• Lexicon of SCA Terms •

If you have just joined the Society, you may find conversations and event announcements hard to follow at first. SCA participants, chapters and offices all assume names with a historical flavor, and there is a whole vocabulary for everyday things as well. You'll get used to it quickly, but here are some of the most commonly used words to start with.

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Abduction: An abduction is an activity that sometimes occurred at early SCA events, where a person WHO had previously given permission was abducted by a fighter or fighters, who were then chased down by those who wished to. This was done with a great hue and cry so that any fighter who was willing could give pursuit. They would then fight what was effectively a challenge match to free the abductee(s). In the very early days, the Queen was often the "abductee", but also various young ladies were often abducted.

Æthelmearc: A Kingdom in the SCA that covers West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and western New York. Æthelmearc is so named because it means "noble borderland" in Anglo-Saxon and the kingdom plays that role between the East and Middle Kingdoms and hosts the Pennsic War each year.

Alphabet Soup: When a person has been in the SCA for some time and is actively involved in what the organization does, they are likely to be rewarded for service, and such (see Award). Many of the awards granted have acronyms, such as "OL" for "Order of the Laurel", and so on. A person who has been quite active can accumulate a few of these, and is entitled, if they wish, to place them after their name. This accumulation of acronyms is often called Alphabet Soup.

Anachronism: Something which is chronologically out of place (e.g. medieval clothes being worn in the 21st century; sneakers being worn in a historical movie). We are the Society for Creative Anachronism because we re-create the Middle Ages and Renaissance in modern times.

Anno Societatis (abbreviated A.S.): The dating system we use in the SCA (translates to "In the Year of the Society"). May 1, 1966 was the first day of the year A.S. I, and May 1st is "New Year's Day" for each Society year. The years are usually depicted in Roman numerals.

Ansteorra: A Kingdom in the SCA that covers Oklahoma and Texas, except for a part of Texas in the Mountain time zone. Ansteorra is Old English for "peerless" or "unique star".

An Tir: A Kingdom in the SCA that covers Oregon, Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories of Canada.

AoA: Shorthand term for Award of Arms.

Apprentice: Someone who has a formal teacher/student relationship with a member of the Order of the Laurel. Often signified by wearing a green belt (many times with the Laurel's arms on the end of it).

Archery Marshal: The officer in charge of archery who certifies that shooting procedures and equipment are safe.

Archivist: Another term for a group's historian.

Armor: Armor is worn to protect the body of a fighter. The restrictions on what is required to be worn is defined by a combination of tradition, and trial and error (someone getting hurt) over many years. There is a minimum set of requirements for armor that must be met for a fighter to be approved to fight in a tournament or war; and it varies depending on whether the fighter is a "heavy" fighter or a "light" fighter.

Arms (or device): The heraldic emblem that identifies a person once they have received an Award of Arms (AoA) or higher award.

Artemisia A Kingdom in the SCA that covers Utah, Southern Idaho, Montana, and west of the continental divide of Colorado and Wyoming. The Kingdom name is taken from the Latin term for sagebrush - Artemisia Tridentata - a very common plant throughout the Kingdom.

Arts and Sciences: General term for the arts, crafts, technology, and science of the middle ages. Many times shorten to A&S. Example of arts & sciences are: sewing, armor-making, leathercraft and cooking.

A&S: Abbreviation for Arts & Sciences. General term for the study of the arts, crafts, technology and science of the Middle Ages.

A.S.: Abbreviation for Anno Societatis; Latin term for "in the year of the Society".

Atenveldt: A Kingdom in the SCA that covers Arizona, Utah, and a small bit of California. The name came from the combination of an Egyptian sun god, known as Aton, and the German word for land. Atenveldt became the first Barony in the SCA (as part of the West Kingdom) at its founding in 1969. It later became the Principalityin the SCA in 1970, and finally rose to Kingdom status in 1971.

Atlantia: A Kingdom in the SCA that covers Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, plus a piece of Georgia, minus a piece of Virginia.

Authorised: Refers to a fighter who has proven to the fighter marshals that they are no danger in combat to themselves or others.

Authorization: People participating in martial activities (heavy combat, rapier, equestrian games, equestrian combat, siege engines, combat archery, live/thrown weapons) must take an oral and skills test to demonstrate they know the rules and are not a danger to themselves or others before full participation. People who are interested in becoming an authorized combatant should attend fighter practices at the local group level to learn the rules.

