knutsen

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

This was of interest to me since I take pride in my spearmanship and consciously attempt to emulate the behaviour that would earn me the honour Ichiban no Yari.

At Estrella this year, I made first contact with the enemy at least three times. Once, on a bridge battle, the enemy's front rank rolled over me after a shield push and left me for dead, although I was not. I rose onto one knee, joined the enemy's front rank, turned towards my own line and quietly spoiled the spear thrusts of the enemy. Only one man among my foes saw what I was up to and he waited until his lines advanced before tapping me on the shoulder to enquire as to my purpose among his ranks.

Another time, our army, at the beginning of a timed battle, withdrew into the buildings of a hay-bale city to wait for the enemy to approach. I chose to remain outside the buildings to slow the advance of the enemy. One man with one spear and the right spirit can do this. Unfortunately, the other flank was not delayed in this manner and a skimishing squad forced my eventual withdrawel and ended my solitary offense.

Share your spear stories with me!
I'll owe you sake and a toast when we meet!

[Saionji Shonagon]

Otagiri said:

Only one man among my foes saw what I was up to and he waited until his lines advanced before tapping me on the shoulder to enquire as to my purpose among his ranks.

So, did he kill you? ;->

M.

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

Let's just say I agreed to retire from the field.

[Saiaiko]

Perhaps this is not quite the same circumstances, but in reading your description of the Ichiban no Yari, I couldn't help but think of the bear pit at Ice Dragon this past Saturday.

My liege, the Lady Muirgen Sideach (who is a nice Norman, but fights Japanese), and I paired up for the two-man bear pit tourney. Towards the end of our rounds, I found myself alone with a spear-armed Viking. I could be wrong, but I swear I smelled fear. I don't blame him really, because regardless of the sinking feeling inside me, I looked damn good. Generally, I don't do well against spears, but as we sized each other up, a neat thought occured to me. I sprinted towards him screaming. His mouth opened. That nervousness that I had wagered on sent him stumbling back towards the edge of the list as I assailed him with every combination of shots I could remember. I chased this poor wide-eyed Viking around the list until he managed to tent-peg me. It was an excellent fight.

[Date Saburou Yukiie]

I have fought spear so many times that the stories seem to run together - yet a few stories do stand out.

I remember at a Pennsic Woods battle, long ago, where I was fighting to protect my liege lord -

My liege and I were dueling with some mid-Wrelmers for a while, and unfortunately he got clocked...As a samurai should not live under the same sky as the murderer of his lord - I managed to kill the three we were fighting with.

But now I was very hot and tired - so I thought I would go down the hill to the res-point and grab some water.

On my way down, I saw two young lads fighting for their lives between two very tall pine trees. They were told to defend that point, which they were doing - but unfortunately their support units disolved around them and they were too busy to notice!

They were doing a great job against nine of the enemy.

What a perfect samurai situation, I thought, and water was farthest from my mind at that point.

It is a proven fact that when someone takes charge loudly and with much authority - the lesser skilled people will do ones bidding.

I ran up between them with my spear and yelled in a deep and commanding voice...

"I am Date Saburou Yukiie from the Kingdom of Aethelmearc! I am now in command and you will do what I say!!"

These kids have never heard of me, nor should they have! Yet they listened!

I started directing them, and joined in between the two with sword and board...and sure enough, we picked off a few...
They were plenty tired - their shots were mor like plunkings that actual tries at hits...but they kept going.
I realized that they did not have long to go, so I thought I would indoctrinate them into the Yellow Man's God way of thinking...

I yelled..."When I say go...follow me and do not stop!"
They more or less grunted...and I checked the timing of the fight...

"NOW!!!!"

The three of us lunged in and in rapid succession, killed the remaining attackers...I choked up on my spear and used it like a short thrusting dagger, and the two kids did a fine job of providing cover. They each got one, and I got the last three...

Life was good!

We all walked back down to the res-point to get water, and they were as animated as could be - I think that might have been the greatest fight of their lives...and I was glad to be somewhat of service...

Date Saburou Yukiie
Yama Kaminari Ryu

[Date Saburou Yukiie]

