Newcomer’s Guide
This is a Newcomer’s Guide to the SCA in Arizona
Welcome to the Kingdom of Atenveldt, and the Current Middle Ages! Atenveldt is a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a living history group based in sunny Arizona. In our kingdom, you’ll experience the pre-17th century world in a hands-on way, fully immersing yourself in the culture and customs of the Middle Ages!
The SCA explores history from the 6th to the 16th century, covering not only Europe but also Southeast Asia and the Americas. In Atenveldt, you won’t just watch history—you’ll actively take part in it. Whether it’s tournaments, royal courts, captivating artistry, or feasts and dances, there’s always something to enjoy.
For instance, you can craft your own historical clothing or gear up for combat in friendly competitions. If brewing excites you, try making your own meads and ales. You can also dive into arts and sciences such as dyeing fabrics, lampworking glass, and more. There are plenty of other crafts to explore like archery, cooking, woodworking, calligraphy, fiber arts, music, or metalwork—you will find something that excites you! If it was done in the Middle Ages or Renaissance, you’ll find someone in Atenveldt eager to share their knowledge!
Our baronies and shires cover the entire state of Arizona, making it easy to get involved locally. Newcomers are always welcome at meetings and events. You don’t need a membership to start attending, but if you decide to join regularly, membership offers perks like reduced event fees and access to exclusive activities.
So, step into the Solar Kingdom and start your adventure in history today!
Newcomer's night
Join others on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for Newcomer’s Night. Meetings are online via Zoom (find via our Kingdom Discord).
Contact the newcomer officer (the Chatelaine)
The Kingdom Chatelaine can help you with questions regarding the SCA or (if you need help finding your local Group) to get in touch with your local Chatelaine.
What you’ll find
Attending an Event
Groups host a wide variety of activities throughout the month, which can include arts and sciences workshops, combat practices, and weekend events.
Learning something new
You have the opportunity to learn and practice ancient arts and skills — calligraphy, cooking, armoring, metalworking, carpentry, and needlework (to name just a few).
Volunteering
As you begin to participate in the Society, you will quickly come to discover that the everyday, ongoing activities of the Society take planning, coordination, and execution by the members of its groups. Whether it be local fighter practices, business meetings, arts and sciences workshops, or any other gathering, someone usually has to organize it, plan it, run it, and clean up after it. By serving in your local group or for your kingdom, you help the Society to function on a daily basis.
Finding community
From across the globe, tens of thousands of medievalists (affectionately called “SCAdians”) gather to enjoy the thrill of combat, explore centuries old arts and crafts, learn the skills and virtues of this exciting period of history, and build lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life.
Newcomer tips
Introduce yourself
The most important thing you can do on your first visit to the SCA is introduce yourself and ask questions. Society participants have a wide range of interests and love to share with people who want to learn about them
What’s in a name?
You may pick a name by which you’re are known in the Society. It could be something simple and familiar or something more exotic-sounding. It just can’t be the name of an actual person from history or legend, such as “Richard the Lionheart”.
Each person chooses a name that is unique to them. Many people when first starting will not have a specific name so they will refer to themselves as Real Name of Local Group (i.e., John of Bordermarch) until they find a name that suits their persona or personal tastes.
