We sadly report that Duchess Kolfinna Kottr, KSCA, OP, modernly known as Kitty Sexton, entered the halls of Valhalla on Thursday, October 1, 2009 as a result of illness.

It was a day for horses, auctions and scavenger hunts - but mostly horses - when the Conejo Creek Equestrian Park hosted a benefit event for Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship and California Coastal Horse Rescue, two non-profits who help horses and the disabled. The local SCA group was on hand with their equestrian unit. (photos)

Madelena reports that Sir Patrick O'Malley was the victor of the August 22, 2009 Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Caid. Sir Patrick was inspired in his endeavor by THLady Kara the Twin.

Online pre-registration for Great Western War is now open, through August 31. Here is an update on GWW activities.

Great Western War XII October 6-12, 2009

The Barony of Lyondemere invites all good gentles and nobles to celebrate with us the anniversary of our faire barony. We will be feteing our Baron Thomas Bordeaux and Baroness Angelina Nicollette de Beaumont, and celebrating the investiture of Lord Jon Thomme de Claydon and Lady Eva filia Edeneweyn as our new baron and baroness.

Pictures from the recent Potrero War held in the Barony of Calafia, Kingdom of Caid, are now available from Knut Forkbeard and friends.

Remember the fun of the 3-legged race at summer camp? Well, maybe it wasn't all that fun, but it is fun when the contestants are in armor, as can be seen in a video from the Gyldenholt/Califia friendship tourney on March 14th, 2009.

Dame TSivia's recent vigils (in two different kingdoms) and elevation to the Order of the Pelican was captured by multiple photographers, who have kindly shared their work on various web sites.

It was a long labor involving Many different Midwives, Guardsmen, and Warriors, but in the end it was Count Edward Sinestre who stood triumphant on the Tournament Field.

The Barony of Calafia wishes to cordially extend an invitation to the entirety of the Knowne World to join us once again for a weekend of fighting, frolicking, and revelry in the shade of the beautiful oak trees of Potrero Park.

Come one, come all! The Barony of the Angels invites you to attend our annual Robin Hood Tournament at the Woodley Park archery range. Come and enjoy a wonderful day of archery, thrown weapons, rapier and bardic competitions for Their Excellencies Baron John ap Griffin and Baroness Flavia Beatrice Carmigniani are in search of champions. All of Caid is encouraged to show in force!

Come one, come all, to our annual Lyondemere Arts and Archery Tournament! The event will be held in beautiful Cheviot Hills at the Rancho Park Archery Range, which is located in the Rancho Park Golf Course. Parking for the archery range is found at the end of a narrow east/west road, accessible on the west side of Motor Avenue (take the first turn north of where Motor meets Pico Blvd). Watch for SCA signs on Motor Ave. Our picnic area adjoins the parking lot on the south side. All parking is free.

Keradwc an Cai has posted an album of photos from the recent Queen's Champion event in the Kingdom of Caid.

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The Barony of Dreiburgen invites you to join us at our Yule Celebration on Saturday December 6, 2008

** Donation Raffle - Bring an item to donate for the raffle. In the spirit of the season our raffle proceeds will be donated to the 2 SCA members that were affected by the Montecito Tea Fire. As you should have heard by now, 2 of our own are in the hospital with serious burn injuries and have lost their home. Please be generous. ** Location:
Barony of Dreiburgen (Yucca Valley, California)

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It's not too early to start planning for your favorite Darachshire event, Black Oak Lodge! The 2009 event's theme is The Da Vinci Codex, when we'll be celebrating the 1490 marriage of Isabella of Aragon and Gian Galeazzo Sforza of Milan.

At the wedding, Leonardo himself produced the stage set for Bernardo Bellincioni's La Festa del Paradiso ("Feast of Paradise") performed in the Castello Sforzesco. It was a time of new inventions, scientific discoveries, and artistic masterpieces, and no doubt some Court intrigue... Location:
Shire of Darach (Santa Barbara, California)

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Come join us as we celebrate the Barony of Starkhafn's Yule at the winter court of Richard III! The year is 1483 and Richard has been King since late summer, with his lovely wife and Queen, Anne Neville, by his side. Shake out your brocades and furs and show your allegiance to the House of York or the House of Lancaster.

