Category: FAQ

OK, so I’m ready to start. What should I bring to an event?

That depends on the type of event. There are two main types: day events and camping events.

Day events are easiest for easing into the SCA, and are usually relatively easier on the purse. Day events can include such things as tourneys, arts and science competitions, feasts, dancing, and much more. For these events, you should wear your costume and bring along feast gear (such as, wood, ceramic or pewter plates, bowls, goblets or cups, and utensils) if there is to be a feast. It is a good idea to bring along drinks and snacks such as bread, cheese, grapes, or nuts to nibble on throughout the day. Entertainments such as musical instruments, period games such as chess, and needlework can also be brought along. Also, a period-looking chair (such as a director’s chair) is useful. Alternatively, spreading a blanket on the ground is sufficient seating, with perhaps a cushion for comfort.

Who is that guy in the crown? (The SCA hierarchy and how to address them)

During your first events, you’ll be sure to notice people wearing various accessories, but the one which really stands out are the crowns or coronets. The Nobility entitled to wear crowns or coronets include Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses, Barons, Baronesses, Court Barons and Court Baronesses. If in doubt of their rank, address them as “Your Excellency”.

Don’t worry too much about all these titles – if you address people politely as “m’lord” or “m’lady”, no-one can fault you.

Do you really hit people with swords?

Possibly the most eye-catching SCA activity is that of armed combat, when people gear up in armour and have at each other in the spirit of chivalrous knightly combat. In the interests of safety, edged weapons are not used for this. SCA weapons consist of taped rattan which has a similar mass and performance as a sword, spear or mace without the cutting edge.

There are a number of important safety requirements which must be met before you can take to the field, such as minimum armour standards to protect important parts of the body (head, elbows, knees and the more vulnerable nether organs) and an awareness of what blows may be thrown and what constitutes a good blow. The best way to learn is to come along to a fighters’ practice or tournament (see the Events Calendar for information on the next one).

Southron Gaard also has mixed combat events, where the “heavy” fighters are supplemented by “light” fighters. The latter have similar armour requirements but use arrows which have special, rubber blunts for tips so they do not puncture their targets! Some also use siege equipment such as trebuchets, ballistas and even (air-powered) cannon.

You can find out more about SCA fighting on the Fighters’ page.

What’s with all the funny names?

Almost everyone in the Society creates a persona – the person that they are being in our recreated medieval ‘known world’. A persona can be as simple or as detailed as you wish. Some people only go so far as selecting a name, while others create and write entire histories of the person, their family, and how events of their time period affected them. A persona is the person that you could have been in the Middle Ages (note: not someone who actually lived then – you can be Richard of Canterbury, but you can’t call yourself Richard Lionheart!).

Your local Herald will be happy to assist in the creation of a name/persona. Start by thinking about your interests. Are you intrigued by Queen Elizabeth’s court? Perhaps your interests lie in the Persian Empire? Maybe you are a big, bold Scotsman from the Highlands? Whatever your interest, a persona can incorporate them.

When you first begin attending events, one of the first questions you will be asked is What is your name? Many people give their real given name until they decide upon a name and persona. This practice is perfectly acceptable. In fact, some people decide to stay with their given name or a variant (a woman named Beth may use Elizabeth as her SCA name, for example). Some people have long complex names, and others decide to keep it to a given name, or a given name and their place of origin, for example, Elizabeth of Southron Gaard.

All participants in the SCA are assumed to be of noble birth but you may not give yourself a title of any sort; in the SCA, titles are awarded by royalty for achievements in various fields within the SCA. You can adopt a coat of arms, but it’s best to first chat with some knowledgeable person, such as the Baronial Herald, about how the SCA handles armory. When wishing to talk to someone whose name or title you don’t know, it’s always acceptable to address them as “m’lord” or “m’lady”. (This is not the same as the titles “Lord” or “Lady” and, because of that, you never put their name on the end. Thus – use “Lord James” for someone who has that title, but don’t use “m’lord Carrock” for someone who does not — just use “m’lord” or “Carrock”).

Why are those people wearing funny clothes, and how do I get some?

People in the SCA recreate different time periods across Europe and the Middle East, and wear clothes (frequently referred to as ‘garb’ meaning stuff) according to that time and place. While some of it looks quite funny to the modern eye, it would be difficult to recreate these time periods without making the effort to dress as they did. Wearing appropriate clothing and hiding modern items such as wristwatches etc, are essential to creating the medieval atmosphere we are trying to recreate.

For your first event a white “pirate” or “peasant” shirt and plain dark trousers/full-length skirt will do in a pinch, or you can hire garb very inexpensively from the Chatelaine, try to contact them well before the event. Preferably wear flat or low-heeled, dark coloured shoes or boots. Try to hide or disguise any modern technology, sports gear and the like; turn devices to vibrate or silent.

A good starter for newcomers is the simple Tunic. The Introduction to Garb by Cynthia Virtue gives a description of a good beginning outfit including how to easily make a tunic yourself. Stores where you can buy fabric are listed below. If sewing is not possible for you, or you need a little assistance to get started, talk to the Chatelaine. The Southron Gaard email list can provide a forum for advice and assistance.

Who do I talk to if I need help?

Your local friendly Chatelaine is here to help. From how do I make my first outfit? to what do I need to bring to an event?, the Chatelaine is a valuable resource in helping you get started. The Chatelaine also has the Baronial hire costume which is available for use by people new to the society. When at events, the Chatelaine (or their deputy) will be wearing a “favour” with a gold key on a green background, for easy identification.

Meetings & practices

We also have meetings and practices where we don’t get into medieval costume and these are usually free to attend. Barony Stuff Nights happen regularly: come along and have fun in the Current Middle Ages with casual workshops on rapier, dance, sewing, crafts, leatherwork, embroidery, singing.

All welcome, no charge, no costume required.

Email the Chatelaine for time and place.

Non-members are very welcome to attend any of our events, though we encourage you to become a member if you start coming to things regularly. As well as helping support the organisation you’ll pay less for events and be able to hold office! The only requirements for anyone attending an SCA ‘Event’ are that you:

• wear a “attempt” at pre-17th century clothing (not necessary at meetings, practices and the like);
• obey the rules of the game, site rules, and any other such conditions such as site fees, which may be imposed;
• act as a lady or gentleman.

Events

‘Events’ includes tournaments, feasts, revels and camping and is where we dress up and immerse ourselves in medieval culture. There is often a gate fee to cover costs. While some events might have a special theme don’t feel that you have to conform to that theme.

How do I get started?

Simply show up to any of our meetings, classes, demonstrations or events! Check out the Events Calendar to see when the next one is.

What is there to do?

An easier question to answer is what isn’t there to do?. There are many skills and crafts people pursue in the SCA. These skills and crafts include:
Archery, Armouring, Basketry, Bardic (music, song and storytelling) Recital, Brewing, Calligraphy, Candle Making, Chivalry, Cooking, Costuming, Dancing, Drawing, Dyeing, Embroidery, Equestrian Pursuits (horse riding), Falconry, Gaming, Armoured Combat, Heraldry, Herb Lore, Illumination, Jewellery Making, Leatherwork, Music, Rapier Fighting (fencing), Scribing, Siege Engines, Sewing, Spinning, Tanning, War and tactics, Weapon Smithing, Weaving, Woodworking.

The Arts and Sciences Officer can help you with your interests by providing information, or referring you to a person knowledgeable in that skill or craft.