City of IF

[Chinaren]

Chapter 6. Challenges.

The prince raised his hand and pointed a finger at his former advisor, who quailed under his gaze. “Sterling, you have been caught plotting treason. The usual sentence for this is death, but I am determined to be a fair ruler. Furthermore, you may still be useful to the crown, as my loyal advisors have mentioned. So I am going to pass you over to Mazel.” He turned to the wizard. “Master Wizard, for your second task as royal mage, I would have you turn this traitor into some small harmless creature.”

“Nooo!” Said Sterling.

Byrold held his hand up. “Wait, I am not finished. Mazel, can you perform the transformation and still allow Sterling to retain his mental facilities, as well as his speech?”

The wizard took a deep breath and thought about it for a moment. “A challenge my lord. A challenge.” He pondered the request for another minute before finally nodding. “I believe I can do it, though I can offer no guarantees. Such magic is tricky.”

“Do your best. Once he is changed, secure him and return him to me.” The prince looked at Sterling. “You may still be of use to Yroth. You will retain your life, and who knows? Should you prove your loyalty I may see fit to restore you.” Byrold gestured at Hark. “Take him away.”

Hark bowed and nodded at the guards, who dragged the old man out of the chambers. The mage nodded at the prince and followed them.

Byrold let out a long breath. “Who else?” He muttered to himself. “Am I to spend my time jumping at shadows?”

Tarall stepped forward. “Sire. I need to speak to you about the coronation tomorrow. We have had no time to discuss the ceremonies yet.”

Byrold waved a hand. “I am familiar with them, it is a simply thing in any case, is it not?”

“On the surface it is your highness, though I would like to brief you on the background and lore. Your brother was schooled in this, but you did not have the benefit.”

The prince nodded. “Perhaps it would be for the best. Proceed.”

>

“That is enough I think,” said Tarall, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his forehead.

“I agree,” replied Byrold. “I don’t think I could remember any more anyway. Who knew there was so much lore behind such a simple ceremony?”

“The Crowning may be simple, but it is one of our most important rituals,” chided his advisor. “A ruler stamps his mark on the land, affecting all citizens. Should the king be benign and peaceful, so usually is the country. However, someone who is power hungry may throw Yroth into chaos, and cost many lives.”

“Yet, they may also expand our territory, like Grevor the Great,” countered the prince.

Tarall sighed. “Much is made of Grevor and his achievements, but what is not usually remembered is the cost of his conquests. Many Yrothians, and many more citizens of the other countries, lost their lives in his campaigns. Despite the plunder taken, the treasury was all but bankrupt by the end of his reign, and the economy took many years to recover.” He shook his head. “Was it worth it? I don’t know.”

Byrold scratched his chin. “In the long term perhaps it was. If we could bring the Fractured Lands under one rule…”

Tarall looked alarmed. “I didn’t realize you were considering plans of conquest! Such a campaign, even should it succeed, would have a devastating effect for many decades to come. Other countries are hardly likely to lie down and let you take over!”

“I realize this. Still, I would like to be remembered as the King who, ultimately, started the unification of all. I consider such a goal one that would save lives, in the long term.”

Tarall looked at him warily. “Perhaps I have misjudged you sire.” He stood. “If you will excuse me, I have duties that I need attend.”

Byrold nodded, too absorbed with his visions to notice the look on his advisors face.

>

There was a knock on the door, and after a moment it opened to reveal the tall figure of Mazel holding a cage. He entered and placed it on the desk in front of Byrold.

“As you commanded your majesty. It was a challenge, I will grant you, but I managed to carry out your order. Here, for your pleasure, is the traitor Sterling.” The mage bowed. “Now sire, if you will excuse me, the effort has wearied me somewhat. I need to rest.”

The prince stood and nodded. “Of course Master Wizard. I thank you for carrying out the task so expeditiously.”

Mazel merely bowed and retreated out of the room, leaving Byrold to examine his work.

“I must say sire, whilst I don’t appreciate this punishment, I am grateful you spared my life. I vow to earn your trust again, and to be returned to my rightful form.” The large brown rat in the cage spoke with a high pitched tone.

