A Guide For Our Newly Arrived Friends
Greetings! This is Chapter II of the Ansteorran New Members Guide, an Introduction to the Society of Creative Anachronism. If you have arrived here prior to reading Chapter I, then by all means, scroll down and select it.
Live The Dream!
The Honorable Lord Michael de la Mare
Anno Societatus XXXI
Copyright © 1991 by M. G. Mayer, revised 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997
THE SOCIETY, YESTERDAY AND TODAY
The Society for Creative Anachronism traces its origins to a May Day Celebration held in Berkeley, California in 1966. Several friends planned and organized a medieval tournament complete with mock weapons and appropriate costumes. A court was held at the day's end and included the crowning of the champion's lady. The event was so successful that another was soon being planned.
The current activities of the Society are as diverse and far-ranging as its members. There are groups in Europe, Japan, Australia and throughout the United States. The Known World is divided into fifteen (15) Kingdoms and includes over 500 local Branches.
The Society is incorporated under California law and operates under a set of by-laws interpreted and added to by the Board of Directors., known as the BOD. These interpretations are collected and published as Corpora. (These documents are somewhat analogous to the Constitution and its amendments). The Society is a non-profit organization; its members research and study pre-seventeenth century European history.
WHAT IS THE SOCIETY FOR
CREATIVE ANACHRONISM?
If you asked several members what the Society for Creative Anachronism was all about, you would probably receive a different answer from each individual. To one, the Society might mean learning a new craft such as spinning wool or making wine. To another it might mean spending a weekend in a "renaissance atmosphere" complete with clothing, feasting and dancing from that era. Yet, another might say he/she enjoys battling other armed warriors on the field of honor to win his/her consort's favor.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, (or SCA to most), is a non-profit educational organization which is dedicated to the study and re-creation of crafts, customs and ideals of pre-seventeenth century European culture. Members try to re-create life not as it was, but as it should have been during those times. We attempt to embody those lost ideals of Chivalry, Courtesy, and Honor.
Members are encouraged to research a favorite period of history between 600 & 1600 ad. While most members study mainly European cultures, everyone is free to study any culture known to Europe during this era. Members put their research into practice by learning and performing period crafts and activities. In addition, an alter-ego, or Persona, is developed and members thus become noble lords and ladies during official Society events.
There are SCA groups in nearly every city and town across the continent. The United States is divided into Kingdoms and the cities and towns contained therein are known as Baronies, Shires, and Cantons. The Kingdoms are rules by a King and Queen who won their right to rule by besting all entrants in a tournament called a Crown List. Ruling a Kingdom is such a large task that the King and Queen have ministers and advisors to assist them with the responsibilities of administration. There are Seneschals which handle daily affairs, Marshals which supervise fighters and tournaments, Chroniclers which publish newsletters, and so on.
Members of the SCA come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. There are families and single adults, young and young at heart, who are all brought together by a common interest in the middle ages. Members meet regularly to learn or practice "period" subjects. On weekends, members travel to campsites throughout the Kingdom to participate in such activities as Collegiums, Tournaments, Arts & Science Fairs, Revels, Mock Wars, and Quests.
There are as many different facets of the SCA as there are members. While Tournament Combat and period clothing are the most visible aspects of the Society, there are many things to do for those who prefer other pastimes. Archery, leather crafting, cooking, heraldry, calligraphy, music, dancing, brewing & vinting, spinning & weaving, are just a few of the arts and sciences researched, taught, and practiced by our members.
We invite you to share our interests and enthusiasm. Join us, have fun, and experience a part of the living history movement.
Participation in the SCA is open to anyone who shares the Society's interests in historical re-creation, and who abides by its laws and customs. Simply show up at any of our meetings, tournaments or classes. There are no special fees or rituals to perform in order to join. If you give your name and address to the local Chronicler, you will often receive a cop of the Branch newsletter. It will provide you with a wealth of information concerning the names of your local Officers, upcoming activities, and more.
