An Inquisitive
Monkey At West Kingdom Court:
Things To Do At Your First
Event.
A photo essay by Lady Jehanne de Wodeford
Disclaimer and product warning label: The following is not an official publication of the Society for Creative Anachronism. It is not intended as a rip-off of Curious George (TM), Houghton Mifflin Publishing or the late H.A. and Margret Rey, creators of Curious George. Frankly, Houghton Mifflin should have known what it was getting into when it licensed the production of loveable monkeys who need good homes. Besides, we don't expect to get a single bruised banana for this endeavor. However, this writer rather hopes that the Reys might have been amused by what follows, given that their wonderful character has been exploring the world and learning new things by doing since 1941.
George was so very excited. It was a beautiful spring Saturday morning at his
very first SCA event. He tumbled out of my car and climbed up onto the table at
the gate
to pay his site fee and sign in.
"You know, George," the constable told him, "part of attending an SCA event means wearing the kind of clothes people wore before the 17th century. Besides, if everyone is wearing medieval garb, you'll feel more like you're part of things if you do too. Go look for the tent with a big gold key on the sign. They can lend you something to wear."
GATE: The entry to the site and to the event, where you sign in and pay your site fee, if any. Some kingdoms use the term "troll." Sometimes the gate volunteers will have a site handout for you. Be sure to read it as it includes important information on what's going on and any rules that the site owner requires.
CONSTABLE: These volunteers
assist with gate duties, security and lost and
found. They wear blue tabards or baldrics with gold maces so you can identify
them.
Sure
enough, George found a tent with key signs all over it! "You've come to the
right place," said the Lady In The Persian Hat.
GOLD KEY: This refers to the volunteers who can lend you something to wear if you do not yet have something appropriate.
GARB is a common SCA term used to differentiate between clothing of a style which might have been worn before 1600 and modern day dress. You might hear modern clothes referred to as "mundanes."
The CHATELAINE (sometimes
also known as CASTELLAN or HOSPITALLER) welcomes visitors and new members.
If you are new, ask to be directed to the chatelaine. This person can help you
get oriented.
In only a few minutes, the Lady In The Persian Hat helped George
find something to wear: a bright
red tunic and a coif (a type of medieval cap). "There," she
said, "Now you look
very stylish." (To see the inspiration for George's medieval
clothing, click
here.)
George looked around excitedly. Beautiful tents stood all around the List
Field and colored banners fluttered in the breeze. "That's the
royal pavilion," said the Lady In The Persian Hat, pointing to the large
yellow one with the green laurel wreath and crown on the roof. 
"That's
where the King and Queen hold court. If you hear a herald say, 'Draw nigh
for Their Majesties' Court,' you should go and watch what
happens."
At outdoor events, THE LIST FIELD, BATTLEFIELD (or in the West Kingdom, the
ERIC) is the main field where fighting and other activities take place. The field itself
is usually fenced off with flagged ropes and stakes, and people pitch their
tents and sunshades around the field, allowing space for a walkway all the way
around. For your safety, stay
outside the ropes whenever anyone is fighting. George is being a little
bit naughty here: sitting ON the list ropes is not the best place to try to
watch a tourney from, even if you're really short.
When he tried to watch from ground level at Mists Coronet
the following weekend, he couldn't see over the tall spring grass! What's a
monkey to do? 
Look
for tents bearing black and white banners with the words "Guests Welcome." This means the owner(s) of that tent are
happy to share their space and vantage point with visitors.
It is always polite
to ask permission before entering or passing through anyone's encampment. After
all, you
wouldn't just walk into somebody else's house without knocking. It is also
polite to relinquish your seat if the owner comes back and asks you to.
The HERALD serves many functions: "town crier," announcer of
combatants in the tourney, master of ceremonies during royal court. 
You can
identify a herald on duty by their green baldric or tabard with gold crossed
trumpets. The Voice of the Crown, it is customary to stop one's conversation or lower
one's voice when a herald is making an announcement, so that others can
hear what is being said because it may be important. You'll hear polite people
say, "Thank you, Herald,"
when one has finished a duty shout. It's even nicer to offer them
something to drink, particularly if they've been making the rounds to cry a very
large camp.
