Swordplay
by: Sarah Chiafos
As you arrive at the back of the convention center, escalators lead you to a back area away from the craziness of the floor. There, an attractive woman wearing light middle-eastern styled garb points you in the direction of the patio like a siren guides a ship. Stepping outside, a group of con-goers have gathered around a roped-off area. There, people dressed in armor stand to the side looking expectantly at the man talking to the crowd. He explains that these people are here to demonstrate some of the fighting done with the SCA (The Society for Creative Anachronism). He goes on to tell a little about the SCA, who they are, and what they do, and then, a battle begins. With all the energy and fury of a typhoon, the fighters in all of their glory show off their skills to the elated crowd. One man falls to the ground and a cheer erupts from the heart of those standing around.
So what is all this? Just an example a part of what the SCA is all about. The SCA is a group of people who recreate the lifestyles of the pre-17th-century. They represent the art, fighting, handiwork and events that were prevalent in this time period.
This demonstration was hosted by The Iron Brigade of Calafia (http://calafia.org/guilds/brigade.html), and although I have not had all that much exposure to the SCA, I am sure this group of people have done them proud. Watching men and women fight with dueling swords and axes was thrilling and the entire crowd seemed to be mesmerized. Everyone was so focused and the women of the group proved that fighting like a girl is not an insult. If at any time my honor had to be defended, I would desire to have any one of them at my side. An absolutely phenomenal show of skill and dedication. If you did not get a chance to experience this event at con this year, make sure you attend next year. I have never been before and was so caught up in the excitement of what was going on I nearly missed meeting friends later! Definitely one of the coolest things I saw at con.
If you would like more information on who the SCA is or on joining, go to:
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