Medieval
Welcome to the Warrenton Game Club Member's Showcase.
We will attempt to show some of the interests and activities of our members and fellow gamers.
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Warrenton Area Game Club site.
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Medieval Background
Recreation, the act of recreating a particular place and space of time is the key element in theis activity.
Adopting a specific period and attempting to recreate it's style completely.
To include dress, custom and occupations. Becoming a Lord or Lady in the true sense of the word.
Although similar to Live Action Roleplaying this activity is much more focused and intense.
Therefore this is not in reality a game but has many similarities.
It has closer ties to Living History than any other hobby we have discussed.
In some ways it permeates into the participants every day life.
There may be other time periods that attract people, but the main one would be the Medieval period.
This organization is called The Society for Creative Anachronism or SCA.
The basis is that a member adopts the personality of a character in the kingdom.
This could be a warrior, merchant or citizen of the realm.
The society provides the rules to create a character and guideline to your place and responsibility within the world.
Banquets and Tournaments are scheduled throughout the year and hosted by neighboring realms.
All of these require many people to run and organize.
The individuals would portray themselves within the context of the barony.
There will be Bards or story masters who tell stories or sing songs.
Minstrels who may perform and archers who may complete. To say nothing of the warriors who must do combat to
protect the barony.
The Barnon or Baroness coordinates all of the supporting cast of participants.
Combat is actually physical fighting with padded weapons and armor.
Though the purpose is to ultimately achieve authentic Shakesperian combat with real swords.
Typically they are held at campgrounds where the players can interact with their suroundings.
Individuals craft their own costumes and equipment to portray their character.
Contrary to popular myth these activities are not cult related.
The participants are aware that it is not reality but an imaginary creation they are involved in.
They do however acknowledge certain character traits, honor, loyalty and trust as being worthwhile goals to attain in their every day life as well.
They are meant to be entertainment, and as such, they are a way to enjoy ones self without being to serious.
To be a member requires you to adopt and follow a lengthy set of protocals and accept authority over you.
Like everything in life, some members can ruin it for others by being excessively stringent.
Unfortunately in this activity you can't find others who enjoy less intense control because you are restricted to
which Barony you join by your actual residence location.
Some SCA activities are held in out of the way locations, make sure someone knows where you are and has point of contacts.
Especially in case of an accident at the site.
Preferably go along with a friend, the SCA is not an open to the public organization.
You must join and have someone sponsor or mentor you that is in the Barony.
This will most likely be an outdoor activity so you will also have to deal with the weather, rain or cold in character.
Age may be a factor also, check to see if the group is age specific or if all ages (families) can participate.
You may be required to sign accident waivers, make sure you know what you are getting into before signing.
These activities help bond similar thinking individuals and provide and outlet for their creativity
as well as social skills.
Those of you that are not willing to be dedicated and involved should not attempt to join this type of activity.
Those of you who are adventurous, imaginative and love the Medieval period will find this enjoyable.
Members of this group meet socially, outside of the gaming environment as well.
If the idea sounds good but you are not excited about the commitment, try a LARP instead.
If the idea sounds good but don't want to dress up, try regular role playing instead.
SCA Organization, it's Local Baronies and Chapters
Warning : The following links will redirect you to sites not related to the WAGC.
SCA Main Organization Homepage
Atlantia Virginia Chapter
Steirbach Northwestern counties of Virginia Chapter