Imagine... 

 

yourself standing on a field surrounded by colourful pavilions as banners flutter and snap overhead. Around you,   richly dressed lords and ladies are watching knights in armor who battle with sword and shield. Music fills the air as minstrels play lutes and sing ballads of love and war. In the shadows of one especially grand tent, you see a King and Queen conferring with their advisors. 

Are you in a historical romance? No, it’s the Society for Creative Anachronism! The SCA is an immersive history group where you, dressed in clothing of the period, can experience tournaments, royal courts, feasts, and dancing, and learn how to recreate crafts and skills of the pre-17th century world.

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Unlike a Renaissance Fair, SCA activities aren’t just something you come to watch, they’re something you actively do. You’ll learn about the clothing of the period by tailoring and wearing outfits. Learn about combat by putting on armor and competing against opponents. Learn about brewing by making (and sampling) your own meads and ales. And there are many more subjects to learn about, including armoring, archery, cooking, heraldry, metalwork, music, dance, calligraphy, woodworking, and fiber arts. If it was done in the Middle Ages or Renaissance, the odds are you’ll find someone in the SCA interested in recreating it!

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Geography

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The SCA’s “Known World” (which includes the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and Africa) is divided into twenty regions called kingdoms. Each kingdom is ruled by a pair of monarchs who have competed in a Crown Tournament to win the throne. Kingdoms contain local chapters known as Cantons, Shires, and Baronies. The members of these local chapters are the ones who actually plan and run all the events, practices, and other activities for SCA participants. 

You can participate in the chapter closest to you, and also travel to meetings and events held in other groups in your kingdom and beyond.

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Join Us!

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We welcome you to come to our meetings and events! For events, we do ask that you wear a costume appropriate to the time period, or at least a basic attempt at one, such as a plain-colored long skirt and peasant type blouse, or plain trousers and an untucked tunic-style shirt. 

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Many local groups have a newcomers’ officer (called a “chatelaine” or “hospitaller”) whose job is to help you find your way in the SCA. They can provide you with information about meetings and activities, and may have loaner costumes for you to borrow for your first event.

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You are not required to purchase a membership before you start attending, although you may wish to join if you decide to attend regularly. Members receive discounts on event entry fees, and some kingdoms do require membership to participate in certain activities.

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