Difference between revisions of "Society for Creative Anachronism"

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===SCA===
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The '''Society for Creative Anachronism''' (SCA) is an historical recreation group with many similarities to Amtgard. Whereas Amtgard allows fantasy themes, the SCA focuses on exclusively historical study with no fantasy elements.
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.
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Combat in the SCA falls under two types: armored combat, which utilizes non-paddded rattan weapons and stringent armor standards, and rapier combat, a predecessor to modern fencing which uses epees, rapiers, schlagers, and other steel (dulled and safety-tipped) blades with whole-body protection requirements and fencing masks or full helmets. The transition from SCA combat to Amtgard combat may be difficult for Society members as headshots are accepted and even expected in SCA combat.
  
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]].
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While Amtgard is setup as a game, the SCA considers itself a historical society, not a [[LARP]]. However, there are many things Amtgard borrows from the SCA, starting with organization into local chapters such as shires and baronies under the umbrella of various kingdoms. No SCA groups are considered [[freehold]]s; they all fall under a specific kingdom which covers a specific regional area (generally contiguious, though some spread across multiple countries).
  
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.
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Apart from combat, the SCA is known for stressing a high degree of historical detail and research of the Middle Ages. Most participants in the SCA prefer to focus on building a generally historical culture without obsession over exacting detail, though some (colloquially known as "authenticity mavens") strive to active extreme accuracy and tend to critique those who do not meet their standards. In many instances, things that would be considered acceptable by Amtgard standards (basic garb, armor, names, heraldry, etc) would not be satisfactory in the SCA as they would not have plausibly been found in the Middle Ages. [[Golden City All-Stars]] tunics are an example of garb that would not meet minimum standards (though the basic shape without the modern sports embellishment might be acceptable).
  
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.
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Amtgard and the SCA share many participants and some individuals will transition from one group to the other depending on their personal preference. In some areas, there has been contention between the two groups. For example, in the Society, [[boffer]] weapons are used near-exclusively for youth combat and in some instances for practice or newcomer use.
  
Depending on region of the country, people either say ''ESS SEE AY'' or ''SCAW'' when saying '''SCA'''.
 
 
====Kingdoms of SCA====
 
====Kingdoms of SCA====
 
   
 
   
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[http://www.sca.org/ SCA Website]
 
[http://www.sca.org/ SCA Website]
  
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvt8WnM1hg Vid of SCA Tourney]
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[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvt8WnM1hg Video of an SCA Tourney]
  
 
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToegwtZXuUY SCA Documentary]
 
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToegwtZXuUY SCA Documentary]
  
 
[[Category:Other LARPS]]
 
[[Category:Other LARPS]]

Revision as of 19:43, 9 November 2010

sca.png

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an historical recreation group with many similarities to Amtgard. Whereas Amtgard allows fantasy themes, the SCA focuses on exclusively historical study with no fantasy elements.

Combat in the SCA falls under two types: armored combat, which utilizes non-paddded rattan weapons and stringent armor standards, and rapier combat, a predecessor to modern fencing which uses epees, rapiers, schlagers, and other steel (dulled and safety-tipped) blades with whole-body protection requirements and fencing masks or full helmets. The transition from SCA combat to Amtgard combat may be difficult for Society members as headshots are accepted and even expected in SCA combat.

While Amtgard is setup as a game, the SCA considers itself a historical society, not a LARP. However, there are many things Amtgard borrows from the SCA, starting with organization into local chapters such as shires and baronies under the umbrella of various kingdoms. No SCA groups are considered freeholds; they all fall under a specific kingdom which covers a specific regional area (generally contiguious, though some spread across multiple countries).

Apart from combat, the SCA is known for stressing a high degree of historical detail and research of the Middle Ages. Most participants in the SCA prefer to focus on building a generally historical culture without obsession over exacting detail, though some (colloquially known as "authenticity mavens") strive to active extreme accuracy and tend to critique those who do not meet their standards. In many instances, things that would be considered acceptable by Amtgard standards (basic garb, armor, names, heraldry, etc) would not be satisfactory in the SCA as they would not have plausibly been found in the Middle Ages. Golden City All-Stars tunics are an example of garb that would not meet minimum standards (though the basic shape without the modern sports embellishment might be acceptable).

Amtgard and the SCA share many participants and some individuals will transition from one group to the other depending on their personal preference. In some areas, there has been contention between the two groups. For example, in the Society, boffer weapons are used near-exclusively for youth combat and in some instances for practice or newcomer use.

Kingdoms of SCA


Weekend Warriors

SCA Website

Video of an SCA Tourney

SCA Documentary