On the very next day after the Insight tournaments baptizing the new tribes as assimilated parts of the Empire military mechanism were over, the heroes of the Empire, influenced by tradition, started preparing themselves for a minor tournament which was always held after a new cog was added to it. Their stewards ran round a multitude of market showcases procuring their lieges with the best armament available that would match their skills; and the heroes themselves spent considerable effort to concentrate and prepare for the contest.
Great was their displeasure when a Mixed tournament was announced instead. Some heroes sabotaged the tournament by not showing up at all. Both in course of the tournament and especially right after it, there were even remonstrants in the Capital streets demanding the start of a Minor tournament. Warlord Grammith was annoyed; his plans contained organising a Minor tournament anyway, and he felt some resentment for the lack of patience and understanding from his subordinates. After some consideration and consulting with his retinue, he chose not to react on that occasion.
The first rays of the dawning sun befell the turrettops of the tall Academy towers as the Empire flung away the peaceful drowsiness reigning it through that night. The hubbub of heralds announcing the start of a Minor tournament later on that day could evoke surprise only to the most indifferent and to the least curious subjects of the Empire. All the battle-hardened heroes were ready long ago; they appeared at the arena in no time and, armed and cheerful, inspired by the fact that their demands were heard and satisfied. They only waited for the arena fanfares to give start to the event of their yearning.
There also were heroes who found it hard to perk up with the great excitement growing within them, as this would be their first competition of such significance. Having attended many tournaments as spectators, they could still hardly imagine what it was like to step into the arena face to face with an opponent, without assistance or cover, in the eyes of a crowd of many thousands of grass-roots hungry for circuses as they were for bread. To any hero initiate this step is extremely important, for the way to great glory counts off with overcoming oneself, and only then continues through striking on countless hordes of enemies...
Lords and Ladies, the 25th Minor Tournament is hereby announced.
This series of challenges is well known from early Empire times as one of the most honourable competitions featuring one on one duels of rivals of equal combat level.
All lordship of combat level 3 and above will be welcomed in the Arena grounds to show their worth. Victorious combats award Commanders' guild points to those who have successfully completed the trial. You will compete for the main prize as well as tournament achievements, the reward to the most excelled participants:
  
Lords of combat level 9 and above (especially Barbarians and Necromancers) are advised to visit their recruiting to check for any changes in their recruit count. |
