Blackrune Free Company
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House Blackrune and the Blackrune Free Company were both founded on September 24th AS XVII (1983), in the Barony of Angels, during the baronial reign of Baron Taliesin de Acre. Their area of origin is the Canton of Canyons, in the Barony of Angels, in the Kingdom of Caid , within the Society for Creative Anachronism.
The groups began meeting at Arcadia Regional County Park on Tuesday, January 3, 1984.
Both groups were founded by Lord Hagar Stromburg Blackrune, Master Gulliver Blackrune, Lord Erickson Blackrune and Lord Hanse Darkona Blackrune.
The blazonry for the Blackrune Free Company is pale Or and sable, in dexter chief five gouttes-de-sang, two, one and two, and in sinister chief a bezant; a double bitted axe palewise counterchanged
Many members also have membership in other groups such as the Bloody Harlequins, Temple's Hope, the Good Ship Indigo Rose , House Blackspear, and Sietch Persistent. Members participate in many areas of the SCA including brewing, music, cooking, metalwork, leatherwork, costuming and calligraphy. Members of Blackrune also have a long history of active participation running events and giving service to the society on many levels. Members have held office on the Cantonial, Baronial and Kingdom levels.
Members of House Blackrune were encouraged to fight with the Blackrune Free Company, but were not required to and participated in many other fighting units in Caid, West, east, Trimaris, and midrealms.
Fighters in the Blackrune Free Company could join for a single war or for different terms of service as fit their interests. Membership in the Free Company does not confer membership in the Household.
The Blackrune Free Company has had 5 Captains over it's history; Lord Stromburg Blackrune, Master Gulliver Blackrune, Lord Torin Ribsplitter, Lord Ivan Blackrune and it's current Captain, Lord Caspian Blackrune.
The Blackrune Free Company is a fighting unit designed to give lone fighters and small groups a place to fight, without having to dedicate themselves to long term service to a territorial group. This flexible design arose when it was noticed that each of the territorial based groups or larger cohesive groups would receive preferential treatment when it came to the ordering of battle on the field. The lone fighters would be grouped together with little regard for their abilities.
Three fighters on the field could have fun, but 20 could change to situation on the field. By combining together these groups of two, three or four fighters into one unit we became more effective on the field.
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Many fighters who once participated in the Blackrune Free Company have gone on to form other warbands and to gain high honors within the SCA. Some notable warbands that spent time with Blackrune in their early days include the Bloody Harlequins, House Deteriorata and the Romani.
The Blackrune Free Company was awarded the Order of the Crossed Swords for valor on the battlefield in 1994 by His Majesty Ivan III.
We traditionally fight in the Third Brigade when the army is called to the defense of our kingdom. We do hire out as mercenaries for events that encourage the opportunity or when suitable remuneration encourages us to travel to fight foreign foes.
Today the Blackrune Free Company is enjoying a renewal of purpose, manpower and spirit with the addition of the new camping group The Bjoys of Blackrune; a vibrant, enthusiastic generation of new members. THe colors of Black and gold may be seen on the warfield at most Caidan wars and events.
For information concerning the Blackrune Free Company contact Captain Caspian Blackrune [here]
Traditions of the Blackrune Free Company
Annals of the Company and the Post of Annalist: The Annalist is the recorder and custodian of the history of the Company. It is traditional that at events he does a reading from the Annals of the company.
First Toast-To Absent Friends : The first toast of a gathering is usually To Absent Friends to remember those not present and those who have passed away. The second toast is frequently To Present Company but others may be offered up as well.
Hand Clasp : The unit has long uses a right arm grasp as a greeting. The practice has many reason amongst which are checking each other for knives, binding the sword arm upon greeting, and because the left hand held a tankard.
Colors of Black and Gold : The unit colors are Black and gold and members are encouraged to use the colors liberally in their attire and accoutrements.
Shield Design : The shield design for war shield was traditionally Per Pale Or and Sable. This was a guideline though and other divisions of black and gold were used. Often various charges were used in various places. The chief section on the gold side has often been filled with personal devices or badges. A lower corner has been often replaced with the blue and white device for the Order of the Crossed Swords
