In Glymm Mere, people practice various combat and target based martial arts, cultural and material arts and sciences such as music, costuming, textile, leather working, metal smithing, culinary and brewing arts, scribal, woodworking, to name a few – pretty much anything that people did prior to the 17th century CE, provided it is legal.

You’ll find that there are many people, nearly everyone you meet in fact, eager to assist newcomers with various skills and knowledge. If you mention an interest in a topic, chances are people will volunteer information or a name, or you can ask the Chatelaine for help connecting to resources.

Our events range from regular evening martial practices and socials to the formal all-day Yule feast to multi-day events which combine many activities and competitions with daily Court (see below) and take place at a hotel or camping venue. Events such as weekly martial practice and monthly Arts and Sciences evenings are informal, requiring neither garb nor court manners.

When starting out, many opt for a simple T-tunic and a pair of shoes or boots that aren’t too glaringly modern. Museum quality garb is not required! We encourage everyone to wear whatever one wishes, so long as it appears reasonably pre-17th century. Most regular meetings in Glymm Mere do not require period garb, but for events that do require garb, the Barony offers “Gold Key”, a collection of donated garb for loaning to people who need something to wear for their first event or two.

In Court, the Royalty and/or Baronage and their entourages and officials gather at thrones to share announcements and recognize members of the populace for their achievements and service. Most formal events (those requiring garb) have at least one session of court in a day.

Kneeling to royalty or the baronage (aka “Crowns” or “Coronets”) is encouraged, if one is able, when summoned to approach the throne. It is customary for people to offer a “reverence” (bow, curtsey or the equivalent) toward royalty, their local representatives or their unoccupied thrones, upon coming into their presence for the first time in a day. Court manners are not expected at less formal events when garb is not required. Check out the kingdom and society web sites, or do a web search on “SCA court etiquette” for more perspectives.

When addressing a stranger, you can’t go wrong with “good gentle”, or “my lady” or “my lord” if the addressee clearly fits one of those. “Your Majesty” is for Queens and Kings, “Excellency” for Barons and Baronesses. There’s more to it than that, but this should be enough to keep you out of the stocks.

Creating a persona and expressing it in costume, manner, and other attributes is one way that some SCA members enjoy participating, but it’s not required. Many members prefer a broader focus, or simply enjoy hanging out with friends at the SCA events while wearing the pre-17th century garb they find most comfortable. If you decide to go for the Award of Arms, you’ll be required to choose a culture, century and historically plausible name for your chosen persona as well as a device (heraldic design), but there’s no requirement to dress or act in the role of that persona. Many members have multiple personas of different regions of the world, centuries, genders, professions or classes.

• The Barony holds weekly fighter practice (spectators encouraged), and monthly Scribal sessions and Arts and Sciences meetings. See the Events page for more info.
• Many events provide classes or other opportunities for learning something new, and the Barony has many members who enjoy mentoring new folks – just ask!
• Last, but best – volunteering is a great way to make friends, and since the SCA is a volunteer organization, nothing gets done without our volunteers! Helpers are always needed for setting up, tearing down, cooking and serving at feasts and staffing the gates at events, and there are sometimes work parties to maintain equipment, Gold Key and Baronial regalia. As you get to know people you might sign up for a term as an officer’s deputy.

Being new to the SCA can mean a steep learning curve for many folks as they are presented with a myriad of fascinating new areas of study and practice. Most newcomers first focus on acquiring or making a basic set of garb to wear to events which require it. When planning your first outfit, aim for simplicity and comfort, and check with other members to make sure you’re not using a piece that too closely resembles regalia reserved for those with certain achievements or status, such as royalty or members of the peerages.

• Visit our About page for infromation on basic policies if you’re not already familiar with them (even you’ve read them before, check back as they evolve).
• The SCA Newcomer’s guide is a great reference. Also check out the Kingdom of An Tir.
• Check out the Officers page for a list of people who can provide more information and assistance.