What Should you Expect at your First S.C.A. Event

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I am going to write about some of the things to expect at your first S.C.A. event, but this is kind of like a choose your own adventure story.  Every event is different, and finding out what to expect at the event you attend is probably one of the most important things you could do.  But let’s say you don’t have a chance to talk to anyone beforehand, or you’re just too shy to ask; these are a few of the things you should expect at your first event.

So you’ve found out about an S.C.A. event coming up and you want to go.  Great!  What should you do before you go to be well prepared?  First, let’s find out more about the event.  Each shire, kingdom or barony will handle event announcements differently.  Some will be in a written newsletter, some will be on their official website, some do email groups and some do a good job of keeping things updated on Facebook.  Some events have their own websites separate from the official barony pages.  I find most of my information about local events on Facebook.  The drawback, I have found, is that I often do not know what all of the things to do at the event are going to be until I get there or until I ask another member.  Here are a few questions to ask while you’re looking into the event.

  • Is there food provided?  Do I need or want to bring a dish?
  • Is there drinkable water available on site?
  • Which martial activities are going on?
  • Are there Arts and Sciences activities going on?  If so, are they classes, or workshops, or an actual competition?  Does the competition have a theme?
  • Is there going to be loaner equipment available for any of these activities?
  • What is the cost?
  • What time is the event?  Where is it?
  • Are there other, undisclosed activities? (We have events every year that involve a cookie contest and a pie contest.  The first year I went to each, I found this out by word of mouth and did not see it written in any announcements.)
  • Is this a dry site?  Some locations do not allow any alcohol, or it risks losing the ability to use the site the next year.

You’ve decided you want to go to this event, and you think you’ve gotten most of your questions answered, so you’re almost ready to go.  There are a few things you’ll want to get before you leave the house.  One very important thing is what you’re going to wear.  Already have an outfit?  Great!  If you don’t, each group has a set of what we call Gold Key in my area.  It is loaner garb.  You can chat with someone before you go and ask them to ensure there are Gold Key items that may fit you available to be used that day.  Usually, there are extra tunics laying around in someone’s back seat that they’d be willing to loan you for the day.  You can also try a quick fix from Amazon or eBay.  Just know that most items you purchase inexpensively from these sellers are usually not made out of the right material to be historically accurate.  I have found several sellers who have some sort of celtic dress for $30-$70.  Many of these you need a chemise (underdress) for separately, and the material is a very thin, silky, synthetic material.  They will do just fine for anyone’s first few events, but many people will choose to outgrow more mass-produced looking garb.

There are garb police out there; people who feel it is their place to point out that others’ garb is not historically accurate, or they are not wearing it right.  I imagine that the people who are doing this have the best of intentions, but it can be hurtful or make you feel like you don’t belong.  I think every person in the SCA has been through this before.  If you’d like more input about how to make your garb more historically accurate, then ask for help.  There are a lot of people with different specialties.  Personally, I don’t really care if I am perfectly accurate.  I want to wear pretty things and look nice, and have fun doing amazing things with my friends.  I am glad that I was told in advance that there may be people who were not exactly nice about costuming.  It helps me ignore their comments if they’re not pleasant.

If there is going to be food at the event, you probably want to bring dishes, silverware and a cup.  In my experience, someone always remembers to bring some plastic things with them, but it’s easy to get pulled out of your experience when trying to eat off of white styrofoam.  A set of silver from your drawer at home, a plain plate, bowl and mug will make your day easier.  If you’re not sure and you like to be prepared, you can always put them in the car and go get them if they’re needed.  If there’s not going to be food provided, you may want to bring some snacks so you don’t feel like you have to leave early!  Once you have whatever money you need for the event, plans for an outfit, and plans for food for the day, you’re ready to go!

If you’re new to the SCA, you may not be a member yet.  That’s ok!  Somewhere usually toward the entrance to the event there will be a sort of sign in table.  This is called troll in S.C.A.  This is where they count the money for the event, make sure everyone is either a member or has signed a waiver so we’re all covered on the insurance end of things, and that everyone has the information they need for the day.  They’ll often have schedules and maps.  If you are a member, you need your membership card and your ID.  Members get a discount to events because a portion of your membership goes to funding your insurance for the whole year.  If you’re not a member, you’ll sign a waiver and pay a slightly higher fee to be sure the society protects you and itself.  This is the best place for information, but if you arrive right when the event starts, it will probably be a little hectic.  If you’re a little early, ask the people at Troll what events are going on that day and see if there is a map for the site.  Ask what they think you HAVE to do at that event.  We went to an event recently where they have a tavern brawl with the heavy fighters, and it was very fun to watch.

Step One: Check in at troll.

Most S.C.A. events have a cost to them.  The cost varies greatly and will changed based on whether you’re a member.  I think the most expensive event I have gone to (other than Pennsic) was somewhere in the realm of $25 and I think the least expensive was $5.  These fees go to pay for the event site, whatever food they may be serving that day, any site tokens or other costs to creating the event itself, a portion goes as profit to the local group where you are so they can continue to provide other services for the society.  More expensive events usually have extras, such as an overnight stay or a feast which is sometimes optional.

Step Two: Find out Times

Make sure you find out what time the events you want to take part in are happening.  Archery ranges will only be open for certain hours, judging for A&S competitions takes place at certain times, and heavy fighting and fencing sometimes alternate.  There may be performances by bards, choirs, or comedia groups.  Decide what you really want to take part in or what you really want to see at the event, and make sure you don’t get distracted and miss it!

Step Three: Make Friends

The best part of S.C.A. are the people.  I think one of the most exciting things for me is getting to talk to people who have just started to come have fun with us.  You won’t remember everyone’s name, and that’s ok.  This is our passion, and we love to talk about it and give others what we know.  Come make friends and have fun with us.

Step Four: Enjoy your Activities

Slow down for a few moments and enjoy doing what you came to do!  Learn, and really be immersed in what you’re doing.  Where else do you get to the awesome things we do?  This is the whole reason why you came, so let yourself enjoy it.

Step Five: Attend Court

If you’ve never been to court before, it’s definitely an experience.  This is where you’ll see the most pageantry.  There will be heralds and banners, thrones, awards and just general courtesy.  There are processionals and recessionals, sometimes there is music.  There can be a lot of talking, so finding a court buddy who is going to explain what is going on is really helpful.  There are often recognitions for the day, announcements, and awards for your barony or your kingdom.  Getting to see the king and queen, baron and baroness for the first time was really cool.  For me, that is a big part of the magic that S.C.A. provides.

Step Six: Ask Where You Can Help

There are always things to do.  They range from tidying up, picking up chairs, running the trash to the dumpster, or maybe just helping pack things back into people’s’ cars.  All the archery targets, loaner gear, serving equipment, thrones and banners have to make their way home.  An extra pair of hands is always appreciated.  If there’s nothing to do this time, people will think of you next time, and it makes a good impression.  That way, everyone can have even more fun next time.