That was some awesome information. I've been considering joining the SCA but haven't ever been to a meeting or event just because I love everything medieval. By the way, you have amazing eyes. Not flirting since I'm married. Just stating a fact. But I think I will check out more of your videos because I think they would be most informative and entertaining. Thank you for the video.
I am a Civil War Re-enactor, but my commander, while still doing Civil War was in the SCA. I was at his house one day, and he asked, "You want to try something really different?" He told me about the SCA and offered to loan me garb, belt, pouch, bag and footwear so that I could go to the next event that was near me. I went, thoroughly enjoyed myself, and have been there ever since, when not wearing gray or blue wool. However, SCA people do things that Civil War people would frown on. Since Civil War people are for the public, they have to be reasonably authentic; no plastic, no steel tables, period eating utensils and gear, accurate footwear. I went to a meeting for the School Days and was chided because I had not had the chance to change into brogans yet.
I have not done Civil War reenactment, but I've had friends who have participated with it. A friend from high school did pioneer reenactment with her family (specifically focusing on 1780 to 1810). I went with her to a pioneer event and she went with me to a SCA event. So, I know what you mean about the differences and things that would be frowned upon! In the SCA, as long as an attempt is made to look medieval-ish, you're good. And even that depends on the event. Go to Pennsic and you're bound to find someone wearing a t-tunic, modern shorts, sandals, and drinking a modern drink (like Gatorade) from a modern plastic bottle. With my friend at the pioneer event, clothing had to be made in a certain style, using specific types of fabrics and colors of fabric, and nothing modern could be visible (it could be hidden under a blanket or something similar, but not visible). One big difference is that the pioneer event charged admission for non-reenactors to come and watch, just like one would when attending a Renaissance Festival. For an SCA event, admission is charged, but you are considered a participant and not a spectator.
True, the SCA is best described as a LARP with historical undertones. But anyone can wear pretty much anything at an SCA event. "an attempt at medieval clothing " is the only rule. Well, jeans and a T-shirt are an attempt, just a bad one.
Thank you for posting these videos! You’re an excellent resource. I’d never even heard of the SCA before you, and it sounds like something I’d really love. Tell me, are these events LGBTQ+ friendly? I’d like to cross dress there, but don’t want to be hate-crimed if you wouldn’t recommend it. 😅
Thanks! Yes, SCA events are LGBTQ+ friendly. In fact, there is also a DEI office (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) within the SCA. www.sca.org/resources/dei-office/ With the Inclusion (as quoted from the SCA website), "Inclusion means being welcomed and truly valued for what you contribute. It means that no matter your race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or able-ness, you are accepted."
I live in the south eastern US and the majority of the people I’ve met in the SCA are transplants to the area and didn’t grow up here. Idk if that has anything to do with my experience but I have found people to be open-minded and cool. One example this week, a group planning a caroling performance at our annual Xmas/winter solstice/etc. spent time considering songs and wanted to avoid a lot of “Jesus is lord” sort of stuff. Around here, it’s so refreshing to have someone concerned about offending non Christians… usually it’s the other way around. ** And that’s not to say there aren’t Christians members, there totally are- its just that people are cognizant and considerate of everyone’s various beliefs. 👍
Yes, there are Christians, along with people of many other beliefs. I like that. It's a way for our children to encounter many friends from various backgrounds.
Sooo many questions, What kind of events have A&S? Maybe an overview of the different types of events and what goes on in each? What's there to do during each event if not watching/participating in the 'fighting'? Do all events revolve around 'fighting'? I'd be joining by myself and I'm not much interested in the fighting aspect of SCA, what kind of things can I join or attend as a newbie and be able to meet people or have things to do?
