knightdivinerp

[knightdivinerp]

But First They Must Catch You | Challenge 7 Announcement

Given the severity of many of the injuries obtained in the Labyrinth, it’s probably a surprise to find that by the time three days have passed and you’re all gathering in the Forum once again, most of you are feeling nearly fully recovered. Perhaps it’s the ministrations of one of the healing or medically inclined Deities, or more likely a combination of that and of the enhanced regenerative abilities that Champions get from their Bonds. Regardless, while some of you might still have some lingering aches and pains, you do feel ready to face whatever is going to come next…

Well, as long as it isn’t as bad as some of the things you faced in the Labyrinth. The stairs leading down to it, left open and accessible now, feel a bit like an elephant in the room as you all file in and find seats.

Hiro, of course, is already waiting, sitting near the bottom of the descending seats. And he’s not waiting alone, either - all of the Deities are present this time, spread out around the room. Most of them gravitate towards their Champions as the latter enter, murmuring greetings and in some cases offering a back or shoulder pat or some other affectionate gesture. It looks like everyone’s on good terms with their partners.

Once the last of the latecomers have trickled in, Hiro stands and moves to his usual position in the center of the circular floor, where it’s easiest to project his voice.

“Welcome back, Champions.” He calls, his tablet tucked neatly under his arm. “This next Challenge may sound deceptively simple, so I’ll get right to it.”

With a brief clearing of his throat, the little Priest recites:

“Each Champion has the next three (3) days to go into the Forest outside the Temple, with an appropriate escort, and bring back a silver rabbit. An unspecified number of silver rabbits have been released into the Forest for this purpose. Just to be perfectly clear, these are magical constructs, not real rabbits, so you don’t need to worry about that.”

No actual bunnies will be harmed in the undertaking of this Challenge.

“And that’s it! Exactly how you go about this Challenge is up to you, but it’s advised that you have at least two Deities escorting you when you leave the Temple, just as a precaution, so you might want to form teams or partner up. The Deities will only be there to offer protection from potential outside forces as needed, not to assist with the Challenge itself in any way. The Library will be open if there is any research you would like to do, and you can always look around the Temple for any items or equipment you think you may need. So with that, good luck!”

A hunting challenge? Well, maybe it’ll be nice to spend some time outside the Temple… though it may also be a worrying prospect, given certain occurrences.

Still, surely three days is plenty of time to catch a rabbit.

[knightdivinerp]

Double Feature | Challenge 5+6 Results

While the way the Challenge had been announced had implied that Champions could be lost in the Labyrinth indefinitely, all managed to emerge within three hours. An impressive feat, though many came out decidedly the worse for wear. Jinan suffered third degree burns, though his companions Minerva and Bobbie managed to escape with much milder injuries. Jasper endured a wound that ultimately cost him an arm, and while his teammates Lucien and Seung-eun came out whole, Seung-eun still required medical treatment for bruised ribs. Carla and Ezekiel returned from the Labyrinth with a relatively mild collection of scratches. Valdis and Tryggvi were healed of their injuries thanks to Valdis’ partnered Deity, though they may not have come out at all were it not for Josh’s assistance.

Those in need of it were rushed to the Infirmary, to receive treatment and to recuperate. It seems that the official ranking for the Labyrinth was something that would come later. Considering how in need of rest all of the Champions were after their ordeal, that probably seemed like a blessing.

But time passes, the evening comes, the night goes by… and in the morning the Champions are once again prompted to meet in the Forum for the deadline of the Fifth Challenge.

Several Champions have already removed their necklaces well before this point, which at least makes it easy for them to walk in on time. Others manage through strength and perseverance to enter on their feet, though certainly at a pace that shows they’re feeling the weight they bear. And then there’s Josh, rolling himself in on a skateboard, and Dr. Bright, who seems to be resigned to dragging themself across the floor. Regardless of the method however, everyone makes it to the Forum before the clock hits 7am, and Hiro is there awaiting them.

Exactly as the last Champion enters the Forum, everyone feels the weight of their necklaces abruptly vanish, and the clasps on the back spring open - even the ones which some have made an effort to seal with their powers. That’s definitely a relief. The red gemstones on the front now have inscriptions on them, listing either the time that they were removed, or the final weight for those who wore them all the way to this point.

“Congratulations,” The little Priest greets everyone with a warm smile. “I know you’ve all had a difficult time, but honestly you’ve all done well, considering the circumstances. I have the results of the Labyrinth challenge ready, but first, everyone please step down to place your necklaces back on the table here. The ranking for these should be fairly straightforward, so I’ll look them over and let you know right away.”

Hiro moves around to the other side of the table and waits, allowing time for everyone to have a chance to turn their necklace in. It’s quite literally a weight off of your shoulders to set the thing down once and for all.

At last, when all eleven necklaces are laid out on the table, Hiro looks them over with a careful eye and makes some notes on his tablet. When he’s finished, he clears his throat again and looks up, taking the time to look each of you in the eyes, as if to be sure everyone is still present and paying attention.

“So, Challenge 5 results first.” Hiro holds out his tablet and reads off the names in order. The first is probably completely unsurprising.

Crown Prince Jinan Nejem

Dame Carla Hollands

Seung-eun Choe

Lucien Moreno

Joshua Grace

Dr. Ezekiel Bright

Bobbie Rosser

Minerva Sumilang

Jasper Perry

Tryggvi Njallson

Valdis Njallsdottir

Given everything those of you who kept your necklaces on went through, it may be disappointing to receive a lower ranking. But then again given who you were up against, it probably isn’t much of a shock. At least it looks like Jinan is exhausted and sore from how much he took upon himself, so the Challenge clearly wasn’t easy for him either.

