Smiling wide while trying to maintain some degree of decorum, Gwydion greeted the Baron's people kindly.

"It's a pleasure to be here, among such fine company. I've every intention of participating in this tournament as representative of Avaluna, for glory, goodwill, and good old fashioned fun. I'm sure there are others with more training and proper experience than I, and it will be my honor and privilege to test myself against their skill. Please send your lord my finest regards and thanks for orchestrating this gathering. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to meet a few of the competitors before things get started." With that, he headed off to go speak with a friend he'd just recognized.

"Brun! Welcome to Callisto, my friend!"

...

---

Gwydion grew a little more serious as his presence was questioned. His voice lowered to keep the tension in it from spreading too far out. This was supposed to be a pleasant affair, after all.

"Doing fine as ever, but a gathering like this is a political opportunity like few others. I'm here to gather support for the cause. The Emergent are still strengthening their forces, and with humanity divided as it is, there's little resistance we could truly put up. Sending me to this tournament is my uncle's way of trying to reach out to the others. You might consider returning with me when the event comes to an end, Brun. There's a place for all of humanity with us, you kn--"



His invite was interrupted by the approach of an excited and energetic young knight, and Gwydion's face brightened up again.

"Meara! The surprises just keep getting better today. This is--" Another interruption, this one the silence as Meara took notice of Brun's Armour. He followed her eyes to it, and cleared his throat, bringing his tones to something a bit more official and polite.

"Lady Meara, I'd like you to meet my friend, Brun. He lives on the Edge, and is a skilled pilot. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite have consistent access to proper facilities to maintain his partner. Though I was just about to offer the use of my mechanics to him, it may be more fitting of our respective stations were you to make the offer. I may be his friend, but the Armour is of Venusian make. All this, of course, dependent on whether Brun would like our help in the first place. What say you, Brun? Care for some extra hands?"

[Fully prepared to make a Household Create an Advantage roll to lend some mechanics to Brun, if he wants 'em. Or I could leave it to Meara, for both narrative's sake and the fact her Household is higher. :P]

GM edit: Fixed some messed up color tags.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:01, Tue 17 June 2014.

Brun nodded thoughtfully to Gwydion's notion of returning to Avaluna with him.  It was the reason he has returned from the Edge after all.  He might have offered a response, but that notion was quickly cut off by the arrival of Meara.  The excited and ubbly arrival of Meara.  The sight of a known face starts to bring another smile to his face, but...he quickly realizes that she doesn't recognize him...  Have I changed so much?  How must I look?   Brun suddenly felt very concious of his scruffiness.  The tattered state of his flightsuit.  His hair no doubt in desperate need of a trim.  How long ago did he last shave?  By the heavens...

Lost in his self-pitying thoughts, he missed much of the rest of the interaction.  Even the arrival of the Baron's majordomo and entourage.  Just as well, they didn't really notice him either.  The poor knight did manage to catch up when Gwydion offered extra help with the constant work of repair...  Brun then noticed the /looks/ that people were giving his lady.  His back straightened and the self-pity fell away, "I thank you for the offer, sir.  ..."  A quick glance to Meara, with a much more deferential bow of the head to the Venusian lady, "And to you as well, Dame Meara.  I am....loathe...to not accept your offer, but I and my lady Euryleia are quite fine.  Looks...can be decieving..."  The last is offered with a quick, almost pleading look to Gwydion.  Don't put me in debt...  Don't make me look weak...  Not now....
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Tue 17 June 2014.

Freyr has had many challenges to overcome in the past, almost all of them relating to properly raising Meara.  It was a new thing, however, for her to suddenly have to deal with her charge running off before the Baron's staff can even greet them.  Seeing as how the Baron himself was not present, likely due to being busy with other tasks to ensure the tournament ran properly and nobody saw any mistakes (because they either did not happen or they were properly covered up because "EVERYTHING IS FINE NOTHING IS WRONG HA HA HA HA THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO EXPLODE" was a very important skill for the aristocracy), she felt a bit more confident that majordomo would be more than familiar with the eccentricities of a noble youth and gave him an awkward, knowing smile as she made her apologies.

