Cristoval Ramirez de la Fuente wrote:


I have not heard that this is post-period! I only recently (August) received the GoA level award and I'm learning alot about the customs and traditions surrounding that. Even had to do a google search to find out why somebody would call an A&S award "Bridget's Flame"! But if "The Honorable Lady So-and-so" is post-period, I'd not sure that I want to use that.

Cristoval Ramirez de la Fuente wrote:


I have not heard that this is post-period! I only recently (August) received the GoA level award and I'm learning alot about the customs and traditions surrounding that. Even had to do a google search to find out why somebody would call an A&S award "Bridget's Flame"! But if "The Honorable Lady So-and-so" is post-period, I'd not sure that I want to use that.

DO: One thing I also grew up in the society knowing as a rule is that you should always bow or curtsy if you are certain someone is reigning royalty (King/Queen or Prince/Princess) and in addition must do so to their thrones should you be passing in front of a royal pavilion, even if they are not currently seated there. It's a sign of respect for the office, regardless of person in it. Keep in mind when crossing around a tournament field!

DO: Another good note for you is to check out the event's website before going! Some terms you might want to know: Potable water means it's drinkable and okay to use with food and such. Non-potable means you shouldn't drink it without purifying or bringing your own water. Dry means that alcohol isn't tolerated, discreetly wet means they allow drinking but not openly. No SCA event EVER allows minors to drink, and no drugs are allowed at any event, including medical marijuana. Check to see if pets are allowed, and be sure to have your animal's current vaccination records with you at gate. If you have a dog, you are required to clean up after them and have them on a leash at nearly every event. Make sure to read gate fees and family caps to keep costs down, and if you can't camp consider daytripping if you live close - it's cheaper and will let you participate equally.

DO: As far as how to address people - you can almost always assume anyone wearing a coronet or a circlet is at LEAST a Lord or Lady.

DON'T: Things that are off limits:

- Wearing a circlet that is fully closed if you are not granted at least an Award of Arms.
- Chain link necklaces (knights only)
- White Belts (knights only)
- Spurs (knights only)
- Red Belts (not an official rule, but usually defines a squire of a knight)
- Your kingdom or local group's heraldry (generally requires you hold an office in that group, unless given the tokens by someone in an office position for service and/or to wear on a war field, etc)

You are welcome to wear any color, any cloth, and your own heraldry at will, though it's recommended you consult your local College of Heralds to ensure you have an appropriate device, and submit it to the kingdom for registration in an official capacity, as well as your persona. You DO have to be a paid member to do this, as well as to hold any office!

DO: Regarding the heavy combat! Do feel free to watch the fighting at an event, be sure to place yourself away from the field and its entrances, and at a safe distance, as well as not blocking the view for others. If you are at a war, be aware there may be flying objects if you sit close.

DON'T: shout or distract the fighters in combat, it's unsafe.

DON'T: enter the field under any circumstances unless you are an authorized fighter or Marshal.

DO: offer your help as a volunteer! If you don't know who to ask, it is usually safe to assume someone at Gate can direct you to the Autocrat or Volunteer coordinator. Good jobs to start with are Water Bearing, Chirugeon (If you are CPR certified let them know!), Gate, and Lists Paging. Children are also good options for these positions! Autocrats love to know ahead of time if you are helping, so send them an email before the event if you plan to assist.

I hope this list helps, and look to see more added!

Signora Francesca Morosini wrote:



I'm always interested in how things vary by region. Up here in Northshield, it's fairly rare to see somebody "bow before the presence" as it's called when bowing to the empty thrones. It's not unheard of, I just don't see it very often.

Also, in Northshield there is a "push" to create "fields of black and gold" wearing the "populous badge" is always okay and it's encouraged to wear the Kingdom colors to show support of the army.

Of course, I should specify these were things I noticed in both kingdoms I lived in as a member, so they seemed a bit more blanket. As far as heraldry goes - by all means wear any official populace badges or colors of your kingdom, just not the official heraldry unless you have permission, otherwise you might be mistaken for an officer. =)

Mi'ladye Signora

Thank you so very much for your do's/ do not's.... Honestly it is of great help... Most I kind of knew by instinct... Though as THL Aveline pointed out... each area seem to be more or less different although all part of the same group....

Here we bow, and bow, and bow..... They also attempt to do the Black and Blue thing... Going so far as encouraging competitions in black and blue...

However it is nice to know about the chained where... for my favorite necklace is on a chain.... & a have a few other pieces I am wanting to convert to garb wear... I now know to watch the chain aspect...

Circlets are not a problem for me... I do not like things on my head so.... Though I do at least now know those who have them are more than likely a Ladye of some form...

again Thank You.....

A standard necklace chain is not a problem. The lady refers to big links of silver or gold which look like something you could tie your dog out with. The links are large and not at all delicate like most jewelry.

aaahhhh ok.... thanks for clarifying that one....

THL Aveline femme Marc wrote:


I do! I do!

Yeah, up here it seems to vary person to person. House Greyfeathre tends to bow to the presence whenever crossing the center line of the room where it is set up. It's a sign of respect to the Throne that our patriarch has suggested we show. And yeah, we're probably in the minority. But we sort of do it for ourselves more than for the people who happen to be wearing the shiny hats and we don't make judgments in the meantime.

For me, it's mostly a sign that I respect and honor the institution of the Throne, no matter who sits upon it.

The Dos and Do nots vary a bit by Kingdom.

You DO NOT have to play with the group where you live. If they do not seem welcoming, and another group is - then play with them. My boyfriend often drives three hours to play with my local group.

Find a Chatelaine you feel comfortable talking to. It is our job to help you find your way in the SCA - it doesn't matter if you are brand new, have been around for several years, or have relocated to a new kingdom.

THL Aveline femme Marc wrote:


Good. If you don't use THL, and remain a "Lady" as specified by Corpora for GoA holders, heralds the Known World over will thank you for your pursuit of authenticity.

Signora Francesca Morosini wrote:


This is also IKA. Many kingdoms (including my own, Lochac) have little to no sumptuary laws or traditions and so circlets are not restricted. So check your own Kingdom laws before wearing a circlet is my suggestion.

If you are allowed to wear a circlet, ensure that it does not look too much like a coronet, as most Kingdoms protect some coronet designs for baronies, counties, duchies, etc.