Hiro waits a moment for everyone to process this, then continues.

“I’m sure you’re all eager to either get to breakfast or back to bed - please don’t push yourself if you’re feeling injured or unwell, you’ll have three full days until the next Challenge to relax and recuperate. So, I’ll go ahead and give you the results of Challenge 6 right now as well

Clearing his throat again, Hiro swipes to another page on his tablet, and reads out:

Joshua Grace

Seung-eun Choe

Dame Carla Hollands, and Minerva Sumilang

Lucien Moreno

Jasper Perry, Dr. Ezekiel Bright, and Bobbie Rosser

Crown Prince Jinan Nejem

Valdis Njallsdottir

Tryggvi Njallson

“And there you have it.” Hiro finishes, tucking his tablet under his arm and nodding once, with an air of finality. “Regardless of your ranking, you should all be proud to have made it this far. As always, if you have any questions or requests, I can be found most easily in the Library or my room. Try to take it easy the next few days.”

With that, Hiro turns to head out the door. Looks like that’s all for now… though after the stress and horror of the Labyrinth, perhaps you can’t help but wonder what Challenge will be presented to you next. Well, no sense worrying about it now - three days isn’t much, it certainly doesn’t seem like enough time to recover from everything, but it’s better than nothing. Might as well enjoy your free time while you have it.

[knightdivinerp]

Abandon All Hope | Challenge 6 Announcement

By 3pm, the weight has had a chance to increase to a truly challenging degree. A few Champions have found ways to off-set this, and a few others have boldly chosen to take on extra weight. Some, however, probably find it a struggle just to make it to the Forum on time to answer the summons. Hiro is there waiting for all of you…

And there is a hole in the floor. Several of the large marble tiles that make up the center of the Forum have been moved aside, and a series of floating lanterns leads the way down a set of folding stairs into the basement below. Hiro stands next to the top of the stairs, glancing down them with a contemplative look, though his gaze eventually rises as everyone assembles.

“Glad to see you’ve all made it,” He actually sounds sincere, though his eyes move to each Champion in turn, unsmiling. “Sadly, I have to tell you that this is about to get a lot harder. You’re going to have to face two Challenges at once - your next will begin the moment you step through the door below.” He makes a gesture towards the stairs.

“Past that door is the Labyrinth. It’s sort of like a giant maze, in case any of you haven’t heard of a labyrinth before. This one was constructed many centuries ago and has had enough power and magic poured into it to cause… strange effects. There are many ways in, but only one way out - through. It exists in a kind of liminal space, so while all of you will enter the same door, only a few of you will end up in the same places. The Labyrinth itself decides who you will face it with, and while you’re all still competitors, I strongly suggest cooperating for this Challenge. Once you’re inside, even your Deities will not be able to reach you in a timely manner, so you’ll have to rely on yourselves and your companions.”

There’s a pause as he allows for all of this to sink in.

“The Challenge itself is deceptively straightforward. Enter the Labyrinth, and find your way out. The deadline is the same as that of the Fifth Challenge - so you have until 7am tomorrow morning. After that time, if you have not returned to the Forum, you will be considered to have failed the Challenge, and your Deities will enter the Labyrinth to attempt to retrieve you.”

Hiro visibly hesitates, glancing back down the stairs and then over all of you again. “...The Labyrinth has more than just twists and turns in it. If at some point you find that your necklaces are too much of a hindrance, don’t be too proud to take them off.”

Letting out a sigh, Hiro takes a little step further away from the stairs and gestures towards them. “You have five minutes to enter, or you will be considered to have forfeit the Challenge. That’s not much time to prepare, so I’d suggest simply asking any questions you might have quickly, and setting aside anything you don’t want to carry with you - it’ll be safe here.” There might be a pointed glance at Jinan’s crown if he’s still wearing his regalia.

That seems to be it. So you’re just navigating a maze? Well, that’s annoying, and will probably be a bit more difficult with the weight of the necklace on your shoulders, but the door at the bottom of the stairs doesn’t look too imposing. Just an old, heavy wooden door - and whenever you descend it will swing open for you easily, no need to bother with any pushing or pulling or creaky hinges.

After whatever preparations you do or don’t make, whether single file or with someone you hope to be next to on the other side, you must enter the Labyrinth, and when you do…

[knightdivinerp]

Challenge 4 Final Rankings

Anyone who has been paying attention to when meals are served will know that lunchtime in the Temple is from Noon to 1pm. This is a full five hours since the necklaces were put on, so they’ve had a chance to accumulate 25lbs of additional weight. Thankfully the way this weight is magically distributed makes it a little easier to bear, but no doubt many are feeling the discomfort and wanting to minimize physical activity.

Nevertheless, whether those curious to see the results of the previous Challenge shuffle in right at 12:00 or at any time after, they’ll find that as promised the Rankings have been written up and taped to the counter in the Library.

Seung-eun Choe: 13 Tablets

Dame Carla Hollands: 12 Tablets

Lucien Moreno: 11 Tablets - Joshua Grace: 11 Tablets - Crown Prince Jinan Nejem: 11 Tablets

Tryggvi Njallson: 9 Tablets - Jasper Perry: 9 Tablets

Minerva Sumilang: 8 Tablets

Valdis Njallsdottir: 7 Tablets

Bobbie Rosser: 6 Tablets

Dr. Ezekiel Bright: 2 Tablets

It may or may not be appreciated that individual tablet counts were included.

[knightdivinerp]

You’re Gonna Carry That Weight | Challenge 5 Announcement

“Excellent, thank you everyone for participating.” Taking a moment to look around the room to be sure everyone had picked up a necklace as well, Hiro clears his throat and continues, “For the next Challenge, you will need to put on your new necklaces. You’ll notice there’s a simple clasp on the back, it should open and close with a tap.”