Membership in the Society is modest and entitles you to subscriptions to the kingdom newsletter, (the Black Star in Ansteorra) and Tournaments Illuminated. These publications contain expanded information about local activities and provide educational and "how-to" articles on many subjects. To become a paid member, simply complete a Membership Application Form (available through your local Seneschal or Hospitaler).
Much like feudal society, the SCA has a similar system of hierarchy and rank. All titles in the Society are earned by knowledge, skill and deed. The following is a list of the main dignitaries:
The King & Queen
are the monarchs and absolute rulers of our Kingdom. Their reign lasts six (6) months and
They have the authority to make Society laws and dispense awards. They are addressed as
"Your Majesty", "Your Grace", or "My Lord King/Lady
Queen". Two other forms of address include "Sire" and "My
Liege", but should only be used if you have sworn fealty. Collectively known as
the CROWN, the SOVEREIGN is chosen by combat at a Crown List which is held
twice each year, in the Spring and Fall. The CONSORT is a person of the opposite
sex for whose honor and favor the Sovereign fights. It is courteous to bow or curtsy when
addressing Them or passing nearby.
The CROWN PRINCE and PRINCESS are successors to The Crown and will soon assume the reign as King and Queen. They are the most recent winners of a Crown List and are representatives of The Crown for three (3) months prior to assuming reign. They are addressed as "Your Highness" or "My Lord Prince/Lady Princess".
There are two subgroups which make up the Peerage: the Royal Peers and the Orders conferring a Patent of Arms. Royal Peers are Dukes and Duchesses, Counts and Countesses, and Viscounts and Viscountesses. These, together with Barons and Baronesses, are referred to as the Nobility.
Patents of Arms are conferred by membership in one of the four Society orders: Knights, Masters of Arms, Laurels and Pelicans. There is no difference in precedence between members of these four orders. They are referred to as Peers and rank in precedence before Court Barons and Baronesses and after the rest of the Nobility.
The title of DUKE or DUCHESS is a permanent rank and indicates a Lord or Lady has reigned two or more times as King and/or Queen. They wear a coronet with strawberry leaves on it and are addressed as "Your Grace" or "My Lord Duke/Lady Duchess".
A COUNT (sometimes called EARL) and COUNTESS are also permanent titles and the title is bestowed upon a Lord or Lady who has reigned once. Their coronets are usually embattled and are addressed as "Your Excellency" or "My Lord Count/Earl or Lady Countess".
A VISCOUNT and VISCOUNTESS are those who have served as Prince or Princess of a Principality. They wear a coronet with six semi-circles equally spaced along the top edge.
The general requirements for receiving any Patent of Arms are: courtesy, chivalry, hospitality, courtly behavior (knowledge of period dancing, music, heraldry and chess), and knowledge or skill equal to that of the members of that Order. In addition, they must be willing to share their knowledge with others. A candidate's qualifications for one of these Orders is discussed by the Crown and members of the Order in a meeting called a Circle.
There are four (4) established orders:
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KNIGHTS are outstanding fighters who have received recognition for their fighting skills, as well as, their achievements off the field. They are the very models of Courtesy and Chivalry. Only a Knight is permitted to wear a solid white belt, plain gold chain and gold spurs. They are addressed as "Sir (name)". A knight who chooses not to swear fealty to the Crown is known as a MASTER AT ARMS and wears a white baldric. They are addressed as "Master/Mistress (name)". |
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The Order of the Laurel: MASTERS & MISTRESSES of the LAUREL are honored for their quality and excellence in a craft or trade, be it an ART or a SCIENCE, and who share their knowledge by teaching their skill to others. They wear a laurel wreath medallion around their neck. They are addressed as "Master/Mistress (name)". |
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The Order of the Pelican: MASTERS & MISTRESSES of the PELICAN are candidates who have provided long-standing service in an administrative capacity to keep the Society functioning. Members wear a "pelican in her piety" medallion around their neck. In addition, Pelicans have the right to wear a Chapeau, a fitted cap trimmed in fur. They are addressed as "Master/Mistress (name)". |
| Barons & Baronesses are of two (2) types: Barons/Baronesses in fief, and Court Barons/Baronesses. Those in fief are also referred to as Landed or Territorial Barons/Baronesses. They hold a Barony of the Kingdom for the Crown and are in fealty to them. Court Barons/Baronesses hold no lands and are given that rank by the Crown. They both wear a flat-topped coronet. Those in fief may wear a coronet with charges from the Baronial Arms upon it. In addition, a Baron/Baroness in fief may bear the Baronial Arms in canton upon their shield. |
It was previously mentioned that the CROWN rules the Kingdom with the assistance of numerous ministers and advisors. In keeping with feudal tradition, Officers are appointed, not elected. Within the scope of his/her Office, each Officer has virtually unlimited authority and is answerable only to his superiors. A Kingdom Officer is generally warranted to hold an office for two (2) years.
