MOD PLOT: NOT ALONE DO WE STAND, PART 1

[faderifting]

WHO: Anyone who wants to attend
WHAT: THE GRAND TOURNEY
WHEN: Bloomingtide 20-27
WHERE: Wycome
NOTES: We'll be rolling one or two events per day, in the order listed, and posting the results here! That's also where you can find your diplomacy or espionage assignments and their results. There will be a second log post in about five days regarding the end of the tournament, to give people a place to RP about the competitions' results once they know them and to react to some other surprise developments, so leave some room for dessert.

The Grand Tourney is one of Thedas's greatest spectacles--all the nations of the world and plenty of others besides turned out to compete in this edition of the famous test of arms. The Duke of Wycome has granted the use of a broad plain outside the city, a vast open span of grass bounded on both sides by minor forks of the Minanter making their way to the sea, and split down the center by another. Scores of the duke's men have been hard at work since the announcement, constructing stands and arenas, the rough wooden rails and benches of the commons and luxurious boxes for the more exalted spectators, lifted above the masses and shaded by awnings, draped with bunting in Wycome's brilliant purple and gold.

Between and among the competition grounds are stalls and roving vendors selling anything and everything, most popular the vast open-sided tents filled with trestle tables and benches and neverending barrels of ale and wine as tall as a qunari. Stages of various sizes dot the grounds, hosting musicians, dancers, tumblers, performers of all kinds. Others wander through the crowds, putting on impromptu shows wherever it looks like there are enough people with free coin about.

A half-dozen new wooden bridges span the central river--more like a large stream, really--and connect the competition grounds to the camping grounds. Tents in all colors and styles are arrayed in rough groups, marked out with the banners of knights, houses, mercenary companies, kingdoms. The Inquisition has sprung for new tents for its delegation to make sure they look the part, dramatic black as a backdrop to the Inquisition banners that fly atop each of them, housing two to four people each. Nearest are some Orlesians with an array of brightly-colored silk structures, and on the opposite side, a mercenary company called the the Grizzly Legion, a particularly rowdy outfit, with banners market by a giant red bear, and bonfires and revelry late into the night every night.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The general atmosphere of the tourney is raucous and celebratory, but the rivalries inherent in the occasion seem less good-natured than they might have in past years. Nevarra seems divided into two camps rather than one, with a (not-yet-literal) line down the middle of their encampment and their crowds that's bridged only by the brave and slightly awkward few who still haven't chosen between the Pentaghasts and Van Markhams. And the Orlesians, despite rumors that the Empire is still struggling in the wake of its own civil war, seem particularly delighted to see their rivals teetering on the brink—some are even taking odds on how soon they'll be able to get Perendale back. But, of course, no one can rival Tevinter for smugness. If there was a fancy sword awarded for that, they would win it every year, and there's no sitting near their delegation without "overhearing" an unnecessarily loud conversation about the sorry state of the rest of Thedas.

Of course, not everyone is caught up in the affairs of surfacer empires: there are delegations from both Orzammar and Kal-Sharok, each apparently pretending the other does not exist, and the odd Avvar and Chasind who seems to think everyone else is being a bit ridiculous about everything. The most isolated attendees are those from the Anderfels, who stick close together and rarely speak to anyone else—not that anyone else seems much inclined even if they did want to. At the other end of the spectrum are the Free Marchers; this is the one occasion every-few-years when they look to one another as brothers, rather than distinct and often competitive nations.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

The Grand Tourney's official competitions are scheduled to take place over five days, culminating with the prestigious Grand Melee and awarding of the Celebrant. Before then, the tournament progresses day by day through unarmed combat, archery, armed combat, and jousting competitions, each heavily attended by delighted spectators cheering for their countrymen and any foreigner who strikes them as particularly charming, plus the odd equal-opportunity heckler. A few extra fights break out here and there when tempers flare, between both competitors and observers, and when the alcohol flows more liberally at night the chance of trouble rises. But for the most part, the competitions are fair and the mood around them is celebratory.

