Barony

A barony within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a large branch of the Society that exists within and under the administration of a kingdom (or a principality, if applicable). Each barony is presided over by a Baron and/or Baroness, who serve as the ceremonial representatives of the Crown within their region.

Definition

According to SCA Corpora, a barony is “an area administered by a Baron and/or Baroness, the ceremonial representative(s) of the Crown.” Baronies are organizational branches equivalent in size and function to provinces, differing only in that baronies have appointed representatives of the Crown—territorial Barons and Baronesses—while provinces do not.

Requirements for Baronial Status

A group may petition for baronial status when the following conditions are met (as outlined in Corpora):

• At least 25 paid SCA members.
• A full slate of officers acceptable to the Crown (and Coronet, if applicable).
• A registered name and device approved by the College of Arms.
• Consensus of the populace favoring advancement to barony.
• Arrangements for the appointment of a Baron and/or Baroness at the time of application.
• A strong record of activity across multiple areas of Society endeavor.

Territorial Barons and Baronesses

Territorial Barons and Baronesses are appointed by the Crown according to kingdom law and custom, usually following a written poll of the barony’s populace. These officers serve as the Crown’s ceremonial and social representatives at the local level and are considered part of the Kingdom’s officer structure.

Appointment and Removal

• The Crown appoints Barons and/or Baronesses when a barony is created or when vacancies arise.
• Appointments must not be substantially opposed by the populace.
• The Crown may suspend or remove a Baron or Baroness for just cause, after requesting the written opinion of the populace.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties of a Baron and/or Baroness include:

• Representing the Crown within the barony and reflecting the royal presence locally.
• Serving as an example of chivalry, courtesy, and virtue, and encouraging these qualities among their people.
• Acting as advocates for their populace to the Crown.
• Welcoming and assisting new and prospective members.
• Working closely with baronial officers and keeping them informed as necessary.
• Submitting regular reports on the state of the barony to the Crown.

Per Outlands Law, Barons and Baronesses must also:

• Petition the Crown for permission to bestow any armigerous baronial awards.
• May award non-armigerous baronial honors at their own discretion.
• Provide at least six months’ notice of intent to retire from office.

Awards and Recognition

Baronies have the privilege of establishing and bestowing non-armigerous baronial awards specific to their group, subject to the approval of the Crown and the Laurel Sovereign of Arms. These awards are often unique to the culture of each barony and recognize service, skill, or courtesy within the local community.

A Baron or Baroness, whether territorial or court-appointed, holds a **Grant or Award of Arms** if they were not already armigerous at the time of appointment.

Structure and Subgroups

Baronies may contain smaller subgroups, such as:

• Cantons (regional subdivisions)
• Colleges (university-based groups)
• Strongholds or Ports (institutional or military-affiliated groups)

These subordinate branches report through the barony’s officers and fall under the administrative oversight of the Baron and Baroness, though all remain subject to Kingdom law and the Crown.

Role in the Outlands

Within the Kingdom of the Outlands, baronies serve as the organizational backbone of the realm. Outlands Kingdom Law assigns each barony the responsibility of sponsoring a rotating schedule of Kingdom events (with the exception of Battlemoor). The current baronies of the Outlands include:

• Barony of Aarquelle
• Barony of al-Barran
• Barony of Caerthe
• Barony of Caer Galen
• Barony of Citadel of the Southern Pass
• Barony of Dragonsspine
• Barony of Unser Hafen

Shires, colleges, or cantons may volunteer to host these events on behalf of their parent barony.

Palatine Baronies

A rare form known as a Palatine Barony is governed by a Baron or Baroness chosen through competition—often a tournament or Arts and Sciences contest—rather than by royal appointment. These titles typically rotate more frequently and emphasize active participation by the populace.

References

• Society for Creative Anachronism, Governing Documents (Revision: August 21, 2025).
• Outlands Kingdom Law (Current Revision).
• Cunnan Wiki: “Barony”