SCA Slang

Chatelaine, SCA Collegium of Svaty Sebesta

The newcomer to SCA will hear many words and titles unfamiliar to
non-SCA enthusiasts.  Some are rooted in the time period the
Society studies, and some are just slang words that can describe
nothing but an SCA function, office, or event.  Following is an
incomplete glossary of terms you may hear at Svaty Sebesta
meetings and events.  For more help, ask anyone in the
group.  Don't be shy -- we don't mean to confuse.

anachronism anything out of its proper time element.
anno societatis abbreviated A.S., is the calendar year since the formation of the SCA.  The A.S. (year of the Society) runs from May 1 through April 30.  Jan thru April of 1996 A.D. will be in A.S. 30; with May thru Dec of 1996 A.D. being in 31 A.S.
armor inspection before combat at an SCA event, experienced marshals must inspect and approve all armor and weapons to be used by the combatants.
armiger anyone who has the right to bear heraldic Arms.
AoA See Award of Arms
apprentice A student who has been accepted by a Master or Mistress of the Laurel.
Arms the heraldic emblem that identifies a person or group.  The right to that emblem is a gift of royalty, with its specific content subject to approval by the Kingdom College of Heralds and the SCA College of Arms.

NOTE: A heraldic device may be approved at displayed before an actual Award of Arms (AoA) has been made.  In that case it is called a "device."  See Award of Arms, Device, and Badge.

 
archivist Officer in charge of keeping newspaper clippings and
     other memorabilia.
A.S see anno societatis
authorized to be formally recognized as adequately trained to a minimum level of safety for participation in an SCA combat or combat-related activity.  All participants, even the water bearers, must be authorized before each combat event by Marshals.
authorizations held before each SCA combat related event.  See authorized.
autocrat The individual in charge of a specific event.
Award of Arms (AoA) the first level of award that grants rank and status in the SCA - giving the holder the right to bear heraldic Arms and to use the title Lord or Lady.
badge a symbol registered with the College of Arms, usually used to mark property but may also be distributed to many people and used as a mark of affiliation.
bardic circle a gathering where the major activity is the exchange of songs, riddles, poems and stories in a Medieval or Renaissance style.
Battle of Hearts an annual combat event held by Svaty Sebesta in February.  Proper name is Hertzkrieg.
boffer a weapon made of foam and light enough to be used against an unarmored opponent.  Boffer competitions are often held after business meetings.
Brewer's & Vintner's an annual event held by Svaty Sebesta in November or early December.  It is an arts & science competition featuring a separate competition for alcoholic entries.  A liquor license is obtained for the event so attendees can sample the fine ales, beers and wines brought by entrants.
Chatelaine group officer in charge of greeting and helping new members.  Loans garb, feast gear, arranges transportation to events, and is required to smile a lot.
Chirurgeon an officer with first aid training who stands by at events to render aid.
crash-o-crat individual in charge of organizing overnight accommodations for event participants.  Usually in the homes of local SCA members.
CSC Coyote Student Center building on USD's main campus.  Located right on Cherry Street with a big parking lot.
feast an event centered on the consumption of an elaborate or sumptuous meal - often accompanied by entertainment. Feasts are held at the end of most SCA events.
feast fee the admission price for the feast.  Does not include the site fee for the event.
feast-o-crat the person in charge of preparing a feast. The autocrat is in charge of the event in which the feast is held.
garb clothing and accessories worn by SCA members to events.  Ideally as authentic to the SCA period of study as possible, but realistically an effort to dress in the flavor of the period.
Hertzkrieg an annual combat event held by Svaty Sebesta in February.  Also called the Battle of Hearts.
loaner garb clothing kept by the chatelaine for use by anyone going to an SCA event.
servers persons who volunteer to serve the food at a feast.  Normally volunteers who trade their services for the feast fee.  (All the leftovers you can eat.)
site the location where an SCA event is being held.
site fee the cost for entering an event.  Non-members pay a higher site fee to be covered by SCA liability insurance.
token an item, usually worn, which shows you have paid the necessary fees to be at an SCA event or feast.  Acquired from the troll.
troll anyone working the troll booth.  The favorite activity of trolls is to make other people the troll.
troll booth the place where you pay site fees, sign waivers, get directions, and tend to any other administrative details
USD University of South Dakota at Vermillion SD.
VAAC Vermillion Area Arts Council
VAAC Building 202 Washington St
waiver a document signed by everyone attending an SCA event, inidicating they understand the risks inherent in the activity and promising not to sue if those risks result in an injury to themselves or their property. SCA members sign a continuing waiver on their membership application  

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Last Updated by David Messner