KoJ Estate hosts Canton Ehrenschloss Tourney
December 17, 2005

        The KoJ Estate hosted its final tourney offering for the year, bringing in quite a crowd. Highlight of this tourney included an Armored combat melee and tourney between Lord X E Ryder and Michael, some excellent Shinai combat, and some great Ren Schlager fighting as well. Also worthy of note, was some Ren melee between some of the estate members. We were pleased to see Michael who traveled a great distance to join us and fight Armored combat. Gregor won the Shinai tourney, while Lord X E Ryder won the Ren Schlager tourney. A new member, Shiloh, joined us and we welcome him to the family that is KoJ! A fine job and fun time was had by all - looking forward to next year and thanks to all those who participated!

The Final Esperance Crown Tourney for 2005
December 10, 2005

        Following the December 4 coronation of our new majesty Sir Donovan, this tourney was his first as our king and the final Kingdom Tourney for the year. The KoJ Estate responded with 6 members traveling down to the Kingdom centre. Lord X E Ryder acted as Crown Marshall for the day, and was awarded the Royal Star of Adria by his majesty, for great efforts and ambition. The Armored combat list was long and distinguished at this tourney, many engaged in honorable combat with his majesty. Some war-type scenarios were even offered to the enjoyment of all about the list field. The Ren and Shinai combat was exciting, but the KoJ Estate did not claim any wins here, taking them with Melo's Buckler and Lord X E Ryder's Arrow Quiver in Arts & Sciences instead!

SYV News Recognizes the KoJ Once Again
December 1, 2005

        Our local Newspaper, the Santa Ynez Valley News, has been very good to us once again, and run a story on our recent efforts at Crown War 2005. You can find this great write up and picture in the December 1, 2005 edition of the SYV News on page B1, or by Clicking Here.

Introducing Canton Ehrenschloss
November 19, 2005

        The Crown of Esperance blessed our endeavors to create a northern outpost of the kingdom, with the capability to host events sanctioned by both the Crown of Esperance and the Adrian Empire. Canton Ehrenschloss was formed (which means Castle of Honor) and it will do the bidding of the Crown of Esperance, but here in our local area, far to the north of greater Esperance.

        The third official get together of the KoJ Estate and its local members went very well. Our shinai combatants fought it out with Ragnarok winning the final round, well done! In Ren combat, Lord X E Ryder proved he still has a few tricks up his sleeve(s) and managed to defeat Melo for the win. It was a fine turnout and a great deal of fun! Many thanks to all who came and participated.

The KoJ Goes To Crown War
November 11, 2005

        Once again, it was time to support a choice for next years Crown of Esperance. After a great deal of discussion, and a vote among our estate, it was decided the KoJ Estate would support Sir Donovan Cadnawon and his consort for the upcoming year. With a caravan of 7 members and a wagonload of gear, we made our way to war. The KoJ Encampment went together beautifully with help by all, and soon we were enjoying the company of our fellow Esperance members we so dearly miss.

        The following morning, it was time to go to War! The KoJ responded with a 1,2,3 punch in Steel, Shinai & Ren scenarios - we did not miss one! It was a great day with much fun, all in the excitement that our candidate did indeed become the Prince of Esperance. While several fought in the combat scenarios, The ladies of the estate proved quite talented in Archery, once again in support of our Prince.

        Blessings to Kyra, Shylah, Caelsca, Isis, Spike and Melo for following their Lord X E Ryder to the call of war. It was a time to remember and all have the thanks of our estate for the efforts to make it.

KoJ Estate Fighting Demo
October 29, 2005

        The KoJ Estate traveled to Solvang, setup our day encampment, and engaged in some combat right in the center of the town park. Many came by to watch and enjoy, and a great time was had by all! After nearly 5 hours of combat, we marched through town with our colors shown, and stopped into three of our sponsors shop to trade. First was the Sports Barn, then Tower Pizza followed by Nordic Knives. Huzzah to our members and most honorable sponsors!

The Second KoJ Estate Event
October 17, 2005

        The monthly gathering for the KoJ Estate was a fine afternoon of camaraderie, in which we officially added two new members, and qualified them to fight! We spent the afternoon working on Combat, discussing Arts & Sciences, and planning how the KoJ Estate will handle Archery for all future events. Additionally, the KoJ will be finding an indoor location for fighter practice, as it is getting dark too early, to practice in the evenings any longer.

