[MR] SCA Census..

[Richard Mowbray]

A moment, please...
 
I remember a time, long ago, when folks in the SCA gave each other the benefit of the doubt. Now its"I h3eard from somebody who knew someone once that heard that Duke Logan ate a baby at an event. Like heck I'm gonna ever bow to him, crown or no!"
Hmmmm...
And if I had a nickel for every knight who forced someone to do anything I'd still need $5 to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
So how does a fantasy based org draw so many folk determined to ruin the fantasy for others? I know more stories of SCAdians who refuse to play the game of monarchy than Knights who manhandle them. And lest we forget Laurels who attack newbies for their garb or Pelicans who are slave drivers?
Does it happen? sure, we are humans not saints. Is it common? Not at all. 
More common are those who'd rather sit at home on the weekend with a beer and a TV than pack up all that stuff and go work hard at having a good time.
 
The SCA has always had a hard time retaining folks. This is a demanding organization that requires a good bit from most and gives little to those who just sit on the fringes. "I went to a couple of events, but they charged me and then they didn't give me everything I needed and they didn't move my arms and legs for me." just doesn't fly.
So be proud oh ye stalwarts of the realms, you are a rare breed willing to work hard, bow to monarchs, and get little titles for rewards. Gods bless us!
 
And for those who think they've been missed...
how many fighters can't understand why the collected Knights of Kingdom (a) haven't crawled to them on bended knees begging them to join their Order because they once almost won a tourney in Obscureville, SCA?
 
If you want to be acknowledged as part of what's going on, you need to be a part of the scene, yes? I know no more giving and contributing folk in the SCA than the typical Peers. Money, time , energy, sympathy, skills, you name it.
 
But everyone has a bad day. It's also hard to fullfill everyone's fantasy while you're at it. but we try. And sometimes we fail, but mostly we succeed.
 
Syr Richard
32 years playing and mostly loving the game