Hartwood
 The Shire of Hartwood (Mid to Upper Vancouver Island, B.C.) is located on Insula Magna in the Principality of Tir Righ. There are only two important rules in Hartwood: No setting yourself on fire, and no swimming in armour. You may ignore rule #2 if you break rule #1. Our motto is "One Hartbeat!" History Once upon a time, way back in 1989, a group of people plotted and planned and formed the Shire of Hartwood. It was a small shire, but in the fullness of time, it spawned two more groups, Cragmere (Courtenay, Campbell River and area) and Ravensley (Port Alberni). Hartwood has long had ties to the Barony of Seagirt (Victoria and area). Another group with close ties to the Insula Magna (Vancouver Island) groups is the Shire of False Isle (Powell River), which lies across the Strait of Georgia to the north-east of Hartwood (formerly the Shire of Cragmere). In AS 43-44/2009, talk started to turn towards amalgamating the three groups – Hartwood, Cragmere and Ravensley into a barony. There have been many discussions, but in the end, it was decided that Hartwood would make a bid for barony status, with Cragmere and Ravensley joining it under the Hartwood banner. As of May 1st AS45/2011, the Shires of Cragmere, Ravensley and Hartwood are one: The Shire of Hartwood. Notable ResidentsHartwood is fortunate to have a smattering of Peers within her lands. These include:
For a broader listing of the people of Hartwood, please see Hartwood Populace. Defenders (AKA Champions)Armoured Defender'Defender of The Hart' Decided at the Summer Defenders event:
Archery Defender'Defender of the Skies' Decided at the Summer Defenders event:
Bardic Defender'Bard of the Sea' Decided at the Yule event in November:
Craftsman (A&S) Defender'Craftsman of the Mountains' First Championship April 30, 2016, afterwards decided at the Yule event in November:
Rapier Defender'Defender of the Shores' Decided at the Summer Defenders event:
Researcher (Scholar) Defender'Researcher of the Winds' Decided at the Yule event in November:
Thrown Weapons Defender'Defender of the Woods' Decided at the Summer Defenders event:
HistoricalOld Hartwood has had many champions in the past; so have the former Shires of Cragmere and Ravensley. EventsCurrentHartwood has several traditional events, with new traditions being made each year. Some that we've come to look forward to: Curious what kind of shenanigans we get up to at our events? Some recorded memories can be found on the Hartwood Events page. NewcomersPart demonstration, part event, members are encouraged to bring afriend. There are displays and demonstrations of heraldry, fiber arts, archery, combat, and much more; a handful of craft classes to pique the interest; a potluck supper in the evening so we can get to know one another. University of Tir Righ SessionIn spring, any time between February and April, we gather to learn and share our knowledge. Classes vary each year, and organizers are always interested in hearing what the populace would like to learn. In AS LI (2016) we hosted our very first Craftsman Championship (a champion is termed "Defender"), and we often have a potluck on Saturday evening. The continuous sharing of knowledge is one of the most vital aspects of our society, something done year-long, but in spring we celebrate it specifically. As of October 2024, we do this again in autumn. Mid Summer ChampionsHeld in summer, we hold our Armoured, Archery, Rapier and Thrown Weapons Championships at this event; we also often feature Embellisher's Guild meetings, TUTR classes, and war scenarios when possible. Bardic on the Saturday night can last until morning's light. Of all our events, this one seems to inspire the most camaraderie, year in and year out. YuleAs we head into winter and all the many family gatherings that take our time, our Shire comes together to break bread, reminisce over the year's activities, and recognize our gratitude for Hartwood's strong community. Hartwood holds our Bardic, Researcher, and Craftsman Championships (champions are termed "Defenders") at this event, but there are usually additional displays or competitions for Arts & Sciences. We are often blessed with Royal Presence at this time of year. HistoricalCragmere and Ravensley likewise had their own traditional events.
Awards and TokensCurrent Awards and Tokens
Previous Awards and Tokens
Cragmere and Ravensley of course had their own tokens. External Links |