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When we were newcomers to the SCA we often heard terms we had no idea as to the meaning to. This lexicon is for all those who don't know what a Rhino or a Lightfist is. Please note that this is a list of terms and phrases I have heard used in my time playing in the SCA (especially within Ealdormere) but their inclusion in this lexicon does not necessarily legitimize them. Many of the terms are slang, and some are derogatory. Such terms and phrases are clearly labeled as such. Please use such terms with discretion. And don't use them if you are not sure exactly what they mean! You don't want to call someone a tin can if you don't know what it means!
Compiled by Colyne Stewart..
If you know of a term that should be on this list, or think one of our definitions needs to be reworded or is just plain wrong, let us know!
Go to the Ardchreag sub-lexicon.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Above the Salt: The area of a feast where the King and Queen sit. See also High Table.
Academia Xiphias: A fencing Household.
Acting Vice Chancellor (of the Exchequer): The drop dead deputy for the Kingdom Exchequer.
Alphabet Soup (slang): Refers to the list of abbreviations that follow the names of those who have won awards (such as AA, AoA, GoA, etc). Most folks tend not to use their soup all the time, as it is seen to be a bit pompous.
Althegn/Althegna: A term used for the Crown Prince and Princess, if they so wish.
Anachronism: An item out of its own time period. Such as a watch on a 12th century Highlander. (In SCA terms, we're the anachronisms.)
Anno Societatis: See A.S.
AoA/Award of Arms: This award is granted by the King and Queen of a Kingdom, or a Prince and Princess of a Principality. This award raises the receiver to 'noble' status, allows them to be called "Lord" or "Lady" (as opposed to the more common "m'Lord" and "m'Lady"). Some people say that the AoA grants people the right to display their arms (formerly their device), though the Heralds say that anyone can display their device at anytime, regardless of any awards they may have.
Apprentice: Someone studying some aspect of the Arts and Sciences, under the tutelage of a Master or Mistress of the Order of the Laurel. Apprentices wear a green belt as a mark of their status.
Archery: To shoot arrows at stuff. Archery competitions are usually held at outdoor events in Ealdormere.
Ardchreag/Ard Chreag/Ard Creagh, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Ajax, Pickering, Markham and Scarborough, and falling within the Barony of Septentria, to which Thorfinna and Colyne belong. The name is Gaelic for 'the high cliffs'. See also Canton-upon-the-Cliffs and Craigger.
"Are you in a play?": The first time you leave an event to eat at a Mundane restaurant, while in garb, you will be asked this by your waitress/waiter.
Armiger: Someone granted an AoA.
Armigerous: Granted arms.
Armorial and Ordinary: A listing of all formally registered devices, badges and names with the SCA, maintained by the College of Heralds.
Armoured Combat: A bunch of folks get into armour (ranging from modified hockey gear to period reconstruction) and whack each other with rattan weapons.
Arms: 1) See AoA. 2) A fighter's weapons.
Arts and Sciences (A&S): Anything dealing with Medieval arts or sciences. This includes heraldry, mead making, book binding, blacksmithing, dancing, singing, and so on. A&S competitions are often held at events. The officer in charge of encouraging research and practice in this area is called the Minister of Arts and Sciences.
Arts Jock (slang): A highly skilled artisan.
A.S. (Anno Societatis): Latin for "the year of the society". The SCA was founded on May 1, 1966, known as May 1, AS I throughout the Knowne World.
Ashford-on-Avon, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Stratford, and falling within the Barony of RamsHaven.
Authenticity Nazi (slang): A rare but very annoying person who will criticize your garb, projects and everything else as not being historically accurate (even if it is). They are often not as knowledgeable as they think they are. This term, as is the case with much SCA slang, should be avoided for various reasons. Firstly, it is hurtful and often aimed at those who simply intend to point out an interesting tidbit of history, or who are only trying themselves to play in a more historically accurate fashion. Secondly, it is a loaded word. To bandy about the name of a political party that was responsible for the extermination of many millions of people is insensitive and boorish. The only reason it is included in this lexicon is for the sake of completeness. Also called Period Police.
Authorize: A fighter, fencer, equestrian or scout must authorize before being allowed to take part in competitions and battle at events. They must show that they can play fairly, and safely.
Autocrat: The person running an SCA event (usually there are two). Often thought by others to be insane for taking on the job. Also called Event Stewards.
Award of Arms: See AoA.
Award of the King's Favour: Given by the King of Ealdormere as He sees fit. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of the Maiden's Heart: Given to individuals who have performed exemplary service to Ealdormere and who demonstrate courteous and chivalrous behaviour. Recipients who do not already have an Award of Arms receive one automatically with this award; and may style themselves 'Lord' or 'Lady'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of Orion: Given to individuals who have demonstrated skill in the arts and sciences and who demonstrate courteous and chivalrous behaviour. Recipients who do not already have an Award of Arms receive one automatically with this award; and may style themselves 'Lord' or 'Lady'. Formerly the Award of Merit for Arts and Sciences. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of the Princess' Favour: (Formerly Tangwystal's Favour.) Defunct Award given to those who, in the consort's judgment, have captured the essence of the Middle Ages. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Award of the Queen's Favour: Given by the Queen of Ealdormere as She sees fit. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of the Scarlet Banner: Given to individuals who have demonstrated skill in a martial discipline approved within Ealdormere, and who demonstrate courteous and chivalrous behaviour both on and off the field. Recipients who do not already have an Award of Arms receive one automatically with this award; and may style themselves 'Lord' or 'Lady'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of the Wolf's Cubs: Given to children of twelve years and under who have served beyond their years and set an example to others. Recipients may style themselves as "Wolf's Cubs". (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Award of the Wolf's Tooth: Defunct Award given to those who consistently demonstrate the ability to work well as a member of a team in the martial arts, including melee fighting, scouting, archery, and other activities that may be approved in the future. Recipients of the award may place the initials AWT after their names. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Badge: A design used to mark the belongings of a person, family or group. In the SCA they are used by groups or households, while individuals use their Device. All badges should be approved by the College of Heralds.
Baldric: A belt worn from a shoulder to the opposite hip.
Banner: A flag bearing the owner's Device or Arms, and hung on the field or in a hall to denote their presence.
Bard: Singers, musicians, poets and storytellers, who entertain at feasts, revels and events. See also Bardic Circle and Bardic College.
Bardic Circle: Usually an impromptu gathering of Bards and eager listening, often around a camp fire, where stories and songs are shared.
Bardic College of Ealdormere, The: A collection of Bards from across Ealdormere.
Bardic Court: A tradition started at Ragnarock II (A.S. XXXVI), where the Bards hold a court. It is all in fun, and much merriment is had by all.
Baron/Baroness: 1) A Territorial Baron/Baroness. One who rules a Barony and holds it in fief from the Crown; someone who has received a Territorial Baronetcy. The Baron and Baroness preside at Baronial Courts, hand out Baronial awards and have their own officers and guards. In some Kingdoms, there is no set limit on how long a Baron and Baroness can rule. Some have been serving their positions for over twenty years. In Ealdormere, they rule for five years. When addressed they are called, "Your Excellency." Sometimes called a Landed Baron/Baroness or a Chocolate Baron/Baroness. 2) A Court Baron/Baroness. A person granted the title of Baron/Baroness in recognition of service or personal qualities by the Crown. When addressed they are called, "Your Excellency." Also called a Baron/Baroness of Court, or Unlanded Baron/Baroness or a Vanilla Baron/Baroness.
Baronial: To have to do with a Barony.
Barony: A geographical area within a Kingdom, ruled by a Baron and Baroness at bequest of the Crown, with at least 40 SCA members.