Byrold smiled. The form seemed just. No doubt it had seemed suitable to the wizard too. He leaned close. “Now would be a good time to start my loyal servant. You said you had information for me?”

The rat scurried around the small prison once before replying. “The former king had a number of special agents. These agents were dispatched to various locations, mainly other courts, in various guises.”

“Spies?”

“In a word, yes. No doubt other states have their own in our court as well, it is an ongoing battle.”

“I suspected as much of course, but I never saw any evidence.” Byrold sat down again and took a sip of wine. “Proceed.”

“One such agent, he is merely called ‘The Shadow’ send a coded message sometime during the night. He will only meet with you, as the heir to the throne. You should see him as soon as possible.”

Byrold pursed his lips and thought hard. “And who is to say that this is not another of your schemes?”

The rat squeaked in indignation. “Sire! Should anything happen to you I would no doubt be trodden on quickly. It would not benefit me for you to go missing now. I assure you, this is a valid event. The Shadow was the King’s foremost agent. No doubt whatever mission he was sent on is of the highest import.”

Byrold put his wine down. “Very well. Where do I meet this spy of mine?”

“Here in your chambers. Hang a white cloth out of the window. He will come to you.”

The prince nodded. “I will try it at once.” So saying he stood up and secured a strip of cloth from one of his bed sheets, which he hung outside.

Returning from his task he looked at the rat Sterling for a moment, considering. Finally he picked up the cage and moved it into another room. “You can stay there until later,” he said. With one final check to ensure the prisoner would not be able to escape he returned to his study.

Standing in the corner, engulfed in gloom, was a figure. It was shrouded in a hooded cloak, which masked all identifying features.

“No. Don’t move,” he said as Byrold started to draw his sword. “I am Shadow.”

The prince relaxed slightly. “You certainly move fast,” he said. “How did you get in here?”

“I have my ways,” the figure replied.

“You have information for me?”

“I have information for the King that was. However, in his stead you will have to do.”

“What was your brief, if I may be so bold?” Byrold asked, trying to get a better look at the shape.

“I have… had standing instructions to root out plots and any information that would be of interest. I am rather good at what I do.”

“Indeed. And what do you have to report?”

“Emperor Keldric of Gerwain and Emperor Erebus the Third, ruler of Karak may be on the verge of an alliance. It is said that Keldric has proposed marriage between his son and Erebus’s daughter. Whilst Keldric is occupied to some extent with the Swarm in the south, which has been unusually active of late, he still has more than enough troops at his disposal to cause trouble, especially allied with those of Erebus.”

Byrold nodded. “This would match information I have heard. I will have to keep a close eye on the south west. Do you know anything of Neil-so’s plans?”

The Shadow shook his head. “Alas, I have been busy in other areas. A fellow agent of mine recently managed to penetrate Celtic. Your father was suspicious of those creatures, but never before had he managed to pierce the border. I do not know what become of the man though.”

“I may have an idea,” the prince rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Is there anything else?”

“Yes, something more immediate, and closer to home. Eldra has been busy meeting with the Duke of the Easteer province, Duke Brone, who arrived in the city two days ago for the coronation. Together they are planning to rob you of your throne in some fashion. You must take all precautions prince. I only regret I have no further information on their plot. They take great pains to secure their conversations.”

“You have alarmed me sir,” replied Byrold. “I have already tightened up security, though you seem to be able to penetrate it easily enough.”

“That at least is easily explained. The signal you used is part of a spell cast by the old Court Wizard, which allows me access here when it is given.”

“Your work seems sound Mr. Shadow. If you are agreeable, I would like to continue our relationship. It seems the Fractured Lands are in for times of strife, and information is not to be undervalued.”

The Shadow bowed. “I am agreeable.”

“Very well then. I will tell you that the agent who went in to the Centic lands has emerged with worrying reports. Though he is now dead, so the elves inform me. However, the alliance to the south-west worries me more at the present. I would appreciate further information on the plans of Karak and Gerwain.”

The figure bowed again. “I shall see to it at once.”

Byrold nodded and looked around. “I fear I have no coin upon…” He stopped. The Shadow had disappeared.

>

Byrold awoke to a knocking at his door. “Enter!” he called, stifling a yawn.