Perhaps some people start to put theirs on, but he doesn’t wait to make sure everyone does.

“The Fifth Challenge is one of Strength and Endurance, although there are of course alternate ways to succeed. Each of you has just been given a magic necklace, which will initially weigh 10 pounds (4.5kg). Through enchantment, the weight is spread evenly over the wearer’s shoulders. Every hour, the weight of the necklace will increase by 5 pounds (2.2kg). Regardless of how much the necklace weighs, a Champion may remove it at any time via the clasp on the back, and it will come off immediately and easily. However, once a Champion removes their necklace, the weight locks and they cannot put it back on. The Challenge will last for 24 hours, or until only one Champion is wearing a necklace. While wearing their necklace, Champions may choose to transfer 5 pounds of weight to decrease the weight of their necklace and increase the weight of another Champion’s worn necklace by tapping the gems on the necklaces together. Each tap will transfer 5 pounds. The necklace being tapped receives the weight.”

This is clearly something Hiro is reciting from a written description, his tone is flat and matter-of-fact, and the wording is specific and precise to an almost awkward degree. But he says it all clearly nevertheless, and must be doing so from memory since he’s not looking at his tablet during the description.

“Anyone who has not already put on their necklace should do so now. Refusal to put on the necklace will be considered an automatic failure of the Challenge. Rankings for this Challenge will be based on how long a Champion is able to wear their necklace. For those who make it all the way to the deadline, ranking will be based on how much their necklace weighs, with heavier necklaces being ranked more highly.”

He pauses, but if anyone still isn’t putting on their necklace or is protesting he’ll just talk over them.

“I've been instructed to comment on this, so..." He sighs, "Some of you will no doubt feel this Challenge is unfair. You’re correct. But try to understand that the Challenges were chosen before any of you were, and the Gods were not previously aware of which Challenges would be faced in this Tourney. These Challenges aren’t intended to be fair, they’re intended to be tests. They are trials you must face to either prove that you have the traits they test for, or are able to circumvent or overcome them in some other fashion.”

Harsh… apparently that means the happy fun easy mode Challenges really are over. Not that everyone had fun with the last one, but at least it was potentially universally doable.

“Okay!” Hiro breathes out, and offers a sheepish smile, “Now all that official business is out of the way, I’m going to go get some breakfast. Anyone who has further questions can find me in the Library later today, or possibly my room. We’ll also be meeting up here again later this afternoon. Does 3pm sound good for everyone? Let’s see, it’s 7am now, so that will be eight hours from now… so you’ll all be carrying around 50lbs of weight by then. Good luck! Don’t be late!”

--

Any attempted trades in weight should be done via threads. As with tablet trades, they can be quick/mini-threads or summaries, as long as they're in a thread server channel!

[knightdivinerp]

Cards On The Table | Challenge 4 Complete

Like clockwork, another three days have passed and the morning of the fourth finds all the Champions being called to reconvene in the Forum. It’s a little before breakfast, so some may still be sleepy-eyed and more than one stomach may be growling, but possibly the early meeting time is to avoid any last minute trades past the deadline. Regardless of the reason for it, everyone is here, some no doubt stifling yawns. Hiro doesn’t look any more tired than usual, but then, who knows if that’s even possible.

“Welcome back, Champions.” He’s standing on the center floor of the Forum and projecting his voice as well as ever. Next to him is the same table that held all your tablets, and this time it has a series of boxes - eleven of them, each labeled clearly with a Champion’s name. Curiously enough there are also eleven beautiful golden necklaces, each with a red gemstone attached, laid out neatly so that there’s one in front of every box. “I’ll try to get through this as quickly as possible, I’m sure we’re all eager to get to breakfast, so. When I call you up, please step forward in an orderly fashion and deposit any and all tablets you have collected into the box with your name on it. They’ll be tallied up later by myself with all the Deities watching, and the final rankings will be posted in the Library by noon, today. Once you’ve turned in your tablets, pick up a necklace and go take a seat.”

With that, Hiro starts calmly calling out names as if he were reading an attendance sheet. It’s clear he’s going by first-name alphabetical, since he starts with Bobbie and ends with Valdis. Some people have an impressive collection of tablets to turn in, others… not so much. Dr. Bright’s ranking will probably not come as a surprise.

More notable is that an early attempt to turn in a tablet in an envelope is rejected. It just won’t go into the box, as if there were an invisible forcefield preventing it, though the rest tumble through the slot easily.

“I’m sorry,” Hiro says to Carla, and he sounds sincere, “That isn’t genuine. The tablets are enchanted to burn through anything used to conceal them, so if anyone else was given a tablet in an envelope, I’m afraid that will also be fake.”

Oof. That’s rough.

“Please refrain from discussion or comments until everyone has had a chance to turn their tablets in! I still have to announce the next Challenge.” Hiro advises, attempting to intercept any scene that may erupt as a result of the trickery. Confrontations can always happen later, of course, although it may be a surprise to hear the next Challenge is going to start right away.

Once the last of the tablets has been turned in, Hiro steps in front of the table and taps it twice. The slots on the boxes all seal immediately.

[knightdivinerp]

Record Scratch | Challenge 4 Announcement

After three days of training, everyone is feeling a little more confident and familiar with their abilities. Will that make a difference in the coming challenges? Only time will tell. And on the morning of the fourth day, the time for the next challenge has arrived.

