FAQ

These frequently asked questions will provide further information about SCA activities and the Shire of Vulpine Reach. You can click any question to view its answer. If you have questions that are not answered here or elsewhere on our site, feel free to contact our Chatelaine.

General Questions

1-1. What is the Society for Creative Anachronism?

The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more.

1-2. What is the Shire of Vulpine Reach?

The Shire of Vulpine Reach is the local group that represents the Chattanooga metropolitan area, including the northernwestern Georgia counties, Hamilton county, and Bradley county. We are bordered by the Barony of Thor's Mountain (Knoxville metro area) to our north, the Shire of Loch Cairn (Winchester area) to our west, and the Shire of Owl's Nest (Marietta area) to our south.

Vulpine Reach was formed in the fall of 1978 and has been a Chattanooga fixture ever since, participating in many community events and festivals, working with other non-profit organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, and holding events for hundreds of Society participants every year. We have over 50 regular participants in all age ranges and walks of life.

1-3. Who participates in the Society?

The Society attracts individuals from all cultures, occupations, ages, and backgrounds. Anyone with an interest in history, arts and sciences, or recreational combat is welcome to participate, be you Jeff the professor or Joe the plumber.

Many people find us because of their love of the Middle Ages, either through interest in the history of the time period, or through movies, TV, literature, or other media set in period. Some find us because they have an interest in martial activities such as sword fighting, fencing, archery, or equestrian sports. Some find us because they enjoy crafts that flourished during our period such as cooking, leatherworking, embroidery, or costuming, just to name a few.

Most, however, stay participants in the Society because of the friends they make, the skills they learn, and the sense of accomplishment they feel when they help make our activities and events successful.

1-4. Am I required to pay for a membership?

While membership has great benefits (see below), you are never required to pay for a membership in the Society to attend meetings, workshops, combat practices, or events (though some events have a separate fee).

Becoming a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism is inexpensive and comes with great benefits. A sustaining membership costs just $45.00 per year and comes with a monthly subscription to our kingdom's newsletter, a discount on event attendance and other fees, and the ability to hold office. An associate membership is just $30.00 per year and does not include the newsletter. Family memberships are also available.

1-5. What does it cost to participate in Society activities?

Participation in many Society activities is free or very low-cost. There is no fee to attend meetings, combat practices, and most arts and sciences workshops. If you decide to take up a given art, craft, or combat style, there are costs associated such as arts and crafts supplies or armor and weapons.

Nearly every weekend, groups of the Society hold events that generally incur a small entrance fee (generally $5-10 for a day or $10-20 for a weekend with lodging), and may have a medieval feast served for an additional cost (usually between $5-10). Society members receive a $5.00 discount on their entrance fees to every event. Most people will find any given SCA event can provide a full weekend of fun for less than the cost of dinner and a movie.

1-6. Why do many people have two names?

In the Society, participants develop a "persona," representing the type of medieval person that might have lived at some point during the period we study. Part of developing a persona is researching and learning about specific cultures, such as Elizabethan-era England or Silk Road-era China. Society participants will construct a name (using historical records) matching the language, style, and elements of a given place and time, and they go by this name during SCA activities. As some culture's names are difficult for non-native (to that language) speakers to pronounce, please do not hesitate to ask someone how their name is pronounced.

Martial Activities

2-1. What is armored combat?

Armored combat is a safe, full-contact recreation of medieval sword combat. We utilize rattan weaponry and armor in a variety of period styles to simulate combat. While our combat is not staged or scripted, we do follow specific safety guidelines to ensure that our fights are active, engaging, but always safe. All combatants must meet minimum standards of protective armor and be authorized to fight under our guidelines.

2-2. What are the requirements to participate in armored combat?

For your first practice, you simply need an athletic protector (for men, a similar protector is recommended for women) and a mostly fearless attitude! We have sets of loaner equipment including helmets, armor, and assorted weapons to try out for the day. We'll cover the basics of our rules for combat, teach you some simple techniques, and then let you try it out yourself.