The solid figure of Hark strode into the chamber. “Your highness! You are still not awake! Come, time flies, and the hour of your crowning looms.”

Byrold stretched and reluctantly threw back his covers as Hark bustled about his room, preparing his clothes. “Hurry sire, perform your toilet. I will send up your breakfast.”

He waited until the prince had sat up, and then left the room.

Byrold performed his morning rituals and climbed into the clothes the servants had selected for his big day. Robes of finest purple and red silk slipped over his torso, matching leggings covered his lower body, with long black riding boots over them. An impressive cloak completed the ensemble. His head, of course, remained bare.

Byrold was admiring the effect in the mirror when the servants, accompanied by Hark, brought his food.

“You certainly resemble your father,” said Hark, after a moment of examination. He looked down a moment, and then brought something from behind his back. “This is your father’s sword. A fine a blade as ever made. Imbued with magical runes and enchantments to enhance your skills in battle.”

He handed the sheath to the prince, who took it gently. “Tarall spoke to me last night,” said Hark. “He says you plan conquest. Is this true?”

Byrold withdrew the blade and examined the silver metal as he answered. “I was just laying out one possible course. I consider the unification of all lands to be something that is worth considering. However,” he slid the sword back into its sheath and wrapped the belt around his waist. “I first must deal with the various issues of the day.

“You mean the threat of an allied Gerwain and Karak? Or Lady Eldra?”

Byrold sat down and picked at his food. “Both concern me, though Eldra is possibly the most urgent concern. I understand she has been close to Duke Brone of late.”

Hark nodded. “Indeed, I would be surprised if they were not planning something. My thinking is that they will wait until you are crowned, and then try an assassination attempt, which would clear the way for your step-brother to accede to the throne.”

The prince shoved an egg into his mouth and nodded. “I will have to remain vigilant. If I could only prove she was plotting something, I would have an excuse to remove her from the picture…”

“I have my agents out, but nothing can be proven. She is a sly one. Now hurry, time is short. You need to be on the way to the Temple.”

Byrold concentrated on his breakfast, forcing down food through a rising nervousness.

A short time later the two strode down the hallway towards the royal carriage. Tarall joined them, carrying the rat Sterling in his cage.

Near the main entrance Lady Eldra, garbed in a flowing silver dress, was also on the way out. She curtsied when she saw the prince. “A fine morning for your ascension my son,” she said with a smile that almost looked like she meant it.

Byrold bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. “Thank you Lady Eldra, it is an important time for Yroth, as well as our family.”

Eldra smiled again. “I will see you at the temple,” she curtsied once more before heading towards her own carriage, where her manservant, Meeks, waited.

Byrold watched her go. “She could charm stone,” he said as he climbed aboard his transport.

The procession set off, through a crowd far larger than the one that had turned out to watch the ritual of Renewal. He waved as they moved slowly through the city. Once again, it seemed that the populace was in good sprits. A sign of approval he hoped.

The ride seemed to last forever, but finally the carriage pulled up outside the temple. This time white roses hung from the trees, a traditional symbol of luck in Yroth. Royal flags and banners fluttered in the slight breeze, and the crowd cheered as he stepped from the coach.

He acknowledged the throng as he walked along the red carpet and into the building, where he performed the ritual of acknowledgment to the statues of the gods before moving into the main chamber.

Once again the hall was full of gentry, this time dressed in their finest clothes. The men in military uniforms or formal tunics, whilst the ladies were adorned in glittering dresses, often complimented with sparkling jewelry. The coronation was an event long planned, and all were determined to look their best.

Lords and Ladies from near and far bowed as he swept past. He saw Duke Brone amongst them, as well as the ambassadors from the surrounding countries. The diplomats of Karak and Gerwain were seated next to each other he noted, whilst the representative of Neil-so sat alone, behind the tall wizard from Mordon. The Dwarven envoy from Grum was deep in conversation with the Elven emissary from Etherial, an unusual sight Byrold thought. The two races were not generally close.

He focused on the stage again, noting Mazel and Sylverna standing to one side. Father Tred was at the podium, and behind him a young soldier, holding the royal crown on a cushion of deep maroon.

Byrold heaved a deep sigh as he approached. Only a week ago he was a lowly apprentice in the wizard academy, and yet now here he was, about to be crowned king! His life had changed dramatically in a short period.

