AI in the SCA: Discussing Its Ethics at Lilies War 2025

If you’ve ever asked ChatGPT for help with your persona story, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve wondered whether that gorgeous AI-generated illumination is competition-worthy. And guess what? We’re going to talk about it—face to face, brain-to-brain—at this year’s Lilies War!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. On June 11th, Mu’allim Ma’az and I will be guiding a roundtable discussion at this Calontir Lilies War event . It’s called “AI in the SCA: Let’s Talk Ethics”. It isn’t a lecture or a tech demo, it’s a real conversation. We, as history-loving, art-making, documentation-wielding reenactors, want to engage with artificial intelligence. What’s the best way for us to engage with it in our Society.

AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and others are making it easier to research, write, and create. Sometimes they make it trickier too. They even make it easier and to compete. But how do we use them well? What’s the line between helpful and too much help? Do we need to disclose our AI use in A&S entries? Is AI just another modern tool like a sewing machine… or something more complicated?

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a cautious observer, I hope you’ll join the discussion. You might still think Midjourney sounds like a bardic tale. Everyone is welcome—Laurels, newcomers, artisans, autocrats, skeptics, and the AI-curious.

We’ll be tackling questions like:
🔹 Is using AI for research or brainstorming cheating—or smart?
🔹 What role does transparency play in maintaining our A&S integrity?
🔹 Could AI make documentation more accessible?
🔹 And my personal favorite: Who owns an AI-generated poem about your heraldry?

There’s no test. There’s no handout. There’s no app required. Just bring your opinions and your curiosity. Maybe bring a snack, because we all know food helps philosophy.