Autocrat: The person in charge of an event. Sometimes the suffix "-crat" gets added to other words to identify the person running that activity (example - "feastocrat" for someone in charge of a feast at an event).

Avacal: A kingdom of the SCA that covers Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the eastern portion of British Columbia, plus the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Formerly a Principality of the Kingdom of An Tir, Avacal became a kingdom in 2015.

Award: The Royalty of the SCA may grant a variety of awards to those that they find worthy. This award structure ranges from awards that grant arms (armigerous awards) to those that do not (non-armigerous awards). Most awards are granted at the whim of the Royalty, although many are designed to reward specific skills, behavior, etc. However, the Royalty are busy people, and cannot possibly know everyone in their Principality or Kingdom. It is helpful if you feel someone is deserving of reward that you write a letter of recommendation ... anyone can do it, for any award (in other words, you don't have to have the award yourself to recommend someone for that award).

Award of Arms: The first level of personal awards one can receive in the SCA. It confers the title of Lord or Lady upon it's recipient. This level of award is usually given for showing promise in one or more areas or for service given to a group or the Kingdom.

Bardic Circle: An informal gathering for singing and storytelling. Any who attend are welcome to perform appropriate material, but you can just sit and listen if you prefer. A bard is a person who sings, tells stories, recites poetry, etc.

Baron: Title for the male noble who oversees a barony. (Also called a Landed Baron.) They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Baronage: The term used when referring to both the Baron and Baroness of a group.

Baroness: Title for the female noble who oversees a barony. (Also called a Landed Baroness.) They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Barony: A large local group or cluster of smaller local groups. Baronies have a Baron and/or Baroness as their ceremonial heads. Sub-groups within a Barony's territory are known as Cantons, or in some areas, Marchs, Ridings or Strongholds. All these groups are officially recognized in the SCA and are administered by a slate of officers.

Blue Card: An SCA membership card printed on blue cardstock, indicating that the card holder has a signed waiver on file at the SCA offices.

Canton: A chartered local group of the SCA, connected to a Barony.

Castellan: A (male) officer who acts as a group's "greeter", making sure that new members and visitors informed of activities, are introduced with group members who share similar interests, and many times acts as the group's demo coordinator. They provide hospitality. This person in this position is sometimes called a Hospitaller or a Chatelain.

Chancellor Minor / Minister of Youth / Page School Chancellor: Officer in charge of children's activities.

Chamberlain: Officer in charge of inventorying/maintaining/storing a SCA chapter's property.

Chatelaine: A (female) officer who acts as a group's "greeter", making sure that new members and visitors informed of activities, are introduced with group members who share similar interests, and many times acts as the group's demo coordinator. They provide hospitality. This person in this position is sometimes called a Hospitaler.

Children: Children is the preferred term to apply to the younger members of the SCA. In times past other terms such as halflings, smalls, urchins, etc have been used to refer to children. We are attempting to change this. Children are a valuable resource to the SCA, as they will carry on our work and ideals. We desire to show respect for them.

Chirurgeon (KIGHR-er-jun): A gentle that is a member of the Chirurgeon guild, an independently organized group of individuals that provide first aid.

Chivalry: The ideal qualities of knighthood, as courtesy, valor, charity, skill in arms, etc... The term also represents a person recognized by the King, Queen and other Chivalry as one who possesses prowess in heavy weapons combat and chivalric virtues. Companions of the Chivalry are the Knights, who swear fealty to the Crown, and Masters-of-Arms, who do not.

Chronicler: An officer who publishes a local, Kingdom or Society newsletter.

CLEAR!: A term announced before drawing a knife from its sheath, a sword from its scabbard, etc. It means "Beware, I am unsheathing live steel." The use of the word is both a courtesy as well as a safety measure.

Collegium: Events where classes are taught on a variety of subjects.

Compleat Anachronist: The name of a SCA publication in which each issue is dedicated to one specific historical or SCA topic.

Constable: This office, which exists in some kingdoms, has varied responsibilities which might include making sure that the entry gate is manned, ensuring that SCA and modern laws are followed, or taking care of "Lost and Found".

