Barony of Unser Hafen

Unser Hafen
Vert, a portcullis Or within a laurel wreath argent, all within a bordure embattled Or.
Information
Founded: AS 25 In Kingdom: Outlands Baron: Freana Baroness: Richenda
Modern location
Larimer/Logan/Morgan/Weld County, CO, USA

Location

The Barony of Unser Hafen is an SCA branch in the Kingdom of the Outlands. Geographically, it encompasses Larimer, Logan, Morgan and Weld Counties in Colorado. The Baronial seat has traditionally been located in the city of Fort Collins, with a majority of its Barons and Baronesses residing in the city. Loveland has also been a significant population center within the barony.

Greeley, another major city within the barony, was previously home to the now-defunct Canton of Bofharrach. Currently, the active SCA presence in Greeley is Bears Gate, a household affiliated with the University of Northern Colorado.

Groups Within the Barony

In 2023, Bears Gate was founded as a household by Lady Caírech liath ingen Alpin. Primarily a student organization at the University of Northern Colorado, Bears Gate focuses on recruiting and supporting newcomers to the SCA. Despite its status as a household rather than an official branch, Bears Gate has gained recognition throughout the Kingdom of the Outlands for its welcoming approach and its catchphrase, "Ursa Porta."

The Canton of Bofharrach was a canton based in Greeley, Colorado. Established in the mid-1990s, it provided a gathering place for local participants, including both residents of Greeley and students at the University of Northern Colorado. The canton organized events and practices before becoming inactive. Its device featured: Or, a cow statant sable within a laurel wreath vert, a bordure embattled sable, a design inspired by a cow crossing sign, reflecting Greeley’s history as a major cattle city. The name "Bofharrach" translates to "Gathering Place of the Cows."

Colorado State University was also home to the College of Rams Keep, an SCA college affiliated with the university. It was established alongside the CSU Medieval Society to help students connect with the Society for Creative Anachronism. The college facilitated student participation and allowed the Barony of Unser Hafen to collaborate with the university in securing practice spaces and event venues.

History of Baronages

Unser Hafen was founded in the 25th year of the Society (1990) after several years as a Shire and several amusing attempts to get other names passed. The name means "Our Port" or "Our Refuge" in German, though it was originally submitted as "Uns Haven" (unshaven) as a nod to the bearded men of the Barony.

A tradition in the Outlands is to read a "skalding" of the line of succession when Crowns or Coronets are being passed on. The following is a compiled history of the Barons and Baronesses who have led Unser Hafen:

Sir Kevin MacKinnon and Mistress Ismenia Joslyn Wyndemeer (10/6/1990 - 7/30/1994) were the first Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen, bringing the dream of the Barony to life. Sir Kevin was the first knight to reside in the Barony, earning him the informal title of "Sir." Their tenure established many of the Baronial awards, except for the Stone Mason and the Corona Graminea, which came later.

Eques Titus Claudius Severus and The Honorable Lady Hancarata Aethnen filia Cunneddea (Llamrei) (7/30/1994 - 7/19/1997) strengthened the Barony’s sense of family and tradition. They established the Corona Graminea, awarded on the battlefield to the fighter embodying prowess and chivalry, modeled after the Roman award of the same name. Titus was known for his storytelling and work with children, while Llamrei was renowned for her passion, temper, and service as Kingdom Earl Marshal.

Master Thorfinn Greybeard and Mistress Rosalind of WellMark (7/19/1997 - 10/30/1999) enriched the Barony with Thorfinn’s Viking spirit and storytelling. Rosalind, later elevated to Countess, inspired many with her grace, strength, and regal bearing.

Gospodeen Tuman Elnikov and Mu'allima Rashiqah Amatulbarri bint Azhar al-Kehirawayyia (10/30/1999 - 1/26/2002) led with martial skill and artistry. Tuman was a fierce warrior who led troops to victory at Estrella, while Rashiqah was a skilled artisan, bringing renown to the Barony through her craftsmanship.

Syr Deotrich Hiltipard and Mistress Leonora Kathryn de Provence (1/26/2002 - 10/9/2004) brought honor and craft to the Barony. Deotrich was a gracious and honorable fighter, while Leonora was a skilled herbalist and brewer, known for her ‘Booboo Balm’ and mead. Both later became double peers.

Syr Alexandyr Macandrew and The Honorable Lady Mardanah al-Hindiyyah (10/9/2004 - 9/30/2006) emphasized youth engagement and cultural arts. Alexandyr, known for his speed and support of children’s activities, was called the "Children’s Baron." Mardanah fostered a love of Middle Eastern dance and founded the annual ‘Winter Oasis’ event.

Sir Samuel de Grace (9/30/2006 - 2/17/2008) was a left-handed fighter and talented archer. He opened an armoring shop for the Barony and mentored other left-handed fighters.

Syr Deotrich Hiltipard and Mistress Leonora Kathryn de Provence (Vicar and Vicaress, 2/17/2008 - 4/19/2008) served as interim leaders from Estrella War 2008 through the Baronial Investiture.

Lord William de Kari and Countess Rosalind of Wellmark Keep (4/19/2008 - 10/23/2010) guided the Barony through a time of growth and camaraderie, leading with wisdom and dedication.