Baroo? (slang, bah-ROO): A statement to express puzzlement. Started by members of House Hrogn (primarily King Osis), and has its origins in Scooby Doo.
Bash (slang): To participate in armoured combat. As in, "I'm gonna bash today."
Bastille du Lac, Proto-Incipit Shire of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as the Huron and Bruce Counties, autonomous from any Barony.
Bear Pit: A type of fighting event, in which any number of one-on-one battles occur at a time. When a fighter looses a battle he/she gets back in line and waits their turn to fight again. Points are awarded for wins, and the fighter with the most points at the end wins the competition.
Bee, Order of the: Defunct Award given for long and exemplary service to the principality. Companions of the order may place the initials CB after their names. The order's badge is: Argent, a bee gules. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Before Current Era (B.C.E.): When doing research for your persona, you'll likely come across this new dating system. The B.C. and A.D. that we grew up with has now been replaced with B.C.E. (Before Current Era) and C.E. (Current Era).
Belly Bunny (slang): Those who wear I Dream of Jeannie garb and think that random gyrations equal Eastern dance.
Belt Chaser (slang): A woman who chases after white and red belts (knights and squires), hoping they will make them Queen someday.
Belted Fighter: A Knight.
Belts: 1) Green belts are worn by apprentices of a Laurel. Also yellow belts denote the protégées of Pelicans and red belts indicate the Squires of Knights and Masters- or Mistresses-of-Arms. These belts are unofficial regalia, and not necessarily recognized throughout the Society. The only exception to this is the white belts worn by the Knights. 2) (slang) Those who wear said belts.
Ben Dunfirth, Barony of: It claims the lands Mundanely known as Hamilton, and is symbolized by the the Boar.
Ben Dunfirth Light Cavalry: A group of equestrians, run out of the Barony of Ben Dunfirth.
Blink (slang): As in, "I just blink out the cars." The ability to not notice Mundane items at SCA events, such as boxes of Tim Horton's donuts, nylon camping chairs, Doc Martin's, etc.
Board of Directors/BOD: Unpaid society members who co-ordinate activities of all the Kingdoms in the Knowne World, as well as maintain the SCA's corporate structure.
Boffer: A padded weapon, used by children and non-armoured fighters for fun. Heavy fighters in training sometimes use them as well. Boffer is both a noun (a boffer) and a verb (to boffer).
Brass Hats (slang): See Lids.
Brass Mouth (slang): A Herald.
Brennisteinn Vatn, Shire of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Sudbury, autonomous from any Barony.
Boar: The official animal of the Barony of Ben Dunfirth.
Broke (slang): To make somebody laugh uncontrollably. As in, "You broke Jen."
Brothers of the Freehold of Rozak, The: See House Rozakii.
Bryniau Tywynogg, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Kitcherner-Waterloo, and falling within the Barony of RamsHaven.
Bunny (slang): A woman who's costume appears to be made out of one little rabbit hide. See also Rabbit.
Caer Draeth, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Barrie, and falling within the Barony of Septentria.
Caidan Blue (slang): See Tranya.
Calculating Engine: A computer of calculator. Also called a golem.
Caldrithig, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Ottawa, and falling within the Barony of Skrealing Althing.
Calendar Secretary: An officer under the Kingdom Seneschal, responsible for maintaining the Kingdom calendar of events.
Can Opener (slang): 1) Someone who hits very hard. The bane of Tin Cans, Rhinos and Weebles. 2) A very heavy rattan weapon; one that should probably not be used.
Canton: An SCA chapter within a Barony, with no less than five active SCA members.
Canton-Upon-the-Cliffs: The original holding name for the Canton of Ardchreag.
Cataract, The: Baronial newsletter for Rising Waters.
Cerebus: An aardvark; the Earth-pig. A cartoon character created by Dave Sim, and official mascot of the Canton of Ardchreag.
Chalice: The official symbol of the Barony of Rising Waters.
Champion: Someone selected by the King and/or Queen to represent the Crown within a specific field of achievement within the Society. In Ealdormere the Crown selects a Heavy Fighter, Archer, Fencer and Scout Champion. Sir Menken Brechen appointed the first Equestrian Champion when he was Prince, and King Roak and Queen Carlotta (summer A.S. XXXVI) also selected a Bardic Champion. There is also an Arts and Sciences Champion who gains their position by winning the Arts and Sciences Pentathalon. In other Kingdoms champions may be selected in different manners, such as through tournaments. It is not uncommon for Principalities, Baronies and Households to also have champions. The badge of a Royal Champion is fieldless a sword inverted sable, surmonted by a trillium argent, barbed and seeded vert.
Changing Room: What, you need everything spelled out for you? A place to change clothes in at an event.
Chatelaine: A Society officer at local, Baronial, Principality, Kingdom or Society level who is responsible for greeting new members to the SCA and getting them on their feet. Badge of office is a gold key on a green field. (In some Kingdoms a male Chatelaine is called a Castellan.) A Chatelaine at the Kingdom level is an office under the Kingdom Seneschal.
Chiurgeon: 1) A Society officer at the local, Baronial, Principality, Kingdom or Society level who is responsible for organizing first-aid services at events and practices. 2) An SCA-recognized first-aid provider. They are nurses, paramedics, medical doctors and others with first-aid training. The badge of a chiurgeon is a red phleam (a Medieval medical instrument) on a white drop, on a red field.
Chiurgeonate: The Chiurgeons of Ealdormere.
Chivalry: What the SCA is supposed to be about. Some don't get it, however.
Chivalry, Order of: A Peerage Order of Knights and Masters- and Mistresses-at-Arms that have been recognized by the Crown for their achievements.
Chocolate Baron/Baroness (slang): A Territorial Baron/Baroness.
Chronicler: An officer at the local, Baronial, Principality, Kingdom or Society level in charge of publishing newsletters or magazines. The badge of office consists of white and black quill pens on a black and white field with a red bar across the top. (That's a joke. Most heraldic devices are based on bad puns. In this case: black and white and red all over.)
Clarion, The: Baronial newsletter for Ben Dunfirth.
Clear!: A word of warning often given when live steel (knife or sword) is drawn. When handing off a blade, you should present it hilt first, so as not to cut the other person.
Clerk of Precedence: An officer responsible for maintaining the Order of Precedence.
College of Skeldergate, The: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as York University, and falling within the Barony of Septentria. This is where the Hrogn hang out.
Collegium: An SCA run event where a multitude of classes are offered, ranging from armouring to embroidery, from history to gaming. The largest Collegium in Ealdormere is Forward into the Past (a most excellent event).
Commissar: The chief officer of the Commissariat.
Commissariat: A group of volunteers who are a support staff to the fighters of Ealdormere, especially at Pennsic where we set up shade pavilions, hold people's belongings in the Ealdormere Keepsafe and provide food for the fighters to replenish themselves without having to run to the food court between battles. They are also the force behind The Wain, which is the wagon that gets pulled and pushed up Runestone Hill at Pennsic. The chief officer of the Commissariat is the Commissar; the first Commisar was Baron Cynred of Septentria. The Commissariat will walk around around events with jugs of water, bottles of sun screen and sometimes bits of fruit. It is their duty to ensure that no one suffers from heat stroke, sun burn or dehydration. Truly noble individuals.
Companion: A member of an Order.
Company of the White Heart, The: An Ealdormerean tournament company, the Most Honourable which strives to encourage the study and practice of grand Pas d'Armes tournament combat, pageantry and chivalry within the context of the SCA. The Company of the White Hart often sponsors or holds tourneys throughout our Kingdom, and also participates in tournaments abroad, most notably at Pennsic in such activities as the Historic Combat Series.
Complete Anachronist, The: A pamphlet published by the SCA. Each issue concentrates on one aspect of Medieval life of culture, such as Jews in the Middle Ages or Medieval Dance.
