Society For Creative Anachronism Seizes Control Of Russia

We are nothing if not fun loving in the SCA. Our barony was lucky enough to participate in an article written by the Onion in 1999, presenting a bit of history that never actually happened:

Society For Creative Anachronism Seizes Control Of Russia

Left to right, kneeling: Paul Wickenden of Thanet, Giles Devon; standing: Oswin Attewater, Belrix of Blue Rose, Jois Corbet, Eithni ingen Talorgan, John Bartholomew of Flanders, Sirona the Woodsplitter, Tormod, Daffyd, Kitakaze Tatsu Raito, Cnut, Arslan.
Left to right, kneeling: Paul Wickenden of Thanet, Giles Devon; standing: Oswin Attewater, Belrix of Blue Rose, Jois Corbet, Eithni ingen Talorgan, John Bartholomew of Flanders, Sirona the Woodsplitter, Tormod, Daffyd, Kitakaze Tatsu Raito, Cnut, Arslan.

How This Story Came To Be

The Onion’s graphics editor emailed Paul at work and asked him if he knew of anyone near Madison that would be willing to pose for some pics for an article about Medievalists taking over Russia. He wanted people who “looked like” they were in the SCA. Paul replied that he could do him one better and get him the real SCA. The Onion had also gotten in touch with the Barony of Jararvellir’s (Madison, Wisconsin) seneschal and the Baron and received more info. With one day’s notice the Barony members came to the weekly fighter/archery/dance/social practice in proper dress and posed. The Onion reps explained what the pic was for and what the Onion was (apparently they encounter many subjects who don’t understand what the photos/interviews will eventually be used for) and pictures were taken.

The Onion contacted many people in the area. I don’t know exactly why they contacted Paul, but I think that probably The Onion did a web search for “SCA”, “Russia” and “politics” and got Paul’s home page with his professional credits (political science professor with Russian emphasis) and his SCA persona pic and info. Of course it helps that he also runs the Slavic Interest Group! Needless to say, the photo went up on his office door with the caption of “What I Did On My Summer Vacation”.

Yana/Jenn

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