Coronation: An event in which the investiture of a new King and Queen takes place. (The Prince and Princess step up as the next King and Queen.)

Corpora: The governing and policy decisions of the Board of Directors of the SCA.

Consort: The companion of the Sovereign who rules the kingdom; see also Queen.

Count: The title of someone who has ruled as King once and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Countess: The title of someone who has ruled as Queen once and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Court: A gathering where the King and Queen of a kingdom make announcements and present awards. Rulers of principalities hold Principality courts, and landed Barons and Baronesses hold Baronial courts.

Court Baron: Someone who has had the honor of having the noble title of baron bestowed upon them by the Crown (usually for a great amount of service). They are not "landed", and do not oversee a barony. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Court Baroness: Someone who has had the honor of having the noble title of baroness bestowed upon them by the Crown (usually for a great amount of service). They are not "landed", and do not oversee a barony. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Crash Space: Informal lodgings with members of the group holding the event or in unused spaces at the event; usually just floor space for you to be able to put your own sleeping bag, etc..

Crown, The: The term used to refer to the King and Queen.

Crown Tourney / Tournament: The fighting tournament held every six months to choose the successor of the current King and Queen. The fighter that wins (male or female) and their consort become the Prince and Princess who then will take over as King and Queen.

Dame: An alternate title that can be used by a female Knight of the SCA. (Female knights may also use the title Sir.)

Damp Site: Site where wine, beer, and mead are permitted, but no hard liquor.

Dance Minister/Mistress: An unofficial officer in charge of dancing activities for a group.

Dayboard: Lunch, served at some events.

Demo: A demonstration of the activities in the SCA. SCA participants will usually perform martial activities as well as arts and sciences for the public.

Device: Also referred to as a heraldic device. The heraldic emblem a member of the SCA can use to identify themselves.

Discretely Wet: "Discreetly" wet means that the site is normally dry, but the owners will permit alcohol as long as the labeled containers are kept out of sight and are removed at the end of the event.

Dream, The: The dream is a "world" in which we live our lives honorably and with courtesy and respect for all our fellows, regardless of class, station, or skills. This is really the core of everything we do.

Dry Site: Site where no alcohol is allowed.

Duchess: The title of someone who has ruled as Queen two or more times and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Grace".

Duct Tape: Also called silver tape or sword tape, this wonderful stuff almost literally holds the SCA world together.

Duke: The title of someone who has ruled as King two or more times and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Grace".

Earl: An alternate title for Count. Someone who has ruled as King once and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Event: Any official Society gathering. A wide variety of activities occur at an event which may include fighting tournaments, archery tournaments, equestrian tournaments, games, craft competitions, classes on topics of interest, music, dancing, singing, cooking, feasting and general good fun. You are welcome to go to any events listed in your local and kingdom newsletters. You will always find things to do, although some activities (mainly the martial activities) take special training and you'll need to be "authorized" before you can take part in those.

Event Steward: See "Autocrat"

Exchequer (Chancellor of the Exchequer) [EX-check-er]: The officer serving as treasurer for a group or kingdom.

Farspeaker: Slang term sometimes used for "telephone".

Favor: A personal token given as a mark of friendship or love. In a Crown Tournament the fighter and the prospective consort exchange favors to show their commitment to rule together.

Feast: An elaborate meal (usually of exceedingly good quality,) served in the evening and sometimes accompanied by entertainment. If you will be attending the feast and have any food allergies, be sure to inform the Feastocrat, so special accommodations canl be made for you.

Feast Gear: A place setting for a feast: at least a plate, bowl, goblet, spoon and knife. You can also include a napkin, fork, tablecloth, candles, etc. Assume you'll need to bring basic feast gear for any feast unless the announcement says you don't.

Feast Steward: Another term for feastocrat. The head cook in charge of the feast at an event.

Feastcrat: The person in charge of cooking the food at an event.

Garb: Clothing based on that worn prior to 1600 CE. Required at all events except some local meetings and activities. Your first attempt doesn't have to be fancy, and many groups have facilities to loan you garb. Garb can also be referred to by the medieval term: clothes.

Gate: The place to check in or buy at-the-door admission to an event. A Society habit has been to call the gate "troll", but there were no trolls or troll booths in the Middle Ages.