To participate at events, you will need to meet standards for authorization, including demonstrating a complete understanding of the combat guidelines, participating in monitored fight scenarios, and ownership of a full set of the minimum-required equipment.

2-3. How much does it cost to participate in armored combat?

After you've given armored combat a try, you may find you enjoy it a great deal and you want to start acquiring your own equipment. Most people find that having armor and weapons that are customized to your body frame makes for a more comfortable, successful fighting experience. You can acquire the basic equipment (helmet, neck, kidney/short ribs, hand/wrist, elbow, knees) for around $150 to 200.00. These costs may increase if you decide to cover more of your body in armor or acquire more complex or detailed armor. We also have many artisans who can teach you to make some of the necessary equipment (significantly reducing your upfront costs) and you may be able to find good deals on pre-owned equipment.

2-4. Is armored combat safe?

As armored combat is the medieval equivalent to a full contact sport, there is an inherent degree of risk. All combatants are trained to look out for their own safety and that of their opponents. We also require a referee (called a "marshal") to oversee all practices and tournaments. As important as it may seem to win, the real priority is the safety of our fighters.

2-5. What is rapier combat?

Rapier combat is an advanced adaptation of fencing. We still use standard fencing masks and cups, but the techniques we employ more closely resemble period fighting styles. We fight "in the round" meaning that you have more of an oppurtunity to use terrain against your opponent while minimizing the chance that you will be backed into a corner. We also use steel rapier simulators with rubber or leather blunts to recreate an authentic feel without comprimising safety.

2-6. What are the requirements to participate in rapier combat?

For your first practice, all that is required is an athletic protector (for men, a similar protector is recommended for women) and a willingness to learn. We have sets of loaner equipment including the necessary headgear, protective clothing, and accessories and many of our regular participants have extra swords you can test out. We'll teach you rudimentary technique and cover our safety rules, then you're welcome to join the fray.

To participate at events, you will need to meet standards for authorization, including demonstrating a complete understanding of the combat guidelines, participating in monitored fight scenarios, and ownership of a full set of the minimum-required equipment.

2-7. How much does it cost to participate in rapier combat?

If, after you've tried rapier combat, you find yourself excited for next weeks practice, you may be interested in gathering your own kit. It's a great help to have your own gear in this sport as you will want to acquaint yourself with a particular sword and may be more comfortable in equipment that is specifically sized to you. Many starter kits are available online starting at around $250. We also have many artisans who can teach you to make some of the necessary equipment (significantly reducing your upfront costs) and we suggest keeping your eyes open for good deals on gently used equipment.

2-8. Is rapier combat safe?

As with any martial art, there is an inherent degree of risk involved in rapier combat. All combatants are expected to look out for their own safety and that of their opponents. We also require a referee (called a "marshal") to oversee all practices and tournaments. More important than a win, safety will come first on the rapier field.

Arts and Sciences

3-1. What types of Arts and Sciences activities does the SCA offer?

The SCA offers a great range of Arts and Sciences activities including:

Brewing and Vintning
Calligraphy & Illumination
Cooking
Costuming and Clothing
Embroidery
Games
Gardens & Herbalism
Glass Working
Historical Study
Leather Working
Metalworking
Music and Dance
Performing Arts
Pottery
Weaving and Textiles
Woodworking
Writing and Poetry

And many more! Any art or craft that was practiced in the Middle Ages is certain to be practiced in the SCA.

Society Life and Culture

4-1. What is a Kingdom?

The SCA is divided into 19 regions called "Kingdoms." Each Kingdom is then subdivided into local groups or smaller regions, usually centered around a metropolitan hub. These range from shires (small, local groups) to baronies (larger, local groups) to principalities (a distinct region within a kingdom encompassing several shires and baronies).

The Kingdom of Meridies encompasses middle and east Tennessee, all of Alabama, nearly all of Georgia, southern Kentucky, and the panhandle of Florida. There are kingdoms that comprise the whole of the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and several portions of Africa, Asia, and India.

4-2. What is a King and Queen?