Away from the main grounds, a few additional staging areas have been provided for events focused on magic—these are more sparsely attended, due to their unofficial nature and the fears of much of the populace that they might catch a fireball to the face if they wander too close, but enough people's curiosity trumps fear to form a thinner, quieter crowd. The two events open to mages, combat against fade-touched creatures and a version of the melee with teams that allow mages, take place in the early mornings, when they won't be competing with the official events for attention, and are most heavily attended by Tevinter mages who are very, very certain that they can't be beat.

Comments

Kain

[in_death_sacrifice]

Unarmed Combat

Kain is all excited to get out and compete. He lives to show off his battle skills, after all, so he's been looking forward to the whole tourney. He doesn't know his opponent, but he's sure he's got what it takes to beat her.

...but as he soon finds out, it's never good to underestimate an opponent. When the battle starts, Kain gets a couple of good swings in, initially, but it soon becomes clear that it's just a bit of luck. This Kara Line is a pretty good brawler, lithe and tough, and things turn quickly in her favor. She's definitely the better skilled of the two in unarmed styles. He ends up sprawled on the ground by the end.

He trudges off a little bit disappointed, sighing as he stays a bit to watch the other contenders. He'll commiserate with anyone else who also gets knocked out of the competition, or congratulate those who win.

Armed Combat

Ok, he's got this, he's definitely got this. Weapons are much more his specialty, anyway, right? Kain is again eager and enthused when the time comes to face whatever creatures he's up against.

It's just his luck, though, that he's got some tough monsters to fight. He holds his sword at the ready as the three massive bile green lurkers stalk into the arena. No problem, he's still got this. He gets Ring of Pain going and begins to fight, the lurkers charging fiercely at him. All three are tenacious, putting up a difficult fight, even as Kain whirls and jumps around the arena, making plenty of use of his new and old skills. It proves to be an entertaining battle at first.

Unfortunately, they're also venomous creatures, and it's only a matter of time before one gets a nasty bite on him. It goes downhill fast after that, becoming more and more of a struggle for Kain. By the time all three of the lurkers have him down on the ground, it's pretty clear the battle is done. He hears gasps of alarm and other concerned sounds as they drag him out of the arena.

He spends the rest of this day in a medical tent being treated. Anyone who may have witnessed his battle, or otherwise happens to stop by will be welcome to visit. He could use a little cheering up about now.

Joust

By the time the joust comes up, Kain's overall mood has shifted. Has he disgraced himself? A lot of the spectators seemed to enjoy the events, but Kain is still pretty hard on himself overall. So his mindset is much less jubilant, and far more serious by now.

He's been patched up quite well from the other events, the bruises, bites and venom having been treated. Maybe there's even just enough lingering pain to be a help and not a hindrance for his reavering.

Getting on horseback helps to steady his nerves. Kain has always done well when mounted, and lately after perfecting his dragon-based skills, it's felt even more natural. So he rides with considerable intensity and skill. It's clear that this is something he thoroughly enjoys.

This time, he fares better than he could have expected. Round after round passes. Lances break and shields smash, and horse hooves thunder along as they ride... and Kain is still holding up. He goes against Ser Lindner who draws geese sounds from the crowd, and then that super righteous Ser Romolo with his flock of chantry sisters. Kain unhorses the latter, drawing especially excited cheers from some corners of the crowd. He's known many of these men, of course, having grown up as a noble in Orlais and crossed their paths in the past. To Kain's dismay, facing Ser Felix means undergarments are thrown all over the place, and he himself ends up riding one pass with a lady's brassiere caught in his armor.

Kain almost doesn't hear it when they announce the Final Round is starting. He looks around at whoever is nearby. "Is that me? Did I hear that right?"

Spectating the Magic Combat Event

Kain is seated by Garahel, who he's watching for Inessa while she does her magical event. It's strange to be in the audience, but in a way he likes being able to settle back for once. He reaches down to pet Garahel.

"It's almost time… Let's hope she has some good luck out there." Inessa may not be an imposing figure, but she's smart. He's sure she has a trick or two she can use.

When the time comes, he stands and claps, cheering even more than he has for anyone else. Here goes...

Games

"I've never been one for such games… but… perhaps it's worth trying something."

Kain wanders around from booth to booth, hesitant at first to actually play anything. He's more interested to see how these games go for others for now, pausing every so often to watch someone else playing, to see if it's something he'll be interested in trying out as well.

