My Introduction to the SCA
Tonight, Strix and I went to an SCA event here in town. I have thought about checking out SCA for a very long time, but never did. A co-worker of mine, however, asked me to go to this one, so we got our costumes together and went.
For those of you who don't know, the SCA, or Society for Creative Anachronism, is a social club that gets together and basically acts like they are in olden times. I say olden times because it's not real specific. The period for the costumes can range from early Roman to late Renaissance. They dress up, they "hold court," they practice old European crafts, and they simulate combat with everything from rapier fighting to crossbows to war-hammers.
I have to admit that one of the things that kept me away from actually attending one is that it has a high "nerd factor." I say that with some shame because I grew up a nerd, am still a nerd, and would rather not be thought of as one, but there it is. I was in the fencing club in college, though, and really enjoyed that, and was always fascinated with the period costumes.
Many, or perhaps even most SCA people make their costumes. I had neither the talent or the time to make a costume before this event, and period attire was mandatory. I ended up buying most of my garb from a company that sells that sort of stuff, and I got a couple of compliments on it tonight, so it must not have been too bad.
I already owned the sword. My brother Matthew gave it to me for Christmas several years ago, and it's been hanging on my wall ever since. The studded leather doublet, the sword belt, the pants, and the boots all came from Museum Replicas, and wasn't really that expensive. The gloves were from Old Navy, so I can't claim that they're authentic, but no one yelled heretic and tried to throw me out.
Since Strix took all of the shots, I won't steal any more from her.
The day consisted of this: We went to an elementary school where they had gotten permission to practice their melee combat in the cafeteria, and watched them fight. I did not participate, as my costume doesn't include the proper protective attire, but as I watched I thought to myself, "You know, they're really over-extending themselves," or "Proper fencing form would help them keep their balance." I'd like to do it sometime to see if my old fencing days come back to me. They were actually practicing for a "war" that's being held in Arizona in three weeks, where hundreds of SCA'ers will meet on a battlefield and fight it out.
Then we went to the "court," which was being held in the Masonic lodge, of all places. They had decorated it very well, putting up Celtic and medeival tapestries. The Baron and Baroness of the Barony (the local chapter) held court, as did the King and Queen of the Outlands (basically the Western Region of the SCA), and there was much kneeling and words I didn't understand. It was kind of like going to church, only with less singing.
After that we ate, and the food was good. There was also a silent auction, from which Strix and I left with a picnic/wine basket, a bottle of wine, and a bottle of home-made mead which we'll have to collect a later date.
At the end of the night, I determined that SCA is something that I'm not sure I can get into nearly as thoroughly as the others I met tonight. I would like to try my hand at the rapier fighting, since I enjoyed foil fencing so much in college, and I love the costumes, though I have little desire to learn how to make them myself. For those who do throw themselves into it wholeheartedly, though, its a source of great joy, strong friendships, and a sense of family. These people love and understand each other on a deep level, and that's worth something.
Comments