Esperance Crown Tourney October
October 1, 2005

        Our Kingdom of Esperance hosted the October Crown Tourney on Saturday the 1st, and 3 KoJ Estate members participated. Buck was qualified to fight in Armored Combat and did very well, Lord X E Ryder went into the final round of Armored, but then went on to win Shinai and Ren tourneys instead! Lord X E Ryder presented another buckler to the Arts ministers for judging, and scored quite well. Our majesty Dame Razi was celebrating a birthday as well, and a potluck luncheon was enjoyed by all.

High School Demo by the KoJ Estate
September 29, 2005

        As the Adriam Empire statement of purpose implies, one of our goals is to enlighten out communities. The KoJ Estate was invited to Refugio High School to offer a demonstration of Adria, and the various activities we enjoy. Isis, Buck and Lord X E Ryder attended, offering a nice presentation of Archery, Arts & Combat, with demonstrations on Arts and Combat. A new member joined us, Melo, who was hooked from the moment he watched some of the combat!

KoJ Supports Esperance at Imperial War West
September 5, 2005

        The KoJ was represented in the war this weekend, and it was a fine time to be had by all. Each year this weekend is reserved for the Imperial Crown War, in which the Adrian Empire decides the Emperor and Empress for the following year. Many friendships were renewed, and several more were made! The KoJ was represented in both Arts & Sciences and Armored Combat this year. We placed our faith in Sir Pavo as the successor to the Imperial seat for the upcoming year, and shall support his efforts in his new calling. Sir Pavo had many rally to his army and did win this war - Congratulations to the Crown Prince!

The First KoJ Tourney
August 6, 2005

       This was certainly one for the books! The majority of the KoJ and some guests came together to participate in the first unofficial KoJ Tourney. Several participants signed up for Shinai and Ren combat, and a Shinai Tournament was held. Special thanks to all who came and helped out or participated! There are some images on the Pictures page.

KoJ Estate Qualification Sunday
July 24, 2005

       On Sunday July 24, Sir Donovan was kind enough to journey from Esperance to our home turf. He qualified some new fighters into the combat fold of the Adrian Empire. Buck and Skydrift were weighed, tested and measured, and found worthy to fight both Shinai and Ren Schlager. Huzzah men! Lord X E Ryder also spent some time with Sir Donovan, testing his steel harness (this means he stood there while Sir Donovan clobbered him repeatedly, passersby offered very puzzling looks!). Everyone enjoyed some combat despite the 100+ temperature.

The KoJ Went Out & Met The Public
July 23, 2005

       The KoJ went out to meet the public in Solvang, and see if we could find a new member or two from the surrounding areas. It was a good idea and we met what seemed like hundreds of people! The thing was, they were not KoJ prospects, they were people who loved our garb and wanted to take pictures of us, or with us. Of course, the KoJ believes strongly in working with the community and that is part of holding up the KoJ charter (Show The Way), so we pleased many, many tourists by taking pictures with them. Perhaps we will try to recruit from events from now on.

The KoJ Estate Journeys to Donnybrook (faire)
July 16, 2005

       Once again, the members of the KoJ saddled up and made way to San Luis Obispo, to enjoy the English market village of Donnybrook, circa 1600. Belle, Caelsca, Isis, Kyra, Gregor and Lord X E Ryder attended, a fine time was had by all!

The KoJ Wins Crown Tourney & Is Recognized
July 9, 2005

       The KoJ was represented at our Crown Tourney by Isis and Lord X E Ryder, and more important the KoJ Estate was officially recognized by His Magesty Sir Caspain. Isis entered and did well in Archery, Lord X E Ryder entered the Arts & Sciences Knight's List for 14th century Spaulders and Renaissance Schlager combat, Sergeant's List, winning both! A good day for KoJ!

The KoJ Appears in the Solvang 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2005

    The KoJ was fortunate enough to march in the July 4th parade, through the center of Solvang. A procession of 8 members, several in armor, all in period garb made quite an impressive formation. Participants included Belle, Caelsca, Kyra, Isis, Skydrift, Gregor, Buck and Lord X E Ryder. Thanks to all those who participated! Look on the Pictures page for some images. To top- it off, the KoJ was awarded "Best Walking Group" by the Parade Entry Judges - Huzzah to all those who made the effort! See the results by Clicking Here.

The Local Newspaper Features the KoJ
June 23, 2005

     The Santa Ynez Valley News was kind enough to write about us, making us their feature article in the "Valley Life" section of the Thursday June 23, 2005 edition, page B1. You may see and read the entire article by Clicking Here.   

Be True, Act Honorably, Seek Justice & Show The Way!!