Sonata's Tournament

In 158 ABY a tournament was held on Daispin to honor the new crown princess, Sonata Nikina.

Aria Nikina, Prefect of the Order of Keltrayu and Queen of Daispin, had Sonata midway through the year. After recovering from the delivery, she took the infant princess to her homeworld to present her at the Temple of Kazrai and formally invest her as crown princess. She also commanded a tournament be held outside the capital city of Enkhara Na'wen to honor Sonata's birth, in keeping with Daispin's tradition. Tantaari and citizens alike came from all corners of Daispin's single continent to attend and compete. Aria and Sonata had come to Daispin under guard from Centurions of the Order of Keltrayu, all of whom refused to compete (and so leave Aria's side); however, given the presence of the Centurions, the Daispin Royal Guards were allowed to compete (and many did). At Aria's insistence, Vem, Consul of Daispin and a Centurion as well, competed as Sonata's champion; Aria felt the people of Daispin would respect him even more after a display of his fighting skills, and she was not above ensuring that "Sonata's champion" carried the day.

The three-day tournament included displays of martial prowess, dance, and athleticism and martial contests between and among competitors, competing with the numerous traditional Tantaari weapons as well as blasters. Competitors and their families feasted each night at the crown's expense, and admission to each day's events was free for spectators. The final event was a melee, pitting five victors of various weapons contests against one another and Vem. Though fighting with a simple wooden stick, Vem defeated all five challengers. He declined tournament honors and prizes, which were given to the last competitor to fall.