Consort: 1) He/she whom inspires a fighter in the Lists. 2) The other half of the Crown or Coronet. For example, when talking of a King, the Queen would be his Consort. The Royal Badge of the Consort is fieldless a trillium argent, barbed and seeded vert, supporting a crown argent.
Cookie (slang): An Award. See Cookie Chaser.
Cookie Chaser (slang): Someone who does things simply for the rewards and/or recognition. You can usually pick out a cookie chaser because they're always talking about how they're great chums with Mistress So-and-so, or were invited to feast by Baron Whasisname.
Coronated: See Coronation.
Coronation: The ceremony in which the new King and Queen are Crowned. In Ealdormere, coronations are held in April and September.
Coronet: 1) A silver-coloured circlet, marking the Crown Prince or Princess of a Principality. In Ealdormere, these are the same crowns that the Territorial Princes used to wear. 2) A silver-coloured circlet, marking a Territorial Prince or Princess. 3) Term used in the Society bylaws to refer to the Sovereign and Consort, or Territorial Prince and Princess, of a Principality. 4) Circlets marking Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Earls, Countesses, Viscounts, Viscountesses, Barons and Baronesses. See these Peer definitions for descriptions of their different coronets.
Corpora: The Body of Law that applies to all groups within the Society.
Council of Barons: An advisory committee to the Crown, consisting of all Territorial Barons and Baronesses.
Council Secretary: An officer under the Kingdom Seneschal, responsible for minutes of council meetings.
Count/Countess: A noble and Royal Peer who has reigned for one term as King or Queen. A Count's coronet is gold, embattled (that is, it looks like a parapet). When addressed they are called, "Your Excellency."
Court: An assembly held by the Crown, Coronet or Landed Barony to pass laws, hand out awards, make announcements, and so forth.
Court Baron/Baroness: See Baron/Baroness and Court Baronetcy.
Court Baronetcy: Given at the pleasure of the Crown to individuals who provide the gift of inspiration and uphold the ideals of the Society; who present a reasonably authentic appearance; and who provide an example of courtesy and honour worthy of emulation. Often given to retiring Territorial Barons and Baronesses. Recipients may wear a silver coronet adorned with six spheroids (generally pearls), may style themselves as 'Baron' or 'Baroness', and may be addressed as 'Your Excellency'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.) (N. B. This term would appear to be incorrect. A Baronetcy is the act of creating a Baronet, which is a rank below a Baron.)
Courts of Justice: See Courts of Inquiry and Courts of Chivalry.
Courts of Chivalry: A Court of Justice, the highest Court in Ealdormere. Called when a serious breach of the laws, policies or customs of Ealdormere or the Society has occurred. The Court of Chivalry has the power to banish an offender from the Society.
Courts of Inquiry: Courts called by the Lawspeaker to investigate and mediate disputes within the Kingdom. If the Court of Inquiry wishes, they can pass the case up to a Court of Chivalry.
Cow, The (slang): See The Water Cow.
Craigger/Creagger (slang, cray-GER): Someone from the Canton of Ardchreag.
Crash/Crash Space (slang): A place to sleep after an SCA event; usually offered by a local participant for those who traveled from afar.
Crown: 1) A circlet, marking a King or Queen. In Ealdormere they are gold. 2) Term used in the Society bylaws to refer to the Sovereign and Consort, or King and Queen, of a Kingdom. 3) Short form for Crown Tournament.
Crown Chaser (slang): See Crownie.
Crown Groupie (slang): See Crownie.
Crown Polisher (slang): See Crownie.
Crown Tournament: The Armoured Combat Tournament in which a Kingdom selects its next Crown Prince and Princess by test of arms. The winner and his/her Consort are invested that day, and will be crowned King and Queen four to six months later (depending on what Kingdom you live in). In Ealdormere this tournament is simply known as either Crown, or Crown Tourney, and is held in May and October.
Crown Tourney: See Crown Tournament.
Crown Prince/Princess: See Prince/Princess. See Also Althegn/Althegna.
Crownie (slang): Someone (usually female) that chases after Tin Hats. Crownies have broken up many SCA marriages. Also called Crown Polisher, Popsie or Crown Groupie.
Crucible, Order of the: Given to individuals who have demonstrated skill in a variety of arts and sciences, including a high level (journeyman) skill in at least one discipline; who have demonstrated a knowledge of period techniques; who have demonstrated the ability to research and the willingness to teach arts and sciences-related skills; and who provide an example of courtesy and chivalry worthy of emulation. Recipients who do not already have a Grant of Arms receive one automatically with this award. Recipients may style themselves 'The Honourable Lord' or 'The Honourable Lady' and may be addressed as 'Your Ladyship' or 'Your Lordship'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Cry of the Wolf: A series of publications of songs, stories and poems written by the Bards (and other folk) of Ealdormere.
Current Era (C.E.): When doing research for your persona, you'll likely come across this new dating system. The B.C. and A.D. that we grew up with has now been replaced with B.C.E. (Before Current Era) and C.E. (Current Era).
Cynred's Bath: The water about the island where the bridge battles are fight at Pikeman's Pleasure in Petrea Thule. So called because Baron Cynred of Septentria tends to fall in every year!
Dame: According to some sources alternate title for a woman in the Order of Chivalry (instead of Sir). Also used by female members of the Orders of the Laurel and Pelican (instead of Mistress), if they wish. Sir Menken Brechen says that as far as he knows no female Knight in the Society uses the title Dame; they all use Sir, or in one case, Lady.
Damp Site: An event site in the US that allows discreet consumption of alcohol. In Canada (because of Canadian liquor laws) sites are either Wet or Dry (officially, that is).
Day Trip: To attend an event, but not stay for the feast (or, if a weekend long event, not staying overnight).
Demo: An event or demonstration held in a public place, where non-Society members or participants can learn about the SCA.
Democrat: No, not an American political party member. 1) Person who runs a Demo. 2) (slang) Someone who does not participate in the feudalism of the Society.
Danglies (slang): Tokens (such as rings) worn on necklaces, representing awards or gifts the wearer has received.
Deputy of Children's Activities: An officer under the Kingdom Seneschal, responsible for organization of children's activities within Ealdormere.
Deputy of the Lists: Responsible for the maintaining of all records of authorized armoured combat participants, issuing authorization cards and, with the Crown and Earl Marshal, organizes the Crown Lists. An office under the Earl Marshal.
Deputy of Scouts: Responsible for conducting scouting activities. An office under the Earl Marshal. Sometimes called the Chief Scout. See Scout.
Deputy of Shires: Description coming soon. An office under the Kingdom Seneschal.
Deputy for Thrown Weapons: An officer under the Kingdom Marshal for Archery, responsible for the conduct of thrown weapons activities.
Deputy for the War College: Responsible for the conduct of War College activities. An office under the Earl Marshal.
der Welfengau, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Guelph and Cambridge, and falling within the Barony of RamsHaven.
Device: Design displayed on shields and banners. All devices should be registered with the College of Heralds, and they can only be used by the registrant (individual or group).
Difference: A significant design feature that makes one device different from another. These differences can be changes of colour, posture, shape or the addition of other elements. Each device must have at least two significant differences from the next closest registered device to be accepted by the College of Heralds.
Doing Reverence: Bowing to the Thrones or High Table when passing by, even if no Royalty is present. Done as a sign of respect.
Double Elimination: A tournament where a fighter must be defeated twice before being removed from the competition.
Dragon (slang): 1) A car, truck or van. In some places also a submarine. Preferably called a Wagon or Wain. 2) In the Kingdom of Aethelmearc a Dragon is a Canadian dollar (while a Yankee buck is a Tyger).
