Each of the competitors is invited to have a private lunch with the King of Norta as his advisors think it would be good to get to know who they might be spending the rest of their life with. The hallways and staircase that finally lead to Orion’s private chambers seem to be overly guarded with masked figures with no movement coming from them as each competitor passes. Once inside, it becomes apparent that the King will not be making an appearance as there sits a lonely desk in the middle of the room with a piece of paper and a pen beside it. As soon as the door is closed behind them, Orion’s Royal Advisor steps from the shadows with little regard to anyone else in the room.
“ SIT DOWN — It is time to get started. You will have thirty
minutes to complete the assessment. If you are not finished
in the allotted amount of time, the questions unanswered will
simply be left blank for the kingdom to guess your thoughts
on the matter. Think thoroughly about what you would like to
say as this is your only chance for an impression. ”
The advisor pulls a chair from across the room to sit it on the opposing side of the small desk with a quick fix of his tux before settling in finally. He doesn’t wait to start the timer as he seems to be on a very strict schedule with a click and the light ticking begins. Each competitor will now have thirty minutes to complete the list of questions provided. Make haste and be creative!
I. What are some traditions within the Kingdom of Norta that you would like to uphold?
— Please be specific as these traditions could come into play.
II. From your various studies within the capital, what are your strengths in the field of knowledge? As a follow up, please tell us how these strengths would help you as a leader of Norta.
— The Elite studies several different topics, so please explore your characters interest.
III. How were you raised within the Elite Society? Explain your childhood and the influence your family had on the person you are today.
— List small details that you would like to expand on your character’s family here.
IV. If you were to list a few people that knew you well, who would those people be? Are they still alive or dead? Has the event in Norta caused this number to decrease?
— Please list at least one person that is still alive as this is important for a later plot.
V. Do you believe in everything King Orion stands for? If so, explain your favorite aspects of his reign thus far. If not, please explain what you do not agree with.
— It is important to be honest with this, so we ask you to think deeply on this.
AFTER COMPLETION — We ask that you submit these answers to the main for admin approval as some of these answers would require some foresight before posting. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to fill this out! We hope you enjoy the outcome for this round.
“Ambrosine Thany here, coming to you live from the Crownstrial arena, where we present the start of our battle royale. Our first two competitors are CYRENE NOR and ZAIRA SAMOS. Zaira was considered a favorite when Queenstrial was still being held as tradition, but Cyrene was not allowed to compete under the old rules. It truly is a meeting between contrasting worlds -- the old versus the new, tradition versus change. As we head to the battleground, place your bets, call your shots! This will be a fight to remember.”
Below the cut is a TRANSCRIPT of the fight between Zaira and Cyrene. The winner is announced in the ending commentary.
Zaira will be the first to go, as determined by a dice roll.
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
Zaira stands across from Cyrene with a steeled jaw. In this moment, there is no time to think of appearances. Her thoughts are cleared with an inhale as the challenge is declared, and unlike the calculation of her interview, she chooses instead to act only on impulse. She quickly extends a hand to take the starting strike before the bastard Tyros can duplicate herself, manipulating one of the metal bracelets lining her arms into a sharp spike that is sent straight for Cyrene’s shoulder. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 7 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 5D. 33H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 5.
