ROUND ONE

Artois Atrove Vs Jean de Montbergac Falstaf Doutreive Vs Gaston le Bear Gerald de Brekenfess Vs Bobby Thundar Meaven Vs Ryant de Cooke II Chaliot deFray Vs Evrard de Laurier

Gillrod de Moss Vs Rupert Seretuon Vs Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus Jedjo Armag Vs Thomas Pierre de Gisoreux Vs Curtis Pythonheart Aodhan Vs Ulric Von Licktenstein

It was an hour before midday and already the pavilions were crowded with eager peasants and interested nobles. This day was a good chance for those who had a hard life of back-breaking labour to take a rest from their work and watch tomorrow's valient warriors battle for the right to gain Knighthood. It was a chance for entertainment that many people indeed had taken this day.

The crowd fell silent as the Herald arrived in the King's personal alcove. He then announced "By the power that our great King has invested in me, I hearby proclaim this Tournament to be open, let the battles commence!" With that, the crowd burst into cheers and people began hurriedly placing bets on their favourite Squires.

As the Herald took a seat, the King's Adjudicator unrolled a roll of parchment...



"The first battle of the Tournament," Announced the King's Adjudicator, as he read from the parchment "is to be fought between Artois Atrove and Jean de Montbergac. May he who the Lady favours be victorious!". With that, the doors to the preparation building swung open and the two Squires walked out to the centre of the arena. There they readied their shields, drew their swords and awaited the signal to begin the battle.

	VS
Artois Atrove (Defensive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 3 Wounds Taken: 1		Jean de Montbergac (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 1

With a signal from the Herald, the fight began. Immediately Jean burst into a running Shoulder Charge, but he mistimed it and the attack missed. Swifty Artois struck back with a Slash. With a roar from the crowd the blow struck home and caused a palpable wound to Jean's leg. Artois then swung a mighty Power Strike that was dodged by Jean.

Jean, still shocked by the wound to his leg, lashed out with a Slash, but his attack was parried. Artois again swung a two-handed Power Strike but the stroke missed. Jean leapt backwards to take a Deflection style stance but instead thought better of it and struck a mighty Power Strike of his own at Artois. The blow sliced through Artois's defenses and almost knocked him off of his feet!

With the crowd's roars of excitement ringing in their ears, the two Squires seperated from their fight. They both had sweat covering their brows and were gasping for breath, the exertion of the fight taking a toll on them. They locked eyes with each other, determination mirrored in their eyes.

The battle was joined once more, Jean locked blades with Artois and in a Clash of Steel, forced Artois backwards. Seeking to take advantage of the momentary opening that the Clash created, Jean Shoulder Charged at Artois but did not hit his opponent. Artois took a step backwards and took a defensive, Deflection pose.

As the heated battle continued, Jean Slashed out at Artois but was blocked by the shield of his opposition. Artois replied with a Slash of his own that slipped through Jean de Montbergac's defenses and hit but did not cause any physical damage. Again Jean Slashed at Artois, but this time the attack went wide and no hit was scored, Artois Slashed out at Jean and yet again hit but failed to wound. Jean stepped back and attempted to Deflect any incoming attacks.

Seeking to end the battle quickly now, Jean barreled forward in a Shoulder Charge, the attack failed as Artois dodged to the side. Artois readied himself to parry any incoming attacks (using Deflection). When no attack came, Artois Slashed at Jean and the strike was true but again did no lasting damage.

The Adjudicator's call of "Halt!" instantly stopped both Squires from swinging any more blows, the time limit of the battle had passed and the match was at an end. Artois Atrove had scored 3 Hits to Jean de Montbergac's 1 Hit. Artois won by having 2 More Hits than his opponent. Artois receives 6 points. Jean receives 4 points.



Reading from the parchment, the Adjudicator called out "Gillrod de Moss and Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam shall compete in this next battle, may the Lady bless he who she deems the most worthy."

The two young Squires had looks of determination set on their faces as they entered the arena. Both of them wanted to leave as the victor but knew that only one of them could.

	VS
Gillrod de Moss (Adroit) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 0 Wounds Taken: 1		Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 0

With the crowd's cheers filling the arena, Rupert attacked his opponent with a swift Chop which was parried by his nimble opponent. Gillrod pushed his opponent's blade aside and Slashed out at Rupert, but his attack was blocked by Rupert's shield. Gillrod waved his blade skillfully about himself to Deflect any incoming attacks that Rupert may attempt. Rupert tried to break through the Deflection with a Chop and a Double Strike, but neither attack found their mark.

