The Trials of Sigvard
"The Trials" as they are known colloquially, are a series of events conducted yearly, centered around the anniversary of the official dominion of The Calradian Empire over the entirety of the mainland continent West of Lake Savengard. These borders were the maximum official extent of the Empire, and represented the Third Age as the "Imperial Golden Age".
The Trials are a time of year which shifts every year slightly, but usually takes place over a one week period, when tournaments of all kinds are held for public entertainment. Tournaments during Trials week center around combat, and are a chance for the greatest champions of the realm to test their skills against each other. Jousts, Melees, archery, even magical tournaments are held in every major city, giving not only the chance for glory, but also for huge cash prizes and employment prospects.
During the tournaments taverns are full of gamblers and revelers, eager to watch and bet on their favorite contestants. In addition, the nobility of the Empire often use the trials as a chance to show both their power and benevolence, funding the tournaments and ensuring that the best competitors dedicate their victories to the noble House of their origin. Many stories exist in Imperial folklore of nobles using their victories as proof of their undying admiration and affection for a forbidden love.
History
None are completely sure when The Trials began but most historians agree that it was first precipitated by retired soldiers from the holy crusades who, with martial skill but nowhere to use it, began to organize ad hoc tournaments to earn money. Eventually, these were coopted by the state as a good way to encourage martial prowess and provide a chance for revelry funded by the nobility themselves. Many early Emperors became famous by personally funding massive empire-wide tournaments, becoming very popular.
Execution
Though every city conducts a slightly different version of the tournaments of The Trials of Sigvard, all start with the same ceremonial fight. A champion from among the contestants of any of the competitions can volunteer to play the role of Sigvard, fighting against the evil Daemons of Naggarond. The Daemons are represented by two criminals, who are offered a chance at freedom if they succeed in besting Sigvard (often only those set for execution will accept for the following reasons). Unfortunately for the criminals, they are given no armor, and only a dagger as a weapon, representing the savagery of the Daemons. Sigvard triumphs in almost every case, and his victory kicks off the tourneys. In the very rare cases where the criminals prevail, it is considered an ill-omen for the city for 10 years, and so the city Archon will often ensure they pick the champion of Sigvard well.
Components and tools
The specifics of the tournaments vary by city, and so the settings too vary. For example, the halls of Myzea are no place for jousting, but they are the location of the most savage melee combats amongst the stalagmites and stalactites of deep-cavern arenas. Meanwhile, the open plains of Saneopa and Charas are great settings for full-on cavalry battles between squadrons of horsemen, watched from nearby hillsides by cheering crowds. In the deserts of the South, the arenas are often filled with exotic creatures and monsters for famous gladiators to face off against either alone or in teams.
Observance
There is no set date for The Trials, and in some cases Archons have actually coordinated so that they don't overlap, allowing champions and nobility to travel from one city to the next to take part in multiple tournaments.
In general though, The Trials take place from the 7th to the 21st of Raimunt, giving the farmers and lower-class citizens a reprieve from the hard-working planting season.
Important Locations
Related Organizations
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