Cyrene takes the painful blow with a wince, but recovers relatively quickly. She uses the pause caused by Zaira’s satisfaction to split herself into four distinct pieces, the fifth body remaining her own. Two close in front of her while two run toward Zaira. As one of the offensive clones feints to distract, the other lands a sharp blow to Zaira’s side with practiced force. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 3 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 37H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
She smiles in satisfaction as her attack lands, but it falters quickly when Cyrene splits herself into five separate beings. She is unable to locate the true Cyrene in the heat of the moment, instead finding herself taken aback by two of the clones that come charging at her. She gasps at the blow that is landed to the side of her body, catching her footing after inhaling a sharp breath. One distracts, the other attacks, and she hates them both as equally as she hates their owner. They will not get in her way. She lifts both of her arms and closes her eyes, sending a few of her bracelets flying off all at once in a controlled explosion of dangerous metal shards. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 7 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 5D. 26H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
Slowed by the blood trickling down her arm, Cyrene loses precious time and is once again hit with a blast from Zaira. She will not make that mistake again. Gracefully she starts to run as two clones around her dart in between her steps, assuring Zaira will not find the true Cyrene as easily next time. As she does, she manages the two near Zaira with her mind: one twists her arm while the other pulls quite hard against Zaira’s hair. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 4 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 33H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Zaira is overwhelmed by the sheer force of the two clones. She tries to lift an arm to attack once more, but it is quickly grabbed and twisted behind her back. She then feels a sharp tug against her scalp, gasping at a pace that causes her chest to burn, and she finds herself at a sudden disadvantage. She cannot fight back on a physical field, so she continues to struggle against the clones’ grasps, hoping to find a way to slide out and get back her composure. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 5D. 26H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
Cyrene laughs as she hears through the ears of her clones the small sound of pain Zaira gasps out. The Samos heir may have had the upper hand moments ago, but in a fight that’s 5 against 1, there’s strength in numbers. Cyrene manages to get to a place behind Zaira, and the clones accompanying her mimic her position exactly, until none stands out from the other. The clones on the attack smile, and with one still pulling Zaira’s throat into a swan-like arch, the other delivers a swift hit to the her throat. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 7 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 26H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
The edges of her lips tug with an urge to either scream or complain, but she cannot give Cyrene the satisfaction. Even if she were willing, the fist that crashes into her throat cuts off all words. She draws in a hoarse inhale, eyes watering at the flare of pain, and she can’t find the true Cyrene among the duplicates that now surround her. With a scream, she twists her shoulder and applies her weight to the side of her body, dropping herself down onto the ground and sending a series of metal shards at the feet of the clones around her, hoping to at least trip them up. Even if she doesn’t land a hit, she’s just glad to be away from the grip that once held her. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 3 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 5D. 23H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
CYRENE HAS UNLOCKED A SPECIAL EVENT IN HER FAVOR.
An announcer’s voice pipes up for the first time within the arena since the start of the round.
’ LADIES & GENTLEMEN — Let’s mix things up. ’
The announcer’s voice echoes through the arena with a harsh laughter that only hints at the danger that is to come for one or the other, but this time ; the favor is for CYRENE as the ground of the arena shakes with several mirrors lifting from the ground. Each mirror reflects off the next, and it is soon apparent that what you might be looking at could be real or fake.
’ LET’S SEE HERE — Lady Samos, can you find who you are truly fighting? ’
Cyrene smiles, truly and with a bit of ferocity, as mirrors rise from the ground and into the arena. It seems the Crown has smiled on her today, and she will not take it for granted. Stretching her power to its limit, she creates a fifth clone, totaling in six Cyrenes on the battlefield. The ones near Zaira shove her back into a mirror, and the sound of glass shattering is apparent. While it loses her a reflective surface, the glass cuts into Zaira’s back, and Cyrene again uses the distraction to disperse her clones, now sure that Zaira does not know which one is truly her target. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. +1 DEFENSE BONUS UNLOCKED. 5 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 21H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
When the mirrors rise around her, she feels her head start to ache. The five duplicates of Cyrene steadily become more and more, and this is something that Zaira has never been able to prepare for. A sixth Cyrene appears, but as far as Zaira is aware, there are hundreds of her. When she rises to her feet, she is quickly pushed against one of the mirrors, feeling the glass of its surface shatter and cut into her back, and she screams before landing in a pile atop the shards. She looks around from her lowered position, unsure of which Cyrene is real and what to do next. Making a quick decision, Zaira opts for a mixed defensive and offensive attack by manipulating a few of her remaining bracelets into another burst of metal shards. She hopes that at least one will land on a target. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 3 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 20H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
