Calendar
Forum
Enn's Closet
Beatriz's Closet
Links
Newcomers Info
Scrapbook
The Fool
Trivia
Enn's Newcomers Guide
A resource for newcomers to the SCA and the Barony of Endless Hills
A resource for newcomers to the SCA and the Barony of Endless Hills
See also the page of Ellisiff, new Baronial Chatelaine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCA?
The SCA is the Society for Creative Anachronism, which is a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Middle Ages. We are a nonprofit educational organization. There are SCA branches nearly all over the world. We are divided into kingdoms, which are divided into baronies and shires and other groups. Locally, we are within the Barony of Endless Hills (northeast PA) within Kingdom of Æthelmearc (most of NY, PA, and all of WV). A subgroup of the Barony is the Canton of Riverouge (Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Bradford Counties)
What time periods and cultures are appropriate?
Officially, our time period is pre-17th century. There is no early cutoff date. Some people will tell you it's the fall of the Roman empire, or 600 AD, but this isn't true. You are welcome to recreate earlier periods. However, most SCA culture is built around the High Middle Ages, and the farther you move from that, the less you will fit into the rest of the game. There are also people who wish to extend the end cutoff to 1650 or 1700 AD to encompass the Cavalier period, and this is tolerated by most.
Cultures that had some contact with Western Europe are appropriate. This can include nearly anyone, however. There was some trade with the Far East for most of period, and parts of the New World were being explored and colonized (though very few people attempt a Native American persona, it is not impossible). Again, you should think about how likely it would be to find a person of this culture in a Western European royal court.
We are all assumed to be minor (untitled until it is earned) nobility, but there are plenty of people playing peasants, middle class merchants, etc.
Another note, you do not need to look like a person of the culture/ethnicity you're recreating.
How do I get started in the SCA?
You can just show up at a practice or meeting and introduce yourself to us. Most people will be very willing to answer your questions and show you the ropes. If you're shy, you might want to join the mailing list and get acquainted with us online first (this will also help you find out where and when activities are) or start with some of the smaller gatherings. If we have any public demos coming up soon, you can come watch us as a member of the public and see what we do.
How do I find out what's going on around here?
Many local activities are published to the mailing list. I try to keep the calendar updated. Official sources for information are the kingdom newsletter (available with membership) and the baronial newsletter (available through the Exchequer.
What about membership?
Membership can be purchased through the Corporation. It is not necessary for you to buy it before you become involved, but it does give you some advantages; you will receive the kingdom newsletter with the subscribing membership, and can vote in local officer elections. You will be charged an extra $3 at most events, and an extra $20 at Pennsic, if you don't have a membership card.
What stuff do I need to buy or make to get started?
In order to go to an event, you must have garb (see below). Feast gear is recommended if you're day-tripping (lunch is usually available, often it's finger foods but not always) and essential if you're staying for the evening's feast. A mug or goblet to drink out of is a good idea (there is usually water and tea or lemonade or other beverages). There is loaner equipment available for the above items through the Chatelaine. For outdoor summer events, you should bring something to sit on (modern camp chairs are fine). And don't forget ordinary items of comfort and necessity: sunscreen, bug repellant, medications, etc. Depending on your type of garb, you may find a pouch or basket to carry things in useful (most garb doesn't have pockets).
These items are necessary for events, but most of our activities don't require anything but yourself. There is loaner equipment available for most martial activities (fighting, fencing, archery, thrown weapons) and we don't wear garb to practices. You can practice and see if you like it before you buy or make your own.
What is "garb"?
This is an SCAism for medieval clothing. You must wear an attempt at pre-17th century clothing to events. Some other groups wear garb for all of their activities (business meetings, practices, etc) but we usually only dress up for events and demos. An attempt can be very simple, especially if you're new; a lady might wear a long skirt and a peasant blouse, a man might throw a tabard over a solid-colored tshirt and sweatpants. The SCA covers a very broad range of times and places, and there's a huge array of clothing styles to chose from. You might not want to invest time and money into making or buying clothes right away. There are some loaner items available through the Chatelaine.
What is "feast gear"?