He stepped up to the stage, and stopped in front of the Patriarch, who dipped his head in acknowledgement before turning to the audience and speaking in a deep voice that echoed around the temple.

“Today we stand humbly under the gaze of the Greater God to proclaim this man king. The rightful ruler of Yroth, to lead this great country forward, for the good of all.” The Patriarch paused for breath.

“I challenge!” A strong voice from within the onlookers spoke out, and heads swiveled to see who had interrupted.

Duke Brone stood. “I challenge!” He repeated. “Under the Code of Honor, by ancient lore, I challenge this upstart for the title of King.”

The crowd gasped, and Byrold looked around wildly. “What is he saying?” He hissed at Tarall, who had gone white. “Can he do such a thing?”

Tarall nodded. “Indeed, though such a challenge has never before been recorded. It is an ancient rule, which few would even know of.”

“What is it? How can he challenge me?” Byrold watched as the large figure of the Duke strode down the aisle towards them. He couldn’t help but note the large sword swinging at his hip.

“A challenge may be made at any time before the crowning,” Tarall frowned as he tried to recall the details. “If I remember correctly, you, as challenged, get to choose the method of challenge, though the secondary method is always hands and a dagger.”

“What say you?” Roared Brone, ascending the stage. “Choose your challenge whelp! Choose it now!”

The murmur of the onlookers died down as all attention was focused on the prince. Byrold turned to face Brone and thought madly…


>>>>>>

There you have it then people. A challenge! How shall Byrold respond? What shall be his challenge?

For background: Whatever the challenge, it needs to be completed within three hours. It doesn’t have to be fatal, though it can be. The primary method of challenge is whatever you choose, but the challenger can always resort to violence, as long as it is limited to a dagger and no more as a weapon.

The prince himself must face the challenger, so no palming it off on Hark or Mazel.

Let’s hear your ideas!

Whilst you are at it, don't foget to add this to your favorites, and to vote Lords and Ladies in the SGotM! :D

<<<<<<

[JezSharp]

Yey, another Chapter! Duel wise he has to go with his strengths...but I'm not altogether sure what they are...something intelligence or magic based would seem best - avoid all actual fighting as his opponent will have the upper hand.

[LordoftheNight]

Yes, something magic based does certainly seem to be the most plausible challenge for victory. Remembering that the Duke could simply stab him as opposed to completing the challenge, I'd suggest something quickly fatal, or damning.

Being no more than an apprentice, he probably won't know any death dealing spells - maybe some form of levitation? First person to retrieve an item?

[Chinaren]

lordofthenight wrote:
Being no more than an apprentice, he probably won't know any death dealing spells - maybe some form of levitation? First person to retrieve an item?

Ooh, that's a good idea. :cool:

[dinranwen]

The people as well as the Borne, are obviously expecting a fight or at least something where Borne can face Bryold alone in a situation where Borne can kill Bryold without being punished. Use this to you advantage.

Challenge him to something he won't expect. Bryold though only an apprentice in the magical arts can use his abilities to his advantage, as well as his own cleverness. I say propose a riddle which to solve you must either make, retrive, buy, or find a certain item.

Something like oh...I don't know, this: In the semblance of life it must be, the creation of hands where roots should be, thriving in the sun, though living not, answer wisely before the throne you be defraught. Tricky, but relatively simple when you think about it. The answer is simple, and if you wish to know it, here it is: The Challengers must find an object which has the resemblance of something near them that would normally grow with 'roots' and that was either made by their own or somebody elses hands.

Whatever you do, don't give your challenger an oppurintity to face you alone with a weapon in his hands.

[D-Lotus]

China, I liked the chapter, but I think you should offer us a little more history on the challenge. What gives a Duke the right to challenge the future king?

Magic and wisdom is all very fine- but what will the people think? Do they want their ruler to win through wile? He may be remembered as Solomon, a wise king (which he was not, really), but we must be careful or Byrold will be thought a coward and a cheater who won through tricks.

If we challenge him through Magic or intelligence, then we have to make sure that there is a condition that the loser gets executed, else we won't be able to get rid of him and he'll cause more problems.

