Hold a New Tournament


Reason: held annually
Events: throwing (javelins, etc), melee fighting, races and fencing
Style: elimination
Length: one day

Awards: first place winner(s)
Top Prizes: contest-related (eg, horses for jousting)

Crowd: enthusiastic
Betting: official - rigged odds
Other Entertainment: local bards and a storytelling contest


Competitors of interest:
The hulking barbarian who has little practical skill.
The mysterious stranger who is all talk.
The nondescript mercenary who proves to be highly honoroble.