George watched the fighting for awhile. It was very exciting - and very loud.
He had expected the swords to go "clang," but they actually went
"bang" or "thump."
"That's because the swords are made
out of rattan," an Old Used Duke told him. "It's safer that way. We
want to kill our friends, not hurt them." George pointed at the other
people inside the list ropes. They were holding long striped staves, like black
and yellow candy canes or really skinny bees. "Those are the
marshals. They make sure that the fighting is done safely."
The
Old Used Duke explained it well. The MARSHAL inspects the fighters' armor
and weapons before fighting begins and monitors the fighting while it goes on to
make sure that everything is done as safely as possible. There are
marshals for armored combat, rapier, archery, equestrian games, even children's
boffer fighting.. All of them are our safety officers. If you hear somebody
shout "Hold!" that means to stop. It's a Very Good Idea to pay
attention even if you are not fighting because that "Hold!" might mean
that there's something dangerous going on near you!
What's that
banner mean? The CHIRURGEON (KAI-ur-jin) is trained to offer first aid.
If someone is sick or hurt, look for someone wearing a baldric with this symbol
or find the tent flying this banner.
There was so much to see and do! George visited the Arts and Sciences
Pavilion where there was a lot of brown going on that day. Brown ink, brown dye, brown
yarn, brown everything. People had made all sorts of brown medieval things and brought them to
show what they'd done and how. 
There was another tent full of ladies sewing and talking. George was once
mistaken for a pincushion, so he hurried past the sewing ladies, just in case.
Lady Sylvie invited him to her tent for a snack. George liked the
nuts and apricots
but thought the olives sour. 
Then he found Merchants' Row! There were all sorts of things for sale: sharp
things and shiny things and things that smelled good. Knives and swords and
drinking mugs and jingly belts and bright scarves and rolls of colored fabric
and books with pictures and books without pictures and furry hats and rings and
incense that smelled like bananas, cloak pins and amber and ribbons and pewter dishes and
fancy clothes. 
George
thought the drinking horn with the brass leaves was pretty. I told him he was
too small to own a flanged mace.
The best part of all was making so many friends!
This is Jillian. She comes from the Shire of Wolfscairn and likes embroidery. And monkeys. 
This is Lady Gillian. She spells and pronounces her name a little differently and is wearing the sort of clothes a Viking woman would wear.
It's easy to make friends when you find you have things in common. Baroness Ghislaine and Lady Gisela played "pull my finger" with George. Their names all begin with G.
A
Very Wise Lady once said, "Gentlemen, honor all ladies. Ladies, remain
worthy of honor." George politely admired Lady Flidais' purple hat.
Kirby
and George played "equestrian" together.
ALWAYS ask the owner before you approach a strange dog.
There are so many things going on at an event that the dog may be excited or
scared by it.
George even got to meet Her Majesty, Queen Constantina. He could tell she was
the Queen because she was the most beautiful lady there and she wears a crown of
silver roses. King Alden, who was busy with affairs of state, wears a
crown of silver oak leaves. The crowns are very pretty, but they're very heavy
too. Being Royalty is hard work!
The King and Queen are addressed as "Your Majesty. Princes and Princesses are called "Your Highness." There are other titles and items of clothing that are reserved for certain ranks, but if you really don't know, it's always safe to call someone "my Lord" or "my Lady." Explain that you're new. They'll understand. (For a glossary of common SCA terms, click here.)
George
thought Their Highnesses of the Mists would be very busy at the Coronet tourney
to choose their successors, so he didn't try to say hello that day. The
following weekend, His Highness, Leohtulf, Prince of the Mists, shared a meat
pie with George at La Prova Dura. His Highness was prickly and hard to
eradicate, winning many battles that day. No wonder he needed a snack!
The Royalty are often very busy but they like making friends too. They try to take the time to meet people when they can. Bow and say hello if they're passing by. If they don't have time to talk, it's not because they don't like you, it's because they have so many things to do.
how to break the ice at your first event!
SCA people are very friendly, but they're also very polite. If they see you're sitting quietly by yourself, they may think you want to sit quietly by yourself. It's probably going to be up to you to make the first move. Here are a few ways to do just that:
Approach someone who is wearing something you think is beautiful or working on a project that looks interesting and ask them about it. Most people are very willing to share what they know. You may discover friends with mutual interests and learn how to make or where to get the thing you're admiring.
