Sca!

[Nyx]

Is anyone here in the SCA? (or even know what it is?)
If so, what Kingdom(s) do you play in?

My household is based out of the West, but I spend half my year down in the hot, southern lands of Caid. (makes going to events interesting ;) )

[willowfairy]

I have no idea what it is, but it sounds pretty cool. Is it a computer game?

[Nyx]

No, though that would be a neat idea. ;)
It's the Society for Creative Anachronism (sp?). It's basically the modern middle ages. I know some SCAers would be offended by this, but the easiest way to explain it is, it's like a big Ren Faire, except FAR more serious.
I'm surprised no one else is invovled in it, but, I can't expect everyone to read this post!

[Dirah]

Merry Meet good gentles!
I do a lot of Ren Faire stuff, but I am hoping to show at the big one(Pennsic) this year because although finding info on sca is like pulling teeth, from what I've heard it sounds great, if only because it dosent revolve around the big $.
I am really into the history of that age and I like the idea that sca is more authentic in its portrayal of the times. So I hope to make it this year and who knows mabye I'll get hooked!

[Nyx]

WOW, pennsic!
I envy you if you get to go. I have to stick to smaller wars, near by wars for now, like West/An Tir or Great Western War. The wars are definetly a sight to see, I'll tell you that!
I got started in the Ren Faires as well, and you're right, the SCA tends to be more authentic. However, I think a lot of that comes from not having to deal with tourists. There are pureists (sp) but, generally people will let you get away with some liberties, especially if you are new.
I would suggest trying to find a group in your area. You say you're in Illinois, so, that puts you in the Middle Kingdom (Midrealm) I included there url, if you need it.
http://www.midrealm.org/
They should have someone who you can contact for info, or at the very least, a calander of events, so, you can attend things near by.
Starting out alone can be rough. I know, because that's how I started (just under a year ago), but, hopefully, you'll meet lots of people, and have a great time! It's lots of fun!

[Nyx]

Oooh, I should mention, the Chatelaine is the newcomer-helper-person. You may want to speak with the Kingdom level one, or find a local group and contact their Chatelaine. Their symbol is a gold key, facing down, on a green background. The Midrealm page lists the contact info for the Kingdom's Chatelaine.

Hope that helps. :)

[Dirah]

Nyx,
thanks for the web address! I have been checking via computer and have found some info but some things are still a mystery (hierarchy , terms etc.) This past June, I met 2 Pennsic regulars at the Pagan Spirit Gathering in Ohio and they helped alot . How does it work with the main group and the sub groups? Would I go thru the main group or should I look for a more local subgroup?
Does Sca have any sort of publication that explains the whole thing? (am I asking too many questions?) I am a seeker after all!
Any advice is most greatly accepted!

Fare Thee Well!

[oskila]

Drachenwald (no shit:)) but haven't found time the past two or three years, plus I rather stick to ordinary latex sword LARPs

[Nyx]

Dirah

Trust me there is NO such thing as too many questions in the SCA. MOST (most), people in the Society will be more than happy to sit down with you, and talk themselves silly!. :)
I'm still a little fuzzy of some of the terms myself, but, PM me, and I'll try and help straighten them out for you. :D
If I were you, I would stick to playing in your local sub-group, ie a baroney, or shire, or canton, or whatever it happens to be. Of course, if you don't like that group, and there are otherones near by, you can play with them too. I only know how it works in the West, so it may be different in your Kingdom but, I'll try and explain. Households are the smallest groups. They are unoffical, in the sense that the Crown doesn't (usually) formaly recognize them. They do their own feasts (if they are larger enough, and some are), and generally help each other out at events. Local groups (in my case, Shires/Barony) will often get together to hold their own small events, like feasts, bardics, dances, wars, etc. Royals usually don't attended these events (they can, they just don't), and these usually only last a day. These events are usually open to anyone interested in attending.
Principalities, which is a big bunch of land in which the shires, etc are contained, also hold their own events. Wars, coronets, their own Arts and Sciences events. These usually more fighting at these events, and they last longer. (an entire weekend in the West, but again, varies by Kingdom.) Usually, only those within the borders of the Principality that's hosting the event will go, but, it's open to all. If it's a war, both sides go!
At a Kingdom level, the Crown hosts larger events like Crown tourneys and coronations. Everyone is welcome. It's a lot of heavy fighting, some light (not for the Crown, just for fun), and a WHOLE lot of Court! There's always shopping and things to do at these events. These also tend to last an entire weekend. (fri even-sunday afternoon. Again, that's here in the West. Other Kingdoms vary)
In terms of publications, as far as I know, each Kingdom publishes their own newsletter. It usually just lists event info. I am not a paying memeber, so, I don't recieve this, so I can't offer to great of an explaination of it's purpose. There are also several World wide publications, that paying memebers can recieve. Again, as I don't pay, I don't know much about these. sca.org briefly mentions these things.
Ok, I hoped that answered your questions. I know it's a lot of info. :) If you think of something else, or if you need something from above clarified, you can go ahead and PM me and I'll do my best to answer your question. All this info comes from what I've been told by others and what I have seen, so there are bound to gaps in places. :bigredgri