Wildcard!

Anything else you want to play out? Go for it!

Magic Combat

[circleprodigy]

Inessa puts up a valiant effort, that first round. Her opponent is a tenacious olive-green oversized ram that seems to counter everything she throws at it with sheer attitude. The fact that it slowly but visibly heals wounds during the fight doesn't help matters, but even when Inessa counters it with her entropy magic, the ram persists. Despite her ice and hexes -and she does get in a few good counters with each- the ram emerges victorious when it finally breaks through her barrier, throwing her back a few feet.

When the scores emerge, it's not too surprising that she doesn't advance to the next round, but by then Inessa's being taken to the medical tent and past caring.

[in_death_sacrifice]

"Come on, Garahel." Kain is definitely disappointed to see she didn't advance, but that ram had been a pretty tough enemy. He's not so sure he'd have made it against something like that, truthfully. They've really been bringing out an impressive array of creatures.

He's still somewhat limping along himself, definitely in need of the rest between events, another reason he's glad he's gotten to just watch this time around. He approaches only after the healers are done with their work, since they keep shooing him away anyway. He knows better than to get in their way. "You put up a good fight... that was by far the largest ram I've ever seen."

[circleprodigy]

Had it not been for the way she landed, Inessa could have taken care of the healing herself. As it is, it's a bit difficult to concentrate on magic when her own head is ringing. She's a cooperative patient, mostly wanting to get it over with and perhaps thinking she shouldn't set a bad example for Kain.

When Garahel pauses by her with soulful eyes and a whine, she pats him reassuringly. "The self-healing definitely hurt my chances, I had to waste mana that I otherwise would have put to good use. I suppose when it comes to creatures other than darkspawn, I still have plenty to learn."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"We should go out more and try to fight new and exotic things. That is, when there's time. Perhaps we'll just have to make a point of doing so during our missions... You want to be ready for next year, after all." He's at least in part serious, after all, it's always worth getting to know how various unfamiliar foes fight. "You still held your own, and that's what matters."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa nods slightly, not trusting herself enough to move her head any more than that. "I satisfied my curiosity about how well I would do by comparison. That's enough for me, for now. Whether or not I'll join next year is up in the air, but I won't say no to broadening my experience regardless. When we return to Kirkwall...."

She leans back down and closes her eyes, hoping the world stops spinning soon.

[in_death_sacrifice]

"I hope you'll at least be up for coming to cheer me on, should we be able to return next year." After all, Kain wouldn't miss the Tourney for the world, as long as there are no other pressing matters, anyway. Of course, there have been times he just couldn't go, usually due to some Warden-related mission.

"And I'll be glad to figure out some things we could go up against, to practice... we may not even have to go very far..." He considers. "But for now, I say we spend the rest of the day on something more relaxing. We could perhaps take our next meal off to somewhere more quiet than the common dining area..." Really, they do need a chance to spend some time together, since they've both been busy thus far either preparing for events or watching each other's. He has no obligations the rest of this day, at least, with it being devoted to the mages.

Joust

[circleprodigy]

Inessa has been cheering for Kain each section of the joust, only leaving the stands to encourage him personally between rounds. That he keeps advancing is a wonderful antidote to his first-round defeats elsewhere, and she looses some of that reserve in the stands, whistling and clapping louder than she ever has before. Garahel happily barks along, eager to see Kain continue.

After the semi-final round, the pair head down to see Kain again, and she snags some ice-water to pass along. Given the building momentum, it's not too much of a surprise that this break isn't a long one, and she perks up when announcements are made. A wide smile forms as she nods.

"You're in the last round! You made it!

...though unless you want to be mistaken for Ser Felix, I would advise removing that."

Her lips twitch at the brassiere still dangling from a pauldron, waiting to see how long it would take him to notice. But since he's about to begin again, that 'wait to see how long it takes him to notice' game needs to end.

[in_death_sacrifice]

"Ah... thank you." Kain takes the water gratefully, gulping it down quickly, with a satisfied sigh afterward. He's pretty excited and still a bit in disbelief that he's made it this far. After all, his opponents had all been pretty formidable.

