Barony of Starkhafn

W elcome to the...

Canton de la Tour Rouge

...of the Barony of Starkhafn, in the Kingdom of Caid; a part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

T he SCA is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to educating its own membership and the public at large, about the culture of the European Middle Ages and Renaissance. We re-create the ideals, arts, crafts, and history of Western Europe before the coming of the industrial age (pre-1600 AD).

T he SCA is a world-wide organization and the largest of is type on the planet. In addition to being a modern not-for-profit corporation, it is broken down into Kingdoms. Each of these Kingdoms is ruled by a King and Queen and further broken down into Baronies, where a Baron and Baroness rule in the name of the Crown.

W ords like chivalry and courtesy come alive in our world, where the King wins his crown by skill at arms, and the Queen is revered for her inspiration and gentle courtesy, and the high nobles of the realm are honored for their time-tested service to others, their knowledge and skills at period arts, or their prowess in knightly combat.

F or those who have some skill, whether it be archery, brewing, smithing, glassblowing, calligraphy, public speaking, ceramics, weaving, woodworking, leatherworking, soapmaking, jewelry making, dancing, sewing, or the like, we provide a place where those skills can be tested, displayed and improved.

F or those who wish to learn a skill, we offer formal and informal instruction in a variety of areas. And for those who have greater experience, we offer a range of opportunities to teach eager students. As such, we hold a wide range of demonstrations, classes, and events. Some of these classes are offered to the general public, while other events are geared more specifically for SCA members. Within our organization we have enthusiastic members participating in all sorts of activities. Some of these members possess high skill levels, some possess the merest beginnings of knowledge in an area. We endeavor to make a place and encourage those with all skill levels.

W e also have tournaments where knights in shining armor (men AND women) fight each other in honorable combat, inspired by the grace and nobility of their consorts. We provide a social structure wherein feedback, accolades, and even official status within the group are freely offered to those who wish to participate in our historical martial arts. Finally, we strive to teach and promote, through our words and actions, those ideals of an age past, but not forgotten: chivalry, honor, and courtesy.

I t is the central theme of the SCA that one is best equipped to learn about history by reliving it. Standing on a battlefield preparing to charge the "enemy"; watching the early morning mist rising across the encampment; sitting at a campfire listening to bards sing of deeds of valor; dancing at a formal court; forging out a steel sword, sparks flying from the red hot steel as hammer and anvil do their work; all of these experiences and more can make one feel as if they were really there, reliving history; and all of these experiences are available in the SCA.

F or these reasons alone, the SCA would be near and dear to our hearts. However, due to our common mission and the particular nature of the SCA, as well as the ideals we share, the environment of the SCA is very close, almost like family. Some of the best friends we have ever made are fellow members of the SCA.

O ften on a week night, with no formal SCA event occurring, some of us will get together to socialize and enjoy each other's company. Children will play about the room as we sit on someone's couch and discuss the finer points of brewing or medieval battle tactics or the change in women's fashion in France between 1400 and 1440.

T he town where we live, Las Vegas, is highly transient; people move in and out very quickly indeed. The close-knit nature of the SCA is well suited to a town where people often have no family or friends within thousands of miles. However, the SCA is not just like this in Las Vegas. The SCA is the largest and oldest of the groups dedicated to medieval and Renaissance recreation. It is estimated that we have over 40,000 participants worldwide.

I f you do some traveling, you will find that the people in the SCA are the same in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and even London and New Zealand.

S o, welcome to this little corner of the SCA, and of the Modern Middle Ages. Feel free to browse the web site and gather information. We hope to see you soon, whether it be standing side by side with some of us in the shield wall at the next battle with the foes of the Barony, or at a workshop or practice, or a newcomers' or populace meeting.

Standard Disclaimer: This is the recognized web site for the Canton de la Tour Rouge of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. This site may contain electronic versions of the group's governing documents. Any discrepancies between the electronic version of any information on this site and the printed version that is available from the originating office will be decided in favor of the printed version. Copyright © 2005 Canton de la Tour Rouge

Last modified: 20-Oct-2005

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