Rupert, still looking for a chink in Gillrod's defenses, Slashed out at his opponent but was again parried. Gillrod Jabbed twice as he stepped away from his opponent, but both attacks were off target and missed. Rupert did not allow Gillrod to escape from his attacks though, and kept the blows coming with a Chop and a Spin-Slash. The Chop was evaded by Gillrod and the Spin-Slash was turned aside by Gillrod's shield.

Gillrod only let down his guard for a moment as he prepared to Feint an attack at his opponent, but it was all Rupert needed. With a skilled Double Strike, Rupert slipped past his opponent's guard and hit Gillrod's calf muscle with such force that it sent the squire toppling backwards onto his back.

With a quick command from the King's Adjudicator, the match was over. Rupert had won because Gillrod de Moss had fallen onto his back, thus ending the match immediately.

Much to the crowd's excitement, Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam won by Knocking Over Gillrod de Moss. Rupert gained 10 points whilst Gillrod gained none.



After a blast from the trumpets, the Adjudicator announced, "The third battle of this round shall be between Bobby Thundar and Gerald de Brekenfess. Enter, Squires, and may the best man win!". Bobby Thundar and Gerald de Brekenfess strode into the arena and took their positons in the centre of it, ready to begin the melee...

	VS
Bobby Thundar (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 5 Wounds Taken: 1		Gerald de Brekenfess (Focused) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 4 Wounds Taken: 1

Bobby quickly closed the distance between himself and Gerald and started the fight off with a quick Jab. A clumsy parry attempt saw the strike get through the defenses of Gerald, but the attack did not do any real harm. Focused as always, Gerald was unfazed by the attack and hit, but did not cause a wound, with a Slash that seemed to come from nowhere. Desperately, Bobby struck out with another Jab but missed, and Gerald swung a Chop which again hit Bobby but failed to hurt him. Bobby attempted a Spin-Slash attack but his attack was easily dodged.

Bobby tried to force Gerald backwards with a sweeping Chop attack but was parried. Gerald countered with a Jab which pierced through Bobby's defences and hit once more, but yet again did no harm. Seeing an opening in Gerald's guard, Bobby Slashed him across the chest, and although the hit had little force behind it, it was still a hit. Gerald replied with a two-handed Power Strike which hammered into Bobby and wounded him badly. Bobby, however, quickly tried to regain the advantage and Shoulder Charged at Gerald, hitting him and forcing him backwards towards the fence, but not wounding him.

A horizontal Slash from Bobby, although parried, continued to force Gerald backwards. Gerald succeeded in Feinting an attack as Bobby Jabbed but missed. Gerald put his back to the fence and tried to Deflect any incoming blows. Because of this he easily blocked a Lunging attack from Bobby.

The crowd were calling out encouragement as Bobby Slashed out once again at Gerald, but hit the fence instead of the real target. Gerald attempted to force Bobby away with a Slash of his own but his swing was easily parried. To make matters worse for Gerald, Bobby succeeded in hitting with a Spin-Slash attack which winded the cornered Squire badly. Gerald again tried to defend himself with two quick attacks from a Double Strike but again his attacks were blocked. Bobby Slashed out once more and again hit and wounded Gerald, this time stunning the young warrior from the force of the blow.

Gerald was not to be easily defeated, however, and he managed to defend himself from both a Lunge and a Chop from his opponent. He even managed to strike out with a Double Strike, and although it missed, it did succeed in keeping Bobby far enough away that his Slash missed.

The match was over, the time limit was up and, with a call from the Adjudicator, both Squires stopped and awaited the Adjudicator's decision. Bobby Thundar had won by having 1 More Hit than has opponent. Bobby receives 6 points, Gerald receives 4 points.





"Next, Falstaf Doutreive Cunningmare XVII shall battle Gaston le Bear. May the best man be victorious!" Announced the King's Adjudicator. By now the crowd, both peasantry and nobles, were thoroughly enjoying the drama of the Trials. As the Squires entered the arena, the spectators eagerly began placing bets on who they believed would win.

