The Sapphire Tournament

The Sapphire Tournament is considered grandest tournament held in The Jointed Provinces, perhaps the world. It is about to celebrate it's 200th anniversary, having been created years ago by King Dornov who used to pay the winners in sacks of sapphires, that practice has changed from sapphires to gold coins. Tens of thousands subject themselves to the grueling tests during the application process that begins the day after the previous tournament and end the day before the next. Only 500 will place into the tournament.

Each Sapphire Tournament is held in a different Province which is determined by way of vote between the committee responsible for the administration of the tournament. To date: Cortesia and Hammer's Head have hosted the tournament the most times opposed to the other provinces. For the 215th Tournament, The Dourlands has been selected as host province. Additionally, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the fall of the Godking, both the North and members of King LaCroix's court of Grastrum have been invited to participate.

Each winner is given a thousand gold pieces as a prize as well as a standing invitation to all royal events until death.

Events of the Sapphire Tournament
The Sapphire tournament includes events such as archery, jousting, horsemanship, wrestling, feats of strength, and the final and most prestigious of all sports: swordplay. The event goes on for three weeks.

To even place in the tournament is considered an hour and people are respected for entire lifetimes, regardless of where they are place. The events are lead through a bracket system, with two individuals facing off against one another in their respective event and the victor moving on to face another winner. Whoever comes out in 1st place is considered The Sapphire of their event (The Sapphire of Bow, The Sapphire Sword, etc.).

The most popular event is swordplay by far. Two opponents duel in their own fighting style with weapon of choice (must be a blade of some sort, no axes, bludgeons, polearms, etc.). The last four tournaments have been won by Provincers through a fencing style.

Swordplay

 * Caldron Barrows, Sapphire Tournaments 190-195 - Winner of the swordplay event five years in a row. He used the fencing style that incorporated a short dagger alongside his long steel.


 * Rackam Stross, Sapphire Tournament 182-183 - Winner of the swordplay event twice in a row. Sword and shield style, was considered an underdog for a majority of the tournament his first year but deftly defeated all opponents.