He glances where Inessa is pointing, giving a startled gasp. "Was that- Was it there the whole time!?" Ser Felix's fans are all too devoted, it would seem. In fact, they're still clearing the field of various underclothes, alongside the normal preparations for the final round. It's caused a minor delay, but shouldn't hold things up too much longer. On the other side of the field, the festively dressed opponent is likewise awaiting the signal to start. "Wish me luck with this one. The Harlequin Knight may look like a clown, but he's no pushover." He's also one of the Orlesians out there, so Kain knows him better than some of the others, since in addition to jousts, they'd crossed paths at noble events and such. This isn't going to be too easy.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa can't help but laugh at Kain's reaction, nodding. "It's been there since the last time I was able to speak to you. At least it didn't impede you in any way." If it had, she would have held an eternal grudge against Ser Felix. When Kain rids himself of it, Garahel bends down to sniff at the undergarment. She taps the braided leather hair tie with a griffon that she'd given him as a favor and smiles knowingly.

"Good luck. Either way, I'm proud you made it this far. We will celebrate after."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"I'm certainly glad it didn't affect my performance, or someone would have had to answer for that." Kain smirks, looking down at Garahel for a moment, then returns his expression to look at Inessa, his hand going to lightly touch that favor which has been a source of luck throughout this event. "Thank you. I'm pleased I've made it this far..." And please he's finally getting to show off for her. He looks away as they're finally done clearing the field.

"I'll see you afterward." He leans in to kiss her, then heads over to get prepared, mounting his horse and putting his visor down. He's handed a lance, and his opponent likewise, both of them eyeing one another from across the field. There's cheering from all around as their names are announced, and then they ready themselves... and they're off!!

Horse hooves thunder across the field as they swiftly ride toward one another. The first pass comes with clashing from both sides, the lances of both fighters shattering on impact as they hit one another's shields. Not a bad start, but there's still more to go...

[circleprodigy]

The kiss isn't a surprise, but there's a surge of panic when it happens, anyway. They're among so many people...and many of those not likely approving of an elf-human pairing, or willing to assume all sorts of nasty things about it. She doesn't care as long as they keep those assumptions to themselves, but if they choose to take action...

--and Kain is off, her thought process interrupted and refocusing on the event wholeheartedly. She holds her breath automatically at that first pass, only remembering to breathe afterward. Kain receives plenty of cheering from her end, for the auspicious start.

[in_death_sacrifice]

As distracted as he was, in the moment, Kain couldn't help it, not even thinking about the implications as he normally might. The time for caution is long past, he figures. He doesn't care who sees them right now. He has a goal in sight, and wants to give it his all to prove himself worthy. That he's made it this far is a big deal to him. Now to see where it'll go from here.

The two opponents get ready for the second pass, armed with new lances and getting into position yet again. Once again, the horses take off... Kain feels that powerful sensation as the horse rapidly moves along, watching as the gaudy colors of his opponent rush toward him. There's a clash again, but this time, it's only Ser Hannequin striking Kain, whose own lance goes wide, missing his target. He's disappointed, but he's got another chance left. He can do this. He listens to the roar of the crowd, to the announcer's reminder that Hannequin now commands the lead.

Armed Combat

[gatheringstorm]

Kain has company in the medical tent. Korrin is on the next cot over, decorated with scorch marks and mild frostbite in places where her armor didn't provide protection. She sighs, her pride even more wounded than her body as she glances over to her neighbor.

"Those creature fights are a bitch, aren't they? I knew it was going to be tough going in, but damn. They make you work for every inch and then some. What'd you fight?"

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain had been instructed to rest and take it easy, but he keeps fidgeting a bit, all too eager to get back out there. He still has other events to get ready for, and can't waste time in here. But he's very scratched and bruised, and they're making him occasionally drink this vile stuff intended to counteract the venom. Ugh. He's definitely a but pale still.

"Three huge lurkers. They were annoyingly persistent. And more venomous than I'd expected." He sighs. He definitely might have done better if there were perhaps one less creature out there. Maybe. But this had been his luck. "What about you, what were you up against?"