Dragon's Tooth (slang): A cigarette lighter.
Dream, The: What some people call being in the SCA, as in "Live the Dream." Also called the Game, as in "Playing the Game."
Drop Dead Deputy: See Emergency Deputy.
Dry Site: An event site where alcohol is not allowed. See also Wet Site.
Duct Tape: As Sir Green says, "The handy-Scadian's secret weapon." Duct tape is used to cover rattan swords, patch armour and tents, hang banners, stick up signs, etc.
Duello: Society fencing, where practitioners wear a fencing mask, leather or heavy fabric armour and wield a fencing foil.
Duke/Duchess: A noble and Royal Peer who has reigned as King or Queen at least twice. A Duke's coronet is gold, with strawberry leaves. When addressed they are called, "Your Grace."
Duke Fever (slang): The wanting to be a Duke, especially by a Count.
Ealdormere: The Kingdom of. The land in which we reside, consisting of most of Ontario. Ealdormere was formerly a Principality (created A. S. XXIII) within the Middle Kingdom before gaining Kingdom status in A. S. XXIV. Those who reside in Ealdormere are often called Wolves (as the Wolf is Ealdormere's animal). Ealdormere's arms are gules, a trillium flower affronty argent, barbed vert, within a laurel wreath, in chief a crown argent. The name means 'old sea'.
Ealdormere Academy of Defence: A fencing Household.
Ealdormerean: To be from Ealdormere.
Ealdormerean T (slang): A particular, infamous, alcoholic drink from Ealdormere.
Ealdormerean Tea Party (slang): A gathering where Ealdormerean T is served.
Ealdormerian: To be from Ealdormere. This is the spelling in the Laws Issue of The Tidings.
Ealdormerian Barking Spider (slang): A small, quick insect that haunts tents and fire pits at camping events. Distinguishable by its obnoxious odour and distinctive bark.
Ealdormerian Two-Step (slang): Paying reverence to each pair of Thrones when passing or coming before them. (Believed to have been coined by Mistress Kaellyn.
Earl: Same as a Count or, sometimes, a Duke. Sometimes called a Jarl (for a Norse persona).
Earl Marshal: The Kingdom officer responsible for overseeing the authorization and safety of the fighters. Badge of office is two crossed gold swords on a black field.
Elf: When the SCA first started, there were more aspects of fantasy involved, and many people had Elven personas. This is no longer done now, as the SCA is based on historical play.
Emergency Deputy: Someone who can fill in for an Officer in an emergency. Also called a Drop Dead Deputy (as in, "In case I drop dead...")
Elven Box (slang): 1) See Musicians in a Box. 2) Scoring with an attractive (female) SCAdian.
Elven Mail (slang): Chain-mail made from titanium.
Event: A function held by a formal chapter of the Society (Kingdom, Principality, Barony, Canton or Shire). Events may be tournaments, A&S competitions, archery, equine, dancing, etc. Most involve a great number of activities. Headed by the Autocrats.
Exchequer: An officer at the local, Barony, Principality, Kingdom and Society level who oversees the handling of funds; a treasurer. The kingdom exchequer's full title is Chancellor of the Exchequery. Badge of office is a red and white checkerboard, with three gold coins on either side, all on a blue field.
Faerie Musicians (slang): A portable tape player or other such device, used to play period music at events. Also called Musicians in a Box.
Farspeaker (slang): A telephone.
Fealty: A contract of allegiance and/or service usually sworn to a Monarch or Peer. For example, a Knight swears fealty to the Crown; a Squire swears fealty to his Knight. However, anyone can swear fealty to anyone. It is often a show of respect for another.
Favour: 1) A token most often worn on the belt by fighters, given them by the one for whose honour they fight. 2) A token worn by Scadians to mark them as members of certain households or Society branches.
Feast: A meal served at an event. Most people say that most of an event happens at feast. The feast is presided over by any attending Royalty (Crown, Coronet, Barony). During the meal (which consists of Medieval, or Medieval-like, fare) bards will sing songs, bread balls may be thrown, and a good time will be had by all. The feast is organized by the Feastocrat.
Feast Gear: Your plates, bowls, cups, utensils and other such things. A newbie mistake (made by us at our first event) was to not bring any. If you don't you'll have to beg someone to lend you some, or you won't be eating! Feast Gear may also include salt cellars, table clothes, candlesticks and the like. See also Yuck Bowl.
Feastocrat: The person who organizes a feast. Sometimes called a Cook (apparently).
Fencer: A rapier fighter. Fencing is a bit of a debate in the Society. Since it happened late in the period covered by the SCA, some don't consider it appropriate. Proponents point out that it appeared in the 1500s, which is in the SCA's time period. The debate can get quite heated. A special type of fencer in Ealdormere is also known as a Lightfist. See also Wire Weenie and Duello.
Fencing: The art of fighting with a foil or rapier. See Fencer, Duello, Wire Weenie, Lightfist and Schlager.
Filk: The act of taking an established song and transposing lyrics onto it, often dealing with science-fiction or fantasy. Many people write SCA filk, including such filksters as Tom Smith and Leslie Fish. Filk is both a verb (to filk) and a noun (a filk).
Fight Practice/Fighter Practice: When fighters congregate to practice. Sometimes held during a Canton/Shire's meeting, or separately. Garb not required, though most fighters still wear their full kit.
Fighter: 1) A participant in the SCA's armoured combat. Also called Heavy Fighter. 2) A Fencer. 3) An archer. To take part in combat at events, all fighters must be authorized by a qualified individual (a marshal).
Florentine (slang): See Two Stick.
Canton: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as North Bay, a part of the Barony of Skraeling Althing.
Flyer: "Is it a handbill?" "No, it's a flyer!" A brochure detailing upcoming events.
Flying Dragon (slang): An airplane.
Flying Turtles of Ardchreag (slang): Round, winged reptiles pointed out by Craiggers to their companions (said companions having been into a bottle).
Forsoothly (slang): As in "trying to speak forsoothly". That is, trying to use only period modes of speech and language.
Freak (slang): As in, "To freak the Mundanes." To interact with the Mundane world while dressed in garb. Many Scadians consider this great sport, while others find it distasteful. See also "Are you in a play?"
Friends of the Trillium: See Friendship of the Trillium.
Friendship of the Trillium: Defunct Award given to those who have consistently lent support and guidance to the Coronet. Upon retirement, the consort of Ealdormere becomes a member of the Friendship, but membership is not restricted to past consorts. Members, called Friends of the Trillium, may place the initials FT after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing the order's badge: Purpure, a trillium argent barbed and seeded vert within a bordure embattled argent. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Fhtagnites: Members of House Fhtagn.
Fun: What the SCA is about (some people just forget it sometimes).
Fyrd: The army of Septentria, consisting of the Isengesitha and the Lightfists. "Fyrd" is Old English (Anglo Saxon) for "army". Each fyrd commonly consisted of 25 warriors under a single leader.
Games Guild of Ealdormere: A group dedicated to spreading their love of Medieval games.
Garb: Clothes SCA participants wear that reflect the time period of their chosen persona.
Garb Police (slang): An Authenticity Nazi who specializes in garb.
Garderobe: A restroom or port-a-potty. Port-a-potties are also called Porta-Castles.
Gentle: Anyone in the Society; as in, "Good Gentles, please pay heed!"
GoA: See Grant of Arms.
Gold Key: A collection of garb kept to lend to newbies.
Golden Otter, Order of the: Defunct Award given to those who have demonstrated proficiency in a number of the arts and/or sciences. Companions of the order may place the initials CGO after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing the badge: Purpure, an otter sejant erect contourny within a bordure Or. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Golem: See Calculating Engine.
Goon (slang): Friendly jibes and insults. To goon. Gooning can lead to Wallorin'.