This is another SCAism. This simply refers to the items necessary to eat a meal: plate, silverware, bowl, drinking vessel. Extra recommended items include napkins, tablecloth, serving utensils, salt and pepper, and candles (check site regulations). Food is usually served family-style to the table. Medievalish items add to the ambiance, but it's not necessary -- I ate my first feast off Corelle dinnerware. :) If you want to buy medievalish tableware, I recommend thrift shops (of course, scrub it good before using). I also have loaners of these items available.
What about kids?
Kids are welcome to the SCA, too. Many events have children's activities for smaller kids. These usually take up an hour or two, and you or a responsible adult or teen (arranged by yourself) must keep an eye on your child (no drop-offs). Older children can often get involved in the same activities that adults do. There is also a youth "boffer" fighting program (using foam-padded swords) and youth fencing in this Kingdom and possibly coming soon to the Barony.
When bringing children to an event, you will have to sign an additional waiver at the door. If you wish to bring someone else's children, you'll have to get these forms in advance and have them signed by the parent or guardian. Also, remember that children must be in garb, too!
What is a household? Should I join a household?
A household is an unofficial group of people. It may be very large, with thousands of members from all over the Known World, or it may be a handful of friends. They exist for many reasons. There are mercenary fighting households, who negotiate for "pay" to fight for a particular Kingdom at Pennsic. Many Peers have a household of their students. There are households for different A&S interests, such as bardic households. Households may go by different names, such as clans or guilds. They can register names through the SCA's College of Heralds, but they are not recognized as an official group in any way by the SCA, thus they are not governed by the same policies as the SCA. In many ways this is a good thing, it allows them to do things that they can't do under the name of the SCA, such as raising funds to buy gifts for Royalty, or funding parties at Pennsic. But households are also susceptible to abuses of power, and sometimes it's hard to tell whether it's a good group of people or a bad one you are considering joining, especially when you're new. I advise waiting until you have been participating for a while before joining a household. Even though you are free to quit at any time, sometimes the reputation of the household will continue to follow you.
Alexander the Lost's Pennsic War Pages Pennsic War is the SCA's largest event. If you have not heard Pennsic War stories yet, you surely will eventually! This site has about as much information about Pennsic as you can hope to get until you get there.
Choosing a Name and Creating a Persona
The Dictionary of SCA Slang
Forward into the Past A common newcomers' pamphlet, now online.
The Medieval Teen Site
Resources and Information for Newcomers A page of more links.
Shire of Hartshorn-dale's Newcomers Guide This site provides a good overview of how the SCA came about, what it is, and what it isn't.
The many things we study and make are lumped into this category, also knowns as "A&S"
Æthelmearc Æcademy A Kingdom organization that brings us two large scholas a year
Æthelmearc A&S
Æthelmearc College of Scribes Illumination and calligraphy
The Candle Cauldron Candlemaking information
Cantaria Lyrics and clips of songs.
Elizabethan Blackwork Many pretty embroidery patterns to dress up your late-period garb and keep your hands busy.
Furniture Gallery of House Greydragon Some woodworking projects.
Gode Cookery Delicious period recipes and articles about food in the SCA.
Herbalism: Medieval, Magickal, and Modern Notes and handouts from classes this lady teaches.
Kingdom of Atlantia A&S Links A huge variety of information. Many dead links, but many live ones, too!
Medieval/Renaissance Brewing
Beginners
Elizabethan Smock Pattern Generator
A 15th century Shirt
Introduction to Garb Tips for assembling a complete medieval outfit, including accessories.
Kyrtles/Cotes/Tunics/Gowns
Practical Worksheet for Tunic Construction Instructions to make a simple tunic without a pattern.
Reconstructing History Irish, Japanese, and Scottish. Reproductions, extant garments, patterns, and detailed notes.
The Tunic of St. Louis
Your First Set of Clothes Helpful hints for the first-time garb maker.
General Sewing Help
Making a Keyhole Neckline
Sewing for Babies in the SCA
Stitches Used
Wardrobes of the Knowne World Unlock'd
European
Roman and Post-Roman
a href="http://mahan.wonkwang.ac.kr/link/med/england/anglo-saxon/culture/dress.html">Pagan Anglo-Saxon Clothing, approximately 400AD to 900AD.
