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

Their Excellencies Kitta and Safiyya at their Investiture in May of 2025

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").

House of the Grey Ghost

The House of the Grey Ghost, led by Alain and Isabeau du Chateau in Sterling, Colorado, is an active household that fosters community through medieval-themed activities and practices. It regularly hosts Medieval Night on the first Saturday of each month, featuring rotating classes such as forging, medieval board games, tunic-making, and fiber arts. November’s session will highlight the journey from “sheep to shawl,” with hands-on demonstrations including spinning, drop spindles, and nålbinding. All materials are provided free of charge.

In addition, the household organizes an archery meetup at the Sterling Reservoir Archery Range on the first Sunday of each month, offering casual practice, instruction, and loaner equipment. Children ages five and up are welcome. A separate monthly session with Tracker as marshal provides opportunities for participants to complete qualification scoring. ^[1]

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. Rams Keep is no longer associated with the SCA.

History

The scroll commemorating Unser Hafen's founding as a barony

Unser Hafen was founded on October 6th, 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

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

Pencerdd Bards

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Mistress Brannwyn Ottersby
2	Mu’alliama Rachiquh blut Azhar
3	Aonghus Lord Lochlainn
4	Chieftain Llamrei Aethnen
5	Conchobarre ingen Bryon
6	Colban Itchfoot the Lutemaker
7	Lady RIvkah Cantor
8	Lord Matsudaira Takauji	June 2005
9	Lady Perryn Colbrant
10	Biket filla Benjamin de Canterbury
11	Lord Andrew Von Otelingen	Unser Hafen Newcomers, 10-18-2008
12	Lady Alexandra
13	Lady Danielle de la Rochelle
14	Lord Raudri mac Batin	Grace and Valor 7-2-2016
15	Baroness Arianwen Sweet	Of Wind and Fire 7-1-2017
16	Lady Vigdis Knarrarbringa	Newcomers 9-22-2018
17	Lord Aodhan Kincaid	Newcomers 9-28-2019
18	Lady Vaeltaja (of Unser Hafen)	Newcomers Faire 9-24-2021
19	Her Excellency Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír	Newcomers 10-29-2022
20	Vagn Egilsson	Newcomers 10-28-2023
21	Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr	Newcomers & Baronial Polling Redux 2-22-2025
22	Dryantilla Aelia (Current)	Jotunnstaor II 9-13-2025

Defenders - Armored Champions

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Sir Titus Claudius Severus
2	THLord Gwilim de Glamorgan
3	Lord Toshinori
4	Sir Alexander MacAndrew
5	Lord Cugan Mathier
6	Count Zachariah de Kane
5	Lord Dagorix Nantonignos
6	Lord Felix Sniumi
7	Kolgrim Olafsson
8	Sir Felix Sniumi
9	Sir Alexander MacAndrew
10	Lord Tiberius Valerius Germanicus
11	Sir Faolan McEwan Taver
12	Uchtred Leifsson
13	Lord Fálki Ásgeirsson
14	Fjolverkr the Red
15	Sir Felix Sniumi
16	Lord Lycus (of Stag’s Pass)
17	Lord Primus
18	Lady Sophia Rares	Jotunnstaor II 9-13-2025
Unknown, possibly first?	Master Thorfinn Greybeard	Defender Tournament, 7-13-1991
Unknown	Master Thorfinn Greybeard	Defender Tournament, 7-10-1993

Protectors - Rapier Champions

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Lord Gwilim de Glamorgan
2	Lord Cuhmare MacErinwin
3	Leonardo
4	Lord Cumhara MacErinnin
5	Lord Arion Hawke
6	Lord Martín de Çúñiga
7	Lord Melchior Reinhardt
8	Lord Nicholas Fenix
9	Don Tristan Grey
10	Lord Cornelius van Veere
11	Eberwinus von Grimme
12	Lord Martín de Çúñiga
13	THL Soren Thorvaldsson
14	Don James Dubh MacPhearson (Haggis)
15	Lord Winfred of Unser Hafen
16	Sir Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa
17	Don Soren Thorvaldsson
18	Don Andreas von Meißen
19	Lord Agmundr Thorolfsson (Current)	Sohn Des Turniere um Gurkenshulcht 6-1-2025
Unknown	Matsudaira Takauji	June 2006

Wardens - Archery Champions

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Dona Sylvia Stjarnistirrare	Baronial Founding, 10-6-1990
2	Mistress Rosalind of WellMark	Defender Tournament, 7-31-1994
3	Lord James of Mann
4	Lady Juliana de Vitre
5	Lady Zorya ze Praha of the Mourning Dove
6	Lord Garin
7	Lord Uilliam mac Maola'in
8	Honorable Lord Lorcan MacColla
9	Master Daffyd of Emmett
10	Lord Thomas Marston
11	THL Angus Montgomery the Forrester
12	Murdoch MacAlister
13	Joseph
14	Euphemia de Argyll
15	Jarl Freana Geardson
16	Lady Jess of Unser Hafen
17	Sir Rand the Tracker
18	Hans Lieb (Current)
Unknown	Mistress Rosalind of WellMark	Defender Tournament, 6-4-2000

Equestrian Champions

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Sone Minamoto Gentarou Takashige
2	THL Hancarata Aethnen filia Cuneddae
3	Lord Nicholas the Falconer
4	Ceciela O'Conner
5	Lord Garin Vollent de Ghent
6	Mistress Rossilin Katrin von Hohenzollern
7	Tracy of Unser Hafen
8	Mistress Katrin von Hohenzollern
9	Lady Cecilia Juetta
10	Lady Lisette de Troyes
11	Lady Cecilia Juetta
12	Lady Kezran Wynthyria
13	Lady Cecilia Juetta
14	Lady Amina and her Steed Venus
15	Hancarata Aethnen filia Cuneddae (Current)