The advantage given has caused her unparalleled excitement. The game has become almost easy as Zaira barely manages to hit her, even as she sends out shards upon shards of metal in every direction she can find. Cyrene continues to manipulate the mirrors and her surroundings, as one of her clones drags Zaira across the shattered glass beneath her already torn skin. Eventually they pull her to her feet, and one leans in to whisper in her ear. “Careful, Samos. Did you think this would be easy?” (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 8 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 13H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
She struggles when she feels her legs grabbed, howling in pain as her body is dragged across the shards of glass beneath her. Zaira winces when the action is over, gasping when she’s forcefully brought to her feet, and she has to fight back the urge to spit when one of the duplicates whispers in her ear -- as if they’ve already won. Not yet. The queen is still on the board. Metal be damned, she sends a hand flying straight at the clone’s face. “I think nothing, bastard. Fight like a dog all you want, but your growling is beneath me.” (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 2 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 18H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
The exhaustion of constant movement begins to wear on her, and Cyrene feels her power fluctuate. The clones around her begin to flicker and fade, and it takes all her energy to keep the ones on Zaira from doing the same. When she brings them back, she’s back down to 4 outside herself, and she pauses a moment to breathe. In spite of the exhaustion, it’s strangely exhilarating, to use her power to its fullest extent. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 13H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
She catches her breath for the first time after Cyrene took the upper hand during the fight, pressing a hand against her stomach and feeling an ache run through her that she’s never known. She cannot deny Cyrene’s power, and she cannot pretend not to know fear in the tension of this moment. Neither can she allow herself to give in without fighting back until she’s left unconscious. “Who taught you to fight?” she asks, limping towards one of the panting clones that does not have a sheen across its surface. “Who made you feel like you mattered?” A bracelet shifts into a sharp line, and she digs it weakly into the side of the tired body in front of her. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 2 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 16H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
Cyrene isn’t tired enough to stop her laughing. Who taught her all her life? The idea is ludicrous, but she recognizes that her world with Seraph has always been quite insular. She ignores the question, figuring that if Zaira wants to know, she can ask after she’s lost. Instead, she ducks behind mirrors until she’s halfway across the battlefield, her clones solidifying once more in Zaira’s presence. “Who let you think you would win?” one clone asks as she drags her nails across Zaira’s cheek. Another laughs behind her, wrapping thin fingers around her throat. “How pathetic will you feel when you lose to a bastard?” (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 5 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 8H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
She’s too tired to react. Her words are countered with a sleekness that matches her own, and she must admit that she can respect the other woman’s strength. To fall to a bastard, however? Zaira feels bile creep up the length of her throat, lips pursing in reaction of the pain that is brought by the nails that glide across her cheek, and she nearly gags when fingers wrap themselves around her throat. She keeps her legs steady and she keeps her shoulders rolled back. She holds her tongue, and she does not move to attack. She only stares ahead. She will not lose on her knees. “House Samos. My family has always been behind me. Be proud of yourself, bastard — you’ve done well all on your own. Go on. Show me your teeth.” (FAILED ATTACK.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 16H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Cyrene is surprised by Zaira’s honesty. She wouldn’t expect the girl to lay down and take it, but it seems she has. That doesn’t bring her any fun at all. “I won’t bite without a chase,” the clone behind Zaira replies. “Don’t you want to hit me a little more? Show everyone what you’re made of? You were a favorite, after all, weren’t you?” Her fingers give a little squeeze, but she stays put, waiting for Zaira’s move. It may be her last, so Cyrene expects her to make it a good one. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 8H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
She sends an elbow flying out behind her, aimed for the clone that has her restrained. “You’re awfully masochistic,” Zaira remarks with a tired breath, going on to dig her heel into the foot of the clone for good measure. “Weren’t I a favorite? I still am, bastard. Always have been. I can’t say I had my eyes on you before this, but enjoy the glory. How does it taste? Does it make you feel like something more?” (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 2 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 14H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
The damage is barely felt through the body of her clone, and she laughs to herself on high as she watches the scene unfold in a mirror. “I don’t need glory to feel good about myself. That’s reserved for the elite, I suppose. At least you’ll be beautiful when you fall from grace, yes? All that silver on your skin attracts such attention.” The clone with her hands on Zaira’s neck drags her until she can hit her once more into a mirror, the back of one this time, the resounding clang echoing through the arena. All the clones seem to laugh in an eerie unison. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 7 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
Zaira Samos (+2A. 3D. 1H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
ZAIRA HAS UNLOCKED A SPECIAL EVENT IN HER FAVOR.
An announcer’s voice pipes up for a second time, clearly excited.
’ WELL, WELL — it seems we’ve put the fight on an even playing field at last! On her last legs, Zaira Samos may pull a win from this yet. ’
As he speaks, spouts around the arena begin to pour tiny shards of metal into barrels that have been wheeled out, providing ample weapons for a magnetron’s use. This gives ZAIRA a near unlimited advantage of a storm of weaponry at her disposal.
