Medieval role-playing help?

Question

I'd like to start the medieval role-playing stuff you see in newspapers and on-line, but I have been unable to find a local group, in california. Anybody know of a group near riverside, or orange county, or near the area? Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

SCA is a non-profit group that does Medieval Re-creations. The strive to really do what was done in the past. I think they used to call themselves "the current Middle Ages". These groups will have many people to show you and teach you. They have groups that do medieval crafts - weaving - pottery etc. and combats - archery - fencing - spears. They are most know for their full armored combat fought with "rattan" (a type of bamboo) swords. Most areas have SCA groups. You can get involve slowly. All events will require you to be in an authentic costume (they call it garb), so you will need to make a small intial investment in some leggings/pantloons and a shirt or talbored. I know often SCA members will lend garb to a new comer to get them started.

California SCA Links:

http://www.sca.org/

http://www.sca-caid.org/

http://www.westkingdom.org/

Renaissance Faire are mix of for profit and non-for profit - small and big. You can go for an day and just have fun, or you can work at one. Working is a great way to dive into it.

Listing of California Renaissance Faires:

http://www.renaissance-faire.com/Calif.htm

http://www.renofkings.org/cgi-bin/rokcaf.pl

L.A.R.P.s - Live Action Role Playing is a game. There are many kinds - vampires - werewolf - sci-fi - many are Medieval Fantasy Based - think Lord of the Rings - (but not that good). Most of the Medieval Fantasy LARP's use "boffer" weapons, so you can actuall fight. A boffer is a padded sword. This is the type of thing that you get what you put into it. The are fun, and can be done on budget. However, any of these can are costly with costume (garb), travel, gear, and lodging.

National List of LARP's:

http://www.larplist.com/mainlist.php?op=nalist

I have discovered all these type of groups are fun. But, at time can be 'clicky'. Check them out, just keep an open mind and have fun,

Answer 2

I completely agree, the SCA is the best way to go. That is in the beginning. As you learn more you may want to branch out for your own group. I know of a group that branched out to focus more on the middle/merchant class (MaRS Medieval and Renaissance Society) rather than lords/ladies. The other group also does not do the fighting like the SCA does. Of course if you want a more Fantasy driven group learn about LARPs Live Action Role Playing. similar to Renaissance Faires (which you should definitely check out, especially in California) and Medieval reenactment but with a taste that is kinda like Dungeons and Dragons. It all depends on your area and what other groups do. If I had time I would be in the MaRS but I am a full time student and saving for that Spinning Wheel!

Answer 3

check on the "society for Creative Anachronisms" on the net and you'll find all the medieval role play you can handle. They do Renaissance fairs, presentations, all kinds of stuff.

There are local Chapters all over.