Alright, you're probably thinking something like "What in the [bleep] is the SCA?" right now. Well, first off, you might want to know what it's an anacronym for. Spelled out, it is "Society of Creative Anachronism". Basically, it's a recreation of the way things were done in old times (commonly 600-1600 AD, though there's more than a few exceptions), with some obvious modifications (no Black Death, no slaves, etc.). The main focus which people generally portray is anything which had routine contact with European countries during the aforementioned time period, with few exceptions (I expect there's a few Spartans for example somewhere in one of the various groups, as one example). The things recreated include metalworking, brewing, garment-making, equestrian activities (things that would involve a horse), and (likely the biggest draw for the group) combat.

 

 

 

There's a bunch of various "kingdoms" scattered across the planet, ranging from the entirety of the US, most of Europe (obviously ;) ), Africa (this one suprised me), and Australia. These are further subdivided into principalities, which basically translate into regional "kingdoms". You should probably find at least a little info on the principality and kingdom you find yourself situated in, if you want to check it out in person. A full description of it can be found at the official SCA website, which provides links to the websites of the various sub-groups as well as some general knowledge you would want to know.

 

 

 

Chances are, this isn't the only group of this nature, and I want to hear your personal opinions and experiences with them. I'm personally thinking of checking out my given area's events, which should prove to be interesting. Even better if we have someone on these boards whose a member of one of these groups! Let's hear it!

 

 

 

--------------------------------------

 

 

 

Just as a cursory measure, I don't want to see any flaming or other idiotic activities on this post. Just so we're clear; yes, this group tends to wear old-school clothing to their events, yes, they talk in an unusual manner, no, it is not alright for you to point it out as something to laugh at. Thank you.

So it's like awesomely massive LARPing? Whoa, that's really cool. I might see if there's anything like that near me.

 

 

 

I wouldn't don armor and fight for my nation with swords, though. I'd fly a [bleep]ing helicopter and shot the hell outta the other guys.

 

 

 

8-)

 

 

 

Really sounds pretty nifty, all the same.

They do sword-fighting or whatever in the park up the street from me. It looks incredibly badass :P

I'm officially affiliated with the College of St Ursula and Her One Hundred (or is it Thousand?) Virgins and Martyrs, as part of the Barony of Rowany, in the Kingdom of Lochac.

 

 

 

For those who haven't picked up on it yet, I really like fighting with swords.

Hmm. This sounds... interesting...

Off topic: to the above poster, that thing in your sig is awsome! :shock:

 

This sounds epic. Now where did I put my chain mail?

I'm officially affiliated with the College of St Ursula and Her One Hundred (or is it Thousand?) Virgins and Martyrs, as part of the Barony of Rowany, in the Kingdom of Lochac.

 

 

 

For those who haven't picked up on it yet, I really like fighting with swords.

 

 

 

 

 

You're in New Zealand? Yipe. Thought you were from Europe or North America. :-w [/offtopic]

 

 

 

If you were to check the map, I'm in the province of Aethelmearc called the Shire of Misty Highlands. I have yet to go to one of the meetings, but I'm wanting to. I'm very unlikely to be able to get there on my own, which would necessitate me figuring out transport.

I'm officially affiliated with the College of St Ursula and Her One Hundred (or is it Thousand?) Virgins and Martyrs, as part of the Barony of Rowany, in the Kingdom of Lochac.

 

 

 

For those who haven't picked up on it yet, I really like fighting with swords.

 

 

 

 

 

You're in New Zealand? Yipe. Thought you were from Europe or North America. :-w [/offtopic]

 

Lochac is, IIRC, Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

 

I'm from Oz.

I'm officially affiliated with the College of St Ursula and Her One Hundred (or is it Thousand?) Virgins and Martyrs, as part of the Barony of Rowany, in the Kingdom of Lochac.

 

 

 

For those who haven't picked up on it yet, I really like fighting with swords.

 

 

 

 

 

You're in New Zealand? Yipe. Thought you were from Europe or North America. :-w [/offtopic]

 

Lochac is, IIRC, Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

 

I'm from Oz.

 

 

 

Ah. Alright, then. Cool. Think some time you can give me a little in-depth info about how they do combat? You know, equipment, specific rules, match types, ability to add interesting elements (maybe allow random weapons to be scattered around the arena as an example), etcetera? I could think of some ways of sensibly modifying the matches which a lot of combat junkies might find fun. Also, maybe when I get certified to fight and get pretty good, you and me could go at it? I probably suck on a galactic level, but the best way to get better is to fight the strongest people.