History:Barony of Sun Dragon History

Photo

Argent, a rainbow gules, argent, azure, Or and purpure, clouded within a laurel wreath azure Photographer: {{{photographer}}}

Information

Resides: Barony of Sun Dragon Status: Active

Heraldry

Per fess argent and azure, a rainbow gules, argent, azure, Or and purpure, clouded argent.

The Barony of Sun Dragon started in 1983. Sun Dragon encompasses West Phoenix Metropolitan Area – Ahwatukee, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City.

The Barony of Sun Dragon started as "canton" that became a Barony due to the large size of the metropolitan Phoenix area. The name Sun Dragon originated from a Mixed Weapons War event that was near Luke Air Force Base. A Goodyear blimp was seen in the air and someone shouted out, "Look there is a dragon in the sky!" Since we are from the land of the sun, the name Sun Dragon was born.

Sun Dragon's rainbow was designed by Ioseph of Locksley who loved rainbows and was the leading herald at the time. He was challenged to design a rainbow that would be heraldically correct. When Sun Dragon became it's own Barony, he was able to incorporate rainbow into the device.

The War Dragon badge was added during the time of Arthur and Timira as an alternate to the rainbow populace badge. Originally, it was just used for the purposes of fighting at war, but has become more popular as use of identifying as a Sun Dragon member.

Sun Dragon has traditionally been a matriarchal barony due to our first baroness at the time, was not allowed to reign with her significant other and therefore reigned alone. Since then, most baronesses have sat in the right-side throne, in the position of power, and have been heralded into court first. In addition, many of the Baronesses and populace members have been heavily involved in the "Lost Tribes" which clans are also typically matriarchal.

*Thank you to Banntheng and Thengn Viola and Wilhelus for history information.

List of Baronesses and Barons

Landed Baronesses and Barons are considered peers for the duration of their term. "Landed" means they have "lands" associated with their titles, meaning they have territories based on zip codes. There are barons and baronesses who have been given granted this title from the King and Queen for acts of great service to the Kingdom. Landed Baronesses and Barons are selected by the King and Queen to act as leaders for that Barony, however the populace is polled and populace opinion is taken into account for the selection. Baronesses and Barons reign for typically a 3 year period although that time has changed over time and some have extended their reign beyond 3 years. Once a Baroness and Baron step-down they are then usually awarded the title of Bannthegn and Thegn. When addressing a Baroness or Baron, they are addressed as Your Excellency.

Reign #	Baroness	Baron
14	Elizbeth Redfern	Duncan Redfern
13	Valdisa Alarsdottir	Wolff Schultz
12	Jacqueline de Bretaigne	Gefroi Le Gris
11	Gwenffrey de Abergavenny	Simon Aaron of Windermere
10	Viola Carrara	Wilhelus le Casse
9	Theresa von Elp	Robert Aonghus of Loch Mohre
8	Katheline van Weye	Ryan Dollas
7	Deborah Inis Glas	Diego de Marulanda al Nadil
6	Tatiana the Midwife	Dmitri Miscovich Katzmier
5	Rowan of the Titans	Wilhelus le Casse
5	Rowan of the Titans	-
4	Tamira Ellivaine du Clonakilty	Arthur O'Flaherty
3	Gilda Nootka's Wife	Nootka Karlsefni
2	Cherie Ruadh MhicRath of Locksley	Ioseph of Locksley
1	Alys Carvelsdatter	-

List of Prior Overall Champions

The barony of Sun Dragon has an annual competition at the Champions Event typically held the last weekend in October for a highly esteemed position within the barony with a year long commitment. This position is to act as Guard to our Baroness, ensure there are guards assigned to her during events and courts, and to recruit help for set up and take down of Baronial equipment (pavilion, thrones, etc.) as needed at events. Individuals in this competition are expected to compete in all the other champion competitions, however, a person may have another populace member stand in on their behalf for one of the competitions. While anyone can guard the Baroness, only Overall Champions (current and previous) may handle baronial sword, named "Flame." The Overall Champion works closely with the Chatelaine (see below) on coordinating coverage for the Baroness on events and for running the next Champions Event. The Overall Champion is not necessarily selected based on how he or she scores in each competition, but on their effort and chivalry and is ultimately chosen by the Baroness and Baron.