Early Irish (5th-10th centuries)
Roman Clothing Men's
Roman Clothing Women's
Spain, the Early Years 7th-12th century
Early Medieval Tunics, Bliauts
About 12th Century Clothing
The Bliaut Files
10th and 11th Century English Clothing Images
10th Century Viking Dress
Norse (Viking)
Spain, the Early Years 7th-12th century
Mid-Period Cotehardies, Surcotes, Houppelandes
Chausses and Braies Legcoverings of the 12th to 14th century
Construction of the Laurel Houppelande
Dame Helen Cotehardies and houppelandes.
Cynthia Virtue's houp theory
The Houppelande C.1355-1450
Houppelande Construction
Eibhlin's Hats
Fifteenth Century Flemish Female Dress A portfolio of images
Fifteenth Century Men's Acorn Hats
La Cotte Simple 14th-15th century fitted dresses.
Medieval Clothing Pages Articles and essays
Mistress Cori on Kirtles
The Moy Gown An extant Irish garment in the style of the 14th Century.
More on the Moy Gown
Summary of Women's Cotehardies
The Ten-Gore Dress Cotehardies from Herjolfsnes
Surcotes (13th-15th centuries) Various sleeveless garments, including the 1300's
Manesse Codex style (worn by men and women) and the
Gates of Hell ladies' sideless surcote.
Renaissance Italian ren, Tudor, Elizabethan
Dawn's Costume Pages Shirt Instructions Pattern for a man's shirt.
Early 16th Century Italian Costume A portfolio of images
The Elizabethan Costuming Page An excellent site full of patterns, instructions, research, and other goodies.
Ensemble for a Well-Off Peasant Child of Rural Flanders in 1560
Elizabethan Costume: History and Technique
A Fashionable Vocabulary Clothing and fabric terms in Elizabethan England
A Festive Attyre Features late 15th through early 17th century garments from various social classes and areas of Europe. Well-researched, documented reproductions.
Italian Ren. Hair Taping How to recreate a period hairstyle
Le Poulet Gauche Late 16th century middle class.
Middle Class Italian Ren Gown Draft your own pattern in a variety of styles
Tudor Dress
Weigel's Book of Costume Period images of contemporary clothing.
Other
Asian
Japanese
Eastern Europe
Women's Clothing in Kievan Rus
Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern Costuming of the 13th Century
Roxane Farabi's Persian Pages Persian and Turkish clothing information.
Some of the most popular activities in the SCA are the combat related ones.
Æthelmearc Archery Information about target and combat archery.
Armour Archive Possibly the single best source for information about building armour.
Don Danulf's Academy of Defence Teaching the noble science of Elizabethan fencing in the SCA
Kingdom of Æthelmearc Thrown Weapons
Tournament Information About tournament companies, small groups within the SCA who are interested in period fighting styles and pageantry in tourneys.
Wanna Fight? A guide to getting started in heavy combat
Æthelmearc College of Heralds
A Brief Introduction to the History of Names
Academy of Saint Gabriel does historical research on names and heraldry, primarily for history hobbyists interested in re-creating medieval and Renaissance Western cultures. The Academy will give you information about the authenticity of your name or arms; and if they believe it could be more authentic, they will suggest ways to improve it. However, they cannot help you with questions about genealogy or family arms. They also generally do not help people trace the origins of modern surnames.
Assorted Lessons in SCA Heraldry
Choosing a Society Name: Hints for Newcomers
Endless Hills Heralds Email List
Laurel Sovereign of Arms
Medieval Names Archive A collection of articles.
Modar's Heraldry Page
What is an S.C.A. Heraldic Device?
What is an SCA Name?
Various publications about the SCA online
Compleat Anachronist A pamphlet series published four times a year by the SCA. Each issue focuses on a topic relevant to the time period 600 C.E. to 1600 C.E.
Early Period A variety of articles about pre-1066 life.
The Medieval Times News from around the Known World
Pennsic Independent Daily news of the Pennsic War and the off-season.
SCAToday Another Society-wide newssource.
Tournaments Illuminated A quarterly publication provided as a membership benefit to all subscribing members of the SCA (until January 2003).
TriSpiral A journal of all things Celtic in the SCA.
Last updated: 15 January 2006