 |
 |
 Home Events Calendar About the Barony Regnum/Contacts Heraldry & Awards OP For Newcomers For Stewards For Fighters Arts & Sciences The Populace Gallery Communications Links
|
For Newcomers
Greetings, and welcome to the Barony of Southron Gaard, a group of people interested in recreating the better parts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Barony is a branch of the international Society for Creative Anachronism, and is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. As a newcomer, you may have many questions - "What is the SCA?" "Why are those people wearing funny clothes?" and "Who is that guy in the shiny hat?". This page provides a quick overview of what is involved in being a part of this entertaining and educational group. We hope that you'll find the SCA as much fun as we do.
You could also take a look at our Newcomer Pamphlet (PDF), for a quick intro, or come along to a newcomers' meeting or Open Night. Information about joining can be seen here. While it is not necessary to be a subscribing member of the SCA to take part in our activities, membership is inexpensive and easy to get - please see this page for more information. Quick startHere is:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCA?The SCA is a non-profit educational and recreational organisation devoted to the study of pre-seventeenth century European culture. The SCA stands for the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was started in 1966, in Berkeley, California, as an informal birthday party. Since then it has grown to have branches all around the world with more than 50,000 people involved in a huge range of activities.
What is there to do?An easier question to answer is "what isn't there to do?". There are many skills and crafts gentles pursue in the SCA. These skills and crafts include: Archery, Armouring, Basketry, Battle Tactics, Bardic Recital, Brewing, Calligraphy, Candle Making, Chivalry, Cooking, Costuming, Dancing, Drawing, Dyeing, Embriodery, Equestrian Pursuits, Falconry, Gaming, Heavy Combat, Heraldry, Herb Lore, Illumination, Jewellry Making, Leatherwork, Music, Rapier Fighting, Scribing, Seige Engines, Sewing, Spinning, Tanning, War, Weapon Smithing, Weaving, Woodworking, Equestrian The Arts and Sciences Officer can help you with your interests by providing information, or refering you to a person knowledgeable in that skill or craft.
How do I get started?Simply show up to any of our meetings, events, classes, or demonstrations! Check out the Events Calendar to see when the next one is. Non-members are very welcome to attend any of our events, though we'd encourage you to become a member to help support our efforts and enable you to hold office! The only requirements for anyone attending an SCA event are that you:
Barony Open Nights and Newcomers Meetings Email the Chatelaine.
Who do I talk to if I need help?Your local friendly Chatelaine is here to help. From "how do I make my first t-tunic" to "what do I need to bring to an event", the Chatelaine is a valuable resource in helping you get started. The Chatelaine also has the Baronial hire garb which is available for use by people new to the society. Email the Chatelaine.
Why are those people wearing funny clothes, and how do I get some?People in the SCA recreate different time periods across Europe and the Middle East, and wear clothes (called garb) according to that time and place. While some of it looks quite funny to the modern eye, it would be difficult to recreate these time periods without making the effort to dress as they did. A good starter for newcomers is the simple T-Tunic. The online pamphlet "Forward Into the Past" gives a good description on how to easily make this garment yourself (and has a lot of other handy advice too). Stores where you can buy fabric are listed below. If sewing is not possible for you, or you need a little assistance to get started, talk to the Chatelaine.
What's with all the funny names?Almost everyone in the Society creates a persona. A persona is the person that you could have been in the Middle Ages (note: not someone who actually lived then - you can be Richard of Canterbury, but you can't call yourself Richard Lionheart!). A persona can be as simple or as detailed as you wish. Some people only go so far as selecting a name, while others create and write entire histories of the person, their family, and how events of their time period affected them. Your local Herald will be happy to assist in the creation of a name/persona. Start by thinking about your interests. Are you intrigued by Queen Elizabeth's court? Perhaps your interests lie in the Persian Empire? Maybe you are a big, bold Scotsman from the Highlands? Whatever your interest, a persona can incorporate them. When you first begin attending events, one of the first questions you will be asked is "What is your name?" Many people give their real given name until they decide upon a name and persona. This practice is perfectly acceptable. In fact, some people decide to stay with their given name or a variant (a woman named Beth may use Elizabeth as her SCA name, for example). Some people have long complex names, and others decide to keep it to a given name, or a given name and their place of origin, for example, Elizabeth of Southron Gaard. Please do not give yourself a title of any sort; in the SCA, titles are awarded by royalty for achievements in various fields within the SCA. You can adopt a coat of arms, but it's best to first chat with some knowledgeable person, such as the Baronial Herald, about how the SCA handles armory. When wishing to talk to someone whose name or title you don't know, it's always acceptable to address them as "m'lord" or "m'lady". (This is not the same as the titles "Lord" or "Lady" and, because of that, you never put their name on the end. Thus - use "Lord James" for someone who has that title, but don't use "m'lord Carrock" for someone who does not -- just use "m'lord" or "Carrock").
Do you really hit people with swords?Possibly the most eye-catching SCA activity is that of armed combat, when people gear up in armour and have at each other in the spirit of chivalrous knightly combat. In the interests of safety, edged weapons are not used for this. SCA weapons consist of taped rattan (heavy bamboo) which has a similar mass and performance as a sword, spear or mace without the cutting edge. There are a number of important safety requirements which must be met before you can take to the field, such as minimum armour standards to protect important parts of the body (head, elbows, knees and the more vulnerable nether organs) and an awareness of what blows may be thrown and what constitutes a good blow. The best way to learn is to come along to a fighters' practice or tournament (see the Events Calendar for information on the next one). Southron Gaard also has mixed combat events, where the "heavy" fighters are supplemented by "light" fighters. The latter have similar armour requirements but use longbow and arrows which have special, rubber blunts for tips so they do not puncture their targets! Some also use siege equipment such as trebuchets, ballistas and even (air-powered) cannon. You can find out more about SCA fighting on the Fighters' page.
