It may happen that in the midst of mock combat, you will find yourself losing control. With the noise, the excitement, and the chaos or with an unexpectedly painful blow or a dishonorable surprise attack from behind, what began as a game between friends may begin to transform into something that feels very real. You start swinging faster and harder. You are going berserk, blind with battle rage. You have become a danger to your cohorts.
If you feel yourself going berserk, shout “Berserker!,” stick your weapon straight up in the air like a proud warrior, and walk away to a safe spot to relax and get a sense of yourself again. This is the honorable and valiant thing to do. You can jump back into mock combat as soon as you have your wits about you again.
Someone who has gone berserk may be too overwhelmed to shout “Berserker!” but holding your weapon over your head is the universal symbol for “I’m out!”
If you are engaged in mock combat with someone who appears to be going berserk, shout “Berserker!” and withdraw as calmly and quickly as you can. If you need help disengaging, you may shout “Hold!” for going berserk is a potentially dangerous situation.
Be aware that going berserk is highly contagious! If someone abruptly withdraws from battle, do not follow! Allow them to walk away and cool down. Maybe you need to go cool down yourself?
Do not abuse the “Berserker!” warning. If you are merely losing the battle, the honorable thing to do is to lose as dramatically as you can manage.