Getting Started in the
Contents
Who can play?
Participation in the SCA is open to any person who shares
the Society's interest in medieval recreation and reenactment.
Paid membership is a requirement for Crown Tournament
participants and for kingdom and Society officers. Paid members
also receive discounts on fees for events and feasts.
Sustaining, contributing or patron members receive their
kingdom's newsletter and the Society's quarterly journal,
Tournaments Illuminated. These publications
provide important information about kingdom and Society-wide
events, along with educational and how-to articles, as well as
some material that is just for fun.
Kingdom newsletters include the names of persons to contact
in each of your kingdom's groups. If your newsletter does not
list the meeting dates and times for the group nearest you,
call or write the primary local contact person, known as the
Seneschal, for more information. Most newsletters will have a
list of officers, usually in the first or last 2 pages. If
there are no contacts listed, write the Society Seneschal at
the address listed below.
How to join,
officially
By formally joining the SCA, you provide valued financial
support, are counted in the growing ranks of those supporting
the Society's aims and ideals, and receive a discount at
Society events. The SCA is one of the few organizations,
however, where you can participate without paying dues,
although those who are able to are strongly encouraged to
become paying members.
To become a paid member, you need to complete and return an
SCA membership form. If you don't have one, please ask a paid
SCA member for a copy, or send a post card or letter with your
name and mailing address to:
The Society for Creative Anachronism
Post Office Box 360743
Milpitas, CA 95036-0743
There is also a Postscript
version; if you have a postscript printer you can download
this document to your machine, then print it locally. If you
don't have a PS printer, it would be better to write for a copy
to the address above. Warning this file is large! I do
not recommend downloading this file if you have a slow
connection. (Remember to turn on the Load to Disk option on
your program.)
When we get
together
A meeting is where the SCA members carry on the regular
business of the local group. An event is a special gathering,
often publicized in the kingdom's newsletter to invite people
from more distant groups. People wear medieval garb at events,
although some may change out their modern clothes after they
arrive. Customs vary as to whether garb is worn at local
meetings. Because people often work on various skills and
crafts at meetings, many will stay in modern clothing. Some
wear everyday clothes to meetings and then change into period
garb.
Some Historical
Information
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a non-profit
educational organization devoted to the study of
pre-seventeenth century Western culture. It concentrates on the
European Middle Ages and Renaissance; members work to recreate
the arts and skills of this era. Some members study the Middle
East and explore the interaction between Europe and Asia during
the period under study. The SCA was incorporated in 1968, but
recognizes a tournament held in Berkeley, California, on May
1,1966, as its founding date.
An anachronism is something
that is out of its proper time frame. Creative
anachronism takes the best qualities of the Middle Ages
and selectively recreates them in the modern world.
Geographically, the SCA covers the globe, with the majority
of its members living in the United States and Canada. There
are 12 kingdoms, each
with its own King and Queen chosen on the field of combat. You
are a subject of a kingdom by virtue of where you live for the
majority of the year. Your membership is with the Society, not
with any particular local group. If you have any questions,
contact the person who is listed as Seneschal
of your kingdom. Their names appear in Tournaments
Illuminated and in each kingdom newsletter.
Regarding Kingdoms
The kingdoms are independent of each other and there is a
considerable amount of variation among them. Each kingdom has a
body of written law established by the King and Queen, to
define the specific rules it follows, and a larger body of
generally accepted custom that gives each kingdom its unique
personality. All the kingdoms build their laws and customs on a
framework called the Corpora, which sets overall
rules for the Society.
Kingdoms are divided into local and regional chapters called
principalities, baronies, shires, marches, cantons, colleges,
and ridings. The names of these divisions reflect the size of
the membership and/or the larger division through whom the
local group reports. Your local group might use one of these
terms as part of its name.
For more information you can look at maps
of specific kingdoms, information
from individual kingdoms (maintained by Wolfgang
Rotkopf), or a list
of society places & Kingdom senechals, maintained by
Greg of Isenfir .
For Newcomers
At your first
gathering
When you arrive at your first meeting or event, go up to
someone and introduce yourself. Explain that you are new and
ask who you can talk to about learning more about the group.