	VS
Falstaf Doutreive Cunningmare XVII (Average) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 6 Wounds Taken: 1		Gaston le Bear (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 2 Wounds Taken: 2

With an almighty war-cry Falstaf charged at Gaston le Bear and delivered a Jab, which broke through all of Gaston's defences and hit him, but failed to do any harm. Gaston, not to be out-done, lashed out with a powerful Chop, but his aim was not true and the strike missed. Falstaf attempted to hit with another Jab but this time his blow was deflected by Gaston's shield. Gaston then swung an overhead Chop that got passed Falstaf's guard and hit. Incredibly, the attack did no physical damage to Falstaf. With a Lunge Gaston tried to bring Falstaf down, but the Squire nimbly parried the attack.

The intense melee continued as Gaston le Bear Chopped out and hit Falstaf squarely in the chest, forcing him back towards the crowd-filled pavilions. Falstaf tried to regain the advantage with a Slash but was easily blocked by Gaston, followed by a quick Jab which, whilst getting past Gaston's guard, did no damage. Gaston then launched his own attack with a Chop but missed by a great margin. He then tried to run down Falstaf with a full out Shoulder Charge but was dodged by his nimble opponent.

Taking advantage of Gaston's failed Shoulder Charge, Falstaf struck out with a Jab that hit his opponent in the stomach as he stumbled by. Gaston then turned around and Chopped at Falstaf, who blocked the attack and then lashed out with an attack of his own, a Jab. This attack was blocked by Gaston's shield. However, Gaston followed up with two quick Chops, one missed and the other was parried, much to Gaston's anger.

Gaston, seeking to end the match then and there, Chopped out but missed, Falstaf then delivered a skillful Slash which hit Gaston but did no harm. With growing anger Gaston then lashed out with a Power Strike which harmlessly missed Falstaf, who again Slashed out, but this time the attack hit powerfully and forced Gaston backwards onto the centre of the arena.

Both Squires were beginning to tire but did not let up in the conflict, with Gaston swinging a Chop at Falstaf which was nimbly dodged. Falstaf then Slashed out and hit Gaston but was parried. Gaston slashed out with a mighty Power Strike but Falstaf withstood the attack, blocking the blow with his Shield and replied with a Slash. This attack struck Gaston with great force and toppled him forwards onto his knees.

The King's Adjudicator called an end to the match (it was the end of Turn 5) and as Gaston climbed slowly to his feet. Falstaf Doutreive Cunningmare XVII was declared the winner of the match. Falstaf won by having 4 More Hits than his opponent. Falstaf gains 7 points, Gaston gains 3.



It had been quite an eventful day so far but more than half of the Squires were awaiting for their names to be called. Once more the King'a Adjudicator unrolled the scroll parchment and read aloud, "Seretuon and Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus, approach and do battle!".

As Seretuon and Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus marched onto the centre of the arena, the assembled onlookers remained silent, awaiting the commencement of battle.

	VS
Seretuon (Defensive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 6 Wounds Taken: 0		Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus (Reckless) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 0 Wounds Taken: 1

When the Herald's voice called out "Begin!", the battle commenced. Shouting a battle-cry to the Lady, Ryanus charged directly towards Seretuon, his sword raised high. It was Seretuon who struck first with a Jab, however, and the attack grazed the leg of the charging squire. Ryanus struck back with a Double Strike, but his swings were turned aside by the stalwart defenses of Seretuon. Ryanus continued his whirlwind of attacks with a Chop, but Seretuon was able to avoid the blow. In the heat of battle, Seretuon kept a cool head and attempted to fool Ryanus with a Feint attack, but Ryanus ignored it and tried to Deflect any real strikes. His Reckless nature got the better of him however and Ryanus instead Chopped out at Seretuon but the Chop missed.

As a failed Spin-Slash from Ryanus wizzed passed him, Seretuon faked a chopping attack with a Feint, which caused Ryanus to react by attempting to Deflect the Feinted strike. Seeing an opportunity to land a blow, Seretuon Lunged forward and swung a mighty attack at Ryanus, the sound of steel on steel rang out as Ryanus's blade parried the mighty attack with a skilled flick of his wrist. Ryanus retreated a short distance and then prepared himself to Deflect any incoming blows. Again his Recklessness got the better of him and he lashed out with a Double Strike. The attack missed, however.

The crowd was carried away by the excitement of the battle. Ryanus lifted his weapon to Deflect the next attack from Seretuon, who sliced at Ryanus with a Power Strike that missed by a cat's whisker. Ryanus replied to Seretuon's attack with a Slash which also missed, a Lunge that was barely avoided by Seretuon and another Slash which was stopped by Seretuon's shield.

