[Steppes] Newbie Lessons

[Morgan Cain (Ansteorra)]

> 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..

Good questions.  Our chatelaine/newcomer contact (Hospitaler on the list of
Officers) has, in the past, occasionally run a Newcomer's Class where the
basic information is imparted.  Things like How To Curtsey/Bow Without
Falling Over; What A Hat Means; Basic Court Etiquette (to which I add,
always bring handwork, it helps keep you from falling asleep!); and so on.
You may wish to contact our Hospitaler, Lady Clare, and see if she will be
holding such a class.

In the meantime, if you want to attend events, hook up with someone you know
to answer questions.  I've had new people shadow me at events.  This means
you can follow leads - your lead bows/curtseys to someone in a shiny hat,
you do the same - and they can explain things as well.

As for looking foolish - that can be a whole persona unto itself!  <g>
Seriously, a lot of people start out in the SCA with loaner garb or stuff
adapted from Ren Faire (or worse), and attend some Clothier's classes or
partake of the merchants' wares, and get better.  When you begin, if you are
not sure of the timeperiod etc. you wish, your clothing can look a bit
eclectic.  Feastware may tie in as well with your choice of persona; I
predate forks, but I have seen some later-period people using these
miniature pitchfork things instead of fingers.  For basic feastware, a
wooden plate and mug, a small bowl (if you want the soups or stews being
served, or a separate place for salads), a knife and a spoon are about it.
If you're going oriental, replace knife and spoon with chopsticks, replace
mug with a cup.

If you are planning to be at Defender or Fall Court, talk to someone and
arrange to get together with them before or at the event.  If you arrive
alone, offer to help out.  Go waterbearing, sit gate, etc., it's a great way
to get to know people and see people, and if you let the person in charge
know that you are new, they will probably assign you to work with an
older/more experienced person who will answer questions and explain things.
If you hear of a workday to prep for the event, and have the time, go and
ask questions.  You might find out that the slightly scruffy blond in painty
shorts in the Baron, or the ponytailed chick is a Countess, and they don't
look as intimidating when up to their elbows in fabric, food, or whatever.
It's easier for a new person to ask questions then.

And, oh yeah, be sure to wear your sunscreen at outdoor events.  I've seen
even experienced people get toasted.

                                                ---= Morgan


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" There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. "  (Unknown)
"....look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else."
        ---= Tom Stoppard, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" (1967)