Tournament (1080)

[TheFlax]

Hermant de Mauvoisin kept pressing the retreating Duke of Bourgogne when the latter addressed him.

"Tell me, Sir Hermant. How does three against one in a mere tournament fit into your idea of chivalry?"

Hermant tried to talk while dodging Raymond's blows: "I am sorry, my Duke, but this tournament is a battle not a series of duels. And in battle, concentration of force is a virtue not a misdeed. If I have wronged you, I apologise and you may seek satisfaction after the tournament."

The Duke was about to reply, but at that very moment Gaspard de Neufville and Loup de Gisors caught up to him. Meanwhile, Hermant has to turn to face Gaeten de Rethel, who had just arrived to reinforce Raymond de Provence. While both of them exchanged a series of blows, which left the newcomer reeling, Raymond fought his two opponents with renewed vigor. In an incredible display of martial prowess, Raymond not only managed to beat back his two foes but also scored a telling blow on his vassal. With only time to take a short breath, the Duke of Bourgogne turned to face Hermant de Mauvoisin once more and continued their conversation, while exchanging a few a strikes.

"A battle? It seems everyone's minds here went to porridge as soon as they heard the word 'team' in the rules, neglecting everything else. If I had thought this was going to be a battle, I would have stayed home and prepared for the countless others to come!"

Hermant smiled. "My Lord, a general melee is as good a training for war as a duel - nay better, as one must test ones wits and team work as well as one's sword arm. And even in play, we may find out the measure of those who will stand alongside us. You fight bravely and now your team mates approach."

Indeed not far away from them, Alexandre le Sueur was closing in and Bertin de Montsault likewise. Unfortunately for the latter, he was cut off by Eloi de Montferrat who drove him back with a battle cry "Saint Denis m'garde! À nous deux, chevalier!" and a furious assault of his lance.

On the other side of the field, the fight between Alain de Rohan and Hugues de Champagne was interrupted by the timely arrival of Prince Louis. While Hugues turned to face this newest arrival, Alain was met by Raoul de Chatillon. Further to the right, Simon de Monpierre was about to move in pursuit of Thomas de Saint-Armand, but Christophe de Perronne cut him off, also bypassing Alphonse La Hire who was calling upon him to back him up.

A frantic melee erupted and for a time, it was hard to tell which of the combatants was winning his respective fight. The first to make headway was the Duke of Bretagne, who with a well placed strike of lance drove off Raoul de Chatillon. Soon after, it was Hugues of Champagne's turn to strike a blow, turning back Prince Louis. Yet, both combatants knew that it could have gone either way and only Hugue's slight edge in experience managed to break their deadlock. There was no such edge to be found in the battle between Christophe de Perronne and Simon de Montpierre; both men finally withdrew as their fight became obviously inconclusive.

(Hermant de Mauvoisin (econ21) is locked in combat with Raymond de Provence (Cecil XIX)
Hugues de Champagne (OverKnight) is locked in combat with Alain de Rohan (AussieGiant).)

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Stances of Combatants:

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Gaeten de Rethel (YLC)(High) vs Hermant de Mauvoisin (econ21)(Low)

Raymond de Provence (Cecil XIX)(High) vs Gaspard de Neufville (Ignoramus)(Low)
Raymond de Provence (Cecil XIX)(High) vs Loup de Gisors (Beskar)(High)

Bertin de Montsault (woad&fangs)(High) vs Eloi de Montferrat (The Lemongate)(High)

Prince Louis (Ramses II CP)(High) vs Hugues de Champagne (OverKnight)(Low)

Alain de Rohan (AussieGiant)(Low) vs Raoul de Chatillon (deguerra)(High)

Simon de Montpierre (Itulrade)(High) vs Christophe de Perronne (TinCow)(Low)

ORDERS FOR ROUND 4 ARE DUE BY WEDNESDAY 29th OF JULY, 22:00 EST.