The Shire of Sterlynge Vayle, part of the SCA, Inc is expressly welcoming to all people of any race, sex, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. you can view our core values in detail here.

The SCA exists in a space between the LARP (live-action role play) and Reenactment communities, intended both to foster education and research (we are an educational NPO) and to provide entertainment, physical activity, and the opportunity to share one’s art. Unlike museum-based living history groups and Renaissance Fairs, there is no line between performers and public. We are all both, to the extent that our skills and interests allow.

Reenactment communities, such as the Civil War reenactors seek to duplicate as closely as possible the history they focus on. All people are reenacting the same thing, from the same time period, often to an extreme level of authenticity. When they reenact the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union always wins. Like these groups, the SCA focuses on real history. Unlike them, however, we do not all focus on the same time period or area of the world. Viking raiders will stand side-by-side with Samurai in the line of battle. With this comes a much lower level of required authenticity, in order to provide a low barrier to entry. As long as you’re making a reasonable attempt to dress like someone who lived before the year 1600, you’re welcome to attend one of our events. You don’t even need to go that far to attend one of our practices or social meetings, which is where we recommend people begin.

Like the LARP communities, our battles are not predetermined. They are physical contests controlled by specific rules. Our kingdoms are fictional (See The SCA Known World) even though our people’s personas are ‘from’ times and places that did exist. Our kings rule for a year or less (locally, 6 months at a time) and are determined by means of a tournament. Unlike these groups, there are no hit-points or other game mechanics. Nobody can be attacked unless they are voluntarily involved in a battle or tournament. There is no magic (although any given persona may believe in it.) You won’t be seeing any elves or dragons outside of children’s toys and vendor stalls.

If this interests you, we invite you to come see us at one of our Meetings and Practices. You can visit us virtually at our Facebook Page. If you have specific questions, we have an officer called a Chatelaine whose job it is to answer them. You can e-mail Cat at SCACat2019 AT gmail DOT com.