| An SCA "geek code" |
Updated: Mar 24, 2007 |
|
 |
Inspired by the Official
Geek Code, copyrighted by Robert A. Hayden;
except that this is intended for SCA members and usage.
The goal of my unofficial 'geek code' for the SCA is similar to that of
Hayden's Official Geek Code.
It's a way to let others who know the code know more about you.
Index
Example
Modifiers [go]
Activity & Renown
Peerage channels - Heavy Fighting, Arts
and Sciences, Service
Martial-related activities - Archery, Equestrian,
Rapier, Siege Engineering
Other activities - Cooking, Entourage,
Heraldic Display, Heraldic Service,
Merchanting, University
Appearance & Persona
Age, Height & Weight,
Garb, Persona
Demographics
Experience, Travel,
Encampment, Household, Family,
Morning Person, Night
Owl, Web
Using the Code
Seem like a lot? Hayden's has 34 categories. Mine has only 25.
Also, unlike Hayden's, all of the possible categories are not listed in an SCA geek code
block. (You'll see why when you see all of the different A&S activity areas!) If you have
no experience with something, or don't care to divulge that you do - no problem, just leave
it out.
See anything that's missing? Let me know . . .
[contact information at end of page]
Example
Below is the author's SCA 'geek code' block. Click on a link to jump to that section.
SCA GEEK CODE. Version YF0209. >>
xHF+o_ AC+i {CA+o DA+i GG-i
IL-i PP+i SI+i} SR+i
RA+i\+o(-i) {B C D R SG} HD+o HS+i
{B C F L} UN+ii
A+i HW+ii:-ii G+i(+ii) P.16c/@:+o
EX.xix:+ii(+iii) TR-i:+i
EN-iii FM+o(-ii)
NO+o MP+o WB+ii(+iii)
<<
Here is how it looks without the links.
SCA GEEK CODE. Version YF0209. >>
xHF+o AC+i {CA+o DA+i GG-i IL-i PP+i SI+i} SR+i
RA+i\+o(-i) {B C D R SG} HD+o HS+i {B C F L} UN+ii
A+i HW+ii:-ii G+i(+ii) P.16c/@:+o
EX.xix:+ii(+iii) TR-i:+i EN-iii FM+o(-ii) NO+o MP+o WB+ii(+iii) <<
Notice the line breaks. Each line starts a new major section. Neat idea, eh?
Here it is in a fixed font... Notice the extra line break.
SCA GEEK CODE. Version YF0209. >>
xHF+o AC+i {CA+o DA+i GG-i IL-i PP+i SI+i} SR+i
RA+i\+o(-i) {B C D R SG} HD+o HS+i {B C F L} UN+ii
A+i HW+ii:-ii G+i(+ii) P.16c/@:+o
EX.xix:+ii(+iii) TR-i:+i EN-iii FM+o(-ii) NO+o
MP+o WB+ii(+iii) <<
Modifiers
| x |
Placed at beginning of category. Former participant. Unlikely to participate
again. |
| . |
Used after the category abbreviation when the next character isn't + or -.
Typically used with P and EX. |
| : |
Used with a split rating, like HW. |
| () |
Used to show an alternate rating that is sometimes true. FM+o(-ii) is appropriate
for someone who is married (or close enough), has no children, and generally likes going to
events either with their sweetie or alone. |
| \ |
When used between ratings, rating was once higher in the past. |
| ' |
Used with specialties within a category. The quote mark says you know intermediate
or advanced topics in this area - and you can teach them. No quote mark says you could teach
the basics. Not all areas HAVE any concepts above "the basics". |
| _ |
Placed after rating. Currently burned out in this area. |
| * |
Placed at end of rating. You're advertising as a know-it-all. "Ask me anything
in this area.
Chances are I know it, read it once, or know where I can find it." |
| ? |
Placed at end of area/rating. Curious to learn more about this area. |
| >= |
Placed at end of rating to designate...
A peer (HF, AC, or SR with +iii) who is looking for an associate in this area OR
someone looking to be an associate to a peer in this area. |
Activity & Renown
Renown implies reputation, fame and respect for one's contributions.