Seretuon gave an inch as a Spin-Slash from Ryanus was barely turned aside on his shield struck with a mighty crash. Trying to force Ryanus away, Seretuon attacked with a Power Strike which was on target, easily smashed through Ryanus's defenses, but failed to do any damage to the Reckless squire. Unfazed, Ryanus leapt forward and hammered Seretuon with a Slash, a Double Strike and then another Slash. The first was parried, the second missed and the third crashed against Seretuon's shield and was thrown aside.

Above the sounds of the screaming crowd could be heard the sounds of steel on steel as a Slash from Ryanus and a Jab from Seretuon were both parried. A failed Chop swung by Ryanus sliced into the sandy floor of the arena. Seretuon's third Power Strike of the match swung over the head of Ryanus harmlessly but forced Ryanus to step backwards and go into a Deflection stance. After a moment, Ryanus quickly closed the gap between them and Chopped at Seretuon, but missed.

A shout of "Halt!" from the Adjudicator pierced the din, causing Ryanus and Seretuon to immediately put their swords down. Much to Ryanus's dissapointment, Seretuon had been victorious by having 2 More Hits than his opponent. Seretuon gains 6 points, Ryanus gains 4.



The morning's battles had ended. The noon hour heralded the commencement of lunchtime festivities and free bread and mead for all. As the Squires who had done combat rested and the Squires who had yet to do battle listened to the other's stories, entertainers took to the field with feats of legerdemain and acrobatics. A good time was had by all and it was not until the hour of one that the crowd returned to their seats.

When the crowd had quietened down enough for the Adjudicator to speak, he again read from the scroll of parchment and announced, "The next battle shall be fought between Jedjo Armag and Thomas, Squire to Baron Borsam!". The chosen Squires then marched into the centre of the sand-covered arena and prepared for combat...

	VS
Jedjo Armag (Adroit) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 0		Thomas, Squire to Baron Borsam (Average) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 0 Wounds Taken: 3

In a surprising change to his usually Adroit nature, Jedjo Armag instantly Shoulder Charged into Thomas. Ignoring a Feint perfomed by Thomas, Jedjo's charging attack hit his opponent squarely in the chest with such force that Thomas was knocked clean out (from suffering 3 wounds from the Shoulder Charge) and crashed onto the sandy floor!

The Herald looked on in amazement as the King's Adjudicator declared Jedjo the winner of the contest. Jedjo himself looked rather stunned at how quickly he had been able to pull off a victory.

Jedjo won by Knocking Out his opponent. Thus, Jedjo Armag gains 10 points and Thomas, Squire to Baron Borsam gains none.



As the limp body of Thomas was stretchered from the arena, the King's Adjudicator cleared his throat and again looked to the roll of parchment. "Ahem, the next battle shall be fought between Aodhan of Greensleeves and Ulric Von Licktenstein. May he who the Lady has chosen be victorious!" The crowd was buzzing with excitement after the unexpected conclusion to the last match and were eager for more...

	VS
Aodhan of Greensleeves (Adroit) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 2 Wounds Taken: 0		Ulric Von Licktenstein (Reckless) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 1

Both Squires sized up their opponents for a moment before the melee began. Ulric Von Licktenstein stabbed at Aodhan with a Jab, but missed. Aodhan, in response to the attack, stepped back a pace and readied himself to Deflect anything Ulric might throw at him. A Reckless but effective Lunging attack from Ulric broke through the skilled defenses Aodhan was able to put up, but the attack failed to wound Aodhan. A second Lunge was blocked and a Chop was avoided as Ulric began to rain attacks upon Aodhan. Aodhan stepped back and Jabbed out at his opponent, but missed.

Keeping the pressure on Aodhan, Ulric swung a sweeping Chop but it was in vain and missed. Aodhan, startled by the ferocity of Ulric's attacks, again attempted to Deflect anything Ulric might try. Ulric struck out with a Jab and two Chops, but Aodhan was moving now to keep out of range of Ulric's attacks and none of the blows hit.

