Making your challenge is not dependent upon being eloquent; sincerity is the key component, and it comes through whether the delivery is simple or complex. Speak the reasons that you are on the field. What inspires you? What do you hope to accomplish?

The reasons for these challenges are to reinforce the reasons for being present within the lists before the combats occur. By reaffirming your reasons before entering into combat (the final reaffirmation is done with the salute, but that is another essay...) you communicate your intent clearly to your opponent and to the gallery. This communication encourages others and sets the expectation for chivalric conduct that should be seen throughout the day. Each combatant has a part in this--yet each person who speaks about their inspiration and hopes builds upon what has already been said and done, creating a kind of "chivalric inertia" that will help the tournament itself inspire combatants to both prowess and courtesy.

The challenge that follows was delivered by our own Sean A. Garrison--aka sca Lord Vitus Lithold, Esquire. Lord Vitus had a herald deliver it while he stood armed and ready to challenge into the lists and the Ealdomere Pas d'Armes, doing a fine job of making his intentions known. This is a formal, eloquent challenge that represents to "fancier" side of the challenge spectrum; remember that as long as the sincerity comes through challenges can be simple or complex, and they will still work beautifully (I have even seen combatants stutter from fear and still impress everyone present just by what they said, and the sincerity of their rough presentation).