[Steppes] Newbie Lessons

[Susan Hill]

Stosh,

The best way to learn is by doing. You've been to a meeting or two by now 
and may recognize a face or two. Approach one of those familiar faces and 
tag along with them at an event, if possible. I played in An Tir for a 
couple of months before moving here to Ansteorra. I was fortunate in 
starting to play at the time of year when An Tir holds its College of Ithra 
and took a class called 'Chivalry and Etiquette' from a wonderful man named 
Sir Brand Deux Lyons. That helped, but it was a lot of information in a 
short time. Most of it was stuff that can be gleaned from reading the 
newcomers pages and getting started pages at the SCA site (www.sca.org) 
Ansteorrans are not nearly as anal about things as some other Kingdoms, 
though you can find individuals anywhere that take the game very seriously.

The use of milord and milady will get you by. I have found that if i am not 
sure of what title to use for someone, if I ask them they will be very happy 
to let you know. Generally something like "Excuse me, milord, but I am new 
and would appreciate knowing the proper way to address you." will get you a 
smile and a gladly given sharing of information. Your timing for doing this 
is important, however. Don't do this while he is in deep conversation with 
someone, especially if that someone is wearing a 'hat' especially one with 
'points and pearls' The most important people to know how to address are the 
Baron and Baroness of Steppes (Their Exellencies), The Crown Prince and 
Princess, which we have from the time of Crown Tournament to Coronation 
twice a year (Their Highnesses), and of course, the King and Queen of 
Ansteorra (Their Majesties).

You will find that even the King and Queen are usually approachable for us 
'commoners' if your timing is right. I walked right up to King Michael 
Patrick and Queen Julia once and told them how much I was enjoying 
Ansteorra, having lived here less than 6 months at that time. They were most 
gracious. All it took was a little curtsey and the use of 'your Majesties'. 
They are lovely people, as are  Their Exellencies Miguel and Conal. I have 
not met the current King and Queen, Their Majesties Ulstead and Cateau, but 
I'm sure that they are very nice, too.

If you happen to make a mistake, you will be politely and gently corrected 
by most people. Contact our Hospitaler, Lady Claire, and she will be happy 
to find someone for you to tag along with.

Welcome to our world and have fun while learning and don't stress over it.

Lady Linet Grey


----Original Message Follows----
From: "Stosh Gypsy" <stoshgypsy at comcast.net>
Reply-To: "Barony of Steppes - SCA, Inc." <steppes at ansteorra.org>
To: <steppes at ansteorra.org>
Subject: [Steppes] Newbie Lessons
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 00:27:54 -0500

Would it be feasible to have some sort of a Newbie meeting to help orient
those of us that are new to SCA?  I could use some help on a lot of things,
such as etiquette, proper forms of address, what garb actually looks like,
feastware... I think I have a pretty good handle on things (except the
etiquette part), but actually seeing some things in front of me would be
such a help..  I hate the idea of going to an event and not knowing what to
do, and how to NOT look foolish..


Stosh Gypsy

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