Aodhan turned to run from the field, or so it looked, and Ulric gave chase in an all-out Shoulder Charge, trying to run down the seemingly fearful Squire who was fleeing from him. At the last second before impact, Aodhan leapt to the side and avoided Ulric's Shoulder Charge and Aodhan's plan went into action. Through Subterfuge, Aodhan struck Ulric directly in the mid-section as the Reckless squire ran passed and wounded Ulric visibly.

Recovering from his momentary stun, Ulric Von Licktenstein turned to face his opponent and wildly thrust a Jab at Aodhan. The Jab was off target and went wide. Aodhan swung a two-handed Power Strike at Ulric but the blow was dodged easily. With a Jab and two Chops Ulric continued the barrage of strikes upon Aodhan. The Jab and the first Chop were both inaccurate but the second Chop found its target, slipping past Aodhan's guard and hitting him!

Sensing that the battle's time was almost finished, both Squires tried a last-ditch attempt to bring their opponent down. Ulric Shoulder Charged in a wild, Reckless fashion and the strong blow that he delivered was easily avoided. Aodhan, after avoiding Ulric's charge, used a double-handed Power Strike style attack that was only inches off target, but still missed.

With a shout from the Adjudicator, the match was over. Ulric celebrated by raising his sword into the air as it was announced that he had won by having 2 More Hits than his opponent, Aodhan. Ulric gains 6 points whilst Aodhan gains 4 points.



The crowd was still applauding the last two competitors even when they had both returned to the preparation building when the Adjudicator interrupted the long session of celebration by announcing the next fight. "Meaven of Greensleeves will be battling against Ryant de Cooke II in this next combat. May he who is chosen by the Lady be the victor!".

The two Squires entered the arena and took their positions, drew their swords and waited...

	VS
Meaven of Greensleeves (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 3		Ryant de Cooke II (Focused) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 3 Wounds Taken: 0

When the Adjudicator gave the signal both Squires sprung into action. It was Meaven who struck first with a Chop, but Ryant was too quick and parried the blow before it could hit him. Throwing his opponent's sword to the side, Ryant span around and Spin-Slashed. Meaven failed to bring his shield up in time and Ryant's blade hit him with disabling force straight in the chest. Amazingly, even though he had just suffered a very palpable wound, Meaven brought his sword down as a Power Strike attack that hit Ryant! Due to the wound he had taken early however, the attack did not cause any harm. Ryant backed away from Meaven a step and a Jabbed out, but missed.

Meaven, despite being badly wounded, was not giving up and lashed out with a Chop. Unfortunately for Meaven, the attack was clumsy and missed. Ryant tried to hit with a crushing Power Strike but his opponent was too quick and the Power Strike missed and only found the sandy ground of the arena. With two Spin-Slashes Meaven attempted to bring Ryant down. The first Spin-Slash missed and the second would have hit, but was stopped by Ryant's shield.

The onlookers let out a roar of excitement as both Squires backed up a step each and grasped their swords in both hands, they were both getting ready to Power Strike! Meaven swung for Ryant de Cooke II's arm and his aim was good, but the shield of Ryant again stopped his attack. Ryant's Power Strike went for Meaven of Greensleeves's leg and Ryant's attack hit as well. Meaven was unable to defend himself and the blow struck with such disabling force that Meaven wavered, nearly falling over before regaining his footing.

Meaven, looking very wounded indeed, sliced out with a Chop but was again blocked by Ryant's shield. Ryant de Cooke struck with a deft Spin-Slash which made contact with Meaven and yet again the strike hit with disabling force. The impact of the Spin-Slash knocked Meaven out cold, and Meaven hit the sand with a dull thud.

As the spectators cheered and applauded the two Squires, the King's Adjudicator announced the obvious, "Ryant de Cooke II is the victor!". Ryant de Cooke won by Knocking Out Meaven of Greensleeves. Ryant receives 10 points, Meaven receives none.



Once Meaven of Greensleeves had been dragged from the arena, the Adjudicator stood once again, "In the following battle, Curtis Pythonheart shall fight against Pierre de Gisoreux!" Again, the doors to the preparation room swung open, and again two Squires marched onto the centre of the arena. Battle would commence once more...

