Society for Creative Anachronism

SCA

A group that has many similarities to Amtgard except its focus is on history, not fantasy. It was founded much earlier, back in the 1960s in California.

SCA combat falls under two types, heavy weapons, which involve rattan weapons without padding, requiring the user to wear extensive protective armor... and light weapons which are fencing style weaons such as foils, epees, rapiers and use standard fencing protective gear.

The SCA is not set up as a game, but as a society. However, there are many things Amtgard borrows from the SCA, starting with the organization into chapters which are typically shires and baronies under various kingdoms. Unlike Amtgard kingdoms, SCA kingdoms are Regional.

Apart from combat, the SCA is known for extreme detail and research into the history of the middle ages, often going to great lenth to detail what is Period and what is not. For example, in Amtgard much of what is acceptable garb would not be appropriate for the SCA, because it is not garb that was actually used (or could have been used) in the middle ages. Golden City All-Stars tunics would be a perfect example of this.

We've had many Amtgarders come from SCA groups, some do both on a regular basis. In other areas there have been some strife between the two organiztions... Many SCA fighters look down on Amtgard weapons, which they term boffer weapons. They have been known to use foam weapons for various reasons, but they generally do not craft them in the manner we do. Often they are reserved for young kids or messing around.

Depending on region of the country, people either say ESS SEE AY or SCAW when saying SCA.

Weekend Warriors

SCA Website

Vid of SCA Tourney

SCA Documentary