’ You may have dodged simple bracelets, Cyrene — but can you weather a HAILSTORM? ’
Zaira smiles to herself as best she can when metal shards begin to pour into barrels that are wheeled out and placed around the arena. She recognizes that she is on her last leg, as the announcer had stated, but all that matters is how she goes out. She shakes off the damage of her impact against the mirror, tensing her shoulders and inhaling through her nose. Her hands lift, sensing every shard of metal in the area surrounding them, and she brings the shards rising from the barrels and crashing around the entirety of the arena with a dry laugh. “Let’s both be beautiful, Cyrene. You bleed silver, too.” (SUCCESSFUL HIT. +3 ATTACK BONUS UNLOCKED. 5 DAMAGE TO CYRENE.)
Cyrene Nor (+1A. 6D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
Cyrene feels the impact as the metal crashes into her skin, but it doesn’t matter. It isn’t enough to stop her. In a last effort to make sure Zaira gets no use from her own advantage, Cyrene’s clones tighten their hands around her neck, and for a moment Cyrene thinks it won’t be enough. Yet Zaira slowly fades from consciousness, and the sigh of her relief is palpable, her chest rising and falling far too quickly as the realities of the pain and glory sink in. Cyrene offers the camera a feral, silver-sheened smile. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 5 DAMAGE TO ZAIRA.)
The announcer blares a horn, and the battle is declared WON by CYRENE NOR.
“Welcome, welcome all, to Norta News, the latest daily coverage on the good and the bad within Nortan borders. I, AMBROSINE THANY, will be your host, bringing you all the latest facts you’ve been craving. From gossip to live on-scene reporting, Norta News is here to let you in on the country’s most fascinating events and, perhaps most importantly, its secrets.
Our coverage begins tonight with the event everyone is talking about: Crownstrial has begun. Interviews have been viewed and you, Norta’s people, have already begun to make your choices. Even I have some favorites: Lady Zaira’s dress was stunning. And Lord Emory! Capturing everyone’s heart, including my own.
Crownstrial's round one will be a battle royale, representing the aspect of rule that King Calore has labelled ‘BODY’. Due to a random selection, ROMILLY GLIACON and AREUM MARINOS have been exempted from the first fight, but that doesn’t mean they’re getting off without a little trouble! We’ll be speaking to those two during the week, along with the winners of the first few fights as they finish! Remember to tune in right here at Norta News for live updates as Crownstrial continues, and for the broadcasts of our most awaited fights. We'll be back after these messages, and when we return, I'll be sitting down with the nation's most prized bachelor, King Orion Calore himself!"
Crownstrial Begins in Truth! Here is a link to our bracket page, which will be updated as our fights finish. We also have some details on how those will be decided below the cut, and a look into how the “voting” aspect will work and how those with characters not competing will still affect the final outcome.
Firstly, welcome to our news blog! We didn’t quite want to do a gossip blog, but a broadcasting blog makes sense, particularly with this exciting event. In order to track broadcasts, you may track the tag #ofsilverbroadcast.
This blog will also be used to release prizes for those who are not competing. As of this post, we are going to be tallying points based on threads, meme posts, etc. for all non-competing characters. When your character reaches a certain number of points (we will message you privately), they will have a Gossip Credit, which can be exchanged at this blog. You send in the person or subject you want us to release news on, and we unveil some very juicy surprises that will affect the votes of the Reds and the support of Silvers alike.
Fights will be taking place on Chatzy. We will be using a dice-rolling system in order to play them out, so we require each of our fighters to get together and find a time during the week where they are both able to be online, at which point you will need to submit that time to us on the OSB main page. If you are competing with an OPEN CHARACTER, please message the main about what time you will be available and we will set you up with the admin who wrote the open character, who will roll in their place and write in their place. Chatzy will be used both for dice rolling and to describe what exactly your characters do during the fight, and will then be released as transcripts on the main page. We will have stats set up (bonuses depending on your character’s strengths and debuffs based on your characters weaknesses) for each of you when the time comes, so that while things are still random and based on dice rolls, everyone has a different chance at success based on their characterization.
“Welcome back, my fellow Nortans! Ambrosine Thany here once again to welcome you to our second day of competition between those who fight for our country’s crown. It seems the redefining of the Crownstrial has shaken competitors from all walks of life, and the upsets from yesterday have still left Norta reeling. We begin this morning with a fight between two who always knew they would end up here: LEIRA OSANOS and CALISTA EAGRIE, both the female heirs to their Houses who would have been selected to compete even during the original Queenstrial. Nonetheless, with the recent events plaguing our High Houses, it seems as though everyone has something new to fight for. Who will win? Only time will tell. Let’s follow now, where live from the Crownstrial arena, our match begins!”