Some groups have special people (known as hospitaller,
castellan or chatelaine) to greet newcomers, but others do not.
Approach someone who is working on a project and ask about it.
Most people are glad to talk about what they are doing.
At either meetings or events, people may be so involved with
what they came to do that they do not notice a new person. Some
are too shy themselves to ask if you are new. Begin by
observing others and start a conversation about what they are
doing. If you see a skill or craft that interests you, ask who
might be willing to teach it. Listen for announcements of guild
meetings where people who practice that craft gather to share
information and help each other.
If members are so involved in their projects that you feel
ignored or unwanted, have patience and persist in coming to
meetings. Keep asking questions. Some groups provide special
meetings for newcomers to help them learn what they need to
know to feel a part of the group. Be sure to attend those.
Volunteer to help at any events, if only in the kitchen or with
clean-up. Many new friends can be made over hot dishwater!
Clothing
yourself medievally
There are a number of sources in the SCA that tell how to
make simple medieval garb. The Known World
Handbook is one. SCA members usually make their own
garb, although sometimes you can barter or trade services to
have someone make you simple garb. For women, a plain-colored
long skirt and a peasant-type blouse will serve. A length of
cloth, such as a white dishtowel (not terry cloth), can make a
veil to hide modern hair. For men, try plain trousers (not
jeans), and a peasant-style shirt that is not tucked in. A
cloak, even one made of a blanket, can hide modern clothes.
Plain black slippers or plain boots can serve. If you'd like to
get a little more elaborate, a pattern for an
all purpose T-tunic is available.
A few words of
warning
Be wary of wearing metal circlets unless they are very
simple. An ornate or jeweled circlet may lead you to be
mistaken for one of the titled nobility, which can be
embarrassing. Do not wear a white belt, sash, or baldric (belt
across the chest). White is reserved for members of the
Chivalry. Bright- colored belts, such as red, green, or yellow,
are often used to indicate that the wearer is a student of a
particular person who has been honored for excellence in one of
the SCA fields of endeavor. Although the colors are not
restricted, in some kingdoms there may be a misunderstanding.
Necklaces of chain links without medallions or other pendants
are also worn by special groups. You should avoid them until
you ask about local customs.
Avoid wearing a sword until you have asked about what is
permissible in your kingdom. Many people wear knives. There is
a special etiquette about bearing a steel blade. To keep the
knife or blade from becoming unsheathed accidentally, many
people fasten a cord around it to hold it in place. Before you
remove it from the sheath, it is customary in most kingdoms to
call "Clear" to warn nearby people that there is a bare blade.
Do not threaten another person with your
knife, even in play. Also, don't handle other people's property
without their permission. Ask before you touch.
Courteous and honorable behavior is at the core of the
Society. It is difficult to be too polite. Respectful terms of
address and avoidance of discussing the modern world add to the
medieval flavor of an event. Skill-at-arms, excellence in the
arts, and long service are all diminished without respectful
and courteous conduct.
Hints on having a
good time
The Society is a reenactment and recreation organization,
intended for participants rather than spectators. Everyone who
attends an event is expected to wear at least an attempt at
medieval clothing. Garb need not be fancy. Anything reasonably
medieval-ish can do for the first event. In some kingdoms, an
organization called Gold Key provides loaner costumes
at no charge or for a small rental fee. Call someone in advance
to see if loaner garb will be available, or at an event look
for the symbol of a key on a green background.
If the event you are attending includes a feast be sure you
have made a reservation, if required, and that you bring feast
gear - a spoon, knife, plate, napkin, and something to drink
from. You may also wish to bring a small cloth in case the
table is uncovered, a fork, a bowl, small containers of sugar
and salt, and a plastic trash bag to put dirty feast gear in
after you have eaten. Many people bring their own beverage, but
often some form of drink is provided. Iced tea, lemonade, and
water are common.
