/r/sca

Photograph via snooOG

Recreational mediævalism. An unofficial subreddit for folks associated with the Society for Creative Anachronism, but not an official organ of the SCA, Inc.

Recreational mediævalism

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  • New to the SCA?
  • West: Alaska, Japan, Korea, Nevada, northern California, Pacific Rim & Thailand
  • East: Connecticut, Delaware, eastern New York, eastern Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island & Vermont
  • Middle: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa (Scott county), Kentucky (except southwest counties), Michigan, Ohio & Ontario (Essex & Windsor counties)
  • Atenveldt: Arizona
  • Meridies: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (Allen, Barren, Calloway, Logan, Simpson & Warren counties) & most of Tennessee
  • Caid: Hawaii, Nevada (greater Las Vegas) & southern California
  • Ansteorra: Eastern Texas & Oklahoma
  • Atlantia: District of Columbia, Georgia (Augusta), Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina & Virginia
  • An Tir: Most of British Columbia, Idaho (northern tip), Northwest Territories, Oregon, Washington & the Yukon
  • Calontir: Northern Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri & Nebraska
  • Trimaris: Florida & Panama
  • The Outlands: Eastern Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas (El Paso & Hudspeth counties) & eastern Wyoming
  • Drachenwald: Africa, Europe & the Middle East
  • Artemisia: Western Colorado, southern Idaho, Montana, Utah, western Wyoming
  • Æthelmearc: Western New York, central & western Pennsylvania & West Virginia
  • Ealdormere: Ontario (save for Essex County & northwestern Ontario)
  • Lochac: Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand
  • Northshield: Manitoba, upper peninsular Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, northwestern Ontario, South Dakota & Wisconsin
  • Gleann Abhann: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi & Tennessee (Memphis)
  • Avacal: Alberta, eastern British Columbia & Saskatchewan

/r/sca

19,395 Subscribers

1

How to strap a zischagge helmet for heavy combat?

I obtained a well made zischagge helmet made by Illusion Armory and have never strapped a helmet of this type before. Any recommendations? Please have illustrations as I can keep a better view of my progress to ensure I get it right. I will be fighting SCA heavy, and this helmet is very different from my munitions grade bassinet with a conical top. Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/03/21
21:59 UTC

3

Grape Juice Tart (c. 1550)

0 Comments
2024/03/20
20:31 UTC

12

News: SCA Digital Card Maintenance

As a reminder, due to routine system updates, the information in some fields of your SCA digital card may have gone blank or temporarily appear differently. Some members may have also received an erroneous renewal email from membership@cuseum.org while this back-end maintenance was being performed by Cuseum, our digital card provider. Please disregard this email; it does not accurately reflect your renewal status.

Your digital card information will automatically correct after the update and none of your information has been changed, nor has any amount been charged to your account. No further action is required on your part.

In the meantime, you may verify your information by logging into the portal and clicking the Request Proof of Membership button, or by requesting one via email from us if you have not already received one.

We apologize for any inconvenience that may be caused while the digital card system is down for maintenance. And be on the lookout for new features coming soon!

Thanks so much for your kind patience and understanding!

14 Comments
2024/03/20
03:08 UTC

3

Mouth Guard recommendations?

Heyo! I’ve been fighting for four plus years now and have used a cheapo mouth guard on and off during that time. In general, I only feel like I need when fighting against great-weapon.

However, I’m looking for something a little nicer or something that isn’t as bulky as the mouth guards I’ve used in the past.

So any recommendations? Thanks!

18 Comments
2024/03/19
22:57 UTC

5

Question Is there a r/Sca Rants and Raves on Reddit ?

23 Comments
2024/03/19
16:32 UTC

85

9 Years of Experience in the SCA, There are Issues....

I have spent nearly a decade of my life attending SCA events, my first event being Pennsic 2015. From that event forward, I have been a staff member at nearly every single local event, staff at kingdom level events, and one interkingdom position that would draw too much attention. The allure of the SCA has always been, and still is, undeniable for me. It offers a community woven together with a shared enthusiasm for history, culture, and the arts. However, it is too easy for the actions of a few to cast a long, dark shadow over the many, turning what was once anticipation and excitement into feelings of trepidation and anxiety. I have come to the realization that there are profoundly negative things that make participation personally detrimental, and it appears that toxic behavior and abuse has become an unsettling precedent from high stationed members.

It appears my experience is not isolated. A cursory glance through social media history highlights a growing number of people having the same experience. One of the core problems lies in the hierarchical structure of the SCA, where title and rank often come with a perceived amount of prestige and influence. While this is integral to the SCA, the unchecked nature of the system allows for power dynamics to be exploited, allowing toxic behavior to flourish.In my experience, the majority of high-ranking members are a pleasure to talk to and often experts in their own craft or individuals of unparalleled generosity who are dedicated to our wonderful game.

