Who We Are & What We Do
What makes the SCA different from a Humanities 101 class is the active participation in the learning process. To learn about the clothing of the period, you research it, then sew and wear it yourself. To learn about combat, you put on armor (which you may have built yourself) and learn how to defeat your opponent. To learn to brew, you make (and sample!) your own wines, meads and beers.(sca.org)
Photo by Richard S. Mandel
Where is the SCA? Where is Brendoken?
The Known World is all the countries all over the world that participate in the SCA. Our area is in the Middle Kingdom (Midrealm) Within Midrealm there are multiple regions.
The region of North Oaken encompasses most of Ohio. Regions are made up of Baronies and independent groups (like our neighbor the Shire of Rivenvale)
The Barony of Brendoken, our home, is in Northeast Ohio, but south of Cleveland (Barony of Cleftlands). The Barony of Brendoken is made up of 4 Marches.
Marche of Gwyntarian
Marche of Alderford
Marche of Thistle
Marche of Three Towers
FAQs:
​
-So, is this like a Ren Faire?
Kinda, but not exactly. When you come to an SCA event, we ask that you "attempt" pre-16th century clothing. If that's a ren faire costume from 2 years ago in your closet so be it! We often even have things you can borrow for the day called Gold Key. You may certainly watch the fighters, check out the vendors, watch the artists, etc., but EVERYONE is welcome to try archery, thrown weapons, take classes and more! We are a non-profit educational group run 100% by volunteers. We learn what real life was like in the middle ages, rather than how its viewed in media, and we recreate it, with some Creative influences.
We create a "persona" a person who COULD have existed at a time/place during the middle ages. No one plays King Richard III, but we don't really do winged fairies or wizards either. Some people know what they want before even attending their first event, some folks take years to figure it out and try different combinations until they find what they like the most. It's a game and everyone has something they can contribute!
-I'm not really into "fighting" is there anything for me to do?
Absolutely! Being a non-profit educational group, our main focus is actually "Arts and Sciences". This is the research and crafting aspect that so many artisans participate in. Everything from cooking to metal working, leather crafting and so much more. If it was done in the middle ages, we've got someone that can teach you how to do it too!
-That fighting stuff looks fun, can I join in?
Archery and Thrown weapons are set-up so anyone can join and often have "loaner gear" you can use for the day, as long as you follow the safety rules and listen to the marshal (person in charge of that area).
For safety of all participants our armored and rapier fighters go through an authorization process. Learning safety rules and practices, making sure they have armor pieces, even if they're borrowed, and have had at least SOME practice. The practices take place at meetings and specific training days (see our calendar).
​
Any other questions, you can either come to a meeting or send any officer an email and we will happily answer or send you to someone who can.