Tournament and Joust


The Field ~ Imagine if you will, a green field on a magnificently clear spring day in Britain.  High on a hill in the distance a white castle rises, gleaming against the blue sky.  In the center of the field, the sunlight dances reflections off the shields and armor of hundreds of knights; blazing down on the lists (the fenced off place where the knights will joust), and illuminating the brilliant colors of the galleries (the tents and pavilions erected to shelter the noble family  and their guests). The castle you see in the distance is the principle residence of Sir Richard - Dragon Tamer.  The baron is hosting this tournament to celebrate the knighthood of his squire, Clifford.  The tournament will last for several days. During your attendance watch closely - listen carefully - for there is much to be learned on this field of combat.

Today, for the first time, Clifford will have the chance to prove his skill in the joust.  He hopes he has perfected legendary skills,  like other young knights before him, and like Roland and Richard Lion Heart of the minstrels' songs and stories.  When he became a knight, Clifford vowed to protect the poor and honor women.  Today he is wondering if he is skillful enough to keep his vow.  He carries a glove (a lady's favor) given to him by his cousin, the Lady Anna.  It shows he is her favorite knight.  He thinks she is the sweetest and merriest lady he knows.  He hopes to bring donor to her in today's jousting. Nearby, in the galleries, the Lady Anna, is preparing to watch the tournament with the other noblewomen.  They will be seated on wooden benches, carried to the field for this occasion.  The ladies have waited long and anxiously through the harsh winter for this day, when they will have much to say to each other.  They have not gathered to exchange local gossip for several months.  As the ladies engage in recounting the winter's events of interest, a soft breeze begins to blow from the south, and the sheer veils on their cone-shaped hats billow gracefully in the wind.  They turn their heads to catch the breeze, believing that the fluttering gossamer fabric draws further attention to their great beauty and elegance. The field is crowded, People have come from miles around - some to prove their skill, some to show their beauty, some just to enjoy the sports and feasts in the nearby fairground.  On the edge of the field hundreds of townspeople and peasants mill about the grounds.  The atmosphere is like a carnival.  Jugglers, minstrels and dancers entertain and move among the crowd.  Pickpockets and thieves may take advantage of the crowds and festival atmosphere here today as well - but they should beware, lest Sir Richard's stewards observe their actions and toss them into the castle's dungeon.