Barony of Caer Galen: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:34, 15 February 2026

**Barony of Caer Galen**
Information

Per bend rayonny, azure and Or, a harp and a laurel wreath counterchanged
Founded:	A.S. XIV
In Kingdom:	Kingdom of the Outlands
Baron	Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer
Baroness	Rowena Colebrook
Modern location
Longmont, Boulder, and Broomfield, CO

Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso & Yazida bint Zarif at the creation of Caer Galen as a Barony and their Investiture.

Overview

The Barony of Caer Galen is a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) in the Kingdom of the Outlands, mundanely located in and around Boulder County, Colorado, USA. The barony is known for its dedication to the arts, vibrant sense of humor, and rich tradition of storytelling and revelry. Their name, originally intended to mean "Land of Music" more closely translates to "Fortress of Noise".

Heraldry

Blazon: Per bend rayonny azure and Or, a harp and a laurel wreath counterchanged
The device symbolizes creativity, nobility, and the vibrant energy of the Barony.
The laurel wreath represents Caer Galen's status as a barony within the SCA.

Additionally, Caer Galen has registered Ancient Arms. The Ancient Arms are the original registered Arms of the Shire of Caer Galen.^[1] Approximately a year after its founding, the herald at the time, Louis-Philippe Mitouard, went about the process of drafting and registering the current Arms. The original device was then designated as Ancient Arms.

Argent, issuant from the palm of a dexter hand fesswise reversed couped azure a demi-sun gules charged with a harp bendwise Or, and in base a laurel wreath vert.

Location

Boulder County, Colorado, USA

History

Several early members of Caer Galen who belonged to a high school medieval club.

Prior to becoming a shire, Mistress Aelflaed of Duckford aided in gaining recognition for the group. As a thank you, several members sent her an illuminated Thank you note and a white handkerchief.

The Shire of Caer Galen was founded in January A.S. XIV (1980), and was elevated to Baronial status on 13 September A.S. XXXVIII (2003)

Asta & Michaelangelo stepping down as Baron & Baroness of Caer Galen at Enduro 2011.

Finn & Çinara at Viking Vinter Vunderland in 2017.

Baronial Succession
Term	Role	Name(s)
2003-2006	Founding Baron & Baroness	Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso and Yazida bint Zarif
2006-2008	Baron & Baroness	Randal Carrick and Katherina von Lehmann
2008-2011	Baron & Baroness	Bjarki Gulbjornsson and Asta Olafsdottir
2011-2014	Baron & Baroness	Andros Korkyrates and Jeanne-Marie Dubois
2014-2016	Baroness & Baroness	Anne Bigod and Matilda Seton
2016-2018	Baron & Baroness	Finn Ua Briain and Çinara Ybarra
2018-2023	Baron & Baroness	Hayashi Yo'ichirou Norikata and Shoshanah Simkhah bas Ruven
2023-2025	Baron & Baroness	Ronan na f-Fiacal mac Conaill and Bryngerðr Þiðreksdóttir
May 2025-December 2025	Vicar & Vicaress	Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer and Rowena Colebrook
December 13, 2025-Present	Baron & Baroness	Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer and Rowena Colebrook

Then current Baronage of all Caer Galen coronets past and present. From left to right Max, Yazida, Katherina, Randal, Asta, Michaelangelo, Jeanne-Marie Dubois (holding the coronet of Andros Korkyrates), Matilda, Anne, Finn, Çinara, Hayashi, and Shoshanah.

Hayashi & Shoshanah in approximately 2018.

Bryngerðr & Ronan stepping down as Baron & Baroness of Caer Galen at Gurkenschlucht 2025.

Arts & Sciences Champions
Year	Champion	When selected
2015	Signy von Velden
2016	Pvari Dalesdottir
2019	Erasmus (of Caer Galen)
2024	Dona Rowena Colebrook	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024

Defender - Armored Champion
Year	Champion	When Selected	Notes
2015	Douglas Stone
2019	Paul Jameson of Sutton		Potential last holder of Silence
2024	Yngvarr of Bears Gate	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024
2025	Bailey (of Caer Galen)	Jotunnstaor II

Wolfgang & Rowena being invested as Baron & Baroness at Midwinter 2025.

