Trying anything new can be daunting, especially if you do not know where to start. Hearing stories and seeing pictures of Royalty, fighting, archery, arts and sciences can make you wonder “Where do I fit in?”. You have come to the right place. Our goal is to acquaint you with the current middle ages so you have a better idea of what you are getting into. First and foremost, the main SCA website (sca.org) has put together a wonderful welcome page for newcomers. You should definitely check it out, as it will give you a broad overview of the Society and what we are all about.
Our Chatelaine can help answer more detailed questions you may have later. If you are ever at an event and see a lord or lady displaying a gold key on a green background, they can help you out with information, guidance, and sometimes even loan you clothes and feast gear! Feel free to reach out to our Baronial Chatelaine via email.
The biggest thing to remember is that we want you here! New people are the lifeblood of the SCA. You will find most of our members will be more than willing to lend a helping hand to get you to your first event or to find you a tunic, dress, or tent (if its a camping event). Never be afraid to ask someone, that’s how we all started, once upon a time!
Here is a quick glossary to help you at your first few events:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Baron / Baroness | Landed representatives of the Crown who are ceremonial heads of a Barony |
| Barony / Shire | Types of SCA local chapters. Baronies are generally larger in size, and have a Baron and/or Baroness as their ceremonial heads. Sub-groups within a Barony’s territory are known as Cantons, or in some areas, Ridings or Strongholds |
| Chivalry | Knights who swear fealty to the Crown and Masters-of-Arms who do not |
| Crown Prince / Princess | Heirs to the throne |
| Gentle | Any person, not gender-specific |
| King / Queen | Rulers of a Kingdom Also called the Crown |
| Knights / Masters-of-Arms | Someone recognized by the Crown for mastery of armored combat/heavy fighting |
| Laurel | Someone recognized by the Crown for mastery of an art or science |
| Master of Defense | Someone recognized by the King and Queen for mastery of rapier combat/light fighting |
| Pelican | Someone recognized by the Crown for great service to their Kingdom and the SCA |
| Period | Used to mean something that is authentic or could fit in the timeframe of the SCA (approx. 600 – 1600 AD) |
| Person with a Crown on their head…. | Someone who may be a King/Queen, Prince/Princess, Baron/Baroness or have been one in the past. They are to be treated as royalty – just in case |
| Persona | Your SCA person you are representing as opposed to your modern or real identity |
| Populace | The inhabitants of a kingdom or local group; the people present at an event |
| SCAdian (SKAY-dee-an) | As a noun: A member of the Society for Creative Anachronism Also: SCAer. Used as an adjective to mean “of the SCA” |
| Waiver | A release of liability form. Non-members must sign waivers at events and martial practices |