Sir Gindle's Tournament of Thierulf's Gauntlet

THE PARADE

It is a fair day deep within the Bretonnian realm of Lyonesse, and the tilt-yard, surrounded by an unusally large row of pavillions, is alive with noise. The peasantry make up the better part of the crowd that pack the stands, whilst a smaller, more comfortable seating area houses the Knightly members of the audience.

Sir Gindle sits foremost amongst the Knights, and overlooks the proceedings of the Tournament. Raising his hand, the Knight silences the crowd's cheers, and speaks loudly.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, men and women, we come here today to celebrate the commencement of the Tournament of Duke Thierulf's Gauntlet. In times such as these, with the dark stain of evil seeping towards us from the North, the Lady has truly blessed us with an object such as this."

A small amount of applause erupts from the crowd, Sir Gindle waits for it to die down, before continuing.

"Twenty Knights, hailing from four separate nations, have come to compete for this most blessed of objects. In the coming days, the Lady will show us which of the Knights has Her Blessing to carry such an object to battle in the coming Storm."

"Let the Tournament commence!"

A sounding of trumpets signals the start of the Parade. Riding out in five rows of four, with about a metre between each, the Knights canter into the Tiltyard. A commoner stands at the side of each Knight, carrying a standard bearing the full coat-of-arms of the respective contestant.

The cheers and shouts of those assembled in the pavillions rain down upon the Knights as they slowly make their way around the arena. Music sounded by drummers and other players fills the air, and handfuls of small flowers are handed out to the crowd, to be thrown in a shower of colours upon the Knights. The crowd erupts with joy at the sight of such a procession of chivalric heroes as they traverse the tiltyard. Only as they stand once more before the main pavillion does the music cease and the crowd quiet.

Then, as it is customary, each Knight breaks away from the formation, and chooses the Damsel he thinks most beautiful. The crowd is silent as he asks the chosen for a Lady's Favour, to give him luck in the coming Tournament.

The following Favours were received:

Duc Marshellieu de Parravon is granted a Veil from an enchanting lady. (1 Re-roll gained)

Baron Gaston le Byron's chosen Damsel almost feints when approached, and gifts her Champion with a Tress of her hair. (6 Re-rolls gained)

Armand Uberstadt is gifted with a Wimple from the beautiful lady he chose. (2 Re-rolls gained)

Ascoyne Hercule Achille du Bois Guilbert, Marquis d’Ascoyne receives a Kirtle from his beautiful wife, as many other women in the crowd grumble about not being chosen. (3 Re-rolls gained)

Ordenmarschall Meinard Lothair gains a Veil from a blushing lady. (1 Re-roll gained)

Marcus Duc 'dAspenforte is granted a Garter from the Damsel that he asked. (5 Re-rolls gained)

Sir Winston Ursus gains a Kirtle from the noble lady he chose. (3 Re-rolls gained)

After each Knight had asked a Lady, and either been gifted with a Favour, or denied one, the Knights form in a long line in front of the seating area for the Knights and nobles of the crowd. Some carried Lady's Favours, and many hundreds of small flowers littered the floor before them. Sir Gindle arose to his feet, and addressed the gathered Knights.

"Welcome, Knights of the world. Tomorrow the Jousts shall begin, and over the coming days eight of your number shall show themselves to be both blessed by the Lady, and skilled in combat enough to challenge for the prize. From those eight, one shall be victorious, and that individual will carry Duke Thierulf's Gauntlet for Bretonnia, the forces of Light and the world!"

"However, today is a day of celebration. Enjoy the festivities, and rest well. Tomorrow, the competition will begin..."

Sir Gindle then salutes the Knights below, who return the gesture, before waving to the crowd, and turning to leave. The Knights dismount, and join the crowd in the pavillions, entertainers and musicians breaking into tune for all present.

Food and drink was served in abundance, and all were happy. None of the Knights forgot what was to come tomorrow, however, and all were ready to give it their all...

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