When she saw where everyone was looking, however, her face changed considerably.  She recognized parts of that Armour.  The crests were worn and nearly beyond recognition, and the machine was a patchwork of parts, but she could still make a rather educated guess of whose Armours were at the core of that craft's creation.  When she looked down at the pilot, she nearly had to put a hand to her mouth to prevent herself from gasping.

But she could not tell Meara who it was just yet.  Not before the tournament.  Meara had a difficult enough time focusing as it was, and that would be an unneeded distraction.  Still, the two of them were rather close, so she resolved to let Meara know her suspicions after the champion of the tournament was chosen.

In the meantime, she approached the trio and stood beside Meara, shaking her head.  "Edge Knights may not be known for courtly manners or chivalry, but they are not neglectful of their Armours.  Despite her appearance, she is well taken care of, My Lady," she explained for her charge, "Also, while it is always good to meet and mingle with the other participants, you should wait to be greeted before you run off like that.  Please?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Tue 17 June 2014.

Between Gwydion, Brun, and Freyr, Meara managed to be convinced that Euryleia was properly cared for and not to be pitied for her condition.  She took a step back and looked down to her feet awkwardly as she replied, "Oh.  That makes sense.  I feel silly now."  It was then that the rest of Freyr's words sunk into her head and she realized who she had completely ditched upon entering.  With a slightly worried expression, she glanced around and asked, mostly to herself, "Mother's going to scold me when I get home again, isn't she?"

The fact that she was standing next to two rather handsome (each in their own way) men about her age, however, quickly got her out of her melancholy and she started to look towards Brun.  Before she could make eye contact, however, she felt a sharp pain on her head caused by Freyr chopping the top of her head with a hand while otherwise appearing as if nothing was happening at all and that she did not just strike high nobility.  Rubbing the top of her head, Meara gave Freyr a little pout as she said, "Okay, fine."

It seemed the two of them had an understanding about these things.

The hustle and bustle around the new arrivals continues as Knights and their entourages get their pavilions set up and make preparations for the tournament which will begin the following day.

Tonight, the Knights are informed, the Baron has prepared a grand reception to receive his guests. A banquet to make merry before tomorrow's contest. There is also to be a dance on the second night of the tournament. The final match between the two finalists will be fought on the third day of the tournament.

---

The banquet is extravagant, comprising seven courses in total. Fine wines are available on demand for all guests to enjoy. It is easy to see that the Baron has spared no expense. Guests are arranged around huge tables with the most honored guests seated at the table with the Baron and his family. Among these are Gwydion and Meara, who are both seated next to their hosts. Gwydion next to the Baron's oldest daughter Iliza and Meara next to his youngest Irina.

Iliza, does her very best to play the proper hostess. She's engaging and very curious about life at Avaluna court, “What are the grounds like, Sir Gwydion? Is it as wonderful as I have heard? It must be wonderful compared the this space station.”

Irina is much more subdued than her sister. Though the two are not far apart in age, they seem worlds apart apart in demeanor. Irina is quiet and shy, and not much of a conversationalist, and Meara spots a datapad with the heading “Advanced Fusion Reactor Dynamics” in her lap. Unfortunately for Irina, her mother spots it as well and snaps it up, giving her daughter a reproachful look. It is a look Meara has seen all too often.

Brun is seated farther away from the others, but in a place much higher than is normally dictated by his status. Apparently several other Knights have taken offense to his seating arrangement because they make several snide remarks about him and guffaw, but each is to cowardly to address him directly. He catches Derrol, the Baron's majordomo, watching him closely almost the entire time.
OOC: If there's anything you guys want to get done before the Banquet go ahead and do that. I just went ahead and posted up so that we wouldn't bog down again. Otherwise have fun.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Wed 18 June 2014.

Unsure of whether it was the right decision, Gwydion still gave his friend a smile and accepted his choice.

"I meant no offence, my friend. I simply felt you might like an extra pair of hands for a while. She certainly is a fine machine, and I say that having seen her in action. I'll be honored to see how she fares against my Longsword. Assuming I last so long, of course."

