The Trial of Strength
Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus VS Rupert


Curtis Pythonheart VS Jean de Montbergac


Aodhan VS Bobby Thundar


Jedjo Armag VS Ryant de Cooke II





The sound of trumpets pierced the air, alerting those who had gathered in the pavilions that the King's Herald had arrived. The pavilions looked much different this day, as the Trial of Strength was to be held. Eight banners hung from flag-poles raised from the preparation building, each one proudly bearing the mock heraldry of one of the Squires to participate in the Trial of Strength.

Silenced by a second burst from the trumpets, the assembled crowd was addressed by the Herald. "Today, the Trial of Strength is to take place. Eight exceptional Squires out of the twenty who entered now remain. Four battles shall be fought this day. Those who are defeated shall be eliminated, those who are victorious shall pass on to the Trial of Honour. May the Lady's Blessing fall upon them all."

As the crowd erupted into masses of cheers, applause and shouts, the Herald nodded to the King's Adjudicator, signalling the start of the Trial of Strength. Unfurling the scroll of parchment he held, the Adjudicator's voice rose above the cheering, announcing the start of the first battle...



"The first combat in the Trial of Strength shall be fought out between Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus and Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam. Only one out of the two shall be allowed to continue on to the Trial of Honour. May the Lady's wisdom guide the victor!" To these words from the Adjudicator the crowd's cheers arose to a higher pitch, filling the air with a seemingly endless sound of applause and cheers.

Entering the arena, the two Squires looked very focused and extremely determined. Neither would let this chance slip away from them lightly...

VS

Ryanus Caeruleus
Coquus
(Reckless) - (Ranked 8th)

Hits: 4
Wounds Taken: 1

Rupert, Squire to
Baron Borsam
(Aggressive) - (Ranked 4th)

Hits: 8
Wounds Taken: 1


The signal was given and the melee began. Acting so quickly that Ryanus was taken by complete surprise, Rupert leapt for his foe and hacked at him with a well-placed Chop. The resultant hit caused the crowd to roar with excitement once more, but nevertheless failed to do any harm. Sidestepping a Slash from his Reckless foe, Rupert struck back with a Double Striking blow. The attack failed however and missed, but did give Rupert time to dodge aside and avoid a Double Strike from his foe. Locked in intense combat, both Rupert and Ryanus struck at each other at exactly the same time. A skillful Diversion attack which changed direction in mid-flight caught Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus across the jaw, and although the blow did not carry enough force to knock Ryanus out, it did wound him. Ryanus's attack was a whirling Spin-Slash, which connected with his foe just as Rupert's blade impacted with Ryanus's jaw. Despite taking serious damage himself, Ryanus's blow struck Rupert's arm hard, weakening it. Too stunned to aim correctly, a further Double Strike from Ryanus missed.

Parrying a Chop from his Aggressive foe, Ryanus stepped backwards and took up a Deflection stance. It was not necessary however, as Rupert's next attack, another Chop, was too slow and Ryanus was able to jump aside, avoiding it completely. Both Squires Chopped at each other once more, but Rupert's blow was badly aimed and missed, whilst Ryanus's attack was evaded. Raising his sword to Deflect any further strikes his foe might attempt, Ryanus waited for a moment before thinking better of it and Lunging directly at his adversary. Smashing into his foe with devastating force, Ryanus's blade caused a serious injury to the Squire to Baron Borsam's mid-section.

Both Squires were wounded now, with Ryanus's jaw sporting a welt mark already and a deep bruise had appeared on the mid-section of Rupert. Ignoring their wounds, the two Squires battled on. Hitting but not wounding, Rupert glanced a Slashing blow off his foe, before taking a step back and blocking a Lunging strike from his opponent. Dodging a Double Strike from his foe, Rupert continued the attack with a Spin-Slash that came within inches of its target, but unfortunately missed. Hitting again, this time with a well-aimed Chop, Rupert caught his foe on the arm, just above the elbow. Luckily for Ryanus, the blow was too weak to harm the limb. Ryanus's Chop, however, was more powerful. Impacting heavily with Rupert's knee, the hit caused a powerful wound to his leg and caused the Squire to collapse forwards, onto his knees. Fortunately for the Aggressive Rupert, he was able to stop himself from falling by stabbing his shield into the sand and leaning on it. Climbing back to his feet slowly and thanking his lucky stars, Rupert barely avoided a Lunge from his foe by moving his head out of the way just in time.

