[Curator]

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♈︎-The Third of Syph


Posters go out, a crier is in the town square of Martyr's Vigil and the Islands of Fortune.


"Avast ye! Traveler, Mercer, and Warrior galore! The Her Sovereignty has seen fit to host a Tournament!

The Southern Gauntlet, held in the Fortress City of Martyr's Vigil, the Sovereign of Fortune herself hosts with her close ally to elevate warriors and magi from across Meranthe! Test your mettle against those who think them your better in a series of battles and parties!"

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The crier goes from town to town, declaring such. The Southern Gauntlet they called it. The two southbound nations having put together this merry gathering to bring in warriors who wish to claim prizes for their valor. A list of prizes be it in simple money or special goods are set available from the stockpiles of the Kingdom of Fortune. With a series of events featuring two Tournaments, as well as a party at the end for the glorious victors of each tournament, participants are implored to contact the two hosts of this event via letter, Garret Richter, and Saiya Emeraldi. With a small entry fee of 5k per participant with unlimited slots! A chance to beat someone else down and to multiply the cost of being here at least if you score in the lower bracket!


The first tournament dubbed the Freelancer's details are posted on fliers in smaller sections, showing rewards as per listed.


First place Prizes:




1 Mana-Absorbent Egg

and...




1 Choice of Armor OR Weapon made by old warriors, blessed by the Pantheon!

Bring home a bag of +30 thousand crowns to boot!(we totally did not forget to add this part in older posters)


Second Place Prizes:

Whichever Second prize is NOT chosen by the First Place winner, +20 thousand crowns! Better luck next time...


Third Place Prizes:




Just 15 thousand crowns. At least you tripled your costs! You tried pal!

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Details about the limitations of those allowed to attend to ensure fairness and cordiality are detailed as well. Some of the rules disqualifying applicants for only the first Tournament for Freelancers. (Players 210 and below are welcomed to participate, bring your own gear, anyone outside this bracket are disallowed for being too high in RPL to ensure there's a somewhat even playing field. Plus we have something in store for the heavy hitters).

More information about those who wished to participate but are disqualified are asked to stay tuned until Co-Host Garret Richter can sort out his details! As nation leaders and officials interested abroad are asked to begin considering a Sponsored Attendant of their own. A separate set of prizes are described to be held back for the next event over.

Let the Gauntlet's Champion be chosen by merit and merit alone.
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Date of 1st Event: 27th of January, 4PM EST/9PM GMT

Delays might push it to an hour or two after to not overlap with other events going on, changes will be posted at earliest convenience.
(Contact Curator3386 or ColonelJones on discord for any out of character questions. Signups at: https://forms.gle/kZ2CKGS2xNjmNZ1D9)

[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.

[Coroneljones]

---

An unexpected delay:

Barely a few days after the unexpected interruption of the Freelancer tournament, word comes out from both Hosts, be it through paid Town criers, or The Order´s own squad of guardsmen tasked with dispersing the announcement, as prepared by the Sovereign of the Kingdom of Fortune, with some input from the Office of the Knight-Commander.

"Following a series of arrests and questioning over several participants and spectators of the Tournament... The Freelancer tournament has been pushed back to a later date in order to ensure safety of participants is assured, investigations on the poisoning of Nyoka, as well as the affiliation of "Dolce" and a spectator of the crowd, are underway.


Contestants for the championship shall be informed by letter if they are welcomed into the reworked and rescheduled tournament prior to the point of poisoning and arrests.
The next series of the Southern Gauntlet events will be pushed forward as well for the re-arrangements to fit."

And in the same announcement it is made clear that the Grand Tournament, and its attaching ball, have been delayed due to these unexpected circumstances, and insufficient sign ups at the time of this announcement.

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TENTATIVE RESCHEDULE: 03/02, 
5PM EST/10PM GMT
STILL WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT OF MARTYRS VIGIL.

[Curator]

=Reconciliation=
( TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES RESOLVED )

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With the new information of contestants affiliations brought up as concerns by spectators of the first Tournament. A cancellation announcement and subsequent investigation of the tournament's two members in question "Dolce" and "Avacyn", were found guilty of not only affiliation but as well as uniformed enlistment in the powers that have time and time again threatened the existence of the Kingdom of Fortune and the Goldlight Order wherever they be. For one of their willingness and understanding of their situation, a chance was offered for rehabilitation and imprisonment, while the other individual in question refused to change their ways thus was handled by the Goldlight Order's guards and Ymirholl's arbiters.

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To that end, members of the Navy of Fortune had investigated a third issue that became relevant in the tournament, the poisoning of Nyoka and his disqualification. After questioning it became apparently clear that no foul play was intended and an incident occurred due to negligence and improper supply. The man responsible for Nyoka's unfortunate situation had been approached and questioned after Doctors determined the wrong type of mixture desired for the Poison Magi was provided, instead Magibane having been supplied instead of a more manageable concoction. Nyoka has stated he intends for no one to be in trouble for this small oversight and mistake, albeit we are all thankful he is well. Any further issues was requested to be handled by Xuefeng officials and the man responsible.

