Resources and Information for Newcomers

Getting acquainted with the SCA

• Overview and description of the SCA
How did the SCA begin? How is it organized? Why is everyone wearing odd clothing and bowing to those people with crowns on? And how can I join?

Newcomers' Guides

• A Newcomer's Guide to the SCA - Start Here!
  
  An eight-page brochure with color photos and information on: What is the SCA? - Getting Started - Who is Who? - Activities - Where to find SCA equipment - Recommended Reading

  Hi-res version

  Lo-res version

  Note: A version that can be printed as a 5.5" x 8.5" booklet is available on the Chatelain Resources page

• Forward Into the Past
  A introductory booklet published by the Society. Goes into a little more detail.
  What is the SCA - Getting Started - Fitting In - What to Wear and How to Behave - Making a T-tunic - Names and Personas - Kingdom & Local Officers - SCA Combat - Who is Who? - Heraldry - Guilds, Households, and Sociability - The Gentle Arts and Sciences
• A Guiding Hand - An Ansteorran New Member's Guide
  while this Guide is somewhat specific to the kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas), it has lots of good information on preparing to attend your first event, courtesy and etiquette, and the structure of SCA royalty and nobility.
• The Known World Handbook, The Fighters' Handbook and many other publications are also available from the SCA Stock Clerk's Office.

SCA Terminology

• Glossary of SCA Jargon (PDF)
  "Good grief - what do they mean by that?" The SCA has a vocabulary all its own. Here are definitions for the most commonly used terms you'll hear at events or read in newsletters.

Advice

• Advice to Newcomers
  Whether a long time SCA member brought you to your first meeting or you came by yourself, there's always a period of adjustment. Here's how to get yourself oriented quickly and begin to have some fun.
• "Newcomers are Nice - Advice to Established Members"
  Sometimes long time members are just as unsure about approaching newcomers as you are about approaching them! This article may help you both meet in the middle.

Children in the SCA

• Your Teenager and the SCA - Some Answers for Parents
• SCA Children's Officer Page
  - contact info for Childrens' Officers in each Kingdom
  - links to each kingdom's Youth Policies, Minors' Forms, Youth Combat, Childrens' (Pages) Academies, and other activities.

Finding a local SCA group

• How to find the local group near you
  Hints on how to locate your local group, and which officers to make contact with
• Search for your kingdom
  Enter your state, province, or country to see what kingdom you are in
• Knowne World Map
  Interactive maps of the SCA kingdoms - by Dante de Valencia.
• Rogan's SCA Search Engine
  a database of contact persons for SCA groups; search for your state/county. Note: this does not contain a complete listing of SCA groups.

What to Wear

• Making Medieval Clothes and Items
  Over 40 articles on Medieval and Renaissance clothing and accessories, including "How To's"; links to costuming resources
• Introduction to Garb
  Quick tips on making men & women's tunics, headcoverings, belts and pouches; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
• Practical Worksheet for tunic construction
  More detailed instructions on making a tunic/gown; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
• Some basic patterns are covered in the SCA's Forward Into the Past pamphlet.
• The SCA Without Breaking the Bank
  Tips on affordable ways to put together your garb (even if you can't sew!), armor, tablewear, camping gear, etc.

Things to do in the SCA

• SCADemo.com
  an overview of various activities in the SCA, including many arts and sciences. Lots of great photos! Available in English, Spanish, Danish, and French.
• Arts & Sciences links (Kingdom of Atlantia)
  Extensive lists of links for a variety of medieval and renaissance arts, crafts, sciences, games, and other pastimes.
• SCA Armored Combat, Fencing, and Combat Archery
  a brief overview, from SCADemo.com
• Archery and Thrown Weapons
  a brief overview, from SCADemo.com
• Archery
  an introduction to SCA archery (Some of the details, like archer rankings, are specific to the East Kingdom.) Includes links to articles and other archery websites.
• Equestrian Activities
  a brief overview, from SCADemo.com

Who to be in the SCA

• What is an SCA Name?
• Choosing a Society Name: Hints for Newcomers
• Medieval Names Archive
• Choosing a Name & Creating a Persona
• How do you get to be king? Who can use noble titles? How should I address people?
  See "Who is Who?" chapter of Forward Into the Past

Heraldry

• What is an SCA Heraldic Device?
• About Heraldic Display
• A Guide to the Heraldic Submissions Process