Below the cut is a TRANSCRIPT of the fight between Calista and Leira. The winner is announced in the ending commentary.
Calista will be the first to go, as determined by a dice roll.
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Taking a long breath, Calista took her first steps forward preparing to make the initial attack. It was hard for her to attack anyone without just cause, but she moved forward with a weak effort, half-wanting to apologize before she swung her hand at Leira, only giving enough force to cause a slight misstep. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 1 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 39H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
After the weak attack from Calista, Leira raised her hand and manipulated the meager amount of water she had into a whip and hit Calista. She made the remaining water into a ball and brought it near herself. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 6 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 34H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 3.
Water fell over, and all too soon the fabric she wore became sodden. As she stumbled forward, failing to make an attack, a blush lifted onto her features. Gripping her fingers into fists, she desired to release a groan as frustration settled into her heart. She didn’t want to lose, she couldn’t let the memory of those she loved down. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 39H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
Leira felt bad. Never had she wanted to battle anyone, let alone someone as kind as Calista. However, she would do what she had to to make her mother proud of her, even from beyond the grave. She created a tentacle of water and wrapped it around the girls wrist. Then, she pulled the water towards her and caused Calista to fall. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 5 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
After falling to the ground, and feeling the harshness of the cold surface, Calista realised that she could no longer be tentative in her actions. Despite the softness she clung to, she needed to fight. From the ground, she swung round her leg to knock Leira off balance and send her tumbling to the ground – she’d apologise for her actions later. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 4 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 35H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Wanting to conserve her water, Leira attempted to throw a punch—only to miss Calista. Her cheeks flushed silver and she quickly backed away. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 5.
Exhaling, Calista closed her eyes and spun, arm outstretched to collide with Leira’s torso, impacting her body so that it stumbled backwards, perhaps knocking the breath out of her. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 2 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 33H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Leira did not bother attempting an attack. Instead, she put more distance between her and Calista and caught her breath from the last strike against her. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
No attack was launched from Leira, as Calista noticed the girl take a step back. Morally, she thought that it would be wrong to once again cause damage to the girl. But she’d felt the force of Leira’s power earlier, and did not want to squander opportunities – this was the rest of her life she was battling for. Recalling the lessons she’d been taught form Alistair, who prided himself on using his powers for battling, Calista launched herself forward to allow her hand to come into contact with the girl’s face. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 3 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 30H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 2.
Calista’s fist collided with Leira’s nose and rather than focus on another attack, she used her powers to keep her nose from bleeding out too profusely. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Biting her lip, Calista merely pushed the girl to knock her off balance when Leira appeared to use her powers on herself, rather than to offer any form of attack. She was thirsty for the win, but she didn’t want to be declared a monster, either. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, unable to keep the words in. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 1 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
After the apology, Leira nearly wanted to end the battle there. However, she needed to win, for her mother more than herself. She split her ball of water in half and hurled it at Calista’s stomach. When the ball hit Calista, she grimaced. “I’m sorry too.” (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 5 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 24H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
The breath was forced from her chest, surging her backwards with the impact of water which collided with her stomach. Unable to muster the strength to issue a retaliation, she rested her hands on her hips and groaned. She wanted it to be over, but she had to fight for a crown to sit upon her head, to rule beside Orion as she’d long desired. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
Guilt hit Leira in that moment, she didn’t want to fight Calista anymore, not when the girl hadn’t attacked her. But, she used her water to slap Calista once more. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 4 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 20H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Whilst still regaining her breath, Calista had been hit by another force of water. She wanted to cry in frustration, to allow her knees to collapse beneath her in the sudden realisation that all her hopes and dreams were slipping away. “Please.” It was a whisper barely uttered, not for the ears of others, a silent prayer to those she hoped were watching. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 29H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 5.