For outdoor events, it is wise to bring a folding chair or a
blanket to sit on. Carry a portable supply of water or other
beverage, especially if you will be in the sun for part of the
day. Bring a hat or other sun-shade for protection. Working on
a craft, project, or game can be a good way to meet others at
an event when you tire of observing. Although at many events a
feast is served in the evening, if you wish to eat earlier, you
may need to bring your own lunch or snack. Avoid modern-looking
food and drink containers or cover them with a cloth.
The Royal presence
(and how to act around it...)
When the King and/or Queen are present, people in many
kingdoms will make a reverence (a bow or curtsy) each time they
walk past the King or Queen. They will also make a reverence
when the King or Queen walk past them or when they walk past
the Royal Thrones, even if no one sits there. The space some 10
to 20 feet around the thrones is considered part of the Royal
Presence. Walk around it, rather than through it. Watch what
others are doing and copy them. Be careful not to stand where
you might block the view of the King or Queen. When sitting on
the throne, they are not as mobile as you are.
Court is a very special event with an emphasis on ceremony
and courteous behavior. When called before Their Majesties, in
most kingdoms people remove their weapons before approaching.
They make a reverence when they come near, then kneel. As they
leave, notice that they walk backwards several steps, bow or
curtsy again, and then turn to walk back to their seats. Try to
sit near the front so that you can see well and watch others as
they stand, sit, or bow. If necessary, quietly ask someone near
you to explain what you do not understand.
Other items of interest:
A note on
smoking and cameras
The policy on smoking varies but generally it is not
permitted indoors. Ask about the local policy on flash
photography. Some kingdoms forbid it, especially at Court
events. Keep in mind that the feast, event, or Court is an
attempt to recreate the Middle Ages. Cigarettes and flashbulbs
did not exist then and are obvious when being used.
Picking a
persona and a name
Society members create a persona, the person who they would
like to have been had they lived in the Middle Ages. Some SCA
members have chosen only a name. Others have fully developed
personas and can talk to you in detail about their medieval
lives. When you meet someone, they will ask your name. If you
have not chosen a medieval name you can use your modern one
until you decide. If you have no idea what you world like to be
called, then ask the local herald or pursuivant if he or she
has a book of medieval names you can look at. Similar books are
in most of the local libraries. Avoid using name-the-baby type
books; many of these names were coined after the Renaissance
and the authors often do not tell you which names are modem
ones.
You need to pick at least one name that parents would have
given a child during the period the SCA studies and at least
one other name or descriptive phrase to set you apart from
everyone else with that given name. Some things to remember
when choosing a name:
- You may not take the name of any historical or legendary
person, nor may you use the full name of a person in
fictional literature.
- You may not use or imply a title such as Sir, Duke,
Count, Earl, Lord, Lady, Master, or Mistress. These titles
must be earned.
- You may not use the full name of someone else in the
Society.
- Try to keep your name in only one language; two at the
most.
For example, Arthur Pendragon would not be acceptable, it
violates #1. Arthur the Stout would be fine. Sir Luke of
Astragon would be unacceptable, violating #2. Plain old Luke of
Astragon is fine; you can add the title Sir after you have been
recognized by the knights of your kingdom for your outstanding
skill at arms. Matthias Sylvan would be unacceptable, as that
is my name. John Sylvan might be acceptable unless someone else
has already chosen it. Your local herald can give you further
information on choosing a name and persona. There is a
brief
note on heraldry for those interested in display and
creation of arms/devices.
Guilds, Households, and Sociability
Within each kingdom a number of social and special interest
organizations exist. Guilds comprise people with
similar interests who work together and study a particular
aspect of life in the Middle Ages. Guilds vary among kingdoms
from small, local groups to kingdom-wide organizations. They
can meet a frequently as once a week, or they might meet once
or twice a year, sharing information during other times by
newsletter. Both kingdoms and local groups may charter a guild.
In general, membership is open to anyone expressing an interest
in that study are, although there may be specific criteria
within the guild for advancement to different levels of
membership.
Households are groups of people who have joined
together to share the work and fun of the SCA. They can be as
small as a lord and his family or a large group with members
from several kingdoms. Households are more common in some
kingdoms than in others and many people do not belong to one.
