Kingdom of the Outlands
HEAVILY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Overview
The Kingdom of the Outlands is one of the kingdoms within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and recreation of pre-17th-century culture. Founded in 1986, the Outlands encompasses all of New Mexico, most of Colorado, parts of Wyoming, and El Paso, Texas. It is known for its strong martial tradition, vibrant arts and sciences, and hospitality.
History
Pre-1974
While some sources claim that Caerthe was the second founded barony in the entire SCA, documentation seems to conflict with this account. The History of the Kingdom of the West reports Atenveldt as the first barony in A.S. IV, 1969, followed by the Barony of Three Mountains in Portland, OR later in the same year. Caerthe is first mentioned for its 12th Night Revel in January of A.S. V after the emergence of the Barony of Madrone and the Barony of Angels. The History of the Kingdom of the West is heavily reliant on event documentation for its early history, leaving room for the possibility that Caerthe was founded prior to its first mention on the site.
There are conflicting reports for the founding of al-Barran. The Outlands History blog compiled by Aelfled of Duckford claims that al-Barran's first year of organization was in May of 1973.[1] Whether this indicates that May of 1973 marks the beginning of the first year of organization or having surpassed one year of organization is unclear. Later entries list al-Barran's first tournament as having been in August of 1973.[2] Cunnan, Lochac's wiki, reports "On November 11, A.S. X (1975), the Barony of al-Barran was established in the Kingdom of Atenveldt with Sir Raymond the Quiet as the first Baron May 29, 1976."[3]
Grand Outlandish
The first Grand Outlandish was held May 24-26 of 1974, A.S. IX, at Cedro Peak Camping Area outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.[4] It was originally referred to as Outlandish Tourney. Winners of the Tournament would originally be referred to as Lord and Lady of Outlandish. Ton the Traveler and Elizabeth Karian of the Four Winds were Lord and Lady of Outlandish for both Outlandish I and II. The variation in dates beyond
| Number | Lord of Outlandish | Lady of Outlandish | Date Selected |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Ton the Traveler | Elizabeth Karian of the Four Winds | May 26, 1974 |
| II | Ton the Traveler | Elizabeth Karian of the Four Winds | May 25, 1975 |
| III | Ulrich von Matanuska | Roxanne de Rhiannon | February 14, 1976 |
| IV | Gunwaldt Gullbjørn | Aislinn Para O'Neal | May 31, 1976 |
| V | Wilhelm of the Bogs | Megan Adoniel of Glengalen | November 14, 1976 |
Formation of Principality
Founding of Kingdom
Geography
The Kingdom of the Outlands includes:
- The entire state of New Mexico
- Most of Colorado
- Parts of Wyoming (including Casper, Cheyenne, and surrounding areas)
- El Paso, Texas
Local branches within the kingdom include multiple baronies and shires, each hosting their own events, practices, and gatherings throughout the year.
Culture
The Outlands is known for:
- Strong and active communities in martial arts
- A warm, welcoming attitude toward newcomers
The kingdom places strong emphasis on service, with a tradition of volunteerism that supports both large and small events.
Events
The Kingdom of the Outlands hosts several major annual events, including:
- Grand Outlandish – The oldest event of The Outlands, held in the high desert of New Mexico
- Battlemoor – A week-long camping war event featuring combat, arts, bardic, and more
- Crown Tournament – The armored combat tournament to determine the next King and Queen
- Coronation – The formal transition of the Crown
- Kingdom-level Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships
Local groups also host regular events, including tournaments, revels, collegiums, and feasts.
Kingdom Structure
Like all SCA kingdoms, the Outlands is governed by a monarch (King and Queen, or equivalent), who reign for six-month terms determined by armored combat tournament. The kingdom’s administrative functions are overseen by the Greater and Lesser Officers of state.
Local Groups
The kingdom is made up of several baronies and shires, including:
- Barony of al-Barran
- Barony of Caerthe
- Barony of Dragonsspine
- Barony of Unser Hafen
- Barony of Caer Galen
- Barony of Citadel of the Southern Pass
- Shire of Fontaine dans Sable
- Shire of Windkeep
- Shire of Plattefordham
- Shire of Drygestan
- Shire of Nahrun Kabirun
- Shire of Draca Mor
Awards and Honors
The Outlands has its own set of kingdom awards and orders, recognizing excellence in service, combat, the arts, youth involvement, and more. These include:
- Order of the Stag
- Order of the Silver Tyne
- Order of the Iron Hart
- Order of the Flower
- Order of the Queen’s Grace
- Full List of Awards on the Kingdom Website
Recommendations for awards can be submitted by anyone through the Award Recommendation Portal.
Publications
- The Outlandish Herald – The official kingdom newsletter, published monthly
- Kingdom Law – The governing rules of the realm (available on the kingdom website)