Tournament Ground At the center of the great keep of Fastheld lie the tournament fields, where nobles and their squires come to face each other in contests of skill and endurance before the Emperor and Empress - as well as the adoring crowds who enjoy wagering on their favorites. The tournaments, which are held at least once a year during the warmer seasons, draw the cream of Fastheld society to compete and observe. It also draws sideshow performers and sutlers who sell food and merchandise once they've secured permission from the Emperor's Hawk, Gell Mikin. The royal audience views the jousting, archery and swordsmanship competitions from a platform accessible by a low flight of wooden steps.