If we want to fight pyshically, then we should somehow weaken him before the fight begins. Somehow cast a spell on him before the fight to make him tired, maybe by shaking his hand and channeling the spell through there.

[Chinaren]

D-Lotus wrote: China, I liked the chapter, but I think you should offer us a little more history on the challenge. What gives a Duke the right to challenge the future king?

It is an ancient clause in the ritual. Hence by law he has the right.

D-Lotus wrote: Magic and wisdom is all very fine- but what will the people think? Do they want their ruler to win through wile? He may be remembered as Solomon, a wise king (which he was not, really), but we must be careful or Byrold will be thought a coward and a cheater who won through tricks.


Well, to be honest I don't think Byrold needs worry too much about what the people think. Winners write the history books, so if he won he could spin it the best way he could. Which would be the same for the Duke as well. :shock:

[Kalanna Rai]

If the baron and Eldra have been plotting long they'll count on Byrold to choose something related to his magical studies. Instead I'd challenge them on some obscure part of the Crowing ceremony itself. Surely there would be something about it only the heir apparent would be told and on one else...

That's just one thought I'll be back with more.

[Argonaut]

what do you mean by "resort to violence"? Does that mean that no matter what the contest is, anyone can just stab the other guy with a dagger whenever they like?

In any case, this random guy wouldn't challenge Byrold unless he was absolutly sure he would win. So Eldra must have convinced him he would. So they are quite obviously already cheating. And, since they don't get to pick the contest, the cheat must involve the dagger. Perhaps it is enchanted or poisoned, whatever it is Duke Brone is not even going to bother with the contest, he'll go straight for the stabbing.

How should Byrold deal with this? Maybe he should beat Brone to the punch, lay out some elaborate challenge, then immediately stab him with a dagger. Seems kinda underhanded :( Perhaps a challenge that keeps them far away from each other for the entire three hours. During that time perhaps Byrolds agents can figure something out. Seems kinda uncertain :( Maybe something an apprentice mage can do very quickly (an easy spell) but a non-mage can't do at all. Then Byrold will win the challenge before Brone even has a chance to pull his dagger. That levitation idea might work, "first one to reach that chandelier without anyone else's assistance" but if he levitates too slowly he might get stabbed :)

[dinranwen]

Hmmm...on second thought. Rai's idea of challenging your challenger on a certain part of the actual crowning cermony seems better. This would A. Give Bryold an advantage, and B. Percieved as Fair by all.

Plus it has the added benefit of finding out some of those cermonies, and ancient traditions that I personally relish in but you convently skipped.

Surely there is something that would incorprate all our ideas in the rituals mainly: To keep away from the Duke and avoid a physical contest, either kill or other wise severly damage either the honor or authority of your oppunent, and Bryold still being viewed as the fair, compassionant, and thoughtful ruler's all King's should be.

[D-Lotus]

chinaren wrote: It is an ancient clause in the ritual. Hence by law he has the right.

An ancient clause? Well, I was asking what the history behind this is- because in stories I read before (e.g. The Prince and the Pauper, where the scene is laid out like this one when the pauper is going to be crowned and the real prince walks in to demand his throne back), only a heir claming the throne can challenge like that. The Duke is not anybody to challenge the king. If just anybody can challenge the king, then any usurpers could constantly challenge him until they won. It doesn't make sense that this clause would exist. Why would it be created in the first place, and why didn't the other kings get rid of it in fear of their descendants being taken the throne away at coronation? Sorry, but I need an explanation for it to make sense.

I know I'm being picky, but remember that details are important in all your works, especially if you want to go pro, like you said you wanted to be in the Builders forum, China.

Chinaren wrote: Well, to be honest I don't think Byrold needs worry too much about what the people think. Winners write the history books, so if he won he could spin it the best way he could. Which would be the same for the Duke as well. :shock:

In that case, why even accept the challenge? Just order him to be arrested and executed and continue with the ceremony. After all, winners write the history books, so he can spin it in whichever way he wants. ;)

[Chinaren]

D-Lotus wrote: chinaren wrote: It is an ancient clause in the ritual. Hence by law he has the right.

