I hate the SCA, the resurrection

Ned Chaney · Post by **Ned Chaney** » Mon Dec 24, 2001 2:05 am

lip Spikes??? EGAD. Lodhur is scaring me.

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Emm aye sea kayee why. Emm ohyou essee.

anhur-set · Post by **anhur-set** » Wed Dec 26, 2001 1:21 am

I hate the SCA, I hate all of you pompous basterds in you're stainless baccenets w/bargrills and blue foam.

-SET (Who was raised by RE-ENACTORS and historians)

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But why shall I say more? To-day I wear these chains, and am here!
To-morrow I shall be fetterless!- but where?

[This message has been edited by anhur-set (edited 12-26-2001).]

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Wed Dec 26, 2001 7:49 am

I hate that it takes a whole day and two vehicles to pack for Pennsic.
I hate that I'm so tired by the time we pack up to come home that I'm road-unsafe (we're stopping at a motel on the way back next time).
I hate the petty politics. Sarnac, rest assured that I think you're a really cool guy because I do, not because of the brass hat or wallpaper. I like Clay and Bedlam, and they're...well..them. ;>
I hate that people just don't get the fact that I don't *want* to be a peer.

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Wed Dec 26, 2001 5:21 pm

Hate is a tad strong descriptor here, but things I really dislike about the SCA from the perspective of a rookie:

I dislike that there is no one in my area willing to bother to show up to fighter practice for rattan. On those rare occaisons when someone does show up they want to "take it light". I fight in LARPs with little boffer weapons that weigh 8oz, I am great in that style, but in SCA terms I am taking in light 3 weekends out of four every month! Bloody hellfire I'd love to find a dedicated fighter practice near me where people wanted to fight with a bit more intensity.

I dislike that I must drive rediculous distances either into NYC or Jersey in order to get to practices. See above.

I dislike that I am lazy, ergo I rarely get to practices and STILL have to foam this darn helmet of mine after 6 months =p OKay so this isn't the SCA's fault but its related durn it!

I dislike that I have a difficult time "meshing" with the SCA. It is in many ways 'too real' for me to get involved because it scares me. The people involve scare me. I LIKE fighting, I like fighting with some groups in Jersey, but they still frighten me. I do not need to hear about how you concussed someone, how your dislocated both legs in the woods battle or just how many glass bottles you broke on your head after finishing the booze they once contained. It makes me not want to come back.

I dislike that my fiance is constantly talked down to by the 'all boys club' attitude that pervades heavy combat. No she hasn't been fighting in any organization prior to this (I have) and yes she is small and weighs almost enough to be carried in a wet paper bag without it breaking (so do I) but she is neither a child nor interested in sewing. I REALLY dislike how difficult it is to find armor for gals and I REALLY REALLY dislike knowing that there is a good chance of her getting the tar slammed out of her by some sexist jerk whom I will wind up going to jail over if I see it happen. *sigh* Sorry rant mode off on that note.

I dislike that I never seem to have enough. I keep wanting to upgrade my harness and get into nice full shiny stainless steel. Not period, but pretty. I mostly want to just look good and have fun and not irritate anyone. Apparently that isn't enough though. I need to learn more latin so I can write "Please dont tell me about your persona if it takes more than 10 minutes" on my shield or inscribe in my breastplate on the days when the polearm beckons.

I dislike that creativity that isn't illuminated in a 14 century manual is frowned upon. Yes I did some extra curricular engraving on the leather portion of my breastplate, not its not period, yes I spent a lot of time doing it cuz it looks purdy and got a wild headache from the smell of the dye when I finished it.

So I enjoy medieval combat, I try to enjoy the company but it just makes me uncomfortable some days. The one PENNSIC I went to (was 18 at the time, PENNSIC 25 I think) was both the coolest and worst 2 weeks of a vacation I have ever had. What can I say, I love fighting but knowing that the chances of meeting that person who is drunk carrying a weapon and knowing how to use it just puts me on edge.

Okay bad things are purged from system, kill -9

~Weasel

sarnac · Post by **sarnac** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 10:49 am

Well Hushgirl,
Rest assured that I think you are pretty spiff yourself....regardless if you have a tin hat or not..