Who is that guy in the shiny hat? (The SCA hierarchy and how to address them)During your first events, you'll be sure to notice people wearing various accessories, but the one which really stands out are the crowns or coronets. People who wear these are "Someone Important", as they are or may have been Royalty. If in doubt of their rank, address them as "Your Excellency". The Nobility entitled to wear crowns or coronets include Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses, Barons, Baronesses, Court Barons and Court Baronesses.
Don't worry too much about all these titles - if you address people politely as "m'lord" or "m'lady", no-one can fault you.
Ok, so I'm ready to start. What should I bring to an event?That depends on the type of event. There are two main types: day events and camping events. Day events are easiest for easing into the SCA, and are usually relatively easier on the coin purse. Day events can include such things as tourneys, Arts and Science competitions, feasts, dancing, and much more. For these events, you should wear garb and bring along feast gear (such wood or pewter plates, bowls, goblets or cups, and utensils) if there is to be a feast. It is a good idea to bring along drinks and snacks such as bread, cheese, grapes, or nuts to nibble on throughout the day. Entertainments such as musical instruments, period games such as chess, and needlework can also be brought along. Also, a period-looking chair (such as a director's chair) is useful. Alternatively, spreading a blanket on the ground is sufficient seating, with perhaps a cushion for comfort. Feasts provide a good introduction to the SCA. Not everyone wants to fight or to embroider or to carve, but almost everyone enjoys dining in style. Mediaeval food is every bit as palatable as modern food (stories about using spices to disguise bad meat are just stories!). Most SCA feasts take a number of hours and involve a large number of dishes, so there is likely to be many that you'll find tasty, and some that will become firm favourites. While we do make every effort to ensure that lists of food ingredients are available for checking for life-threatening allergies, the nature of medieaval cooking can make it difficult to cater for the many varying choices people now make based on cultural, religious or personal preferences. If you feel that your food choices are likely to be unduly restricted, then please contact the Steward of the event to see if off-board attendance is permitted (i.e. you will be permitted to attend, but will need to self-cater -- do note that this is not likely to include access to the kitchens in the case of feasts or large-scale events, as these places can be very very busy and are crowded with hard-working people who have access to Large Knives). One important point about SCA feasts is that you are expected to bring your own crockery and cutlery. Don't worry if it's not authentically mediaeval in design - a simple wooden bowl and a plain round spoon are enough, though feel free to add candlesticks, tankards, small daggers or wooden-handled knives and other accessories. You are also normally expected to bring your own drinks and bread. Tournaments are usually daytime events where SCA fighters get to display their prowess, and are mostly held in the less-wintery months. Non-fighters can enjoy watching, helping marshal or herald, or socialising with others. Tourneys tend to be held in publicly accessible areas, so there will often be non-SCAdians present. They're a good choice for a first event. Most tourneys are for "heavy" fighters (both male and female) in metal and leather armour with weapons made of rattan; some events include archery. There are also collegia and symposia, which are teaching events. The former is often a weekend covering a broad range of topics with classes held by people well-versed in those topics. The latter is usually a day or half-day focusing on a particular topic, often in a less formal structure. Camping events can require thoughtful planning, as they usually run over a number of days. Some events, such as the Barony's annual Canterbury Faire, may offer a meal plan in addition to a feast, while others require you to prepare your own meals. Some events offer cabin accomodation, whereas others expect attendees to bring tents, or may have tents to hire. While modern tents are certainly not frowned upon (as period tents can be expensive), efforts to make your tent and campsite look more period are certainly appreciated. Obvious modern items can be covered or disguised. By asking others with camping experience, you can get the idea how these things can be achieved. Camping events take a lot of careful planning and packing. Major events such as Canterbury Faire may give a booklet with a checklist of basic items to bring to get you started. Here is a sample list from the Ansterroa's "Guiding Hand:" For the Automobile:
1st To Unload/Last To Pack:
Where can I find all this stuff?Period-looking items can be found in the most unusual places! Really good places to go are the Super Shed (recycling depot), op shops such as Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, or second-hand shops. Garage sales are another place to find those inexpensive treasures. Weekend markets are another good venue, and you are bound to run into another SCAdian looking for a good find at places such as the Riccarton Market. Watch retailers such as The Warehouse or Kmart for bargains as well. Novelty events are also good places to look, such as the Gypsy Fair. SCA events themselves are also a wonderful place to obtain period items, as some events, such as Canterbury Faire, have markets. A good range of suitable fabric for garb and accessories can be found at these Christchuch stores (654KB Word document), among others. Focus on linen, cotton and wool fabrics rather than modern synthetics - not only will they look better, they are often more comfortable and better at handling the range of conditions encountered at events. For martial gear (armour, weapons, archery equipment), see the resources on the For Fighters page. If you're interested in making tents, camping gear, furniture and so on, this site and this one both have many invaluable plans. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the Kingdom of Lochac Newcomers section, come along to one of our Open Nights or contact the Chatelaine. |
Webscribe Site credits/policies