Once again, the Champions are called to the Forum, summoned by their Deities, who are watching through their eyes. Actually present in the Forum, in his usual place at the center, is Hiro. There’s a table set up on the marble floor, with what look like small stone tiles arranged on top of it. It’s hard to tell anything else without getting closer, and it doesn’t seem to be the time for that yet. Only when all the Champions have arrived does Hiro start to speak.

“Good morning, and good to see you all again.” He greets with a faint smile, “There’s been a development, but before I explain that I’ll be announcing the next Challenge. Allow me to preface things by saying that it is not a threat, you will be in control of what-”

And then his speech is cut off by the South door swinging open. Hiro sighs out a quiet phrase under his breath, it’s difficult to hear from a distance and it sounds like Japanese, but if any of those who speak the language are close enough they might identify the words as “Oh, goddamnit.”

There’s not much time to wonder about that though, because the figure that has just come skating in through the door demands full attention. He’s not tall, maybe a little below average, but his outfit is loud enough to indicate a personality capable of filling any room, from the light-up red heelies on his feet, which he rolls on with grace, to the cut-off denim shorts, crop-top, and the novelty sunglasses worn indoors. Perhaps most odd and notable is the hugely oversized robe he’s wearing, hanging off his shoulders and flaring dramatically. It’s mostly white, though the accented designs are familiar...

The young man brakes with a toe next to Jinan, and looks up at him with a charming grin that shows pearly teeth a little sharper than is normal.

“Hey there, nice t’finally get to meet the hero that saved my life.” His voice carries just a hint of an Irish accent.

“Trik.” Hiro says in a deeply resigned tone.

“Oh, sorry~! Was my timing off? Don’t let me interrupt!” Trik says with a fey laugh, and he sweeps the robe off his shoulders to offer to Jinan. “Just thought tall dark an’ staggeringly handsome here might want his clothes back.” A wink accompanies this. The shameless flirting may or may not draw attention away from the fact that the man’s right hand is visibly robotic, though he’s wearing a light jacket under the robe that covers the rest of his arms and shoulders for the moment.

“As I was saying.” Hiro raises his voice just enough to make a point. “This Challenge has the potential to test a few different traits. Charisma, diplomacy, cooperation, information gathering.” He picks up one of the stone squares from the table.

“Everyone in the Temple will be given an enchanted tablet, on which is inscribed a piece of private or personal information about them. The goal is to obtain as many of these tablets as possible by the time three (3) days have passed. Champions will be ranked based on how many tablets they have obtained by the end of this time limit. The most important thing to note is that your own tablet does not count. If you trade or gift your tablet, a new one for yourself will appear in your possession. If your tablet is stolen, however, you will not receive a replacement.”

A brief pause, as he allows this to sink in.

“Some of this information is very sensitive. I want to emphasize that the goal here is not to upset you, neither myself nor any of the deities has any intention of using this against you. You are in control of your own tablet, you are responsible for it, and it is your choice whether to participate fully in the challenge or attempt to keep it to yourself. I will call your names one by one, and you will come forward to accept your tablet. If you refuse to come forward, your tablet will be left on the table here and will be open to being taken by anyone else. If anyone has questions or concerns, I ask that you come to me in the Library later.”

“Oh so that’s what this is!” Trik draws a hand out of one of the pockets on his shorts, holding up a small square just like the ones on the table. “Trik- oh nevermind.” Hiro pinches the bridge of his nose in the classic, age old pose of attempting to fend off a headache. “Whatever. Everyone, this is Trik Sparks, formerly Lovelace’s Champion. Due to special circumstances, Trik has done what was thought to be impossible and survived apotheosis. Unfortunately that means he’s a God now.”

“Oof, really not giving me a positive intro there, Priest ol’ buddy ol’ pal.” Trik flutters his eyelashes and presses a hand to his chest, feigning offense. Very obviously feigning, since he’s still grinning mischievously.

“Do it yourself, then. I have my own job to do.” Hiro clears his throat, looking away from Trik, and calls out, “Bobbie Rosser, please come get your tablet.”

And he’ll continue doing that for each Champion until all of you have your stone square - or have refused to take one.

---

Your personal secrets will be delivered via PM on Discord. Please discuss with the Mod first if your character would attempt to steal anyone else’s tablet. Tablet gifting or exchanges should be done via threads. Quick/Mini-threads to accomplish this are fine.

[knightdivinerp]

Eye of the Tiger | Challenge 3 Results + Chapter 2 Start

For some of you, the Challenge ends prematurely, while others spend the entire two hour time period running or hiding, or running and hiding. There’s a few moments of excitement in the Forum, Blue flits back in to check every so often, Jinan comes through to find a hiding place, Seung-eun races in twice while fleeing being caught, and as time passes more people who were tagged arrive… though perhaps less than might have been expected.

When the time limit is finally up, Blue flies back into the room, and takes up their perch on the crate in the middle of it again. Hiro stands to join them, waiting a moment to see if people will filter back in on their own. Some do, others need to be fetched, and it seems that their respective Deities are taking over that task. Faraday and Nejem arrive and move towards the Northern part of the center floor, where they enter a short discussion. A few minutes later, Luan comes in escorting Seung-eun, who looks calmer than earlier at least.

“Hey, Glory, could you get this tile up for us?” Faraday calls out as soon as he enters, and Luan glances over curiously, moving to join them as soon as he sees Nejem. Faraday points, and Luan stoops and slips his talons into the seams between the indicated tile and the next.

And then proceeds to lift, one-handed, the same slab of marble that Jinan had spent a few minutes and a lot of effort pulling aside earlier. He holds it aloft as if it were a piece of paper. “Like this?”

Faraday and Nejem stare at him for a moment. Faraday clears his throat.

“...Yeah. Thanks, buddy.” And he ducks down to call Josh and Jinan up from the secret basement below.

