Barony of Caer Galen: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Brynronansteppingdown.jpg|thumb|[[Bryngerðr Þiðreksdóttir|Bryngerðr]] & [[Ronan na f-Fiacal mac Conaill|Ronan]] stepping down as Baron & Baroness of Caer Galen at Gurkenschlucht 2025.]] | |||
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[[File:Wrcginvestiture.jpg|thumb|[[Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer|Wolfgang]] & [[Rowena Colebrook|Rowena]] being invested as Baron & Baroness at [[Caer Galen Midwinter & Investiture AS LX (2025)|Midwinter 2025]].]] | |||
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Revision as of 11:10, 13 January 2026
 | |
| Per bend rayonny, azure and Or, a harp and a laurel wreath counterchanged | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Founded: | A.S. XIV |
| In Kingdom: | Kingdom of the Outlands |
| Baron | Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer |
| Baroness | Rowena Colebrook |
| Modern location | |
| Longmont, Boulder, and Broomfield, CO | |
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.
Location
- Boulder County, Colorado, USA
History
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)
| 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 |
| Year | Champion | When selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Mistress Signy von Velden | |
| 2016 | Lady Pvari Dalesdottir | |
| 2024 | Dona Rowena Colebrook | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Lord Douglas Stone | |
| 2024 | Lord Yngvarr of Bears Gate | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown | Ian of Nightsgate | |
| Unknown | Cecily de Heselington | |
| 2015 | Tatiana Bonnioulx | |
| 2016 | Miguel Iolo de Genoa | |
| 2024 | Daciana de la Slatina | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| 2025 | Jehan Mór | Midwinter, 12-13-2025 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lord Eric Lightfoot of Studley | |
| 2025 | Daciana de la Slatina |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lady Ella White | |
| 2024 | Lord Gregor of Bears Gate | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| 2025 | Robert of Caer Galen |
| 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 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Alexandra of Caer Galen | |
| 2023 | Helena de Eyncurt | |
| 2024 | Lord Eoghan MacIver | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| 2025 | Lord Kasjan | Jotunnstaor II, 9-13-2025 |
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
- Mistress Demelza Felinnoir
- HE Bebhinn Inghean Ui Siodhachain
- THL Perryn Coelbrant
- Lady Yldiz of Misrian
- Lady Nerienda of Elmet
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