SOLSTICE TOURNAMENT : BEGINNING AND BRACKETS!

Banners from all over the world hang in the stands and down to the field as supporters and fighters have made pilgrimage here from all over the world. Some for glory. Some for gold. Some for the love of combat. All stand today in the great annual tournament that is in honor of the blessings of summer and the longest day of the year. The summer solstice. 

The lord, proud and regal but warm and friendly, stands in a booth far above the arena and through a primitive megaphone makes the welcoming announcement, echoing through the hushed arena as though there were speakers and high tech equipment all around

"Welcome, one and all! We pay homage this day to the four gods of peace! And also the new addition to them, for which we offer thanks that we can at last after hundreds of years, hang up the banner of Zhadrah among the colors of our shining arena!"

Thunderous applause erupted as the speech was made and further pomp and circumstance of parades across the feilds and prayers for the safety of the warriors were offered up to the Gods.

Orik sat in disguise among the throng in the stands. As the tournament honored him and the other gods, it was customary for them all to keep an eye on the proceedings and to honor the winner when the time came to declare the champion. After all, it was only for the Gods to judge men.