Unlocking Creativity: Techniques for Personalizing SCA Award Scrolls.

Hey there, fellow artisans and creatives in the SCA community!

So, imagine you’ve been tasked with crafting an award scroll for someone in our midst. Now, if you know the person like the back of your hand, well, congratulations! You’re already halfway there. The Medieval vibe practically falls into place effortlessly.

But, let’s say you’re in a bit of a pickle because you don’t know the recipient all that well. Fear not, my friends, for there are ways to unravel the mystery of their persona and preferences.

First, you could go undercover (well, not really!) and discreetly chat with the recipient’s close circle—maybe their peer or household head has some inside scoop. Or, slide into the DMs of folks from their home group, like the Baron, Baroness, or Senechal. Trust me, they’re like the keepers of all secrets!

Now if the award is tied to a specific activity like martial arts or scribal arts, why not sneakily reach out to the “guild” leader? They might spill the beans on what makes the recipient tick creatively.

But hey, if those covert ops aren’t your style or time is of the essence, don’t sweat it! Dive into the treasure trove of their social media accounts. You’ll find nuggets about their furry friends, family adventures, and maybe even their undying love for that one sports team (Go Huskers!).

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: if you happen to share a group activity with the recipient, take a peek at what they’ve been sharing on your group’s social platforms. It’s like a goldmine of info waiting to be discovered.

And hey, let’s not forget about the power of the Kingdom Wiki! See if the recipient has their page filled out—it might just give you the missing puzzle piece you’ve been searching for.

Now, armed with all this juicy intel, what should you include in the award scroll? Well, my friends, the possibilities are as vast as our twenty kingdoms. Think pets, kiddos, heraldry, other SCA passions, and maybe even their guilty pleasure foods.

But here’s the thing: while you could go wild with ideas, sometimes your secret sources might narrow your choices to just a couple. And that’s okay! Embrace the challenge and let your creativity soar as you weave together all these elements into one breathtaking award that’ll be cherished for ages.

So go forth, dear artisans, and let the scrolls of legend come to life in your skilled hands. After all, there’s nothing quite like the joy of creating something unique and special for a fellow member of our enchanting SCA family.

And if you have a furtive trick I haven’t included please share it with us.  😊