An ancient clause? Well, I was asking what the history behind this is- because in stories I read before (e.g. The Prince and the Pauper, where the scene is laid out like this one when the pauper is going to be crowned and the real prince walks in to demand his throne back), only a heir claming the throne can challenge like that. The Duke is not anybody to challenge the king. If just anybody can challenge the king, then any usurpers could constantly challenge him until they won. It doesn't make sense that this clause would exist. Why would it be created in the first place, and why didn't the other kings get rid of it in fear of their descendants being taken the throne away at coronation? Sorry, but I need an explanation for it to make sense.

I know I'm being picky, but remember that details are important in all your works, especially if you want to go pro, like you said you wanted to be in the Builders forum, China.

No problemo D, I like my stories to be logical. :D

Okay, firstly the information given by Tarall was only a small part of the lore, due to time limitations he was telling Byrold the essential bit!

The challenger (it will turn out*) needs to be of certain bloodlines. Also they must have backing of two others of rank, though these backers do not have to show themselves if the challenger loses.

Only one challenge per coronation is allowed.

History: In ancient times, should the proposed king be deemed unworthy by his peers despite all other safeguards, a challenge could be mounted as a final test. The law was made back in a more barbaric era, but has never been repealed. The backers anonyminity clause was added to ensure retribution would not fall upon those who though they were only 'doing their duty'.


D-Lotus wrote: Chinaren wrote: Well, to be honest I don't think Byrold needs worry too much about what the people think. Winners write the history books, so if he won he could spin it the best way he could. Which would be the same for the Duke as well. :shock:

In that case, why even accept the challenge? Just order him to be arrested and executed and continue with the ceremony. After all, winners write the history books, so he can spin it in whichever way he wants. ;)

It could be an option. However, if he doesn't play by the 'rules of the game', it may allow a legal challenge to be launched. Even if Byrold chooses a 'trick' challenge, he will be seen to be complying with the law.

If Byrold does not obey the law, it could be a precident for others to do the same, which is a slippery slope to start down, especially while he has many possible rivals. :shock:

Argo wrote: what do you mean by "resort to violence"? Does that mean that no matter what the contest is, anyone can just stab the other guy with a dagger whenever they like?

Yup! :-o

*I am not making this up as I go, honest.

[Kalanna Rai]

Well then the challenge must include a 'no weapons' clause. Like, I challenge the Duke to a pillow fight where we may be armed only with feather pillows and dressed in dressingowns. It doesn't say anywhere in that statment that Byrold can't use whatever magic he possesses, he's got to know something, but it does say that neither of them may have any kind of weapons or armor.

Now we just need to find a suitable challenge to fill in the blanks with...pillow fighting hardly seems digified for a coronation challenge...neither does hide and seek.

[JezSharp]

Could go with rolling the 'dice of the crowning', then use small amount of magic on the dice...he'd have to be sure though that the Duke had less magical ability than him.

[solus.serpen]

:) All great I deas, I think.

Unfortunately my mind has had a black out after writing DESTINY last night, so I can't think of any good ideas.
I'll come back when/if I do.

solus.

[Jack_D.Mented]

Hmm...

Perhaps he could demand a shubbery? OR that he chop down a tree with a herring? :D

Nah...

Good chapter though. I'll think more on this later, when my brain isn't all nuked out from work.

[LordoftheNight]

Wow - Nice and original there Jack.

[Chinaren]

Some interesting suggestions here people.

I will put a poll up very soon, so any more, get 'em in! :D

[Random]

Hmmmm a tricky situation to say the least.

Can we get an idea of what Byrold can do? What is the scope of his powers? I realize he is only an apprentice but to ensure a decent idea is suggested I like to be informed :)

I would think we need two things to happen. 1) Keep the challenge from involving combat and 2) stack the chips in our favor. Although, the new sword we were presented is supposed to help us with combat. So maybe we trust in the blade of our ancestors and just face the Duke one on one. It could possibly be the last thing they would expect.

The advantages would be you don't have to worry about the Duke simply stabbing you while you are preparing. Or take advantage of this loop hole and challenge the Duke to an arm wrestling match. Once you are joined for the match, stab the Duke with a dagger.

My other idea was a footrace or a test of endurance, such as who can swim the farthest or longest or who can run the farthest.

