Archduchy of Esperance

In 1994, the Duchy of Calais combined with the Cantons of Aquitaine and Gaston to create a new duchy, Esperance. Seven months later, in April of 1995, the Duchy was created a Kingdom that extended from the Pacific Ocean to the Twentynine Palms/Indio areas of the California desert. Again in 1997, the borders changed. A bit of the southeast lands were given to the duchy of Sangrael at her birth, and in exchange, Esperance grew to the east and west. This Chapter now extends from Santa Barbara at the far west, eastward to the California/Nevada state line, including most of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.

Service has been uppermost in Esperance’s history, with her subjects always ready to jump in where needed in the Empire. As a result, there is a hefty sprinkling of Princes and Princesses, as well as a wealth of Counts and Countesses Royal.

But service is not this chapter’s only point of pride. There are several 3rd-level knights in both combat and ministry, all of whom are willing to teach whatever they know. The arts are making a resurgence after a lull in activity. Target archery is not allowed at most of the parks, so the archery competitions are always creative, inventive and a lot of fun!

Ministers

Our Ministers

• Archduke: Sir Cagar cu Mara
• Archduchess: Dame Saphira Catdragon

Library

• Current Charter: Kingdom of Esperance, 2017
• Charter - Kingdom of Esperance, 2010
• Charter - Kingdom of Esperance, 2002
• Charter - Kingdom of Esperance, 1995

Internet Presence

• Esperance Chapter Group Discussion List

Calendar

• Esperance normally conducts its monthly event on the second Saturday of the month. Details and changes can be checked on the group page.
• Crown War: Held on the second Saturday in April.
• Coronation: Held during the month of May.

Local customs

• Ren-tip only: There is a local codicil that stipulates in rapier combat, only the end 3 inches of the blade shall count. This is to emulate historical blades, which were not sharpened down their entire lengths, and thus could not cause harm down their entire lengths.
• On time: Events will start on time. Half an hour before the published start time, the sign-ins will open. If the autocrat is not present at the published starting time, the highest-ranking Esperance noble will start court.