[gatheringstorm]

"An orange battle nug that breathed fire and ice. I wish I was joking, that fucker was a pain in the ass to fight. I barely even got in a few good shots before it got the upper hand in the worst way." Korrin grumbles, her pride wounded by her last of staying power in the event. It's a little humiliating, given her talent and experience.

"Hey, I saw the lists for the magical melee portion. We'll be on the same team."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"I wonder where they find such things? I've never heard of such a nug in the wild... that must have been a sight to behold." Half the fun of the Tourney is seeing what they throw against the fighters, he has to admit. Even if he himself is obsessed with the competition these days... he's been going to this event all of his life, having spectated and loved it as a boy. It's always excited him.

He perks up at her mentioning that. "Then I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you. I for one cannot wait to see how this event will go, overall... and we ought to have good chances to fare well between our fighting styles..."

[gatheringstorm]

"Most likely they bred or altered it with vint help." Korrin snorts, not seeing why regular creature weren't enough. She would almost feel bad for the nug, if it hadn't tried to trample her.

"That's my hope. I gotta redeem myself after this disastrous bout, and I know you can hold your own. Let's just hope the other teams have that much less staying power."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"I guess that's true... it's unfortunate, in its way... there are so many beasts they could just take from the wild, after all..." Especially if it were something fierce threatening a local population. They could go down in a blaze of glory instead of just being put down.

Kain sighs, making a face as those lingering effects from the poison hit him anew. "Right... and I've likewise not been doing too well, so far, either. This melee is surely just the thing I need, it's... it's bound to be challenging, but between us, so far, we've got both physical and magical strength on our side..." He's got the melees and also the joust to look ahead to at this point. He knows he's got some tough competition in the latter, but the melees are kind of a wild card. Who knows what'll happen?

Unarmed Combat

[iceblade]

[Aka, that awkward moment when your character was beaten by your friend's other character.]

Skadi manages to advance to the next round, but that's when her own luck fails. Fenris is too fast and fierce for her to get a solid grip on for too long, and while it's a fun challenge, it's not one she can ultimately overcome. The crowd cheers as Fenris is named the victor of their match, and she heads out of the ring to get some water and healing for her forming bruises.

Returning a short while later, she ends up near Kain as the next round begins and flashes him a smile.

"Brutal out there, isn't it? I thought I had it in me to last a little longer, but luck wasn't on my side."

ha! man I always find it pretty funny having my characters semi-cross paths

[in_death_sacrifice]

There are quite a few exciting matches in this second round, and even Kain has to admit that he's glad he'd stuck around to watch. He's still a bit disappointed that he's not out there, but he's still pretty impressed by the talent of these combatants. The tattooed elf takes this round, but that had been a tough one to call. It definitely could have gone either way at points.

He glances over as Skadi approaches, nodding agreement. "I'll say. But that was well fought... you came close to taking that round."

[iceblade]

Skadi smiles anew, not too put out but then there are other events still at hand. "Fenris knows me too well, I think. That's what comes of sparring with him beforehand. With new people, you may not know their ways, but they don't know yours either. There's some benefit in that."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"That's true... I could tell you both were familiar with one another, though, without a doubt. You both knew how to counter certain attacks." Just being a fighter in general, it's easy to pick up on things like that, when watching others. "There's something to be said for the thrill of the unknown... I'm sure that's why they usually have the strangest array of creatures to face for the armed combat..." Which is something he's looking forward to next, figuring he has a great chance to last past the first round there. Right? But maybe he shouldn't overestimate his own abilities...

[iceblade]

"Ah, now that I can't wait to start. Squaring off against a tough beastie? What's a more exciting challenge than that?" Skadi brightens, likewise hoping for a better turnout than this last one. "It'll be even more of a challenge, since I can't use my Spirit Warrior abilities, lest they think I'm a mage. It will be pure muscle and wit at my side."

[in_death_sacrifice]

"Ah, yes. Keeping subdued with certain skills has to be tough. On the other hand, that makes for quite the challenge to face..." And a new challenge is a good thing. Kain definitely enjoys such opportunities, himself. "I wonder what sort of beasts they'll throw against us this year? There was one Tourney a few years back where it seemed as if there were bears everywhere, of all sizes and shapes, and dispositions... but enhanced in various ways. Whatever they toss at us, it's bound to be tougher than average."