A World Between Realms

First Trial

As the time of the First Trial approached, an air of expectancy settled over the gathered spectators and participants alike. Lords, ladies, elders, and even the king himself were present, each person aware of the weight of history bearing down upon them. For many, witnessing this event was akin to stepping back into the dawn of their kingdom, a time when ancient rites and divine interventions shaped the path of their civilization.

Set within the dense and expansive woods, was designed not only as a strategic challenge but also as a test of survival, lasting a grueling three days and nights. The event would commence at midday and conclude exactly 72 hours later on the third day. Each has an emblem, a sacred symbol bestowed by the gods during the day of choosing, which they were tasked to protect at all costs. The survival of their emblem was symbolic of their house's honor and future prosperity.

The woods themselves seemed to pulse with arcane magic, a reminder that this trial was not merely a test of strength and strategy but also of favor with the divine. As the teams began their constructions.

Each team was acutely aware that their success depended not only on the natural materials like wood and stone available in the forest but also on their skill and teamwork in utilizing these resources. The challenge was twofold: physically, to construct fortifications robust enough to withstand assaults, and strategically, to design their defenses in a way that maximized the natural advantages of their chosen location. This required each team to not only build effectively but also to plan carefully, ensuring their fortress could endure the trials of the coming days.

The air was thick with both tension and excitement. Strategies started, alliances were about to test, and the sounds of construction mingled with the sound of the wild. The elders and lords, watching from designated safe zones, murmured amongst themselves, noting the strengths and potential weaknesses of each approach.

The king, observing from a secluded vantage, understood that this trial was more than a test of endurance or skill—it was a manifestation of each participant's ability to inspire and lead, qualities necessary for those destined to shape the future of the kingdom.

Trial Directions

Survival Aspects:
- Food and Supplies: Each team was responsible for their own sustenance. This meant foraging, hunting, or using pre-allocated food supplies cleverly over the duration of the trial. Managing these resources effectively was crucial, as physical strength and alertness could be the difference between victory and defeat.

- Shelter and Fortification: The fortresses served dual purposes; not only did they act as strategic defense points, but also as shelters from the elements and the chill of the night. Constructing and maintaining these structures required a balance of time and effort, with teams needing to allocate members for continuous building, fortification, and scouting duties.

Scoring System:
- Fortress Overtaken: Points were awarded for each successful breach of an opposing team's fortress.

- Emblem Taken: High points were allocated for capturing an opposing team's emblem, reflecting its symbolic importance.

- Members' Disabilities: Deductions were made for members tagged out or incapacitated, emphasizing the need for strategic caution and team protection.

      As the starting hour approached, each team huddled, finalizing their strategies and preparing mentally and physically for the intense days ahead. The woods came alive with the sounds of preparation; chopping wood, constructing makeshift walls, and setting up concealed outposts.