Barony of Unser Hafen: Difference between revisions

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* Lady [[Vigdis Knarrarbringa]]
* Lady [[Vigdis Knarrarbringa]]
* Lord [[Aodhan Kincaid]]
* Lord [[Aodhan Kincaid]]
* Lady Vaeltaja (of Unser Hafen)
* Her Excellency [[Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír]]
* Her Excellency [[Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír]]
* [[Vagn Egilsson]]
* [[Vagn Egilsson]]

Revision as of 06:34, 18 September 2025

Barony of Unser Hafen
Vert, a portcullis Or within a laurel wreath argent, all within a bordure embattled Or.
Information
Founded: A.S. XXV
Baroness: Kitta Ragnvaldsdottír
Baroness: Safiyya bint Faris al Dani
Modern location
Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld County, Colorado

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. 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

Unser Hafen has been led by a storied line of Barons and Baronesses who shaped its traditions, culture, and community. Highlights include:

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

Events

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

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.[1][2] 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.[3] 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 in 2023 and 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

Officers

Deputy: Lord Galen fitz Thomas
Deputy: Lord Marc
Chronicler: Lady Caillech (Kayla) Dhe Silvertongue
Social Media: Lady Lewena de Galwedia
Web Administrators: Lady Laurel M. and Lady Valerie F.
Deputy: 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.

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.

Lineage of the Pencerdd Bard (as known)

This list is believed to be incomplete and may contain gaps. Corrections and additions are welcome.

Regalia

Arts & Science Champion

Pencerdd Bard

  • Pencerdd Bard Stool
    Pencerdd Bard Stool
  • Cushion of the Pencerdd Bard stool
    Cushion of the Pencerdd Bard stool
  • Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr seen wearing the cloak
    Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr seen wearing the cloak
  • Closeup detail of the Unser Hafen badge on the cloak
    Closeup detail of the Unser Hafen badge on the cloak
  • Pleating on the neckline of the cloak
    Pleating on the neckline of the cloak
  • Plaques on the stool with previous Bards' names
    Plaques on the stool with previous Bards' names

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.

Corona Graminea of Unser Hafen

Award for impactful fighting in wars. Badge: Vert, in pale a portcullis and an annulet, within an orle of grain heads Or.

Epona of Unser Hafen

Award for Equestrian Arts. Badge: A portcullis vert debruised by a stirrup Or.

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.

Harmonia of Unser Hafen

Award for musical talents. Badge: On a chainless portcullis vert a cowbell Or.

Iron Rivet of Unser Hafen

Award for 15 or more years of service to the barony. Badge: On a chainless portcullis Or, a rivet sable.

Keepers of the Portcullis

Award for excellence in heavy/light fighting or archery. Badge: A green portcullis debruised by crossed gold spears.

L'ordre de la Rose d'Ore of Unser Hafen

Award for excellent use of light weapons at war. Badge: [Awaiting blazon]

Noble's Gratitude of Unser Hafen

Award for service to the barony. Badge: A portcullis vert debruised by a heart Or.

Skipping Stone of Unser Hafen

Award for one who began playing in Unser Hafen and went on to achieve great things elsewhere. Badge: On a chainless portcullis vert a fountain.

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

Award for honoring those exemplifying the spirit of the SCA. Badge: On a portcullis Or, a stonemason's hammer vert.

Torch Bearer of Unser Hafen

Award for great service to the coronet. Badge: A Flame proper, overall a portcullis vert.

  1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/unserhafen/permalink/10159207253284022/?rdid=lmeWMBAB1DhbOPM9#
  2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/events/1056677308426810/?active_tab=discussion
  3. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/events/3984337428487830
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