Leira’s heart wavered at Calista’s whisper. She barely conjured the will to attack again. Instead of trying to harm the girl, she created a small ball of water and tossed it towards Calista’s face. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 2 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 18H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
Gripping the will to fight on, Calista shook away the water, blinking it from her eyes. Whilst her power gave her the ability to occasionally see the attack before it was launched, it could not force her own to have any more power. As though she were pirouetting on a dance floor, Calista moved and then kicked her leg out to allow Leira to stumble once more to the floor. Perhaps she could dance her way to victory – it had always been her talent. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 4 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 25H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 3.
It seemed to be a pattern. Leira could not get an attack in if Calista had gotten an attack in before her and vice versa. She stumble backwards until she fell. Rather than focus on an attack, she pushed herself back up. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 18H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 2.
Her opponent had not yet found her footing, when Calista attempted to take her next strike - causing her to miss entirely, overstepping slightly, leg swinging above the girl. Molten grey flooded her cheeks, a liquid metal that caused a flush of embarrassment. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 25H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
Still, Leira lacked the heart to try to fight the girl. Yet, she knew she must. Another water whip created, she whipped Calista once more but with little force. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 3 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 15H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
The prolonged fighting was causing strain; never before had she felt so much injury. Leira’s attack was not powerful, but it was still more than she’d ever received. Calista had never gotten into a physical battle, and her words were not poison. But as the length of the fight continued, Calista’s need to win grew stronger. It pained her to hurt another, as she spun out catching the strands of Leira’s hair around her fingers ( although she had not intended to ), and pulled, causing her fingers to yank at the strands. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 6 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 19H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Her water depleted and only half remaining, Leira lunged forward with a feeble slap. She knew she needed to save her water and she could see her mother scolding her for already using up so much. With a swallow, she said, “I am so sorry. I do not wish to fight but it seems an evil of necessity in this moment. I am still sorry.” A shaky sigh escaped her lips and a frown adorned her face. (SUCCESSFUL HIT. 1 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 14H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Leira’s words cut through her, much more than any attack could have done. She loathed that part of the Crownstrial was fighting others, hurting someone who was her equal. If it were not for a greater cause, Calista would not have liked to participate at all. “I am sorry too, I would not fight you in any other circumstances.” No attack was made, Calista attempting to shake the feeling of dread which washed over her. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 19H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Leira whispered and used a third of her water to make a ball and throw it at Calista. She grimaced when the water hit her. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 5 DAMAGE TO CALISTA.)
Calista Eagrie (+0A. 3D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
CALISTA HAS UNLOCKED AN EVENT.
The announcer seems to have a smile behind his words as he declares the effect.
‘ LADIES & GENTLEMEN — It looks like our two competitors have some company. ‘
All of the heads in the arena flash to the right of the stage, where a tall, slender figure seems to be emerging from the darkness behind closed doors. It is one of those frightening members of House Haven who, with hands lifted, draws all of the light from the room, casting the entire arena into darkness.
' Only one of you ladies has the gift of Sight. Now who has the upper hand? '
Calista felt as though for a part of the fight she’d lost her footing, as though she were not really giving as much as she ought to. Of course, her personality gave guilt to all action, and she hated to fight against the other. As darkness fell upon them, Calista took a strike towards Leira into the stomach once more, certain to wind the girl. Darkness gave her comfort, expelling so of her nerves, but keeping the fear. Fear was important, she had too much to lose. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. +1A AND +3D UNLOCKED. 5 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 14H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 5.
Never had Leira grown accustomed to the darkness. She threw a punch, not even sure if Calista was even in front of her. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+1A. 6D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Calista had witnessed the way the girl had flung her hands in the dark, missing her by a metre – it caused more guilt. She allowed Leira to get her bearings, which was perhaps a bad thing to do in the eyes of those who observed. But for whilst she’d been given a chance to utilise her gift, she didn’t want to act mercilessly. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 14H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 5.
The darkness made any sort of attack futile, so Leira settled for simply backing up, hoping to feel the arena’s walls against her hands. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+1A. 6D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Calista walked forward, watching the way the girl grasped for something, anything. With a sigh, she nudged Leira into the wall, at least to give her some form of support, and still inflict a little damage – barely a scratch. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 2 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 12H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Feeling Calista nudge her, Leira reached out, attempting to grab onto the girl. When she failed to grab her, she pressed herself against the wall. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+1A. 6D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
Pulling Leira away from the wall, Calista pushed her to the ground. She could not bear to do anything more, but she also needed the fight to be over. The weight of need and guilt continued to battle in her heart. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 7 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
Leira Osanos (+0A. 3D. 5H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
Leira didn’t bother to get up, feeling it would be futile. She felt her mother’s disappointment weighing down upon her. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Calista Eagrie (+1A. 6D. 9H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 7.