While I cannot claim this to be a "first spear" story, it is somewhat of the same spirit...
Our unit was held back in reserve, as we are ferocious, and somewhat intimidating (we have been told).
It was a bridge battle at Pennsic, where five bridges were set up across "uncrossable waters..."
It was a battle that allowed combat archery - which I rather enjoy.
We stood off to the right flank of a bridge that was situated highest on the hill...all the other bridges were on our lower left hand side.
The fighting for the bridges was intense...and ground was fought for desperately - gained only by inches on either side...
As is our Clan style - we were quite relaxed...hanging out till we were needed.
Suddenly, a crossbow bolt struck our Daimyo in the chest, clean and unobstructed...
With a suprised look, Sir Ogami, our Clan leader, yelled..."I'm HIT!! SAVE MY ARROWS!!"
then he dropped over dead, never having even raised his weapon in the fight.
Well...This pissed us off to no end!
We gleaned the arrows from his ebira, as well we should (last request and all...) and our next in command went up to the Aethelmearc War Lord.
"We are Clan Yama Kaminari, and our Leader has been slain...Please let us go kill the dog who loosed the arrow!"
The Aethelmearc War Lord knows us, and knows we meant it.
Suddenly, on the bridge closest to us, shouts of "MAKE A HOLE!!!" were heard...
A single peron wide slot on the extreem right hand side of the bridge appeared...except fot the lead shield and spearman on that side.
"Crimson Skies!" we yelled, implying that there would be a blood bath that day...and we single filed into the slot...
Like a bullet fired from a teppo, we launched out of that slot as soon as the lead spearman stepped away...
We punched a hole in the opposing shield wall like it was paper, and went in.
There is a tradition in this Kingdom where such an advance is built on the principle of piercing,,,stepping in, and turning towards the enemy...letting the people behind you step in farther and repeat the process.
This has the effect of a disgarding sabot depleeted euranium round opening Iraqi armor.
I happened to be first in the assault, and had a spear...not the greatest thing for a charge...
Yet in we went...
I shot as we crossed the line...and choked up as i hit the line.
I managed to thunk seven people in the chest before they realized a spearman was in their midst...and my Clan brothers were behind me...
As i reached the end of my life, and several of the Mid struck me on the helm - I died on my spear...knocking several of the enemy off the bridge (lean on the bridge - you fall off)
Our Clan not only killed the man who shot our Daimyo, we opened up a huge hole that allowed the Aethelmearc War Lord to exploit the situation and they dived in...
That bridge was taken, and we flanked the rest of the bridges - ultimately winning that war point.
Every one of the Yama Kaminari died...but by the Buddhas above, it was fun!

Date Saburou Yukiie
Yama Kaminari Ryu

[fujiwara]

Date-dono,

Both of your stories are AWESOME! Definitely encouraging to us neophytic bushi. It is my hope that one day I will stand with you and your brethren and see the enemy crushed before us. Arigatou!

Fujiwara Takaharu

[Please Delete]

Allow this one to add his recent humble experience to the mix:

At Stierbach's Baronial Birthday today we had a Woods Battle in the style of Pennsic, though smaller. We ended up having only 9 to 11 people on the field at any given time, I think. The object was to capture and control the flag as long as possible.

Our side took a beating in the first two or three rounds, with an assortment of fighters against a single unit who had trained together regularly. By the fourth round, however, we had started to come together, and changed our tactics.

Our commander had me and one other gentle run out and grab the flag before the enemy could get to it. From that point on, I held the flag in one hand, naginata in the other. At one point all of my shieldmen and comrades had been killed and were getting back from the res point, leaving me alone in front of four fighters. Using both the flag and my naginata, I carefully parried and manuevered until my forces regrouped around me.

Did I kill anyone? No, at least, not at that time. I didn't even change the outcome--I was eventually killed, and the opposing side recovered the flag in the last several minutes. However, there is something to be said for standing there on the field of battle, one against four, and holding the ground until reinforcements can arrive.

[adarael]

At Estrella this year, I made first contact with the enemy at least three times. Once, on a bridge battle, the enemy's front rank rolled over me after a shield push and left me for dead, although I was not. I rose onto one knee, joined the enemy's front rank, turned towards my own line and quietly spoiled the spear thrusts of the enemy.

That was you? Awesome!
While I wasn't present for that exchange, the leader of the local company (Wilhelm Laevus of the Hand of the Hunt) witnessed that exchange and saw fit to tell me of samurai cunning, knowing that I would clap with glee. Which I did.

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

Whereas last year, nearly every charge or 'first contact' I participated in was <cough><cough> self-directed, this year I had the extreme good fortune to be in units (The Northern Outlands) which were directed (by our Commanders!) to charge, take ground, and make first contact!

So on Friday, we took to the field in very dry conditions. A slight breeze and a little cloud cover help keep things cool. Very pleasant fighting conditions!

Far out on our own left flanks, our Barony (six or eight of us, mostly spear and glaive men) was tasked to run along the inner edge of a haybale bridge and meet the enemy as close to their lines as possible. A horn sounded while we were in the midst of discussion. I jump forward a pace, unsure if we have actually begun, quickly look around and decide that - yes, we have started, or at least some small percentage of us have - and begin my dash for the enemy lines.

They march slowly towards the hay bales, in good order but certainly in no hurry. Hay bale after bale passes by my side as I sprint. Now only a dozen or so left, the enemy passes their first bale. I meet them at the fourth from their end. I have sprinted maybe 30 yards. They have advanced less than 10. I feel other runners string out alongside of me, forming a ragged line. I engage in a short spear duel with what appears to be a young lady engaged in her first spear fight. She quickly kills me.

