The Society for Creative Anachronism (or SCA, as it's more commonly referred to by those who participate) is a group which explores the history, culture, and customs of the Middle Ages (roughly defined as 600-1600 C.E.) of Western Europe and those cultures it came in contact with. Members develop a 'persona;' essentially, a character they play when in an SCA context. Some people's personas are elaborate creations with detailed personal histories, while others have little more than a name and nationality. It really all depends on what you want to do. Some people play to indulge a curiosity about and fascination with a particular time period, and want to learn - and display! - everything they possibly can about that period. Others play primarily because they enjoy one of the SCA's martial arts, and so they'll focus on fighting or fencing techniques and not on detailed historical recreation.

My own reason for being in the SCA is neither of these. Since I was young, I've been enthralled by all of the medieval period, especially within the British Isles. The music, crafts, dress and general lifestyle all fascinated me. My first year in college, I was intrigued by folks at the activities fair wearing medieval-style clothing. When I saw that some of them did embroidery, I was even more interested. What really hooked me, though, was the woman sitting and playing a small lap harp. I signed up then and there and I've been an active member of the Society ever since.

The SCA is a worldwide organization which is divided into regional Kingdoms. Each Kingdom is further divided into sub-groups such as Baronies or Principalities. These may be even further divided into the smallest local groups such as Colleges or Cantons. When I first joined the SCA, I was a member of the Canton of Nordleigh, which is under the umbrella of the Barony of Nordskogen in the Principality of Northshield, Middle Kingdom. I've moved since then and now I play with the Shire of Grey Gargoyles in the Midlands region of the Middle Kingdom.

My primary persona is Rhieinwylydd verch Einion Llanaelhaearn, a widowed Welsh noblewoman who was born in the year 987. Rhieinwylydd is her given name, and I was once told that it may mean "a beautiful and unassuming lady" (but I was told this via the internet by a flirtatious Welshman, so take it with a grain of salt!). 'Verch' means 'daughter of' and refers to her father, Einion. Einion means anvil, and is a Welsh name still in use today. Rhieinwylydd lives in the cantref of Llanaelhaearn (which means the Church of the Saint with the Iron Brow) near the northwest coast of Wales. Llanaelhaearn was an actual historical place and still exists today; a description of the village and some pictures are available online. This shot shows the entire area from a distance; Llanaelhaearn is in the middle of the photo. To see where Llanaelhaearn is on a map, click here.