Gork an Spew (slang): What happens to you after drinking Tranya.
Grant of Arms: Given at the pleasure of the Crown, generally for an outstanding achievement which cannot be encompassed by any of the Grant-level Orders. Recipients may style themselves 'The Honourable Lord' or 'The Honourable Lady' and may be addressed as 'Your Ladyship' or 'Your Lordship'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Great Dark Horde: An inter-Kingdom group, based on the nomadic Mongol culture, that rejects the usual fealty to King and Country that is the core of the SCA. This has earned them great animosity from many in the Society, but we've found that the Horde is wickedly funny (which is fitting, since reputedly it was author Robert Aspirin that founded the Horde). See also Hordeling and Hordie.
Great Officers: See Officers of State.
Green Belt: Worn by the apprentice of a Master or Mistress of the Laurel. This is not an official piece of regalia, but is recognized Society-wide.
Green Mantle Herald: An officer under the Trillium Herald, responsible for coordinating commenting on heraldic submissions, and the submission of said commenting to the Laurel Sovereign of Arms. Also called the Submissions Clerk.
Greenhithe, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Oshawa and Whitby, and falling within the Barony of Septentria.
Greyfells, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Kingston, and falling within the Barony of Skrealing Althing.
Guardians of the West: A Household.
Guild: A group of people dedicated to a specific art or science. Guilds can be started by anyone, and are generally open to anyone who wants to join.
Gunch (Slang): To hit very hard while taking part in armoured combat.
Hafla: An Arabic word for party, used to describe areas at events where Eastern personas gather to dance, play music and have fun. Honourary Ealdormerean Baron Durr Ish-Jabal is responsible for bringing this term to Ealdormere.
"Hail the Camp"/"Hail Camp"/"Hail to the Camp": A mode of address used when entering someone else's encampment at a camping event.
Halflings (slang): Children.
Hard Suit (slang): Armour for armoured combat.
Hare: The official symbol of the Barony of Skraeling Althing.
Hats and Bats (slang): Fighters; as in, "All hats and bats on the field."
Hatted List (slang): See Crown Tourney.
Heavy Fighter (slang): See Fighter. Some Armoured Combat participants do not like this phrase.
Heavy Fighting (slang): See Armoured Combat. Some Armoured Combat participants do not like this phrase.
Heavy Weapons: Weapons made of rattan, or sometimes poltruded fibreglass. See armoured combat.
Heirs: The Crown Prince and Princess.
Herald: 1) An officer of the Society at the local, Baronial, Principality, Kingdom or Society level who is responsible for the promotion and practice of heraldry. Ealdormere's top herald is known as the Trillium Herald. 2) A person at an event who makes announcements. Badge of office is two crossed gold trumpets on a green field.
Heraldry: The study of heraldric display. In the Society heraldry most often refers to the construction of period accurate names and devices. See also Herald and Trillium Herald.
High Table: The table at a feast where the Monarchs, Crown Prince and Princess, local Baron and Baroness and any invited nobles sit at a feast. It is usually at one end of the hall, facing all the other tables. See also Above the Salt.
Hit-Man (slang): Someone in a Crown Tourney who is clearing out the competition so that another can win.
Hold!: In a combat situation this is the command to stop action immediately. Fighters must stop and drop to one knee. This command is usually called when a safety risk is noticed by a participant, marshal or bystander.
Honourary Ealdormerean:
People who do not physically live in Ealdormere, but
come to many Ealdormerean events, have many
Ealdormerean friends, think and behave in an Ealdormerean manner, and would move
here if time and
mundane circumstances allowed.
Horde, The: See The Great Dark Horde.
Hordeling (slang): A child of a member of The Great Dark Horde.
Hordie (slang): A derogatory term for someone in The Great Dark Horde.
Honours of Ealdormere, The: The Awards and Orders of Ealdormere.
House Amberview: A Household of artisans.
House Blackcloak: A Household.
House Ca'Frezenghelli: A Household.
House De Taahe: House de Taahe was formed by Finnvarr de Taahe and his brother Barinn de Taahe in A.S. VI at a melee tournament in North Woods (Middle Kingdom), to give a name to the brothers' team. Like all long-lived households it has been through many transformations since. It has been part of Ealdormere from the very beginning. It is still primarily Finnvarr's household, though it has and has had many other distinguished members: warriors, cooks, riders, artists and even a few heralds and monarchs. Camping together in style at Pennsic is one of the household's chief group activities. House de Taahe and other allied households are sometimes referred to as "Greater House de Taahe," which is either a joke or a conspiracy aimed at world supremacy, depending on who you ask.
House Faeringold: A Household.
House Fettered Fleur: House Fettered Fleur is the joint Household of Viscount Sir Menken Brechen and Dame Eleanor Cadfan, Baron and Baroness of Skraeling Althing in the Kingdom of Ealdormere. Our medieval SCA household is dedicated to the chivalric ideals of hospitality, courtesy and service, as well as the pursuit of excellence in both the martial and peaceful arts.
House Fhtagn: An unofficial Household, for those who know what Cthulhu is, led by Colyne Stewart and Thorfinna grafeldr.
House Galbraith: A 10th Century Gaelic house with an interest in all things Medieval. Perhaps best known for their birthday party bashes at Ealdormere War Practice.
House Godweasel: A Household, led by Sir Ziegfried Gunter Von Weaselburg.
House Hrogn:
The Household is actually called The Hrogn fra Osis,
which in Icelandic means 'The Spawn of Osis'. However, most people use simply
use House Hrogn, or (less often) Spawn. The household was formed almost nine years ago at Pennsic
[approx. 1992] by then Viscount Osis (the
third Prince
of Ealdormere) and his Lady Countess
Caitlin. Osis won the Midrealm Crown
twice afterwards and he and Caitlan became a Duke and Duchess
of the Middle Kingdom, thus making the Hrogn a Ducal
household, the first by a couple to reign entirely from Ealdormere.
After Ealdormere was given Kingdom
status, Osis became what would have been the first War King of Ealdormere,
but while returning from Baron Wars in the Middle Kingdom, he was killed in a
car accident. He was buried about a month into his reign. Caitlin chose to
continue the reign as a testament to the man who won it for her.
The household continues on with less joy but similar success
as both Osis' squire Berus and his grand-squire Aaron have
won the Crown of Ealdormere since his death.
Members of the House wear the Household badge, which displays both the Wolf's Head cabossed of Osis, and the Rose of Caitlin.
House Kestrell: A Household dedicated to archery and service to Ealdormere, led by Lord Aelfric The Kestrell.
House Ravensgrove: An inter-Kingdom Household dedicated to service and merrymaking.
House Red Herring: A Household of dedicated to craziness. Initiations are held at camping events (mostly in northern Ealdormere). All members are equals, and do not use titles when addressing each other (for instance, if the King is a Herring, and so are you, you don't have to call him "Your Majesty".)
House Rowanhall: A Household of friends who enjoying camping.
House Rozakii: A Household also known as The Brothers of the Freehold of Rozak.
House Tallywhacker: Begun as a joke, this unofficial Household has taken on a frightening life of its own
House of Tempus Peregrinator: A Household.
House of Thrice Teal: A Household dedicated to authenticity and service.
House Timberwolfe: A Household.
Household: 1) The dependants of a Peer, and that Peer. 2) A group of people who have banded together as a group. There are fighting Households, Scottish Households, mead brewing Households and everything in between.
Hrogn: The members of House Hrogn.
Hrogn fra Osis, The: See House Hrogn.
Information Officer: An officer under the Kingdom Seneschal, responsible for dissemination of published materials. Also called the Kingdom Information Officer.
Inland Seas School of Defence: A fencing Household that spans Ealdormere and the Middle Kingdom.