Gentle: General term to refer to any person in the Society. Not gender specific.

Gold Key: A collection of spare garb (clothing) for new people to borrow until they acquire their own. Sometimes there will also be extra feast gear, etc. In some locations, the Gold Key may be an officer. In others, it is maintained by the Castellan/Chatelaine.

Graf: An alternate title for Count. Someone who has ruled as King once and stepped down. They are addressed as "Your Excellency".

Grant of Arms: The second level of personal awards one can receive in the SCA. Generally given for showing skill in one or more areas or for extended service.

Guild: An official Kingdom-recognized group of individuals which meet to study or practice a period art or science.

Halflings: Children (or sometimes, "smalls"). The terms come from modern fictional works. In the Middle Ages, children were simply referred to as "children" and should be called such.

Heavy Combat / Weapons: Full-contact combat involving the use of wooden (rattan) swords and pole weapons/spears.

Her Ladyship: The title used when referring to a female gentle who has received a Grant of Arms, or an Grant of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Where is Her Ladyship Jane?") Your Ladyship is used when addressing such a person. (i.e."Greetings, Your Ladyship Jane!") Some kingdoms use the words Honorable Lady instead.

Herald: The officer in charge of overseeing the heraldic needs of a group, Principality, Kingdom or the Society. These including helping people develop and register names & heraldic devices, and with making announcements at events and courts.

Herald, Book: A herald who specializes in helping people register SCA names and devices,.

Herald, Vocal: A herald who specializes in making announcements at events and courts.

Heraldic Display: The practice of placing one's heraldic elements on various items to add to the ambiance of an event. Items can include clothes, equipment and banners, amongst other things.

Heraldry: The art, science and study of heraldic practices, particularly in the Middle Ages.

High Table: The table reserved at feasts for the presiding royalty and honored guests.

His Lordship: The title used when referring to a male gentle who has received a Grant of Arms, or an Grant of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Where is His Lordship John?") Your Lordship is used when addressing such a person. (i.e."Greetings, Your Lordship John!") Some kingdoms use the words Honorable Lord instead.

Historian: An unofficial officer of a group who maintains the historical records of the group's activities. In some groups this officer also records the minutes at official meetings.

"Hold!": A term meaning, "Stop! Be quiet and stand still!" When you hear this, it means that something potentially dangerous has happened or about to happen. It may mean that a fighter is down on the field, or it may mean that you are about to step into a ditch. Until you know which, it is wise to stand still and listen. Look around you and make sure that things are safe before proceeding.

Honorable Lady: The title used when referring to a female gentle who has received a Grant of Arms, or an Grant of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Where is the Honorable Lady Jane?") Some kingdoms use the words Her Ladyship instead.

Honorable Lord: The title used when referring to a male gentle who has received a Grant of Arms, or an Grant of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Where is the Honorable Lord John?") Some kingdoms use the words His Lordship instead.

Household: A voluntary association of friends or people who wish to study one period of history in a group setting can band together for that purpose and such are free to organize themselves without interference from the Society at large. Households have no formal standing in the SCA.

Inspection: Prior to every tournament or war, each fighter will have to be inspected by a knight marshal. Each fighter must show his or her authorization card and have armor and weapons inspected to make sure they meet the minimum safety standards.

Interest Group: A group of individuals which meet to study or practice a period art or science.

Investiture: A term used for the ceremony of installing a new ruling noble. It can be the investiture of a new King and Queen, the investiture of new Baronage, etc.

Ithra: Events where classes are taught on a variety of subjects.

King: The male ruler of a Kingdom. They are address as "Your Majesty".

Kingdom: A large geographic region within the SCA. There are currently 19 kingdoms in the world.

Knight: Someone who is a member of the Order of the Knighthood. It is conferred on someone for has displayed a mastery of the martial skills and taken an Oath of Knighthood. They are addressed as “Sir” (for either male or female), although female knights may also use the title of “Dame”.

Knight Marshal: The officer in charge of combat who certifies that combat procedures and equipment are safe.

Known World: (Also spelled Knowne Worlde) All the groups of the SCA, taken as a whole.

Lady: The title used when addressing or referring to a female gentle who has received an Award of Arms, or an Award of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Greetings, Lady Jane!" "Where is Lady Jane?")

