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, and a larger body of
generally accepted customs that give each kingdom its unique personality. All
the kingdoms build their laws and customs on Corpora, which sets overall
rules for the Society.
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.
As in any sport, there are rules designed to increase the
safety of the game. The Society sets standards for combat and each kingdom adds
additional rules and requirements covering acceptability of blows, styles of
weapons and fighting, and armor. Contact the local marshal for the current
kingdom rules.
Getting Started - Your First Meeting or Event
SCA members carry on the regular business of the local
group at a “meeting.” An “event” is a
special gathering, often publicized in the kingdom’s newsletter to invite
people from more distant groups. 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.
Participants wear medieval garb at events, although some may change out
of their modern clothes after they arrive.
When you arrive at your first meeting or event:
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Go up to someone and introduce yourself.
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Explain that
you are new and ask who you can talk to about learning more about the group.
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Approach someone who is working on a project and ask
about it. Most people are glad to talk about what they are doing.
Some groups have special people (known as the
hospitaller, castellan or chatelaine) to greet newcomers, but others do not.
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.
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!
Heraldry
The brightly colored designs you may see on shields,
banners, clothing, or personal items are part of heraldry in the SCA.
"Device" is the term used for any heraldic
emblem registered to an individual. When a person becomes an
"armiger," the heraldic device is called "arms." An armiger
is a person who has been awarded arms by the Crown.
Heraldry uses a limited set of clear, bold
"tinctures." The colors are:
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Azure
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Gules
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Sable
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Purpure
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Vert
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The metals are:
There are also furs, which combine the two types of
tinctures in complex repetitive designs.
Since it is easier to see colors that contrast with their
backgrounds, the rules of heraldry state that colors must be placed on metals
and metals must be placed on colors. This guarantees that charges do not blend
into the field.
"Charges" are stylized versions of everyday
objects, beasts, and birds. Charges can be used in multiples or in combination
with other charges. They can be placed directly on the field or layered upon
another charge.
Your device must be different from all other registered
devices, including such familiar heraldry from the modern world as the
Nutra-Sweet® symbol and the Shell Oil Company shell. If you would like a
heraldic device of your own, talk with your local herald about designing one
and registering it with the Society’s College of Heralds.
Membership
Participation in the SCA is open to any person who shares
the Society’s interest in medieval re-creation and re-enactment. Paid
membership is a requirement for Crown Tournament participants and for kingdom
and Society officers. 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, educational and how-to articles, as well as
cartoons, poetry, and artwork.
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, write, or email the
primary local contact person, known as the Seneschal, for more information.
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 may receive a discount at some 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, just complete and return an SCA
membership form. If you don’t have one, please ask a SCA member for a copy,
download the form at http://www.sca.org/members/welcome.html or send a postcard or letter with
your name and mailing address to the Registry at the address on the back of
this brochure.
An "anachronism" is something that
is out of its proper time. "Creative anachronism" takes the best
qualities of the Middle Ages and selectively re-creates them in the modern
world.