Weasel:
I am curious as to why you are scared of these people.
My Household is in NJ and Lower NY State...

The website is
www.timberwolfehousehold.com
I have become only a legacy member because I now live in Canada and I have other prorities and obligations in my life but if you want I can pass on your email and info to them and they can contact you with fighter practice info and other events.

As far as your wife fighting goes....those reactions, I am sorry to say, are pretty common.
When my wife decided to get into armour, I made all her armour and made sure to make her Leg armour and arm harness very protective and sturdy in case she came upon one these sexist A-holes on the field.
Just tell her to be assertive and stay dedicated to becoming the best fighter she can be and she will earn the respect of those who are willing to respect her.
Those who arent willing....will never give it...no matter what she does.
Do not let those idiots get her down.

[This message has been edited by sarnac (edited 12-27-2001).]

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 12:00 pm

If I ever actually get to be an archer (my eyes are letting me down, and I need to work up the neck muscles for the helm) Robert promises to be nearby in case I meet an A*****e. Could be fun.

Diglach Mac Cein · Post by **Diglach Mac Cein** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 12:25 pm

Is this bias against women fighters more common in some areas/groups than others?

Where I'm from in the Midrealm, we have several women who fight (3 or 4 in my shire alone), and I know of many others in neighboring groups - and honestly, I can't think of any locals who have a "crush 'em becuase their chicks" mentality...

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 12:35 pm

It's a matter of times, places and people, I think. Female fighters had a hard time here ten or fifteen years ago, but it got better. I don't think it's really good yet, but it's better.

[This message has been edited by Hushgirl (edited 12-27-2001).]

Reinhard · Post by **Reinhard** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 7:01 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Owen:
I don't do horses. I am infantry. For my persona, a horse would be completely inappropriate. I'll deal with a mule, but I ain't riding the bastard. Let the Legate ride, I'll walk, or drive a cart. Evil creatures, horses, fit only for rich men and those cavalry fops, what think they're better than us simple miles<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with Owen, I picked a Halberdier because I'm not responsible enough to own and care for a horse!

As everyone here well knows (Rein preaches to the choir again) owning a horse is like having a child, a very hungry child. The child requires teaching, clothing, it needs a lot of room and an amazing amount of time and effort. All these things are good for people to undertake, but I'd never force anyone to do it.
That said, if anyone is going to get their horsemanship and mount passed by someone I'd trust (a police horseman springs to mind) I'd be over the moon to see one at events.
Here in Australia, we had a rather unpleasant experience when some guys tried horse combat though, poor old pony got all upset and joined in the fight . . .
. . . I hear the guy lived, but being picked up by a horse and shaken like a dog shakes a rat is enough to make you rethink the exercise.

Reinhard · Post by **Reinhard** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 7:28 pm

Part II

I like Sarnac and Weasel because they don't hate.

I don't like the way a suggestion ('Hey, let's do boffers for the young'uns!') becomes a four month long psuedolegal agony with all the various dudes with an SCA appointment sticking in their spokes while kids drift away, still not getting to play.

I don't like trying hard to do kit and immersing myself in the mediaeval feel, and having events in a tacky 1960's hall with a lino floor.

I don't like *suggesting* to a guy that he could try doing armour more in keeping with his persona, and being told 'I just want to get fighting' and having it intimated that I'm an authenticity boor.
The guy is a herald for goodness sakes! How would he like it if I had a shield with a lilac F-16 on it!

This is the armour archive. In the SCA, I state unequivocally that ARMOUR IS GARB, put as much or more effort into your armour than your garb when it comes to authenticity.

I don't like people wearing what I consider 'practice armour' at tourney either (grumble grumble).

I don't like sunglasses, and I live in the country with no ozone layer, I wear a straw hat to shade my eyes in summer and I pull my hood forward in winter (it also keeps my ears warm)

I don't like smoking at events, I'm sorry, but there's no need to get righteous over an addiction (the same addiction that nearly killed me)

I've only ever met two knights, they seemed like nice guys. One was Prince Boris and the other was King Connor (?). So I haven't had any trouble with chiv, Connor even let me rib him about Landesknecht being faux Swiss, so I can say I like 100% of the chiv I've met.

