Renault, the fluffiest Velenosan cat, Athenais, a dreamy apprentice Whisper leave, following Selene.

Bedivere has joined the line.

Mailys has joined the line.

Narcissa has joined the line.

Mikani has joined the line.

Sparte has joined the line.

Vega has joined the line.

Llyr has joined the line.

Bedivere checked command + leadership at difficulty 15, rolling 86 higher.

Bedivere checked command + propaganda at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

In time one of you may rise to the lofty position that is ruler of Aildorich, of the many paths that may lead one to this end; The matter of suitability for rule must be evaluated. There are few simple answers to the complex problems of leadership, each choice deprives one of other avenues and to not make a choice the most dangerous of all. Demonstrate your wisdom, your foresight, and even your luck in forging the path forward for your kingdom!

Mailys checked intellect + economics at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Brianna has joined the line.

Mailys checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Sparte checked intellect + leadership at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Sparte checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Vega checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Vega checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Zara checked command + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

Narcissa checked wits + occult at difficulty 15, rolling 52 higher.

Zara checked charm + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 49 higher.

Narcissa checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 54 higher.

Llyr checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 78 higher.

Llyr checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Mikani checked wits + linguistics at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Mikani checked intellect + propaganda at difficulty 15, rolling 46 higher.

Brianna checked command + leadership at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Brianna checked command + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

As the War Minister of Whitehawk, Lord Bedivere chooses to ultimately showcase his defensive strategies (at which he is quite good) as well as to try to promote conquest (just decent enough for government work). Once he is done stating his claim, he briefly bows to Sebastian then moves out of the way for the next contestant to be judged.

There is scarcely a moment when the doleful damsel of the Roses of Tor does not have her nose in a book, or ink staining her pale fingers (though there isn't a trace this evening). Narcissa's first aim is predictable, if not tactful for it is her strong suit. There is not a word from her as she pauses to consider, head tilting to the side as her aureate gaze lifts skywards as if the answers will be scrawled in the heavens. With a single, deciding nodh she lays out her approach to establish the education of her people of this hypothetical kingdom.

It is the subtle turn, the mercurial shift that sees the bookish introvert turn that sharp mind towards conquest rather than trade. For every rose has its thorn, and Narcissa finds hers in the pressing of conquest to further establish the security of her people. The pen can only get you so far before the sword need be unsheathed.

Mailys's pitch starts with the basics-- pure economic know-how. She's a successful merchant, a successful shopkeeper, and she could easily bring that financial success to a kingdom, if given the chance. Infrastructure is the foundation for a kingdom, after all. She continues building on the thought, shifting more to the side of trade, and ensuring the best deals to be had.

Knowing Agriculture as those from Nightgold do, Llyr's concepts of investing in Infrastructure are strong. Indeed, he focuses stable food production being the core of any kingdom. The ability to feed and clothe all the people of the land as the core of his platform. When it comes to the second topic, he is not quite as solid, speaking o f conquest and expansion...more land adding ore to the core. Not military-minded, obviously, but the basic concepts are there.

The answers that come from Sparte are quiet and modest. He evokes philosophy of leadership as a helping hand, a guide. One that does not force service but nurtures those who rise by choice to give greater aid to their fellows. "As the farmer tends the pasture a king must tend to his farmers, to ensure their lands remain beautiful and the people remain fed. Learning of all stripes, soldiers of all creeds, they'll rise up to help a land they themselves wish to live in. So too will neighboring lands be more reluctant to bring the tragedy of war if there is ample trade. A nation need not stand alone, and no nation has but one border. The more who treat fairly with a people, the more that will stand with them should someone attempt to alter that."

When it is Zara's turn to present herself as would-be ruler of Aildorich, she first builds a strong foundation: peace laid down brick by brick, with hard work and treaties, and all the oaths and vows that bind a nation. She sketches a neat summary of the political situation, and outlines in a few incisive words where the challenges are, and how she would secure the peace on which to build. Once peace is assured, from there it's trade, and she draws with wry reflection on her work as part of the team negotiating the foundations of the Great Road. It was the same then. First, peace; then, trade. From there, a nation can only prosper.

Mikani was thoughtful as she made her moves. Though she played to her strengths as her station as former Voice of Redreef and current Countess of Byrne. It was easy to know she would push for education. Even strangers knew she loved books, libraries and learning. Everything she could learn and share she could. Her library was her pride and joy. It is what got her to where she was today. Mikani looked passionate as she pushed through her proposition of education.

