Trial of Swords

A large swordfighting tournament held each year in the late summer. The winner of the tournament is widely held to be the best swordsperson in the world. The current champion is Ilthuryn Iarynore.

The rules of the Trial are as follows:

1. Only bladed weapons.
2. All armor and shields allowed.
3. No magic, but magical weapons and armor allowed.
4. Fights are to unconsciousness, loser is immediately healed (as is the winner).
5. Entrance fee is 50 gp, which includes cost of healing.

All fights are one-on-one. The tournament takes place over a whole week, as more than 300 fighters enter every year. Only the ultimate winner is paid, getting 5000 gp.