I like getting mildly drunk and having Sven recite Norse poetry, and feeling kinda wierd, almost like being in a longhouse.

I like watching good combat between friends, and seeing them both coming away grinning.

I like it that females can fight in the SCA, but I don't like it if they feel they have to.

I don't like having to be of the Noble Class.

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 10:05 pm

Hi Bascot
You wrote
I Hate the SCA -
I hate the fact Pennsic is huge, but they don't allow horses.
I hate that I can't play with del Tins at an SCA event without some pimple-faced overweight kid (or his mother) whining at
me about the "rules".
I hate any dumbass who tells me: "You can't wear a white/red/gold belt unless you are a loser/wannabe/whatever.
Please don't take this wrong, but I've pushed more brooms/rakes/shovels at SCA events than I'd care to think about and was gong to Pensic back when animals were allowed on site, oddly enough the horse and dog owners had little concept of cleaning up. The dung heap in one camp added a great deal to the ambience of an August evening to say the least.
If you want to play with your Del Tin feel free to play anywhere else. nothing makes you come to the SCA to use steel.
As to the sumptuary laws - you want a red belt go swear to someone, you want a white belt go earn one

sarnac · Post by **sarnac** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 10:34 pm

the belt thing is quite simple....

Within the SCA the only belt color that is reserved is white....That is reserved for the Order of Chivalry of the Society.
Dont like it??? Too bad...Its a Society thing...deal with it.

All others are tradition...not reserved.
No other belt color is reserved at all...
But tradition is a good thing in my mind.
It breeds respect and esprit de corps..

Red for Squires
Green for Apprentices
Yellow for Protege'

However...

You can wear ANY belt you want Bascot...but be prepared for the obvious question.."hey nice red belt ...who's your Knight?"

It is a custom... if you dont like it...go ahead and wear whatever you want....just dont get pissed when people ask you things.

I, for one enjoy, and embrace the customs we have created....it is what binds us.

Reinhard: Thank you...that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me.
I am honoured...

[This message has been edited by sarnac (edited 12-27-2001).]

Lodhur · Post by **Lodhur** » Thu Dec 27, 2001 11:44 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by edward atte flynt:
lip Spikes??? EGAD. Lodhur is scaring me.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, Ed. That was THIS thread: http://www.armourarchive.org/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000766-2.html

& yeah. They're 14 ga. flatback posts with screw on stainless spikes. I've had several shapes & sizes, running from $30 to $80 a pair. Expensive to lose, & the nature of the tissue in that area is such that I have to re-pierce if I take them out for more than a few hours. Even after 45 minutes, the holes must be re-stretched.

I'm not really worried about injury - it is a risk I have accepted. What's more aggravating is crawling all over the melee field after practice. So, I tape them down across my upper chin. But then the tape comes undone, or pulls out my goatee, & people constantly tell me about the arsenic in duct tape.

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Fri Dec 28, 2001 12:51 am

Ever consider getting a set of less protrusive post ends? flattened spheres perhaps?

-+G

BTW...i was serious about helping you out on the other thread...

Lodhur · Post by **Lodhur** » Sat Dec 29, 2001 12:37 am

Its not the protrusion, its the fact that they come unscrewed rubbing against my chinstrap.

I'm probably going to end up making some sort of immobile chinstrap looped arnound my ears, with the helm strap over that.

Like I was saying in the other thread, mundane (monetary) issues are my big inhibition right now. Many years ago, I had a canvas a-frame that was as close as I've come to period. The duck cloth was bought for $1 a yard (!) at Sprallmart. What pieces I did not leave behind were cut out to make the backing for my scale armour.

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Sat Dec 29, 2001 9:27 am

HRH Sarnac wrote-
You can wear ANY belt you want Bascot...but be prepared for the obvious question.."hey nice red belt ...who's your Knight?"

When they ask this question, simply answer "Sir John Chandos". This will be hilarious, since you can have a giggle every time the person asking doesn't realise that you are talking about a historical figure who they should know about. It will make it less painful for you.
-V

Diglach Mac Cein · Post by **Diglach Mac Cein** » Sat Dec 29, 2001 10:41 am

But also expect people to see you as a squire, with all the expectations and responsibilities that the belt brings with it.