Conquest. Well like Narcissa, it might have seemed odd that Mika would choose that route. For Mikani Gathering people together meant more people to carry the load. Her conquest that she outlined wasn't one of swords but of benefits. Minds. Of being a shining beacon that everyone couldn't help but to want to be part of. One where differences were celebrated for what the individual could contribute to the whole.

In the Kingdom of Aildorich, Princess Vega has chosen the path less traveled, working first on building up and setting the infrastructure of her kingdom through her knowledge of agriculture, ensuring that none under her care will go hungry or wanting. Spreading crops to those aresa best suited for them while encouraging her people who help to provide for the kingdom's future. Her next step is to promote fair and equable trade amongst her people and their allies, ensuring taxation is kept to a minimum, prices are kept reasonable, and goods are made available to everyone who needs them. Encouraging her people to trade amongst themselves for what they require rather than buying outright, when possible. Pushing for a peaceful kingdom or prosperity and growth.

Brianna being Brianna, her first choice is to invest in defense. She may wax on a little overlong about various new thoughts on defense strategies before concluding. The second choice? Trade. After all, trade is the lifeblood of a domain, and the that is why we invest in defense to keep the trade flowing.

"The skill and ambitions of our contestants are breathtaking, are they not, Archlector?" Rysen asks Etienne as he listens to the competitors lay out their various plans, admiration gleaming in his grey eyes.

"Truly." Etienne replies to Rysen. "There are any number of pitfalls for the wise to avoid." he has made his way to a refreshment table, and made a small pile on a dainty plate that looks threateningly large for such a small surface.

Rysen says something quietly to Etienne and bows to him with a smile, turning to make his way back to the Judgment Green.

Monique arrives on the scene as Rysen leaves, almost as if it's been somehow orchestrated that way! The Minx of the Marches slips over to the Tournament grounds, all smiles and excitement as she approaches the games. "How are my Princes and Princesses fairing?" she asks, as Queenly as she can manage.

Rinel checked wits + teaching at difficulty 15, rolling 91 higher. Rinel rolled a critical!

Rinel checked intellect + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Rinel is a latecomer, but she comes in and settles down sedately. Her initial moves are slow and methodical, but patterns begin to emerge that are self-reinforcing. Soon, a profoundly well-educated populace has turned its sights on infrastructure, trade, and--yes--military might. But while Rinel has amassed a truly astonishing investment in education, it fails to result in any appreciable military power. The woman makes some modest expansion, but it is nothing impressive.

Bedivere has joined the line.

Zara has joined the line.

Llyr has joined the line.

Rinel has joined the line.

Narcissa has joined the line.

Vega has joined the line.

Brianna has joined the line.

Mikani has joined the line.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Rinel before departing.

Monique applauds Rinel's endeavor and then grins to Rysen who returns to claim a place. "I see things are well in hand here for the selection of my successor." She leans in to murmur something as he passes, inclining her crowned head to the Crovane Lord.

Mailys has joined the line.

We've heard about the strength of your foundations, about how you would build the direction forward for your kingdom. The paths of infrastructural, of education, of defense. We've heard the wise and proper plans for how you would expand and make it prosper through the harbors of trade, or the machinery of conquest.
Some leaders cannot see any future beyond the next feast day, and perhaps that leads to happier rulers, but it does little for those they rule. Ambition, measured or maniacal, writes the final pages of a legacy. Based on your successes and failures throughout your reign you’ll have different options available to you. For those whose rule met with skepticism and troubles you may yet find success in Forging a Powerful Alliance making a stronger whole. For those with equal measure of wins and losses, bringing together those who opposed you and those who supported you would secure your place in history. Finally, for those whose reign was marked with victory at all turns, the greatest weight lies ahead, put in place the pieces that will keep your kingdom strong long after your bones have turned to dust.

Turn in line: Bedivere

Mailys checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Vega checked charm + propaganda at difficulty 65, rolling 25 lower.

Bedivere checked command + leadership at difficulty 65, rolling 2 higher.

Brianna checked command + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Zara checked composure + diplomacy at difficulty 65, rolling 13 higher.

Rinel checked intellect + etiquette at difficulty 65, rolling 30 lower.

Mikani checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Sparte checked charm + theology at difficulty 15, rolling 40 higher.

Narcissa checked intellect + performance at difficulty 65, rolling 25 lower.

Llyr checked charm + theology at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

After having set up defenses and conquest throughout the lands of his kingdom, Prince Bedivere Whitehawk goes forth and leads his people into a golden age where there will be peace for 1000 years. Even if he might only live to see a twentieth of it all, the legacy he will pass down through centuries along with the steadfast allyships are good, just, and right!

