Cross of Calatrava

DemiCon 31 Virtual Fan Table

Welcome to the Current Middle Ages!

Our DemiCon 31 Virtual Fan Table for this year consists of a number of resources regarding various topics within the medieval and Renaissance periods of history. In addition to the articles and links posted here for each topic below, we will be hosting live sessions on Zoom for each topic which will allow you to get a preview of different aspects of each topic covered as well as a brief overview of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

Schedule – May 2, 2020

Feel free to join any or all of our sessions to learn about how members of the Society for Creative Anachronism have fun exploring history across Iowa and the world.

Make sure to mute your mic when you join a session and please feel free to ask questions through the chat.

9:00-9:40 AM – Session 1: Jewelry and Tools in the SCA

An interpretation of a necklace found in a grave in Finland (Eura 56).

In the first half of Session 1, we will talk about some of the jewelry made and used in the SCA. Items covered will include Lampworking (glass beads), various styles of rings and brooches, and even historically inspired jewelry that anyone could try at home!

In second half of Session 1, we will talk about woodworking and take a look at some medieval tools recreated to explore historical woodworking techniques.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74927224940?pwd=NW9LNkRMbWZtZ3UzaWZ3bHpFb1BHZz09
Meeting ID: 749 2722 4940
Password: DemiCon31

10:00-10:40 AM – Session 2: Life in the Current Middle Ages

Join members of the SCA around Iowa for an overview of the Society for Creative Anachronism. What we do, how we do it, and how you can join in the fun.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75065422939?pwd=cTh6YnZSaHFTZHBDZmhha0ZYVGhjdz09
Meeting ID and Password are embedded into the link

11:00-11:40 AM – Session 3: Art and Armor in the SCA

Examples of Armor used in the SCA

In the first half of this session, we will discuss the arts of Calligraphy and Illumination in the SCA and take a look at some of the tools recreated to explore calligraphy, illumination, and medieval literacy.

In the second part of the session, we will look at some pieces of armor used by members of the SCA to recreate medieval combat.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79578588339?pwd=QW04T0xjR3ErcUZNQU1TbUU4RHVUZz09
Meeting ID: 795 7858 8339
Password: DemiCon31

12:00-12:40 PM – Session 4: Fun Things from History

Roman Toilet Paper…Just one of the Fun Items we have found through history!

For this session, we will look at various items from history that have been recreated by members of the SCA. How did Romans deal without toilet paper? How would a medieval monk deal with bad eyesight? What to do with a bard or performer who constantly plays off key?

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77269375841?pwd=S2FiamhRMkZJaEpJQUJVZy9UckVIUT09
Meeting ID: 772 6937 5841
Password: DemiCon31

1:00-1:40 PM – Session 5: Sewing, Costuming, and Metal Working in the SCA

An example of a Germanic “Camp-Frau” outfit as recreated by a member of the SCA.

In part one of this session, we will look at sewing and costuming in the SCA, from examples of minimum expectations to other costuming examples and tools to explore how people sewed historically. Clothing – basic tunic/dress, other examples, needles, pins, and sewing awls will all be covered.

In the second part of the session, we will look at various examples and techniques of metal working explored in the SCA.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77142247152?pwd=RjBiMGhBM3NvNGVDKzJINDRxb0Zwdz09
Meeting ID: 771 4224 7152
Password: DemiCon31

Topic Resources:
Clothing

2:00-2:40 PM – Session 6: Weapons, In and Out of the SCA

Examples of Arrowheads, Fletchings, and Swords used in the SCA.

For this session, we will be looking at weapons used in the SCA and comparing them with weapons used historically. We will talk about how historic battles are safely recreated in the SCA and about the various marshal activities, from sword fights to archery and more.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79892509838?pwd=ZXBZeHdMdVJFdnRDRU42cWdJZEo0UT09
Meeting ID: 798 9250 9838
Password: DemiCon31

Topic Resources
Archery Activities
Steel (Cut and Thrust) Activities
Equestrian Activities
Rattan Combat Activities
Thrown Weapons Activities
Youth Combat Activities

3:00-3:40 PM – Session 7: Fiber Arts and Leather Work in the SCA

Examples of Tablet Woven Bands in various patterns.

In the first part of the session, we will discuss examples of the Fiber Arts as explored in the SCA, including spinning, weaving, embroidery and cord making.

In the second part of the session, we will look at leather working projects commonly explored in the SCA, from leather drinking mugs to shoes and more.

Zoom Session Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74091984786?pwd=NjNlaDE1ZE5xbFpSQ1pwK1hVenJUdz09
Meeting ID: 740 9198 4786
Password: DemiCon31

About Us

We are the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), and we make history come alive. The SCA is an international organization devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, and culture. We don’t just dress up and call each other “milord” and “milady.” We spend our weekends living in a shared world where chivalry, honor, and the pageantry of royalty are real things you can see, touch and experience for yourself. We create art, we dance, we sing, we do combat, we research; we build a little refuge based on nobility, honor, and respect for one another, away from the stresses and conflicts of the modern era. Ranks and titles in the SCA are earned entirely within the Society, not granted based on who you are in the modern world. If this sounds like a place you might want to be, please come check us out.

Find Your Local Group

The SCA is divided into regional groups we call “kingdoms,” each led by Royal Sovereigns who have achieved those titles through their own merit. Iowa (except for the Quad Cities area), Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Fayetteville area of Arkansas comprise the Kingdom of Calontir. Within Calontir there are a number of local groups such as baronies, shires, and cantons. Iowa itself supports a Barony in Des Moines, a Canton in the Ames area, and a number of Shires around the state. For a weekend event near you, browse the Kingdom Calendar. We’re excited that you’re interested in the SCA, and we can’t wait to meet you at an event. As Shakespeare wrote, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” You may be a Peer of the Realm or even of Royal Blood: join us and find your own path to destiny!

If you are interested in learning more about the SCA, please email info@scaiowa.org. You can also take a look around our website or find us on Facebook or Instagram!