The King and Queen (together, the Crown) are the ceremonial officials of a given kingdom. In the SCA, we hold an event two to three times a year (depending on kingdom) called Crown List. At this event, armored combat participants enroll in a tournament where they compete to be designated the Prince or Princess (together, the Heirs) of the kingdom. They fight for the honor of a "consort," someone who inspires them and will reign with them if successful. Several months later, they over the positions of King and Queen from their predecessors. Shortly thereafter, they host a Crown List to determine a new set of Heirs, and so on.

The Crown directs most of the ceremonial proceedings in the kingdom, most importantly that of Court. At many events during the year, the Crown will gather the people together in Court to distribute awards, bestow titles, and make other announcements and proclamations. They also approve changes to Kingdom Law (a set of guidelines for awards, officers, and other matters) and handle other ceremonies as needed.

Being the King and Queen takes usually a year of hard work, travel, and committment. Both because of medieval aspects of royalty we emulate and in recognition of their hard work, we pay "reverence" to the Crown, meaning when we pass by them (or vice-versa) or their thrones at an event, we offer a simple bow or curtsy.

4-3. What is a Feast?

At most of our events, time is set aside for the attendees to gather together for a large meal we call "feast."

At any given feast, there may be several courses (or "removes") of dishes based on recipes or cooking traditions from the Middle Ages. Some feasts have a specific theme (such as Italian Renaissance dishes or food from Viking Scandinavia), some may feature a variety of dishes from different times and cultures.

However, feast is more than just food. It is a time to celebrate the victories of the tournaments that day and to meet new friends and share cameraderie with your fellows. Many feasts will feature entertainment such as storytelling, bardic performances, or music.

4-4. Why do some people wear ornamented crowns and circlets?

In the Society, we have a series of awards and honors that you can earn for a multitude of reasons, including service, skill in the arts and sciences, and prowess in combat and other martial activities. Most of these awards come with some form of token or medallion that specifically represents what that award was for (such as an image of a sword for a fighting award).

Some awards, however, may bestow a higher rank or title, and these are usually designated by some form of stylized hat or headband. These include:

- Award of Arms: Given for service to the local group. This gives you the title of Lord or Lady and entitles you to wear a 1/4" thick circlet (a band of metal usually worn at the forehead).
- Grant of Arms: Given for exceptional, long-term service to the kingdom. This gives you the title of The Honorable Lord or Lady and entitles you to wear a 1/2" circle. You can call these individuals "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship."
- Court Barony: Given for exceptional service. This gives you the title of Baron or Baroness and entitles you to wear a coronet (a small crown) with six points topped with pearls (or other round gems or stones). You can call these people "Your Excellency."
- County: Given to someone who served as King or Queen once. This gives you the title of Count or Countess and entitles you to wear a coronet embattled (resembles the top of a castle wall or tower). You can also call these people "Your Excellency."
- Duchy: Given to someone who served as King or Queen twice or more. This gives you the title of Duke or Duchess and entitles you to wear a coronet of strawberry leaves. You can call these people "Your Grace."

Additionally, the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess have special Crowns they wear, they are addressed as "Your Majesty" and "Your Highness" respectively. The local officials who preside over baronies have the same title, headwear, and form of address as Court Barons.

4-5. How can I get more involved in the SCA?

There are several ways you can teach and serve in the Society.

SCA events require many staff members to help run tournaments, prepare feasts, teach classes and run workshops, and generally assist around the site. Before each event, the event leader (known as the "autocrat" or "event steward") will ask for volunteers for everything from feast cleanup crew to registration assistants. If you are a newcomer, we encourage you to select one or two small activities to volunteer. We find this benefits you by encouraging you to meet new people and giving you a sense of accomplishment during the event.

During the rest of the year, we have plenty of opportunities for service. Our shire and officers will frequently have ongoing projects such as constructing loaner clothing and equipment or painting banners that could always use an extra hand. Once you've participated for a while (usually at least six months to a year), you may find your interests lead you toward one specific office in the shire (such as heraldry or arts and sciences), and those officers may need a deputy or other assistants.

Further, you can always offer to teach a class or lead a workshop in a field in which you have particular skills or knowledge.