Investiture: The ceremony in which the Crowns make a new Territorial Baron and/or Baroness, or a new Prince and Princess of a Principality are raised.
Iron Horse (slang): A motorcycle.
Isengesitha: The oath-bound warriors of Septentria. The Isengesitha are made up of heavy fighters, archers and scouts. (Fencers are their own group, know as the Lightfists.) Sometimes spelt IsenGesitha (which means Iron Companions). The Lightfists and IsenGesitha were created by Baron Cynred and Baroness Gaerwen to be the Fyrd (army) of Septentria.
Just So (slang): People who are Just So are those who like to have very historically accurate garb and/or armour. They are not necessarily Authenticity Nazis.
Keep: A person's dwelling, or a group's meeting place.
Keeper of the Wolf's Heart: Defunct Award given to those who inspire spirit and unity within the principality and/or promote the principality throughout the kingdom by the use of their skills. Members are called "Keepers of the Wolf's Heart." (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
Kentucky Fried Dragon/KFD (slang): Kentucky Fried Chicken.
King/Queen: The Sovereign and Consort (or Sovereign and King Consort) of a Kingdom. The King and Queen are the height of nobility, and the leaders of their Kingdom for four to six months. When addressed they are called, "Your Majesty."
King Consort: The Consort of a Queen. (Usually it is the King that won the right to rule, but sometimes it is the Queen. When this happens She is the head ruler, and the King is Her King Consort.)
King's Favour, Award of the: See Award of the King's Favour.
King-Thing (slang): Any Royal over-impressed with themselves for being Royalty.
Kingdom: A geographic subdivision of the Society, with over 400 members, and ruled by a King and Queen.
Kingdom Information Officer: See Information Officer.
Kingdom Laws: The permanent written body of laws governing the kingdom.
Kingdom Marshal for Archery: Responsible for the conduct of archery.
Kingdom Marshal for Equestrian Activities: Responsible for the conduct of all equestrian activities.
Kingdom Marshal for Rapier Combat: Responsible for the conduct of rapier combat.
Kit: An Armoured Combat participant's arms, armour, garb and accessories.
Knave (slang): To prowl for men; to go knaving. See also Wench.
Knight: A keh-nig-it. A member of the Order of Chivalry. Someone who has mastered heavy weapons combat and has been recognized by the Crown. A knight must always be in fealty to their Kingdom. Hlaford Streonwold Wulfesbana adds that "a Knight must also show the other virtues of Knighthood, beyond Prowess. These virtues include, but are not limited to Valour, Courtesie, Chivalry, Franchise, Largess, Honour, etc. They are also expected to show skill in dancing, playing chess, Arts and Sciences, etc." When addressed, a Knight is called "Sir".
Knight Marshal: An officer at the local level who is responsible for the authorization and safety of the fighters. The Knight Marshal need not be a Knight.
Knighted: The act of being made a Knight.
Knowne World: The SCA at large. The Knowne World (sometime spelled 'Known World') encompasses North America, Central America, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia (though they have their own BOD) and New Zealand.
Knowne World Handbook: The Society's Bible; a reference book about the SCA, and a reference guide for new members.
Ktulken: The fighters of House Fhtagn.
Ladies of the Rose: A Society-wide Order consisting of all former Queens of the Knowne World. The Order encourages and recognizes courtesy within the Society.
Lady: 1) A polite form of address for a female member of the Society, as in, "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, m' Lady." 2) A title bestowed upon a female recipient by the Crown, granted upon receipt of an AoA.
Land Grab (slang): At a camping event the act of getting there early in an effort to get the best possible spots. Groups often send one person on ahead as the Land Grabber, while they arrive later.
Land Grabber: See Land Grab.
Land that Sings, The: The Kingdom of Ealdormere; the name comes from the fact that Ealdormere has so many excellent Bards, and that the populace has a tendency to break out in song when gathered together about campfires, while processing, whenever the mood strikes. At Pennsic XXXI Ealdormere gathered in the rain and processed up the hill to the battlefield for opening ceremonies. We sang all the way. When we got there we were told that court was now going to be inside the barn because of the weather so we marched back to the barn, singing all the way. When we got in the barn we raised the rafters. Someone was heard asking, "Who are those people?" The answer they got was, "Oh, they're from Ealdormere, that's what they do."
Laurel: A Companion of the Order of the Laurel.
Laurel, Order of the: 1) A Peerage Order of Masters and Mistresses who have mastered some aspect of the arts and sciences and been recognized for their efforts by the Crown.
Laurel College of Arms: Description coming soon.
Laurel Kingdoms: See Known World. So called because all SCA Kingdoms have a laurel in their Arms.
Lawspeaker: An office unique to Ealdormere. The Lawspeaker presides over the semi-annual Moot and acts as a mediator in disputes between residents of the Kingdom. As well, the Lawspeaker acts as the people's voice to the Crown and is the one who convenes Courts of Justice. An office under the Kingdom Seneschal. The Lawspeaker's term of office is three years.
Lids (slang): A term for those who wear coronets (Dukes, Counts, etc). Often not appreciated.
Light Weapons: Non-rattan weapons. See also Boffers.
Lighteningfist: Sometimes used instead of Lightfist.
Lightfist: A fencer, or rapier fighter in the Barony of Septentria. It is a fighting Order, equivalent to the Isengesitha. The Lightfists and Isengesitha were created by Baron Cynred and Baroness Gaerwen to be the Fyrd (army) of Septentria.
Line of the North, The: A poem written by Master Hector of the Black Height, listing all of Ealdormere's leaders, back to the beginning. As new Kings and Queens are Crowned, the Line extends. It is available on-line at the Ealdormere website.
Lists: Where the fighters hit each other. An area staked out by list-poles, beyond which only fighters whose armour has passed inspection and fighting marshals may go. In some Kingdoms they call the Lists the Erics.
Live the Dream: See The Dream.
Live Steel: Any edged knife or sword; never drawn on the Lists. See also Clear.
Lobster Shell (slang): Plastic or metal breast and back plates.
Looker (slang): A hit in combat that looked good to the on-lookers (and sometimes the person delivering it). but deemed not be a direct, or hard enough, hit.
Lord: 1) A polite form of address for a male member of the Society, as in, "Well played, m' Lord." 2) A title bestowed upon a male recipient by the Crown, granted upon receipt of an AoA.
Ludicrous Archer: An archer with an average score of 120 in Royal Rounds. Extremely rare.
Lupine University: The on-line University of Ealdormere, available on the Kingdom webpage (see Links).
M'lord/M'lady: See Lord and Lady.
Magic Box (slang): See Musicians in a Box.
Maiden's Heart, Award of the: See Award of the Maiden's Heart.
Majesties, The: The King and Queen.
Majestiphobia (slang): A fear of being thought of as a Throne-Toady. Some people won't associate with their friends while said friends sit on the Thrones, for this reason.
Man-at-Arms: An armed retainer in the service of another member of the SCA. Anyone can have a man-at-arms as there appears to be no SCA wide rule regarding them. Sometimes squires take on a man-at-arms to basically act as a squire for them. There have also been knights who take on men-at-arms before deciding if they want that individual as a squire. For many men-at-arms their bond is just as strong as a squire to a knight, no matter who it is that they serve (Laurel, Lord/Lady, untitled individual).
March of St. Martins, The: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Sarnia, autonomous from any Barony.
Marines in the Water: A Household.
Marshal: The referees of the Society. The SCA has standards of safety that must be maintained, and it falls to the marshals to uphold them. There are armoured combat, fencing, archery, scouting and sometimes spear/axe marshals. All battles, tourneys and other martial events are watched over by the marshals.