Turn in line: Zara

In the face of the pressure of 1000 years of peace, any ruler might choke on it. No one could think less of someone for planning for simply _750_ years of peace, or even _500_. That's still pretty dang good. But Zara is unflinching in the face of the pressure; her cool composure lets up not a whit. She is quiet, measured, and dignified as she sets forth the plans that she would engrave into the civilization's foundations, to see the stones still stand when all the rest is dust.

Turn in line: Llyr

For his turn, Llyr expounds on following of the Faith as the cornerstone of the way to Unite the kingdom. While he does not lean to any one particular member of tthe Pantheon as he speaks, it is easy to tell that Mangata is by far the one he has the most familiarity with.

Turn in line: Rinel

...well, not even the Compact has lasted for a thousand years.

Turn in line: Narcissa

The poet is one that finds her comfort in smaller gatherings, never a crowd, and it is in the midst of those countless faces that Narcissa's freckled ivory cheeks flush and while the she has all the poise as the edicts are laid, her words never raise above a whisper and she keeps her golden eyes downcast. When her turn is over she seems all the more thankful for it, her steps hurried.

Turn in line: Vega

1 Grayson House Guards, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

1 Grayson House Guards, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting leave, following Reese.

It would seem Vega reached for the stars when she didn't need to. Aiming for a lasting peace is beyond her grasp, but she manages to unite the kingdom behind her vision without much fuss. Still, she ends her turn with pinkened cheeks at having fumbled where she was supposed to be.

Turn in line: Brianna

Princess-for-a-day Brianna Halfshav has led her principality wisely, nurturing a safe and prosperous realm. She unites the various parts of the realm, and everyone loves her. At least, that's the story she tells.

Turn in line: Mikani

Mikani grew her principality through education of all so they could grow as they need to then expanded through peaceful conquest. Finally, Mikani outlines how she would unite her group and it seems to have succeeded. Her words are measured and well thought out as she gives her proposal. At the end she smiles and bows her head to those gathered as way of appreciation.

Turn in line: Mailys

Mailys's efforts to unite her kingdom are a thing of art. A grand performance, a story told of a kingdom as one instead of divided duchies striving for power. A bit theatrical, perhaps, a bit dramatic, but no less inspiring.

There have been many wise and carefully considered choices laid out today, many pitfalls, compromises, and a few stunning successes. Through it all it is important to remember that without the proper support, even wisdom cannot build great civilizations. ULtimately there can be only one recognized for their prowess in this contest, and that person today is Princess Zara. A hearty congratulations, and good luck on the final trial. It's time to rejoin the throngs in the main area, through the west, and watch as one claims the prize that awaits.

Lord Bedivere would clap, but he only has one hand, and so he bangs his tabard with his cuirass underneath it, as a replacement for his inability. Meanwhile, Cabbit chirrups from the shoulder perch upon where he sits.

Rysen claps for Zara. "Very well done, Your Highness."

Llyr applauds Princess Zara and smiles a little, shaking his head softly, "Very well done."

Narcissa claps politely, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips though the mirth does reach her eyes. "It was a close one, but I fear crowds were never my thing."

Is that a bit of a pout? Of course it is! Mailys still claps for Zara, however, and her expression is quickly changing to a smile. "Congratulations!"

One has to look closely to see it, but when the final results are announced, Zara exhales ... harder than normal. It's definitely a sigh. Of relief. The corner of her mouth ticks up in half a smile and she bows her head to Etienne as she prepares to move on to the next stage. "A victory for civilization, I think." She nods to Rysen and Llyr as well, and says, "Thank you." There's just a hint of humor in her eyes as she says, "I'm actually eager to write down some notes based on what everyone said. It was certainly ferociously clever competition. Thank you, Blessed Etienne, for overseeing it."

Rinel applauds politely.

Bedivere says, "Excellent work, Princess Zara. Thank you, Archlector Etienne."

2 Whitehawk Guards, Cabbit, a nub-tailed tabby cat leave, following Bedivere.

The effort from Sparte is a fair one, but not a demonstration that anyone will be remembering in the history books. He successfully manages to unite the kingdom in faith, but the resulting kingdom isn't very impressive. He seems to be aware of as much himself as he chuckles and shakes his head. "Feels... I don't know, heavy handed I guess. Perhaps I've more to learn before I try this game again." He joins in the applause for Zara as others applaud, giving her a grin. "Well won, Princess!"

Sparte is overheard praising Zara: Princess Zara, Wise Ruler to be!

Brianna is overheard praising Zara.

Nevermore, the sulking raven leaves, following Narcissa.