How the Annual Scores are Sometimes Announced

Before we automated the procedure, each year, in each game, one of the Heralds posted the top ten winners and the amounts they have won (in ducats.) Sometimes this was done with a good deal of style, as the example (taken from a 1994 game) demonstrates.

And now Ladies and Gentlemen, Mesdames et Monsieurs, Damen und Herren, it is my great pleasure to introduce the winners of the First Annual Best-Dressed List, as prepared by Monsieur Arnaud of Savoy Row.

In first place, Monsieur Arnaud proclaims His Majesty, Philippe VI of France (with 151 points), who was resplendent in his crimson robe with matching velvet slippers, silver brocade trim with silver fox caped lining, during his fiery tirade delivered to the nobles of England. For his impeccable taste, we award him the sum of 3,000,000 ducats.

And Monsieur Arnaud notes with pleasure that the fruit does not fall far from the tree in announcing our second place winner, Crown Prince Jean II de Valois (with 90 points), who, as we all will remember, made quite a splash at the Lady Eleanor de Fitzalan's St. Martin's Day Fete, in his virescent doublet, delicately crushed black velvet sash, and emerald scabbard encrusted with just the right amount of black opals. Kudos to the Prince, and 2,000,000 ducats for your refined fashion sense.

Thirdly, to the handsome and dashing Comte de Blois, Louis IV de Chatillon with 59 points. How many of us recall his daring use of white at James, Baron Porlock's St. Christopher Ball, a full month after we all had put away our winter whites? Louis pulled it off admirably; nay grandly, by subtle use of multi-colored thread interwoven through his alabaster cape, and his snow-white pantaloons, edged in pearl stripes. 1,000,000 ducats for your genteel and stylish accoutrements, my dear Count.

Monsieur Arnaud wishes also to reward other individuals who have also displayed their manners and breeding well in their choice of finery:

5. 280 Robert de Vere 56
6. 8 Mohammed IV al Nasrid 55
7. 190 Olivier de Montaubon 52
8. 136 *Jean de Polignac 45
9. 231 Robert d'Anjou 41
10. 123 Isabelle de Dreux 39

A simply superb season for fashion! Congratulations all!

Editor's Note: As coincidence would have it, the list above is exactly the same as the top ten winners for overall point score for the past year. Rewards will be forthcoming after my purse is refilled and my debts paid.