[LordoftheNight]

Quote: The primary method of challenge is whatever you choose, but the challenger can always resort to violence, as long as it is limited to a dagger and no more as a weapon

I think - though I may be wrong for once *shock and or horror* that only the Challenger can use violence. It's to prevent the heir from simply choosing something the challenger can't do I'd assume.

[The White Blacksmith]

I F5 Rai - Find some obscure clause and exploit it. Of course you can always fall back on the good, ol' fashioned Impossible Task thing, i.e sending him to get the wool from the Golden Lanb at the bottom of the Sea of Souls or whatever. And set the three hour time limit so Byrold will definately win.

[Chinaren]

lordofthenight wrote: Quote: The primary method of challenge is whatever you choose, but the challenger can always resort to violence, as long as it is limited to a dagger and no more as a weapon

I think - though I may be wrong for once *shock and or horror* that only the Challenger can use violence. It's to prevent the heir from simply choosing something the challenger can't do I'd assume.

You have it half right Lordy. Both can use violence. And yes, it is to ensure the challenger doesn't set something only they can do, like juggling or something. If they did they would simply be stabbed.

The White Blacksmith wrote: I F5 Rai - Find some obscure clause and exploit it. Of course you can always fall back on the good, ol' fashioned Impossible Task thing, i.e sending him to get the wool from the Golden Lanb at the bottom of the Sea of Souls or whatever. And set the three hour time limit so Byrold will definately win.

It must be within three hours, (so that the challenge doesn't last 100 years or something silly) and the first to achieve it wins! It's a tough one for sure.

Finding an obscure cause and exploiting it is certainly an option though! :D

This DP is Byrold's reaction, so please feel free to suggest other possible actions... (run away, say he has a headache, appeal to the crowd, start crying etc. etc...)

[dinranwen]

Bryold's reaction could help in the challenge itself. Ask the crowd for an idea of how they think the kingship should be determined. Then do what the crowd suggests.

Quick, Neat, Decisive, seemingly poliete and acknowledgable, plus it solves the problem of Bryold picking a challenge that would be viewed as 'unfair'.

[Chinaren]

Hey y'all, I have updated the maps at the top of this thread with new maps (and new countries).

[D-Lotus]

I like it! Lovely! :D

[Chinaren]

A bucket load of ideas for this one. Poll is up, so vote away!

[Smee]

I've gone for "A fight, but use a bit of magic first, to even things up.".

This is, a fight involving swords, so he can use the royal sword - he needs all the 'enhancement' to his fighting skills he can get.

A bit of our own Magic, and a magic sword - double help to get this sorted as soon as possible.

Happy Writing. :)

[Jack_D.Mented]

I went for riddle myself. Perhaps he knows an obscure one, taught to him by a mentor in magic school or one that only a tried and true royal would know the key to?

It's worth a gamble.

[LordoftheNight]

Wow - we're a decisive lot.
I went for ignoring the challenge completely, because I'm in more of an 'evil facist dictator' kinda mood today.

[Chinaren]

Woo, this one is close!

[D-Lotus]

dinranwen wrote: Bryold's reaction could help in the challenge itself. Ask the crowd for an idea of how they think the kingship should be determined. Then do what the crowd suggests.

Quick, Neat, Decisive, seemingly poliete and acknowledgable, plus it solves the problem of Bryold picking a challenge that would be viewed as 'unfair'.

China, I do believe you've forgotten din's suggestion. I think its a good idea and would like to vote for it.

[Chinaren]

Well, I did consider that suggestion, but I eventually decided not to include it for several reasons:

There were already a lot of suggestions, and experience shows that usually ends up in a 6 way tie.

I didn't feel that a king (to be)would do that. A leader has to show confidence and decisivness. Asking people what to do could be seen as a sign of indecision and possibly weakness.

It would have meant figuring out what the crowd would suggest, and that meant thinking of an option, which is what we have already been doing!

[Alegria]

Magic, says I.

Great story, by the way.

[Chinaren]

I will be starting the new chapter in a day or so, so get your votes in quick, if you haven't already.

This could turn out to be quite a major plot decision actually.

[Chinaren]

Polling is closed. I have started a new chapter, so expect it here soon!

Thanks for all your suggestions and comments.