Canton of Readstan

Canton of Readstan

Gules, a gryphon segreant argent, in base a laurel wreath Or.
Information
Founded:	A.S. XXXIX
In Kingdom:	Kingdom of the Outlands
Modern location
South Metro Denver area

Overview

The Canton of Readstan was a southern canton of the Barony of Caerthe in the Kingdom of the Outlands, active from 2004 through the early 2010s. Initially known as Bloodstone Keep, the canton was founded by a group of SCAdians seeking a more family-friendly and inclusive space within the barony, with a focus on heavy fighting, drumming and dance, and the arts and sciences.

Formation and Early Development

The idea for a new group originated in early 2004, when Countess Adriana encouraged those interested in forming a canton to meet. A planning meeting was held on May 9, 2004 at Lady Mor’s house, drawing attendees from southeast Caerthe and beyond. It soon became clear that two separate cantons would better serve the population.

With the blessing of Baron Kronos of Caerthe, and following his requirements—including a formal written justification and a 75% approval vote—one of these groups began organizing under the name Bloodstone Keep. The first official meeting was held on May 23, 2004, and the group quickly established monthly business meetings at Bemis Library, chose interim officers, and committed to a child-friendly environment.

On September 25, 2004, the group held a formal polling and passed with a vote of 17–5. A petition scroll was presented to the Crown on November 6, 2004, during Crown Tournament and Caerthe’s A&S Competition. That day, Bloodstone Keep became an official incipient canton.

By early 2005, the canton had submitted a name and device (a griffin was chosen over a yale). Their newsletter, Heliotrope Herald, launched soon after, and the group set ambitious goals: double membership, hold two events, and host five demos during the year.

Events and Activities

The Canton’s signature events included:

Mountain Mayhem – a whimsical fundraising event, first held May 7, 2005, which became a celebration of Caerthe’s 35th anniversary.

Pas d'Arms – a formal and chivalric fighting event that debuted in September 2005.

Western Welcome Week Parade – In August 2010, the canton marched in Littleton’s civic parade and won 2nd place in their category.

The group also held successful public demos at Bemis Public Library, Highlands Ranch Girl Scouts, Koelbel Library, Littleton Academy, and the Denver Zoo.

The canton also established a heavy fighting unit called *Aegis*, and emphasized outreach to families and newcomers alike.

Black Hart Ball

The Black Hart Ball was a dance-focused event hosted by the canton in 2009 and 2010 at the Parker Recreation Center. It was organized in response to interest within the canton for court dancing, which had previously been unavailable within the Barony of Caerthe. The event was created and stewarded by a member who had prior experience with similar dance events in the Kingdom of Caid.

The event format combined court dance instruction, a group meal, and a costumed ball. It began in the early afternoon with a series of dance classes focused on period dances. In the early evening, attendees participated in a short walking parade to a nearby restaurant , where a dinner menu had been arranged for event participants. After the meal, guests returned to a decorated gymnasium at the rec center, which had been transformed into a ballroom using lantern lighting, ceiling drapery, and seating areas. Attendees were encouraged to bring desserts to share.

The ball began with traditional court dances set to period music. Later in the evening, the music shifted to modern selections while the dance figures remained period, creating a hybrid experience. Examples included performing Black Almain to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and Hole in the Wall to Lady Gaga’s "Bad Romance." These pairings had been tested during dance practices in the months leading up to the event.

The populace of the Canton of Readstan posing with potatoes received from the Barony of Arn Hold.

The first year, the event’s mini-parade was featured in the local newspaper. In 2010, the mayor of Parker contacted the event organizer, rented a costume, and attended the ball in person. The event again received local press coverage that year.

The Black Hart Ball saw strong attendance from within the canton and from visitors outside the barony, though participation from Caerthe proper was limited. After the second year, the event was discontinued.

Mayday Tournament

In 2010, the Canton of Readstan received a box of potatoes from the Barony of Arn Hold, following an exchange in which Arn Hold requested permission to conflict with Readstan’s populace badge. The then-herald of the canton replied that she would grant permission if tribute was paid. The shipment arrived shortly before Readstan’s May Day tournament and bake sale, bearing a note reading “Tribute Paid — Arn Hold.” The potatoes were distributed among attendees during the event.

Leadership and Membership

Founding leadership included Viscount Sterling, who chronicled much of the canton’s early history, and notable contributors such as Lady Mor, Mistress Eirene, Countess Aindrea, THL Robert, Lady Rothin, and m’lord Ximon. The canton drew many of its founding members from outside Caerthe, including former residents of al-Barran and other kingdoms.

Many members received individual awards and recognition during their time in the canton, reflecting the group’s high level of service and activity.

Transition and Later Years

As the group matured, there was growing interest in transitioning from a canton to an independent shire. Supporters felt that becoming a shire would allow them greater autonomy and formal separation from what many saw as persistent issues within the barony—including lack of support, geographic disconnect, and a sense of exclusion from Caerthe's leadership circles.

However, the push for shire status was met with significant resistance. The group’s relationship with the barony had often been strained, and the effort to separate only deepened those divisions, leading to declining attendance of Canton events.

By around 2013, the canton had quietly dissolved.

See also

Barony of Caerthe

Kingdom of the Outlands

External Links

Archived History of Readstan by Viscount Sterling