---

As delicious as the feast itself was, Gwydion was enjoying the conversation just as much. Less for the topic, more for the attention. He'd quickly become rather comfortable with Iliza as she seemed so interested in him. Er, in his home.

"Avaluna? The land is green and lush, a true testament to the determination of life to flourish in the wake of such evil as the dread Emergent. We live and prosper together, happy to know humanity is spread indomitably across these worlds. I'm sure you'd find it as breathtaking as I find the very existence of such a marvel as this station. The command over nature herself that allows us to be dining in the cold void of space is truly magnificent. I see it as a symbol that mankind is the true unstoppable force." Ye olde ham. Of course, the young knight had been told to make connections with the Baron.

[Not really intending to do much with that mechanically, but it seemed like the perfect setup. I /could/ turn it into an Intrigue roll. A skill which I have at a whopping +0. :P]

Brun nods his quiet thanks to Freyr for her diplomacy.  Another for Gwydion recognizing his wish, "Of course.  My lady and I would be honored to cross blades in fair competition, sir."

---

A banquet.  Of course, Brun knew that he would have to face such social niceties again.  It went hand in hand with tournaments.  It was his Lady's job to win the day with blades and glorious battle.  It was his to win the more dangerous and subtle fighting of the evenings.  A banquet was never just a banquet.  If he wanted to earn respect for himself and his Lady, to see them through this tournament fairly...  He would have to polish off a set of skills he had had no use for in a long time.  Luckily, he had been trained very well.  Once a prince of Venus.  Always a prince.

In his baggage, he had maintained a selection of outfits for such occaisions.  He had updated them as need and opportunity provided.  For the banquet, he went with something as close to the current fashion as he could manage.  Understated.  He would save the best for the dance.  Of the two events it would carry more weight, but this banquet was the opportunity for first impressions.  Such impressions could make or break someone.

At the banquet, Brun carried himself with all the bearing he had been trained to demonstrate.  The remarks and guffaws were ignored with an air of complete disinterest.  The jabs found no target here.  To those seated nearby, he would engage in the polite banter of the table; wit and charm.  For the watchful majordomo, Derrol, Brun finds an opportune moment to offer a salute with his glass.  We're all friends here.

Create Advantage: Roll total - 0, Spend two fate points and tag "Renounced Prince" and "I Will Survive".  Total 4.  Create "Sharp Dressed Man"

I need to figure out some ways to generate some more FPs.  But this still felt like an appropriate spend.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Tue 24 June 2014.

[On second thought, I think I will make a roll. Attempting Create an Advantage with Intrigue.

11:11, Today: Gwydion rolled 1 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 0, 0, 1, 0. Intrigue +0.

Woo, +1! Bossman, if I'm trying to impress the Lady Iliza with word of Avaluna, and flatter her with kind words about her father's own station, and generally be charming and such, what would the difficulty to that be? It doesn't seem she's much resisting, so I'm expecting a +1, but there may be factors involved I haven't thought of. I'm willing to succeed at a cost, and I'd expect that to be the baron pulling me into his own ambitions with this opportunity.]

Feeling sympathy for the poor woman who only wanted to read her dataslate on... something that went terribly over Meara's head, the Venusian noble gave Irina's hand a gentle squeeze while also giving her a reassuring smile before she looked over at Irina's mother and said, "Mother always told me that there is no such thing as too much knowledge, as such dutiful studying could only lead to good things.  While I may not be the best student, surely she could teach me a few things if she was allowed to continue her reading?"  Not even Meara knew where those words came from, but she felt, somehow, that it would help Irina get her reading material back, and perhaps also get her a new friend in the process.

Besides, she knew what it felt like to get that look.  Usually while doing cartwheels in the main hall, but still.

Also, seeing Freyr's shocked expression was pretty fun!

03:43, Today: Meara rolled 2 using 4 Fudge dice with rolls of 1, 1, 0, 0. Intrigue +0: "Politely" get the dataslate back.
How.  How did I do this.  Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow.