List of Prior Overall Champions:

Thoraulf Gunderson

Jeff the Giant

Nootka Karlsefni

Anaieran Peabody

Lawrence

Patrick Shannon of Newhall

Arthur O’Flaherty

Marcus Finially Bond

Joseph McFadden

Otto Blaushield

Eirik Ising Steingrim

Matthew Alexandros Casca

Balor Mac Falechoin

Otto Blaushield

Colum Mac Eoghain Ui Niall

Deitrich Neiblung

Iago Goff

Davor Drizislav

Sebastian de Rolstoun

Robert Angus

Rosalinda Kesselheim

Fergus MacInnes

Dugan MacAlec

Ygvar Ottoson

Liam Dubh Mac Colum

Jakob inn rammi

Michael of Worchester

Gereon Lautermilch der Betruger

Gabriel Boyle

Gottfried von Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Gefroi Le Gris

Cullen Ellis

Wolff Schultz

Eric the Bald

Edward Harrison

Tatár Ferenc

Siraj Farhadzedah

List of Prior Chatelaines/Stewards (Head Lady/Lord-In-Waiting)

In addition to the Overall Champion, the Chatelaine/Steward is another competition that is done at the Champion Event and is another admired and sought after year-long position. This position not only acts as Lady-In-Waiting to the Baroness, but helps to ensure all Baronial awards are prepped and ready to go out at Court. The Chatelaine is also responsible for scheduling other ladies-in-waiting for events or at times she cannot be there. It is seen as bad form for the current Baroness to be seen without a lady-in-waiting. Sun Dragon Barony was using the term Chatelaine well before other parts of the SCA started using the term Chatelaine to mean a different position (usually the Newcomer Welcome Officer) and has stuck with continuing the tradition. There is also a competition for the Chatelaine that has varied over the years including knowledge on how to make the awards or who they can get to help assist them with making the awards. Similar to the Overall Champion, the Chatelaine is also chosen by the Baroness and Baron.

List of Prior Chatelaines:

Fionnghuala Mac Coili

Gytha

Krisha

Meghan

Aurora

Elfleda

Blance Cecile d'Etoile Noir

Lillian of the Distant Shores

Ceit

Rhodri Longshanks

Angelique Du Bois

Ninian Ende

Gytha of the Bows

Brenna Macghie of Kintyr

Honor Catlin MacCurtain

Dughall

Hrefna

Theresa von Elp

Robert Aonghus of Loch Moher

Rosalinda Gertrude Kesselheim

Katalena

Belen Bat Kedar

Jepa Kajepa

Nastas’ia Volkovicha

Isabelle Le Charpentier de Normandie

Iseult inghean ui Threasaigh

Anabel de Cheselhelme

Sigrid the Generous

Jepa Kajepa

Emma Makeblise

Gwenfrewi de Abergavenny

Moira O'Droogan

Jacqueline de Bretaigne

Octavia Maria

Aurora Faw

Ermesinde de Champaigne

Elizabeth Redfern

Fionnghuala Coili

Nastas'ia Volkovicha

Other Baronial Champions

In addition to the main 2 positions that are awarded at the Baronial Champions events, there are "style" champions that are also awarded at this event that are held for one-year's time. Style champions are in charge of promoting their area throughout the upcoming year with various tournaments or displays, usually held once a month. Champions are selected by their prowess and ability in the competitions. All Champions are typically required to take the "dreaded written test" which captures the Barony's history and awards. Below are the various styles for the competitions:

Hardsuit Champion

Year	Name
2022	Rainulf Lion
2023	Finnan Fannach

Rapier Champion

Year	Name
2022	Elizabeth Schumacher
2023	Cullen Ellis

Archery Champion

Year	Name
2022	Lasairfhíona inghean uí Néill
2023	Robert MacIain

Arts and Sciences Champion

Year	Name
1987	Cherie Ruadh MhicRath of Locksley
1988	Christiana Sinclaire
1989	Maginfred Beorhtmaer Uhtric
1990	Aurora d'Ecosse
1991	Elfleda Tarsella Bethoc
1992	Blanche Cecile d'Etoile Noir
1993	Lillian of the Distant Shores
1994	None
1995	Gwendolyn MacAuslane of Loch Lomand
1996	Diego de Marulanda
1997	Padraig Dillion of Liathor
1998	Brenna MacGhie of Kintyre
1999	Dementia Eoda Blauschild
2000	Gwendolen Wold
2001	Dementia Eoda Blauschild
2002	Isabella Rufhammer
2002	Cecily de la Warde
2003	Selene O'Malley
2004	Sebastian de Rolstoun
2005	Jacquelin de Normandy
2006	Katalena Aleksandrova
2007	Sorcha inghen Chon Mhara
2008	Ritchyrd McUath
2009	Raven Mayne
2010	Jacquelin de Normandy
2011	Giuliana Francesca Bellini
2012	Gepa of Sundragon
2013	Gereon Lautermilch der Betruger
2014	Venora O'Davorean
2015	Leonore Aid-an
2016	Kandace van de Libel
2017	Clarice la Costuriere d'Avignon
2018	Mattea Locatelli
2019	Eleanor Cleavely
2020	Aurora Faw of the Horny Horses
2021	Moira O'Droogan
2022	Jakob inn rammi
2023	Ermesinde de Champaigne

Bardic Champion

Year	Name
2022	Eirik Ising Steingrim
2023	Ritchyrd McUath

Thrown Weapons Champion

Year	Name
2022	Jaku'an Kakujo
2023	Gefroi le Gris

Youth Champion

Year	Type	Name
2022	Archery Champion	Hylda of SunDragon
2022	A&S Champion	Saren of SunDragon
2023	Youth Boffer Co Champions	Charlie and Jupiter of SunDragon
2023	A&S Champion	Saren of SunDragon

Sister Baronies

Typically, sister baronies are centers of hospitality. So if the populace of that barony goes to an event at that location they will ensure those people are welcomed, have camping space, etc. In addition, the baronies would be considered to be allies with one another. The sister baronies are determined by the Baroness and Baron. Ambassadors may even be sent to each other’s barony.

• Barony Loch Sal Ann, Kingdom of Aretmesia (SLC) – 1997 – the 2 baronies exchanged flags Barony Eskalya, Principality of Oertha,
• In the Kingdom of the West (Anchorage, AK) in 2012 - exchanged scrolls and flags
• Shire of Windale (Kingman) in about 1993 Sun Dragon sponsored them, to be able to go from an incipient shire to an actual Shire. This was started with Arthur and Timira. Their zip codes belonged to Sun Dragon, but have since been turned over to the Kingdom as they are now their own Shire.

Awards

All award information and charters here.

Trivia

Sun Dragon considers themselves the birthplace of Estrella War, because Estrella Mountain Park was in their zip codes. However, the Kingdom claimed they were kingdom lands. Baron’s War used to be held in Tucson and would have over 1000 participants. Each year, a different Barony was in charge of intrakingdom and each barony would fight against each other. This event stopped happening in order to facilitate opening up the schedule for people to go to Caid for Great Western War.

Flag in Space - During the reign of Teresa and Robert, one of the war banners were taken aboard the space shuttle. Deb and Diego donated the flag. The barony got an official print out from NASA that our flag was flow in zero gravity in space. Presented in court in Estrella War 2013.

Caveman Tournament History is located here.

Stories

A Tale of 2 Dragons by Dame Gepa of SunDragon

Rainbow's Gold

The Rainbow’s Gold is a non presidential award that can be earned after completing sets of tasks and getting them signed off by Members of the Rainbow’s Gold. The Rainbow’s Gold gives a person the chance to experience almost every aspect of the SCA. It also gives the opportunity to have something to do at almost every event.
If this is something you are interested in: the first thing you have to do is officially declare at a Sun Dragon Court,(letting the Baron / Baroness and Herald know in advance) so everyone knows you are starting your amazing adventure. Once declared you should choose a Rainbow’s Gold Member as a mentor to help you keep track of tasks and assist in finding opportunities to get tasks signed off. I will also invite you to the R.G. Facebook group to ask questions and encouragement. Rainbow's Gold

