Attendants carry the sleeping contender beyond the circle, leaving Damakos alone beneath the banners, his purified sword still sheathed at his side. The council gathers before him.
Scribes from Jursial, Elterra, Alterra, Starsa, Filinist, and Carsten arrange fresh ledgers upon the raised dais. Quills hover as the arena settles into silence.
the tournament herald
The first question is entered under the clarified compact. Let the victor answer only as witness and competitor, owing no allegiance.
the Jursial scribe
Damakos Honourbound, did you recognize the malicious power within your opponent before the contest began, and if so, why did you not alert the wardens?
The question passes through the arena like a drawn blade. Several scribes record the wording precisely, while the sanctified wards around the sealed stair give a faint, watchful shimmer.
Elieren Gulres
They ask about his judgment, but they are measuring whether fear can be made into authority.
Paladin Sola
The record will preserve his answer as testimony, not command. Ask plainly, and do not turn caution into accusation.
“Folding my arms behind my back I answer, "I acted the moment I sensed a malignance. Doing what I believe best to both handle the threat will ensuring the least amount of innocents were harmed in the process."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Damakos Honourbound
I acted the moment I sensed the malignance. I did what I believed would handle the threat while ensuring the fewest innocents were harmed.
Damakos folds his arms behind his back as he answers, keeping his voice level beneath the watching banners. The arena remains silent except for quills moving across parchment.
the Jursial scribe
You recognized danger and chose not to raise an alarm. You claim restraint was the safer course?
Paladin Sola
He acted within the circle, where the threat could be contained. The sleeping contender lives, the crowd is unharmed, and the record should acknowledge that result.
Elieren Gulres
They wanted hesitation to sound like negligence. His answer gives them judgment instead, and judgment cannot be made into obedience.
the tournament herald
The testimony is entered: Damakos recognized the malignance, acted at once, and prioritized limiting harm to innocents.
Quest Complete
Answer the alliance council's questions
Skill Upgrade: Magic Great→Superb