King's Crownlands (King's Landing)
Cross Realm King's Tournament
The Cross-Realm King's Tournament is an organized exhibition consisting of multi-tiered events or "games" with a primary focus on martial prowess, typically spanning three-days occurring in a triennial format, or once every three years, the event attracts participants from nearly every formally recognized realm , and even some outside the influence of the kingdom like Essos and The Summer Isles respectively. Lords, knights and commoners alike are allowed to perform at these events. The event is meant to inspire a sense of inter-realm pride among competitors, as well as foster goodwill between the various realms.
In truth, the games are little more than an opportunity for leaders of rival realms to compete in a game of oneupsmanship through proximitives, a kind of phallic measuring contest behind a political phallic measuring contest if you will. Which is not to say that games aren't engaging or without their own merit. What other event can a commoner from flea bottom challenge his king in single combat? It is an event like no other. Many knight prospects had their showings in the Cross Realm games.
Renown knights like Sir Cain Marko, Sir James Howlett and Lady Kate Bishop have placed at the Cross Realm Games. It attracts the most able of professionals to compete in their respective disciplines. Some of the brightest stars risen and legends cemented since its introduction. The Cross-Realm Games is in fact a reference to its founder and title holder in the first exhibition of its kind, the king who unified the tribes of Marvelos under a single rule, Borr Odinson whose vision outlined the games as we know it and transformed Marvelos into what it is presently , there are many references to Borr Odinson in the games ceremonies and rituals.
The Cross Realm Games are also known for being an extravagantly festive affair of sorts. Masquerade balls of a more fleshly nature. Royals, maidens, athletes and common whores alike consort with unnatural fervor , an event unlike any other. It's not uncommon for Lord's and Lady's alike to experience things they usually wouldn't indulge in back in their homes, thus was the spirit of the Cross Realm's Games.
On this hollowed eve, this Cross games would officially commence. Though this wouldn't begin until later into the day. This was merely the beginnings of introductions and greetings. A small fleet of great ebony ships docked the southernmost port leading to the capitol just the night before. This along with the vibrant gold-like backdrop of the banners themselves left little doubt to which kingdoms these banners belonged to. There were rumors that the Summer Isles had decreed a new king. Little was known about him outside of the Isles, even to his people he was a bit of a mystery, only legends of a promised prince circulated throughout circles. These were....as of yet, unconfirmed legends.
With this year brought many controversies and tensions leading up to the games, there was the matter of House Hydra suspected involvement in The Summer Isles massacres as well as the disputes between House M, House Grey and some conspiratorial whispers tieng to one of the King's trusted advisors , these were unusual times, the air was a bit thick with an undiagnosed venom, more so than usual. It seemed as if a greater turmoil was something you could expect, a sample of what's to come.