Watching Leira flounder in the darkness caused her heart to ache, and she could help the tears which welled in her eyes as she took a final strike towards Leira. “I really didn’t want to hurt you. I’m so sorry.” (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 5 DAMAGE TO LEIRA.)
The announcer blares a horn, and the battle is declared WON by CALISTA EAGRIE.
REDS & MEMBERS ALIKE — It is time to introduce the voting system that will cover the red’s voting aspect of Crownstrial. Each member is given ONE VOTE PER DAY until the poll closes at the end of Crownstrial. This will be the only post regarding this poll as it is your duty as a red and member to set a reminder to vote for your favorites! This could easily be what determines the next Ruler of Norta. We hope you enjoy this little system, and we cannot wait to share the results when the time comes.
“What an exciting opening act, wouldn’t you say? This is Ambrosine Thany with the latest Crownstrial updates, here to showcase live as our competitors battle it out to become the ruler alongside King Orion’s throne. Our first two battles have featured competitors who would not be allowed to compete under the previous Queenstrial regulations -- a baseborn daughter and one whose family had already chosen another to compete -- but it looks as though it has only made our fights more interesting. As we turn to our match between VEZINA CARROS and NYSSA SAMOS, we may yet again witness something new and spectacular. This is Norta News, bringing you all the latest coverage -- and with that, let our second match of the day begin!”
Below the cut is a TRANSCRIPT of the fight between Calista and Leira. The winner is announced in the ending commentary.
Vezina will be the first to go, as determined by a dice roll.
Vezina Carros — (+1A. 4D. 40H) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Vezina chooses her first mode of attack, a smile on her face at the familiarity of the arena staring down at her. She advances toward Nyssa, but her attack is stopped by her own volition. What should have been an easy hit isn’t, Vezina’s nerves getting the worst of her. She slips, yet does not fall, instead left standing a few feet in front of Nyssa with an embarassed look. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+0A. 5D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
NYSSA HAS UNLOCKED AN EVENT.
‘ LADIES & GENTLEMEN — Look at what we have here. ‘
A sardonic laugh echoes from the chest of the announcer as he relishes in the events transpiring in the arena below. No one misses as a door to the left of the stage is opened, two red servants revealing themselves as they push a full cart out onto the stage — one full to the brim with several sheets of thinly cut metal.
' Looks like Lady Samos has been given a bit of an advantage. To think, the fight is only just beginning. ‘
She tenses as Vezina charges her, eyes darting around with the hopes of finding a way to avoid the girl she called trainer before all of this. But somehow, somehow this trained fighter slips, nearly falls and throws a sheepish grin at her. Nyssa, though bewildered doesn’t waste the gift she is given with Vezina’s faulter and moves away, hoping if she can keep some distance she might actually have a chance. The cart that is wheeled out is meant to be an advantage but it twists her stomach with rotten memories, sheet metal. The noise of the crowd keeps her from losing focus and with some reluctance she reaches for the steel. Recent experience has sharpened—her skills as she rips a sheet into smaller, thinner pieces, each deadly as she hurls them like hail at Vezina as quickly as she can, before she chickens out or the fighter moves. By luck, she’s sure, she skewers Vezina and nearly winces as dozens of tiny cuts leak silver blood into the dirt of the arena. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. +2A UNLOCKED. 5 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 35H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Vezina stops, momentarily. Her breathing is coming out slowly, not used to the sight of her own silver blood on the dirt around her. She grits her teeth, but fails to deliver a successful attack, Nyssa managing to dodge her fists this time. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
Something feels wrong when Vezina throws punches and she successfully manages to avoid the fists that often left bruises before. Without waiting to lose her momentum she pulls another sheet of metal from the cart and sends it in circles at Vezina, opening slices on her the back of her legs, a split second decision. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 5 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 30H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 2.