Tiring now from the sheer amount of attacks being exchanged, both Squires continued to do battle. In an amazing display of skill, both Squires hit each other and bypassed each other's defenses at the same moment. A Slash from Rupert hit Ryanus across the leg but failed to cause any harm. Ryanus's Chop also hit, but like the attack from his foe, did no damage. Blocking a clumsy Slash aimed by Ryanus, Rupert struck back with two Chops. Only the second Chop actually hit, but it itself did no physical damage to Ryanus, who attacked back with a Double Strike and a Chop of his own. Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam was too agile for Ryanus, however, and both attacks missed.

As the final moments of the match drew closer, Rupert Chopped at his target once more. As with many times before, the attack found its mark and slipped past Ryanus's guard, but failed to actually do any harm to him! Stepping back and raising his shield to Deflect his opponent's attacks, Ryanus's effort was completely wasted when Rupert hacked out with a Spin-Slash attack, but aimed it badly and missed. Continuing to attempt to Deflect his foe's attacks, Ryanus was unfortunately unable to protect himself from a Slash swung by Rupert, the blow failed to harm Ryanus, however. Striking back with his two final attacks, a Lunge and a Spin-Slash, Ryanus was perhaps too tired to fight properly, and missed both times.

With a shout from the Adjudicator, both Squires ceased their melee and shook hands, each impressed by the ferocity and skill of each other's attacks. It was soon declared that Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam had won, by the somewhat large total of 4 More Hits. Therefore, Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam is entered into the Trial of Honour, whilst Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus is eliminated from the Tournament.



As the onlookers cheered on, the victorious Rupert, along with Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus, who took his defeat very well, left the arena and headed back to the preparation building. The Adjudicator looked back to the scroll he carried and read aloud, "The second match of the Trial of Strength shall be fought between Curtis Pythonheart and Jean de Montbergac. As before, only the victor will be allowed entry into the Trial of Honour, as the defeated Squire will be eliminated!"

Entering the arena with swords drawn and shields ready, Curtis Pythonheart and Jean de Montbergac were ready to fight the hardest they ever had...

VS

Curtis Pythonheart
(Reckless) - (Ranked 5th)

Hits: 2
Wounds Taken: 3

Jean de Montbergac
(Aggressive) - (Ranked 1st)

Hits: 5
Wounds Taken: 0


The signal was given and both Squires charged in a blur of steel. Jean and Curtis locked blades, caught in a Clash of Steel started by the Aggressive Jean. Surprisingly, despite being instigated by Jean, it was Curtis who forced his opponent off-balance (and causing Jean de Montbergac to lose his next Attack!). Striking at his foe whilst he was still regaining his balance, Curtis Spin-Slashed at his foe twice. Unfortunately for the Reckless Squire, neither attack found its target as they both fell short. Swinging at Curtis with a wild, unaimed Slash, Jean's blow was deflected by the raised shield of his opponent, who struck back with another Spin-Slash and a Chop. As before, neither attack hit, they were both evaded by the quick-moving Jean.

Every member of the crowd's eyes were locked on the conflict before them. Most of the people present had seen the Squires fight in previous battles and knew the skill with which they fought. This was proven as Curtis dodged under a Slash from his foe and struck back with an arcing Chop, which hit, but failed to harm, Jean. Unaffected by the Chop, Jean Slashed at his opponent and hit Curtis just under the armpit as he raised his sword for another attack. Luckily for Curtis, no wounds were caused. Jumping back to avoid a Spin-Slash from the Reckless Curtis, Jean de Montbergac waited for his foe to finish his attack before striking a blow of his own. The hammering Power Strike hit with great force, and stunned Curtis, sending him into a daze.

