Adapting to AI in the SCA: A Challenge for A & S Judging

In 2010, I had the honor of joining the Order of the Laurel in the SCA, the highest recognition for artisans. This achievement came after years of research, hands-on work, and countless hours spent writing documentation for my Arts & Sciences entries. And while some may find that part tedious, I’ve always found joy in the process of diving deep into historical context, learning through trial and error, and sharing my discoveries. It’s part of why I love writing this blog!

But I know not everyone shares my passion for research and documentation. Many SCAdians today are inspired by the incredible projects they see on social media and just want to create, skipping the hours of research. That’s where my concern about AI comes in—while AI can be a great tool for organizing thoughts and fact-checking, it also presents a temptation to bypass some of the deep learning and personal growth that comes from doing your own research.

This makes me wonder: How will AI impact the development of critical skills like documentation, research, and craftsmanship in the SCA? Documentation has always been a key part of what makes the SCA different from simple reenactment, cosplay or crafting. It’s not just about creating something that looks medieval—it’s about understanding the why and how behind it.

While AI can certainly help streamline parts of the process, it can’t replace the emotional connection, and personal investment that come from exploring your own path. That connection—born from experimenting with materials, learning from mistakes, and figuring out historical details on your own—is irreplaceable. The satisfaction of struggling through the research “paper chase” or a challenging project is a core part of our learning as artisans.

So, what do we do? Instead of seeing AI as a threat, I think we can reframe it as a tool to enhance our learning, not replace it. AI can help us brainstorm, check facts, or explore new techniques, but the true depth, and authenticity must still come from the artisan. As Laurels, it’s part of our role to guide others in using AI responsibly, so they develop their own skills while still benefiting from modern tools.

The SCA’s code of honor also comes into play. Whether we’re on the battlefield or in the workshop, we value integrity, honesty, and personal effort. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it’s going to be harder to tell if someone wrote their documentation themselves or leaned heavily on AI. This raises an important question: Should we change the criteria for Arts & Sciences competitions to account for AI? And if so, how?

There are some ways to spot AI-generated documentation. For instance, AI often lacks personal insight—like the lessons learned from hands-on work or the challenges of using period techniques. Documentation created through real experiences tends to have that personal, sometimes messy, touch, whereas AI-generated text is often polished and generic. Similarly, AI can struggle with niche, specialized topics and tends to rely on secondary, easily available information rather than primary sources that serious artisans dig into.

As we adapt to AI, I believe we’ll need to emphasize even more the personal connection and emotional journey that comes with crafting and researching. Judges will need to engage entrants in deeper conversations about their processes and sources to ensure authenticity. Our teaching and mentorship as Laurels will also evolve as we help artisans strike a balance between using AI as a tool and preserving the integrity of their research and documentation.

For those wondering how to adapt, I suggest transparency. Just as we acknowledge inspiration or collaboration with eachother, we should be open about when we use AI. This will help keep the SCA’s creative process honest and rooted in our core values.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! How do you feel about the rise of AI in the SCA? Do you think it can coexist with our traditions of learning, research, and hands-on creation? How can we keep the joy and excitement alive, even as technology evolves? Because at the end of the day, “when it ceases to be fun, it ceases to be.” Let’s find ways to keep it fun while embracing new tools that can help us grow.