Newcomers Info
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Welcome to the SCA!
You have reached the website of the Canton of Cyddlain Downs, which is a part of the Barony of Nottinghill Coill, within the Kingdom of Atlantia. We are a small part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, an international group which re-creates life in the middle ages and renaissance.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA) is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the study of medieval and renaissance culture, and the presentation of the knowledge gained through a form of living history.
An "anachronism" is something that is out of its proper time frame; creative anachronism describes how SCA participants take their favorite aspects of the "period" and recreate them in the modern world. The SCA "period is defined to be Western civilization between 600 CE and 1600 CE.
What makes the SCA truly unique is that its members don't just study various aspects of history, they attempt to recreate what they study. And that study can incorporate anything that would have been done in history - from the scholarly use of calligraphy and illumination to the martial activities of fighting on the battlefield with sword and shield. If it was practiced during the time frame of the SCA, then someone in the SCA is attempting to bring it to life.
With cultures so full and rich as those in the SCA time period, how does one even begin to discuss all the activities available? The easiest way is to divide the activities into three broad categories: Research in the Arts & Sciences; the Combative Arts; and the formal gatherings, known as "Events" in the SCA, in which members share and practice what they've learned.
Arts & Sciences
The Arts and Sciences (A&S) provide the foundation for the SCA. Without them, we wouldn't know what to wear, what to eat, or how to fight. Through A&S we learn how people lived during our Period and how things were done like spinning and weaving the cloth used in clothing. But unlike classes that we all took in high school and college, in the SCA we actually learn how to do these things. At any event or demo, you can find people spinning yarn, weaving fabric or trim, embroidering garments, making jewelry, chain mail, or plate armor, or any one of a number of activities that might have been done by people in the Middle Ages or Renaissance.
In fact, just about any activity that a person in our period would have done would be considered appropriate to learn about. We've had people investigate such things as soap-making, alchemy, siege weapons, portrait painting, gardening, herbology, cookery, etc. The SCA offers many ways to assist someone who is interested in learning a new skill or gaining knowledge in a particular field. In addition, the SCA promotes A&S by offering its members the opportunity to share work they have completed through displays or through organized competitions. These opportunities provide a learning experience for both participants and non-participants.
Just as there are a variety of Arts and Sciences in the SCA, so too are there a number of Combat activities:
- Armoured combat
- Rapier combat
- Archery
- Thrown weapons
- Equestrian
As in any sport, there are rules designed to increase the safety of the game. The "Rules of the List" set out the Society's standards for SCA combat. Each region adds additional rules and requirements covering acceptability of blows, styles of weapons and fighting, and armor. For each activity, the participants are responsible for obtaining their own equipment, but generally some is available for newcomers to borrow until they get their own.
Armoured Combat can best be compared with medieval foot tournaments. These tournaments can take two forms: one on one combat and group or team battles called melees. In these contests, combatants put on armour and face each other with blunted weapons such as swords, maces, axes, and polearms. These weapons are made out of a type of wood, rattan, that is used in the manufacture of many types of furniture. The advantage to rattan is that it is relatively springy enough to absorb some of the force of the blow, yet solid enough to deliver a strong shot.
Rapier Combat or Period Fencing is a form of fighting involving light swords such as the Rapier, from the period beginning in the mid 15th century. Combatants are lightly armoured and rely on movement, speed, and agility. Our recreation of this form of combat comes from multiple documented sources. This form of combat evolved into modern day fencing.
Archery has two variations in the SCA: target archery and combat archery. Target archery, as the name implies, involves shooting a real arrow at a target. Bows are generally longbows and not the recurves seen today. Combat archery involves shooting blunted arrows or crossbow bolts at armoured combatants. Just as in armoured combat, there are rules to ensure the safety of those involved.
Equestrian activities involve learning and perfecting the horsemanship skills for hunting and war that any upper-class citizen would have known, even jousting. The safety of the animals and participants is of primary concern, so great care is taken in training of those interested in these activities.
Events are gatherings or social functions where we get together to recreate the ambiance and practice the arts and sciences of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. They are organized and run entirely by SCA volunteers for other SCA participants. An admission fee is charged to cover the local group's expenses in running the event, which usually lasts one day or spans a weekend if camping is included. These events are open to members and non-members but attendees are required to wear clothing resembling that of the Middle Ages or Renaissance. Help is available for those who need assistance with appropriate clothing.
This is the time that we practice and participate in the things we've learned, and generally have a good time. Events are held almost every weekend of the year somewhere, although your local group may have only one or two events in a year. Events generally consist of martial activities or tournaments, arts and sciences exhibits and competitions, classes or workshops on various topics, a large dinner with period food, and possibly medieval dancing, music, and storytelling. There are many different kinds of events, and the common pattern varies from place to place and season to season. The events are the most fun to most folks, because you get to go and show off all the things you have been learning in the past few months.
Membership in the SCA is open to everyone who has an interest and desire to learn more about the lifestyle and customs of the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, and who is also willing to abide by our rules and customs. While membership is not required to attend events, by formally joining the SCA, you provide valued financial support, are counted in the growing ranks of those supporting the Society's aims and ideals, and may receive a discount at many Society events.
Western South Carolina has four local SCA chapters. Please Follow this link to see if there is an area near you , and contact the CHATELAINE of your local area.
If you are outside our area, please click here to locate your local group.