Kingdom of the Outlands
Kingdom of the Outlands
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 close-knit community.
History
Before becoming a kingdom in its own right, the Outlands was a principality under the Kingdom of Atenveldt. The Principality of the Outlands was formed in the late 1970s, and after nearly a decade of growth, the Outlands was elevated to full kingdom status in A.S. XXI (1986). The first King and Queen of the Outlands were Artan macAilin and Tegan of the Shadows.
Since its founding, the Outlands has hosted major events such as Grand Outlandish and Battlemoor, and has seen the rise of many Peers, artists, artisans, warriors, and royals who have contributed to the culture and legacy of the Society.
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 both martial and peaceful arts
- A warm, welcoming attitude toward newcomers
- The tradition of brightly colored silk banners, visible at most events
- A balance between war and hospitality—fields of battle by day, feasting and bardic by night
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 and most iconic event, 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 Fontaine dans Sable
- Barony of Citadel of the Southern Pass
- Shire of Windkeep
- Shire of Plattefordham
- Shire of Drygestan
- Shire of Nahrun Kabirun
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)