Pumpkin Conflict

Food can be a mortally serious business - even among the aristocracy.

— Alicia Ravenwood, Historian.

Overview

It is easy to underestimate the value of the Qakum Pumpkin (which were grown in the town of Qakum). Of course, it is just as easy to overestimate the value of Qakum Pumpkins. Such was the case when two aristocratic families engaged in battle over custody of the largest pumpkin ever grown. The battle occurred in 1200AGC, during the first month of festivals during the new century.

Two Opposed Families

The Scarlet family and the Chartreuse family are the two parties involved in this strange conflict. These two families have a history of conflict dating back to Centrum's initial founding under the former Principality of Avistar.

Slight Mix Up

Due to a mix up, the pumpkin was officially listed as sold to both parties. Both families attempted to reach a settlement between themselves but were unable to. Therefore, they went to Centrum's court of justice to sort out their little altercation. However, the court was unable to reach a conclusion quickly enough for either party, so both Scarlet family and the Chartreuse family agreed to settle their differences with a duel. The judge agreed that whoever won would be awarded the pumpkin according to the law of duels.

Unexpected Battle

Both families arrived on the designated dueling grounds at the proper time. Since neither party particularly trusted the other due to the hostile history between them, both had brought an entire formation of hired mercenaries to ensure their safety. Before the duel could be conducted a battle erupted between the mercenaries and the families. About eleven mercenaries died in the crossfire with three wounded. No member of either family died or were otherwise wounded during the fight. In fact, the mercenaries recall a conspicuous absence by the aristocratic families once fighting began in earnest.
The exact cause of this conflict is still debated to this day, but many recount a flaming arrow that was let loose by a so far unidentified archer.

Aftermath

The skirmish ended in a draw. As a result, both families decided to await for the court's verdict. The court, disappointed over the result of the duel and the unwillingness to try again begrudgingly made efforts to clear up the matter. The entire month of festivals had gone by before a verdict was reached. Both families returned to the legal arena to attempt a retrial. The pumpkin was awarded to the Scarlet family. Of course, by the time this happened the festivals were over and there was no point in retrieving the pumpkin from the warehouse where it allegedly rotted until someone disposed of it. The fight over the pumpkin was declared the "Pumpkin Conflict" by the aristocracy and has become an infamous event among that class.

Conflict Type

Skirmish

Note(s) from the Archivists:

I guess people will fight over absolutely anything. - Archivist Edward