Iliza seems to hang on Gwydion's every word. "Sir Gwydion, you have a poet's heart. I hope that I might be able to see Avaluna one day. You're too kind about our fair station. While I love it, it's my home, but I'm not ignorant of the fact that it's only one tiny part of the world out there." She leans in conspiratorially close to Gwydion. "What do you call someone standing at the center of the universe? Jovian." She giggles at the small impropriety.

Lady Gehenmis looks at Meara, clearly conflicted between embarrassment and relief that her daughter's predilections might, for once, prove an advantage. "Of Course, Princess. Irina would be delighted to be of any help." Irina herself doesn't say anything but she gives Meara a big smile and her eyes express the thanks that she doesn't voice.

Brun makes quite the impression at his own table. His poise and aplomb seems to annoy the knights who don't enjoy his presence, but it does make him several other friends including Sir Jayson Dennic. Ser Dennic, a Jovian Knight in service to House Ballard, offers a toast to new friends and good fortune for the tournament. Brun catches several of the serving girls giving him significant looks and one even shoots him a wink.

Moments later, the noise of conversation suddenly drops to silence as everyone turns to watch a disagreement between two men. One is seated and, judging by his clothing, is a nobleman. The other, a knight by his attire, and of the Host's own Household , leans over him, his face flush.

“Or what?” smirks the noble. “Are you prepared to meet me in the field to settle this?” The knight seems about to reply, but pauses before  responding. “I will end this,” he seethes as his hand moves toward his sidearm, but suddenly Derrol and several guards intervene and take the knight from the hall.

“I apologize, your Lordship,” the nobleman says, rising and bowing toward the head table, “for the interruption. A dispute between old friends over a matter of honor. Consider it settled.”

The nobleman retakes his seat and festivities return to normal.

OOC:
Aspects in Play: Sharp-Dressed Man (Brun) two free invokes. Iliza's Favor (Gwydion) one free invoke
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:28, Sun 29 June 2014.

Brun returns Ser Dennic's toast good-naturedly, rather enjoying being in the midst of a social event again.  Its more comfortable and familiar than he thought it would be.  Of course, not everything about it is so comfortable.  He does his best to ignore the looks of the rather forward serving staff; its embarassing....

He was just about to engage Dennic, and a few others nearby, to see what he could learn about the other knights who would be taking the field, but the raised voices attract greater attention.  A tense moment.  Under the table, his own hand shifted towards his sidearm.  Sudden duels were a common threat amongst Edge pirates and one learned to be ready.

But, as things were calmed back down, Brun decided it did provide an opportunity.  To Dennic, "I don't think I recognize those gentlemen....  What could cause such?"  From there it should be easy to steer a conversation towards the greater information he seeks.

Rolled a -2.  Intrigue +2.  Balance of 0.  Free Invoke - Sharp Dressed Man +2.  +2 Final Total to Create Advantage - Know your Opponents!

Sir Dennic shrugs at Brun's question, "I am not entirely sure. The nobleman  is James Hyle, a nephew of Lord Tomas Hyle, the chiefest rival to House Gehenmis. His presence at the tourney is quite a surpise, I hear. The knight was Sir Alvin Kent, a knight in service to our host. I've fought beside him against the Emergent. Good man. It's no secret that there isn't any love lost between House Hyle and House Gehemis, but what could cause a man like Sir Alvin to nearly draw on an unarmed man who is the guest of his Lord? That I couldn't say. "

Sir Dennic finishes his drink and calls for another "Let's turn our attention to merrier topics, eh? How about we talk about how I'm going to spend the tourney prize once I win it? Oh, I'm not saying it'll be easy, mind you, why just looking at the guests here tells you that." He nods to the table behind you. "Over there is the one they call Liamont. He's a Martian, and one hell of a brawler, so I hear. Those two back there? Zimon Bell and Kevan Grouz, they aren't fancy as some of the others, but both men are proven knights. And see that woman there?" He points to a group of Saturinans sitting at the far end of the head table. "Her names Litivia Scipii. She's a senator's bodyguard. They say she's got reflexes like a cat. Uses that speed to her advantage." Next he indicates the center of the head table where the Baron's family sits, "The boy that looks so friendly with the Baron's daughter. He's John Arthur's nephew. I'm serious! They say he's a  good swordsman himself. But, the redhead on the otherside--the bored looking one playing with her wineglass. She's a Duchess from Venus or something, but they say she fights like Valerie LaGuin herself. It can't be true though. Look at her. I don't think I've ever seen someone look at a cocktail fork in fear before." Sir Dennic has a good chuckle before he finally turns back to Brun, "And what about you my friend? What's your story?"

