Tournament of Champions (Overlord Grant/Talon of Redwin)

[RolandSalRoa]

Skill, honor, and excitement. These are the three biggest characteristics that I feel our great sport offers the community and these are the three things I wish to continue to uphold as Overlord.

In light of these values I would encourage everyone to attend the Talon of Redwin Tournament this Sunday, especially those of the Baronial Council.

As most know, as Overlord I have the honor of selecting a duelist of any rank to challenge a Baron once per cycle. Instead of simply selecting my own champion to challenge a Baron I will be offering the Overlord Grant to the winner of an unofficial tournament of champions to be held later in the cycle (more likely after the holidays.)

I value the opinions of all Barons, regardless of alignment or defenses, and will be giving them the opportunity to select a Champion to participate in this single elimination tournament. I too will select a champion for a total of 8 champions. Winner takes the right to challenge.

So, Barons, be on the look out for a suitable champion. Champions-to-be, duel your best and seek out those Baron's who would sponsor you.

Skill, honor, and thrill,
~Roland Salsinger, Overlord

[RolandSalRoa]

The Tournament of Champions shall be fought by a collection of 8 Champions, each representing one of the eight titles which are won through challenge. There will be no substituting of Champions should a title holder’s champion not show for the tournament.

The tournament will be single elimination style. So come ready to dive right in to the action.

Champions will be seeded based on the length of time their Baron has held their rank with the longest tenured title holder’s champion receiving the 2nd seed. The Overlord’s champion will receive the 1st seed and will face off against the 8th seed. The 2nd will face the 7th and so on.

The duels themselves shall be called by the Overlord unless otherwise appointed.

We shall begin at 9:00pm on Sunday, January 13th. Keep an eye on this cork for in case this may change. Any Champions with a genuine problem with this time please contact me at least a week before the Tournament.

Seven of the eight champions have already been chosen. When I hear word about the eighth I will make an official statement on who they are.

Until then…

Skill, honor, and thrill,

~Roland Salsinger, Overlord

[RolandSalRoa]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13th @ 9:00pm EST

Place your bets people, here are your seedings for the Tournament of Champions.

The Overlord’s Champion, Teagan Rielea, battled her way through the Talon of Redwin tournament to claim the number one seed in this first ever Tournament of Champions. On the verge of breaking into the rank of Warlord, Teagan will have the shot to by pass it all together with a victory in this tournament.

The Champion of Battlefield Park, Jewell Ravenlock Kidd, was chosen to represent the Baroness Maria Graziano because, like the Baroness, Lady Jewell is confident, driven, and dangerous. This former Talon of Redwin has her eye already set on a certain Baron’s estate and this tournament is her down payment.

The Champion of Dockside is a legend whether he’ll admit to it or not. Matthew Simon has bloodied more noses than anyone in the history of the Duel of Fists. He may be a brawler, but be wary of his blade… Simon is a scrappy fighter who won’t give up till the final point. Winning this tournament will get him one step closer to establishing himself in the Arena.

The Old Baron’s Champion – or is the Old Market? – is as skillful with a blade as she is at captaining her dueling team. Erin Dunbridge is a dueling All Star and established Warlord. Look for her to put on an amazing show, especially should she claim victory in this tournament.

The Champion of Old Temple is a veteran of the Arena. Being a former Baron and Overlord, Cassius Maximus has been in tougher situations than what he’ll likely face in this tournament. However, with a victory in this tournament he’ll gain the opportunity to not only relive a bit of his former glory, but also forge a new one.

The Champion of Seaside needs no introduction. Four time Overlord Cletus Ganderfald brings a lifetime of skill and load of talent into a tournament that could find him holding a challenge title again.

The Champion of New Haven is quite possibly the most infamous entrant in this tournament. Jake Thrash is the half-orc King of Badside taverns and the owner of Red Orc Brewery. If you don’t fear Jake Thrash, even in a ‘friendly’ game of dice then you’re a fool.

Finally, the Champion of Dragon’s Gate is Rena Cronin. That’s former Overlady Rena Cronin. So be afraid! Especially if she wins this thing and comes after you!

Now, concerning the situation should the Baron of Dragon’s Gate, Xeric Mues, lose his challenge to Chris Graziano he will also lose his right to have a champion in the tournament. Should this happen, Chris has until Midnight on Friday to select another Champion. Should no champion be selected, Rena will retain the title of Champion. I will let the Arena at large know of any changes.

[RolandSalRoa]

A Special Note for Tournament Champions,

We'll be kicking things off officially at 9:15pm. I'll accept scragglers until 9:45pm, but that'll be the latest a duel will start. If your opponent does not show by then you will receive a bye. Please do not wound, injure, or otherwise prevent your opponent from showing up at the alloted time in any way.

I remind everyone that this is a single elimination tournament and should not last too long. Every duel counts, there are no second chances.

Good luck, Champions!!

~Roland Salsinger, Overlord

[RolandSalRoa]

Ladies and gentlement... we have a winner!

Eight Champions came out to support their title holders, but only one walked away with the Grant.

Those that witnessed the event saw an evening filled with talent, honor, and some exciting moments.

Round One saw Teagan facing off against Rena in what would be the night's only shut out, a perfect one at that! Jake Thrash came out swinging, pulling out a victory over former Talon Jewell. Matthew Simon almost pulled out a comeback victory against Four Time Overlord Cletus. In what would be the longest duel of the night, Cassius pulled out a close one against Erin.

Round Two pitted Jake Thrash off against Teagan and Cassius off against Cletus insuring that the final match would be fought by a Loyal Champion and a Renegade Champion. Teagan pulled off an impressive win over an impressive foe and Cletus put his skill on display once more by pulling out a win over Cass.

The Final Match... The Overlord Champion's Teagan Rielea took on Renegade Baron Damien Mortis' Champion Cletus Ganderfald in a match for the ages! In the end, Teagan came out on top and claimed victory in ANOTHER tournament earning herself the Overlord Grant and the respect of us all.

Congrats Teagan, Grant Champion!!

A massive thanks goes out to everyone's favorite... IMP! Without his help this tournament would lack the color and excitement that it did. A large donation was made in his name to a local RhyDin charity.

[Maria Graziano]

The Teag takes down the more experienced competitors? Awesome. Congrats!

And, Chrissy, this is also to confirm what I told Overlord Rollo last night. He's a pretty swell guy, has a cool daughter who is a fan of mine, and gives out candy. Therefore, I am requesting to be loyal.

- MGB

[Imp]

A massive thanks goes out to everyone's favorite... IMP! Without his help this tournament would lack the color and excitement that it did. A large donation was made in his name to a local RhyDin charity.

Charity? CHARITY?!!!

You gave my money to a charity?!!!!! I'M A CHARITY!!!!! ::flails:: What's this world coming to?!!!