What to Expect at Events

An “Event” in the SCA is a longer gathering, often lasting the large part of a day or a weekend. Events may be focused on a single pasttime, like archery or cooking, or they may encompass many different aspects of the Society. They are generally garbed (meaning attendees are expected to wear an attempt at medieval or renaissance-era clothing.

• Fun: We hope you have fun!
• Who’s in charge?: Events are run by an autocrat or event steward, whose name and contact information will always be available. If you have a question about the event (including things like mobility issues), you are absolutely encouraged to contact them ahead of time.
• When You Arrive: The first thing is to check in. You can usually temporarily park your car near the gate.
  • Entrance Fee: Most SCA events have an entrance fee. Adults are expected to pay full price for an event, regardless of how long they plan to stay. Be prepared to pay with cash or check, credit cards usually cannot be accepted at the gate.
  • Gate (Registration): Everybody must check in at the registration desk, often referred to as “Gate” or “Troll”. If you preregistered, you still need to check in and sign any required waivers. Gate is also an excellent place to get the day’s schedule and learn about any activities or get directions to the newcomers’ table.
  • Garb (Clothing): The SCA expects that everyone will wear ‘garb,’ which generally means medieval or Renaissance era clothing. Garb can be as simple as a basic ‘T-tunic’ over sweatpants and dark shoes or boots, but can be (and often is) more elaborate. You don’t have to give up your glasses, or any mobility assistance devices! A good-faith effort is fine, especially if it is your first event. Many Baronies (including Storvik) have loaner garb (called ‘Gold Key’) for newcomers. If you do not have your own garb, just ask about Gold Key at the gate or the newcomer’s table.
• Customs: As a general rule, calling people ‘milord / milady / good gentle,’ respecting other people’s property and persons, and showing general good manners will be sufficient to ensure you are acting in a courteous and chivalrous manner.
• Activities: There are usually a wide range of activities going on simultaneously at events, including arts and sciences activities and displays, musical performances (called ‘bardic’), children’s activities, and general socializing. Feel free to ask questions!
• Court: Most events have a ‘Court’ where awards and prizes are given out, the results of competitions are announced, and general information about the event is announced. Often this is where the pageantry of the event will take place. Attending Court is optional, but if you do attend please speak quietly or not at all. Newcomers might be invited up during Court to meet the Baronage or Royals and receive a small token of appreciation for attending.
• Feast: Some events include a feast. If you have signed up, you will need to at least have a bowl, utensils, and a cup. Feasts are generally in the evening after Court. Contact the feast steward if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, accommodations can sometimes be made.
• Camping: If there is camping, you will need to bring your own camping gear. Some sites have showers, cabins, and electricity while others are more primitive. Reach out to the event steward for any information not on the event announcement.
• Fighting: Fighting will be in designated areas (the ‘list fields’), which are clearly marked and monitored by Marshals. Do not go inside the list field without an invitation. Do not interfere with the Marshals. In order to fight, you need to be authorized. Authorizations help to ensure everyone is safe to themselves and to others. If you are interested in authorizing, the first step is to attend a fighter practice (link).
• Archery/Thrown Weapons: Everyone can participate in these fun activities! There will often be loaner equipment available for those who do not have their own. To ensure everyone has a fun and safe time, there are Marshals who are in charge of the range. They will inspect equipment and instruct participants in where to stand. If you are watching, stay behind the participants. Respect the archery and thrown weapons ranges exactly as you would a gun range.
• Equestrian (horses): Sometimes there are equestrian activities at events. Often there will be a dedicated time to meet the horses (and feed them snacks), ask at the gate or newcomer’s table. Do not approach or interact with horses (or animals onsite) without permission from their handler.
• Announcements: Sometimes someone will shout “Oyez”. This is a way to call attention for an announcement (court is about to happen, class about to start, things like this).