Newcomers

Getting Started - Your First Meeting or Event

Iron Ox A meeting is where the SCA members carry on the regular business of the local group. An event is a special gathering, often publicized in the kingdom's newsletter to invite people from more distant groups. People wear medieval garb at events, although some may change out of their modern clothes after they arrive. Customs vary as to whether garb is worn at local meetings. Because people often work on various skills and crafts at meetings, Many will stay in modern clothing. Some wear everyday clothes to meetings and then change into period garb.

When you arrive at your first meeting or event, go up to someone and introduce yourself. Explain that you are new and ask who you can talk to about learning more about the group. Some groups have special people (known as hospitaller, castellan or chatelain) to greet newcomers, but others do not. Approach some who is working on a project and ask about it. Most people are glad to talk about what they are doing.

At either meetings or events, people may be so involved with what they came to do that they do not notice a new person. Some are too shy themselves to ask if you are new. Begin by observing others and start a conversation about what they are doing. If you see a skill or craft that interests you, ask who might be willing to teach it. Listen for announcements of guild meeting where people who practice that craft gather to share information and help each other.

If members are so involved in their projects that you feel ignored or unwanted, have patience and persist in coming to meeting. Keep asking questions. Some groups provide special meetings for newcomers to help them learn what they need to know to feel a part of the group. Be sure to attend those. Volunteer to help at any events, if only in the kitchen or with clean-up. Many new friends can be made over hot dishwater!

What to Wear and How to Behave

There are a number of sources in the SCA that tell how to make simple medieval clothes (often called “garb”). The Known World Handbook, listed in "For Further Information", is one. A simple T-tunic pattern is given in this booklet. SCA members usually make their own clothes, although sometimes you can barter or trade services to have someone make you simple garb. For women, a plain-colored long skirt and a peasant-type blouse will serve. A length of cloth, such as a white dishtowel, can make a veil to hide modern hair. For men, try plain trousers (not jeans), and a peasant-style shirt that is not tucked in. A cloak, even one made of a blanket, can hide modern clothes. Plain black slippers or plain boots can serve. Be wary of wearing metal circlets unless they are very simple. An ornate or jeweled circlet may lead you to be mistaken for titled nobility, which can be embarrassing.

Do not wear a white belt, sash, or baldric (belt across the chest). White is reserved for members of the Chivalry. Bright colored belts, such as red, green, or yellow, are often used to indicate that the wearer is a student of a particular person who has been honored for excellence in a SCA field of endeavor. Although the colors are not restricted, in some kingdoms there may be a misunderstanding. Necklaces of chain links without medallions or pendants are also worn by special groups. You should avoid them until you ask about local customs.

Avoid wearing a sword until you have asked about what is permissible in your kingdom. Many people wear knives. There is a special etiquette about bearing a steel blade. To keep the knife or blade from becoming unsheathed accidentally, many people fasten a cord around it to hold it in place. Before you remove it from the sheath, it is customary in most kingdoms to call "Clear" to warn nearby people that there is a bare blade. Do not threaten another person with your knife, even in play. Also, don't handle other people's property without their permission. Ask before you touch.

Courteous and honorable behavior is at the core of the Society. It is difficult to be too polite. Respectful terms of address (see "Who Is Who") and avoidance of discussing the modern world add to the medieval flavor of an event. Skill-at-arms, excellence in the arts, and long service are all diminished without respectful and courteous conduct.

Fitting in at Events, Feasts, and Court

The Society is a re-enactment and re-creation organization, intended for participants rather than spectators. Everyone who attends an event is expected to wear at least an attempt at medieval clothing. Garb need not be fancy. Anything reasonably "medieval-ish" can do for the first event. In some kingdoms, an organization called "Gold Key" provides loaner costumes at no charge or for a
small rental fee. Call someone in advance to see if loaner garb will be available, or at an event look for the symbol of a key on a green or blue background.

If the event you are attending includes a feast be sure you have made a reservation, if required, and that you bring "feast gear" - a spoon, knife, plate, napkin, and something to drink from. You may also wish to bring a small cloth in case the table is uncovered, a fork, a bowl, small containers of sugar and salt, and a plastic trash bag to put dirty feast gear in after you have eaten. Many people bring their own beverage, but often some form of drink is provided. Iced tea, lemonade, and water are common.

For outdoor events, it is wise to bring a folding chair or a blanket to sit on. Carry a portable supply of water or other beverage, especially if you will be in the sun for part of the day. Bring a hat or other sunshade for protection. Working on a craft, project, or game can be a good way to meet others at an event when you tire of observing. Although at many events a feast is served in the evening, if you wish to eat earlier, you may need to bring your own lunch or snack. Avoid modern-looking food and drink containers or cover them with a cloth.

When the King and/or Queen are present, people in many kingdoms will make a "reverence", (a bow or curtsy) each time they walk past the King or Queen. They will also make a reverence when the King or Queen walk past them or when they walk past the Royal Thrones, even if no one sits there. The space some 10' to 20' around the thrones is considered part of the Royal Presence. Walk around it, rather than through it. Watch what others are doing and copy them. Be careful not to stand where you might block the view of the King or Queen. When sitting on the throne, they are not as mobile as you are.

"Court" is a very special event with an emphasis on ceremony and courteous behavior. When called before Their Majesties, in most kingdoms people remove their weapons before approaching. They make a reverence when they come near, then kneel. As they leave, notice that they walk backwards several steps, bow or curtsy again, and then turn to walk back to their seats. Try to sit near the front so that you can see well and watch others as they stand, sit, or bow. If necessary, quietly ask someone near you to explain what you do not understand.

The policy on smoking varies but generally it is not permitted indoors. Ask about the local policy on flash photography. Some kingdoms forbid it, especially at court events. Keep in mind that the feast or court is an attempt to recreate the Middle Ages. Cigarettes and flashbulbs did not exist then and are obvious when being used.

Names and Personas

Society members create a persona, the person who they would like to have been had they lived in the Middle Ages. Some SCA members have chosen only a name. Others have fully developed personas and can talk to you in detail about their medieval "lives". When you meet someone, they will ask your name. If you have not chosen a medieval name you can use your modern one until you decide. If you have no idea what you would like to be called, then ask the local herald or pursuivant if he or she has a book of medieval names you can look at. Similar books are in most of the local libraries. Avoid using "name-the-baby" books; may of these names were coined after the Renaissance and the authors often do not tell you which names are modern ones.

You need to pick at least one name that parents would have given a child during the period the SCA studies, and at least one other name or descriptive phrase to set you apart from everyone else with that given name. Some things to remember when choosing a name: You may not take the name of any historical or legendary person, nor may you use the full name of a person in fictional literature. You may not use or imply a title such as Sir, Duke, Count, Earl, Lord, Lady, Master, or Mistress. These titles must be earned. You may not use the full name of someone else in the Society. Try to keep your name in only one language; two at the most. Your local herald can give you further information on choosing a name and persona.

The Newcomers Handbook and other useful information for newcomers is available here for download at SCA.org.