
The Tournament of the New Sun
Two dwarven weeks from now (specific date to be set shortly), on behalf of the generous archduchess of Trollsbane; Lady Joxia Doral, I am proud to present what will perhaps be the greatest event in our island's living memory.
The Tournament of the New Sun is intended to give back to both the ordinary and extroadinary citizens of Gobaith. It is a celebration of our island and accomplishments as a whole, and a way of looking forwards to what we hope to be a bright future. As such, every inhabitant of the island, no matter what race or language they speak, is invited and encouraged to appear. It will be held in Trollsbane itself.
Let us put aside past enmities, forget grudges or petty squabbles, and come together so as we may all get well and truly drunk and have a day to remember. This tournament will not just be about martial accomplishments. There will be feasts, music, dancing, and any other type of entertainment you could name.
The Entertainment
Every person is entitled to a free meal of good quality courtesy of the tournament organisers, as well as as much drink as is possible to carry.
We are planning on hiring a troupe of bards and general artists to perform. They will organise a dancing contest, of which the winner will gain a prize.
Update: The entertainment will be provided cheifly by the famed group 'Adrons Cellar'.
The Market
As well as everything else, we wish the tournament to double as a market day. Therefore every crafter or anyone else with objects to sell are invited to come and set themselves up outside Eliza's shop. Hopefully, The Tournament of the New Sun will provide an oppurtunity for you to buy that special something you've spent the last month searching for.
The Martial Trials:
Gobaith's Dead-eye challenge: This is an archery challenge, where contestants simply face each other one on one, and shoot from a distance until one surrenders. Everyone is invited to try, no matter how good they feel they are. Entry into the tournament is free.
Winner's Prize: 1 gold coin and the title of 'Island Dead-eye'.
The Heavies: For those warriors who rely on brute strength. Participants progress by winning duels wearing nothing but cold, heavy steel, with Salkamaerian Armors provided for the purposes of the contest. Warriors may use any weapon style they wish, with the only rule being no leather or lighter armor allowed.
Winner's Prize: 2 gold coins and the title of 'Gobaith's Ironman.'
The Brawler: As indicated, this is a wrestling or boxing contest. The tournament structure is that of a free for all, similar to the melee, with the only noted difference being that contestants are expected to do battle wearing nothing but a loincloth (and chest covering if female), to be provided by the organisers.
Winner's prize: A lifetimes supply of any alchohol of their choosing, and the title of Champion Brawler.
The Melee: A contest many people may not have heard or experienced before, the Melee is by far the most dangerous of the Tournaments events.
The structure is as follows. Participants (with the entry limit being 18) are placed into a square set out by the organisers. Once the signal is given, they receive the go ahead to do battle. Every man or woman for themselves. There is only one rule: Sending participants to the cross is forbidden (this means poison is also banned). Once knocked back warriors are expected to step back and allow defeated opponents to exit the square (the event will be monitored by organisers). Any person who leaves the square is out of the competition. Warriors are invited to form temporary alliances, use all manner of potions, any of their own equipment, and any type of tactic to gain victory.
This is not for the fainthearted. Although we hope to monitor things, it will be difficult, and the risk of going to the cross or serious injury is high.
The Winner's prize: 3 Gold coins, and the title of Master of the Melee.
Gobaith's First Sword of the New Sun:
The traditional contest between warriors, in which duels are fought on even turf to determine the greatest fighter on the island. Any types of style may be used. It is perhaps the most prestigious of events.
The Winner's prize: 5 Gold coins, and the honour of naming a lady of their choice the island's daughter of Sirani (Or a man, if they so wish).
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Contestants are invited to either sign up beforehand for a contest by sending myself a dove, or simply turn up on the day to enter.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous season,
Lord Hashim El'djin.