Based largely upon the concept of a Colonia of Romano-British times up to and following the exodus of the legions from Britain up to 409AD, the Colony will be comprised of many cultures. Largely, it will be comprised of early period cultures: Roman, Celtic, Germanic (and other early period cultures in contact with Rome). This idea was fictionalized in The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte.

The Colonia is not a household. It is a safe haven for newcomers who want to learn about various facets of the SCA; A place for like-minded people to gather and socialize, a place for artisans to teach and learn, and for fighters who want to learn more about war and tournament fighting and how to construct weapons and armor.
Most importantly I want to avoid the trap of training only those interested in membership.

Another important facet is that authenticity is very important, but it is not everything. I think we should strive to be more authentic in the game we play, but The Colonia is designed to be a moderate group: a balance of authenticity, creative license and fun are what it is about. The Colonia participants are those who view the SCA as a game with the primary focus of having fun. They want a safe environment where everyone plays, contributes, and takes a personal stake in the game we play.

Late Roman-Britain is the period where the Arthur Myth may have historically sprung. Since it was a period where much knowledge was lost, and there is a wealth of information both before and after this period (Often called “The Dark Ages”), we can recreate with a certain degree of artistic license. We can be the idealistic colonists hanging on to the remnants of an ordered society in the face of invasion from barbarians (also learning that the barbarians weren’t so unlike ourselves).

The Colonia is an autonomous, apolitical entity. It is separate from any particular branch or group, though ties of friendship are expected and encouraged. In essence there are no oaths of fealty to bind participants to the Colony, nor any oaths of fealty within.

The Colonia is the forerunner of a democratic society: a colony with a “round-table” where everyone is considered equal.

There will be no discrimination between fighters and non-fighters, or on any religious basis. I would like to see it remain predominately Roman, Romano-British, Early Celtic, Early Germanic, or generally “Early Period” (pre-1066)…but…The Colony will be what it’s citizens decide it will become.

In the interest of being a part of a group such as this I propose that others who think this is a good idea collaborate and make this concept a reality. I do not wish to create a group and make it mine, or more accurately I want to join with others who are interested in making a community based on fun, ethics and cooperation. I want something to be “ours” as opposed to “mine”.