Welcome to the Barony of Ildhafn
We are a medieval and renaissance re-creation club, interested in the good parts of pre-1600 history (i.e. we're leaving out the bigotry, sexism, racism and intolerance).
We hold regular events where we dress like medieval or renaissance people, feast, dance, sing and participate in tournaments. Between events, most of us practice various arts & crafts, and pursue specialised areas of interest such as weaving, dancing, fencing, armouring, sewing, heraldry, shoe-making, book-binding, calligraphy, illumination, music, brewing & cooking. There are few historic crafts that one of us would not have touched on at some time.
New members are always welcome, whether you want to become heavily involved or just have a go once or twice a year.
The Barony of Ildhafn includes most of the Northern half of the North Island; however, there are two main concentrations of SCA members : the City of Ildhafn (Auckland) and the Canton of Cluain (Hamilton and the Waikato). The information on this website primarily pertains to the City of Ildhafn; here is the website of the Canton of Cluain. On this website you'll find various articles, announcements and information about upcoming events or things we've been up to in the Barony or in the wider SCA.
The SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) encompasses a group of affiliated societies around the world who are interested in all things medieval and renaissance. Ildhafn is part of the Kingdom of Lochac, which encompasses Australia and New Zealand; one of 19 Kingdoms across the world. There are links here to other SCA groups in New Zealand, and around the world.
Somewhat of a cross between medieval/renaissance reenaactment, role-playing, living history and a social/cultural club, the SCA has something for everyone. Our diverse interests mean that there's always something new to do and we can probably recommend someone to help you out with whatever aspect of life before the year 1600 you might want to know about.
You don't have to have a personal connection to the history you're reenacting - if you're a recent migrant to Auckland from the Pacific who wants to play as a 16th century Italian, go for it! If your family is German, and you want to be a 12th century Mongol - sure!
There are many re-enactment groups in New Zealand, catering to many tastes and interests. If you're a member of one, and would like to play with the SCA too - welcome!
Some of the things that make us distinctive are:
- Breadth of interest - we cover a huge area and a long period, and we study and re-create many aspects of medieval life
- A flexible, inclusive approach - you choose what you're interested in, and how intensively you want to re-create it
- Our events are usually for our own entertainment - they are for the participants, rather than being public performances or demonstrations
- World-wide affiliations - we are one branch of a society that has groups on every continent
As well as the information you'll find on this website, and in particular if you're new to the SCA, you might find scademo.com to be an excellent introduction to the broad range of activities the society encourages.
If you're interested in attending an event, please feel free to contact any of the people mentioned on this site. We're always keen to meet new people and would love to help you explore your interest in things medieval and renaissance.