Newcomers

Have TV Shows and movies like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and The Three Musketeers caught your attention? Have you thought about exploring medieval pursuits?

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a world-wide historical recreation society with branches in the USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and parts of Asia. The Kingdom of Lochac covers Australia and New Zealand. The branch that covers all of Tasmania is called the Barony of Ynys Fawr.

Our newcomer contact  Lady Elizabeth Saunderse. Email them at newcomers@ynysfawr.lochac.sca.org.  they will answer your questions about this unusual pastime.

Each Barony is led by a landed Baronage, who represent and advise the Crown. This is often a Baron and Baroness, although recently we had two Baronesses reign together.

Welcome to the Current Middle Ages

Imagine colourful banners, people in medieval and Renaissance clothing, the clang of armour, the scent of a feast cooking, and music and laughter filling the air. This is the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) — an international non-profit educational organisation dedicated to researching and recreating the arts, skills, combat, and culture of the world before 1600 CE.

Unlike a Renaissance fair that you mostly watch others, the SCA is something you do. You can learn by making and wearing clothing (we call it ‘garb’), trying martial arts, cooking period recipes, practising calligraphy, archery, dance, music, and more. If it was done in the Middle Ages or Renaissance, someone in the SCA is probably interested in recreating it.

The SCA emphasises the ideals of chivalry, honour, courtesy, and service. It welcomes people of all backgrounds, ages, genders, and abilities.

Your Local Group: The Barony of Ynys Fawr

Ynys Fawr (“the Great Island” in Welsh) is the SCA barony covering all of Tasmania (and, by historical quirk, the Australian Antarctic Territory).

It is part of the Kingdom of Lochac (Australia and New Zealand).

  • Main activity centres around Hobart/southern Tasmania, with a growing presence in the north. ‘Nordurvik is the household in the Launceston area.
  • Founded as a shire in 1989 and elevated to barony in 1993.

Helpful contacts (check the website for the latest, as officers change):

Regular updates also appear on the baronial Facebook page and announcement email list.

You do not need to be a paid member to participate. Membership is inexpensive (currently $45/year for adults in Australia; free for children in a member’s care) and avoids the $10 non-member insurance surcharge at activities and events. Membership also lets you hold certain offices and receive the kingdom newsletter Pegasus.

Getting Started

  1. Contact the Chatelaine — Introduce yourself and mention any interests (fighting, sewing, cooking, archery, etc.). They will help match you with people and answer questions.
  2. Attend a regular activity — These are low-pressure ways to meet people. Confirm on the website or Facebook, as they can change. Clothing is usually modern (comfortable clothes you can move in).
  3. Come to an event — Make “an attempt at pre-17th-century clothing.” Loaner garb (Gold Key) is available.

Persona and History

You can develop a persona — a character from a historical time and place before 1600. It does not have to be elaborate or fixed on day one. Many people start with a simple name and expand later. Heralds can help with name research and registering a device (coat of arms).

You do not need a persona, medieval name, or extensive research to participate and have fun.

Combat and Martial Arts

  • Armoured combat (heavy): Rattan weapons, full protective armour. Authorisation is required before competing in tournaments.
  • Rapier / fencing: Lighter, more “swashbuckling” style with steel or schlager blades.
  • Archery: Target archery is very accessible; combat archery exists at some events.
  • Youth combat and other martial activities are available in many places.

Safety is paramount. Marshals oversee practices and events. The cry “Hold!” means stop immediately – it is used for safety in combat and elsewhere.

Arts and Sciences (A&S)

This covers almost everything non-martial: costuming, cooking, brewing, embroidery, calligraphy & illumination, music, dance, metalwork, woodworking, heraldry, research, and more. Classes, workshops, and competitions happen regularly. Share what you make or research – people love to see it and offer help.

Service

The SCA runs on volunteers. Helping set up, wash dishes, gate-keep, or assist in the kitchen is valued and a great way to meet people. Many awards recognise service.

Awards and Titles

Awards recognise achievement, service, or artistry. The first common award is often an Award of Arms (AoA), which grants the right to bear arms and the title Lord/Lady (or equivalent). Higher awards exist at baronial and kingdom level. You do not need any awards to participate fully.

Address people politely as “my lord,” “my lady,” or “good gentle” until you know preferred titles. Royalty and landed nobility have specific forms of address, but courtesy matters more than perfect protocol.

Attending Your First Garbed Event

What to expect:

  • People in a wide range of clothing quality and authenticity.
  • Possible activities: tournament, court, feast, dancing, classes, games, archery.
  • A welcoming atmosphere – introduce yourself as a newcomer.

What to bring:

  • An attempt at period clothing (Gold Key can loan some).
  • Feast gear if eating: bowl (very useful), cup/goblet, spoon (and optionally knife/fork). Loaner gear is often available.
  • Water bottle (hide modern plastic if possible).
  • Candles/candle holders for evening events (modern lighting is minimised).
  • Any dietary needs communicated to the steward in advance.

Etiquette tips:

  • Be courteous and helpful.
  • Ask questions – most people enjoy sharing knowledge.
  • Avoid modern topics loudly in the middle of court or feast if possible, but don’t stress.
  • Children are welcome; many events have family-friendly activities. Parents remain responsible for their children.
  • Accessibility: Contact the steward in advance if you have mobility or other needs.

Membership & costs: Events and activities charge a site/feast fee. Non-members pay an extra insurance fee. Membership quickly pays for itself if you attend regularly.

Key Terminology (Quick Glossary)

  • Garb: Period-style clothing.
  • Gold Key: Loaner clothing and feast gear.
  • Feast gear: Your own plate/bowl, cup, cutlery.
  • Persona: Your SCA identity/character.
  • Event: Official SCA gathering (tourney, feast, etc.).
  • Court: Formal gathering where royalty or baronage make announcements and give awards.
  • Seneschal: Group president / administrator.
  • Marshal: Safety officer for martial activities.
  • Steward: Primary organiser of an event
  • A&S: Arts and Sciences.
  • Hold!: Stop immediately (safety).

Come Share the Dream

Ynys Fawr is a friendly, active barony. Start by contacting the Chatelaine, joining the Facebook group, or simply turning up to a practice or event. No one expects you to know everything on day one.

Useful links:

Welcome to Ynys Fawr. We look forward to meeting you on the field, in the hall, or around the feast table.

Long May She Float!