At the headtable the Baron turns toward Gwydion and Iliza as they laugh at her joke, "What, might I ask, is so funny, my dear," he asks in a good-natured tone. Iliza just shakes her head lighty, "Oh nothing, Father." The Baron lets the subject drop with a small smile as he takes measure of the pair. "I thank you, Prince Gwydion for traveling such a long way for our humble tournament. It does us a great honor that Avaluna Court should send it's finest young knight. I regret that I could not meet you in person when you arrived. I do hope Derrol was adequate in my stead."

Meanwhile, Irina begins furiously entering data in her pad, pausing briefly here and there before continuing. She looks up once to give Meara a big smile, but returns to her work wordlessly. Freyr gives Meara a look that says she should try to engage her hostess more despite the distraction. Lady Gehenmis and the Handmaiden exchange a look of complete sympathy and understanding.

OOC: Brun, That gives you a success on Know Your Opponents! You'll get one free invoke on it and after that it'll cost a fate point per invoke. That'll last all the way through the tournament. Also, how about a compel on your high concept to tell Sir Dennic your story. You tell him and you get a Fate point. You can choose not to tell him, but it'll cost you a Fate point of your own.

Scene Aspects in Play:
Sharp-Dressed Man (1 free invoke left)
Know Your Opponents (1 free invoke left)
Iliza's Favor (1 free invoke left)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:26, Sun 07 Sept 2014.

Brun listened carefully to Dennic's assessment of the near-duel and it's participants.  Sadly, that taste of information simply begged for more, but it could wait.  The naming of the tournament knights carried a more pressing weight.  He focused his attention, committing as much to memory as he could.  His lady carried a wealth of information in her datagrams, with these names and details he could look up quite a bit of potentially useful data.  The pirates had taught him this; know your targets before you ever face them.

Finally though, Dennic offered his personal inquiry for Brun's own story.  Fair trade really, dammit all.  Taking a drink, he gave himself a moment to consider before answering, "My story?  If only there was one...  I had a family name once, but after a loss....  I fell in with a rather bad sort of crowd out on the Edge.  A rather extreme bit of youthful rebelliousness, but there it is.  Cut me off.  Raised myself up from the muck eventually.  Decided to work towards respectability again." Another pause, another sip, "And you?  You never did say what you will do with your prize if...when you win the day?". The last is offered with a joking, knowing smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Wed 02 July 2014.

While she did want to get to know Irina better, Meara honestly had no idea what she was doing or what she was reading and writing.  It honestly went completely over her head.

But that had never stopped her before!

"So, whatcha doooooin'?" she asked, leaning over a bit to try and get a better look at the (to her) completely incomprehensible contents of the dataslate and being about as subtle as an artillery barrage in her attempt to engage Irina on conversation.  Truly, a diplomat for the ages.

At the Baron's welcome, Gwydion turned his full attention to the man, all restrained excitement and unrestrained pride.

"No apologies needed, Lord Gehenmis, I understand you're a busy man with much to attend to. After all, here we are now, so all is well. I'm honored and proud to have the opportunity to participate in such an event, representing Avaluna. I've trained with my Armour for many years, and I only hope my skills serve as much of a challenge as I'll receive. If it isn't too much trouble, I'd like a moment of your time after the tournament to discuss some matters. It is nothing that cannot wait, of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Sat 05 July 2014.

Sir Dennic grins, “What will I do with money? I suspect the Missus will have something to say about that.  He chuckles, falls silent for a moment, shrugs, and raises his drink again in a new toast, “To you, Brun. Respectability, there and back again.”