I got better at this killing thing as the days went by ... but I have to admit it never seemed very important to me during this war. Maybe it was the 'vacation' attitude; maybe it was distraction by other aspects of the fighting -- carrying out commands, making first contact, fighting with my new tanto. Killing just lost all its immediacy. And that was okay for me. I haven't had this much fun fighting a war in a very long time. (Burro's war, circa 1985 or so). I had a new attitude; maybe it was a newbie's attitude. Whatever it was; it was welcome and enjoyed.

As far as this battle goes, as the battle evolved, it became obvious that the units we faced were the anvil in a classic hammer-and-anvil attack. They were not meant to advance far and they managed to hold until the very end.

(Did they win? Did we win? I honestly couldn't tell you)

[Saionji Shonagon]

(Did they win? Did we win? I honestly couldn't tell you)

Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I can verify that Our Moderator appears to have had a very good war. He was grinning fit to burst when he declared "I was 'that guy!'" as he described the glee with which he tried out his new tanto on the enemy.

S.

[tomoyuki]

About 4 years ago, at Gulf Wars, in the revine battle, I was moving back to the front from resing. Ahead I saw my Hellhound brother on his knees, attemping to hold a very thin line. I ran to help, but he was kill just before I arrived. Our line had become very thin, and accross from me were 6 spear fighters. As they had no sword support, the did not advance, but started to poke at me in groups. Soon I was legged, About that Time I heard a voice at my side say " I am with you" , With a quick look, I saw a small Samurai with a spear. He went to work. In less than 30 sec., all 6 enemy spears were dead. I would not have believe this feat of arms had I not seen it . All I could say was "whooooo"
It was Hanashi Toda. That night, the Hellhounds went to his camp, and presented Toda with our Hounds Tooth. An award that only 2 others have won in our 6 year history.
His action inspired me to become a spear fighter. It is all I do now at war.
Marc/Tomoyuki

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

In the second of the battles on Friday, the battle of the three rings, there were three "lanes" set around two "rings". In one ring, 20 belted champions from each army were to meet. In the other ring, 20 unbelted champions were to meet. A unit of volunteers was assembled to race to meet the enemy, down the middle lane, between these rings.

As the time approached, I heard 'layon' and was off ... off like an off-sides defensive tackle. Apparently someone behind me was discussing what to do when 'layon' was called. I hope he learned from my example. I returned to my lines.

Then layon was called for real. And off I sped. All the way down the lane. The enemy advanced slowly. In the fairly narrow lane (20'?), they had assembled some disparate units into sheild walls. Disparate units because there were three shields with the same colors on the far right, more of a different color to the left. I was going to charge between two units, but as I advanced, I noted that two of the shieldmen near the right edge gapped slightly and I sped into them. They tried to close together as I hit that gap, my spear in my left hand and held high. They could not stop me, but there action did force me down and to my knees as I continued forward into the second rank. I was Meanwhile, they advanced one step. Now I was just past the second rank, on my knees and still alive. I struggled to manuever the spear, now over my head, to an attacking position. Someone noted I was alive and attacked. I successfully defended with the spear. My opponent was packed too tightly to his mates to swing an effective off-side shot. Stymied for a moment, my right hand suddenly grasped for my tanto and I thrust it into ... There was a moment here, a moment in which time did not really pass but in which I realized that if I was a samurai in this position, the blade would reach up under the kusazuri of my opponents and unman them. I chose a target closer to the belly and thrust a couple of times into the man in front of me. Then into the man to the left of him. And then shikko'ed to the left to get to the man next to him. I have no idea if the first two I attacked acknowledged the blows. I didn't care. I knew the real target would have been between the legs. I knew they were dead even if they remained standing. But I did not have time to note their disposition as this third man realized his danger and took a half step away from me as I thrust to his belly. Another shikko step, half rising, I thrust two more times, very quickly. My opponent trips in his haste to remove himself from my vicinity and I thrust him once more on the ground. We rise laughing, enjoying this spectacle behind the front lines.

Note that I removed myself from the fight, but was never technically dead. Just like I knew that I had killed those first two guys that I suspect had remained on their feet, I also knew that my element of surprise was over with the death of the third man and I would have been killed in a 'real' battle then and there.

My brand new tanto had seen its first use and it was damned handy! It would not be the last.

(In the next battle, our commanders chose a more passive approach to the middle bridge, and we lost it almost immediately. Go fig.)

[Saionji Shonagon]

There was a moment here, a moment in which time did not really pass but in which I realized that if I was a samurai in this position, the blade would reach up under the kusazuri of my opponents and unman them.

Dude! You didn't tell me that.

You ARE "that guy!"