Marshal of Archery: Description coming soon. An office under the Earl Marshal. Badge of office is three gold arrow heads in a red strip on a white field.
Marshal of Armoured Combat: Description coming soon. An office under the Earl Marshal. Badge of office is same as the Earl Marshal, two crossed gold swords on a black field.
Marshal of Equestrian Affairs: Description coming soon. An office under the Earl Marshal. Badge of office is a white horse, rampant, on a red field.
Marshal of Rapier Combat: Description coming soon. An office under the Earl Marshal. Badge of office is two crossed gold foils on a black field.
Marshallate: The Marshals of Ealdormere.
Mashie Pow (slang): See Heavy Fighting.
Master/Mistress: Title used by Companions of the Order of the Laurel, the Order of the Pelican or the Order of Mastery-at-Arms within the Order of Chivalry.
Master-/Mistress-of-Arms: A Companion of the Order of Chivalry. Many females prefer to use the term Master over Mistress.
Master of the Hall: See Autocrat.
Mastery-at-Arms, Order of: An Order within the Order of Chivalry. Companions of this Order, called Masters- and Mistresses-of-Arms, have proven themselves to be...well...masters of arms. For this, they have been recognized by the Crown.
Mechanical Scribe (slang): An answering machine. Also called a Parrot.
Media Knight (slang): It is often joked that if you are called 'Sir' three times in the mundane media you will be made a knight.
Melee: When a bunch of Armoured Combat participants or fencers brawl; a battle. Sometimes they have teams, sometimes its every person for themselves. This is when group tactics come into play. A melee can number between three people to two thousand people (like at Pennsic War).
Merchant: Someone who sells stuff. D'uh.
Merit for Arts and Sciences, Award of: See Award of Orion.
Middle Kingdom: The third Kingdom formed within the Society, and Ealdormere's parent Kingdom. Also called the Midlands and the Midrealm. The Middle Kingdom is represented by the Dragon.
Midlands: See Middle Kingdom.
Midrealm: See Middle Kingdom.
Minister of Arts and Sciences: Description coming soon. Badge of office is a white candle in a white arch on a blue field.
Minister of the Lists: Description coming soon. An office under the Earl Marshal.
Minister of Regalia: Description coming soon. An office under the Kingdom Exchequer.
MKA: Mundanely Known As. This is usually used to refer to dates and names. For example, Colyne Stewart is MKA Todd Fischer.
Modern(s) (slang): See Mundane.
Monadh, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Orangeville, and falling within the Barony of Septentria
Monarchs: The ruling nobles of a Kingdom; the King and Queen; the Crowns.
Monks of St. Xerox (slang): A photocopier.
Moose Hatcheries (slang): A Scanadian term for those breast-shaped buildings you see scattered about. You want to know why? Then read Tempus' story.
Moot: A public meeting held in Ealdormere at least once a year where the populace is invited to speak to the Crown about issues of importance. Presided over by the Lawspeaker.
Mundane: Anything pertaining to the modern world. Often used to describe non-Scadians hanging around Scadian events (Mundanes). Non-garb clothing is also called Mundanes ("I'm gonna go put on my Mundanes.")
Mundanely Known As: See MKA.
Mushroom (slang): A dome tent.
Musicians in a Box: See Faerie Musicians.
Newbie: A newcomer to the SCA.
Noergate, Shire of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Sault Ste. Marie, autonomous from any Barony.
Nuke (slang): 1) To hit extremely hard in combat. 2) To fail or return. As in, "The Heralds nuked my device again!")
Oath: To make a promise. Some people taking making oaths very seriously.
Off-Board: Attending an event but not eating at feast. People off-board either bring their own food (which they may eat in the feast hall) or go off site (to a pub or restaurant). See also "Are you in a play?"
Officers of State: The Officers of State in the Kingdom who handle various administrative tasks. In Ealdormere these include: Seneschal, Exchequer, Trillium Herald, Earl Marshal, Minister of Arts and Sciences, Chronicler and Chiurgeon. There are many other Kingdom officers who report to the Officers. Also called Great Officers. The term of office for these officers is two years. All Officers od State are members of the Privy Council.
Olde Pharte (slang): A term used to denote someone who has been in the SCA for a long time. Used as a term of affection, or self-deprecatingly.
On-Board: Attending feast at an event.
OOP/Out of Period: Things that are not Medieval, such as potatoes at a feast (they didn't eat potatoes in Medieval Europe).
Operating Policies: Written legal procedures detailing the operation of the Kingdom.
Order: A group of class of persons set aside from others for a special trait or quality; a group of persons constituting an association for a special purpose. Many Orders are based within their home Kingdom, while some are inter-Kingdom, and some are Society-wide. There are thee Peerage Orders in the Society: the Order of Chivalry (encompassing the Knights and Masters- and Mistresses-of-Arms), the Order of the Pelican and the Order of the Laurel. As well, there are smaller Orders, such as the Isengesitha and the Lightfists. See also Order of Precedence, Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer, Order of the Wain, Order of the Rose, Order of the Crucible, Ladies of the Rose, Order of the White Scarf, Order of the Bee, Order of the Golden Otter and Order of St. Crispin.
Orders of High Merit: See Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer, Order of the Wain and Order of the Crucible.
Order of Precedence: A ranking of people within a Kingdom who have received awards from the Crown. It is ordered by level of the award and the date it was granted. Ealdormere's Order of Precedence is ranked thusly: The Crown of Ealdormere, the Heirs of Ealdormere, Territorial Princes and Princesses of Ealdormere according to the date of creation of the Principality, Heirs to Principalities of Ealdormere, Dukes/Duchesses, Counts/Countesses, Viscounts/Viscountesses, Bestowed Peerages, Ealdormere Territorial Barons and Baronesses according to the date of creation of the Barony, Court Barons and Baronesses, Ealdormere Honours conveying Grants of Arms, Foreign Honours conveying Grants of Arms, Grants of Arms, Ealdormere Honours conveying Awards of Arms, Foreign Honours conveying Award of arms, Award of Arms.
Order of the Schtick: A tongue-in-cheek order created by the Bards of Ealdormere at a Bardic Court.
Orion, Award of: See Award of Orion.
Owlshaven, Shire of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as the Temiskaming district, autonomous from any Barony.
Oyez! (Oy-YAY): A herald's call, used to start an official announcement that all in attendance are invited to listen to.
Parrot: See Mechanical Scribe.
Pas: See Pas d'armes.
Pas d'armes: A highly chivalrous tournament, where combatants met in peace, where the fight was more important than winning. In the SCA, when a Pas is held the participants generally come complete with a herald to announce them, banners and very Period garb and armour with no showing modernity. This is for the "Just so" fighters.
Patent: 1) A Peer. 2) See Patent of Arms.
Patent of Arms: Description coming soon.
Pavilion: A Medieval-style tent. Many people who go to camping events buy or make pavilions.
Paying Reverence: Bowing to the Thrones, even if no one is sitting in them, as an act of respect.
Peer: 1) Someone granted Arms by Letters Patent by the Crown of his or her Kingdom. 2) A Companion of the Order of the Laurel, the Order of the Pelican, the Order of Chivalry, the Order of Mastery-at-Arms or a member of the Royal Peerage.
Peer Fear (slang): To be intimidated by Peers.
Peerage: The Peers, as a group.
Pelican: A Companion of the Order of the Pelican. Addressed as "Master" or "Mistress" (female Pelicans may prefer to be called "Dame").
Pelican, Order of the: 1) A Peerage Order of Masters and Mistresses who have mastered some aspect of service within the Society, and have been recognized by the Crown of their Kingdom.
Pell: 1) A pole used to practice sword blows. 2) (slang) A fighter who really sucks.
Pennsic Consolation Party (slang): A party held by those who couldn't go to Pennsic for whatever reasons.
