Author Games: Path of the Guildpact

Semifinals: Poor Unfortunate Souls

Allard found it perhaps more satisfying than was strictly necessary that the only candidate to fail the demon's bloody test was a vampire from his own guild. It would have been entirely crude and inappropriate to say so out loud, of course. Nonetheless, he felt it, and didn't entirely regret it to boot.

He was dressed for a funeral as he slid Hesperia Haera's folder into the cabinet.

~*~

He had never before found occasion to visit the great basilica of Orzhova. Part of it was almost certainly his preoccupation with his job in New Prahv- before these trials had begun, he could count on his finger the number of times he left Azorius territory. Nonetheless, there existed within him a certain discomfort with the grand spires and lavish architecture of the basilica. It lacked the precise, functional structure of the structures of his home, and shadows dusted the nooks and high arches above, obscuring all that might lay in hidden observation.

It was an eerie feeling, the uncertainty. He had to consciously restrain himself from signing a quick ward of protection- in Orzhov, such a thing would only invite attentions he was not prepared to engage.

He took his seat in one of the uncomfortable stone pews, something niggling at the back of his mind. He felt sure that there was something he was supposed to do...

After a moment, he dismissed it from his mind. Whatever it was could surely wait until later. After all, gaudy or not, an Orzhov funeral was the sort of event that one's grandchildren would hear about for years to come 

And for all his faults, Beleren surely deserved one last show of pomp and circumstance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Requirements

-The location: Orzhova, the Church of Deals, guildhall of the Orzhov Syndicate. The event: the funeral of Jace Beleren, the former Guildpact. Individuals from all over Ravnica will be showing up to pay their respects, regardless of guild or affiliation. The attendees and customs are yours to decide, so be creative! 

-While your tribute is at this event, they will be approached by a representative of the Syndicate. The Orzhov don't have a trial in mind for the candidates; instead, they're looking to strike a bargain in exchange for their signet. To obtain it, your tribute will have to choose one of the following options:

--Sign a magical contract promising your soul to the Syndicate for 2000 years after the event of your death.

--Sign a magical contract promising to render judgment in the Orzhov's favor in the first case they bring you after you become Guildpact.

Deaths: Two tributes will be receiving byes this round. The others will go up for votes, with one tribute leaving us.

Due Date: Wednesday, April 5 at 10 PM EST