Most aspects of medieval life form the basis for SCA activities.
Here is a partial list of these activities.

Armouring

In order to participate in Rattan (armoured combat), one needs to have armour. Fencers also need protection. Although there are "professional" armourers around, most fighters and fencers make their own armour. Styles range from high tech plastics or heavy leathers with purchased steel components (helm, articulations), to full steel or aluminium suits of armour.

Bardic Arts

To Tell a tale
of strife and woe
or of a deed done long ago
To sing a song
of a lady fair
or of a trap that twas laid to snare
To write an ode
to a king of note
or of a villan who was smote
To write a poem
that tells in verse
of truths and values we should rehearse
To do these things
though sometimes hard
This is the work of the Minstrel and Bard.

Cairn MacAllister's Bardic page

Brewing & Vinting

Brewing and vinting involve the fabrication of liquid refreshments, using a combination of modern knowledge and materials and period recipes. These range from the making of beer, mead, vine, cordials, as well as other forms of beverage that were common in the Middle Ages.

Calligraphy & Illumination

Much of the information we have about the Middle Ages comes from studying the numerous illuminated manuscripts that have survived centuries of warfare, fires, treachery, and weather due mostly to the careful preservation of these treasures by religious orders. Many members of the SCA are scribes, delighting in detailed study of original manuscripts and the evolution of artistic style, and attempting to re-create similar art works using period parchments, gold leaf, pigments, and inks.

Cooking

Dancing

Heraldry

Heraldry encompasses several activities which are the duties of the herald. Traditionally, the herald was the voice of the sovereign, at times messenger, at times ambassador, and at times announcer. The herald was also responsible for armory, which is the science, art, and rules regulating the display of coats of arms, known in the SCA as devices.
Here are a few terms used in heraldry.

Music

Photo: R.J.Bachner

Pottery

Sewing & Embroidery

Theater

Archery

In the SCA, traditional archery is practiced. This implies the use of recurve bows and longbows, but no compound bows. Sights are disallowed and arrows must be made of wood. Crossbows are also used (it wouldn't be the middle ages without crossbows) with similar rules.	Photo: M. Carobene & R.J. Bachner
Besides the ubiquitous bull's eye targets, we have a series of special shoots meant to simulate archery in battle such as the advancing enemy shoot, clout shoot, etc. The Archery Company

Equestrian Activities

Photo: I. Dan

The East Kingdom Equestrian College

Fencing

Photo: M. Carobene

Fencing in the sca is intended to simulate Renaissance rapier combat as much as possible. Though similar to classical or contemporary fencing, the rules instead of focusing so much on style, focus more on realism, and are in some ways less restrictive. There are many possible forms, including single rapier, rapier and main-gauche (dagger), case rapiers (two rapiers, one in each hand), rapier and buckler (small shield), and lastly rapier and cloak.

Armoured Combat (Rattan)

Photo: M. Carobene	Armoured combat is a martial art based on medieval tournament foot combat (as opposed to combat on horses). Armour is functional and necessary; weapons are made of rattan (hence the nickname of this sport), a light bamboo-like wood, the same rattan used to make furniture.
Combat can take place between single opponents (single combat) Or between armies (melee), the size of which is only limited by the number of participants available. Although everybody plays to win, Honour, Courtesy, and above all Safety are emphasized.

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