(Created page with "The '''Trials of Kurgess''' are a region-wide set of competitions held every four years in Hellea. The various squabbling states of Hellea put aside their differences every four years for the Trials of Kurgess. Even ongoing wars will be paused for this month-long event. The Trials are an opportunity for athletes from across Hellea to test their skills against their peers. While less prominent, events for casters and orators are also held. Though founded and held...") |
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The '''Trials of Kurgess''' are a region-wide set of competitions held every four years in [[Hellea]]. | The '''Trials of Kurgess''' are a region-wide set of competitions held every four years in [[Hellea]]. A long-respected tradition, even ongoing wars will be paused for this month-long event in order to allow all who wish to attend. The Trials are an opportunity for athletes and adventurers from across Hellea to test their skills against their peers. | ||
== History == | |||
Though founded and held for the first few centuries in [[Chiarae]], now within the [[Ersas City States]], today the Trials rotate between a number of Hellean cities. In order, the Trials take place in Chiarae, [[Odarta]], [[Egaro]], [[Ptelaphos]], [[Lindus]], [[Ithai]], [[Kardia]], [[Delphedon]], and [[Kios]]. These ten cities were specifically chosen so that each region would host the Trials at least once in each lifetime (of most people, at least). Contestants must be from Hellea, although spectators from all across the world are welcome to attend. | Though founded and held for the first few centuries in [[Chiarae]], now within the [[Ersas City States]], today the Trials rotate between a number of Hellean cities. In order, the Trials take place in Chiarae, [[Odarta]], [[Egaro]], [[Ptelaphos]], [[Lindus]], [[Ithai]], [[Kardia]], [[Delphedon]], and [[Kios]]. These ten cities were specifically chosen so that each region would host the Trials at least once in each lifetime (of most people, at least). Contestants must be from Hellea, although spectators from all across the world are welcome to attend. | ||
== Events == | |||
The primary focus of the Trials are to test the competitors’ physical might. Events vary from year to year depending on where the Trials are held, but some constants include foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, javelin throwing, dueling, and pentathlons. Priests of Kurgess watch over all events, ensuring contestants do not cheat and tending to any injuries that arise. Magical items are strictly forbidden in physical events (some exceptions may exist for prosthetics, so long as they do not give the competitor an unfair advantage). Contestants typically do not train to compete in one event, but rather focus on achieving broad physical prowess and then enter as many events as possible. | The primary focus of the Trials are to test the competitors’ physical might. Events vary from year to year depending on where the Trials are held, but some constants include foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, javelin throwing, dueling, and pentathlons. Priests of Kurgess watch over all events, ensuring contestants do not cheat and tending to any injuries that arise. Magical items are strictly forbidden in physical events (some exceptions may exist for prosthetics, so long as they do not give the competitor an unfair advantage). Contestants typically do not train to compete in one event, but rather focus on achieving broad physical prowess and then enter as many events as possible. | ||
Revision as of 21:29, 22 January 2022
The Trials of Kurgess are a region-wide set of competitions held every four years in Hellea. A long-respected tradition, even ongoing wars will be paused for this month-long event in order to allow all who wish to attend. The Trials are an opportunity for athletes and adventurers from across Hellea to test their skills against their peers.
History
Though founded and held for the first few centuries in Chiarae, now within the Ersas City States, today the Trials rotate between a number of Hellean cities. In order, the Trials take place in Chiarae, Odarta, Egaro, Ptelaphos, Lindus, Ithai, Kardia, Delphedon, and Kios. These ten cities were specifically chosen so that each region would host the Trials at least once in each lifetime (of most people, at least). Contestants must be from Hellea, although spectators from all across the world are welcome to attend.
Events
The primary focus of the Trials are to test the competitors’ physical might. Events vary from year to year depending on where the Trials are held, but some constants include foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, javelin throwing, dueling, and pentathlons. Priests of Kurgess watch over all events, ensuring contestants do not cheat and tending to any injuries that arise. Magical items are strictly forbidden in physical events (some exceptions may exist for prosthetics, so long as they do not give the competitor an unfair advantage). Contestants typically do not train to compete in one event, but rather focus on achieving broad physical prowess and then enter as many events as possible.
One of the Trial’s biggest attractions for spectators is the Bloodbath, a gladiatorial event that pits competitors against the most fearsome beasts that could be acquired. While in other events competitors are discouraged from taking actions that cause themselves harm, and hurting other competitors strictly forbidden, the Bloodbath is intended to push participants to the limit; it is not rare for deaths to occur. Any type of combatant is welcome in the Bloodbath, whether martially or magically inclined, with certain caveats.
The Trials of Kurgess are inaugurated by a great celebration, with parades, feasts, and much drinking. These feasts last the entire day of the opening ceremony. The opening parades are heavily influenced by the state that is hosting the Trials, and are often seen as an opportunity to display aspects of cultural pride. An atmosphere of festivity hangs over the entire event, and it is not unknown for competitors to become so drunk they neglect to participate. As Kurgess is the patron deity of the competition, large offerings are given to the god in both the opening and closing celebrations, though individual contestants also pray to the god in hopes of a good performance.