From: dennis_sherman@unc.edu
Subject: rec.org.sca / Rialto Frequently Asked Questions - part03/04
X-Last-Updated: 1992/10/12
Followup-To: poster
Summary: FAQs with Answers for the Rialto - rec.org.sca and mailing
    list sca@mc.lcs.mit.edu.  The Society for Creative Anachronism is
    an organization that studies the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and
    recreates those parts we find most interesting.
Supersedes: <sca-faq/part03_719643622@athena.mit.edu>
Organization: Massachvsetts Institvte of Technology
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 22:30:32 GMT
Expires: Sat, 26 Dec 1992 22:29:00 GMT

Archive-name: sca-faq/part03
Last-modified: 10/02/1992

                   rec.org.sca and sca@mc.lcs.mit.edu FAQ
                                     or
                  Questions Frequently Asked on the Rialto
                  ---------------------------------------- 

This article is part 3 of the complete Frequently Asked Questions
posting for the Rialto.  An introduction and table of contents are
included in part 1.  The complete Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list
is available via FTP from pit-manager.mit.edu in directory
/pub/usenet/rec.org.sca.  Those without FTP access should send e-mail to
mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with "send usenet/news.answers/finding-sources"
in the body to find out how to do FTP by e-mail.

For more complete introductions to the SCA, see the recurring postings
"Come on in -- the water's fine" (by Hal Ravn [whheydt@pacbell.com] ) and
"Life in the Current Middle Ages." (by Arval Benicour
[mittle@watson.ibm.com] ).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3:  Miscellaneous questions.

3.1  What does AS stand for?

        Anno Societatis, or Year of the Society, counted from May 1, 1966
    CE.  (CE = Common Era, used to avoid the religious connotations of AD,
    or Anno Domini)

3.2  Other abbreviations you may run across:

    A&S  -  Arts and Sciences (not to be confused with AS, above)
    BTW  -  By The Way
    CMA  -  Current Middle Ages
    FAQ  -  Frequently Asked Question(s)
    FYI  -  For Your Information
    IMHO -  In My Honest/Humble Opinion
    MKA  -  Modernly (or Mundanely) Known As
    OOP  -  Out Of Period
    :-)  -  not really an abbreviation, the "smiley" informally
            indicates humor.  Turn your head sideways to the left to
            understand it.

3.3  Why don't we have a badge for all the Rialto people to wear?

        We have an informal agreement that a piece of netting worn on your
    person or hanging about your camp indicates you visit the Rialto.
    Remember there are people that have nets around that do *not* visit
    here.

3.4  What is Period?

        The period (and place) of interest to the SCA, as defined in
    Corpora and the Bye-Laws, is Western Europe and cultures that had
    contact with Western Europe before the 17th Century.


Section 4:  Recurring events:

4.1  What is Pennsic?  When is Pennsic?

        Pennsic is an annual war, with the main contenders being the East
    and Middle Kingdoms.  It is the largest recurring event in the Laurel
    Kingdoms, with attendance in 1992 of about 8000.  It has taken place
    since 1972, and has been held at Coopers Lake Campground near Slippery
    Rock, PA since 1977.  The main battles of the war are held the third
    weekend in August, with other activities taking place the week and
    weekend preceding that. Pennsic was so named from "Pennsylvania" on the
    model of "Punic."

4.2  What is Estrella?  When is Estrella?

        Estrella is an annual war, with the main contenders being Atenveldt
    and Caid.  The West and Outlands often contribute to the mayhem :-)  It
    has taken place since 1985, and is held at Estrella Mountain Park near
    Goodyear, AZ, west of Phoenix.  It is held on President's Day weekend
    (February).

4.3  What is Lilies?  When is Lilies?

        Lilies is an annual war that takes place in Calontir.  Each year
    a new scenario is developed to vary the sides.  Past scenarios
    have included Winter Queens vs. Summer Queens, Laurels vs.
    Pelicans, Baronies vs. Shires, and so on.  It takes place near
    Kansas City.  Attendance in 1992 was 800+.

Section 5: How do you join the SCA?

        Find your local group and show up.  To attend an event, you must
    wear some attempt at pre-17th century clothing.  If you like it, you
    may want to become a registered member, which among other things
    gets you newsletters.  The Office of the Registry will provide basic
    introductory material, including a copy of your kingdom newsletter,
    on request.  They also have packets of material available for
    teachers.

            The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
            Office of the Registry
            P.O. Box 360743
            Milpitas, CA   95036-0743

    In Australia (The Principality of Lochac), contact:

            Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
            PO Box 607
            UNLEY  SA  5061
            AUSTRALIA

                  ---------- End of Part 03 ----------

========================================================================
Thanks to all who have contributed to this article.

This article is a work in progress.  If you have other topics you'd like to
see included, send me email with the question(s) and your suggested
answer(s).  If you have comment on the items included, please send me
(polite) email.

          PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE ON THE RIALTO! ! !

The whole point of this effort is to reduce traffic.  I will summarize
comments sent to me, if it seems necessary.

*--------------------------------------------------------------------*
* Robyyan Torr d'Elandris  Kapellenberg, Windmaster's Hill  Atlantia *
*--------------------------------------------------------------------*
* Dennis R. Sherman  	         Triangle Research Libraries Network *
* dennis_sherman@unc.edu       Univ. of North Carolina - Chapel Hill *
*--------------------------------------------------------------------*