The Deities of the tagged Champions trickle in as well, and once all the Champion-God pairs are assembled again, Hiro - who had been conferring with Blue - once more taps on the crate for attention.

“I’d like to congratulate those who succeeded in this challenge.” Hiro’s voice rings out clearly, “Lucien Moreno, Dr. Ezekiel Bright, Crown Prince Jinan Nejem, Seung-eun Choe, Joshua Grace, and Bobbie Rosser.” His gaze travels to each of them in turn, and he gives them a smile and a respectful nod.

“Those who failed, Minerva Sumilang, Jasper Perry, Tryggvi Njallson, Valdis Njallsdottir, Carla Hollands, still put forth an admirable effort. The results of this Challenge will factor into your final rankings at the end of the Tourney. For now, you’ll all have three days before the next Challenge, which we’ll need a little more time to prepare.” There’s a few seconds for Hiro to take a breath and for everyone to process. It’s only a quarter after 4pm but for most of you it feels like it’s been a long day.

“During this three day period you’re free to spend most of your time however you like, but after some deliberation the Deities have also decided to use this period as an opportunity to train and practice the abilities your Bonds have granted you. To be completely honest, you’re all at something of a disadvantage compared to past Champions. Since things have been rushed out of necessity, most of you still have low Attunement Levels. For most Tourneys, Deities will select their Champions months or even years ahead of time, and most will establish the bond anywhere from three to six months prior to the Tourney, which gives time for the Champions to attain their full potential. I’ve made some adjustments to the order of the Challenges so that you all have time to acclimate and practice, but they really will be getting harder and you’ll likely find you’ll need to rely on your Bonds - or at least have an easier time if you develop your powers. So, there should be an hour or so set aside every day for you to have a training session with your Deity.” Hiro glances down, checking over his tablet for a moment, then nods to himself.

“That’s all for today, then. Thank you all for your time and attention. If you have any questions or require anything else, I’ll be in the Library until after dinner.” He tucks his tablet under his arm, and makes his way up to the South exit of the Forum.

“Bye guys! Thanks for playing with me!” Blue calls out, waving around the room, then leaps into the air and zips out past Hiro as soon as he opens the door. Which leaves the rest of you free to react, discuss, and filter out again.  

[knightdivinerp]

Lightning Round | Challenge 3 Announcement

There’s a pause after the results have been read, a moment for them to process and for Hiro to catch his breath. It wasn’t an especially long speech, but while he actually looks a little better now than the start of the Tourney, he’s still clearly not in the best of health. Yet after a few minutes in which the Champions all have a chance to absorb and perhaps even have some initial reactions and discussion, Hiro gets his second win and taps lightly on the side of the crate to gain attention and quiet the burgeoning conversation.

“Just so everyone knows, the rankings are final. If you have any questions about how some were determined, you may approach me in the Library later today to discuss it.” His voice rings out surprisingly well, he’s once again taking advantage of the acoustics his position in the room affords him. “For now, there’s something else you should all be focusing on. Blue, could you come in now?”

This last bit isn’t directed at the Champions, and is pitched to carry a little further. Mere seconds after he speaks the invitation, a small creature comes zipping through the air into the room. At first it might look like a bird, but once it stops moving so quickly, the reality becomes clear.

A tiny green-skinned person with large blue butterfly wings stands poised on the edge of the crate like a gymnast on a balance beam.

“Hiya, Champs!” The little faery waves a hand jauntily, and nods in recognition at a few people in particular - Tryggvi, Valdis, Jasper. “I’m Blue! Most of you don’t know me, but I live out in a flower field in the forest!”

Hiro nods and takes a small step forward to speak again, “Blue is going to be helping with this next Challenge. Or rather, Blue is the next Challenge.” His smile has a mischievous hint to it now, though it’s nothing compared to the sharp-toothed grin the faery on the crate beside him is wearing.

“You’ve all had an easy introduction so far, and there’s a reason for that, but the Tourney is only going to get more difficult from here. Challenges will get harder and potentially more dangerous, they will not always have time between them, at some point you may even be issued more than one at the same time. Of course, you’ll always have the option to fail.” He adds, in a wry tone, “But for those of you ready to compete, the next Challenge will begin as soon as I explain the premise. You’ve all had a chance to explore the Temple thoroughly, and now that experience should help you, because you’ll need to find the best way to hide and navigate to avoid being caught.”

Hiro’s tone takes on the clear, steady tone of a recitation for the next part.

“The next Challenge is about Stealth, Tactics, and Evasion. For two (2) hours the Champions must avoid being caught by a fae set loose in the Temple. Each time you are seen is one strike, three strikes equals a failure. Being tagged is an instant failure. Leaving the Temple is not allowed, and will result in instant failure. Killing the fae is not allowed, and will result in immediate disqualification from the Tourney. Any Champions who have remained uncaught at the end of the time period are winners, the rest will have failed. It’s possible for everyone to fail this Challenge. It’s also technically possible for everyone to succeed, but…”

Hiro’s smile is apologetic, but still amused, “I doubt that will happen.”

There’s a few seconds for this to sink in. It all feels like it’s happening very fast, and Blue is visibly bouncing on their heels, their pretty butterfly wings opening and closing, clearly ready and eager to do their part.

“You all have a ten minute head start. I suggest you take full advantage of it.” Hiro raises a hand in a wave. “Good luck!”

Well.

Looks like you’d better hustle.

---

[Further details about Challenge will be posted on Discord.]

