Next week The Third Grand World Tournament opens it doors on Wednesday the 22nd. After having been hosted in Pandaria last year it is back at the Argent Tournament Grounds in Icecrown. A location well known for its connection to tournaments and chivalry. I can think of no better venue for such an event.
An opening ceremony Wednesday evening kicks off the event which lasts five days with not only competitive events, but also lectures, speeches, concerts, open classes, and a market which won't leave even the most critical shopper longing for options. In other words, the line-up and program leaves one breathless just trying to get some sort of overview.
Here at the Lion's Roar we are ready to help you out though!
Each day starts off at 20:00 with information and announcements. On the first day this takes the form of an opening ceremony. This is the daily segment you want to pay attention to as it mentions winners, locations for events, changes to the schedule and other important information.
Day 1 (22nd June)
20:00 - Argent Pavilion: Welcome and opening ceremony
20:45 - Ranged Target Area: Evocation Contest
20:45 - Champion’s Ring: Argent Joust
Day one has two main events: The evocation contest which is for the magical inclined people. It is a contest of precision and control. The other event is the Argent Joust, a classic jousting competition with the goal of dismounting your opponent in a one vs one single elimination tournament.
Day 2 (23nd June)
20:30 - Coliseum: Wand Duel Tournament
20:30 - Ranged Target Area: Archery Contest
The second day also offers two events. One for the mages and one for the more mundane inclined. Broadly speaking. The wand duel is a competition where premade wands designed to expel a harmless magical charge is used in single elimination tournament style. If you get hit three times you are out. At the same time an archery contest takes place for the more martial interest people. The contestants are divided into groups and the top scorer of each group moves on to next round. Bows and arrows will be supplied to guarantee an equal chance.
Day 3 (24nd June)
20:30 - Champion’s Ring: Traditional Joust
On day three there is a slightly more detailed joust. Here opponents make three passes on each other, and tries to score points by hitting their opponent in various places, or ultimately dismounting their opponent. If no one get dismounted, highest scoring contestant wins.
Day 4 (25nd June)
20:30 - All Arenas: Duels
Day four is the big duel day. There is no limit to choice of weapon or armour, but Mages from the Kirin Tor will be making sure no magic is used, nor is enchantments allowed. Weapons can be supplied from a plentiful stock of sparring weapons if needed.
Day 5 (26nd June)
20:15 - Coliseum Gates: Opening performance of Robbin’ Fools
21:45 - Coliseum: AWGP Intercontinental and World Championship Matches
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23:00 - Coliseum: Closing Ceremony
The final day offers a opening performance of
Robbin' Fools a play directed by Auxélie Stillwind. After this there will be two wrestling matches, one between reigning AWGP Intercontinental Champion, Ellirianon Moonseeker vs Ruby Road, and one between reigning AWGP World Champion Zerphan Bladesmasher and fan favourite El Panda Gigante. The day and indeed the whole Grand Tournament ends with a closing ceremony at around 23:00.
All the rest!
Two of the scheduled concerts are Barovar Sunwhisper on the evening of the 23rd and Darenly Winterdawn on the evening of the 25th. I can guarantee both will be amazing, if you have the same desire for harp music as I have for coffee and streetfood. If you don't like harp music however... you may find it more appealing to go see if the swords in the duel arena are really sharp by trying to hack away at yourself. As a third option for music, Kraanos plays on the 24th and his concert will include far less harp music.
23rd 20:30:
Barovar Sunwhisper in Concert
24th 21:00:
Kraanos in Concert
25th 20:30:
Derenly Winterdawn in Concert
Besides the main events, the concerts and shows and lectures then the market is also open every night. Here is an incomplete list of the market stalls, visiting traders and street food vendors:
Traders, stalls and vendors:
Raven's Tea
Grove of Wonders
T&K Studios
Hummingbird Emporium
Coalworks Smithy
Raven's Riches
The Backpack
Yumplings
Fel's Kitchen
Dragon's Lair
Nebula Kitten
Merchant's Last Coin
As mentioned then there is also plenty of lectures planned - from a mixing masterclass on the 22nd with Dame Juniper Stites, to how to reduce psychological rejection through prosthetic illusions with Six Harrow. The full list can be seen below.
22nd 21:45:
Mixology Masterclass for Mocktails & Cocktails with Juniper Stites
23rd 20:30:
Art of the Arcsaber with Silyse Rimestar
23rd 21:15:
Iron and You with Morgrim Coalhammer
24th 21:30:
Law of Sympathy with Sylnoora Starseeker
25th 21:00:
Brewing simple alchemical mixtures with Alladar Ravenblack
25th 21:45:
Reducing psychological rejection through prosthetic illusion with Six Harrow
26th 20:40:
Defying Death with Simetra Shadowshot
I hope everyone who can, will show up for the Third Grand Tournament. Whether to support their favourite competitor, enjoy the music, food and market stalls, maybe pick up a new skill, or just to have a good time socialising!
The Grand Tournament is hosted and arranged by the following people: Zyretha Snowdawn, Brienne Kevendoch, Faelenn Silverhawk, Levia Sunstriker, Zerphan Bladesmasher, Brimaz Bronzeforge, Kalthoren Snowdawn, Enyalius, Sylnoora Starseeker, Alrodan Bloodleaf, Izyra Sunblossom and Soirane Summerdawn.