Charter

There shall exist in the Barony of SunDragon an award known as the Order of the Rainbow's Gold. It may be given by the Baron/ess to those persons recognized by the other members of the Order as having completed the requirements necessary (see below). The holder of this award shall be entitled to place after their name CRG and shall be styled Companions of the Rainbow's Gold of the Barony of SunDragon.
Insignia of the Order shall be a single gold medallion depicting the Baronial Rainbow and strung with a cord of the SunDragon rainbow colours
The Order shall convey no precedence.
The Coronet of the Barony shall carry the title of Principal of the Rainbow's Gold, and shall have all rights, duties, and privileges of Companions of the Order.
The person(s) first elevated unto Companion of the Order shall bear the title of Premier of the Order of the Rainbow's Gold. Amendments to this Charter shall be made by the Principal of the Order, after consultation with the other members of the Order. Candidates may begin to fulfill the requirements for this Order upon officially declaring themselves before the Baron/ess and the Companions of the Order.
The following is the requirements of the Order of the Rainbow’s Gold.

Combat

In order to accomplish this section, the candidate will demonstrate various skills at arms. There are three ways to accomplish this, the candidate must choose one of the three.

The first alternative is to fight in a heavy weapons tourney. This must be an official tourney.

The second alternative will call upon the candidate to complete the following:

Find a suitable member of the Order that is commonly accepted as an accomplished heavy weapons fighter. The candidate should pledge to this individual for a period of time to serve as a retainer. In return the candidate will learn to wield a weapon and hold a shield. The candidate will then, before three (3) members of the Order, proceed to don a suit of armor and demonstrate the uses of armor, sword and shield against an armored opponent who will not strike back.

If the candidate is physically unable to complete either of the above, the candidate must be able to identify pieces of armor and weapons, and tell which blows are being used when seeing these blows performed by a fighter.

All candidates will identify the various machines of war.

All candidates will elaborate on the fortifications of the period. This will be accomplished by designing a fortification on land, on terrain which has been designated by one of the members of the Order.

All candidates will demonstrate knowledge of Society weapons, combat, armor, and rules of combat.

Heraldry

To demonstrate a knowledge of heraldry, the candidate must:

Blazon his own device and have it painted on a shield (if a fighter) or worked into a banner. The device must have been submitted to the heralds for registration.

The candidate must be able to identify at least three out of five of the arms of the prominent Peers of the Barony.

The candidate will be able to answer about basic heraldry: What are: Tinctures, metals and furs

Basic field divisions and charges based on those divisions.

Dancing

To demonstrate the candidate's dancing ability, the candidate shall be required to perform five dances, each of which is from a different, Western European court style that is appropriate to our period of research (i.e. Pavan, Bransle, Alman, English Country, 15th Century Italian, 16th Century Italian, Galliard, and the like).

Games

To demonstrate the candidate's ability with games, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge of Chess or Backgammon. The candidate must also be able to name five (5) other games of the Middle Ages and play one of the seven (7).

Calligraphy

Candidates for this Order must submit a scriven petition requesting membership to this Order. The petition will be written in a medieval hand and illuminated to the best of the ability of the candidate; and shall be presented to the candidate upon completion of all the requirements, by the hand of the Baron/ess.

For the Pleasure of Others

To demonstrate the candidate's knowledge of music and literature, the candidate will submit two (2) of the following:

Write a fable, poem, morality play, or story of chivalry. Language should approximate courtly speech (no slang) and entries be typed or scriven. You may recite your entry before the populace or present it for recitation by a minstrel.

Write a ballad, round, or simple song in the spirit and style of the Middle Ages. Entries must be presented in a ready-to-perform format or must be performed by the candidate.

Perform a piece of period music and supply written documentation for same, at time of performance.

Recite from memory a period poem, fable, story, or play (the latter in consort with others) for the pleasure of the populace.

To research, document, and exhibit a period art or craft.

Courtly Behavior

Each candidate will be assigned a mentor (the candidate may request a particular companion of the Order or one will be assigned) to aid in the instruction of the candidate in courtly behavior and SCA customs. The candidate will also be observed by members of the Order during the time he/she is working to complete the other requirements of the Order.

Know Thyself

To demonstrate the candidate's knowledge of the Middle Ages, the candidate will be questioned by a panel with respect to persona. The candidate will need to know such things as: What period of time s/he is living in, where, activities of daily life, politics, religion, clothes, food, etc.

Service To Others

The candidate will act as either an officer or a deputy for a period of six months beginning from the time they declare themselves as a candidate, or they shall act as a autocrat or co-autocrat or shall instruct three classes on different subjects at some time during the period they are working for the Order.

In Memorium