[knightdivinerp]

Lost and Found | Challenge 2 Results

As the time dwindles down, Champions begin making their way back to the Forum. Some arrive a little early, others a few minutes after the lists have all turned blank, but before long you’re all gathered once again. Most have bags of some kind, though a few have improvised methods to carry their items, and others have just done their best to hold their finds bundled in their arms. A glance around the room might give some idea of who’s done especially well or not so great, though of course given how many things could potentially fit in pockets, it’s hard to be sure until everyone has had a chance to turn their items in, and some of the early comers already have.

At some point a large crate had been brought into the room, likely when you were all busy searching. It looks too big for frail little Hiro to have carried by himself even when it was empty, but there it is.

“Come forward,” Hiro holds his tablet up, tapping away on it and gesturing every time someone is ready to turn their things in. He informs them that if there’s anything they’d like to keep then they can hold on to it, just make sure to show him so he can register it first, and then take a seat on one of the benches. By the time the last of the stragglers has gone to speak to him and drop whatever they don’t want to hold on to into the crate, it’s looking pretty full of the random assortment of items. Brooms, first aid kits, candles, persimmons, a whole pile of gauntlets, a handful of sugar cubes and bottles of cloves, several compasses - one of which looks uniquely homemade, like a kid’s science project.

Dutifully making notes on his tablet and speaking quietly with those who bring some of the more unorthodox submissions, Hiro will either shake his head or nod, polite either way.

It doesn’t look like the Gods are in attendance right now - perhaps they’re preoccupied, or watching from elsewhere. This particular Challenge doesn’t seem one that would need a lot of deliberation or judgment in any case, the ranking should be fairly straightforward. And indeed, when the last Champion to arrive has finished turning in what they managed to bring and taken a seat, Hiro only taps at his tablet a few more times before he looks up and smiles at everyone gathered.

“Alright, I can announce the results right away. And everyone stay seated please, there’s going to be another announcement right after.” He straightens up, squaring his shoulders for better projection, and clears his throat before holding up his tablet and reading out the ranking order clearly:

Rank - Champion

1st - Lucien Moreno 2nd - Minerva Sumilang 3rd - Jasper Perry 4th - Tryggvi Njallson 5th - Dr. Ezekiel Bright - Crown Prince Jinan Nejem 6th - Seung-eun Choe 7th - Valdis Njallsdottir 8th - Carla Hollands 9th - Joshua Grace 10th - Bobbie Rosser

[knightdivinerp]

Know Your Surroundings | Challenge 2 Announcement

Two days may or may not be enough time to catch up on any rest you missed during the hurried preparations for the first challenge. No doubt any enjoyment you might have taken from the downtime was at least a little tinged with anxiety over knowing a Goddess had recently died in the forest just outside, and the fact that anyone who has decided to venture out anyway has been required to take a protective escort with them. Still, no other alarming occurrences have taken place, and most of you have had an easy and uneventful couple of days to enjoy the lavish facilities you’re staying in, and perhaps get to know each other a little better.

At breakfast on the 3rd day you’re all advised to meet in the Forum for the next announcement, and by noon everyone who hadn’t already shown up has been contacted by Hiro or their Deity to herd them in. There’s a bit of charge in the air, but not too much tension at the moment - the previous Challenge might have been a little hectic and stressful for some, but at least it hadn’t been dangerous or unpleasant.

With a sheaf of papers tucked under one arm, Hiro moves to the center of the room, a place you can all easily see him whether you’re standing or sitting on one of the benches - more comfortable than they look, surprisingly.

“Hello again, Champions.” As usual he looks tired and pale, but the Priest’s voice projects well and he doesn’t stumble or falter on any words. “I’m sure you’re all eager to be done with the suspense, so I’ll get right to it. The second challenge is a Scavenger Hunt. I know, a little anticlimactic, but we’re still quite early in the Tourney and this is going to be a short one. Besides, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the place you’re competing in, you never know when that kind of information might come in handy.”

There’s a faint mischievous edge to his smile, as if he happens to know when it might come in handy.

“For this Challenge, each Champion will be given a list of items they must find within two hours. The first person to finish the list, or the person with the most items on the list at the end of the time limit wins the challenge. Others will be ranked according to how many items were found. Any Champion who has found less than three items by the end of the time limit will be considered to have failed the challenge.”

A brief pause for that to sink in, and then Hiro shifts the stack of papers into his hands.

“Alright, everyone come forward to get your list. The time limit starts as soon as you have it. There’s a charm on the papers, so they’ll turn black when the time’s up, at which point you need to return here to the Forum with everything you’ve found, or you’ll be considered to have forfeit. Good luck!”

--

[Players will have until 11:59pm PST on Saturday, July 10th to complete this Challenge through investigations on Discord.]

[knightdivinerp]

Challenge 1 Final Rankings

On the morning following the challenge, anyone who elects to go to the Library will see a simple list posted on the front desk with the results of the Challenge. It’s a quick and easy read, if perhaps a somewhat surprising one.

Rank - Champion 1st - Seung-eun Choe 2nd - Crown Prince Jinan Nejem 3rd - Lucien Moreno 4th - Jasper Perry 5th- Minerva Sumilang 6th - Dr. Ezekiel Bright 7th - Joshua Grace 8th - Bobbie Rosser 9th - Tryggvi Njallson + Valdis Njallsdottir 10th - Dame Carla Hollands

And that’s that! No further information provided, but at least you aren’t left in suspense. Time to figure out how to spend the two days before the next Challenge...

[knightdivinerp]

Closing Statements | Challenge 1 Complete

Once everyone has finished inspecting and responding to the last presentation, Hiro stands and makes his way up onto the stage once more. He pauses long enough for anyone engaged in conversation to take notice and settle, and glances around the room to be sure the Deities are ready as well. Each gives him a nod, brisk or subtle or encouraging, as varied as the Gods themselves but all conveying more or less the same message - go ahead, it’s time.