Many events have A&S of some sort, in the form of a Craftspersons Faire, displays, competitions, etc. Many events have various activities throughout the day. For example, an event may have heavy combat fighting, fencing, archery, thrown weapons, a Craftspersons Faire, A&S classes, Youth Pointe, youth combat, and/or dancing. Some events may have only one or two specific activities happening on that day, such as a Crown Tournament (heavy fighting to determine who the next Prince/Princess will be). If you are not participating in the fighting, but still want to be part of the activity, then I would suggest looking into helping out the List (such as the List Table or Herald). The List Table keeps track of who won/lost a fight, may offer up foods for fighters like pickles or oranges, etc. The herald announces who won/lost, who is advancing where, etc. Some events may also have water bearers, who sit on the sidelines and provide water or Gatorade to fighters in between fights. If you are not interested in observing nor participating in the fighting, many events offer classes, dancing, archery, thrown weapons, gaming, and more. There is usually something for anyone and everyone. Not all events revolve around fighting. For example, in the Middle Kingdom, there are two popular events known as Terpsichore and Crystal Ball that are focused on dancing: both teaching dances as well as dancing the dances that were just taught. Some events revolve completely around Arts & Sciences, like classes and competitions. As a newbie, I would first recommend going to a local meeting before attending an event. This way, you can meet a few people before attending the event, so that way you have a few familiar faces when you attend the event and can maybe ask about sitting with them at their day camp at the event. As you become involved with the SCA, if you are interested in holding an office, groups all have officers (local branches, baronial branches, regional branches, and kingdom level offices) like Exchequer (treasurer), Seneschal (President), Chronicler (Secretary), etc. Service may be something to interest you: holding an office, helping out on event staff, being a retainer for royalty, being in charge of the lunch tavern, being the feast-o-crat (cooking feast for everyone), etc. Besides heavy fighting, there is fencing, thrown weapons, and archery. As I've described to other people before, if you want to learn how to make an instrument, you can learn to do that here. If you want to learn how to play this instrument, how to dance or sing while accompanying the instrument, etc, you can do that in the SCA too. My favorite activities in the SCA include dancing, baking, blackwork embroidery, retaining for royalty, archery, and holding offices. We are a family of 6, so I also sew most of our own garb (another SCA activity). My husband enjoys fencing, heavy fighting, blacksmithing, thrown weapons, and more. For more of an idea of what activities there are, I would recommend checking out the Pennsic War Activities page: pennsicwar.org/activities/ I hope this has helped! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Some events also have unique activities such as equestrian activities or coursing of the hounds. Within A&S, you can learn and do all sorts of things: cooking, blacksmithing, brewing, woodworking, etc. If it existed in the Middle Ages, you'll most likely be able to find it in the SCA.
I’m personally trying to encourage more dancing at events in my area. Medieval and Renaissance dance is SO MUCH FUN… I’ve been playing about 7 months now- I def recommend looking into your local group. It’s so tough making friends as an adult so this has been great for me in a lot of ways.
First, welcome back! 😀 Next, I would suggest checking out your local group to see when meetings are. At the local meeting, you can re-introduce yourself to people, find out what has changed, and when things are (for example, if there is a local fight or dance practice that you would be interested in). It's up to you what pace you would like to re-engage: if you want to jump in with both feet or if you want to slowly dip a toe in first. Before going to the local meeting, perhaps look up the local group on social media and introduce yourself there. That way, when you go to the meeting or next event, you may already know some people to hang out with. Also, while on social media, maybe see if there are any friends from when you played previously who are still active in the SCA. They may be able to help you re-engage (plus it's lots of fun catching up with old friends).
can i show up without the jabaroo? and can i fight without being in somebodies clan or tribe or kingdom? lastly how would i go about making some kind of event for central/ eastern oregon.. theres not much out there and we have to go to the coast to get any events.
I don't know what a jabaroo is. Yes, you can fight as an individual, but you would need to be authorized as a fighter first (check out local fight practices for more info). Oregon is in the Kingdom of An Tir. antir.org/our-lands/find-my-branch
Don't forget gatekeeping. There is PLENTY of that in the SCA. As well as disdain for anyone with an advanced degree in Medieval history. The laurel's really hate it when someone who actually knows what they're talking about, corrects them. Especially if they don't have enough alphabet soup behind their character name...
This might be a case by case basis. I can see two sides of the same coin. What if a Laurel has spent 20+ years of study on their particular art and have someone who they don't know (and don't know about the advanced degree in that particular topic) correct them, more or less challenging the Laurel's 20 years of study? On the flip side, a person with an advanced degree in a particular medieval topic wants to correct another person, who is providing inaccurate information on the degree topic? Sometimes, it could be that there's limited information and both parties might be correct to some extent (limitations within Viking graves comes to mind). Personally, I think it's best to handle the situation delicately, so that feathers aren't unnecessarily ruffled and feelings aren't unintentionally hurt. The person with the advanced degree could inquiry if the Laurel has seen an author's new book, pictures from a current grave dig, or something like that. Have it as an engaging and educating conversation, rather than simply saying I'm right and you're wrong. That's my two cents.
@@LynneFairchild I have yet to meet a laurel, who, being corrected by one of us "NPC's" (and yes, I have been referred to as such by "peers") who handles the situation delicately, or with any measure of maturity. I've corrected one, with archaeological drawing, measurements and reports, and they simply walked away saying "you have no idea what you're talking about".