Laurel: Someone who is a member of the Order of the Laurel. It is conferred on someone for has displayed mastery in one or more of the crafts, arts & sciences of the SCA, and who has shared that knowledge over an extended period of time. They are addressed as "Master" (male) or "Mistress" (female).

Light Combat / Weapons: Alternate term for rapier combat (fencing).

Lists / List Field: This can mean the list of people who will be fighting or the actual roped-off area for combat. The List Table is the location where competitors sign in and where the Minister of Lists keeps track of the paperwork necessary to actually run the tournament. This term is also sometimes used as a synonym for "tournament."

Live Steel: A blade made of steel or other metal, usually with a sharp edge, as opposed to one made of rattan.

Lord: The title used when addressing or referring to a male gentle who has received an Award of Arms, or an Award of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Greetings, Lord John!" "Where is Lord John?")

Marshal: a specially trained person who oversees combat activities for safety purposes. A Knight Marshal holds this office in a local group. The Earl Marshal holds this office in a principality or kingdom. On the field, the marshal serves to enforce the rules and look out for the safety of the fighters and any nearby spectators. They also are in charge of organizing fighter practices, maintaining the loaner armor, and helping newcomers learn to fight, as well as being in charge of the safety of the fighters at practices.

Master: The title used when address or referring to a male gentle who has received an Patent of Arms bearing award. (i.e. "Greetings, Master John!" "Where is Master John?")

Master-of-Arms: Someone who is a member of the Order of the Mastery of Arms. It is conferred on someone for has displayed a mastery of the martial skills, but has elected not to a member of the Knighthood. They are addressed as "Master".

Melee: A fighting competition between more than two opponents. Two or more people may be organized into a team to fight another team.

Merchant: A member who sells SCA-related goods, usually at events.

Milady: A generic address to any female in the Society. Often useful when you don't know what awards or rank the person might bear.

Milord: A generic address to any male in the Society. Often useful when you don't know what awards or rank the person might bear.

Minister: The gender-neutral version of Mistress/Master for office names.

Minister of Arts & Sciences: The officer who oversees the art and science activities of a group.

Minister of Children: The officer who is in charge of children's activities for a group. THEY ARE NOT A BABYSITTING SERVICE. They only oversee the activities aimed at children, not the children.

Minister of Lists: The person in charge of organizing the fighters into bouts, keeping up with who won, and any other administrative functions related to a tournament.

Mistress: The title used by companions of the Orders of the Laurel and Pelican, and Masters-of-Arms. It is also a part of some office names, i.e., "Mistress of the Lists", "Master of Arts & Sciences".

MKA: MKA stands for "Mundanely Known As." You will normally see that after a persons persona name and followed by their mundane name. Simply a shorthand way of pointing out what name an individual is known by outside of the Society.

Mundane: Modern, not-in-the-SCA. Some Society members take offense at this term and refer to non-SCA people and things as "modern" or 21st Century. However, the term is not meant to be derogatory, forgive those who use it if this offends you as it is not meant to be insulting.

Newbie: Some who is new member to the Society.

Non-Member Surcharge: An additional fee paid by adult event attendees who are not card-carrying members of the SCA.

On-board: Refers to space at tables reserved for people who have paid to eat the Feast at an Event. Remember, the feast is only one meal. Unless the event offers other meals, assume that you will need to provide for yourself.

Off-board: Refers to table-space reserved for people not eating feast, but bringing their own food. This allows more people to share the entertainment/ambiance provided at feast. Note that few sites have the luxury of offering this space due to size constraints. Do not count on off-board space being available unless it is advertised.

Oyez (OH-yay): Pronounced, "O-yay". It is a term meaning "Please listen, I am going to announce something of importance and/or interest." When you hear someone calling "Oyez", stop talking and listen. Even if the announcement is not for you, please be quiet to allow others to hear it.

Patent of Arms: The highest level personal award that can be attained. Usually conferred in inducted into an Order (Laurel, Pelican or Chivalry). Sometimes called a Patent of Letters.

Pavilion: A term used to refer to a medieval-style tent.

Peer: The award of peerage is the highest earned award in the SCA. There are four types of peer: Knights, Laurels, Pelicans and Royal Peers.

