First Event

What should I have or do for the first event?

First, you DO need to come in costume, or as we tend to call it, garb. Don't worry if you don't have any medieval clothing yet, though! As I've mentioned, we have loaner items. Something should be your size, or close enough to fit. Garb is something you will wear to make you not look "modern;" you will simply need to make your best attempt at looking medieval. Anyone will surely be happy to give you pointers if needed or look over items you may be considering, if you are not sure. No one will be grading you or chiding you if it's not "proper" so as long as you're doing your best to achieve the look and feel, this is quite fine. The only time anyone should critique is when entering Arts & Science competitions!

Yes, glasses, makeup, cameras, and sunglasses are still used in the SCA. We are living in the modern medieval times, so there are certain amenities that we simply must abide. It is always appreciated if you can place your drink in a proper mug or cup instead of a modern looking plastic bottle or cup, though we will certainly use those at lunchtime too. Necessity prevails, and for the rest you will get there in time. Don't sweat the small stuff. :) The only NO-NO is carrying a weapon in court. You MUST have a title from Their Majesties before you are allowed to bear arms in their presence! (Look at the Regalia pages for more about the Award of Arms and other things, if you're interested.)

As for shoes - just wear something plain and simple. Not even fully-involved members may want to wear actual medieval styled shoes as they are just not as comfortable, even though insoles can work small miracles! The thrift store is an excellent resource, if you don't mind used shoes (Lysol also works miracles.....), like these plain and simple boots I came across, for example:

But you can just wear what you have, if you have something that's just plain and solid, even if it's modern-ish. We all have to have shoes and this is very understandable.

This is not to say that it's not a GREAT idea to get and wear more period-style footwear when you can, but of course, we all must have some sort of shoe and it's just not so easy to find the right period-style shoe. So you can just make your best effort, and that is quite fine. :)

Ladies: what about a purse? What we might often do is take a basket, if we're not wearing a belt pouch. If you like wearing a belt with a pouch you can purchase one from merchants you may find at events, or elsewhere if you prefer... I bought mine at Gulf Wars where there are many, many wonderful merchants! Smaller day or weekend trips will usually have a smaller sampling of merchants who were able and willing to come and set up.

But if you need to bring a purse, it's OK! Really, all ladies should understand this, especially. Maybe you can try to keep it out of sight, or find a plain or simple handbag. I recently came across a rather perfect "Sca purse" at a thrift store. You really never know what goodies you'll find there. Yes, some purses actually were used in period!

Next, it depends on if you're staying overnight or just day-tripping to the event, and also on if you're staying for feast.

If you're just doing a day trip, you won't need much else but yourself. Money, ID, membership card if applicable, etc. If you're planning to stay overnight, find out from someone what the accommodations are like. Pre-register if it's a site where you can get a cabin; but do ask in advance if you'd like to be grouped with folks you know. :) It is more fun this way for most, rather than rooming with folks you have never met. Some sites have rooms of bunk beds, such as at the boy scout camps.

If it's a camping event, you can plan on bringing a tent if you have one, and would like to stay in it. If you don't have one but would like to use one, you might even be able to ask around and borrow a tent until you get your own. Some folks may have their old "modern" tent as a spare after getting a Period style pavilion, for example.

Staying overnight means you should bring everything you will need. Facilities will include somewhere to take a shower as well as a bathroom with a sink, but you should bring all other personal items. Never depend on anything (except for toilet tissue, or paper towels, which should be attended to by the site hosts!) to be provided. So bring your soap, toothpaste, and towels. I also recommend that you bring some shower shoes - if you've ever showered in a public dorm, you may already have a pair! ;) Typically you should not plan on having power in your sleeping area though if you need to charge a cell phone or etc, you can find a plug in the restroom, or perhaps ask if you can borrow one in a kitchen or dining hall area from the site hosts if absolutely needed. Just be courteous because if everyone tried to charge their devices then no plugs would be available for other needs.

One neat item I have invested in for longer camping events is a solar charger! [Non-SCA Personal Site Link] (shopping idea link :)

The event flyer will let you know if food is offered. Bring your own water, snacks, and bring any other meals you will need to have for your trip's duration.

Bring anything that you require for the duration of the trip - as there will not be vending machines on site or stores right around the corner in most cases!

Quite often you will find Traveler's faire on the menu. This will be a light meal for travelers who arrive to site late and need a bite before bedtime, if offered at that event. They may have some beverages like tea or lemonade leftover until they run out, if you seek them. Sometimes there may also be a bite of breakfast in the morning, such as the day after the event.

If you arrive on site and find yourself lacking something critical, just ask around! Many folks have spare items, know someone who does, or can at least help you find a solution if need be. If you're lucky, the event hosts might even have emergency items on hand. But nothing is a guarantee. At worst, you should be able to drive to the Wal Mart or other store somewhere nearby. ;) The stores near Gulf Wars know the SCA all too well and to see medieval shoppers is rarely a surprise throughout the town during that week!

Some sites may have a place for swimming during the warmer months, in which case you could bring swimwear.

Some sites may permit the consumption of alcohol. Please put any such beverages into a non-original container, meaning something more medieval in look than the modern bottle it came in. Some sites are more strict about this rule than others where it is only suggested, but it's always a good habit to always.

Whether your beverage is alcoholic or not, you will probably want your own mug for drinking from. You can invest in some lovely "old" things from your local thrift store! ;)

Yes, you can bring a camera! Cell phones and sunglasses and other modern items are a part of our every day lives and we all use them. It's fine, really. You can even take photographs during court, but please don't use a flash.

The more events you attend, the more things you see and can get ideas from. Look around, and don't feel shy to ask folks questions. If you like, just let them know you're new and this is your first event and you'd like to know more about this fabulous thing they have, or are doing, or are wearing, etc.

And if you ever get tired of a conversation, never feel like you can't excuse yourself. We may often get hung up in our passions and forget ourselves. :) Feel free to simply say "Excuse me, I need to attend to something" or such: we will understand, graciously. Really!

Are there any huge No-Nos to know before I attend my first event?

Don't wear a white belt (it's for knights),

don't wear an unadorned gold or silver chain around your neck (it's for knights and squires),

don't wear metal circlets around your head (they're an earned award),

if somebody with a pointy hat walks by, and you're not sure if it's King/Queen/Prince/Princess, check quick to see if others are bowing and if so, BOW! If you're not sure and no one is there, just bow anyway :)

If somebody grabs you and they're bowing in some respectful manner, but you didn't see any pointy hats, just BOW! ;)

You will learn SCA courtesy and etiquette as you go, but in general just be kind and chivalrous to everyone as the same courtesy will be extended to you. Be gracious and allow the gentlemen to be gentlemen, ladies. And fellas, don't forget to offer to help a lady out if she appears she could use a hand. In the SCA we tend to leave sites in as good a condition as we left them in, or better, so always clean up after yourself. Too much grace is not EVER frowned upon!

And as always, just ask, if you have other questions. :)