Captain of the Guard
Year	Champion	When Selected
Unknown	Ian of Nightsgate
Unknown	Cecily de Heselington
2015	Tatiana Bonnioulx
2016	Miguel Iolo de Genoa
2019	Miguel Iolo de Genoa
2024	Daciana de la Slatina	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024
2025	Jehan Mór	Midwinter, 12-13-2025

Lieutenant of the Guard
Year	Champion	Notes
2016	Lord Eric Lightfoot of Studley
2019	Miguel Iolo de Genoa	Held both Captain and Lieutenant that year
2025	Daciana de la Slatina

Cut & Thrust Champion
Year	Champion	When Selected
2019	Thomas Vandale
2025	Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa

Archery Champion
Year	Champion	When Selected
2016	Lady Ella White
2019	Ubertino Nicolai di Fara San Martino
2024	Lord Gregor of Bears Gate	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024
2025	Robert of Caer Galen

Equestrian Champion
Year	Champion	When Selected
2015	Moyra MacColla
2016	Miklos Kovacs
2019	Arabella da Siena
2024	Arabella da Siena	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024
2025	Therasia Thoma

Amhránaí Bard
Year	Champion	When Selected
2022	Alexandra of Caer Galen
2019	Helena de Eyncurt
2023	Helena de Eyncurt
2024	Lord Eoghan MacIver	Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024
2025	Lord Kasjan	Jotunnstaor II, 9-13-2025

Mysterious Saracens

A mysterious Saracen bestows a gift upon Her Excellency Shoshanah some time in 2018.

The Mysterious Saracens were a group of individuals who would appear intermittently from 2014 through 2018. They would arrive dressed all in black with red turbans and no other identifiers. They spoke either as a group or designated a single speaker. Each time they appeared, they would bring gifts for the coronet.

The Mysterious Saracens returned for a performance at Midwinter & Investiture 2025. Prior to the event, there was a call for performances with a Caer Galen history theme. The Saracens arrived following morning court with a variety of gifts from throughout the known world and performed a spoken word piece on their origin. They bestowed these gifts upon Wolgang & Rowena and promptly left.

Below is a poetic rendition of the Saracens' first appearance by Cecily de Heselington.

