Crusader Kings [Concluded]

[johnhughthom]

1070

Dublin, Ireland.

The seat of Duke Diamondeye of Leinster was the scene of a great tournament, bringing all the Lords of Ireland together for feasting, jousting and diplomatic discussions. The tourney took place over a number of days, winning would involve defeating at least three other Lords. The two newest Lords sat it out, Skullheadq and robbiecon would have to wait until next year for their shot at glory. Bishop Jolt watched with an ironic smile on his face, jousting would mean nothing when these men faced their God, let's hope they remembered that when he asked for lands to build his cathedral.

First up was B_Ray vs Double A. It was clear from the start that it was a one sided match and it took only one run for B_Ray to knock Double A flying and go through to the next round. The match following was just as one sided as The Celtic Viking easily defeated Ibn-Khaldun. The next duel saw the first Duke to compete as khaan faced Skooma Addict, the third consecutive match to only need one run saw the Duke safely through. Duke Diamondeye was in the next match against A_Dane, the crowd looked bored, expecting another easy victory, and for A_Dane to let his Duke win. They were wrong, in a very close contest that took four runs A_Dane knocked his Duke off to qualify for the second round, quite the shock for everybody. The next match was just as close, seeing Romanic defeat autolycus in the fourth run.

The third Duke to compete was next, Kagemusha versus Beefy and the simple victories of earlier were emulated as Duke Kagemusha won on the first run. The final Duke, Centurion, took the field against Beskar, with another quick Duchal victory. The final first round match saw God Emperor take on TheLastDays, this was the closest match of the day, God Emperor winning in the fifth run.

As day one ended, Bishop Jolt took his chance to ask the Dukes present for lands and money for God, to enable him to build a Cathedral in Ireland. A rousing speech was made, and many of the lesser nobles cheered, there was less happiness among most of the Dukes, only Duke khaan of Ulster offering lands, the County of Tir Connail plus 60 gold to build the Cathedral. Duke Diamondeye offered 15 gold, Duke Centurion 10. Jolt sat impassive, waiting for an offer from Kagemusha. When nothing was forthcoming he rose and said, "Thank you my Lords, I will go and pray to the Lord and ask him what I should do."

As day dawned on the second day of the tourney the eight competitors all seemed confident of victory, first up was B_Ray against TCV, two of the most impressive performers yesterday. It was a classic battle and would have been a worthy final match, one of them had to go however, and on the ninth run B-Ray was unseated to a great roar and The Celtic Viking took his place in the last four. Next up was Duke khaan against the hero of yesterday, A_Dane, surely he couldn't defeat another Duke? It seemed that God was smiling upon A_Dane and he unseated his second Duke of the tournament in the fourth run to a roar even greater than that which greeted The Celtic Viking's win. Duke Kagemusha was next, against Romanic. There was to be no upset here however, and Romanic came off his horse in the second run. The last match of the day saw Duke Centurion take on God Emperor, the Duke took the victory in the seventh run for another close victory.

There seemed to be distrust in the air during the second night of feasting, this was usually a time of intrigue and diplomacy. This year however no daughters or sons were married off, no secret letters passed between agents of court. Well none that were seen anyway.

Day three of the joust dawned bright and clear. This was turning into a success for Duke Diamondeye, he had spent a modest sum, but the excitement of the jousting made up for that. The first semi final saw the tournament favourite up against the surprise package, The Celtic Viking facing A_Dane. If TCV was under pressure he didn't show it, it only took one run for him to throw A_Dane off his horse, the Leinster man took a fierce blow and lay still after coming off. As the crowd held their breath he got up after a few minutes, holding his ribs in pain. The battle to determine who would face TCV in the final was between two Dukes, Centurion and Kagemusha. Duke Kagemusha knocked Centurion off his horse in the third run to reach the final. The final saw The Celtic Viking eager to avenge his Duke's defeat in the semi final, he hadn't face a Duke yet in the tourney but was confident of victory, Kagemusha had eased into the final with no real problems, it was sure to be a great contest. It didn't disappoint, going to an amazing eleven runs before one man could defeat the other. The Celtic Viking was the eventual winner, unseating the Duke with a powerful blow. The crowd rose to acclaim their victor, he may not have been a Leinster man, but it was a terrific performance.

The final nights feasting was a raucous affair, with the Munster contingent cheering their victor constantly and the Leinster men cheering their unlikely hero A_Dane, who defeated two Dukes, even if he did receive an injury in the process.

End of phase one

Each Dukedom has now chosen their Chancellors, if you would like to do any diplomacy approach the relevant Chancellor.

Ulster: Ibn-Khaldun.
Connaught: autolycus.
Leinster: God Emperor.
Munster: Romanic.

I'll do each Dukedom and individuals results and events over the next 24 hours, there's quite a bit to it, most will be in the QTs but a few people will get individual pms. Phase two will begin when it is all done.