As members of the SCA, we are sometimes asked some very interesting questions about the things we do. In order to make things a little easier, here is a basic FAQ to help answer some of your questions about us and the SCA in general. If you don't see an answer to your question, please feel free to email the webmistress or one of the elders from the links provided on the Members page. Enjoy!



FAQ


What is the S.C.A?

What's with the funny clothes?

Do I have to pay to be in the S.C.A?

Why are those guys hitting each other with sticks?

What is a persona and how do I pick one?

I'm not 18, can I still be in the S.C.A?

Who should I talk to for information for new people?

What's the difference between a household and other SCA groups?




What is the S.C.A?

The S.C.A. (Society for Creative Anachronism) is a non-profit historical re-creation organization that tries to keep alive the arts, sciences and chivalry of the Middle Ages by living it. We learn by doing rather than having someone stand there and teach it all to us. We strive to be chivalrous, courteous and honorable at all times, and to educate others about the things that were done in the Middle Ages. The time frame we work with is from 600 - 1600 A.D.

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What's with the funny clothes?

As part of our experience in the S.C.A., we make our own clothes (called garb) in the styles they would have worn in the Middle Ages. In the past, we had to depend on pictures for ideas and create our own patterns for the clothing, but now there are several modern pattern companies with fairly decent patterns for everything from peasant garb to Elizabethan styles. If you can not sew, there are people that are more than willing to teach you to sew, or perhaps even make it for you for a reasonable sum. Just ask!

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Do I have to pay to be in the S.C.A.?

No, you do not have to pay to be a part of the S.C.A. However, if you are interested in fighting, fencing or becoming an officer, you must have a paid membership. There are usually membership forms available at the weekly meetings, or you can go to the main S.C.A. page for more information on memberships.

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Why are those guys hitting each other with sticks?

One of the most popular aspects of the S.C.A. is the fighting. A great many men (and women!) truly enjoy this activity. They either make or buy armor of the style worn in the Middle Ages, make weapons out of a lightweight wood called rattan wrapped in duct tape and re-create the heavy weapons combat of the Middle Ages. Those who enjoy a good swordfight but don't want to engage in the heavy weapons may take up fencing, which we do with a steel blade known as a schlager. Either way you look at it, the Arts Martial are one of the most popular aspects of the Society!

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What is a persona and how do I pick one?

A persona is the focal point of our research into the Medieval time period. It is the person you would want to be if you could have lived in the Middle Ages. All personas are supposed to be based on European nobility, but you can also find Gypsies, Japanese and Middle Eastern personas as well. So if being a French nobleman in the year 1246 is what you want, you would begin your research by finding out as much as you could on France at that time, including what names were used in or before that year, the clothing they were wearing and anything else that would pertain to your persona.

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I'm not 18, can I still be in the S.C.A?

There are really no minimum age requirements for membership in the S.C.A., however you do have to be 18 to participate in the heavy and light weapons combat. You may attend events only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You may attend meetings, do research and practice the gentle arts and sciences of the S.C.A. regardless of age.

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Who should I talk to for information for new people?

The officer in charge of greeting new people and getting them started is known as the chatelaine. If the group does not have one, then the seneschal is responsible for those duties. Either way, that person should be able to answer your questions, provide you with membership forms (if you need one), or be able to point you to someone that can answer your questions if they don't have the answer themselves. After all, not everyone knows how to make chainmail, prepare a Medieval feast for 100 people or create a full Elizabethan costume!

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What's the difference between a household and other SCA groups?

Unlike Kingdoms, Baronies, Shires and other official SCA groups, households are not recognized as official entities of the SCA. They are considered to be loose associations of people with common interests who may or may not all live in the same area. For example, House of the Lost Keys has members as far away as Texas, although the bulk of the members live in Northwest Ohio! Because they are not officially recognized by the SCA Inc., they also do not fall under any of the laws of the SCA that govern official groups. This does not mean that households run amok and wreak havoc! The individuals are bound by the rules just like every other person who is a member of the Society. It simply means that the Crown and Kingdom have no need to recognize or reward these groups.


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