SCA

The Society for Creative Anachronism

Contents

• History• Customs• Combat• Arts and Sciences• Bardic Arts

History

The SCA started in 1966, when a few friends who were history buffs and science fiction/fantasy fans hosted a big outdoor party in Berkeley, California. The invitation stated that a Tournament would be held on the first of May, summoning "all knights to defend in single combat the title of 'fairest' for their ladies."

Everyone enjoyed the first tournament so much that they agreed a second should be run, but in a larger setting. In order to reserve one of the public parks for the gathering, the organizers needed to list a name for their group on the application. Since recreating the Middle Ages in 20th-century Berkeley was an anachronism (something "out of time"), and because the goal was creativity, they came up with "The Society for Creative Anachronism". It was a spur-of-the-moment invention; they had no idea that the name would stay with their group into the future.

Word of the SCA spread via friends and science-fiction fandom. There were 6 events held in the first year, and 9 in the second. In the third year, a chapter was founded on the East Coast (the East Kingdom – distinguishing it from the West Kingdom); the Californians incorporated the SCA as a non-profit educational society, and away they went. Since 1966, the Society has grown to nineteen kingdoms, which cover the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Australia. There are over 30,000 paid members of the corporation, and the total number of participants is around 60,000 people.

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Customs Specific to the SCA• Each Kingdom has a King and Queen. Each Barony

within the kingdom has a Baron and Baroness. They are easy to spot because of their crowns or circlets. It is customary to bow or curtsey to royalty when meeting or passing them in the “known world.”

• While at an event members of the SCA dress in clothing from the period they are reenacting. The term for SCA clothing is Garb and when you are at an SCA event and not wearing garb, dressed in modern clothing, people are said to be naked . New comers can borrow loaner garb, just ask the Hospitiler of their local group.

• The bathroom in the SCA is called the privy. • Meals in the SCA are feasts. • Members of the SCA who have

demonstrated excellent service earn an AOA or an Award of Arms and thereafter are addressed as My Lord or My Lady.

• There is an etiquette in regards to chairs at an SCA event. It is polite to bring your own chair and always ask before using someone else's.

• Chivalry is alive and well in the SCA. Women are always treated like ladies and highly respected and men strive to always conduct themselves honorably at all times.

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Combat

Types of combat

• Heavy Fighting• Light Fighting• Combat Archery• Calvary/Equestrian• Youth Combat• Target Archery• Thrown Weapons

Combat Requirements

• Every person who fights in combat must be authorized and inspected by a Kingdom Marshall before each event they wish to participate in.

• Fighters are required to have a steel helm with a face guard, a gorget, kidney belt, athletic cup, elbow and knee protection

• Weapons are constructed from sticks of rattan and wrapped/padded to exactly specifications. Shields are metal or wooden and likewise must met exact specifications to be authorized.

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Arts and Sciences

Members of the SCA strive to research food, armor, weapons, garb, tools, and all manner of life’s necessities as accurately as possible. These are often on display at events to share with others as well as compete in Arts and Sciences competitions.

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Bardic Arts

There are those among the society who fancy themselves a bard. These amazing people keep the art of song and storytelling alive in the current middle ages. Frequently while attending an SCA event several bards will engage in friendly competition to tell the most compelling story or sing the loveliest ballad and entertain the gentles in attendance with their skills.

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References

Http://www.SCA.org

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