[MR] Coronation fighting

[Tom Bilodeau]

In the days of Arthur, King of the Britons, the ladies of the court who
lacked the comfort of a consort came together and decided to organize a
splendid tournament.  To those who excelled, they promised to grant their
love and favor.  And they begged of the King that he allow the Queen
Guinevere to observe their tournament.  Unaccustomed to refusing anything to
his lady, the King said that the Queen's wishes would please him best.
- From "The Knight of the Cart, The Tale of Lancelot" as told by Chretien de
Troyes.

In this spirit of love and for the enjoyment of the populace, on the day of
Their Coronation, Their new crowned Majesties, Ragnarr and Kyneburh, will
hold tournament. 

Armored combatants are invited to the melee field to capture opponents and
their consort's favor, in honorable combat.  Each combatant will be given an
armband, with a matching flag set along the edge of the list field.  This
flag marks the fighter's capture area (recet).  Defeated fighters will
retire to their victor's capture area, where they will remain until
released.  If their captor is slain, or, if a rose from the Queen's bounty
is left as ransom in their stead, the fighter may re-enter the lists.   The
melee will continue until one fighter remains uncaptured, or until it
pleases Their Majesties to declare a victor.  Fighters are welcome to retire
to their capture area for water or rest, before returning to the melee, but
they must release all their captives.  Combatants may quit the field at any
time, voluntarily, but they may not return to the melee. If you have
specific questions on armored combat, please contact His Grace, Duke Cuan
McDaige, at dukecuan at hotmail.com

Rapier combatants will pit their prowess against the chances of love and
fortune.  As they enter the bearpit, fighters will draw from a deck of
cards.  To the high card goes the first choice of weapons, and their
opponent must choose different weapons.  Whomever draws the Queen's card,
the queen of hearts, automatically wins their bout.  However, drawing
Mordred's card, the King of Spades, forfeits the bout.  Fighters whom draw
the joker must entertain the Queen or her populace, or yield the choice of
weapons. A rose from the Queen or her ladies, like drawing the queen of
hearts, will assure the fighter's next victory. If you have specific
questions on rapier combat, please contact Lady Belphoebe de Givet, at
belfebe at yahoo.com.

Their Majesties desire a rapier fighter to stand as Their champion. They
will survey the rapier field at Their Coronation and the Academie of the
Rapier, and name their champion at Academie.  Fighters wishing to vie for
the honor should make themselves known to Their Majesties.


In Service,

Tirloch