[Coroneljones]

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♓︎-The Fifth of Ios

And a few months after the first set of posters and flyers, a new set join them, further heralded by advertisement squads and town criers, within Martyrs' Vigil and the Islands of Fortune.

"Hear ye, hear ye!

By the grace of Her Sovereignty, with the support of the Knight-Commander, celebrations and challenges are to continue with the declaration of a Grand Tournament!

The Southern Gauntlet shall not stop with solely one tournament as its highlight, but instead it shall bear witness to a second.

To be held in the Castle-Town of Martyr's Vigil just like its lesser twin, the Knight-Commander of the Goldlight Order himself, with the support of the steadfast ally that is the Sovereign of Fortune herself, shall act as hosts for a Grand Tournament, not intended to solely challenge the Magi of the Peninsula, but the very Kingdoms themselves.

Test your mettle, skill and will against the chosen Champions of the Kingdoms and Nations of Meranthe!"

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The crier squads travel from town to town, reciting the prepared advertisement, as well as pinning flyers. 

The Southern Gauntlet would continue onwards to its grand conclusion.

Unlike its more open twin, the Champion Tournament was not intended for all, but instead the very best, as chosen by a select number of patrons.
It would retain the same entry fee requirement as its predecessor, but now of 10,000 crowns per participant, but with a far grander prize and requirement list for entry.

Participants will not register themselves, but instead be registered by a sponsor, a Kingdom or Nation of the Peninsula of Meranthe, therefore acting as their chosen Champion to acquire not only the rewards of victory, but the title of "Grand Champion" for the glory of their Patron.
Notice: Leadership figures from any of the available sponsors are advised against participating, to give the spotlight to one of their subordinates instead.

Currently accepted list of Sponsors [Each can only back ONE Champion of their own]:

• Aegis
  
• The Holy State of Aphros
  
• The Realm of Delphina
  
• Prospera
  
• Londo
  
• Xuefeng
  
• The Final Frontier
  
• The Viridian Grove
  
• Ymirhold
  
• The Kingdom of Serenity
  
• Nyflheim
  

And Lastly

• The Goldlight Order, as well as the Kingdom of Fortune, not sponsoring their own Champions but instead ONE special contestant
  

The Grand Victor of the Freelancer Tournament shall be granted the chance to participate in the Champions Tournament, and to further continue their legacy of victory, or fall.


And what would these Champions of Kingdoms fight for?

First Place: 50,000 crowns and Three picks, from the Collection, a bottle of our finest vintage, as well as the title of Grand Champion.

Second Place: 30,000 crowns, Two picks from the Collection, and a bottle of our local vintage.

Third place: A consolation prize, of one of our fine vintage wine bottles, as well as One pick from the Collection, chosen for them by the Grand Champion.

Any individual that wishes to aid in expanding the prize pool is free to contact the Hosts with submissions.

The top three victors shall not only be granted a large sum of crowns, but also a selection of treasures, collected over the years by our hosts, such as, but not limited to:

And once the tournament comes to a close, The Southern Gauntlet begins its descend into its closing act, with festivities.

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And what better way to finish these hardships than a retreat to far more pleasant times.

A retreat to far more civilized times.

A ball hosted within the borders of The Vigil.

Enjoy our prepared schedule:

• A calm and quiet evening, to rest after the spectacles of the month.
  
• A chance to speak with all the tournament guests, especially those from the distant Kingdoms.
  
• An opportunity to partake of our local vintage, masterfully prepared by our fine experts.
  
• A potential speech from the Hosts, to close the festivities, including the chance for a small sermon from The Hand of the Tribunal.
  
• Prepared music, by our youthful talents.
  
• And perhaps more, for this soothing closing finale.
  

And with a special highlight, optional to observe for all, the potential for a public oath-taking ceremony for members of the Goldlight Order, new and old.

And any guests of honor wishing to host any demonstrations or highlights of their own are welcomed to contact the Hosts.

"We invite you, honored guests, to partake of our hospitality, after gathering for the competitions on display.

Leave your worries behind, as you escape from your duties on this night, as another face in the crowd.

Champion and Sponsor alike, as well as simple observers wishing to attend.

Bring your finest wear, and a partner if you wish.

Bring a mask if you have a want for one, or none at all, for this is a night to all of you.

Diplomat.
Nobility.
Warrior.

Knight.
Champion.

Merchant.

Or even just wanderers.

Celebrate and wash away your burdens, amongst equals."

Grand Tournament Sign ups HERE

Both Grand Tournament and Ball are intended to occur on the 29th, at 5PM EST/10PM GMT
The Ball may be rescheduled to another day, if the Tournament runs on for too long.