With a battle-cry to the Lady, Jean de Montbergac moved in to finish off his opponent whilst he was stunned. Shoulder Charging and swinging with a punishing arc of his sword, Jean was dismayed to see Curtis stagger aside at the last moment, avoiding the attack!!! It took a moment for Curtis to shake off the stun he had suffered, but he did strike back with two Spin-Slashes and two Chops. The only attack that hit was the second Chop, and it failed to do any harm.

Turning around to face his foe once more, Jean prepared himself for another Shoulder Charge. Raising his sword, Jean barreled directly towards his opponent, ready to strike an arcing, powerful blow upon Curtis. Unable to escape, Curtis was hit with the full force of the blow, which nearly bowled him clean over (it caused 2 Wounds)! Staggering backwards from the force of the attack, Curtis Chopped out at his foe wildly, but was parried. Regaining his senses, Curtis Jabbed at Jean, but missed, before finally summoning up all of his strength and Shoulder Charging at Jean. Jean was not badly wounded as Curtis was, and evaded the clumsy attack.

Turn 5 began with Jean retreating into a Deflection stance, ready for Curtis Pythonheart's upcoming attacks. The tactic worked, too, as Curtis's Spin-Slash swing was easily turned aside by a deft parry, and replied to with a Jab from Jean. The thrusting stab pierced Curtis's guard and hit, but caused no harm. With one final blow that ended the match, Jean dodged under another Spin-Slash from his Reckless foe and countered with a mighty Power Strike, which hit Curtis across the front of his legs. Unable to withstand another blow of its strength, Curtis was knocked off his feet and landed heavily on the sandy floor. He had been both knocked over and knocked out with one Power Strike!!!

The unmoving, but still alive, Curtis Pythonheart was not consious as the King's Adjudicator declared the outcome. Jean de Montbergac had won by Knocking Out and Knocking Over his adversary. Therefore, Jean de Montbergac is allowed entrance into the Trial of Honour, whilst Curtis Pythonheart is eliminated.



With two matchs having been completed and two matches to come, it was time for the lunchtime break. As with previous rounds, the crowd left the pavilions to enjoy the spectacle of entertainers, dancers and magicians that were on show on the streets outside of the arena. Food and mead was had by all, and by the time the crowd returned to the pavilions to view the remaining battles, all had full bellies and high spirits.

"Aodhan of Greensleeves must face Bobby Thundar in this, the third battle of the Trial of Strength. Only one shall gain entrance into the Trial of Honour, for the other, only elimination awaits." Announced the Adjudicator. As the two Squires took up their position on the centre of the sandy arena field, the crowd waited expectantly for the match they knew would be a good show of skill, strength and courage.

VS

Aodhan of Greensleeves
(Adroit) - (Ranked 6th)

Hits: 2
Wounds Taken: 1

Bobby Thundar
(Aggressive) - (Ranked 2nd)

Hits: 3
Wounds Taken: 1


The moment the signal was given, Bobby Thundar leapt forward at his foe and lashed out with a lightning-quick Jab. Aodhan was not caught off guard, however, and parried the blow. Pushing the sword of his foe aside, Aodhan Slashed and then Jabbed at the defenseless torso of his opponent. The Slash hit, but failed to do any harm. The Jab was off target by mere inches, and missed. Surprised by his foe's stalwart defense and skillful counter attack, Bobby Thundar took a step backwards, before attempting to smash aside Aodhan's defenses with a mighty Shoulder Charge. The charging attack hit, and pushed aside all defenses Aodhan could put up. Aodhan was able to avoid being knocked out by the blow, but was still obviously wounded.

