SCA query/thought

[rm]

While there's obviously no way I am going to Pennsic this year, I am having my every three or so years, "I wanna go to Pennsic!" thing.

I went once, under fucked up circumstances and it's one of the greatest things I've ever done. I think I need to make the choice to go next year. The thing is, I want to do it on much different terms -- which is to say, not a Japanese persona, and probably not a female persona. I think I wanna go fight.

So would like the SCA people I know are on my friends list (some of whom actually know me) tell me how much crack I am or am not smoking by thinking this. I know I'm a little thing, but I also think if I worked at it, I'd be good at it (also falls into the category of "doing stuff" exercise, which I've talked about before).

Also I know nothing about NYC SCA people beyond the folks I got a ride with all those years ago, and I know it's an organization rife with a lot of political/sexual drama that comes inevitably out of the smart, bored, creative, kooky set.

So... anyone, anyone?

I feel like being a big kid. And while I get to play dress up in acting, there's pressure and obligation there, hence my wanting to do this other thing that involves playing dress up. Also, hitting stuff with sticks would do me good.

Comments

[rani23.livejournal.com]

Fencing (or rapier combat or whatever you'd like to call it) has started to become more popular on the East Coast and the programs are really starting to hit it off. They've always been popular in the West.

I love the fencing crowd and just spent some time with the East Kingdom fencers about three weeks ago. They're very good natured and welcoming of new people. As for their interests, well, they seem to have the same as the fighters, except stabbing people with metal rather than hitting them with sticks.

Tho, I must say we're generally prettier than fighters. :) We can wear lace on the listfield. We also tend to be snobs about what we're drinking too. As for the bedding stranger women, well...that they have in common with the fighters. :)

Some websites:
http://www.ostgardr.org/ -- the greater NYC area
http://www.eastkingdom.org/fencing/index.html -- East Kingdom Rapier page

There are also some great fencing programs in the New York area as well, that aren't involved in the SCA, in particular classical fencing program with Martinez. If I lived in NYC, I'd definately take classes from him. http://www.martinez-destreza.com/

[rm.livejournal.com]

Thank you, these are fabulous resources.

Because I'm the sort of person who reads magazines backwards, does one like join the SCA first and make friends, and then start doing this stuff, or do one just sort of show up and say "hey I don't know shit, who wants to help?"

As another person on my friends list says -- I don't want to be a bambi. And I also don't want to be presumptuous, or look more clueful than I am (two things I tend to manage too well in RL).

[rani23.livejournal.com]

I've got lots more resources. :) The SCA has a plethera of resources online. Just about any topic can be googled and you'll find lots of stuff.

As for how to get involved -- you've got several options but I'd first find out who your local group is and see if they have any newcomer or local meetings. Also, the Chatalaine or the Seneschal are usually good "hey I'm new" contacts.

However, joining and getting involved with something you like to do (like fighting) is also a way to start. Lots of people I know got started by driving by a fighter practice, stopping and deciding it was "cool."

[rm.livejournal.com]

So showing up to a fighter practice, saying this is my deal... how much loaner stuff is around / what's the barrier to me trying this out would be perfectly reasonable?

I can do that... I mean, the talking to strangers thing aside.