Most people new to the SCA have at one point or other heard about the Society. But there are a few things that you might need to know, but did not know to ask about. Let me address a few points here.
Why do they call being in the SCA 'playing'?
This is the term we use to describe our time in the SCA. Much like an RPG, we are playing a role, with a character we create. As realistic as you wish. Most within the Shire do no go all out and use the language and dialect of the Dark Ages, but we do address each other by title (My Lord or Lady, Your Grace, Your Excellency, etc.) depending on who you are addressing. Chivalry, respect and honor drive our actions, much as they did in the past.
Do I have to make up a name or persona?
Having a persona, or alter ego, is not required to 'play' within the Society, though it is encouraged. Each active member typically chooses a certain time period pre-17th century, a time recognized as the Middle Ages. Once you have found an era you like, next find a country or region that interests you. Your name, the clothing and the armor styles typically match this choice, though flexibility is always an option. If you have a question concerning this process, myself or any of the other members can help you. For examples of personas, please browse our Meet The Populace folder.
How much time am I required to participate in SCA-related activities?
Your involvement within the Shire, the Kingdom of Meridies or the SCA is a personal choice, and you can be a full-time, every-event attendee, or an occasional player. My philosophy is that you get out of it what you put in to it. You, the newcomer, are in control of how much fun you wish to have, and at what level.
What you do while in Forth Castle is also subjected to the amount of time you can spend in this endeavor. For example, I attend almost every Saturday fighter practice(at which I am mostly photographing the fighters), I go to every monthly business meeting, I have been to two weekend events in the last four months, and have spent numerous hours at our Marshal's house helping with a myriad of projects. The amount of your time you wish to invest is up to you.
Why do members use the word 'mundane', and what does it mean?
You will hear the word 'mundane' used rather frequently (we SCAdians use this to refer to aspects of our everyday life). The initials m.k.a., or mundanely known as, designates our real, or known-world, name. For instance, I am Matthias Vandorol, m.k.a. Scott Tant. Though we attempt to maintain a lifestyle as true to the Middle Ages as possible, there is no denying certain modern technologies (internet, automobiles, cell phones, etc.) and their usefulness. We attempt to keep our actions as period as possible, despite these luxuries!
Why do they call being in the SCA 'playing'?
This is the term we use to describe our time in the SCA. Much like an RPG, we are playing a role, with a character we create. As realistic as you wish. Most within the Shire do no go all out and use the language and dialect of the Dark Ages, but we do address each other by title (My Lord or Lady, Your Grace, Your Excellency, etc.) depending on who you are addressing. Chivalry, respect and honor drive our actions, much as they did in the past.
Do I have to make up a name or persona?
Having a persona, or alter ego, is not required to 'play' within the Society, though it is encouraged. Each active member typically chooses a certain time period pre-17th century, a time recognized as the Middle Ages. Once you have found an era you like, next find a country or region that interests you. Your name, the clothing and the armor styles typically match this choice, though flexibility is always an option. If you have a question concerning this process, myself or any of the other members can help you. For examples of personas, please browse our Meet The Populace folder.
How much time am I required to participate in SCA-related activities?
Your involvement within the Shire, the Kingdom of Meridies or the SCA is a personal choice, and you can be a full-time, every-event attendee, or an occasional player. My philosophy is that you get out of it what you put in to it. You, the newcomer, are in control of how much fun you wish to have, and at what level.
What you do while in Forth Castle is also subjected to the amount of time you can spend in this endeavor. For example, I attend almost every Saturday fighter practice(at which I am mostly photographing the fighters), I go to every monthly business meeting, I have been to two weekend events in the last four months, and have spent numerous hours at our Marshal's house helping with a myriad of projects. The amount of your time you wish to invest is up to you.
Why do members use the word 'mundane', and what does it mean?
You will hear the word 'mundane' used rather frequently (we SCAdians use this to refer to aspects of our everyday life). The initials m.k.a., or mundanely known as, designates our real, or known-world, name. For instance, I am Matthias Vandorol, m.k.a. Scott Tant. Though we attempt to maintain a lifestyle as true to the Middle Ages as possible, there is no denying certain modern technologies (internet, automobiles, cell phones, etc.) and their usefulness. We attempt to keep our actions as period as possible, despite these luxuries!