elwell (02/19/83)
Last year I submitted a request for responses from any members of the
Society for Creative Anachronism. Recently, Barb Puder
(burdvax!bmcjmp) didi the same. We each received a few responses,
though not enough to form a newsgroup. We each also received mail
from people who hadn't heard of the Society and wished to know more.
Therefore, I have compiled a short introduction/description of the SCA
for the general enlightenment of the net.
Q. What is the S.C.A.?
"The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. is a non-profit
educational organization concerned with the study of the Middle Ages.
The S.C.A. recreates the arts and skills of Medieval Europe within the
framework of the events of the times."
This brief description, however true, tells very little about the real
life of the Society. Any written explanation would be rather pale
compared to the actual experience of a chivalric tournament or a
ten-course medieval feast. But since I must start somewhere, let me
begin with a little Society history.
The first S.C.A. event took place in Berkeley, California, in May of
1966 when a group of students staged a tourney in the back yard of
Diana Paxson. They enjoyed themselves so much that by Midsummer they
had put together a second one. More importantly, they had begun
publishing Tournaments Illuminated so that people outside the Bay Area
could get in on the fun. By 1969, there were groups in New York,
Chicago and Phoenix which became the foundations of the Kingdoms of
the East, the Middle, and Atenveldt, respectively. Now the Society
has over 200 groups of various sizes in eight Kingdoms throughout the
United States and Canada, and several groups have organized in Europe.
Kingdoms? Yes! the Society, as I said above, tries to recreate the
arts of the medieval past, but also brings them to life by providing a
framework that binds them together. Thus, we have monarchs who are
selected by tournament combat and reign for half a year; nobility, who
are those members that excell in some way, whether on the field of
battle, in the arts, or in service to the Society; officers, such as
heralds, marshalls, and seneschals who provide a civil service; and
principalities, baronies and shires, which are subdivisions of the
larger Kingdoms.
But what do we actually DO, you ask impatiently? Our most widely
known events are tournaments where chivalric combat (usually on foot)
is recreated with wooden weapons and real armour. Our battles (all
unchoreographed), both individual and group combats (melees), are
quite spectacular; and in the past seventeen years we have what is
fast becoming a very sophisticated martial art. Tournaments in the
Middle Ages were social events, and so are ours. There are usually
many peaceful activities to be found at them, including gaming, music
and informal conversation witha surprisingly diverse group of people.
After most tournaments, and often independently as well, there are
revels and feasts. The feasts can be simple or elaborate, and feature
authentic and delicious dishes of all sorts. Revels include both
entertainment to be watched - music, magic, drama - and entertainment
to participate in, particularly period dancing which varies from
stately to spirited.
There are other types of events that add variety. We also have
quests, fairs and at least one annual war; but this is really just the
surface of our activities. Society people tend to be very creative,
because achievement is rewarded with intelligent appreciation, and
because our arts are living ones. Our costumers, calligraphers,
illuminators, embroiderers, armourers, musicians and all the rest
spend great ingenuity and work on their creations because they all
have a use within the Society. many people find the S.C.A. context
just the encouragement they need to start them in an activity they've
always wanted to pursue, be it weaving, metalwork or brewing. And
though we strive for authenticity, we try to keep, above all, a sense
of fun.
How can you participate? The best way to start is to come to an event
and see what we have to offer. The only requirement for attending a
Society function is to wear period (600-1600 A.D.) costume, or a
reasonable attempt at such. The Society is not a show for spectators;
it is a community, and we want you to join in. If you feel inspired,
you may want to devise a medieval name and identity for yourself.
This is the common practice in the Society and adds atmosphere to the
proceedings. You are not restricted to Western European identity (or
persona) - there are a number of moslems, Africans, and even Japanese
to be found visiting our medieval Kingdoms. Between events, local
groups have meetings where much of the practical work of the Society
is done, such as teaching skills and organizing events.
To get the most out of the S.C.A., and to find out what people are
doing outside your local area, a memership in the Society for Creative
Anachronism, Inc. is recommended. Included in one fee is membership
for one year (tax deductible in the U.S.A.) and subscriptions to
Tournaments Illuminated, our quarterly journal of medieval culture,
past and present, and to the newsletter of your Kingdom which will
tell you about upcoming tourneys, revels, and other events.
the Society includes many activities and almost unlimited potetial.
The next step is up to you!
--Provided by Finvaar de Taahe,
Middle Kingdom Information
I have set up an ARPA-style mailing list/digest system. Anyone
interested is welcome to send me mail to be added to the list or just
for more information. The list will contain info on events and
whatever else subscribers send me.
Yours for the Society,
Lorimbor Armentur
c/o Clayton Elwell
...{usenet}!decvax!cwruecmp!elwell