The Shire of Drakenmere

Welcome to the SCA! Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a new member, we are excited to have you in our Shire and we are ready to help you discover the Middle Ages. This new journey you have started on can be very confusing and overwhelming at times, but the key is to relax and enjoy the process of learning about this new world: the people, clothes, Royalty, maps, language, rites and customs may all be unfamiliar to you right now, but as you explore and learn more about the SCA and Medieval times, you will find yourself drawn into this fascinating new world of these Current Middle Ages.

The Kingdom of Meridies Newcomer's Information page, as well as the SCA Newcomer's Page have useful information for newcomers. To help you get started, please see the links and topics listed below. Remember - everyone was a newcomer once, so don't be afraid to ask questions. If you cannot find what you need from these links, please contact our Shire Chatelaine for more information.

Attending your first event

Please be aware that clicking on these links will take you to sites out of our Shire web site and that the Shire of Drakenmere is not responsible for the content of these sites.

Ready to Get Started?

Overview and description of the SCA
A Guide to SCA Jargon and Terms "Good grief - what do they mean by that?" The SCA has a vocabulary all its own. Here are definitions for the most commonly used terms you'll hear at events or read in newsletters.
Forward Into the Past (PDF) An introductory guide published by the Society.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Meridies
Advice to Newcomers (PDF)
People, Places and Customs of the SCA
A Guiding Hand - An Ansteorran New Member's Guide while this Guide is somewhat specific to the kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas), it has lots of good information on preparing to attend your first event, courtesy and etiquette, and the structure of SCA royalty and nobility.
SCAtoday.net's Newcomer's Guide 'Welcome to the SCA' articles and handbooks
Forward Into the Past, The Known World Handbook, The Fighters' Handbook and many other publications are also available from the SCA Stock Clerk's Office .
Stefan's Florilegium collections of informational tidbits arranged topically (think of it as an SCA encyclopedia)

Your Children and the SCA?

Your Local Group?

How to locate a group near you

What to Wear?

The Kingdom of Meridies Sumptuary Laws (a summarized guideline of who can wear what)
Some basic patterns are covered in the SCA's Forward Into the Past pamphlet.
SCAtoday.net's Newcomer's Guide
Introduction to Garb Quick tips on making men & women's tunics, headcoverings, belts and pouches; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
Practical Worksheet for tunic construction More detailed instructions on making a tunic/gown; by Mistress Cynthia du Pré Argent
Some basic patterns are covered in the SCA's Forward Into the Past pamphlet.
Medieval (and Renaissance) European Costume Links
The Costume Page

Things to Do?

SCADemo.com an overview of various activities in the SCA, including many arts and sciences. Lots of great photos! Available in English, Spanish, Danish, and French
Arts and Sciences in the SCA
Arts & Sciences links (Kingdom of Atlantia) Extensive lists of links for a variety of medieval and renaissance arts, crafts, sciences, games, and other pastimes.
SCA Armored Combat, Fencing, and Combat Archery a brief overview, from SCADemo.com
Archery and Thrown Weapons a brief overview, from SCADemo.com
Archery an introduction to SCA archery (Some of the details, like archer rankings, are specific to the East Kingdom.) Includes links to articles and other archery websites.
Equestrian Activities a brief overview, from SCADemo.com

Who to Be?

What is an SCA Name?
Choosing a Society Name: Hints for Newcomers
Medieval Names Archive
Choosing a Name & Creating a Persona
Information about Royalty, Nobles, Titles and forms of address can be
found in the "Who is Who?" chapter of Forward Into the Past

Ready for a Device?