SCA

My family and I are members and active participants in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

It's a worldwide community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, and culture. It's a participatory type of recreation based on an idealized monarchy. Local groups hold themed events that are attended in pre-17th Century clothing and participate or just watch various activities. These groups are organized into Kingdoms to support larger activities and events.

In real life, I inhabit the Barony of Lochmere (Howard and Anne Arundel counties in MD), in the Kingdom of Atlantia (MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, Northern GA). The SCA has a wonderful introduction on their site here.

In the SCA everyone selects a medieval-style name to help set the tone and a persona (a type of person from a specific time and place) to base their clothes and kit upon. In the SCA I am known as Duke Gàlmr Ingolfsson. An Icelandic Viking from approximately the year 1030, settled in the east of that country as a humble farmer, woodworker, and sometimes warrior.

The SCA has an award system to recognize contributions and achievements in the various focus areas. I've been involved in the SCA since 1985 and have accumulated a few. Here is my listing from the Atlantian Order of Precedence (as of Feb 2020):

Duke Gàlmr Ingolfsson

Gàlmr's Arms: Per chevron embattled azure and argent, two lions couchant respectant Or and a drakkar proper, sailed gules. (registered 05/90)

  * Companion of the Pearl (Grant Level Kingdom A&S Award - 01/14/2012)
  * Territorial Baron, Retired (7th Baron of Lochmere - 09/11/2010 - 9/13/2014)
  * Companion of the Company of the Silver Silkie (Storvik Baronial Fighting Award - 01/20/2007)
  * Companion of the Shark's Tooth (Valor in Combat - 03/16/2001)
  * King’s Award of Excellence (Being an Awesome Dude in the eyes of the King - 09/9/2000)
  * Companion of the Golden Dolphin (Grant Level Kingdom Service Award - 08/16/2000)
  * Augmentation of Arms (Company of the Banner - A unicornate seahorse, bearing a lance and pennon Or - 08/13/1997)
  * Duke (Having reigned twice as King - 10/05/1996)
  * Companion of the Shark's Tooth (Valor in Combat - 05/28/1994)
  * Knight (Martial Prowess - 08/12/1992)
  * Count (Having reigned once as King - 03/07/1992)
  * Award of Arms (General service to the group, Kingdom or SCA - 04/16/1988)
  * Companion of the Order of the Crab's Claw (Lochmere Baronial Fighting Award - 04/1991)
  * Fellow of the University of Atlantia 03/98