Barony of Unser Hafen

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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 and collaborating with the Barony to secure practice spaces and events.

History

Unser Hafen was founded in 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:

Current Baronesses

  • Her Excellency Kitta Ragnvaldsdottir
  • Her Excellency Safiyya bint Faris al-Dani

Court and Champions

Officers

Deputy: Lord Galen fitz Thomas
Deputy: Lord Marc
Chronicler: Lady Caillech (Kayla) Dhe Silvertongue
Social Media: Lady Dagny Innaldi
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.

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.