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Etiquette and the SCA

Etiquette and courtesy are those subjects that whether it be modern times or medieval times have always seemed to be at the center of both the good and the bad sides of society. Chivalry itself was a centerpoint to the more "civilized" times during the Middle Ages and beyond. For someone new to the SCA , you will be I hope, well versed in just common courtesy, from your own lives. Throw the idea of having to deal with things like Kings and Queens and you have even more things to worry about.

There are few basic ideals, that help form the foundation of the type of chivalry and courtesy that the SCA would like to see practiced.

• Treat your inferiors in rank, knowledge or experience in the Society, as if they were your equals; treat your equals as if they were your superiors; treat officers as representatives of the Crown; and treat the King and Queen with the reverence due your sovereigns.
• Use medieval forms of address ( Titles in the SCA )
• Be faithful to your lord and your word.
• Gentlemen, honor all ladies
• Ladies, remain worthy of all honor
• Touch no man's goods unasked; give and receive with grace
• Be gentle to the stranger
• Raise your sword, but not your voice
• Let the slain man tell if he be slain
• Reverence the King and Queen

"What is the BEST ADVICE you ever received?". Here is a summary of some of the many answers from members near and far:

Please remember these are opinions of a someone who plays in the SCA. If you search hard enough you probably can find someone who will tell you the opposite.

- A very wise person once told me this
My goal at events are:

1. To have fun
2. To help my friends have fun
3. To aid to the greater good by using my superpowers to combat apathy and lameness
4. To learn new stuff

Sometimes, this excludes everything I actually planned to do at the event.

- Drink lots of water, you won't notice you're dehydrating cause you having too much fun.

- When some one offers you "Have Some." or "Try This" -- it is always alcholic! And you should ask what's in it first. If they are offering you water or soda, they will ask if you'd like a coke or some water...

- Keep a bag of such as immodium ad, aloe vera, and sunscreen, Off (Bug Spray), benedryl, tylenol and sunblock (Never forget this!)

- Co-Ed bathrooms or showers can occur. The rememdy for those who are shy, Get someone to be your Chaperone (aka lookout) and ask them to inform those who arrive. the good gentles of the SCA will patiently wait for you to do what you need to. You may also shower during the off peak times. I find that nighttime showers, especially before bedtime are not only relaxing but usually done in deserted shower rooms with plenty of hot water!

- Watch out for the gallon jugs of unidentifiable liquids that appear after dark.

- Taking care of yourself physically; the SCA is NOT fun when viewed through a dehydration headache or when your body is deprived of essentials. Sleep, food and water are three really important things and it is easy to forget them when you are like a kid in a candy store!

- I think hats are good. Hats are wonderful actually.

- Write your name and your camp or house on the bottom of your mug that way you (or your mug) can be returned if needed.

- Wear your shoes (voice of experience here)

- Also bring money for the merchants, they are great.

- A roll of toilet paper pack at the right time will have Peers be your friends.

- Extra feast gear = making friends out of strangers.

- Check a real map before you start your engine to leave for an SCA event. Directions in newsletters range from good to horrible. Plan your trip!

- Don't worry if you don't have a persona, garb that is laurel quality or a name that even the Welsh can't pronounce.

- Take your time and choose something you can live with for many years to come.

- Don't wait more than six months to choose a name or everyone may call you "Ruth" (male or female!)

- Go slowly, no one expects you to look like Henry the VIII at your first event. Use some inexpensive garb until you are ready to move on.

- Find something that you are interested in and do what YOU enjoy to the best of your ability and whether it's an 'in' thing or not, you win.

- Ask questions. Most everyone here loves to teach.

- Pay your bills before spending the money on your new sword, armour, chemise etc

- Do NOT join a household until you have been active in the SCA for at least a year.

- Do NOT involve yourself with politics for at least the same period.

- Volunteer! Service is its own reward. (and you meet people that way)

-Have fun. If this is not fun then your not doing it right.

- Remember that most of the people around you are as confused as you are.

- Nobody starts out knowing it all. And by asking you've given someone else a chance to shine and given yourself an opportunity to make a new friend.

- Don't lose yourself. The SCA can be overwhelming. What it IS, is a chance to meet people who have interests in common with you, a chance to interact with them and a chance to open up a closed part of yourself you maybe never knew was there. The SCA is the opportunity. You provide the substance.