Barony of Caer Galen
 | |
| Per bend rayonny, azure and Or, a harp and a laurel wreath counterchanged | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Founded: | A.S. XIV |
| In Kingdom: | Kingdom of the Outlands |
| Vicar: | Master Wolfgang Sebastian Kohlhammer |
| Vicaress: | Dona 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.
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 | Name(s) | Skald |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2006 | Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso and Yazida bint Zarif | |
| 2006-2008 | Randal Carrick and Katherina von Lehmann | |
| 2008-2011 | Bjarki Gulbjornsson and Asta Olafsdottir | |
| 2011-2014 | Andros Korkyrates and Jeanne-Marie Dubois | |
| 2014-2016 | Anne Bigod and Matilda Seton | |
| 2016-2018 | Finn Ua Briain and Çinara Ybarra | |
| 2018-2023 | Hayashi Yo'ichirou Norikata and Shoshanah Simkhah bas Ruven | |
| 2023-2025 | Ronan na f-Fiacal mac Conaill and Bryngerðr Þiðreksdóttir | |
| May 2025-December 2025 | Vicar Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer and Vicaress 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Dona Tatiana Bonnioulx | |
| 2016 | Lord Miguel Iolo de Genoa | |
| 2024 | Maestra Daciana de la Slatina | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lord Eric Lightfoot of Studley |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Lady Ella White | |
| 2024 | Lord Gregor of Bears Gate | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| Year | Champion | When Selected |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Baroness Moyra MacColla | |
| 2016 | Lord Mikos Kovacs | |
| 2024 | Mistress Arabella da Siena | Northern Prize & Baronial Championships, 9-2-2024 |
| 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) |
|---|---|
| 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 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.
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
[Under construction]
Enduro
[Under construction]
Gurkenschlucht
[Under construction]
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.
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