However, there exists a minority who seem to have lost sight of the fact that, at its heart, the SCA is meant to be a game, instead wielding their status as privilege like a weapon, using it to enforce their will, seemingly forgetting the spirit of the SCA.

Here are some of the things I have personally experienced, and then a list of things I've witnessed.(For the uninitiated, here are some acronyms i will be usingOL = Order of the LaurelOP = Order of the Pelican, of which I aspireKSCA = Knight of the SCATHL = The Honorable, a title given to a Lord or Lady for various awards).

Experienced (1st hand):

  • Garb Shaming (OL)Body Shaming (Experienced in multiple ways, various members of OP and KSCA)
  • Physical Abuse (in the form of simple assault, rectified by proper authorities)
  • Public Shaming (OP, because I didn't use someones SCA name (I was relatively new to the sca, > 2 years, and had known this person longer outside the SCA)
  • Verbal Abuse (Cussed out by KSCA because I didn't know I was in the way. Insulted with no provocation about my appearance and mannerisms by a member of the OP.)
  • Shaming for use of a specific medication.
  • Blatant abuse of power IE: Refusal to follow rules due to status, ignoring society's code of conduct, etc.

Witnessed:

  • Abuse of Disabled persons (Wheelchair/Service animal By THL and separate members of the OP and OL.)
  • Harassment of Service Animals (By THL, and separate members of the OP and OL).
  • More Garb ShamingPhysical
  • Abuse in the form of Assault
  • Sexual Assault in the form on non-consent touching
  • Inappropriate Sexual Comments, non gender specific.

I could keep adding to the list, but you get the point.

In an effort to overcome some of these challenges, I've attempted to change the way I approach the SCA. This involved reshaping my social interactions, enforcing boundaries, and being selective about the events I attended and my role at them. This brought me some relief, yet the small and close-knit communities that make up the SCA make it difficult. The small victories I did have only served to underscore the failures.

I've also sought to remedy these issues through the proper channels, escalating concerns as needed. While this approach has led to some positive outcomes, it has also been met with excuses, dismissal, or worsened behavior in retaliation. The severity of some of these incidents has even launched internal investigations at a kingdom level.I want to be clear that my experiences, though significant, do not define the SCA. However, the balance has tipped for me, and the cost now significantly outweighs the benefits.

As I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating how to recalibrate my participation in the SCA. This doesn't mean I am ending all attendance but rather thoughtfully reconsidering the role I play both locally, at the kingdom, and interkingdom levels.

After all, our hobbies should be sources of joy, not distress. I hope the SCA can address some of the concerns, put safeguards into place, and continue fostering a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and kindness.Comments are open for discussion, I will try to respond. I will not discuss specific persons in the comments, or give more personal information about where I play.

(edited because it formatted strangely upon publish)

85 Comments
2024/03/18
21:14 UTC

7

Prospective member question

Prospective SCAdian here. I’ve been thinking of possible persona ideas, and I’m leaning towards a Roman persona. Does anybody have any good resources for things such as names, garb, and history?

14 Comments
2024/03/18
19:06 UTC

27

Garb, historical accuracy, and just being selfish

I'm just being selfish, really. I so want a total nerd when it comes to historically accurate garb to show up at a local event. I want to hang out with them and chatter about things like fabrics and weaves and thread and nap and cutting and materials and methods. I want to sit beside them and stitch or do other fibery things from shorn fleece (or bast fiber) through final garment. I want them to wear garb I completely admire.

That's not to say that I can't find something to admire on everyone's garb at any event. There's always something to appreciate. I'm just greedy, and I want more of it. I know that good garb gets expensive. Fast. I know that kids outgrow their garb. I know that people have limited time and resources to put into garb.

I wish I could "fix" the issue by teaching fiber skills, but I'm an absolute crap teacher. I don't know how I do what I do. My needle tells me what to do and how to do it. What am I going to do? Stand up, holding a needle and a length of thread and say: "This is your needle. Listen to her. Class dismissed!" I already know I'm a crap teacher from past experience. And it wasn't for lack of willingness or effort. So...since I'm a crap teacher, I just want another garb nerd to hang out with. Or everyone to have such completely, overwhelmingly, wonderfully accurate and beautiful garb that I spend the event just sighing from aesthetic overload :)

Daydream over, and I'll go back to reality now...

65 Comments
2024/03/18
11:03 UTC

15

Pennsic with Service Dog

My wife and I are planning on going to Pennsic this year yay! She's been a few times, but this will be my first. I was wondering if anyone could talk about their experience bringing their service dog to Pennsic. We'll be there the second week.

Since we live in a small town, my SD hasn't had much exposure huge crowds, so we've started doing weekend camping trips along with going to local fight practices with him, and places with big crowds to get him used to it.

So for anyone who has brought their SD to Pennsic, what was your experience? Is there anywhere that you can take your SD that they can just be a dog and relax other than in your tent? Was it a pain to get them in or was anyone difficult to deal with? I know SDs can cause some people to lose their marbles, so I do expect some level of pushback and questions.