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So then the question arises due to some clear scheduling difficulties as well as the difficulties of attendance as well as a high amount of requests to re-run the first tournament fights... It had been decided by the two hosts with consultation of the leading winners of the tournament to re-run the whole tournament back to it's beginning, where those at the top believe in good spirit of the tournament to allow second chances for all contestants. Including ones who had missing attendance were asked if they could make the next and proper scheduled time.

On the posted date below will be the exact same time as the first fights, so those who missed it or were late are well aware of what caused the discrepancy in their own attendance this time. It is hoped this explanation will resolve the qualms of any and all fighters in the Freelancer Tournament as to where they stand in this affair.

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OFFICIAL FREELANCE TOURNAMENT RESCHEDULE: 2nd of February, 
4PM EST/9PM GMT

[Sailor Ryu]

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With the recent transpiration of events surrounding the Freelancer tournament leading to a resident & child of Xuefeng being poisoned upon the grounds of Martyr's Vigil, Xuefeng has openly, and publicly elected to WITHDRAW any and all support for both the rescheduled tournament, and the upcoming sponsorship tournament, citing security concerns for the residents of their nation.




Distraught by the notion that such a friendly occasion of cooperative competition could be the nesting zone for such things,
the Regent had the following to say:

"It is most unfortunate that the security of my people cannot be guaranteed within the grounds of a city known to be neutral,
It is equally as unfortunate that such an occasion, one in which I imagine all simply attended for the sake of fun, would lead to such lax safety that a child was capable of being poisoned, that the hired force that owned the grounds were not capable of properly vetting the attendees, and that they were not vigilant enough to note when someone was being handed poison.

It is also, all too unfortunate, that your response, rather than immediately halting this debacle, was to instead disqualify the victim, and proceed anyway.

I am not only upset by this, but utterly ashamed that this could have transpired at all.

We will be withdrawing;
Xuefeng's residents, and The Clan will not humour such trivial facades.

For those of you wishing to see proper organization, and proper entertainment; worry not.
The annual Showdown events will return soon.
In the meantime, I implore you all to follow suit until such lack of safety regulations by both kingdoms in this joint venture can be properly addressed, and amended.

Glory to Xuefeng.
Glory to the Emperor.

-Akane Nakano, Regent & Arbiter of Xuefeng."




Any and all Xuefeng residents are hereby, officially discouraged from partaking in the Southern Gauntlet.
This decision, seems to be final.

[Milly]

In either moral support or shock and dismay at the events surrounding the Tournament in which a young child was poisoned, Aphros has followed behind Xuefeng and decided to formally withdraw any and all support from the Tournament. For further clarification, the Astra Captain, Ezra, was quoted as saying the following:

"It's truly an unfortunate thing that someone with as many years as service behind their belt as a head of state would let such a horrible thing befall a young child. What's even more unfortunate is believing they have the authority to march into Gloomlight and demand a member of my Bastion be led away as they were the prime suspect in such an event. While the tragedy itself has been handled internally between Aphros and Xuefeng, we cannot let stand what occurred beforehand.

Therefore, with the Oracle's explicit approval, I hereby order all citizens of Aphros and most especially the Bastion to withdraw from the tournament. We will offer no support nor attendance to such an event, and if an Aphrosian citizen does attend it is on their own merit and they do not represent the most Sacred State of Aphros.

The lack of promised safety regulations, as well as the audacity of a foreign head of state to act as I witnessed needs to be amended post haste."

Thus, much like Xuefeng, Aphros has formally withdrawn any and all support.

[Curator]

♌︎-The Sixth of Leo 
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Sometimes, hopes are dashed. The desire to make right on the wrongs of the first hosting of Fortune's Tournament for the Freelancers had fallen short of the intended schedule. Where arrangements to ensure promises that security concerns of the Tournament would be addressed while also continuing to respect the Individuals who wished to participate seemed to drag on and on. Sovereign Saiya Emeraldi has made the decision to dedicate on following the advice of her peer realms. As such the smaller Freelancer Tournament shall be removed from the Southern Gauntlet's venue. All participants who joined will be directly refunded by the Sovereign herself, a letter to reach out to each will be sent in a month's time if she is not reached out to first.
(I'll be free sometime tomorrow guys tonight when this is posted is a bad time as I'm busy irl)
Yet, the rest of the events may continue, the Kingdom of Fortune wishes to learn from more experienced parties such as the Martyr's Vigil and Xuefeng who have previously hosted similar events on their own territories. So that such mistakes are not to occur under their own watch so easily again, taking that the concerns of other nations seriously.
The prizes and payouts featured in the Goldlight directed Champion Tournament and party conclusion will still be provided by the Kingdom as promised in their initial agreement, yet management of the Tournament will be entirely in the more experienced and trusted hands of Knight-Commander Richter of Martyr's Vigil. It is requested of Xuefeng and Aphros to reconsider their withdrawals, as it is in the hands of those who are more than capable of preventing the mistakes that occurred in the first event.
An apology to all who wished more of the Freelancer tournament. Some participants have already received their refunds for attendance as it seems no date for the first event's rehost is forseen as of now, yet the rest of the Southern Gauntlet shall continue as scheduled.
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