	VS
Pierre de Gisoreux (Average) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 4 Wounds Taken: 1		Curtis Pythonheart (Reckless) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 3 Wounds Taken: 1

Before the Adjudicator could signal for the match to begin, Curtis took the initative and Jabbed at his opponent. Pierre, stunned by the sudden start, barely managed to fend off the blow with a parry. The Marshalls rushed from their corners and stood between the combatants and held Curtis at bay until the Adjudicator gave the signal to begin. With the signal for the battle to commence, Pierre swung a cutting Chop at Curtis Pythonheart but the Chop missed, as did a return Chop Curtis clumsily attempted upon his foe. Pierre attacked with a better aimed Chop which would have hit, but was blocked by Curtis. Curtis swung a Chop and thrust a Jab at Pierre but he was ready this time and avoided both.

Seemingly unable to get his swings to hit, Curtis angrily Chopped again but missed. Pierre tried to fend off Curtis before his luck turned with a Power Strike, but Curtis had seen it coming and the Power Strike also missed. Curtis was still angered as he delivered a succession of three Chops; the first Chop missed, the second hit and was parried but the third Chop hit, slipped past Pierre's guard and the attack clipped his arm, but did no damage.

Curtis yet again Chopped and once again missed his target. Pierre was holding his ground but was obviously worried by how many attacks his opponent was delivering. Pierre's retorted with a Double Strike attack to fend Curtis off but missed. In a surprising moment, both Squires Jabbed at each other at almost the same second. Curtis's Jab hit Pierre hard and all could see that the blow had wounded him. Pierre's Jab hit Curtis in the arm with such force that the limb seemed to weaken, it remained weakened for the rest of the battle.

Pierre took initiative and Jabbed, but his thrust was stopped by a skillful shield block. Curtis then Spin-Slashed but Pierre had already backed away out of range and the Spin-Slash failed to hit. Curtis closed the distance between the two Squires and then tried a Spin-Slash again. This time the attack was on target, but was parried. Pierre tried to strike back with a Slash, but missed and was then forced to dodge and weave to avoid a Jab and another Spin-Slash from Curtis.

With a roar Curtis Shoulder Charged towards Pierre but was denied a hit as Pierre de Gisoreux avoided the charging Squire. Pierre, attempting to gain some Hits whilst his opponent could not defend himself (due to the failed Shoulder Charge), struck with a Double Strike and a Chop. The Double Strike missed but the Chop hit, it did no harm to Curtis, however.

As Turn 6 began (both Squires had the same amount of Hits). Curtis and Pierre countinued to trade blows, with Pierre eluding a Jab from Curtis and striking back with a Chop that glanced off the side of Curtis's shield. A mighty Power Strike from Pierre smashed through the meagre defenses that Curtis could put up and did a major wound to his leg. Curtis, outraged from being hit, Chopped three times. The first two blows were evaded by Pierre but the third got past Pierre's defenses and hit!

It was now Turn 7 (both Squires still had the same amount of Hits) and Curtis stabbed out with a Jab, which was parried. Pierre then hammered forward with a set of two Double Strikes, the first Double Strike missed and the second hit, but was turned aside by Curtis's defenses. Although he hailed a Spin-Slash, a Jab and another Spin-Slash upon his opponent, Curtis did not manage to hit with any of his attacks.

Both Squires were exhausted as Turn 8 began (both Squires STILL had the same amount of Hits). Pierre was able to summon up a last measure of strength to brought down a Chop upon his opponent. The Chop hit with enough force to wound Curtis badly! Staggering backwards from the blow, Curtis Chopped out with an unaimed attack that missed. Pierre, confident that now was the time for him to claim victory, delivered a Slash which was parried. Finally, Curtis made a last-ditch Shoulder Charge to try to win the battle. The charge faltered and missed, however and the match ended.

As both Squires dropped to their knees in exhuastion the Adjudicator declared Pierre de Gisoreux the victor. Pierre won by having 1 More Hit than his opponent. Pierre gains 6 points whilst Curtis gains 4 points.



The air was filled with the sounds of anticipation as the King's Adjudicator announced the last battle of this round, "The final challenge for Round One will be fought between Chaliot deFray and Evrard de Laurier!"

	VS
Chaliot deFray (Defensive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 6 Wounds Taken: 0		Evrard de Laurier (Aggressive) - (No Rank Yet) Hits: 7 Wounds Taken: 2

The final battle of Round One began with Evrard de Laurier Slashing out at his opponent, only to find his attack stopped by Chaliot's raised shield. Chaliot pretended to swing his shield at his opponent as a Diversion before slicing at Evrard with his real attack. Unfortunately for Chaliot, the attack missed. Evrard's sword sliced through the air with such force that Chaliot could hear the Spin-Slash attack speed past his ear. Luckily for Chaliot, the Spin-Slash did not hit. With an audible thud, Chaliot's Chop impacted with the sword arm of Evrard, causing the limb to become weakened. Evrard, ignoring the harm caused to his arm, Slashed out at Chaliot and hit him, but the wound on his arm did not allow him to put enough force behind the blow to cause damage.