While the red belt isn't mandated by the SCA, but at least in the Middle, it carries a lot of tradition, beliefs and "unwritten" understanding of what it means. While EVERY person in the SCA is expected to act in a courteous and chivalric manner, squires are different - The term I have adopted is that a squire is expected to aspire to behave as a Knight in all things, but with none of the recognition, none of the prestige.

You become a part of that when you put it on.

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Wed Jan 02, 2002 6:01 pm

Good answer Irish.
I can't speak for anywhere beyond the East, but generally a squire is held to a stricter level of conduct (by members of the Chivalry) than a non squire would be, since they are announcing their goal of being knighted by swearing fealty to a knight, and taking their belt as a sign and symbol
One of the interesting "cultural" things that happened in and around Ostgardr (NY City) was the development of the Squires Guild. A group of us (it was a while ago, when I was still eligable for membership) made the decision that if all knights are brothers then their squires must be cousins. It started off light hearted, but within a short period the more serious members discovered that they had a great deal in common, and the guild started functioning as something between a mutual aid group and a 12 step program.
One of the most significant (to me) developments was "the walk" the squires started. A mixed group of squires would take someone who intended to swear to a knight "camp hopping" the night before (s)he gave fealty for an evening of conversation about duties, obligations, concerns, and pitfalls and the occasional beer(I'm told is is occasional, but my cooler has been cleaned a few times by a pack of squires with this scam). It made sense in that you should consider what you are about to do very carefully since the knight/squire relationship when it works well is magnificent, and precious beyond words, and when it stops working is hideously painfull.
If someone (non squire) wants to run around in a red belt that is nothing more (to them) than a red belt, just so that they can cheese off the SCA then I think they are making a public statement that they don't get what the SCA is about - it's their loss.

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Wed Jan 02, 2002 8:39 pm

If someone (non squire) wants to run around in a red belt that is nothing more (to them) than a red belt, just so that they can cheese off the SCA then I think they are making a public statement that they don't get what the SCA is about - it's their loss.

What if, perhaps, this individual has an oxblood belt, with plaques, buckle and tip, hand cast by him, which matches (and is permanently attached to) a leather scabbard with chape and locket brazed, silver-soldiered and set with semi-precious stones. This red oxblood colour and plaque combination reflected on the individual straps on all of the armour, with jousting helm also carrying the semi-precious stones.
All of this matching the longsword attached to the saddle (someday to also to be oxblood) as well as the reins, breast collar and crupper. The enameled brass plaques and hardware all made by the afore mentioned individual over a five year period.
Sounds like a lot of trouble to go to just to "cheese-off" people wearing hockey gloves.

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Virtus vincit invidiam
"Virtue overcometh envy"

Richard Blackmoore · Post by **Richard Blackmoore** » Wed Jan 02, 2002 10:03 pm

Quote: "What if, perhaps, this individual has an oxblood belt, with plaques, buckle and tip, hand cast by him, which matches (and is permanently attached to) a leather scabbard with chape and locket brazed, silver-soldiered and set with semi-precious stones. This red oxblood colour and plaque combination reflected on the individual straps on all of the armour, with jousting helm also carrying the semi-precious stones.
All of this matching the longsword attached to the saddle (someday to also to be oxblood) as well as the reins, breast collar and crupper. The enameled brass plaques and hardware all made by the afore mentioned individual over a five year period."

My reaction would be "Wow. Amazing. Somebody finally has a squire with a nicer harness than my squire's."

-Richard.

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Wed Jan 02, 2002 10:51 pm

Bascot - I would say that was magnificent beyond words, and would probably pump the man for some of his suppliers (brass / bronze are brutal to find on Long Island)
the person I was criticising to Irish is the sort who knows that something is reserved by custom, and knowing that feels an overwhelming urge to find anythng scarlet to tie around his waist.
There's a difference in attitude between the two, if I gave you offence by my posting my apologies.