Peerage channels
The Big Three. Heavy Fighting, Arts and Sciences, Service.
Heavy Fighting (chivalric combat)
After the rating, viscounts and counts and earls can add a ^, only dukes can add ^^.
| HF+iv |
Legendary uber-Knight. You're famous. You're asked to teach in other kingdoms and they'll
pay for your trip. |
| HF+iii |
Knight or Master at Arms |
| HF+ii |
High-level award or equivalent renown |
| HF+i |
Low-level award or equivalent renown |
| HF+o |
Authorized, regular practice |
| HF-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| HF-ii |
Dabbler |
Specialties: GL (glaive), GR (greatsword), M (madu), P (polearm/poleaxe),
S (spear)
Arts & Sciences (overall)
Noted with AC here for Arts and Crafts to avoid confusion with Anno Societatus.
I trust we can all avoid confusing it with Armor Class and Air Conditioning ...
yes?
| AC+iv |
Legendary uber-Laurel. You're famous. You're asked to teach in other kingdoms and they'll
pay for your trip. |
| AC+iii |
Laurel |
| AC+ii |
High-level award or equivalent renown |
| AC+i |
Low-level award or equivalent renown |
| AC+o |
Proficient, but unknown |
| AC-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| AC-ii |
Dabbler |
Specific A&S activity codes for your amusement
Like specialties, these go in curly brackets {} after the general AC rating.
Unlike specialties, they use the AC rating scale.
AH (animal husbandry)
AM (armor making)
AS (astronomy/astrology)
BG (board games)
BH (bone/horn carving)
BO (bocce)
BR (brewing, not vintning)
CA (calligraphy)
CE (ceramics)
CG (card games)
CH (chirurgeonry, historical)
CN (chandlery, candle making)
CM (commedia dell' arte)
CR (cordial making)
CS (costuming)
DA (dance: Western/Eastern)
DG (coursing - dogs)
DL (daily life)
EM (embroidery)
EV (everything!)
FI (fiber arts - dyeing, spinning, weaving)
GA (gardening)
GG (gaming in general)
GW (glasswork)
HE (herbs)
HR (horticulture)
HS (historical science)
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IL (illumination)
JM (jewelry making)
JG (juggling)
LW (leatherwork)
MC (music composition)
MH (military history)
MK (make-up, cosmetics)
MP (music performance, melody inst.)
MW (metalwork: decorative/functional)
NA (nautical lore)
PA (painting, not scroll illumination)
PH (political history)
PO (poetry)
PP (percussion performance)
PS (printing sciences)
PU (puppetry)
PY (pysanky)
RL (religion)
SC (sculpture)
SI (singing)
SN (sandcasting)
SO (soapmaking)
ST (story telling)
SW (story writing)
TP (theatrical performance)
VI (vintning, not brewing)
WW (woodwork: decorative/functional)
|
If you know of any specialty areas that are missing (besides cooking and
heraldry - which get their own entries), let me know. (See e-mail contact at end of page.)
Service (overall)
Specific activities are covered elsewhere. K/P stands for "kingdom or principality".
"War" refers to a big inter-kingdom event, including a Society Anniversary celebration.
| SR+iv |
Legendary uber-Pelican. When there's a big, ugly problem that needs to be fixed quietly,
the Powers That Be come to you for assistance or advice. |
| SR+iii |
Pelican |
| SR+ii |
Any Society-level office, BoD, busy K/P-level greater officer for 2+ years,
War command staff more than once, Queen/Princess more than once,
busy Baron/Baroness for 5+ years |
| SR+i |
GoA, high-level service award or equivalent renown, one-time War command staff,
one-time Queen or Princess, busy K/P-level deputy of greater office for 2+ years,
busy Baron/Baroness for 2+ years |
| SR+o |
You regularly offer to help. Mid-level service award. You've held a local greater office
or been a K/P-level lesser officer/deputy for 1-2 years. |
| SR-i |
AoA. You help when asked. You've been a deputy or held an office. |
| SR-ii |
If you're asked to help, you might if you feel like it. |
Specialties: AU (autocratting), CH (chirurgeonry), CL (clean-up),
DC (decorations), DM (demos),
KW (kitchen worker), TE (teaching, but without that boring research), TR ("troll")
Martial-related activities
Archery, Equestrian, Rapier, Siege Engineering
Archery
Two ratings: combat, target. BW is used for Bows (and crossbows).
