Pennsic War is a massive camping event held at the end of July and beginning of August in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. The event centers around a “War” between the Kingdom of the Middle and the Kingdom of the East (along with allies) in which many battles are fought across many different fields in order to earn “war points” to determine a winner. These activities include (but not limited to) heavy weapons, rapier, archery, thrown weapons, and A&S.
The event is split into two weeks: Peace Week and War Week. Peace Week involves mostly set-up, socializing, and some A&S classes. However, the bulk of activity is scheduled for War Week. There are so many A&S activities at Pennsic that it is impossible to list them all here, however, here are some of the highlights…
Arts and Sciences War Point
Competing in the A&S War Point competition is by invitation only, and the number of competitor slots our kingdom is allotted every year is dependent on treaty negotiations between the kingdoms. Typically as one of the major Allies, we can expect at least one slot every year, and the Æthelemearc A&S Champion is traditionally given first right of refusal for this honor.
Traditionally, the War Point competition is organized very similarly to our Kingdom A&S Championship, in which entrants can expect space to display their project before a panel of judges (written documentation is required in advance). The rubrics are competition-specific and are different than our kingdom rubrics, as this competition is conducted at the Known-World Level and, therefore, the Pennsic rubrics are more extensive and in-depth.
A&S War Point is held during War Week in the Great Hall. It is open to the public and is worth visiting.
Known World Arts and Sciences Display
The Known World Arts and Sciences Display (KWAS Display) is open to everyone and is always held in the Great Hall on the Sunday of Middle weekend (between Peace and War Weeks). Interested parties can register in advance through sign-up sheets at University Point, and walk-ins are accepted as space allows. There are tables available, but participants may bring their own.
For more information, visit the KWAS Display website. You can also preregister online.
This activity gets a great deal of foot traffic, and participating by attending or displaying is an excellent way to be active in the A&S community and make connections across the Know World.
Pennsic University
Pennsic University is the “educational hub” of Pennsic War. Pennsic University uses a website called the “Thing” to schedule and organize all official classes hosted during the war. Anyone may submit a class and anyone may attend (space permitting).