Arts & Sciences Champions

No.	Name	When Selected
1	Lady Rosslin Katrein von Hohenzollern
2	Visual Arts Champion – Rossilin Katrin von Hohenzoller
	Research Champion – Lady Averick of Glen Rowany
	Performing Arts Champion – Lady Conchobarre ni Bryon
	Functional Arts Champion – Duchess Eleanor de Bolton
	Fiber Arts Champion – Moyra MacColla
	Domestic Arts Champion – Lady Averick of Glen Rowany
3	Don Justin
4	Lady Rebekah Cantor
5	THL EllaAnne de Kari
6	Her Excellency Safiyya bint Faris al Dani
6	Mistress Rossilin Katrin von Hohenzollern
7	Mistress Agnes de Lanvallei
8	Lady Anne Elizabeth Morley
9	Lady Rosamonde Carver
10	Lord Valbjorn Juleson
11	Lady Brynger∂r Deotrichsdóttir	Tri Baronial Arts & Sciences Competition, 2-4-2017
12	Countess Danielle de La Rochelle	Tri Baronial Arts & Sciences Competition, 2-3-2018
13	Lady Alana Ramsey	Tri Baronial Arts & Sciences Competition, 2-2-2019
14	Lady Euphemia de Argyll	Tri Baronial Arts & Sciences Competition, 2-29-2020
15	Regalis dei Falchi	Candlemas Feast & Multi-Baronial A&S Championship, 2-24-2024
16	Gilbertus de Messina (Current)	Unser Hafen Investiture, 5-10-2025

Events

Sir Uchtred Leifsson explaining the rules of the Roman Roll tournament to competitors at Jotunnstaor II

Newcomers

Newcomers was traditionally held by Unser Hafen during the Fall from 2011 through 2024. After severe weather events in the November of 2024, Newcomers was rescheduled to coincide with Baronial polling in January of 2025. As of September 2025, there are currently no plans for a Newcomers event.

Jotunnstaor

Jotunnstaor is an intermittent event primarily focused on heavy fighting. The first was held on Sunday, December 5th of 2021 at Carter Lake in Colorado. The tournament was advertised as a spear only "cross pit" open to both armored and rapier fighters.^[2]^[3] It was a single day event with no site fee. Allegedly, the central purpose of the event was to celebrate the elevation of Sir Ronan to the Order of Chivalry.

Jotunnstaor II was held on September 13th, 2025 at the LCCC Campground just outside Vedauwoo, Wyoming.^[4] Jotunnstaor II had several different tournament styles with the primary tournament featuring a dice roll-called a Roman Roll-to determine weapon usage by fighters in each round. Available options were shield and spear, sword and shield, two swords, single spear, or the same as your opponent. Sir Felix won the tournament. Lady Sofia was selected as Unser Hafen's heavy fighting champion. Advertised as "Of Rhymes and Rattan", Jotunnstaor II also included a bardic tournament to select the next Pencerdd Bard of Unser Hafen and Amhránaí Bard of Caer Galen. Lady Aelia was selected as Pencerdd Bard for her vocal and viola performances. Lord Kasjan was selected as Amhránaí for vocal, guitar, and poetry performances.

Winter Oasis

Winter Oasis was an indoor event hosted by the Barony of Unser Hafen from at least 2011 through 2024 that offered a warm and festive reprieve from the winter cold. The gathering highlighted Middle Eastern music, dance, drumming, and fellowship, with attendees bringing rugs, pillows, and throws to create a welcoming atmosphere. Alongside performances, the event featured themed classes, court, a communal meal, and the lighthearted “Not Baklava” dessert competition.

The 2023 Winter Oasis on February 25th featured classes in costuming, improvisation, and Arabic drumming before an evening hafla. At the 2024 event on February 17th, the celebration expanded to include table games and gambling.

Glory War

[Under Construction]

Court and Champions

Baroness: Her Excellency Kitta Ragnvaldsdottir
Baroness: Her ExcellencySafiyya bint Faris al-Dani
Head of Household: Lady Cecilia Caterina de Firenze and Lord Eilifr Breiðskeggr
Defender (Heavy Fighting Champion): Lady Sofia
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): Lady Aelia
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 Lewena de Galwedia

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. Populace members sometimes refer to themselves as the "Stone Wolves" of Unser Hafen.

Fighter Practice

Unser Hafen hosts fighter practice in the Northern Colorado region most Sundays from 2-5PM. Outdoor practices are held at Dwayne Webster Veterans Park in Loveland, Colorado during warmer months. Indoor practices are held at the Glenn Morris Field House in Fort Collins, Colorado. Both armored and rapier fighters meet for practice, with nonfighters often attending for crafting and community building.

Scribal Night

The barony hosts monthly Scribal Night meetings on the third Monday of each month, usually at Lady Regalis' home. Meetings are often unstructured gatherings but occasionally feature lessons from more senior artisans.

White Rose Inn

The White Rose Inn began as a camp kitchen and meal plan organized for Glory War. While the original large-scale effort eventually proved unsustainable, the project was reimagined as a monthly gathering to share knowledge of medieval cooking.

Pencerdd Bard

The title of Pencerdd Bard (“chief bard” in Welsh) was first established in the Barony of Unser Hafen by Baroness Llamrei Aethnen, who also introduced the Eisteddfod. Eistedfodd was a bardic competition in the old Welsh tradition, whose name means “seating of the bard.” As part of the regalia, the Pencerdd receives a cloak and a stool with an embroidered cushion; the stool bears plaques inscribed with the names of past holders of the title. Traditionally, the Pencerdd was chosen at the Eisteddfod, though today the role is awarded intermittently at larger events.