Pennsic War: An event held every August in Butler County, PA, USA. It attracts thousands (currently 10-12, 000), for two weeks of camping, archery, fighting, fencing, merchanting, classes and more.
Peregrine, Order of: See Order of St. Crispin.
Period: Within the Society, period has three meanings. (There are many non-Society meanings, which we won't go into.) 1) Authentic, as in "Is that Period?" 2) Falling within an individual's area of interest. For example, "My period is the 900s." 3) The time period the Society is interested in, roughly 600 to 1600 CE.
Period Police (slang): See Authenticity Nazi.
Persona: Most Scadians adopt a character when going to events. They choose a time and place (such as 1430s France) and develop a character who could have lived there at that time. Personas cannot be based on real people (such as Joan of Arc or Chaucer), but that is pretty much the only restriction. Many people have more than one Persona, and some even play characters of the opposite sex.
Petrea Thule, Canton of: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Peterborough, and falling within the Barony of Septentria. See also Thuligan.
Philosopher's Engine (slang): Personal computer.
Pillow Dance (slang): A Medieval version of spin-the-bottle.
Playing the Game: See The Dream.
Pointy Hats (slang): See Lids.
Poltruded Fibreglass: Pipe material used to make spears for heavy combat (for thrusting, not slashing or chopping). Poltruded fibreglass, when over-stressed, breaks cleanly, without creating jagged edges.
Populace: The members of a Kingdom. The badge of the populace is fieldless on a trillium argent, barbed vert, a wolf's head cabossed gules.
Porta-Castle: See Garderobe.
Post-Rev: See Post-Revel.
Post-Revel: A party held after an event, usually at a location other than the event location, where those still in garb mix in with those in Mundane clothes. More commonly known simply as a Post-Rev, they often become Crash Spaces.
Precedence, Order of: See Order of Precedence.
Prince/Princess: 1) The heirs of a King and Queen, formally referred to as the Crown Prince and Princess. 2) The Sovereign and Consort of a Principality, formally referred to as the Territorial Prince and Princess. When addressed they are called, "Your Highness."
Prince of Waters: One of the translations of Ealdormere.
Princeling (slang): A friendly way to refer to the Prince. Best done by those who are His friends. You don't want the Prince to think yer making fun of him, do'yer?
Principality: A subdivision of a Kingdom, with over 100 Society members, ruled by a Territorial Prince and Princess.
Privy Council: A senior advisory body to the Crown.
Privy Seal: An officer under the Trillium Herald, responsible for maintaining the Scroll of Honour.
Proclamation: A legal directive from the Crown, announced in a Royal Court, that do not change written Kingdom Laws, and expire at the end of the Crown's reign. Also called an edict.
Protégé: A person taken as a dependant by a Master or Mistress of the Order of the Pelican. The protégé will study some aspect of service to the Society under the Master or Mistress.
Province: Description coming soon.
Pursuviant: An officer at the local level, responsible for the promotion and practice of Heraldry. See also Herald.
Quartermaster General: Description coming soon. An office under the Kingdom Exchequer.
Queen's Favour, Award of: See Award of the Queen's Favour.
Rabbit (slang): A man who's costume appears to be made out of one little rabbit hide. See also Bunny.
Ram: The official animal of the Barony of RamsHaven.
RamsHaven, Barony of: It claims the lands Mundanely known as Ontario west of Highway 25, north of Highway 401 and Cambridge, and is symbolized by the Ram.
Rattan: A dense, fibrous plant, similar to bamboo, used to make blades and shafts of weapons for armoured combat. Rather than snapping and creating jagged edges and splinters, rattan ends up being reduced to mush.
Rapier: A fencing foil, and the use of it (rapier fighting). See also Duello.
Red Belt: The regalia that marks a Squire of Knight or a Master- or Mistress-of-Arms. This is not official regalia, but it is recognized in most places within the Society. In some Kingdoms, Squires also wear unadorned silver chains and spurs. Some Knights in Ealdormere do not allow their Squires to wear these items.
Reign: The length of time the Monarchs rule; in Ealdormere seven (winter reign) or five (summer reign) months.
Regalia: Articles of clothing (such as tunics) and accessories (such as chains and spurs) that indicate the wearer's station.
Regalia Officer: An office under the Kingdom Exchequer, responsible for the gathering, maintaining and storage of Kingdom Regalia.
Regent: 1) Someone appointed by the Crown to represent them at an event. 2) If the Sovereign and Consort cannot continue with their reign, the Heirs are named Regents until the time of their coronation where they will become King and Queen. 3) If the Sovereign, the Consort and the Heirs are unable to fulfill their duties for any reason the last reigning Sovereign and/or Consort to complete a full reign will serve as Regent until a Crown Tourney can be held.
Reservation: A guaranteed place at an event, especially for a feast, arranged prior to the day of the event. Many people in Ealdormere stress that the only real reservation is a paid reservation.
Revel: A less formal event, usually with limited attendance. More like a party.
Rhino (slang): A derogatory term for a fighter who is...shall we say...a little over-zealous. They dishonourably refuse to accept killing blows during combat. Not something you want to be called. Also see Weebles. Term was originally Rhin Hide, as in, "He must have rhino hide not to take that blow."
Rising Waters, Barony of: It claims the lands Mundanely known as the Niagara Peninsula, and is symbolized by the Chalice.
Rose, Order of the: Given automatically to individuals who complete a reign as Consort. Recipients may style themselves as 'Lady of the Rose' or 'Lord of the Rose'. (Taken directly from the Kingdom of Ealdormere webpage.)
Roak's Raiders: The House of Count Roak of Ealdormere (4th, 11th, and 13th Prince of the Principality of Ealdormere, 6th King of Ealdormere, and a Knight of the SCA since A.S. XXXII or September 1997), his squires, and various other dependents (significant others, children, and men-at-arms). The name "Roak's Raiders" was chosen by his squires, and came from a song written for Roak during his 2nd reign, before he was knighted, by Master Hector of the Black Height. The song's chorus includes the phrase "There's thunder in the horses hooves, the Northern Raiders ride." Although it is a fighting-based household, the members seldom fight together because many of them belong to other households or have commitments to their Baronies or other groups. A common misconception is that all of Roak's squires are members of the Rozakii household, which Roak was one of the founding members of, or that all the members of the Rozakii household are "Roak's Raiders," but this is not the case.
Royal City of Eoforwic, The: A local SCA chapter encompassing the lands Mundanely known as Toronto, and falling within the Barony of Septentria.
Royal Court: A court presided over by the Royalty.
Royal Family: The King, Queen, Crown Prince and Princess.
Royal Peer: Those who have served at least one term as King, Queen, Prince or Princess, and been awarded a Patent of Arms.
Royalty: The King, Queen, Crown Prince and Princess of a Kingdom, and the Territorial Prince and Princess of a Principality.
Royalty Room: An area set aside for the use of the Royalty and/or local Baron and Baroness. Used to change clothes and conduct private business.
St. Crispin, Order of: (Formerly the Order of the Peregrine.) Defunct Award given to those who have by conspicuous and continuing effort improved their own skills of war and provided inspiration to others. These skills include, but are not restricted to, scouting, archery, and armoured combat. Companions of the order may place the initials CPE after their names, and may wear a medallion bearing the badge: (Fieldless) A wing terminating in a hand argent maintaining a sword fesswise reversed Or. (Taken from the Ealdormere Awards and Honours page.)
SAP (slang): Short for Squire-Apprentice-Protégé, a utilitarian term for the associates to a Peer.
SCA: 1) The Society for Creative Anachronism, a non-profit organization dedicated to reconstructing many aspects of medieval life. Usually pronounced "ska&quo