Blackrune Free Company
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Founding
House Blackrune and the Blackrune Free Company were both founded on September 24, 1983 (A.S. XVII) in the Barony of the Angels, during the baronage of Taliesin and Kerridwen. Their area of origin is the Canton of the Canyons, in the Barony of the Angels, Kingdom of Caid, within the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Both groups were founded by Lord Hagar Stromburg Blackrune, Master Gulliver Blackrune, Lord Erickson Blackrune and Lord Hanse Darkona Blackrune, and began meeting at Arcadia Regional County Park on Tuesday, January 3, 1984.
Purpose
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 the situation on the field. By combining these groups of two, three or four fighters into one unit, the Company became more effective on the field as a unit.
Heraldry
Blazon: Per 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. The colors of black (sable) and gold (Or) may be seen on the warfield at most Caidan wars and events.
Membership
Fighters in the Blackrune Free Company could join for a single war or for different terms of service as fit their interests. However, membership in the Free Company does not confer membership in the Household.
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
Company
The Blackrune Free Company has had 5 Captains over its history:
- Lord Hagar Stromburg Blackrune
- Master Gulliver Blackrune
- Lord Torin Ribsplitter
- Lord Ivan Blackrune
- Caspian Blackrune, current Captain
Current Information
Many fighters who once participated in the Blackrune Free Company have gone on to form other warbands and gain high honors within the SCA. Some notable warbands that spent time with Blackrune in their early days include the Bloody Harlequins, House Deterioatta, and the Romani.
The Blackrune Free Company was admitted to the the Order of the Crossed Swords for valor on the battlefield in 1994 by TRM Ivan III and Aislynn II.
We traditionally fight in the Third Brigade (the White Lightings) when the Caidan 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.
For information about the Blackrune Free Company contact the current Captain, Lord Caspian Blackrune