21 Comments
2024/03/17
01:04 UTC

4

Fencing cape pattern?

I recently got back into fencing and would like a cape for it. I've been reverse engineering a pattern with the help of my textile-inclinded sister and I'm gearing up to make a mock up. However, I realized that I could definitely save myself some suffering if someone happened to have a pattern or fabric suggestions. Based on retail capes, so far I'm looking at making 3/4 wheel cape that's ~35" long with leather ties at the neck. My sister also recommended interfacing to give it more body and stability.

Does anyone have a pattern they know works? Does anyone have fabric recommendations for the cape and/or the lining? Thanks in advance for any advice!

9 Comments
2024/03/16
21:41 UTC

5

Midnight Madness

Hello! This is my walk-through of "Midnight Madness" at Gulfwars! I'm sorry about the camera quality. I was using an old Go-Pro, but I hope you still enjoy!

0 Comments
2024/03/16
19:56 UTC

1

Will a Castille Armory blade work on a Regenyei rapier guard? (Looking at the Thibault guard)

Like the title says, does anyone know if a Castile blade will work on a Regenyei Guard? It doesn't look like Castille Armory makes any Thibault guards and I'm not a fan of the Regenyei blades and handle lengths. Looking for a Thibault type guard though and so far have only been able to find the Regenyei's guard.

4 Comments
2024/03/15
18:06 UTC

51

Gulfwars SCA Market Walk-through

Hello! I'm not sure if anybody is interested in this kind of stuff. But I made a walk-through of Gulfwars Market. I know some people are interested or just couldn't go. So this is for you!

I will be posting other videos from my time there. Some similar walk-through, some not. So stay tuned!

18 Comments
2024/03/15
15:07 UTC

2

Holbein Stitch Blackwork Embroidery Pattern from the Darmstadt Madonna, circa 1526 | Part 3

0 Comments
2024/03/15
14:27 UTC

34

I strapped my GoPro to my fencing mask to get a first person POV of what it's like to fence with the SCA!

1 Comment
2024/03/14
14:42 UTC

3

Holbein Stitch Blackwork Embroidery Pattern from the Darmstadt Madonna, circa 1526 | Part 2

0 Comments
2024/03/13
21:02 UTC

3

Another Plum Tart (c. 1550)

1 Comment
2024/03/13
20:23 UTC

31

Who wishes...

Who wishes there was a centralized website that had online classes for midevial crafts and the history behind them? Who wishes there was a place that covered not just the history of Europe but the whole world during the Middle Ages.

Would a website like that be something you would pay for? I would. As members of the SCA research plays a central roll in all that we do. As fun as it is, I wish there was an easier way to connect people to the resources they need/want. Some people, especially newcomers don't even know what they want. Giving folks a resource that is designed to teach, inspire, and spark creativity sounds like it would help leaps and bounds.

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

23 Comments
2024/03/13
09:49 UTC

46

Almost 1 year as a knight AMA

Good morning/ afternoon grand populace! I am Sir Kikuchi Kazumitsu of the Kingdom of Meridies, known by some as Baby Ninja. I was knighted last year at gulf wars. I am the youngest knight in my kingdom at 30, am a primary user of a 6 ft glaive in tournament and would love to answer any questions you have. (I do reserve the right to not answer if it is against the rules of the subreddit or would be circle secrets)

54 Comments
2024/03/12
17:00 UTC

8

Sour Cherry Tarts (c. 1550)

1 Comment
2024/03/11
20:58 UTC

13

To our heavy fighters, a question !

Greetings, cousins!

For those who have not seen my posts before, I am Lord Alastar MacLachlan, the Cyborg of Dreiburgen (I am a below-knee amputee in a carbon fiber prosthetic) from the Kingdom of Caid. I come to make an inquiry of and of our heavy fighters here:

To those of you who have taken a Scottish persona, what type of chest armor did you go with - a coat of plates, brigandine, scale armor or other? I am a fencer and archer currently, but I am wanting to cross train into heavy and would love to make any of my gear that I can. I love the idea of a brigandine, but iirc, there's not much shoulder protection. Am I incorrect?

I'm going to consult with some of my local heavies, but I was up late tonight considering my options and figured I should reach out to you all. Thank you in advance.

16 Comments
2024/03/11
05:47 UTC

11

POLL: TRM East Seek Feedback on Alternate Crown Tournament Formats – Matthias and Æsa Feilinn

24 Comments
2024/03/10
20:04 UTC

4

Walnut-Cheese Stuffed Roast (c. 1280)

1 Comment
2024/03/10
20:02 UTC

7

Shield construction

Question what is the preferred method of attaching rawhide to a shield blank? I'm working on my first shield and need an edging. I'm using 3/4 inch plywood

12 Comments
2024/03/10
08:21 UTC

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