Grand Ballet

Since its inception in 145 AC, the Grand Ballet has seen some of the finest displays of martial prowess in the history of Tarien. Held once a decade in sites that alternate between the Flietch-ta Empire and the Elanthai Council, the event draws nobles houses from both nation-states in droves. For Flind it serves as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the brightest martial artists of the Empire. For Elynthi, for whom a decade passes as a year might for more common races, it provides an opportunity for young warriors to announce their coming of age.

Its rules are simple. While sometimes as many as a hundred might petition for entry it the event, a panel of Flind and Elynthi elders select only 32 of the finest warriors to participate. Each pairs off against a random opponent, the winner advancing to the face the winner of another pair. The battles continue for the entirity of Sun Moon until, after victories in matches over five opponents, a champion is crowned.

Contestants may use any weapons they chose, including their own innate powers of magic and the mind. The use of magical or psionic instruments aide of any kind, however, is strictly forbidden. Each match consists of short rounds, lasting the span of fifty heartbeats. The match consists for a total of ten rounds or until one of the contestants either yields or cannot continue. Judges will award points to the combatants as they see fit and while having the most points at the end of the tenth round would technically grant one victory, most matches are decided by either concession, knockout, or the death of one's opponent.

While an Elynthi named Kal Gelashtir Shal'Grieshni won the first event, and it took nearly another century for a Flind to win their first tourney, they have won many since that time, using their-long limbed locks and throws offsetting Elynthi speed. Betting and politics go hand and hand with the event and over history, fortunes have been won and lost and houses have seen their prospects rise and fall with the outcomes of matches.

The victor is declared the mightiest warrior on Tarien, a fact that certainly might be challenged as few outside of the far east ever participate. There have, however, historically been tournaments that include some outsiders, such as an occasional Imperial Legionnaire or Drakshal monk. The most famous came in Fifth Century when Dyianr'ri Shien'shoam won the Ballet, slaying all five opponents.

Type
Martial Arts Tournament
Typically Held In
Flietch-ta Empire or Elanthai Council

Founding Date

145 AC