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After the armour and weapons have been inspected, there will be a short ceremony where the fighters must swear to follow the rules of the tourney and observe the orders of the judges. The tourneyers will then depart the field and gather with their respective captains.
First the knight (or squire) of honour will enter the lists. When he has taken his place, the appellant, King Matthew, and those fighting under his banner shall approach and ask the judges to prepare a place in the list for him and his men. When all are in place the defendant, Duke Elffin, and those fighting under his banner approaches the same way.
"...and they should go a pace with trumpets sounding and minstrels singing, as soon as someone opens the passage into the lists, by which they should enter: and when it is open, they should enter within, and their servants should make a great cry, and the tourneyers should lift their arms high over their heads, making threatening motions with their swords or maces" 1)
The Tournament I - The Grand Melee
The fighting begins once the ropes have been cut on the order of the judges, and will last until the judges call the retreat. Please see the special rules in this booklet. Tourneyers are welcome to take dignified breaks during the fighting, and may wish to have a follower ready with a hat and goblet of water so that they can drink at their ease and watch the fighting for a while before rejoining the fray.
After the grand melee, there will be a break for lunch. The tourneyers are invited to make a dignified picnic near the list field with their consorts and followers. It is recommended that all tourneyers remain in armour, perhaps just doffing their helm in favour of an elegant chapeau, so that all may see that they are eager to continue the fight. During this time, the tourney field will be re-arranged in several arenas.
The Tournament II - Challenges
After luncheon, there will be several challenge arenas available, each with a theme or specific weapon. The tourneyers are invited to progress from arena to arena and try their skills in each. They are free to challenge whoever they wish, individually or as groups according to the theme of the arena. These challenges will continue until the judges call a halt, or the combatants are too tired to continue.