The Royal Contest

"The Royal Contest is not merely a test of physical prowess; it is a showcase of indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. The warriors, adorned in their finest armor and wielding weapons honed to perfection, face each other in a symphony of skill, agility, and strategic prowess. The clash of swords, the whirlwind of spells, and the resounding cheers of the crowd reverberate through the arena, creating a tapestry of thrilling moments that will be etched in the annals of Neverwinter's history." - Aurelia Moonshadow's Whispers of Enchantment
  Every year, in Shieldmeet, a contest is held to determine the next member of the Royal Guard. This contest is open to every citizen of the Lord's Alliance (although they must suceed on getting 5 touches in a sparring match with a soldier to enter), and the winner recieves the immense benefits of the Royal Guard. After qualifying, each contestant is pitted against another in a 1v1, held in the Neverwinter Arena. Magic isn't banned (except, of course, from outsiders) but is generally considered unsportsmanly.
  Being a member allots your character massive political authority and respect. Only skilled (and, generally, wealthy) contestants enter, so consider why your character may want to. Ex-members of the guild of the eternal flame make up a decent portion of the Royal Guard (about ¼), but must rescind their membership upon acceptance.
  Each qualifying contestant is granted free accomodation with the Army, to protect them from corruption or attack (there's lots of illegal gambling on the contest, so the contestants need to be kept safe). However, they generally can't be bribed into failure; if they suceed then they will have little to fear with the authority of the royal guard, and if they fail regardless then no changes occur.
  The Royal guard are the most elite of the elite of the fighters in the Lords Alliance. They're easliy identifiable by their glistening armour and purple cloaks.