A small cloud of sand was kicked up as Evrard slid forward and Jabbed at his foe, but a backwards jump from Chaliot evaded the thrust. Chopping downwards and stepping towards Evrard, Chaliot's attack pushed past the guard of his opposition. The Chop hit with such force that Evrard staggered backwards. Evrard, regaining his senses after being hit so hard, charged into Chaliot and locked blades with him in a Clash of Steel. Chaliot could not fight the sheer force of the Clash and was quickly pushed backwards until his back slammed into the fence! Evrard unlocked their swords and then swung a Double Strike at Chaliot, the Double Strike missed and instead hit the fence behind.

Before Chaliot could regain a fighting stance after the Clash of Steel, Evrard attacked with another Double Strike and this time hit, slipping past his opponent's defenses but did no physical harm. Chaliot attempted to escape from being cornered against the fence by Shoulder Charging. The attempt succeeded as the charge hit and pushed Evrard to the side, but did not harm him further. Evrard struck out with a Spin-Slash and a backhand Slash and both attacks found their target, but they were both parried!

With the onlooker's calls of encouragement ringing throughout the arena, Evrard Jabbed his blade at the chest of his opponent. The Jab hit, but did not carry enough power to cause a wound. Ignoring the Jab, Chaliot brought his own weapon down in a Chop which also hit and was not defended against. Like the Jab, the Chop failed to wound. Dodging under Evrard's Spin-Slash attack, Chaliot Chopped once again, hit once more and yet again failed to wound. Evrard stepped back and tried to Deflect any further attacks.

As Evrard continued to try to Deflect Chaliot's attacks. Chaliot burst forward into a Shoulder Charge, but Evrard saw it coming and evaded it, lashing out with two Slashes of his own, knowing that his opponent could not defend himself as he charged. Both Slashes hit, much to Evrard's joy, but neither wounded.

Turn 6 began (because both Squires had the same number of Hits) with Evrard Double Striking at Chaliot and hitting but not being defended against. Chaliot, sensing that he would lose the battle if he did not hit Evrard, Chopped out with masterful skill and would have hit, but was parried! Evrard pushed Chaliot's blade aside and Spin-Slashed, getting past Chaliot's guard and again hitting him across the chest, but doing no harm. Chaliot lifted his weapon high and brought it down in a sweeping Chop that impacted with Evrard's shoulder and badly wounded him. Evrard thrust out with a Jab, but he was so stunned from Chaliot's Chop that the Jab missed.

The Adjudicator called a stop to the match as the time limit on the battle ended. Evrard had won by having 1 More Hit than his opponent. Evrard receives 6 points and Chaliot receives 4 points.



The day's events were nearly over as the blast of trumpets filled the air. The Herald arose from his seat and spoke, "Squires of Bretonnia, approach!". The doors again swung open and this time all of the Squires competing in the Tournament marched onto the centre of the arena. The onlookers applauded and cheered merrily at their favourite Squires, some of whom were uninjured, some of whom looked like they had been badly wounded.

When all twenty Squires stood before him, the Herald began his speech, "You are the Knights of tomorrow, it is you who shall protect our fair lands once the bones of the Knights of today grow too weary. As a Herald to the King, I watch these events with great interest, even now I know that you are all part of one of the finest groups of Squires I have ever seen in action. Still, the road to Knighthood is not easy, nor glorious at times, and it is the purpose of this Tournament to show you all how hard it can, and will, be." He remained silent for a moment, before continuing, "Nevertheless, now is not a time to think of hardship and worry, but to celebrate your victorys and to rest after the battles that you have fought. Go now, heal and train. For in one week's time, the Trials shall continue..." With that, the Herald waved his hand in a dismissive fashion, and turned to leave the King's personal alcove.

The Trials had just begun...



NOTE: You may notice that the dice rolls are not included in the battle descriptions, if you want a copy of how the dice rolls came up. Email Me and tell me which Round's dice rolls you want emailed to you, and I shall get them to you ASAP.

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