Barony of Unser Hafen

Barony of Unser Hafen

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 (the 25th year of the Society), 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:

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

Awards

Unser Hafen’s chartered orders include:

• Builders of the Portcullis: Award for arts & sciences. Badge: A green portcullis debruised by a gold candle in its holder.
• Golden Columbine of Unser Hafen: Award for persona development. Badge: A gold columbine flower on a green portcullis.
• Golden Ring of Unser Hafen: Baronial service award. Badge: A green portcullis debruised by a gold annulet.
• Keepers of the Portcullis: Award for excellence in heavy/light fighting or archery. Badge: A green portcullis debruised by crossed gold spears.
• Prima Lux of Unser Hafen: Award for outstanding youth under 16. Badge: A green portcullis bearing a flaming torch.
• Salt Bearer of Unser Hafen: Award for exceptional hospitality and newcomer support. Badge: A green portcullis with a gold covered saltcellar.
• Stone Mason of Unser Hafen: The newest award, honoring those exemplifying the spirit of the SCA; badge in progress.

External Links

• Unser Hafen's website