Keep an eye out for people who look like they could use an extra set of hands and offer to help. Even if they decline your assistance, they will appreciate that you offered. Gentlemen, offering to carry anything for a lady is always courteous, even if it is something small and she looks like she's perfectly capable of dealing with it herself.
Volunteer! Offer to help
out at the Gate (a great place to meet people!), work as a list page, be a water
bearer, learn how to herald at a tourney. Find the event's autocrat and
ask how you can help: replenishing toilet paper supplies, posting announcements
and picking up trash will win you their undying gratitude. New help is always welcome and you get
to meet plenty of people. Listen for announcements for meetings of heralds,
lists, or water bearers the morning of the event and show up. The person in
charge can let you know when your help will be needed and provide instructions
on what you need to know. You don't need to work the entire day either. Every
little bit helps.
AUTOCRAT is an SCA term used to describe the person who is in charge
of running a particular event. The autocrat's name is listed in published event
announcements, however, if you don't know who it is, ask at the Gate.
Attend court. It's as good as theater. Bear witness to the deeds of the Royalty as they dispense laws and acknowledge the achievements of their people. Some day someone you know may be called into court. It could even be you - and you'll know what to do.
Make a list of your questions. Events can be overwhelming and busy even for old timers, particularly if they are working to make the event run smoothly. If there's not time or opportunity to ask a question at a particular moment, you'll have it written down so that you can ask at another time or ask another person. Having a small pad and pen also comes in handy if you want to exchange contact information with new friends or write down the name of that book someone recommended.
Look and listen for activities geared for newcomers. Some events include newcomer gatherings and some events are even specifically designed for newcomers.
Visit Merchants' Row at the events that have one. Even if you don't buy anything, it's a great place to people watch and get ideas about appropriate clothing, tableware, accessories and so forth.
Visit the Arts &
Sciences and Guild pavilions. See what people are making - you may find an
activity that you want to learn. For example, the Clothiers' Guild has resources to help you
find the medieval or Renaissance look you like and how to make it. Classes are
often offered at events. Some events, such as West Kingdom Collegium or the Arts
& Sciences Tourney are all about classes.
Attend a bardic circle or drum circle. Even if you don't feel ready to sing a song, tell a story or shimmy to Saracen drumbeats, go watch and listen. You may be inspired to jump in the next time.
Learn to dance. Dance is spelled F-L-I-R-T. European dances are taught on the spot at many events and are great fun, not to mention a way to meet members of the opposite sex.
i think i need a name!
Your parents never gave you a choice, but as you will quickly discover, people adopt medieval names for use in the SCA. This is not something you need to rush into. Click here for the SCA Heraldry Page to find all the resources on how to register a name and device (or coat of arms). Get a feel for what culture and time period you might be interested in and then start looking for names from that culture. Once you find something you like, talk to a book herald. There may be someone in your local group who can assist, or you can visit the Consultation Table at the Herald's Pavilion (click here for schedule) at certain events.
some customs and courtesies!
Heralds: It is customary to stop talking when a Herald is speaking so that everyone can hear the announcement.
Making a Reverence (Bowing or Curtseying): Easy to do and adds to the ambiance. It is customary to bow or curtsey to the royalty, and it's incredibly courteous to do it to anyone else. Just think how special it'll make that person feel. It is also customary to bow when passing the thrones, whether or not they are occupied at the moment, as a gesture of respect. Gentlemen, a simple bow from the waist is easy. If you see someone who can carry off "making a leg" and bowing with great flourish, ask him to teach you. Ladies, curtseying is not complicated either. Bow your head a little and keeping your back straight, bend your knees. Your feet can't be seen under a long gown and it looks very graceful. You may even see "foreigners" making a reverence in a style appropriate to their non-European personae. Again, if you want to learn how, ask.
Children and Dogs: If you bring either, you are responsible for their behavior. At events where pets are permitted, they should be leashed (or crated) at all times and the owner is expected to pick up after them.
Smoking: Kingdom Law prohibits smoking in public areas of the event. This includes the walkways between the list field and private camps and in Merchants' Row. Smoking is permitted in your own camp. If you are a guest in someone else's camp, ask permission before smoking.
