Severed limbs, soaring arrows and seamstresses.
These are just some of the words to describe the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group dedicated to recreating the medieval period of 600 to 1600 A.D.
Many of its members, who spend their days as students, transform themselves into graceful dancers or fierce warriors by night, practicing archery, rapier fighting and heavy weapons fighting.
Psychology junior Jeff Currie often spends his Wednesday evenings lunging at opponents with heavy weapons.
But this game is not easy.
If Currie gets stuck in the leg by his opponent, he must finish the battle on his knees, simulating a real injury.
If it’s his arm, he has to place it behind his back and continue to fight with the lone arm. If the weapon tears through his midsection or pierces his skull, he loses the match.
Such are the rules for the district of Vannspring, part of the Middle Kingdom.
Sound far away? Members of this district are still in East Lansing.
The Middle Kingdom of the international society is the third oldest of 16 kingdoms. The Vannspring district includes members from MSU as part of its jurisdiction - Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.
The society was created in 1966 in Berkeley, Calif. by a group of science fiction and fantasy fans who wanted to throw a theme party. The group expanded and has had more than 24,000 members.
To participate in tournaments, members must purchase a society membership card, which allows them to hold office, fight for the right to become prince and even king of their respective kingdom. Kings and princes serve their constituency for six-month terms, and kings are responsible for selecting the queen.
Fighting is not the only activity that attracts members to the society. The society’s participants, who range from children to college students to adult community members, also enjoy medieval-style singing, dancing and sewing.
Grand Ledge resident Melody Faith joined because she enjoys arts and crafts. She has been a member for 21 years.
“I always liked costuming and crafts,” she said. “There’s so many different things to do, that anyone who likes the Middle Ages can find a niche.”
Faith has been involved with costuming, illuminations and cooking in the past, but currently fences and fights.
“I like to beat on people with sticks,” she said. “I’m sort of like a Tasmanian devil.”
Members frequently participate in festivals where they can show off their skills around the Midwest and across the United States.
The group is preparing for its next major event, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and Feast, which is set for Feb. 9 at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds in Kalamazoo. Festivities will include heavy weapons fighting, dancing, fencing and feasting.
Jennifer Leadbetter, a linguistics senior at MSU, said presenting the group’s crafts and skills at festivals and accomplishing its goals are valuable parts of being involved in the society.
But like other younger members, Leadbetter said she enjoys the group for its social aspects.
“The best parts are the events, getting to dress up in garb and to meet people with the same interests,” she said.
Lansing resident Luis Gomez said he enjoys the group’s camaraderie, but he also appreciates what society members learn from their involvement.
“They can learn a great deal about history (by) living history,” he said.
Students interested in joining should come to a meeting or practice, said James Scott, the group’s business administrator.
“It’s so awesome,” he said, “You get to meet different people from such different backgrounds. You get to learn a lot.”
New members loan gear from current members for beginning practices, however, they must eventually find their own weapons and gear.
Rattan, a bamboo-like plant, as well as duct tape for extra padding, are the chief materials in heavy fighting weapons. Fighters do not use real weapons, yet each battle still has a definitive winner, and each tournament a champion.
For more information about the society, visit www.sca.org
