The DoP is organized by the Canton of Rokkehealdan; a subgroup within the Society for Creative Anachronism, whose members largely hail from the southwest areas of the Barony of Ayreton (suburbs west & southwest of Chicago).
What is the SCA?
Mission Statement: The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international non-profit volunteer educational organization. The SCA is devoted to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, culture, and employing knowledge of history to enrich the lives of participants through events, demonstrations, and other educational presentations and activities.
For more information: www.sca.org
Do I need to be a member?
You do not have to be a paid member of SCA Inc. to participate, but there are benefits to membership. Members receive discounts for events, receive publications, and may hold an office. You must be a member to be authorized for any fighting or combat. See www.sca.org/members/ for more information.
Is there a local chapter or group near me?
Yes! There are 5 cantons, or groups, in the greater Chicago area, in addition to groups outside that area. Visit
You must first stop at registration, also referred to as Gate or Troll. This will be at the . You will need to sign any waivers, provide proof of membership, and pay your site & feast fees, if you did not preregister by mail. Note: You will be given tokens to show that you have paid to attend (site token) and paid for feast (feast token). Do not lose these! You may also pick up a schedule for the day’s events.
Is this a LARP or renaissance fair?
The SCA is a participatory group. Many debate whether the SCA is like a Live Action Role Play. There are some aspects that are similar, but the SCA is really not a LARP. No one is required to act in character or play out a role.
You may hear the SCA referred to as a game, however, because it is fun! Members sometimes refer to participation as “playing.” But, with 50 years of our own history behind us, the Society is so much more than a game, or even the backyard party it started as in Berkeley, CA. The Society has also grown a rich culture with traditions of its own.
What do I wear?
The theme for DoP6 is Carnavale, during the Italian Renaissance. Festive carnival costumes are encouraged, but not required.
The Society is a living history organization, intended for participants rather than spectators. Everyone who attends an event is participating and is expected to wear at least an attempt at pre-seventeenth century clothing (or garb as it is often called.)
For women, a plain-colored long skirt and a peasant-type blouse will serve as beginning garb. For men, try plain trousers (not jeans), and a peasant-style shirt that is not tucked in. A handkerchief tied over the head is appropriate for both men and women.
Don’t worry about historical accuracy when assembling your first garb — that can come later and there are plenty of people and resources to help you along the way. Most groups have loaner garb and gear available, known as Gold Key; this is under the care of the Chatelaine.
What should I bring?
There will be a lunch tavern & a dinner feast, but you may still wish to bring some snacks. See the Food Page for the menu.
If you will be joining the feast, plan to bring your own table service. This would include a medieval style cup, plate, bowl (opt), utensils and cloth napkin. Don’t forget to pack a plastic bag to easily take home your dishes for washing. Many bring their feast gear in a woven basket.
What’s a day camp?
During the activities of the day, many participants set up day camps comprised of a chair, a basket or box with their snacks and drinks, and often a rug. Outdoor events have many adding straw hats for sun protection and sun shades. It is not uncommon for members of a group to gather together in the same day camp, and place a banner or flag to identify it.
Should I bring bottled water?
It is advised. Water at the Plowmens site is well water.
May I bring my kids?
Of course! While this event does not have daycare or specific activities for kids, they will enjoy playing on the grounds, coloring or creating at the craft table, watching the events around them, & getting to know the other children. Older children may like the wide variety of board games at this event.
May I participate by volunteering?
You would be most welcome! If we are in need of any volunteers for DoP6, we will post a sign up sheet.
Why are some people wearing crowns?
Those wearing crowns have earned the right to wear them through their knowledge, skill, or deeds.
How should I address people?
The Day of Playe may have the Baron & Baroness in attendance; you may address them as “You Excellency”. When in doubt how to address someone, “my lord” or “my lady” is always courteous.
May I participate in the fighting?
Before you can participate in combat, you have to be trained and authorized. However, you may be able to join right away in activities such as target archery, if there is loaner gear available and the Marshal clears you to do so.
Combat is open to any paid member aged 18 and older. Before one is allowed to enter his or her first list, or competition, a fighter must be authorized. They must be able to prove for the Marshal that they are sufficiently skilled so that they are not a danger to themselves or others, that they are using the correct equipment, and that they know the Rules of the Lists prior to fighting in any tournament or war. Your local Marshal can assist in ex-plaining the steps necessary to become authorized.
Fighters are responsible for obtaining their own armor and weapons. Many groups have loner gear to help new members get started.
May I take a class?
Absolutely! The SCA is a not-for-profit educational group. We encourage passing on research and historical information and classes are free. Members have a wide variety of interests and you'll find all types of classes at events. Check the schedule to see what classes are being held at this event, in addition to time & location.
May I bring my dog?
Well-behaved, LEASHED dogs are welcome, providing you pick up after your dog. Your dog must stay leashed at all times. Please do not bring dogs who are prone to frequent barking as they would be a disturbance to the attendees and also attract coyotes at dusk, as the site is rural. Dogs must remain under your supervision or that of a trusted adult at all times.
What if I can’t eat the foods being served at the Tavern?
Should you wish to stay for the boxed Tavern meals but have allergies or other reactions to what is being served, you may wish to offboard. Please contact the Event Steward or Tavern Steward.
May I bring alcohol?
TBD The site is discreetly wet, meaning you may bring alcohol. You must be of legal age to consume & be a responsible drinker. No alcohol will be sold on the grounds.
Is the Site handicap accessible?
The site is largely grass & partially forested. Paved areas are confined to the pavilion & adjacent areas. Reaching the restroom building requires traversing ground with grass, leaves, & small rocks. The ground may or may not be uneven & muddy. There is a paved path wide enough for a car going to the archery/thrown weapons site. This may be used for drop off only.
What if it rains?
You get wet. There may be mud. The event will happen rain or shine, pack accordingly.
Is there a curfew for revelers & campers?
The area is rural residential & small farms, so no loud music after midnight. Be mindful there are horses & other farm animals adjacent to the site.
No fireworks allowed.
Camping
You may pitch a tent & day camp. There are no hook-ups. The site is a park. Should you prefer a full hook-up for your RV, Kane County has a campsite a few minutes away.
The restroom is equipped with soap, TP, a mirror, sinks, & toilets. There are no showers.
Railroad tracks run along the north portion but the site is in a no horn zone.
There is poison ivy; it's a rural park setting.
The site is partially wooded with large, wonderful oak trees.
Bring your bug spray & flashlight.
Tiki torches are allowed but you may not start your own bonfire.
Do bring snacks as there are no local convenience stores but store them in airtight containers. There are all kinds of critters out at night.
There are a few electrical outlets on the posts outside the pavilion. These are to be shared and priority given to those running the event or teaching.
Bonfire
We will have a bonfire going in the evening. You may not light your own fire. Bring your own chair, a story or a song, drinks, & your own marshmallow roasting fork!
Trash
The SCA tradition is to leave the site cleaner than when you arrived.
While the Venetians had servants to clean up, we have no servants here & everyone is expected to take care of their own trash. There will be trash bins all around the event site.
Hotels nearby?
TBA
We hope you'll enjoy joining us in recreating history!