Game 48: Tourney

This game was played solo on 19 Dec 2009 using my 40mm Elastolin Prince Valiant figures and Medieval mayhem.  I did briefly consider digging out my 54mm toy knights for this but decided to stick with the Days of King  Arthur instead, esp since I could muster at least a few spectators. So let us set the scene.

As part of treaty  negotiations, Count Hubert has arranged a friendly tourney between his knights and those of King Pharlain. Initially each mounted knight would fight one knight from the opposing camp. If neither was unhorsed after 3 passes, a draw would be proclaimed. Next each knight would fight one different knight on foot and lastly a general melee would occur with only 1 Champion being left standing. Remember that in Foster's Prince Valiant strip, knights don't all dress like medieval knights. The 3 champions for the Count were Duke Stephen, Sir Preisages the Alan and Prince Michael. On the other side was the King himself with his ally Dearg Mor  the Pict and Sir Gorm.

The first pass saw the Duke and the King exchange mighty blows as they passed. Wheeling their horses about, they charged again but this time, the Duke, standing high in the stirrups smote a mighty blow and sent the King reeling. Next up was Prince Michael vs Dearg Mor. Three passes did these famous warriors make but neither could best the other. Lastly Preisages the Sarmatian took the field and on the first pass, dumped Sir Gorm on the field.

Next came the foot round. This time the Duke smashed down Dearg Mor, Prince Michael won over the unlucky Sir Gorm and Preisages fought a drawn combat  against the King.

Last came the melee, a swirling cloud of dust and steel, sparks flying as sword and mace bit on iron bound shield and steel helm but at last only 2 warriors were afoot. Panting heavily, Duke Stephen looked across at his nephew, Prince Michael. Many times they had faced each other on the exercise ground but never yet had the Prince bested him. They met with a mighty clash and exchanged blows with the nimble Prince skipping lightly aside from his Uncle's powerful blows. Sweat poured down their faces and their breath grew laboured. At last Michael saw his chance and darting in managed to hook his leg around his uncle's and brought him down.

Not the most glamorous victory but within the rules of the tourney and Prince Michael smiled at the bright eyes shining at him from beneath a tall yellow yellow cap as the Count proclaimed him as Champion..