Pelican: Someone who is a member of the Order of the Pelican. It is conferred on someone for extended service that is above and beyond what is generally expected of a normal member of the SCA populace. They are addressed as "Master" (male) or "Mistress" (female) and are equivalent to a Knight or Laurel.

Pell: A target for fighting practice, usually a wooden pole.

Period: The time before 1600 CE, which comprise the era used by the Society as a base for its activities or as an adjective of, from or reflecting that era. (Example: A suit of armor is period, the space shuttle is not).

Persona: The fictional pre-1600 CE person that you comport yourself as. Your persona can be detailed or simple – starting with the time period and country you are from, all the way to knowing the details of your persona's place in society or your family history. A part of a persona is a time period appropriate name. Please note that you CANNOT be an actual historical personage or a literary character.

Principality: A large sub-section of a kingdom. When a section of a kingdom gets a large enough population of members, it can choose to become a principality. A principality will have a prince and princess to rule it, under the guidance of the King and Queen of the Kingdom. When the principality grows enough and shows its ability to self-govern, it can break away and become a kingdom in its own right.

Privy: Rest rooms.

Populace: The inhabitants of a kingdom or local group; the people present at an event.

Porta-castle: A portable chemical toilets found at outdoor events.

Post-revel: A party after the main event, usually in someone's home or camp site for socializing and unwinding. Post revels are not SCA official sponsored events. Please save the D&D and computer talk for this time.

Prince: Heir to the Throne of the Kingdom, and the person who will be the next King. They are addresses as "Your Highness".

Princess: Heir to the Throne of the Kingdom, and the person who will be the next Queen. They are addresses as "Your Highness".

Proof of SCA Membership: This is your membership card, a photocopy of said card, or a recent Kingdom Newsletter with your name and address on the label.

Protégé: Someone who has a formal teacher/student relationship with a member of the Order of the Pelican. Often signified by wearing a yellow belt (many times with the Pelican's arms on the end of it).

Pursuivant: An alternate title for herald. In some areas, it means a junior herald.

Quartermaster: An unofficial officer in charge of keeping track of items, equipment, etc that belongs to the group as a whole. They do not have to store it all themselves, merely have recorded who is storing what.

Queen: The female ruler of a Kingdom. They are address as "Your Majesty".

Rapier: A thin metal sword. In SCA combat, the rapier is never sharp and must have a blunted/capped tip. "Rapier" is also used to denote fighting with a rapier. Rapier combat is also sometimes called "light combat" or "fencing." Blows/fighting style is similar to modern fencing.

Rattan: The fibrous, woody, bamboo-like plant used to make replica weapons for combat. Because of its long fibrous "grain", it is safer to use in combat than any other wood as it will "mush and bend" rather than "break off into pieces".

Realm: A Kingdom or Principality.

Reeve: The Kingdom Scheduler (in some kingdoms).

Removes: Sometimes used as a synonym for "courses" at a feast. ("Remove" is actually a post-period term for a dish served during a course that is later removed and replaced by a new one.)

Revel: A party.

Regnum: List of Society branches and officers.

Royal Peer: Anyone who has sat on the throne of a Kingdom or Principality. People who have been on the throne of a Kingdom once are also known as Count/Earl or Countess and are addressed as "Your Excellency." People who have been on the throne of a Kingdom twice or more are a Duke or Duchess and are addressed as "Your Grace." People who have been on the throne of a Principality are a Viscount or Viscountess and are addressed as "Your Excellency."

Salute: A gesture of respect. The formal salute called by heralds before a round of single combat is threefold. It includes a salute to the Crown (sometimes Throne), a salute to the fighters' consorts, and a salute recognizing the opponents as honorable and worthy adversaries.

SCA: This is the commonly-used acronym for the Society for Creative Anachronism.

SCA Name: The name someone uses in the Society.

SCAdian [SKAY-dee-an]: A noun used to refer to a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

Schola: Events where classes are taught on a variety of subjects.

Scribe: A person who does illumination and/or calligraphy on scrolls to be given as awards.

Seneschal: Group administrator and legal representative of the SCA found at all levels of the society. Historically, seneschals were an official in the household of a medieval prince or noble. For society purposes they are essentially the "president" of a local branch.

Shire: A local group in the SCA that is a part of the Kingdom, but does not belong to a barony. A group of shires who band together to form a larger political "umbrella" become a barony, and, once the barony is formed, all shires then become "cantons."