Saga of the Saracens

by Cecily de Heselington
Hail, Caer Galen! Draw nigh to my words and the tale I tell
Rev'lers and fighters, good people of honor, this story is yours
Great deeds and adventure, your history made plain, these words that I speak
Must be remembered by all who have lived, do live, and will live within
These fair borders. Come now to the fire and hear what I say.
Thus will I tell: a saga of wonder, a meeting of strangers
Emerging from shadows the travelers came, silent as air
Foreign in garb with mysterious habits, but soon to become
Our faceless friends. Here is just one of their fabulous tales
Of meetings auspicious, and most noble gifts of the generous Saracens.
I. The Gift of the Chalice
This was the time of Anne and Matilda, Coronets fair
Early in summer when baronies gather, testing their prowess
Naming their allies and tasting good ales, while carefully marking such
Storms and tornados that sweep o'er the plains with fierce rains
Blades did flash bright and much armor was dented that day on the field
Good archers too displayed their talent upon grassy swards
Here sat the baronesses, cheering their people and their great skills
With sinew and arrow, and many fine folk did attend them that day.
All was well, all was gentle. No one expected what was to transpire.
Here then came shadows, five figures stalking, dark ghosts in green woods
Dressed all in black, masked with thick scarves, they moved like those storms
That spill over the mountains as if waging war, ominous portent
With flashes of light. Such an approach left onlookers frozen.
Will the darkness pass by them, or will the threat strike?
Onward through fields, ignoring the archers, the strangers drew closer
Fair Caer Galen's gems, our dear noble leaders, seemed their sure target.
Their fresh-minted guard, so new to her post, stood fast with her sword.
More than prepared to challenge all foes, a shield to all danger
But these strangers, these shadows, though they came masked, did not draw their blades.
They stepped softly with reverence, leaving the court all in confusion.
One gentle woman, destined for sainthood, did stand in attendance,
Gathered her courage to step out before them and seek out their purpose.
It was she who inquired: "What is your business, from whence do you hail?"
One of them answered with soft haunting voice, with courtesy clear:
"Our message is meant for the ears of Matilda and Anne and none other."
Now the lady attending knew her right duty, the defense of the barony--
Insisted that she must deliver this message, that none else may approach.
Bowing with honor the messenger said that this would not do
Their mission was clear, their purpose precise, that only the mistresses
hear what they spoke. The lady rebuffed her--this just wasn't proper.
Their garb was so strange, their manner so odd, their motives opaque
The sentinels who stood guard could not let them through, no matter their plea.
Thrice then spoke the envoy, with such honeyed words and deep honor
The lady relented, and turned to her mistresses, Anne and Matilda:
Would they give audience to these cloaked strangers, who moved as shadows
Mysterious in purpose? And gracious Matilda nodded serenely.
Said, "Let them come." So the guards stepped aside to await what came next.
And the black troop approached. Two of them carried a great wooden chest,
Heavy with promise, an intriguing burden. The envoy explained:
Far off in their country they heard tell of a man, a saint and a legend
Who once lived in Caer Galen, a gentleman known for his service and honor
Revered and made much of -- William the Cooper, of legend and fame.
Far had they traveled, through untold dangers, to deliver their prize:
A relic they had, a most holy item, lost to the world
For some untold years: a great Chalice made by William's own hand
In cooper's fashion and signed with his mark. The Saracens opened
The chest full of treasure, drew forth the great Chalice, and offered it freely.
"This should be yours," the envoy said, "We traveled so far
To return this great relic to the place of its origin, the home of its maker,
St. William the Cooper." The shadowy figures, all masked and sure footed,
Bowed as one person and offered the Chalice to Anne and Matilda.
Who wept then to see it, so finely made, so sturdy and shining,
True Chalice indeed, the mark of Saint William so plain to see.
The coronets thanked them, mysterious travelers, invited them forward
To sit in their court, to join in the revels, share tales of their travels
To strengthen their friendship, fresh forged and so welcome, a joy to all.
But the Saracens had much farther to travel, in too short a time.
With many farewells, and tributes of grace, from one to the other,
The dark figures departed. Silent they stepped, back across fields
Til sight of them vanished, melting to trees, and all of us wondered:
Had this been a dream? The witnesses gathered, gazing in awe
Knowing they'd seen a miraculous vision, a tale they would tell

Around many more fires, until the return of our Mysterious Saracens.

Non-traditional Offices

Caer Galen has several non-traditional offices which are elected or selected through a number of means. These offices range from honorary to humorous.

The Harp of Caer Galen

In a tradition preceding Caer Galen's existence as a barony, the Harp of Caer Galen is one of the highest honors the barony can bestow. Once a year at Midwinter Revel, the populace votes to recognize the individual who has most embodied the spirit and values of Caer Galen.

Select recipients include:

Year	Recipient(s)
2025	Livia Agrinali & Yazida bint Zarif
2024	Kökechin Qo'a
2023	Livia Agrinali
2022	Keridwen Andersdottir
2021	Randall Carrick
2020	No recipient
2019	Çinara Ybarra
2018	Vanozza de Corbetta
2017	Rowena Colebrook
2016	Mahara Vandale
2015	Vanozza da Corbetta
2014	Finn Ua Briain
2013	Yldiz of Misrian
2012	Livia Agrinali
2011	Editha filia Rolandi
2010	Hayashi Yo'ichirou Norikata
2009	Mirabel de Malmesberie
2008	Shoshanah Simkhah bas Ruven and Anna de Apperleye
2007	Jeanne Dyfrigi
2006	Andros Korkyrates
2005	Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso & Yazida bint Zarif
2004	Jeanne-Marie Dubois
2003	Meenakshi da Gama
2002	Cecily de Heselington
2001	Regana van Kortrijk
2000	László Rózsa
1999	Beatricia Carmela Mercante
1998	Valentine Michael de la Fere
1997	Klaus von Nachtwald
1996	Klaus von Nachtwald
1995	Brianna Chevreuil
1994	Maximillian Steanbrycg (now known as Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso)
1993	Elizabeth O’Byrnne and Alexandre d'Avigné
1992	Brigit O’Breslin and Magnus Rothach
1991	Elizabeth O’Byrnne and Irel Krist of Starre Inn
1990	Marisela de Broide
1989	Francesca di Pavia
1988	Morguen ni Lochsolas
1987	Elizabeth Freemountain and Morguen ni Lochsolas
1986	Idunn Felinnoir
1985	Marged Tylluan Fach and Betva a Bedwyn

