Canton of Drygestan
 | |
| Per pale argent and vert, a blasted tree couped sable, its trunk surmounted by a laurel wreath Or. | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Founded: | A.S. XXIV |
| Modern location | |
| Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas | |
Overview
The Canton of Drygestan is a branch of the Kingdom of the Outlands, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The name was registered in December 1989 and is derived from Middle English/Saxon roots meaning "Dry Stone" (originally submitted as Dryganstan). The shire's device was also registered in December 1989: Per pale argent and vert, a blasted tree couped sable, its trunk surmounted by a laurel wreath Or.
Founded over thirty years ago under a different name, the shire has been known as Drygestan for over two decades. It maintains a well-rounded focus in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), with participation in martial combat, arts and sciences, bellydance, costuming, drumming, and more. The group is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and offers loaner garb and gear for newcomers.
History
Drygestan converted from Shire to Canton status on September 20, 2025 at the Arts & Science Collegium event.
Events and Activities
Drygestan has hosted numerous events over the years, including the long-running Lonely Mountain Defender, a multi-day camping event featuring armored combat, rapier tournaments, bardic performances, siege cooking, and various competitions such as arm-wrestling, archery, and chess. The event is traditionally held in the scenic high mountain meadows near Los Alamos, NM, at an elevation of about 9,500 feet.
In addition to martial and arts events, the shire hosted the Heralds’ and Scribes’ Symposium in A.S. XLIII (2009), reviving the event after several years of hiatus. This symposium brought together heralds, scribes, and interested gentles from across the Outlands to share knowledge and learn more about these specialized arts.
Monthly business meetings have historically been held on the first Wednesday of the month, often at a member's home.