“Thank you everyone for the time and effort you put in, both today and in the days leading up to it. I think we can all agree that whatever the final rankings may show, everyone has done well today. You’ve all created something of worth, you’ve each impressed at least a few in the audience, and while by necessity some will ultimately be lower in the rankings, no one has failed the challenge.”

That’s important to highlight. Everyone did their best, everyone submitted something, everyone made a genuine effort. That counts for something.

“As a reminder, myself and the Deities will meet to deliberate and present our personal votes for each rank, and the final results will be posted in the Library, tomorrow morning by 8am. Feel free to come by to take a look right after breakfast.”

A brief pause, letting that process. Then Hiro takes a deep breath, his expression becoming more grave.

“Finally, I have to address the other important matter I alluded to earlier. There is… not really a delicate way to say this, so I will be as direct as possible. The Goddess Lovelace is dead. Her body was discovered deep in the Forest outside the Temple by three of the Champions during the course of their explorations of the area. Her Champion was found nearby, grievously injured but not yet dead. He is currently being treated in a private Infirmary within an inaccessible part of the building, for safety and privacy purposes, but unfortunately he entered a comatose state shortly after being found and we’re unsure when… or, honestly, if, he will wake.”

Hiro pauses again, this time only to take a breath and steady himself a little. This is a lot of talking.

“The Gods have been discussing and further investigating the situation, and judged it best not to disrupt the proceedings of the challenge when we have so few answers. What exactly happened is still unclear, but the Gods are handling it. While their investigations proceed, it is recommended that you all stay within the Temple for the time being. If you must leave for any reason, please ensure that you inform your Deity first so that an escort may be arranged. I know this is very alarming news, but as the incident clearly happened outside, we have every reason to believe the protections set up on the Temple are still in place. If you have any questions about the situation, I ask that you approach me in the Library about them tomorrow. The Tourney will be proceeding, so please use the next two days to rest and prepare yourselves. Thank you for your attention.”

With that, Hiro climbs down from the stage again and joins the Deities as they rise and file out of the room.

That was... something of an upsetting note to end on, but at least all the performances went well?

[knightdivinerp]

The Prince's Tale | Jinan | Challenge 1

Jinan had been watching the performances, politely applauding for each of the artists in turn. A stack of papers rests in his lap, bound together with purple thread, which he takes with him for safekeeping while he inspects any of the art he’s invited to engage in closer.

When he feels that it is finally time to do so, the prince stands and carries his project along with him. As he steps onto the stage, a wooden stand materializes, as does a tall white screen and projector.

Jinan sets the papers onto the stand, which are immediately displayed on the projector screen. Thankfully, it appears that his inability to take a good photograph does not extend to this. The front page is covered in ink, in a repeating design of curving leaves, vines, and flowers, encircling text in Arabic.

“I apologize if any of the details of this tale are grievously incorrect.” He starts, briefly looking to his goddess with what is almost a sheepish expression. “I wished to do a retelling of the version my mother spun for me.”

“The Fisherman’s Daughter and the Collector.” Jinan says simply, before clearing his throat and turning the page to begin the story.

Although the elegant calligraphy is in Arabic, he speaks aloud in English so that he can be fully understood. No single piece of paper contains only text; each time he turns the page, new designs and drawings accompany the story, sometimes only as decorative marginalia, while others break of blocks of script. His hands are not often in frame, but when they are, it is easy to see the rainbow of ink that stains his fingers.

"In Aineikas, long ago..." 

[Story in link above. Cws for mild descriptions of fog, and ||Mind Control|| in the form of memory loss.]

When he is finished, Jinan closes the book. He will offer a chance for the gods to inspect it more closely in person should they wish, and once they are finished he'll take his seat once more.

[knightdivinerp]

Montero || Lucien || Challenge 1

Lucien was excited to show off what he had prepared, as a performer, he knew better than to go first. Sure, a good opening act sets the tone and will inevitably have everyone judging other entries based on how they compared to it, but you don’t start a show with your best act. 

  While he had to admit, the entities before him were impressive enough, Lucien still held confidence that he would be the best. After all, he had been performing since he was a toddler and raised to be the greatest. After all, a Moreno is nothing if not the best. Once most of the fellow champions had their turn, he got up from his seat to make his way over to the dressing room. Thanks to Iris, he was able to receive a little care package from Lucielle. After telling her his plan, she instantly was struck with inspiration to modify one of his previous outfits. He slips on his skates, ready to step onto the stage. Once he sets foot onto the stage, it completely transforms, turning to ice as makes his entrance.

  Before he is ready to begin, he skates over to the side of the rink, handing his phone to the nearest champion. “Would you please record this for my sister?” Before they can even respond, he’s skating back to the center of the rink, taking a deep breath before readying himself to steal the show.

  As the music starts playing, the lights dim enough to set the tone but still reflect the rhinestones on the jacket Lucielle had made for him. The mood alone was already setting it apart from all his past routines.

  He begins his skate slowly, yet graceful, an undeniable sensuality to the way he moves. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and his expertise in latin dance shines through as he performs. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without showing off a few tricks to showcase his athletic abilities. 

  His first jump is a quadruple lutz, executed flawlessly. He made it look so easy, yet still impressive. As the music goes on his movements become more dramatic, a bit risque even, but still gorgeous. More jumps followed by a flirtatious step sequence, A Biellemann spin, and dancing into a spider smear.