The Doge

A humorous and honorary title given to especially colorful members of the barony. This position is typically awarded through donation efforts to whichever gentle manages to raise the most funds. Prior to becoming a Barony, the Doge would conduct "Non-Court Experiences" to conduct official business of the Shire.

Shoshanah Simkhah bas Ruven
His Zippiness Rüdeger Günther Marenholtz
His Zippiness Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso
His Serenity Madoch Greyson

The Senate

The Senate serves as both a fundraiser and a source of theatrical spectacle within the group. Originally, those seeking a seat paid “genealogists” to research fabricated family lines, bolstering their hereditary claims to office. Senior families were distinguished with ornate, embroidered, blue sashes and the honor of standing beside the Doge as members of the “Doge’s Council.” Beyond ceremony, Senators embraced a spirit of performance, sometimes staging dramatic acts such as the symbolic “assassination” of the Doge during subsequent fundraisers or inventing new forms of political theater. The Senate has also welcomed non-human members, including Loiosh the Cat and a horse named Rosie.

Action figures were made of the first two Senates. Originally modified barbie dolls, the "election" of a baby and Rosie the horse required more creative solutions. These action figures were auctioned off for fundraising.

Current Senators

The Pope

[Under construction]

Events

Midwinter

Caer Galen Midwinter, a winter feast event typically in December, has been held since at least 2004.^[2] It is tradition for the Harp of Caer Galen vote to be held at Midwinter with the selection of Senators and the Doge also happening occasionally. Fencing is often a significant focus of Caer Galen Midwinter.

Midwinter A.S. LX (2025) was significant for also hosting the investiture of Wolfgang & Rowena as Baron & Baroness. The ceremony to officially convert Plattefordham from a Shire to Hamlet was also held.

Enduro

Enduro is an outdoor event, typically held in July or June. Earliest mentions of the event occur in 2010, but the event was likely established even earlier. Enduro is often highly themed and centers around quest-like activities. In recent years, teams of five or more are encouraged to select roles for their team members from the options of Acrobat, Archer, Fighter, Fencer, and Bard. At the event, there will be a specific activity for each role. Each activity must be completed to complete the quest. Other activities and incentives are offered throughout the event for each team to earn points and distinguish themselves from other teams.

Gurkenschlucht

Gurkenschlucht (also styled Die Turniere in der Gurkenschlucht and later Sohn des Turniere um Gurkenschlucht) is a recurring multi-day rapier and Cut & Thrust camping event hosted by the Barony of Caer Galen at Pickle Gulch Campground in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. First held in 2024, the event emphasizes pageantry, panache, and martial prowess, combining formal processional tournaments with melee combat and community activities.

The event is typically held in late May or early June and has welcomed neighboring Baronies including Caerthe, Unser Hafen, and Dragonspine. Gurkenschlucht is a mountain camping event, with variable weather conditions and bear-aware camping practices required.

Martial Activities

Gurkenschlucht centers on a series of rapier and Cut & Thrust tournaments, many of which incorporate formal procession, heraldic display, and audience engagement.