For a short moment, the battling halted. Aodhan of Greensleeves took a step backwards, recovering from the blow he had suffered, and at the same time preparing himself for more attacks of the kind he had just been targeted with. Bobby Thundar, taking sparse seconds to recover from charging, quickly closed the distance between himself and his opposition, and the fight began anew...

Evading a Slash from his Aggressive adversary, Aodhan of Greensleeves pretended to lose his nerve, and turn to flee. Perhaps he had seen this trick performed before, because Bobby did not give chase, and thus avoided the hammering blow that the Subterfuge would have dealt him. Once Aodhan had stopped running, and turned to fight once more, Bobby Thundar Shoulder Charged directly at him again. Aodhan, unable to escape, was hit with devastating force. Thankfully for the Adroit Aodhan, the blow did not hit him directly, and most of the force was wasted due to the blade skimming off the side of his shoulder. He was not wounded.

Side-stepping and dodging in an attempt to avoid his adversary's attacks, Aodhan put all of his effort into Deflecting the Aggressive blows his opponent would soon deal to him. Aodhan dodged a badly aimed Slash attack from Bobby but was not as lucky when his foe lashed out with a Spin-Slash. Bobby's attack slipped past Aodhan's guard, but did not harm him. A further Spin-Slash from the now wildly attacking Bobby did little more than cause the crowd to gasp as it sped past the head of its target, missing by a small fraction.

The crowd's shouts of encouragement came in a constant tide of cheers as the two Squires battled on. Jumping aside to avoid a skillful Jab from Bobby Thundar, Aodhan of Greensleeves struck back with a Slash aimed at his foe's legs. He was disappointed to see his attack fall short, only sending a spray of sand up into the air as the tip of his blade cut through the ground. Bobby, ignoring the Slash, stabbed back with a Jab, which was followed by a wild, but powerful, Spin-Slash. Aodhan was too swift for Bobby, however, and both attempts missed.

The final seconds of the battle played out as Aodhan of Greensleeves dodged under yet another Spin-Slash swung by his foe. Attacking back for the final time during the melee, Aodhan swung a mighty, double-handed Power Strike directed at taking down Bobby Thundar. The blow hit with great force, and caused a serious injury to Bobby, but did not knock him over. Making two, ineffective Lunge attacks at his foe, Bobby Thundar missed with the first and found the second blocked by his nimble opponent.

Before any more blows could be dealt out, the Adjudicator called an end to the melee. The time limit had passed and it was now time to declare a winner. As it was, Bobby Thundar had pulled off a close win by having 1 More Hit than his Adroit opponent. It is for this reason that Bobby Thundar is allowed entrance into the Trial of Honour. Due to his defeat, Aodhan of Greensleeves is eliminated from the tournament.



The final melee of the Trial of Strength was approaching, and as the Adjudicator announced the names of the two Squires who would take place in the Tournament, the crowd waited with baited breath. "The fourth and final battle of the Trial of Strength shall involve Jedjo Armag and his adversary for this battle, Ryant de Cooke II."

The onlookers applauded loudly as the Squires entered the arena, and the cheering rose to a fever pitch when the signal was given to begin the conflict...

VS

Jedjo Armag
(Adroit) - (Ranked 7th)

Hits: 0
Wounds Taken: 2

Ryant de Cooke II
(Focused) - (Ranked 3rd)

Hits: 5
Wounds Taken: 0


Throwing caution to the winds, in an unusual display of aggressiveness, Jedjo Armag acted first, Spin-Slashing at Ryant de Cooke II. Ryant was able to evade the attack, however, and strike back with a Spin-Slash of his own, which also missed. Pressing the attack on his Adroit adversary, Ryant Jabbed a harsh stab aimed for the chest of his foe. With a loud clash the thrust hit with great force, winding the Adroit Squire and causing an injury to him.

Determined to bring his opponent down before he could hit back, Ryant continued his harsh assualt on Jedjo Armag by Shoulder Charging at him. The arcing blow hit with resounding power, but Jedjo was no weakling and withstood the punishment, and came out unharmed. Chopping back, Jedjo's attack was accurate, but sadly for the Adroit Jedjo, the Chop was parried.