| BW+iii |
You're famous |
| BW+ii |
High-level award or equivalent renown |
| BW+i |
Low-level award or equivalent renown |
| BW+o |
Authorized, regular practice, proficient but unknown |
| BW-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| BW-ii |
Dabbler |
Equestrian
For those who ride and care for horses.
| EQ+iii |
You're famous |
| EQ+ii |
High-level award or equivalent renown |
| EQ+i |
Low-level award or equivalent renown |
| EQ+o |
Authorized, regular practice |
| EQ-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| EQ-ii |
Dabbler |
Rapier
For those who study and play at the arte of defence.
| RA+iii |
You're famous. You're asked to teach in other kingdoms and they'll pay for your trip. |
| RA+ii |
White Scarf or equivalent |
| RA+i |
Kingdom-level award or equivalent renown |
| RA+o |
Authorized, regular practice, proficient but unknown |
| RA-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| RA-ii |
Dabbler |
Specialties: B (buckler/baton), C (cape/cloak), D (dagger),
R (rapier), RE (research), RR (two rapiers), SG (scenarios and games), SS (sidesword)
Siege Engineering
For those who use and build siege engines.
| SE+iii |
You're famous |
| SE+ii |
High-level award or equivalent renown |
| SE+i |
Low-level award or equivalent renown |
| SE+o |
Practices regularly; proficient but unknown |
| SE-i |
Novice, out of practice |
| SE-ii |
Dabbler |
Other activities
Cooking, Entourage, Heraldic Display, Heraldic Service, Merchanting, University
Cooking
For those who work the kitchens. Two ratings: indoors, outdoors. For the higher ratings, average
as needed, rounding up.
| CK+iv |
500 people. Superb, elaborate feasts. Are you a retired executive chef? |
| CK+iii |
300 people. Excellent, impressive feasts. Are you a retired chef? |
| CK+ii |
100 people. Good quality feasts. Have you been to cooking school? |
| CK+i |
50 people. Acceptable, hearty feasts. |
| CK+o |
25 people wouldn't starve. Two removes. |
| CK-i |
12 people wouldn't starve. Four dishes. |
| CK-ii |
6 people wouldn't starve. Two dishes. |
Specialties: BF (breakfasts), BK (baking), DS (desserts), SU
(subtleties).
Entourage
For those non-officers (no court heralds or seneschals, please) who've
stood behind the Kingdom or Principality Thrones for at least half of the Courts in a given
reign (including those held by an Heir).
| CE+iii |
You've served eight reigns or more. Don't your feet get sore? |
| CE+ii |
You've served for six reigns. Pointy Hat wearing people ask your advice on making Courts
run better. |
| CE+i |
You've served for four reigns. You practice long and hard to win the kingdom championship
so you can be in the entourage. |
| CE+o |
You've served for two reigns. You'll enter champion competitions to get in the entourage. |
| CE-i |
You served for a reign and liked it. You'd do it again. |
| CE-ii |
You tried it once and lasted the reign, but you're not exactly jumping at the chance to
do it again. |
Heraldic Display
| HD+iii |
Banners, flags, shields, livery and garb in your colors, signet ring, other jewelry, badges
on everything, full achievement. People often take pictures of your stuff - and you could probably
charge them for the privilege. |
| HD+ii |
2/3 of the above. |
| HD+i |
1/3 of same. |
| HD+o |
Banner or shield. Surcoat or other garment. Maybe a badge. |
| HD-i |
You've done some sketches based on research or consultation. |
| HD-ii |
You've seen some sketches that someone did for you. |
Heraldic Service
| HS+iv |
College of Arms: Laurel, Pelican, Wreath (current or former) |
| HS+iii |
Devoted CoA commenter for 8+ years |
| HS+ii |
Devoted CoA commenter for 4+ years, War herald, K/P herald |
| HS+i |
Busy K/P deputy, Baronial herald, Regular K/P court herald, or equivalent renown |
| HS+o |
Shire/canton herald |
| HS-i |
Loyal assistant |
| HS-ii |
Can and will help if asked |
Specialties: B (Book: research, conflict-checking), C (Court),
F (Field), L (List),
S (Silent: sign language), W (War: coordination at big inter-kingdom events).