Templar Bob/De Tyre · Thu Jan 03, 2002 10:08 am

Sarnac, Richard Blackmore, Mordreth et al:

The example Bascot is using in:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>

Originally posted by Bascot:

What if, perhaps, this individual has an oxblood belt,â€¦(snip) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

â€¦is in reference to an individual artisan who has a keen interest in Ottoman Turkish history, and made a kit based on an Ottoman Turkish farish. He learned bronze casting while involved with ACW, and thought recreating the kit of an Ottoman Turkish heavy cavalryman would be fun. He brought this kit to an SCA A & S judging one weekend.

Apparently, people didnâ€™t believe the kit he cast was his work, and implied as much. Additionally, they suggested he was â€œimpersonating a squireâ€

Steve S. · Post by **Steve S.** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 1:35 pm

Heh, Bob - Jesse (founder of Novae Militiae) came to an SCA event with his fairly authentic full 13th century kit, which inluded a colored belt (forgot the color). He recieved endless crap about his belt, and about his hand-sewn clothing. I believe the quote Jesse gave was, "Why would you waste your time hand sewing that stuff when you have a sewing machine?!?"

He hasn't been back either.

I told him next time to hang with me and drink more mead! heheheh

Steve

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Forth Armoury
The Riveted Maille Website!

sarnac · Post by **sarnac** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 1:44 pm

T-Bob,
Whom ever said that to that fine an obviously talented gentleman should be publicy humiliated and asked to never again have contact with humans again...

As far as the whole belt thing goes...

I too would be amazed with the fine skill and talent of said individual but I would also wonder whom he was squired to.

You do not come to and organization with established customs and not heed them just because you dont belong or dont like them.

I am sorry your friend got crap but if he was wearing a red or white or green belt and knew he was coming to an SCA event...how hard would it have been to put on a black one?

If an organization has established customs and you attend one of their events, I submit that you heed those customs or be prepared to get hassled if you choose not to...

its very simple....

or....if your Bascot....you do it any way so you have something ELSE to complain about.

Buran · Post by **Buran** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 3:04 pm

I wish I'd found this thread earlier.

I don't hate the SCA. I just don't appreciate real big social organizations. With a group as big as a typical urban SCA barony, I find it hard to know anyone without first finding out who is with who and who is plotting against whom. All very medieval, if you have a Byzantine persona.

Large groups increase the chance that one or more of the members is a problem, and that that person is not restrained, or worse in charge. Belonging to a large group is like living in the city.

I like small groups. Everyone knows everyone, the creeps can't hide, and the leadership is approachable, and even attainable. My input is considered, if not acted upon, rather than 'that's not the way we do things here'.

There are tons of little groups that offer everything from fantasy to authenticity, from boffers to steel combat. I don't feel that I'm missing anything.

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<><><> <><><> <><><>
Baldurstrand

[This message has been edited by Buran (edited 01-03-2002).]

Steve S. · Post by **Steve S.** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 3:35 pm

I came from a small group and moved to a big one. My opinion is just the opposite. ALL groups have politics going on in them. The benefit of a big group is that there are enough people that you can avoid political people and still have lots of people to have fun with. In small groups often the entire group is consumed with whatever faux-crisis is underway.

Steve

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Forth Armoury
The Riveted Maille Website!

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 4:41 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by anhur-set:
I hate all of you pompous basterds [b]-SET (Who was raised by RE-ENACTORS and historians)

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I certainly hope I'm not pompous.

You can be born to bastardy, or you can achieve it!

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 5:38 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Templar Bob/De Tyre:
[Apparently, people didnâ€™t believe the kit he cast was his work, and implied as much. Additionally, they suggested he was â€œimpersonating a squireâ€

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 8:51 pm

At a couple A&S competitions/displays in Calontir, there have been a couple judges that have behaved in similar fashions. They are no longer asked/allowed to judge (even if it's a laurel).

Some people just don't understand the concept of "constructive criticism", the limits of their knowledge, or tact.