Stabbing forth with a nimble Jab, Jedjo Armag attempted to score a hit upon his foe but was again unable, as Ryant blocked the attack with his shield. Luckily for Jedjo, Ryant de Cooke II's counter attacks in the form of a Spin-Slash and a Jab were both ill-aimed, and missed.

Becoming concerned now, Jedjo Armag Lunged at his foe in an attempt to knock him down with a single blow. Ryant was too swift for the Lunge, however, and escaped its arcing strike. Jabbing back twice, Ryant was very pleased to see both attacks hit. The first blow caused another wound to Jedjo (who now looked seriously wounded) whilst the second attack winded Jedjo, stopping him from swinging his next attack.

Jedjo Armag was too winded to attack back in the final Turn of the Trial of Strength, the same could not be said for Ryant de Cooke II, however. Using all of his remaining might, Ryant Shoulder Charged at his opponent and hit with a charging, two-handed blow. Jedjo withstood the attack without harm, however, and remained on his feet.

The two Squires stopped fighting and shook hands when the Adjudicator ended the battle with a shout. The fighters had barely travelled at all, as both Squires were still standing within a handful of feet from where they began the melee. Nevertheless, it was time to declare a victor. The winner was Ryant de Cooke II, who had won by having 5 More Hits than his foe. Ryant de Cooke II is therefore allowed entrance into the Trial of Honour, whilst Jedjo Armag's participation in the tournament is at an end, as he has been eliminated.



A the sounding of trumpets silenced the applause and cheers of the crowd, allowing the King's Herald's voice to be heard above the din, "Squires of Bretonnia, approach!".

Doing as they were commanded, the eight Squires who had taken part in the Trial of Strength marched out into the arena, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with each other, facing the Herald and the crowd. "The Trial of Strength has been completed, those who have succeeded shall continue on to the Trial of Honour. Those who have been defeated shall be eliminated from the Tournament. Now, I shall declare the names of those who have been eliminated by the Trial of Strength." Spoke the Herald, before clearing his throat and continuing.

"Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus!" Announced the Herald, to these words Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus stepped forward, he looked proud, yet still disappointed, at how far he had come before being eliminated. "Curtis Pythonheart!" Once more the Herald called out the name of a Squire to be eliminated, and once more the named Squire stepped forward to stand before his comrades and await his formal elimination. "Aodhan of Greensleeves!" To this Aodhan took a step forward, to stand next to his two fellows, who all wore expressions of disappointment. "Lastly, Jedjo Armag!" Announced the Herald, and Jedjo Armag stood next to his to-be-eliminated brothers-at-arms.

"You have done well to come as far as the Trial of Strength, indeed, it shows in all of you great potential and perhaps a grand future. Unfortunately, you have been defeated in the Trial of Strength and therefore you may not proceed further in this Tournament. Return to your lords and comrades, continue your training and perhaps return another day to participate in a future Trial of Steel Tournament. Until that day, however, your part in this Tournament is over. Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus, Curtis Pythonheart, Aodhan of Greensleeves and Jedjo Armag, you are all hearby eliminated from the Trial of Steel." To these heart-crushing words, the four eliminated Squires handed over their shields to the Marshalls, who hung the shields upon metal hooks, next to those of their previously eliminated fellows. The eliminated Squires were then led out of the arena, leaving only the four remaining Squires to be addressed by the Herald.

"You four who stand before me now are all that remain from the twenty who began. It is your right, earned through skill-at-arms, courage and sheer power of will, to take part in the Trial of Honour. Prepare yourselves, for soon you shall enter the arena once more, and again those who are defeated will be removed from the competition. For now, however, celebrate your victory, but remember what still remains to be done before you may take up the mantle of Knighthood!" The Herald dismissed the Squires before him and turned to leave the pavilions.

Now, only four remain...



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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