Merchanting
| MR+iv |
You're rich and/or famous - from merchanting in the SCA. |
| MR+iii |
It's what you do for a living. |
| MR+ii |
Doing great. |
| MR+i |
Doing OK. |
| MR+o |
Occasional profit. |
| MR-i |
Profit?? |
| MR-ii |
Just for fun. |
University
At this writing, September 2002, about 10 kingdoms out of 17 have some sort of University program,
and about only half of those have a degree structure - and the requirements vary widely!
| UN+iii |
You've been an eager student for 10+ years. You're known in the kingdom as a great teacher.
You're asked to teach before you can offer. You've been a K/P-level University officer. |
| UN+ii |
You've been an eager student for 6+ years. You're known in the kingdom as a good teacher.
You're asked to teach sometimes before you can offer. You've been a local group University officer
or K/P-level deputy. |
| UN+i |
You've been an eager student for 3+ years. You've taught some local classes. |
| UN+o |
You love taking classes. To get into a good one, you'll reserve early and adjust your schedule
as needed. |
| UN-i |
Classes are OK, you've taken a few here and there, maybe a few times a year. |
| UN-ii |
You'll take a class once a year or two, maybe, if you're in the mood. You've never been
asked to teach one. You haven't offered either. There's always something else going on. |
Appearance & Persona
Age, Height & Weight, Garb, Persona
Age
| A+iii |
Age 50+. |
| A+ii |
Age 40-49. |
| A+i |
Age 30-39. |
| A+o |
Age 24-29. |
| A-i |
Age 18-23. |
| A-ii |
Under 18. |
Height and Weight
For "average" height, consider ancestry and your locale. The average White or Black
man in the US is 5'9" (69") tall, the average woman is three inches shorter. People
of recent Hispanic, Oriental, Mediterranean or African heritage are a little shorter on average.
| |
Basic description |
For nitpicky, math-loving
number crunchers only |
| HW+iii |
Very tall. Very heavy. |
Height 8+" above average.
Weight more than 60% above typical. |
| HW+ii |
Tall. Husky. |
Height 5-7" above average.
Weight more than 40% above typical. |
| HW+i |
Above average. |
Height 2-4" above average.
Weight more than 20% above typical. |
| HW+o |
Average. |
Height within 1" of
average. Weight from -5% to +15% of typical. |
| HW-i |
Below average. |
Height 2-4" below average.
Weight more than 10% below typical. |
| HW-ii |
Short. Skinny. |
Height 5-7" below average.
Weight more than 15% below typical. |
| HW-iii |
Very short. Very skinny. |
Height 8+" below average.
Weight more than 20% below typical. |
|
Warning:
This section for nitpicky, math-loving number crunchers only.
|
How to calculate "typical"
weight based on height.
The typical SCA person, much like the typical American, is a little pudgy.
For a woman five feet tall, start with 105 pounds and add 6 pounds per inch.
For a man five feet tall, start with 110 pounds and add 7 pounds per inch.
Below five feet for either gender, subtract 4 pounds per inch.
(Yes, this is quite a bit different from the "life insurance" tables,
isn't it?)
|
|
|
Garb
| G+iii |
You'll wear four great outfits with full accessories in one day (two or three for a daytrip)
because you can. You wear astounding court garb by default. Your garb evokes admiration, envy
and ridicule - depending on the viewer. |
| G+ii |
You'll wear three very nice outfits in one day (two for a daytrip). You wear excellent court
garb and rarely appear in mediocre (or worse) attire. |
| G+i |
You'll wear three good outfits or two very nice outfits in one day (two for a daytrip).