Sir: The title applied to a Knight of the SCA, whether male or female. (Female knights may also use the title of Dame.)

Site: The place the event is being held.

Site Fee: The cost of admission to an event. Does not usually include the cost of the feast.

Site/Feast Token: A small object which shows that you have paid your site and/or feast fee. Often it will be something you can wear on your belt or hang around your neck.

Society: Society for Creative Anachronism. An international, not-for-profit, educational organization dedicated to the study, research, teaching, preservation and re-creation of the pre 1600 AD world.

Spear: A weapon with a thrusting tip only. It has different requirements from other weapons. Most kingdoms allow spears nine feet long, and some allow 12-foot spears. Spear shafts can be made of heavy fiberglass tubing, but only for nine-footers or greater. Shorter spears must have rattan shafts.

Squire: Someone who has a formal teacher/student relationship with a Knight or Master-at-Arms. Often signified by wearing a red belt (many times with the Knight's or Master's arms on the end of it). They may also wear an unadorned silver chain and/or silver spurs.

Stick-jock (Sword-jock): A fighter, especially one with little interest in other SCA activities; generally not a compliment.

Sword and Board: A sword and shield. Usage "He is fighting sword and board" (in other words, he is using sword and shield).

T-tunic: A simple piece of period-style clothing, shaped like the letter "T". (Similar to an over-sized tee-shirt with long sleeves, and the bottom going down to either the knees, or the ground.) Tabard: A sleeveless, serape-like garment worn over clothes or armor.

Thrusting Tip: The end of a weapon that has been padded and taped to allow it to be used as a thrusting (stabbing) weapon.

TI: Short for "Tournaments Illuminated", the name of a quarterly SCA publication.

Tournament: A fighting competition between single opponents. These may be fought in a variety of ways including Pas d'Arms, Bearpit, Double-Elimination, Round-Robin, and Ransom rules.

Tournaments Illuminated: The name of a quarterly SCA publication that has multiple short articles on a variety of SCA topics.

Troll: Short for troll booth, a play on the words toll booth. It is the place to check in or buy at-the-door admission to an event. Everyone who attends must sign-in. See "Gate"

Tunic: A basic medieval garment worn by both sexes and all classes from before 500AD until well into the 14th century and even later by the lower classes. Often called T-tunics from the shape, they come in various lengths, fabrics, and degrees of fullness. T-tunics are often worn in several layers for both sexes, over skirts for women, and over hose or loose pants for men.

Twelfth Night: An event celebrating the holiday of Epiphany (January 6). Normally scheduled at the beginning of January; attendees wear their finest garb, and friends exchange gifts.

Unbelted Fighter: A fighter who has not been "belted" -- i.e., is not a member of the Order of Chivalry. This term does not mean that the fighter doesn't wear (or cannot wear) a belt, just that they have not been made a Knight or Master of Arms, with the white belt that is part of the regalia ... see also Belted Fighter.

University: Events where classes are taught on a variety of subjects.

Vardo: Traditionally, a type of highly decorated, intricately carved, brightly painted, and/or gilded camper, living wagon, van, or caravan used by British Romani people as their home. In the SCA, a Vardo is a small camper used as housing at events. Style of construction and materials used are a matter of personal prefrence.

Waiver: An official document signed by everyone attending SCA events, indicating that they understand the risks (if any) inherent in the activity and agree not to sue if those risks result in injury to themselves or their property. A blue membership card indicates that you have a signed waiver on file with the SCA, Inc. Non-members and members with white membership cards must sign waivers at events and martial practices

War: A very large event, typically involving 500 or more people at which the main activity is one or more battles for large groups of participants, involving the use of fields, woodlands, or other broken terrain. War events can also include other martial activities, along with classes, court, dancing, performances, and merchants. Some may last only a weekend, while Pennsic, the largest SCA event in the world, lasts two weeks.

Wet Site: Wet sites do not restrict alcohol but local laws regarding alcohol consumption must be followed.

Whippy Stick: A marginally legal thin piece of rattan used to make a very fast sword. It is usually very flexible and is often seen flexing over shields to hit helmets otherwise protected.

Wrap: In combat, a blow that wraps around the opponent and hits the other side.