Lord Arion Hawke and The Honorable Lady Helene Boudain (10/23/2010 - 10/20/2012) led with warmth and generosity, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and recognizing the contributions of their populace. Helene, known for her hospitality, frequently hosted White Rose Inn gatherings in Greeley, strengthening the Barony’s sense of community.

Sir Rand the Tracker of Oak Hollow and The Honorable Lady Meadhbh Daingen int Slébhe (10/20/2012 - 4/30/2016) represented Unser Hafen with grace and warmth, carrying its word-fame throughout the Known World and strengthening the Barony’s presence beyond its borders.

In the 50th year of the Society, Lord Nicolaao Machado and Lady Safiyya bint Faris al Dani demonstrated support for their populace with playfulness and sheer joy as the 11th Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen. (4/30/16 - 6/29/19)

Master Aegeon the Actor and The Honorable Lady Miriam Volpe (6/29/2019 - 5/14/2022) guided Unser Hafen through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and dedication. Under their leadership, the Barony emerged from lockdowns with a growing populace and renewed strength. Their service was tireless, ensuring the community remained connected and engaged during uncertain times. Baron Hrafn Olafsson and Baroness Caitrina inghean Aindriasa (10/8/2016 - 11/5/2022) focused on service and inclusion, leaving a legacy of strong community bonds.

Baron Freana and Baroness Richenda (11/5/2022 - 5/11/2025) guided the Barony with dedication and care, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.

Court

Baron: His Excellency Freana, 12th Baron

Baroness: Her Excellency Richenda, 12th Baroness

Head of Household: Her Honor Safiyya bint Faris al Dani

Defender(Heavy Fighting Champion): Lord Primus

Protector (Rapier Champion): Master Soren Thorvaldsson

Warden (Archery Champion): Alain du Chateau

Equestrian Champion: Hancarata Aethnen filia Cuneddae

A&S Champion: Lady Regalis dei Falchi

Pencerdd Bard of Unser Hafen (Bardic Champion): Viðbjǫrn Orðlokarr

Court Herald: Sir Felix Sniumi

Culture

The Barony of Unser Hafen is the northernmost barony within the Kingdom of the Outlands, with only the Shire of Windkeep and the Shire of Plattefordham located further north. Reflecting its historical role as a northern stronghold, the Barony adopted the portcullis as its emblem, symbolizing its position as a vanguard of the region.

Due to its relative distance from the major population centers of the kingdom, Unser Hafen has traditionally maintained a self-sufficient and independent spirit. Its populace takes pride in their craftsmanship, dedication to the Kingdom, and their distinctive Baronial colors, which also bear the Outlands’ colors of green and yellow. The Barony maintains a strong presence at Battlemoor, the premier war event of the Kingdom of the Outlands.

Historically perceived as somewhat insular, Unser Hafen has worked to strengthen connections with other groups through frequent travel and active participation in kingdom-wide events. The Barony shares a particularly close relationship with the Shire of Windkeep, fostered by years of collaboration and shared membership. It also maintains strong ties with the Barony of Caer Galen, its closest neighbor to the south.

Awards

The following are the chartered orders of the barony. Until 2006 they carried an Award of Arms, but were changed to being non-armigerous during the reign of Alexandyr and Mardanah, 6th Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen.

Builders of the Portcullis is the award given for arts and sciences. Its' badge is : (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by a candle in its holder Or

Golden Columbine of Unser Hafen is the award given for persona development. Its' badge is : (Fieldless) On a portcullis vert a columbine flower contourny Or

Golden Ring of Unser Hafen is the Baronial service award. Its' badge is: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by an annulet Or

Keepers of the Portcullis of Unser Hafen is the Baronial award for excellence in Heavy or Light Fighting, and Combat or Target Archery. Its' badge is: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by a pair of spears in saltire Or

Prima Lux of Unser Hafen is the award given to outstanding gentles under the age of 16, in all fields. Its' badge is: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert bearing a torch enflamed Or

Salt Bearer of Unser Hafen is given for exceptional work with newcomers and in the field of hospitality. Its' badge is: (Fieldless) On a portcullis vert a covered saltcellar Or

Stone Mason of Unser Hafen is the newest award, created by Their Excellencies Alexandyr and Mardanah, to be given to those gentles who exemplify the spirit of the SCA in their words, deeds and bearing. It is the Baronial counterpart to the Outlands' Walker of the Way, one of the highest honors a Crown can bestow. Its' badge is in progress.

The following are awards that are either non-ordered/non-chartered, or for some other reason lie outside the normal award structure of the Barony. In the case of the two awards given in Bofharrach, they are not official awards.

The Corona Graminea of Unser Hafen was instituted by Baron Titus and Baroness Llamrei during their reign. It is awarded by the jurisdiction of the Baron and Baroness only after speaking with the fighters who fought on the field at Estrella, and is given in their will and their name. It is given to the fighter who exemplified the spirit and prowess of chivalry on the field that year, and is considered by many to be one of the highest honors they can receive. It has no badge, but is represented by a crown made of grass from the field of combat. It theoretically can be given to someone more than once, but thus far never has been. Currently there is a discussion in the Barony as to whether or not the award can be given to combat archers or fencers.

Exterior Links

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