  While his performance wasn’t as profound as some others were, there was a sense of freedom in the way he danced across the ice. Unlike his previous routines where he maintained a clean “ice prince” reputation, here, he was skating the way he wanted. While it was a risk, it was one that he was confident enough to take. It was like he was removing a mask, and allowing himself a chance to skate just for himself.

  The song nears its end, but despite how exhausting this routine was, Lucien still had another trick up his sleeve. At the song's climax, he uses his powers to make his skin glisten just as the ice was and goes into a quadruple axel, a trick he had been dedicating years to get right. One that no skater had done before. Four and a half rotations in midair, landing perfectly on one skate, all within a single second. After that, a layback spin into his end pose.

  Lucien held his position for a few seconds, catching his breath momentarily and giving the audience a chance to applaud. That routine was enough to exhaust any skater. He takes a bow, and leaves the ice to turn back into a stage as he steps off.

[knightdivinerp]

Heavy Is The Head, and such

The twins have been sitting, and watching, both of them clapping now or then or tilting their heads, well behaved and mostly quiet, except for whispers in Icelandic the others around them might hear snippets of. Once or twice, one of them shifts, pulls up their leg on the chair or leans back further, but they both seem intensely interested in what is happening on stage the entire time, and still the box next to Tryggvi’s feet remains untouched.

Today, Tryggvi’s scars are gone, and he looks just like Valdis, exactly identical, as they were from birth. The last hour, as he checked over preparations, sitting on the floor of their suite, Valdis had applied the makeup to make them disappear unless you looked too closely, and his face is unmarked now. It feels nice to fit in with her perfectly, and the longer the show goes on, the more times he glances over to her, waiting, expecting the point when she decides to stand.

Valdis is excited and confident, sure that their preparations were more than sufficient. Perfecting her brothers’ makeup today was extremely successful, she thinks - and, if one looks closely to her face, just as faintly as his scars are today show slight marks in what must be the same makeup she contours with. The attention to detail is impeccable. They are both leaning into the twin thing so hard today, both wearing matching outfits that highlight how well they could pass for each other when desired. For the most part, they are told apart now by the way they carry themselves, how she takes a step just before he does, small gestures. Only when she feels that enough time for drama has passed does she decide for them to make a move. She glances to her brother and gives the slightest nod, then finally stands.

And when she stands he quickly follows suit, takes the box at his feet and follows her backstage. They hadn’t planned for music, or for lights, but it is nice that they are lowered for them anyway, and before either one of them step on stage, a slight mist begins wafting over the floor, not a lot, but enough to set a somewhat eerie, cold mood.

And then, finally, one of them steps out.

Tryggvi? Valdis?

Whoever it is, they are wearing something on their head, a crown of antlers and ribs and bones and flowers, red ribbons drifting behind them slightly as they begin walking on stage. A large cape attached to their arms and crown billows behind them, creating so dark a space that it is legitimately a surprise when a pair of pale hands come out from behind their back, first embracing, gently, then wandering down their arms and disappearing again underneath the cape. For a moment, it is silent, then whichever twin it is who is wearing the crown raises their hands and takes it off, holds it high up in the air, first with both hands, then only one, gripping it while the other pulls on one of the ribbons in the back….

What happens next is almost instant. All at once the languid slow movement of the ribbon being pulled is interrupted with a loud snap and a quick, blurry move, as they let go of the crown and steps aside- it falls, it looks like it’s falling apart, ribs and antlers and bones all gliding along the strings that held them together, but instead of landing on the ground like you’d expect, they spread over the slim shoulders of the second twin, not moving at all, simply standing in place to let it happen, seemingly entirely relaxed and confident in their costume stunt working out as planned. The bones seem to embrace them, the cloak coming to rest further down their back as the wooden bracelets and their clasps click and clack and then fall between the folds, barely visible any longer. The crown is gone. The twin now in the center of the stage is wearing a cape, held in place with a net of string and ribbon, flowers along their clavicles and over their shoulders, and the ribs lining their shoulder blades in the back. They smile, and only slightly raise their hands, then extend one to their sibling beside them, who takes it with the very same smile. And with their expressions and movements the same, they bow, then retreat backstage hand in hand.

[knightdivinerp]

I have a seafood diet. I see food, I eat it. | Carla | Challenge 1

Over the last few days, Carla’s spent plenty of time in the kitchen. Although she’s been fairly open about what her plans were, and it’s hardly subtle, she’d made sure to keep schtum on the details, responding to any curious glances with conspiratorial winks. Thank goodness everything was ready backstage, though - she wouldn’t have wanted to carry around all of this.

Before she heads to grab her piece, she turns to those gathered and grins. “We’ve just ‘ad some real impressive work seen! This is more of a… Well, an ‘alftime break, to be honest, but I ‘ope you’ll enjoy it.” She nods and heads off.

By the time she re-emerges, a large buffet table has appeared on stage for her to place the food she’s bringing out onto. It takes her a few trips, but soon the table is full with a diverse selection of dishes. The presentation isn’t the best - it’s clear she’s neither chef nor waitress - but the variety is impressive. Curries, breads, soups, sweets… Whether it’s Vietnamese-South African fusion food, or shawarma tacos, it’s clear Carla’s taken the ‘creativity’ prompt seriously. Well, there’s also some fish and chips. She has to show what she’s best at, too.

“Alright! ‘Ave at it! I put a few signs up if any of you are allergic or got dietary requirements and that - don’t feel like you ‘ave to try everything.”

And so she has - there’s little notes warning of meat dishes, those with nuts, dairy, and so on. Can deities even be allergic…? This time she remembers to bow instead of just nodding.

“Oh - and this is for everyone who wants some, by the by. Once the judges ‘ave ‘ad their chance to do their judgin’, I ‘ope everyone’ll get the chance to enjoy.”