Barony of Unser Hafen

**Barony of Unser Hafen**
Information

Vert, a portcullis Or within a laurel wreath argent, all within a bordure embattled Or.
Founded:	A.S. XXV
Baroness:	Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír
Baroness:	Safiyya bint Faris al Dani
Modern location
Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld County, Colorado

Overview

The Barony of Unser Hafen is a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) located within the Kingdom of the Outlands. The Barony encompasses Larimer, Logan, Morgan, and Weld Counties in northern Colorado. Its seat has traditionally been in Fort Collins, with significant populations also in Loveland and Greeley.

Heraldry

The heraldic device of the Barony of Unser Hafen is blazoned as:

Vert, a portcullis Or within a laurel wreath argent, all within a bordure embattled Or.

Note:* The laurel wreath is often incorrectly depicted in gold (Or), but the correct tincture is argent (silver/white).

Location and Groups

Unser Hafen’s primary population centers include:

Fort Collins: The traditional Baronial seat and home to most of the Barony’s leadership.
Loveland: A significant city within the Barony’s borders with active participation.
Greeley: Historically home to the now-defunct Canton of Bofharrach and currently Bears Gate, a vibrant household affiliated with the University of Northern Colorado.

Bears Gate

Founded in 2023 by Lady Caírech liath ingen Alpin, Bears Gate is a household focused on recruiting and supporting newcomers, particularly students at the University of Northern Colorado. While not an official branch, Bears Gate is well-known throughout the Kingdom for its welcoming culture and motto, Ursa Porta ("Bear Gate").

Canton of Bofharrach

A former canton based in Greeley, established in the mid-1990s and now inactive. It was known for its distinctive heraldry inspired by Greeley’s cattle heritage, with a device featuring a black cow statant within a green laurel wreath on a gold field, bordered by a black embattled bordure. Its name means "Gathering Place of the Cows."

College of Rams Keep

Located at Colorado State University, the College of Rams Keep was an SCA college supporting student participation and collaborating with the Barony to secure practice spaces and events.

History

Unser Hafen was founded in 1990 (A.S. XXV), emerging from earlier shire status and humorous name attempts. The name Unser Hafen means "Our Port" or "Our Refuge" in German; originally submitted as Uns Haven ("unshaven") as a nod to the Barony’s bearded men.

Baronial Succession

Unser Hafen has been led by a storied line of Barons and Baronesses who shaped its traditions, culture, and community. Highlights include:

Term	Name(s)	Skald
1990–1994	Sir Kevin MacKinnon & Mistress Ismenia Joslyn Wyndemeer	The first Baron and Baroness who established foundational awards and leadership.
1994–1997	Eques Titus Claudius Severus & Lady Hancarata Aethnen filia Cunneddea (Llamrei)	Established the Corona Graminea award and strengthened community ties.
1997–1999	Master Thorfinn Greybeard & Mistress Rosalind of WellMark	Infused Viking spirit and storytelling into the Barony’s culture.
1999–2002	Gospodeen Tuman Elnikov & Mu'allima Rashiqah Amatulbarri bint Azhar al-Kehirawayyia	Led with martial skill and artistic excellence.
2002–2008	Syr Deotrich Hiltipard & Mistress Leonora Kathryn de Provence	Honored for fighting prowess and herbalist crafts; served twice including as interim leaders.
2004–2006	Syr Alexandyr Macandrew & Lady Mardanah al-Hindiyyah	Advocated youth engagement and cultural arts; founded the annual Winter Oasis event.
2006–2008	Sir Samuel de Grace	Known for left-handed fighting skills and armoring mentorship.
2008–2010	Lord William de Kari & Countess Rosalind of Wellmark Keep	Guided a period of growth and camaraderie.
2010–2012	Lord Arion Hawke & Lady Helene Boudain	Fostered a welcoming atmosphere and strengthened community ties.
2012–2016	Sir Rand the Tracker & Lady Meadhbh Daingen int Slébhe	Represented Unser Hafen with grace beyond local borders.
2016–2019	Lord Nicolaao Machado & Lady Safiyya bint Faris al Dani	Brought joy and support during their reign.
2019–2022	Master Aegeon the Actor & Lady Miriam Volpe	Steered the Barony through the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience.
2016–2022	Baron Hrafn Olafsson & Baroness Caitrina inghean Aindriasa	Focused on service and inclusion.
2022–2025	Baron Freana Geardson & Baroness Richenda de la Selva	Fostered community engagement.
2025–present	Baroness Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír & Baroness Safiyya bint Faris al-Dani	Current leaders.

Current Baronesses

Her Excellency Kitta Ragnvaldsdottir
Her Excellency Safiyya bint Faris al-Dani

Court and Champions

Head of Household: Lady Cecilia Caterina de Firenze and Lord Eilifr Breiðskeggr
Defender (Heavy Fighting Champion): Lord Primus
Protector (Rapier Champion): Lord Agmundr Thorolfsson
Warden (Archery Champion): Lord Alain du Chateau
Equestrian Champion: Hancarata Aethnen filia Cuneddae
Arts & Sciences Champion: Lord Gilbertus de Messina
Pencerdd Bard (Bardic Champion): Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr
Court Herald: Master Andreas von Meißen

Officers

Seneschal: Baroness Meadhbh Daingen Int Slebhe
Exchequer: Mistress Ursula d’Arcy

Deputy: Lord Galen fitz Thomas

Chatelaine (Gold Key): Lord Gilbertus de Messina
Herald: Kûrios Hilarion Angelos Akropolites
Knight Marshal: Sir Uchtred Liefsson
Marshal of Fence: Don Martin de Cuniga
Captain of Archers: Earl Mika Longbow

Deputy: Lord Marc

Minister of Arts and Sciences: Lady Ásleif Valdísardóttir
Baronial Content and Media Team:

Chronicler: Lady Caillech (Kayla) Dhe Silvertongue

Social Media: Lady Dagny Innaldi

Web Administrators: Lady Laurel M. and Lady Valerie F.

Equestrian Coordinator: Lady Cecilia Juetta
Baronial Scribe: Lady Regalis dei Falchi

Deputy: Galen fitz Thomas

Quartermaster: Lord Galen fitz Thomas

Culture

Unser Hafen is the northernmost Barony in the Outlands, adopting the portcullis as its emblem, symbolizing its role as a regional stronghold and vanguard. Its populace is known for self-sufficiency, craftsmanship, and dedication to the Kingdom.

While historically somewhat insular due to geographic distance, the Barony actively participates in major Kingdom events such as Battlemoor and maintains close relationships with neighboring groups including the Shires of Windkeep and Plattefordham, and the Barony of Caer Galen.

Baronial colors echo the Kingdom of the Outlands’ green and yellow.