Episode 16: Rip Rap War

In this episode we take a look at what kinds of things draw us to an event in the Society for Creative Anachronism, and how we find that information. We take the example of the Rip Rap War, an event given by the Baronies of Marinus and Tir-Y-Don, and talk about our anticipation of, and expectations for, this creative event.

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Episode 15 Arts and Sciences Revisited

We look back to Pennsic 2017 and how we need to start now the preparations for next years visit to Pennsic. We talk about how we put the House Book to use this year, both to document the event, and also to give ourselves suggestions for next year. Then, we begin a discussion of the Arts and Sciences within the SCA (The Society for Creative Anachronism). As always, we look for ways to encourage it, from making it more accessible and inclusive, to offering more help at events, and welcoming all comers.

Segment one:
1:27   50 week town run.  Don't wait until July to begin preparing for Pennsic.  Spread it throughout the year

4:00  Put your Pennsic gear away packed.  Put them away ready to be used again.

7:10   What didn't I have at Pennsic that I missed?  Encampment border, banners, defining the boundaries of our camp.

9:30  Shopping will continue during the off season.  Collecting business cards, Pennsic merchants' websites, can continue shopping without pressure.

Segment 2
11:55 Fall SCA season begins

12:55  Pennsic is a preparation for the rest of the year, and the events throughout the rest of the year are preparations for Pennsic.

14:00  The House Book of the Golden Tree.  Documenting our group camping at Pennsic.  Capturing the recipes and menus we used.

17:00  We have now developed a full year of activities on the SCA calendar.  We pick the events that we like, and there's a lot to choose from.

19:52  When we attend an event, we should plan to enter something in the Arts and Sciences Competitions

Segment 3
20:50  Take full advantage of the internet and Facebook to find out what's coming up.

21:30  Some A&S competitions seem very limiting.  Organized around a restrictive theme.  And there haven't been many entries.

23:30  Competition vs Exhibition. The spirit of competition seems to be off-putting to creative people who just want to create.  What about an Arts exhibition that welcomes all entries, regardless of the construction technique.

27:00  What about A&S competitions that are divided into categories, from the most historically accurate, to modern materials and techniques.  Arts and Sciences should welcome all comers.

29:00  Have a A&S researchers consult table that helps people establish their documentation.  Suddenly you're teaching again.  Showing seamstresses and tailors how to research on the internet.  You get to choose the level at which you want to participate.

34:00  Participation at an event is the key to getting the most out of them.  Where was the Arts and Sciences table?  Why is it so hard to find?