Have you ever played a game like Dungeons and Dragons or World of Warcraft, or read a book or watched a movie like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones and wished you could join in the fighting, feasting, music, and pageantry, but without the oppression, disease, racism, or general misery? Welcome to the Middle Ages as They Should Have Been! The SCA is an organization which studies and re-creates pre-17th century life from around the world, and is welcoming to all comers.
Are you interested in recreating life in the Middle Ages, or just want to see what it’s all about? The first step is easy – show up at a weekly practice or meeting. You don’t even need special garb or clothes – just show up and we’ll be happy to welcome you and answer your questions! Have questions before you get started? Contact our Hospitaler, who will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Newcomers’ Guide
- Society for Creative Anachronism Newcomer’s Portal – Start Here! Official Society website for newcomers with overview of the Society and its activities. Or check out a specific section:
Choosing a Name
Every person in the SCA picks a name to go by in the Society. It could be something simple and familiar (Mary of London or Thomas the Smith) or something elaborate and exotic-sounding (Oisin Dubh mac Lochlainn). However, no one may use the name of an actual person from history or legend (such as “Richard the Lionheart”).
Don’t worry about figuring out a name before you join the group. Many people go by their real name for a while until they figure out what name they’d like to adopt.
Advice
Advice to Newcomers – Whether a long time SCA member brought you to your first meeting or you came by yourself, there’s always a period of adjustment. Here’s how to get yourself oriented quickly and begin to have some fun.
Newcomers are Nice – Advice to Established Members – Sometimes long time members are just as unsure about approaching newcomers as you are about approaching them! This article may help you both meet in the middle.
What to Wear
- Making Medieval Clothes and Items Over 40 articles on Medieval and Renaissance clothing and accessories, including “How To’s”; links to costuming resources
- Introduction to Garb Quick tips on making men & women’s tunics, headcoverings, belts and pouches; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
- Practical Worksheet for tunic construction More detailed instructions on making a tunic/gown; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
- Some basic patterns are covered in the SCA’s Forward Into the Past pamphlet.
- The SCA Without Breaking the Bank Tips on affordable ways to put together your garb (even if you can’t sew!), armor, tablewear, camping gear, etc.
Who to be in the SCA
- What is an SCA Name?
- Choosing a Society Name: Hints for Newcomers
- Medieval Names Archive
- Choosing a Name & Creating a Persona
- How do you get to be king? Who can use noble titles? How should I address people? See “Who is Who?” chapter of Forward Into the Past