Tournament of the Blades

[Sadok]

The Tournament of the Blades is the Red Blade tribe's official tournament event. It's usually held roughly two times a year (though sometimes more frequently), often in the Ring of Trials in Nagrand unless the situation and location of the tribe calls for a different venue.

Although the tournament's main purpose is to bring the tribe together and to give orcs a chance to show off their new abilities and skills, it's viewed by many as a chance to bring honour to their name in times of peace as well. Orcs who perform well can find themselves in contention for promotion, or simply carve a legacy for themselves -- be it Sadok Sharptongue proving he might back his words up with actions by winning two consecutive tournaments, or New Blood Grogona's upset victory against Rrosh-tul Bloodmark.

The greatest reward an orc can get on the Tournament of the Blades is honour. There are no prizes in the form of gold or other goods, as the prospect of growing stronger through trial and combat as well as earning honour for one's name is considered enough of a prize. That said, the winner of the tournament is nonetheless given the honourary title of Tribe Champion (formerly Blademaster) within the tribe's ranks. Although this rank does not give any additional privileges, the reigning Champion of the tribe can sometimes be expected to step forward as the tribe's representative on other tournaments instead.

Variants:

It is also customary to hold a free-for-all melee amongst the tribe during the Tournament of the Blades. Whichever orc stands tall after surviving all comers is bestowed with the name of Ballcracker.

The tribe is a frequent competitor at other tournaments held amongst the Horde, be they Grand Tournaments of the Horde or otherwise. The Tribe Champion is typically expected to perform well here, but the title can typically neither be won or lost in these contests.

Very recently, Sadok Sharptongue has began to hold a monthly Brawl For All tournament series. Unlike the Tournament of the Blades, this brawl tournament features orcs fighting in two or three-way contests with limited armor and no weapons. Whichever orc reigns supreme by the end is known as the tribe's Bruiser. Mokhtar Axenheart was crowned the inaugural Bruiser after winning the first tournament.

Past Tribe Champions:

• Greggar Ironfoot
• Groshnakk Wyrmbreaker
• Hakon Wolfmane
• Kozgugore Feraleye
• Krogon Devilstep
• Muzjhath Farstride
• Rargnasha Bloodmark
• Rashka Facebreaker
• Sadok Sharptongue
• Vlog Ironblood
• Kogra Windwatcher
• Razaron Madeye