Irina looks up from her work, studies Meara for a moment, then turns the datapad toward her. It takes Meara a moment to realize what she's looking at, but soon it becomes apparent. It's a mockup of her own armour, Brunhildr. ”I studied the station's sensor readings from when you arrived. More specifically, the energy output of your Armour. You've got a lovely Armour, but frankly the dynamics of the...” The girl continues speaking but after that she might as well be honking  like a Venusian goose for all Meara understands. Irina continues on for a while longer before Meara picks back up on what she's saying, “...but the good news is that with just a little tweaking we can have the reactor working at least 15% more efficiently before the start of the tournament tomorrow. What do you think?”

“Yes,” the Baron smiles, “Of course, Sir Gwydion. A treaty from your Uncle, no doubt. I expect we will have much to discuss after the tournament's close. But before then, I have no doubt you will acquit yourself with honor on the tournament field.”

OOC: Gwydion, how would you like a Fate point? I'm compelling  your Transparent Principles aspect. The Baron knows exactly why you're here and he's taking your measure. Taking the Fate point is going to cause an aspect to be put on the scene, but I'm not telling you what it is yet. >:). Otherwise pony up ye olde fate point. Your choice.

Brun lifts his glass in salute as well to Sir Dennic's friendly toast. Then when an appropriate pause for a sip is through, Brun lifts his glass to return a toast.  Having gained the attention of his target and, hopefully, a few others nearby who might be coming round to friendliness, "And to you, Sir Dennic....

Here’s to you, as good as you are,
And here’s to me, as bad as I am;
But as good as you are, and as bad as I am,
I am as good as you are, as bad as I am."

Brun finishes it with a respectful bow of the head and an oh-so-clever, friendly grin.  It was a risk, of course, such a joke.  But, Dennic seemed a good natured sort who appreciated such things.  And what's life without a little risk....

All the technical details fly so far over Meara's head she may as well be at the bottom of a mine shaft.  However, she can tell Irina's enthusiastic about it, and that enthusiasm is what she focuses on to hold her interest and try to decipher what is being said.  It takes a few long, awkward seconds for Meara to reply to Irina's offer, but when she finally understands the general purpose of what is being said and offered, she sits upright with a happy smile.

"I think that would be wonderful!  I am a little ashamed to admit that while I am very skilled at piloting Brunhildr, I am not very well versed in her more technical aspects.  Perhaps watching you work will help me understand her better."

[Kaching! Fate Point cashed, consider me Compelled. :P]

"I'm glad to hear it, Lord, and I'll do the best I can to give a proper display of the might Avaluna has to offer."

With a smile and as much of a bow as he can offer while seated, Gwydion accepts the Baron's understanding and turns to Iliza, taking his wine glass in hand again.

"I think we're in for the most fun three days we've seen in a long time."

Sir Dennic laughs loud and long at Brun's toast, as does the rest of the table. Even the knights who had earlier made disparaging comments about Brun find themselves laughing at the witty toast despite themselves. It seems that House Kotta has missed out on a fine diplomat.

”Let's go right now,” Irina says enthusiastically and begins to stand before getting a surprised look on her face and dropping back into her seat. She turns toward her mother and asks, “Might we be excused?” Lady Gehenmis nods, knowing that if she doesn't allow it Irina would spent the rest of the dinner squirming in her seat like an impatient child.

Iliza smiles at Sir Gwydion, a light flush on her cheeks, “Yes, I'm certain you are right.”

OOC: Have a fate point all! Great job all three of you. Haters gonna hate, but Brun is so smooth they can't, Gwydion is making wonderful headway with his mission, and Meara has met a friend that is going to pimp her armor. Meara, I've decided that I'd treat your earlier overcome action as a create advantage instead so you now have the Hyper-efficient Reactor aspect with a free invoke for the duration of the tournament if you let Irina work on your armor.

To recap all the Aspects in play here:
Brun: Sharp-dressed Man, Know your Opponents (1 free invoke each)
Gwydion: Iliza's Favor (1 free invoke)
Meara: Hyper-efficient Reactor (1 free invoke)

Anything else you guys want to accomplish in this scene?

