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SocietyForCreativeAnachronismQuestions

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Don't you dare recommend a link...

• SCA - Information for Newcomers - d@vid August 15 2004

What is the Shire of Adamastor?

• The Shire is the local (Cape Town) arm of the SCA - at the moment they're the only Shire in za (there is an incipent Shire in Jozi called Griffin's Tor) - d@vid August 15 2004

How much do you have to do?

• You can be as involved in SCA events as you wish, whether you attend regular events (singing, arts & sciences, dancing, heavy combat, fencing) or just the occasional feast. - d@vid August 15 2004

What costs are involved?

• Each event has an entry fee if one is applicable (e.g. feasts, dancing), or you must provide your own material (e.g. garb making, arts & sciences). You can also pay real dollars to be an official SCA member, in which case you can register your persona name (see below), and get a coat of arms - d@vid August 17 2004
• As mentioned on SocietyForCreativeAnachronism, you can also subscribe to Storm Tidings (R50 for twelve issues) - d@vid August 17 2004

What must you wear?

• At certain events (feasts, dancing) you are required to wear garb (mediaeval costume) - you can make your own at workshops or borrow from the Shire. More regular events don't require garb (e.g. singing practice) - d@vid August 15 2004
• (hey 733+ garb mistress, do you have anything to add?)
• Hello, darlings. Yes, I have a few comments to add:
  • I am always available for garb-making sessions. I don't really need an excuse to make pretty clothes, now do I?
  • S M-J is right about choosing garb before a persona. (See What is a persona?) That's how I chose my 15th Century Burgundian persona. I was attracted by the pretty clothes and elaborate headgear (and it's not a dunce-cap, BlueHands :P). Hey, I call it as I see it... - BlueHands
  • Cost is also a factor, depending on how accurate you want to be. Simple all-purpose tunics range from R30 to R60, and dresses casting more, varying with cost of fabric.
  • We do have "loaner" garb, but we try to encourage people to get their own as soon as possible, as one of the points of the SCA (for me anyway) is the development of crafts. - Ameline

How easy is it to make garb?

• Very easy. If TheosThree and I can do it, anyone can. Admittedly those were only tunics; more elaborate garb obviously requires more work. - d@vid August 17 2004

What is a persona?

• Like a character, from a specific time and place within the SCA domain of interest, with garb and personal history to fit. More I do not know, 'cause I haven't quite made one yet. - d@vid August 15 2004
• A persona is very like a character. You may not create a persona to mimic someone who actually lived. Often what people do is to decide on particular garb that they'd like to wear, and then create a persona around that. You may already know a lot about 14th century Vienna, for instance, so creating a persona of someone who lived there would be sensible. Some people take their personas terribly seriously and try to get every little thing right, even try to talk about current events in their persona's time period. Others keep their personas extremely sketchy, it's all acceptable. My persona is almost two people, before and after joining my order. Another person I know has a Spanish persona, but wears German garb. It's all up to you. Some advice: don't decide on a name before finding out if it is period or not. It can be very upsetting to be told you cannot actually call yourself the name you want because it came out of the Belgariad. - Sister Mairi Jean 17 August 2004

What's the link to roleplaying?

• While there is an overlap of interest groups, the SCA does not focus on roleplaying as such, and certainly not fantasy. So, despite being called a Shire there are no hobbits, and while you make up a persona there are no stats and your name cannot be Hrun Fairydragonmoon. There are some direct benefits to roleplayers, though, such as getting a feel for the mediaeval vibe, and being able to create awesome costumes and props for middle-aged LARPing. - d@vid August 15 2004

How often does dancing happen?

• At the moment once every two months. If there is sufficient demand (and regular attendance to match), it can happen more often. - d@vid August 17 2004

How do I bash people over the head with sticks?

• Fighting practice takes place on the Rondebosch commons. You don't need any special equipment to start out with, just arrive in comfortable clothes and be prepared to get sweaty. Fighting stops in winter due to a lack of light, but will be starting up again in September. Check out the Shire calendar, and I'll make an announcement on SocietyForCreativeAnachronism. - d@vid August 17 2004
• To start fighting without armour is no problem as I typically bring a little spare. It's probably a good idea, so people can find out if they like it or not before they spend a lot of time making armour or spending money on buying it. There are bits and bobs of armour about, so we can get you into a loaner gear, but pretty soon you'd need to start thinking about getting your own set. But by all means come along and partake in the class. Just bring some gloves really the rest is just physical exercise.
  • New fighters are always welcome. The first southern class of the season will be on the 8th of September on Rondebosh common on the corner of Campground and Park Road (actually about 50 m further down Park road to a little forest). - Berthold Wolfer (Marshal), via email August 17 2004
• see also the Marshal's page, which has rules and stuff: http://www.adamastorshire.co.za/marshal/marshal.html - d@vid
• Heavy fighting starts on the 8th of September in our usual space in the little forest on the corner of Campground and Park road on Rondebosch common (about another 100m further along Park road to the parking area/forest)
  • Time 5:30pm - Date: 8 September (today)
  • What to bring: your fighting stuff and if you don't have, tracksuits and gloves and a balaclava is perfect. Don't forget a water bottle and good stout shoes. See you there. - Berthold Wolfer (Marshal), via email

Where can I buy rattan?

• the best place to get cane and the only one I know that supplies it unshaved is:
  • Cane Time
  • Loop Street, Mowbray (not the Town Loop street)
  • Tel number: 021 510 1072
• It is sold in "Staves" a little over 3m long at just under R75 (so about R20/m). One piece should last you a good 6 months if properly prepared. Please mail me should you need instruction on that.
• The category to ask for is between 33mm and 35mm. It's never exact, but don't get thinner than that.
• P.S. I have just bought quite a bit, so if you need, please let me know. - Berthold Wolfer (Marshal), via email, October 25 2004