Moving in the SCA

Lets have a chat about playing in the SCA in a modern US economy. In my 20s, I move around a lot. At first it was for college, then after College I followed the man I loved for his career, and then finally I moved for my own career a few times. With everyone safer at home and social distancing it has had me reflecting on what made my different SCA moves successful or not. In this post I'm hoping to share some unsolicited advice from someone who lived in 4 kingdoms over 13 years, and works in the self storage industry today helping hundreds of people move every year. 

My first Laurel's Prize Tournament in Ansteorra, 2016

1. Reach Out

I am incredibly introverted and reserved so I know how scary this first step can be. Before you start moving, but after you know it is going to happen, look up your new SCA branch and say hello. Most groups will have a page on Facebook or a website where you can start to learn more about that group, when they meet, their own unique culture, etc. The SCA doesn't pay for adds online so you will have to be proactive and make that first step. Remember that your group might be in transition themselves so give them a little time or a follow up email if you don't get a response. Sometimes links break. Local and Kingdom news letters can also be a wealth of information. 

2. Talk to Your Friends

The 6 degrees of separation theory is alive an well in the SCA. You probably know someone who knows someone near by your new group if you start to ask around. I always like to see if I have a mutual acquaintance with my new groups to start a new conversation. This can be helpful when getting ready for your first event and want to know someone there, or if you are needing some help being introduced to your new friends. 

3. Pack with Care

This has to do with the nature of your move. Are you moving across country or is it more local? Will your items be stored in a warehouse or will you have access to them? How soon after the move do you want to go to events? What types of events?

Let me introduce you to the concept of "the first day box" and how it relates to the SCA. A first day box in moving is the big box you put everything you will need the first night you get into your new place because you may be too tired to unpack. Common things to put in there might be a pot and utensils to make pasta, bedding, ibuprofen, toilet paper,soap, paper towels and plates, etc. I like to label this box and have it be the last thing loaded on the truck so it is the first thing to come off. Allow me to suggest doing something similar for your SCA hobby. If you plan to event in your first few months in your new place searching through boxes can be stressful. Pack your favorite outfit and accessories as if you were going to an event, maybe some feast gear, a game or project, etc. This will let you be ready to go out and play with your new friends that much faster. Moving is stressful enough without depriving you of breaks for things you enjoy. 

4. Say your Good Byes

In the grand scheme of things, we are a rather small group  and you may have touched someone in a way that you are unaware of. If you can, pick a final event  in your current home and let people know this is their chance to say good bye. All that love can make leaving harder, but it could also lead to plans of your friends visiting you in your new home. Good byes are rarely forever in the SCA. Thanks to the internet and large regional events many of us can  stay in touch over the years.

5. Wear your Favorite Ensemble

This is a trick my laurel gave me. Wear your favorite outfit at your first event. No necessarily the most accurate, or the one with the most awards, the one that makes you happiest and most comfortable. This will help your own confidence as you walk around the event, and you will have something you can talk to others about. The people who think it is cool too will find you and say hi. 

6. Every Kingdom is Unique

If you are homesick it can be really hard to stay out of the "in my last kingdom we...." pit fall. Please remember that there are going to be things you love about your new group, and things you will miss about your old one. Its OK to feel this way, but its not OK to talk down to your new companions because it was better where you used to be. Take a look through local sumptuary laws for differences from your last group. Learn about the history and traditions that you are now a part of. Try and remember this is an adventure and not everyone will have had the same wider world view that you will have, and that is OK too. 

7. Volunteer/Teach

Volunteering to help with events, projects, or individuals at an event is a great way to meet someone. Many of my best friendships over the years have been formed under a parasol or over a pot of soup. You of course should not put more on your plate than you can handle, but do remember that volunteering is a great foot in the door. 

8. Teacher Relationships

After playing for a few years, many of us will have relationships with mentors and teachers from one discipline or another. This culture of mentor-ship is something about the SCA which I cherish, and each one of these relationships is going to be unique based on your discipline and goals. I have spoken the longer term players than myself the told me they returned their "belt" or severed the formal relationship in some way because one of the members moved away. With modern technologies that may not be necessary. Please discuss how your move will effect these relationships with all parties involved to make sure expectations and desires are clear going forward. I personally have chosen to keep the same laurel through my last 3 big moves. 

9. Try Something New

Have you been wanting to change your name, persona, etc? A Move can be a great time to do that. Your new group will likely not know you from your previous experiences giving you that chance to try on new interests and personas. 

10. You are now an Ambassador

In the middle ages, many courts would have visitors conveying words or interests from their home to a foreign power, creating alliances, etc.While it is not likely that you along will make or break the relationship between 2 kingdoms, it is worth remembering you are likely to be the  one of the only people someone knows to have moved from your old home to your new one. Your behavior can become a caricature of the region, so while your mannerisms are going to be different, remember that we are a society of grace and chivalry. 

As the economy starts to shift I hope that you can find some helpful advice in this article. While I am not officially writing for the SCA, I can speak to my experiences in membership over the years. Please comment below if you also have tips on moving and playing SCA. 

Picture of myself on my way to my first Outlands Coronation, May 2018