Pageantry & Prowess Tournament – A one-on-one tournament preceded by a formal procession before the Crown and populace. Combatants are encouraged to appear with an entourage (such as heralds, banner bearers, or musicians) and to make proclamations or challenges before fighting. The tournament is typically fought best-of-three with double elimination.
Gurkenschlucht Cut & Thrust Tournament – A weapon-choice tournament using a Swiss-style format with bouts fought to first blood. Combatants may select from multiple weapon forms, including single rapier, rapier and dagger, buckler, two-handed sword, or spear. Blows to any target end the bout, with ranking determined by quality of hit rather than lethality.
Panache & Valor – The Gurkenschlucht Bannerete – A small-team melee inspired by pas d’armes traditions. Teams of five fighters process before the Crown, present a unified visual identity, and compete in combat. In addition to victory through prowess, teams may also be recognized for valor and panache, as determined by token voting from peers, nobility, and other teams.
Ransom Woods Melee (2024) – A timed melee inspired by historical ransom tournaments, in which fighters wager tokens representing their ransom and may continue to fight as long as they retain at least one coin.
Blut der Helden (Blood of Heroes) (introduced 2025) – A rapier adaptation of a Calontir-origin armored combat game, itself inspired by the film The Blood of Heroes. The game combines team combat with an objective-based structure.^[3]

Arts and Community Activities

Gurkenschlucht Pickling Competition – A popular non-martial feature of the event, overseen by the Baroness of Caer Galen. Entrants submit pickled foods of any variety, with judging conducted by popular vote using beads. Winners are announced in court.

Evening activities typically include court and bardic gatherings, reinforcing the event’s focus on spectacle, hospitality, and communal participation.

Notable Developments

The 2025 iteration of Gurkenschlucht marked a transition in the leadership of Caer Galen. At this event, Baron and Baroness Bryngerðr Þiðreksdóttir and Ronan na f-fiacal mac Connail formally stepped down after announcing their relocation out of state. During the weekend’s court, Rowena and Wolfgang were invested as Vicar and Vicaress of Caer Galen, assuming responsibility for the barony in an interim capacity.

Culture

Caer Galen is widely known throughout the Outlands for its whimsical, fun-loving, and joyous culture. Humor is highly valued and ever-present at baronial events, particularly in court.

Fighter Practice

Caer Galen holds weekly fighter practices on Tuesday evenings. The Barony is home to a vibrant rapier community alongside its armored fighters. Fighter practices typically attract several other populace members who come to craft and build community.

Archery Practice

Each Saturday, Caer Galen hosts Archery Practice at the Church of the Lookout in Longmont.

Socials

Regular socials are a significant part of Caer Galen culture. A variety of garb-encouraged and mundane events are offered at various times to connect with gentles throughout and beyond the barony.

Regalia

Harmony

[In progress]

Silence

Silence is the Heavy Champion's spear of Caer Galen. It's last known sighting was in 2019. It is currently missing.

Cacophony

Cacophony, a zweihander, is the Cut & Thrust Champion's sword.

Harp of Caer Galen Regalia

[In progress]

Amhránaí Bard Regalia

[In progress]

The Heinous

The Heinous is an item held by the Captain of the Guard of Caer Galen. Made by Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso & Yazida bint Zarif and presented at the first Caer Galen Midwinter. It was originally made from an oak dowel, alligator paw, wooden knob, leather cording, and wire and intended to be used as a backscratcher. The item was mistakenly included with the Captain of the Guard regalia and passed on during court. It is tradition for each captain to add an item to The Heinous.

Baronial Orders and Awards

Order of the Arch of Caer Galen (BA) – Outstanding service to the Barony ("Builders of the Arch")
Order of the St. Michael with the Harp (CBM) – Excellence in martial affairs
L’Ordre du Cochon Ale (CV) – Remarkable achievements against great odds
Saint Louis with the Staff (BC) – For long-time participation (15+ years)
Order of the Monkey (DM) – Those who bring joy and laughter to the Barony
Order of the Hedgehog (CF) – For exceptional young people under 16
Order of the Golden Nightingale (CNS) – For excellence in the arts
L’Ordre du Poignard Noir (BPN) – Exceptional personal service to the Coronet
Order of Saint William the Cooper (BCW) – Good works for the Barony and its people

External Links

Official Website of Caer Galen

[1] ttps://heraldry.sca.org/loar/1980/05/lar.htm

[2] ttps://web.archive.org/web/20050515111532/http://www.caergalen.org/scrapbook/midwinter03/index.html

[3] ttps://web.archive.org/web/20250614012656/www.caergalen.org/events-and-calendar/sohn-des-turniere-um-gurkenschulcht-reg

[1]

[2]

[3]

Barony of Caer Galen: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:34, 15 February 2026

Overview

Contents

Heraldry

Location