The Tournament: Prologue

Morning of the 1st Rainsday of Bales: An impromptu tiltyard in the bog outside Barow Castle

Referee

The smell of horses is in the air, the murmur of the crowd in anticipation of the first joust is barely audible over the gusts of wind. On the other side of the tiltyard is a wooden grand stand with the King and his Council, banners flap noisily in the wind. The pairings for round one have just been announced. You have a couple of minutes before the first fight.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

What little color is left in Anastaz's face drains when he sees he must fight Ludmer. He tries to spot Ludmer amid the throng of other knights preparing for their matches.

Referee

You spot Perilake already in armour standing beside his steed in full caparison and chanfron and Heldris emerging from the pavilion. In the bustle of knights and squires Ludmer is nowhere to be seen.

Heldris the Dove Knight

A sudden gust of wind hits Heldris as he emerges from the pavilion, throwing him off balance for a moment. "No rain on Rainsday, only this cursed wind...", he whispers, as he glances over to his friends. "Unlucky day, for some ..."

He makes his way towards his fellow knights as he scans the yard looking for the heraldry of Lady Hedwig, attempting to mask his feeling of wonder for the grandeur of the event, the shining armours, the murmuring crowd, the royal banners.

Referee

Lady Hedwigs banner - the Crown and Flame of house Karpat with her personal symbol, the tankard in one corner - flies proudly over a pavilion not far from you. The knight herself, a tall imposing figure in traditional uniform, is in talks with her squire. When she glances around, she catches your gaze and gives you a small almost imperceptible nod.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

Ludmer studies the listings "Huh... Sir Anastaz is my first opponent it seems. That sure takes the sting out of losing in the first round", he thinks, determined to not dishonor himself by throwing the match, but aware of his shortcomings and not particularly keen on participating in needless violence.

Referee

Around you a small crowd of squires and courtiers loudly discuss the pairings. Somebody tries to squeeze past you to get to the pavilions. There is a strong smell of sweat and horse on the person. You hear her hoarse voice call:” Has anyone seen Sir Anastaz? I have a message for the Salt Knight!”

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"You seem to have had a hard ride, good Lady", Ludmer says. Pointing at the tourney card he goes on "my name is Ludmer and I travel with Sir Anastaz. Let me lead you to our pavilion. If Sir Anastaz is not there presently, I am sure he will return before long". And he gestures her to follow.

Referee

Her patched up grey guard jacket reminds you of the colours the guards at Szalai Keep wore. Her eyes widen when you introduce yourself. ”I am not a lady your highness ... Jakub told me about you, Sir Ludmer, you are the Wolfslayer who cured his sickness" she says while following you to your tent. She curtsies in front of Sir Anastaz and hands him a bundle. Inside are 4 iron wolf pendants with black fur. "Jakub and Janka made these, they shall bring you luck in the tournament."

Heldris the Dove Knight

Taking her nod as a cue, Heldris steps towards Lady Hedwig's pavilion. He bows ever so slightly averting the knight's gaze.“It is an honour to joust with you my Lady,” he says, “I had the pleasure of meeting your house’s healer on the road to the Prey Seer, and if I shall judge your house’s bravery by the spirit of its courtiers, I stand no chance.” And he bows slightly again, this time looking her in the eye.

Referee

Lady Hedwig lowers her head slightly as if to meet your gaze on your level. She looks at you with prying eyes and smiles slightly. “Sir Heldris, good morrow and well met. Your humility, is it sweet or cunning? We will see. I'm looking forward to observe your manners when matters have been settled at the tilt.” She pauses for a second, frowns then smiles again: "Ah you've met Tonda how curious. She has a knack of ... knowing the right people."

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Ser Perilake moves his way through the bustle of the square, and clasps Ludmers shoulder in greeting. He reaches over and takes one of the pendants from the Szalai courier."A fine gift indeed! Luck is as vital as a sword or shield in these affairs. My thanks to you and your people." He turns and smiles at Ludmer. "Of course, one of our number has already suffered the sting of ill fortune."Perilake shakes his head."Poor Anastaz, to face the trail knight in the first bout of the tourney! We had best ensure he receives his token for this to be a fair contest."Oblivious to Ludmer's estimation of his chances against their brother, the gilded knight dons his pendant.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"As you say, Sir Perilake", Ludmer says, trying to subtly rotate his shoulders in reaction to Perilake's friendly clasp, doing his best to not show his pain and discomfort."I shall do my very best. One word of advice, Sir Perilake. Your first opponent, Sir Gieselfried, tends to over aim to the top right, I've noticed watching his training jousts. If you take this into consideration, I am sure he will be no match for your prowess".

Anastaz the Salt Knight

"Tell Jakub and Janka they have my eternal thanks,"the Salt Knight says. He takes a pendant, stares at it for a moment, and looks at Ludmer before stowing it.

"Sir Ludmer, I wish you luck in the coming bout, though I'm sure you shall not need it." His expression betrays nothing.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"As I do you, Sir Anastaz. I am sure fate will favor the more worthy knight".