Photography: Some kingdoms have specific
rules regarding photography. The West does not, however, please use good
judgment and be courteous. Snapping a flash photo while someone is trying to
perform or make a speech is extremely distracting. It is downright dangerous to
do when people are dancing around a campfire and a camera suddenly blinds them!
Some people are even camera shy. "May I make your portrait?" is a good way
to ask someone's permission.
Personal Areas and Property: One's home is one's castle, even if it's made of canvas. If you wish to enter or pass through someone's camp, please ask for permission. Likewise, if you wish to admire someone's property (pavilion, weapon, musical instrument, etc.), please ask before touching. You may not know the right way to handle something without damaging it.
George is allowed to sit on my hurdy gurdy because he's specially trained - and doesn't weigh very much. Don't try this at home. We're what you call "professionals."
Being Medieval: After all, that's the whole point of what we do. Hiding or disguising obtrusively modern things is easy. Pour your soda into an appropriate looking cup. Modern camp chairs and coolers are easily hidden under blankets or table cloths. Cameras and cell phones can hide in a belt pouch or basket. Cars should live in the designated parking area as soon as they have been unloaded.
Being Good Guests: Our goal is to leave the site cleaner than it was when we arrived, and chances are, your mother isn't here to pick up after you. Be sure to dispose properly of trash, cigarette butts, bottle caps, etc. (Old Altoids tins make excellent portable ashtrays. Simply close the lid and tuck it in your pouch or pocket until you can find an appropriate place to dump the butts and ashes.)
The Privy: More modernly known as the restroom, and at many outdoor sites, the porta-john. Your assistance in keeping these necessaries tidy will make everyone's event much more pleasant. When using a portable privy, be sure to put the lid down when you are finished. This allows odors to be vented safely instead of remaining inside the privy itself and makes things much more pleasant for whoever uses it after you do. The only thing that should go into a portable privy is you-know-what and toilet paper, otherwise pipes jam, the privy cannot be properly pumped and EVERYBODY is unhappy. Trash and female sanitary items should be taken to a trash can. Don't make a mess all over the floor. It's no treat for ladies with long hems! Please do not remove the light sticks or toilet paper. If toilet paper is low or out, tell the event autocrat and it will be taken care of.
Partying: 
Please party responsibly. Modern-day local, state and federal laws on
illegal drug use and legal drinking age DO apply and WILL be enforced. If you
are of legal age and enjoying your libation of choice, remember that a weekend
living in a tent and being essentially outdoors is a stress on your body. Stay
hydrated during the day, dress for cold conditions, and enjoy your weekend.
(George stunt-dived into The Old Used Duke's Beer Gob to impress Lady Flidais,
but it was empty at the time.)
Camping: Visit http://midtown.net/dragonwing/col9806.htm for information on how to camp safely and comfortably in the SCA.
Society and Kingdom Web Links, including resources for newcomers:
http://www.sca.org
http://www.westkingdom.org
Acknowledgements:
George and I would like to thank the gracious and hospitable people of the West
Kingdom for their gleeful assistance with this project. Special thanks to Her
Majesty, Constantina von Ravenna and His Highness, Leohtulf of the Silver Hills,
for taking a moment out of their busy days to participate and to Her Grace Emma
Fitzwilliam, the Duchess of Decorum, from whose "Privy Posts" I have
shamelessly cribbed and whose gracious example I fear I am too great a
smartypants to ever live up to.
The quote of The Very Wise Lady is from Diana Listmaker's "Courtesy and Etiquette In The Current Middle Ages" from the original Known World Handbook, (c) 1979 by the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Photos were taken by the author at March Crown, Mists Coronet and La Prova Dura (March 25-27, April 1-3 and April 8-10, 2005), except for the fireside scene which was taken at Estrella War (February 18, 2005). Photo of Jehanne and George taken at Mists Cynagua War (April 16, 2005) courtesy of Baroness Ellen of the Western Wind.
Copyright 2005 Lisa A. Joseph.
Permission to link to or reproduce this document for use in the Society for Creative Anachronism is
hereby granted. Document must be reproduced in its entirety and credit must be
given. Don't make us fling poo.
