Altavia
The Barony of Altavia is an SCA branch in the Kingdom of Caid. The Barony encompasses the San Fernando Valley, north west of Los Angeles. Specifically it covers the following zip codes: 90263, 90265, 91040, 91042, 91300-91399, 91400-91499, 91500-91599, 91600-91699
The present royalty are Master Laertes Blackavar McBride and Mistress Bridget Lucia MacKenzie, the Fourth Baron and Baroness of Altavia. The Baronial Heirs are THL Thorin O'Seaghda and THL Courtney of the White Meadow.
History
Canton and Baronial Dates
New Albion was founded in Mar 1977 (approx) as a Canton of the Barony of The Angels. It encompassed the San Fernando Valley. Name changed to Canton of Sarn Wold in Apr or May 1978. Name changed to Canton of Altavia, registered in April of 1982. "alta via" is Latin for "high way", thus "Altavia" (pronounced: all-TAY-vee-ah) is a reference to the San Fernando Valley's freeway system Altavia became a Barony on May 14, 1983 (registered in July of 1983) By now it also included Malibu.
Barons and Baronesses
Sir Robear du Bois and Mistress Kristin Alfhidr of Trondheim stepped up at the Canton Anniversary tournament where the Canton was elevated to a Barony on May 14, 1983.
Master Michael Maggotslayor and Mistress Amadea da Strada Dragonessa stepped up at the "Altavia Holiday Ball", held in Altavia's Canton of Dun Or on December 30, 1989.
Master Duryn the Red and Lady Ælfwyn Wodende stepped up at an Altavian Investiture luncheon on September 25, 1994.
Master Laertes Blackavar McBride and The Honorable Lady Bridget Lucia MacKenzie stepped up at an Altavia court held during the lunch break at Twelfth Night on January 8, 2005
THL Thorin O'Seaghda and THL Courtney of the White Meadow stepped up at opening court of Altavia Anniversary on May 10, 2008.
Master Laertes Blackavar McBride and Mistress Bridget Lucia MacKenzie stepped up as Vicar and Vicaress of Altavia at Dreiburgen Anniversary on October 25, 2008 at a court held in the Altavia pavilion.
Lord Lord Secca of Cantia and Lady Meliora Deverel are the heirs to the Baron and Baroness of Altavia. They were invested as heirs at 12th Night 2009 and will step up as Baron and Baroness at Altavia Anniversary May 9, 2009.
Device and Badges
Baronial Device: registered in April of 1982, Argent, a fret sable and on a chief vert a laurel wreath argent.
"alta via" is Latin for "high way", thus "Altavia" (pronounced: all-TAY-vee-ah) is a reference to the San Fernando Valley's freeway system So it should be no surprise that the device carries on the freeway theme. The wreath is white on green, as are the freeway signs. The fret is a reference to the Valley's freeway system.
Populace Badge: registered in July of 1983, Per pale vert and sable, two horses rampant reguardant addorsed within a bordure argent.
Populace Badge: registered in February of 2003, Argent fretty sable, a chief vert.
Baronial Awards
Argent Fret of Altavia (Altavia's Baronial arts award) Started by Laertes and Bridget. Registered to Altavia in October of 2005
Sable Fret of Altavia (Altavia's Baronial service award) Started by Robear and Kristin. Registered to Altavia in August of 1982
Vert Fret, Order of the (Altavia's Baronial fighting award) Started by Laertes and Bridget. Registered to Altavia in October of 2005
Baronial Titles
Sable Fret Pursuivant (Title for Altavia's Herald) This heraldic title was registered to Caid, Kingdom of in March of 1983 (via Caid) and transferred to Altavia, Barony of in December of 2003 (via Caid).
"Baron Altavia" and "Baroness Altavia" SCA heraldry reserves this term for the founding Baron and Baroness. Thus Robear is Baron Altavia, and Kristin is Baroness Altavia.
"Master of Altavia" and "Mistress of Altavia" -- Baronial Heir's Titles
Baronial Fighting Unit: Guardians of the High Road
Events
Baronial Anniversary - approximately 2nd week in May.
Agincourt Archery - As close to October 26 as feasible
Yule - early December
Altavia Equestrian Tourney - at Anniversary or another possible date.