Upon arriving at the site, you will be given a site token marked with either a red or a white rose and there will be a number of intellectual challenges throughout the day to see who will triumph after feast, the White rose or the Red. Location:
Barony of Starkhafn (Boulder City, Nevada)

Thursday November 13th, 2008 two members of the Shire of Isles in the Kingdom of Caid were seriously injured. Wilhelm Caius (mka Lance Hoffman) and his wife Carla were severely burned escaping the Tea Fire in Montecito, CA.

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Hark! 'Tis the thunder of hooves! Valiant riders and their noble steeds shall compete in honor of Our Queen in a competition of skill and strategy. Join Her Majesty Kolfinna and Her Court on Sunday, November 16, 2008, for the Queen's Equestrian Championship Tourney.

Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in the many competitions and activities honoring Queen Kolfinna. Garb your destriers in their most elaborate trappings; bring your most colorful banners and pennants; display your courtesy and your martial prowess in this day of challenge and competition! Activities are planned for non-riders and non-combatants as well, so that everyone may share in the pleasure of the day. Location:
Barony of Altavia (Chino, California)

Duchess Kathryn reports that "Treaty Negotiations for Estrella War XXV were held October 18, 2008 in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Crowns and Heirs of the Kingdom of Atenveldt, Caid, and the Outlands attended, and [the] Treaty was negotiated and signed."

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Calling all archers of the Kingdom of Caid! By the grace of the Barony of the Angels, the Barony of Lyondemere is pleased to bring you Fall Queen's Champion Archery, in honor of Kolfinna II, on Sunday November 23, 2008. This season's tournament in honor of our new Queen will be challenging. Set in a forest-like setting beside Pasadena, the Roving Range has a variety of distances to shoot. We will challenge and delight all archers with lanes that vary from 15 feet to 70 yards. We will only be shooting 4 arrows in each lane, but bring extra arrows. Location:
Barony of Lyondemere (Pasadena, California)

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Milords and ladies, all are invited to join in the festivities as Lyondemere raises their goblets to their beloved Baroness Angelina Nicolette de Beaumont at this, the first Baroness' Bardic and Birthday Banquet Saturday, November 1, 2008.

Prepare for an evening of bardic, revelry, gaming, bardic, dancing, feasting, and maybe some bardic thrown in for good measure. This early evening event will start off with a "beginners welcome" open bardic circle. You say you prefer to spend your time on a good game of chess or backgammon? Tables will be set up for play and some games will be provided. But if you have a favorite Tarot deck or would like to challenge someone to the new period game you just learned, feel free to bring it along. Other creative games are being invented to increase the revelry and social time. I'm not making any promises but "Gondola Races" anyone? Location:
Barony of Lyondemere (Los Alamitos, California)

Andre reports that he has posted an album of photos from the recent Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Caid.

A preview copy of the Gatebook for Great Western War XI is now available to view online. More announcements on the War below.

Ciorstan reports that Count Sven Orfhendur, inspired by Countess Kolfinna kottr, was the victor of the recent Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Caid.

Selene Colfox reports that Count Sven Orfhendur, inspired by Countess Kolfinna Kottr, was the winner of the recent Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of Caid.

THL Matheus Reyner, Publicity Deputy for Great Western War XI, advises that there are updates relating to merchants, A&S, combat, equestrian, and other activities at the War.

Sheikh Yusuf reports that he has posted an album of photos from Calafia May War in the Kingdom of Caid on his Flickr website.

The staff at Great Western War are happy to announce that ACCEPS is now live and available for pre-registration for the event.

THL Matheus Reyner, Publicity Steward for the Great Western War XI, shares several announcements regarding the upcoming War. Pre-registration is now open.