Bob H · Post by **Bob H** » Thu Jan 03, 2002 9:09 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Steve -SoFC-:
Heh, Bob - Jesse (founder of Novae Militiae) came to an SCA event ... recieved endless crap about his belt, and about his hand-sewn clothing. I believe the quote Jesse gave was, "Why would you waste your time hand sewing that stuff when you have a sewing machine?!?"
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
See Matthew 7, verse 6

Buran · Post by **Buran** » Mon Jan 07, 2002 6:19 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bob Hurley:

Originally posted by Steve -SoFC-:
Heh, Bob - Jesse (founder of Novae Militiae) came to an SCA event ... recieved endless crap about his belt, and about his hand-sewn clothing. I believe the quote Jesse gave was, "Why would you waste your time hand sewing that stuff when you have a sewing machine?!?"
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
See Matthew 7, verse 6

Or the Havamal:

I advise you, Loddfafnir,
to take advice;
you would benefit, it you took it,
good will come to you, if you accept it:
be not a shoe-maker
or a shaft-maker,
except for yourself alone;
if the shoe is badly made
or the shaft bent,
then misfortune is in store for you.

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<><><> <><><> <><><>
Baldurstrand

Torvald · Post by **Torvald** » Tue Jan 08, 2002 2:20 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Aaron:
[B]Howdy,
What I find VERY annoying is the overbearing opinion that someone is VERY WRONG and a social malcontent to try an authentic rig. I like authenticity -- I don't believe I should be publicly ridiculed for it.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't belive this to be the norm, truely all my bad experincs with in the SCA have been from the opesite end with being looked down upon for NOT being very authentic. This is NOT a good thing either but it is what I have seen. You have to make allowances for the new person to get up to speed in thier garb and manner.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
I donâ€™t like that newbies are treated poorly. Newbies are the life-blood of the SCA (or any organization) and need to be taken under someoneâ€™s wing and encouraged.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Aside from the Auth. Nazi's, I this is mostly a local group problem some groups are very good at welcoming new people and others are very closed to newbies, and that's a shame on them.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
A mandatory class in period manners before fighting would be great! This is tournament combat between noble gentlemen (or ladies). If you act the peasant with rude comments and gestures, you should be escorted to the exit. If manners are not part of your persona, donâ€™t fight here unless your persona can fake manners well. Bar fights are downtown if you wish, and held every weekend. The Marshall-in-Charge is in a car with flashing lights.

Respect is way down, and needs to improve. I donâ€™t mean respect for the peers â€“ I mean respect for the common man (or woman) on the field and off. If you are a peer, act noble and have some grace. Some of the peerage has grace, but this is the exception to the rule.
B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Again I don't know where you are located but around me this is just not a true picture of the SCA. Now it maybe someplaces I have not traveled all that much within the SCA so I have a limited experince to draw on but overall it is a very good experince.

Torvald

chef de chambre · Post by **chef de chambre** » Tue Jan 08, 2002 2:38 pm

Hi All,

I just feel the need after some recent debates to point out when people who are interested in authenticity are treated predjudicialy

- Quoth Torvald

Aside from the Auth. Nazi's,

I think I'll keep a running tab of them for a month or so, and make a general report at the end of it.

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Bob R.

The Lost Scott · Post by **The Lost Scott** » Tue Jan 08, 2002 2:45 pm

Where my interests are I find it is almost the opposite of the Auth Nazi's that are unwelcoming.

LS

Diglach Mac Cein · Post by **Diglach Mac Cein** » Tue Jan 08, 2002 3:14 pm

Maybe I'm seeing the Authenticity Nazi's as something different than you guys.

Here in the Middle, the term is used for those people who act abusively superior becuase they are exceptionally authentic.

Generally, people who strive to a very high level of authentic (or just plain spiffy) appearance on or off the field are held in high regard. Sure you *might* get some good natured ribbing, but not anything truely abusive.

In fact in my experience, I have seen people who are very authentic (usually in the A&S, rarely on the fighting field) be verbally abusive to people who have not achieved what they have. Most recent example was a Laurel who really got on a new person (I mean FIRST EVENT, had been to 1 meeting) who came to an even in a borrowed tunic, sweatpants, and dark shoes. He borrowed the tunic from a friend, but the trews didn't fit. Didn't have period shoes either. This "Peer" nearly drove the kid (and the group of newbies he was with) right out of the event for not dressing "properly".

IMO, these people, along with fighters who abuse newbies (hitting waaaay to hard), cost the SCA more new members than people who want to be authentic and don't find what they want in the SCA.

Diolun