These Officers of State, as they are known, include: the Kingdom Seneschal, the Star Principal Herald, the Earl Marshal, the Minister of Arts & Sciences, the Kingdom Treasurer, the Kingdom Chronicler, the Kingdom Hospitaler, and the Kingdom Chirurgeon. All Great Officers of State report to the Crown and their Corporate counterpart for the execution of their duties.
The local Officer structure below lists specific duties for each Office. These responsibilities are similar to the ones shared by the Great Officers of State with the exception that the duties performed by the Kingdom Officers are of a greater magnitude.
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The SENESCHAL is the chief administrative officer. He/she is responsible for coordinating the activities of the local group and overseeing the other Officers. He/she reports to the Kingdom Seneschal. Each of the local Officers report directly to the (local) Seneschal in addition to their corresponding Kingdom Officer. |
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The KNIGHT MARSHAL is in charge of armored or "heavy weapons" fighter training, safety on the combat field, and enforcing the armor rules and regulations. |
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The RAPIER MARSHAL is in charge of rapier or "light weapons" fighter training, safety on the combat field, and enforcing the armor rules and regulations. |
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The CHRONICLER publishes the newsletter, maintains and updates the mailing and phone list, and prints any flyers or announcements needed by the group. He/she reports to the Kingdom Chronicler. |
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The HERALD is responsible for all heraldic matters such as name and device submissions, public announcements and court protocol. He/she also maintains the records of any awards or titles bestowed upon fellow members. He/she reports to the Star Principal Herald. |
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The MINISTER of ARTS & SCIENCES encourages members to research, teach, and practice historically accurate arts and crafts. He/she reports to the Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences. |
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The CHIRURGEON is the medic for the group and is responsible for administering first aid when needed. He/she reports to the Kingdom Chirurgeon |
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The TREASURER (also called Reeve, Exchequer) is responsible for the financial affairs for the group. |
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The HOSPITALER is responsible for welcoming new members and introducing them to the Society's activities and customs. He/she reports to the Kingdom Hospitaler. |
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The MINISTER of CHILDREN oversees the affairs of our youngest members and our most valued assets, our children. |
A DEPUTY of an Office is an apprentice working with an Officer to learn the functions and responsibilities of that position. A Deputy may, or may not, become the successor to the Office when the existing Officer elects to step down.
Once a group establishes a high level of performance in the Arts, Sciences, and Fighting skills, and maintains a required number of paid, active members, a group is eligible to become a Barony. The Crown may then award a person or persons with the title of Baron & Baroness. A BARON & BARONESS are Their Majesties' Presence on a local level. They represent the authority of the Crown and oversee the Barony. They hold Courts, make pronouncements, and may even send the group to war! They are addressed as "Your Excellency" or "My Lord Baron/Lady Baroness".
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Neither the Hon. Lord Michael, nor these web pages, are an offical agent of, nor representatives of, The Society for Creative Ananchronism, Inc., and do not delineate policy. All official inquiries should be directed to the Society for Creative Ananchronism, Inc., PO Box 360743, Milpitas, CA 95036-0743.
The contents of individually maintained world wide web pages are the opinions and research of the author, and do not necessarily reflect any official position of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., or the Kingdom of Ansteorra . The content within these individual web pages is the sole responsibility of the author, and, as such, makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information provided herein.