Household leaders determine the membership requirements and
decide who to invite to join. Each household requires a certain
amount of loyalty to the group. As a newcomer, you may not be
aware of the alliances that come with each household. Take time
before bestowing your allegiance on a particular group and
consider what obligations you will need to meet as a
member.
The SCA encompasses both serious study and frivolity. Those
who join for fun, companionship, food, and drink play alongside
those who make a serious attempt to authentically duplicate the
clothing, skills, and crafts of the Middle Ages. Both aspects,
the playful and the serious, are valid but neither should
dominate to the exclusion of the other. Those who lived in the
Middle Ages worked hard, but they also took the time for
recreation and play. People who join SCA for fun can help make
the serious work more enjoyable. Those who join for serious
study can add depth to the merriment. Be courteous and show
respect for the reason that your neighbor entered the Current
Middle Ages.
Combat
Medieval combat with its swords, shields, and armor attracts
much attention. It is often one of the first activities that a
newcomer wants to try. Both men and women actively participate
in recreating medieval foot combat. Most kingdoms require a
combat participant to have reached the age of majority in his
or her state, province, or country, but the SCA gives the
kingdoms the option of allowing participants as young as 16 to
fight with parental consent. Your local marshal will tell you
what the age limits are in your area.
As in any sport, there are rules designed to increase the
safety of the game. The Rules of the Lists set out
the Society's standards for SCA combat. Each kingdom adds
additional rules and requirements covering acceptability of
blows, styles of weapons and fighting, and armor. The local
marshal should have a copy of the current kingdom rules.
Most local groups offer some form of fighter training,
ranging from structured training sessions to an informal "I'll
teach you when I have time and if no one else will." A fighter
must be authorized in order to fight in tourneys and wars.
Authorization procedures vary from kingdom to kingdom. The
local marshal can tell you the procedure in your area.
Authorization is to confirm that the novice knows the rules of
combat and is sufficiently skilled so that he or she will not
be a danger to himself or others. While efforts are made by the
Society and participants to reduce the likelihood of injury,
bruising and similar minor injuries do occur, and there is the
risk of more serious injury for all participants.
Fighters are responsible for obtaining their own armor and
weapons. Some people make most of their armor, using metal,
leather, or plastic, but most buy pieces, either new or used.
Before making any armor, check with your local marshal about
the safety standards and requirements, or contact the Kingdom
Earl Marshal.
Other publications
Through the Office of the Stock Clerk:
P.O. Box 360743
Milpitas CA 95036-0743 USA
the SCA sells a number of helpful publications at modest
prices. The most comprehensive is the Known World
Handbook which contains over 200 pages of information on
dozens of topics to he]p the newcomer learn about the SCA,
as well as some how-to articles. Ask for a list of publications
from the Stock Clerk.
On-line, you may be interested in:
A Final Word
Keep in mind the three P's: patience, persistence, and
politeness. Be patient with yourself while you are learning
about the Society's medieval world. Be patient with those you
meet who may be so involved with their own affairs that they
fail to notice a new person. Persist in asking questions,
seeking information, and coming to meetings. Be polite and
courteous in your dealings with other Society members. Keep
these guidelines in mind and you will soon be a welcome member
of the S.C.A.
Mailbox
Matthias Sylvan, known mundanely as Matthew Miller, is from
the Barony of Arn Hold (Boise, ID). He is interested in
scribing, dance, music, food, and fun. He authored this
document at
Boise State University Data Center Faculty Lab.
This document consists of text taken from the pamphlet
Forward Into the Past produced and copyrighted,
(C) 1989, by the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. All
rights reserved. The only changes made to the text were to
correct out-of-date information, grammar mistakes, and to
provide examples, where appropriate. Members of the S.C.A. Inc.
may duplicate this text in whole or in part for SCA use,
provided copyright credit is given and no changes are made to
the text.
Please send comments and/or information about mistakes or
unclear information to Matthew Miller at this address:
mmiller@claven.idbsu.edu
gusmille@idbsu.idbsu.edu
URL:http://gozer.idbsu.edu/students/mmiller/mhome.html