Meara and Irina excuse themselves and work to improve Brunhildr's reactor output. Fortunately, Irina works quickly and it doesn't take long to make the necessary adjustments.

The rest of the banquet is fairly uneventful, though the remaining courses are as delicious as the initial ones. The hosts retire and eventually so do most of the guests, though a few are bold enough to drink late into the night despite the early start of the tournament in the morning.

---

The next morning is the Presentation Ceremony. The Assembly Hall is packed full of enthusiastic spectators despite the hour. Indeed many of them camped out overnight to ensure a prime spot from which to watch the tournament. The entire hall (and indeed the entire station as you noticed on your walk here) is full of huge viewing screens. The Armour duels will be fought in space and broadcast back to the viewing screens back on the station. Baron Gehenmis and his family sit on a dais at the front of the room.

Each knight is announced in turn and enters the hall to great fanfare while their personal heraldry is displayed on the view screens.

Gwydion is announced first and enters the Hall to thunderous applause and cheers. Many are eager and excited to see if the young Prince from Avaluna will live up to expectations. He is, after all, the heir to the man who would be King of all Humanity. From her spot on the dais Iliza waves to Gwydion, a fact that the crowd does not miss. Someone shouts from the crowd, “A Tourney and a Wedding? Huzzah!” and more cheers go up at that. Iliza turns bright pink.

Meara is announced next and the cheers for her are just as enthusiastic as those for Gwydion. Once they die away murmuring can be heard from all over the crowd as they discuss the Venusian Princess. ”Are you sure that's her?” “Yes, I'm sure. I heard from my cousin's ex-roommate's courier friend that he saw that very Armour destroy at least ten Emergent in a firefight over Venus.” “Rubbish” ”It's true!”

Both Zimon Bell, the Resounding Knight, and Kevan Grouz, called the Shrike, get loud welcomes as local favorites both in service to Houses allied with House Gehenmis.

Brun is the very last knight to enter and the response is every bit as enthusiastic as it was at the beginning of the ceremony. There are loud cheers and spectators waving patchwork flags all over the hall. There are more than a few wolf whistles and cat calls from the female members of the audience. Brun seems to have acquired himself quite a fan club since arriving on the station.

As the cheers fade, Baron Gehenmis rises to his feet and raises a hand. Soon all the muttering in the hall dies away, and he begins to speak, “Brave Knights, I thank you all for coming here to Callisto Station. Before me stand some of the most formidable warriors that humanity has to offer. You have come from all across the solar system, from each of Humanity's far flung homes. You are Humanity's protectors and it's shield against the Enemy that threatens us with Annihilation. This tournament is in honor of you. It is a showcase of your formidable skills for your honor and glory, and, of course, a prize for those of you who distinguish yourself from you fellows. I wish you all luck. Let the Tournament begin! The crowd gives a great cheer.

On the view screens around the room each knight's heraldry is shown then shuffled around before finally being grouped into pairs and sets showing which knights will face which in the first round.

For the first match, Gwydion is to face Sir Padrig Sturm.

The fourth match features Meara vs. Sir Ein Illodo

The fifth match will see Brun face Sir Zimon Bell

OOC:
Thus begins the tournament. I'm going to give each of you a combat thread for your match. The other two knights should feel free to post in that thread as well with their reactions as they watch on the viewing screen if they want to do so.

On a side note I gave myself a terrible fit of the giggles while I wrote the above. I couldn't stop thinking of Brun walking into the assembly hall to the theme of ZZ Top's Sharp-dressed man. It was hilarious to me for some reason. Now my sides hurt. Brun, have a  fate point for causing your GM pain.

It is a long day of competition and by the end of it, the Tournament's competitors are reduced by half.

The tournament begins with Sir Gwydion, the gallant young knight from Avaluna, soundly defeating his opponent Sir Padrig Sturm. But that is far from the quickest bout of the day. Sir L1-4MNT defeats his opponent, Sir Falco Prys, in only two blows, a truly impressive showing. Bets are quickly placed favoring Sir L1-4MNT to win the tournament.

