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!