Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I live in the Shire of Hartstone?

The Kingdom of Æthelmearc website has a "Newcomers" section with a link to a GIS map of the Baronies, Shires, and Cantons. Look for where you live on the map and the overlay will tell you what group you technically live in. But you are always welcome to play with whatever group you want to. The only limiting factor when you don't live in an area is your right to vote on issues that particular group faces.

I want to fight! How do I start?

We have weekly fight practices to learn to fight, and occasionally A&S workshops to help newbies make armor that fits better than loaner gear. But when you first start there is usually armor for you to wear while you try out your first swings. If you are attending a fight practice to fight it is required that you wear sturdy footwear and a jockstrap for safety reasons. 

I really DON'T want to fight. Is there anything for me to do?

YES! There is an entire other side of the SCA where you don't have to get bruises or hit people at all...if you don't want to! The Arts and Sciences along with Thrown Weapons, Equestrian, and Archery all encourage brains as well as brawn in a less combative context. We have amazing woodworkers and metalsmiths, poets and and bowyers, leather workers and cooks that would all LOVE to tell you about their chosen skills.

How do I become a member of the SCA? And why would I want to pay to be registered?

It's pretty easy. On the main site for the SCA, SCA.org, is a main menu with an option called "Member Services". After you click that link it's only a matter of following the prompts and paying your membership fee. Being a paid member gives you discounts at every event you attend, voting rights in your group, access to online journals about the SCA, and supports the infrastructure that makes it possible for all of this to happen! And even of you only go to Pennsic, it pretty much pays for itself in the discounts.