Sir Kevan Grouz advances to the next round after a hard-fought victory over Sir Odo Webb. Dame Litivia Scipii handily defeats Sir Tyris Tine. It is clearly from the footage of the match that she far outpaced the younger knight in skill, but she delighted in toying with him before eventually claiming victory.

The young Venusian Princess Meara bests Sir Ein Illodo and the mysterious and very handsome Edge Knight Brun scores an upset over Sir Zimon Bell. Sir Jayson Dennic and Sir Tyris Veld both overcome their opponents leaving the total number of combatants at eight.

By the time all the matches have concluded it is early evening. There is a party atmosphere in the air all over the station with people celebrating and reveling in the occasion. Though there are no formal events planned for this evening there are more than a few social gatherings all over the station.

Tomorrow will see the remaining knights face another round of competition. Those that win their first bout will then fight a second. The winner of those matches will face each other on the third day of the tournament to see who is Grand Champion.

OOC:
Do you guys have anything in particular you'd like to do right now? If not, I've got stuff planned, but I wanted to give you the opportunity to do anything you might have thought up on your own.

Based on the bracket randomly chosen at the beginning of the tournament, tomorrow's match-ups are:

Sir Gywdion vs. Sir L1-4MNT
Sir Kevan Grouz vs. Dame Scipii

Dame Meara vs. Sir Brun
Sir Jayson Dennic vs. Sir Tyris Veld

The winner of the initial bout will face the winner of the other bout in their pairing.

Barring any plans other people have made for Gwydion, his plans were to attend some of the night's revelry (naturally, being so public a figure made that a necessity), followed by spending some time studying the recording of Sir L1-4MNT's admittedly short match with Sir Prys. He'd need a plan if he was to battle such a skilled opponent without the element of surprise he had over Sir Sturm.

But first, the party!

[Not really sure what to be doing at any given party, or who'd like to participate, or how long such a scene should last, but I've got three related plans:

1. Totally willing to take a compel on Arthur's Nephew so his own plans get pushed aside as people make him show up here and there and kissing babies and signing autographs and generally being put in a social blender.

2. Hoping to Create an Advantage to either renew Iliza's Favor or make a new aspect.

3. Hoping to Create an Advantage based on reviewing Liamont's fight.

I am preeeeeetty sure I'll only be able to do one of these things, since it really feels like they're mutually exclusive. The compel would eat up all Gwydion's time, Iliza would likely keep him from getting a chance to review the fight, or at least if he does get to study the fight, he'd be distracted anyway.

Whacha think, boss? Plenty of options, and I like 'em all.]

The impromptu party atmosphere has nearly completely taken over the station. Life on a space station isn't always easy and it's clear the residents of Callisto Station are taking full advantage of the tournament to have a little fun.

As you move through the hallways of the station you're greeted by many smiling and often drunken faces. They laugh and cheer and raise their drinks in toast. As you pass through the Arboretum, several of the partiers call out to you, "Sir Gwydion! Sir Brun! Join us, won't you?!" Before you know it drinks are being pressed into your hands and questions are coming at both you rapid fire.

"What's it like on Avaluna? Is it really made of cheese? Is the King really ten feet tall?"

An attractive woman sidles up to Brun, "How'd you get an armor like yours put together from so many spare parts? She runs like a dream. You sure gave Sir Bell a trouncing and he's no slouch." "Are you married," she asks, "Do you want to be?"

OOC:
Gwydion and Brun you both get a fate point if you join in the festivities.

Gwydion grinned as he and his friend were drawn into the celebrations. It /had/ been a pretty amazing day, and these people /were/ the ones whose hearts and minds he needed to influence. Besides, they'd be hurt if he just dropped the drink and walked away, right?

"Cheese? It'd be hard to walk around, wouldn't it? But we can /get/ amazing cheeses from all over the system. King Arthur? He's always seemed ten feet tall to me, but I couldn't say for sure." He only hoped Brun was having as much fun with his questions.