Chelebin Tournament
Full Name: The Royal Chelebin Tournament of Chivalry Location: North Common, Olokand Timing: Second tenday of Larane (9 days), annually Inaugurated: 662 by Queen Chelebin III Organizer: Princess Meliem Elendsa, Lord High Chamberlain
The greatest tournament in all of Hârn, attracting 150–200 knights from across the island, including from Chybisa, Melderyn, and even Kanday. Olokand’s population swells from 800 to as many as 2,800+.
History
Queen Chelebin III inaugurated the tournament in 662. She died at Olokand during the seventh tournament. Torastra enthusiastically supported tournaments as training grounds. Miginath Elendsa has never personally participated but faithfully continues the tradition.
Schedule
| Day | Date | Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 Larane | Registration, challenges issued at Challenge Wall |
| 2 | 12 Larane | Opening Ceremony: Grand Procession, Show of Prizes, blessings, oaths |
| 3 | 13 Larane | Round of 128 (first day of jousting) |
| 4 | 14 Larane | Round of 64 |
| 5 | 15 Larane | Round of 32. Feast of Saint Ambrathas begins (3-day feast) |
| 6 | 16 Larane | Round of 16, Round of 8 |
| 7 | 17 Larane | Semi-finals and Championship Joust. Grand banquet |
| 8 | 18 Larane | Squire Joust (morning). The Melee (afternoon) |
| 9 | 19 Larane | Duels, Olokand Shoot (archery), public trials, executions |
| 10 | 20 Larane | Closing Ceremony: Parade of Champions |
The Joust
Open only to knights. 128 contestants in single-elimination format over five days. Jousters use 15-foot jousting poles, randomly distributed by marshals. Fought in the “plowing” manner (charging on every pass).
Challenge Wall: Knights hang shields bearing their arms. Challenges are issued by striking the chosen shield with a red baton. A challenge from an equal or superior knight must be accepted.
Current Champion: Sir Kathel Dezaller, lord of Loban manor — considered the best man with a lance in Kaldor, though his body odor and lack of courtly etiquette are hindrances.
King’s Champion: Sir Cade Gamont, Knight Commander of the High Guard. Can freely challenge anyone; his challenge must be accepted.
The Melee
Afternoon of 18th Larane, lasting 5–6 hours. Two teams — White (Royal Domain) and Red (Tenants-in-Chief). Teams of mounted knights in squadrons of ten, each with a guidon. Begins with a massed charge. Each captured guidon counts for three men.
The Olokand Shoot
Archery contest on 19th Larane. Open to all (3d entry fee). Longbow only (no crossbows). Twelve arrows at targets at 50 yards. Perfect score of 60 has never been achieved. Current record: 51 (last year).
Prizes
- Joust Champion: ~£30 (7,200d) — purses, silk, golden statue of Mendiz, jewelled items, engraved sword, hauberk, warhorse, trained falcon
- Melee Champion: ~£15 (3,600d) — plus silk badges for winning team
- Squire of the Joust: ~£5 (1,200d)
- Olokand Shoot: ~£1 (240d) — a fine leather purse with 240 newly-minted silver coins
The Lists
An enclosure 400 feet long and 100 wide on the North Common. Features the Royal Gallery on Sanric Ridge, the Larani Gallery opposite, and White and Red pavilion tents at the southwest end.
Security
Elite company of Royal Guard patrols the North Common. Regular garrison companies handle the settlement. Knights of the Order of the Lady of Paladins assist. Spectators are forbidden to bear arms during the joust and melee.
The Festival
Throughout the tournament, Olokand hosts a colorful festival centered on Mycepris Square — acrobatics, juggling, pantomimes, puppet shows, singing, dancing, feasting, and drinking. Laranian icons permeate everywhere.
See Also
- Olokand
- Rich Knight Poor Knight (adventure)