Download - Debatable Lands Intro
We are the Pittsburgh metropolitan area’s branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The Debatable Lands is the oldest and largest Barony inthe Kingdom of Æthelmearc, and we offer lots of funand interesting activities and events based on the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Click the Next button to see photos and descriptions of our members in action!
Welcome to the Barony-Marche
of the Debatable Lands
The Debatable Lands is ruled by Baron Byron of Haverford and Baroness Ariella of Thornbury, shown here being presented by the King and Queen at their investiture.
Many of our events feature armed combat.
SCA armor is typically composed of metal and
leather, but the weapons are made of rattan, a lightweight wood, that is wrapped in duct
tape to ensure safety.
Fighters sometimes group together in teams to fight melees. A really large melee becomes a battle. At the Pennsic War, held in Slippery Rock, PA every July, combatants fight for
the honor and glory of their Kingdoms.
Some battles feature as many as a thousand fighters on each side.
Even kids can compete in
armored combat. Their swords and
polearms are of lighter materials
and more thickly padded
than adults’ weapons, but they have just as much fun.
Some people prefer the subtlety and finesse of fencing with epee and foil. We’re more free-form than Olympic-style fencing, featuring
the occasional “tavern brawl” all in good fun, of course.
Archers young and old can shoot at targets for
score, or adults can shoot specially made
arrows in battle as combat archers.
The best archers can attain the title of Grand Master Bowman.
The Debatable Lands is also famed for its non-martial
pursuits. Most events feature a feast of dishes based on
medieval recipes. We boast some of the best cooks in the realm!
The Debatable Choir performs madrigals and motets at many local events.
Actors from I Genisii perform a bawdy Italian Commedia del‘Arte show.
Our scribes create works of art for their Monarchs and
Baron and Baroness to bestow on
worthy subjects.
We learn renaissance
dances.
We sew costumes, like this 15th century
French brocade gown.
We embroider replicas of medieval wall-hangings, like this piece based on the Bayeux Tapestry.
We practice crafts like
bookbinding.
We make chainmail and plate armor.
We build medievally
inspired furniture, tents and even
travelling houses!
We make objects
based on medieval designs, like this
Viking era board game
called hnefatafl.
We play medieval
board games,
like Mancala. We play musical
instruments for entertainment and
to accompany dancing.
In short – we have fun! And we learn a lot about medieval and renaissance history in the process. Join us and find out just how much fun you can have!