Vezina finds herself failing again, this time Nyssa just too quick for her. The wounds in the backs of her legs, too much for her to handle in the moment. She retreats, hoping to escape too much of an attack from her friend. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 40H.): She finds herself advancing on Vezina, but maintaining enough distance to not be grabbed by those strong hands. There is enough sheet metal that she ignores her bracelets, forming tiny bullets from a sheet, setting them spinning and throwing them at Vezina. The sight is unpleasant, it is enough to turn Nyssa a pale shade of green but she persists as the pellets rip through Vezina, leaving tiny holes. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 5 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 25H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 1.
Vezina doesn’t even attempt an attack, choosing again to retreat and hoping for a few moments reprieve that will allow her next attack to be successful. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 10.
The sight of the retreat is heartbreaking and Nyssa knows Vezina must be burning with shame, this kind of thing is her career and Nyssa feels a scalding guilt but even that can’t stop her. She still hesitates as this time she forms the thinnest needles, like the slice of a papercut, but skin pulls open so readily. Vezina is a mess of silver and Nyssa feels her heart break. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 6 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 19H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 2.
Vezina rushes forward but missteps, allowing Nyssa to dodge her easily. She knows that if she’s not careful, she’ll be defeated soon. Rookie mistakes can destroy a fight, she reminds herself, and begins to plan a better attack for the next chance she’s given. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 40H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 4.
Nyssa is losing the heart to battle with each drop of molten silver that falls to the dirt. She picks up a handful of the needles, so few and swallows tears as they cut Vezina’s cheeks and neck. This will end soon, one way or another. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 2 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros — (+1A. 4D. 17H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
What should have been easy earlier comes to Vezina. It reminds her that there’s people behind her in this, that moment when she realizes she can finally get to Nyssa. Maybe Calder is up in the stands with his poster, and that’s what’s given her the strength to propel herself forward, landing a punch to Nyssa’s stomach. It’s nothing she’s not done while sparring before, but this time it’s real. Nyssa is thrown backward, and Vezina winces. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 4 DAMAGE TO NYSSA.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 36H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 9.
Maybe it was her sudden drop in drive but Vezina is in front of her in seconds and the punch lands solidly in her gut, throwing her backwards. Wheezing, she doesn’t even bother to stand, taking a page from Vezina and forming a large solid ball of steel, catching Vezina from the side and knocking her to the ground as Nyssa forces herself back to her feet. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 6 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 11H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 3.
Vezina jumped up after that moment of injury, the giant ball of metal being too forceful for even Vezina’s strength to stop. Her eyes close for a moment. She’s been thrown too far away to make an attack, and hopefully she’ll sustain no injury in the coming moments. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 36H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 3.
It doesn’t seem fair but Nyssa had been sure she’d lose and here she was, truly NOT losing. Still, it didn’t fill any of her hollow spaces. Another small slice of sheet metal, a cut to Vezina’s abdomen. More silver blood in the dust. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 1 DAMAGE TO VEZINA).
Vezina Carros (+1A. 4D. 10H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
Vezina looked at Nyssa and finally found the will to hurt the other woman she knew as a friend. She charged, and thought Nyssa tried to escape, Vezina managed to shove her back with a punch again, this time closer to Nyssa’s side than her stomach. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 4 DAMAGE TO NYSSA.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 32H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 8.
She felt a surge of both adrenaline and pain as Vezina crashed into, almost literally. The pain bloomed like flowers and she was sure she heard a few ribs crack, hoping they wouldn’t puncture anything important. Breathing was labored as she shot another round of steel pellets at Vezina, riddling her with damage. How Vezina was still able to stand Nyssa would never know, her own pain threatening to send her to her knees. (SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. 6 DAMAGE TO VEZINA.)
Vezina Carros — (+1A. 4D. 4H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 3.
Vezina frowns, the pain rushing to her ears and she can hear her heart beating. She doesn’t move, waiting for Nyssa to either make a mistake or finish the battle. (FAILED ATTACK.)
Nyssa Samos (+2A. 5D. 32H.) rolled a die with 10 sides. The die showed: 6.
Nyssa can’t bring herself to attack again, she realizes she doesn’t need to as Vezina sways and falls, the blood loss finally catching up with her. Nyssa rushes to her almost friends side as her eyes slip closed, knowing she has won but unable to feel joy about it, her hand on Vezina’s wet arm as the battle ends. (4 DAMAGE TO VEZINA DUE TO SUSTAINED INJURY. ATTACK NEGATED THROUGH NARRATIVE.)
The announcer blares a horn, and the battle is declared WON by NYSSA SAMOS.