You generally dress nice for court. You'll go around in mediocre garb once in a while. |
| G+o |
You'll generally dress up for court. You'll change garb again during the day if what you
wear gets sufficiently dirty. |
| G-i |
You occasionally dress up for court. Comfort is more important than style. |
| G-ii |
You like simple, plain garb. Or perhaps less is more - that way can show off your cleavage,
muscles, tattoos, etc. You bring no obvious court garb. |
Persona
Two parts for this one. The first is the timeframe for your persona (century range, century,
decade, or year). If you focus on multiple times, use a slash between them (9-10c/1550s). If
you're a "time traveller", use a slash and at-sign (/@). For the second part of the
rating, see below...
| P+iv |
You switch into your persona effortlessly, sometimes unconsciously. For the most part, your
garb, accessories, encampment, feastgear, other possessions, conversation topics, and vocal
accent all fit your persona. You've written a detailed persona story. You've done extensive
research into your persona's historical world. You evoke admiration, envy, and ridicule. |
| P+iii |
2/3 of the above. |
| P+ii |
1/3 of same. You've done some scholarly research. |
| P+i |
Along with name and garb, you've made some good attempts in some other areas above. |
| P+o |
You've learned and used/tried a few things from a persona development class. You did some
research on your name and your persona. |
| P-i |
You've picked a name, someone else did most or all of the research. |
| P-ii |
You're no longer a newbie, but you're in no hurry to pick an SCA name. |
Demographics
Experience, Travel, Encampment, Household, Family, Morning Person, Night Owl, Web
Experience
Two parts to this area: duration and activity. For duration, put the year you joined in two
digit format (EX.91), if the time has been continuous. If not, put the actual rating in parentheses
afterward. EX.69(+iii) would apply to someone who started in 1969, but has been active "only"
for 17-20 years. Alternatively, instead of the two-digit Gregorian year, use the Roman numeral
of the Year of the Society: EX.xxiv ... NOTE: May 1, 1966 to April 30,
1967 is Year One of the Society (A.S. 1).
To be fair and forthright, let the activity level be an average of the past two years. The highest
level, put in parentheses afterward, should have been sustained for at least two years in the
past.
For nitpicks like me: A half-week at a long event (major
war, SCA anniversary) counts as one event. If you travel by plane to get to an event, add one
to your event total (up to four per year). For simplicity: events, demos, and local celebrations
lasting one to three days all count the same. If you really want to, count half-day functions
or less as half of one event. Round down.
| EX+v |
25+ years. Twenty-six or more events a year. |
| EX+iv |
21+ years. Twenty-four events a year. |
| EX+iii |
17-20 years. Twenty events a year. |
| EX+ii |
13-16 years. Sixteen events a year. |
| EX+i |
9-12 years. Twelve events a year. |
| EX+o |
6-8 years. Eight events a year. |
| EX-i |
3-5 years. Four events a year. |
| EX-ii |
1-2 years. Two events a year. |
| EX-iii |
Less than one year. One event a year. |
Travel
Two ratings: [1] what you have at your disposal and [2] how far you'll go for a WEEKEND event.
One RV = two trucks. One truck/van/SUV = two cars. One trailer = one car.
Space for one horse = one truck. Equestrians and merchants tend to rate high on this one.
| TR+iii |
Three trucks or more! No distance limit for the right event... |
| TR+ii |
Two trucks with trailers. Events within 15 hours. |
| TR+i |
Two trucks or an RV. Events within 12 hours. |
| TR+o |
Truck and trailer. Within 9 hours. |
| TR-i |
One car with trailer, or one truck/van/SUV/wagon, or two cars. Within 6 hours. |
| TR-ii |
One car. No events over four hours away. |
| TR-iii |
Motorcycle or less. No events over two hours away. |
Encampment
| EN+iv |
Luxurious and grand. Many amenities. Envied by many.
Kitchen, landscaping, showers, stylish decor. |
| EN+iii |
Very nice camp site, but not quite "grand". |
| EN+ii |
Nice camp site, some amenities. |
| EN+i |
Nice period tent, some decorations. |
| EN+o |
Period tent or well-disguised modern tent. |
| EN-i |
Modern tent, got the basics covered and more. |
| EN-ii |
Pop-up modern tent. No frills. |
| EN-iii |
You borrow tents or sleeping space. |
Household
If you're in a household, how big is it? In this case, round to the closest number or down,
whichever makes more sense. If you're a leader, add a ^ afterward. If you're a leader with regional
leaders who report to you, add ^^.
| HH+iv |
500 people widespread to distant kingdoms. |
| HH+iii |
200 people, perhaps spread across several kingdoms. |
| HH+ii |
100 people, perhaps spread across a neighboring kingdom or two. |
| HH+i |
50 people. |
| HH+o |
20 people. |
| HH-i |
10 people. |
| HH-ii |
5 people. Your caravan can be one or two vehicles. |
Family
You, your relatives and significant others in your pack at an event.
| FM+iii |
Seven or more people. |
| FM+ii |
Five or six people. |
| FM+i |
Three or four people. |
| FM+o |
Just two. |
| FM-i |
Normally just you, but sometimes you'll travel with a friend or relative. |
| FM-ii |
Just you. You like it that way. Less hassle. |
Morning Person
| MP+iii |
You're up and about well before dawn. You're often asked to help with wake-up calls and
breakfasts. |
| MP+ii |
You're up around dawn - even if it's raining. |
| MP+i |
You're up within an hour after dawn, but sunlight helps. |
| MP+o |
You're up whenever you need to be for what you want to do in the morning - armor inspection,
classes, meetings, whatever. Sunlight and caffeine/breakfast help. Otherwise, you could sleep
in until 9 or 10. |
| MP-i |
You're up before 10 AM only when it's really important. |
| MP-ii |
You're up before noon - in order to get lunch. If you brought your own, you might sleep
longer. All the really fun stuff happens at night anyway. |
Night Owl
How much sleep do you get at a weekend (or longer) event? People who stay up WAY late at events
get into long conversations, drinking, dancing, drumming, bardic circles, whatever's going on.
| NO+iii |
Three hours a night or less. You stay awake after getting home too. Amazing, isn't it? |
| NO+ii |
Four hours a night. A little nap is nice after getting back home. |
| NO+i |
Five hours a night. A long nap is nice after getting back home. |
| NO+o |
Six hours a night. You typically go to bed early the night after an event. |
| NO-i |
Seven hours a night. About the same as always. |
| NO-ii |
Can't function on less than eight hours a night. |
Web
Over the years, the Web has become an important part of the SCA. Meeting notes, contact lists,
forms, surveys, award recommendations, newsletters, announcements, persona stories - they're
all available online nowadays. Before about 1997, SCA-related Web sites and e-mail groups were
still rare. Let the rating cover your activity over the past six months.
| WB+iv |
On average, you spend five or more hours a day or 35 hours/week on SCA-related activity
on Web sites (development, maintenance, surfing, chatting) or e-mail. |
| WB+iii |
Four hours a day. 25-30 hours/week. |
| WB+ii |
Three hours a day. 20 hours/week. |
| WB+i |
Two hours a day. 15 hours/week. |
| WB+o |
An hour a day. |
| WB-i |
30 minutes a day. |
| WB-ii |
30 minutes a week. |
| WB-iii |
30 minutes a month, if any. (How'd you find out about this thing, then?) |
Using the Code
I think the best option is your personal Web site.* If you use it in an e-mail group message,
I wouldn't list it there more than once a month or two. Meaning, don't put it in every message,
mm'k?
* Speaking of which, I'd stay with the free services ONLY as long as you absolutely
need to. I used three different free services over about a year and a half. I didn't want ads
on my pages or a tilde [~] in the URL. If you can afford to skip one pizza delivery a month,
you can get your own domain and a Web hosting plan - no problem!
* * *
Feedback: send me a message... RWALLA{AT}COMCAST.NET
Original page posted: September
1, 2002. Links tested: September 2, 2007. Last tweaked:
March 24, 2007.
Nothing on my Web site is the official publication of anyone else. Unauthorized use for profit is not permitted.
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