Author Games: The Measure of a Mage

The continent of Halyin has never been a quiet place. With four irate nations jostling for power and bristling with magical might, only the threat of an ancient treaty can keep the balance and prevent all-out war. The terms of the treaty outline a trial by combat, to which each nation must submit six budding magi in a time of tension. To the victor go the spoils- and to their nation the authority to resolve the situation.
The system had worked well for the millennia since its creation. For the most part, crisis were averted for fear of sacrificing the young to a deadly contest. Enforced by the four Guardians sworn to neutrality, the ritual has gone unused for over a century. Until now.
When a monstrous weapon of war escaped from a sorcerous lab and began terrorizing the countryside, it was all too easy for the nations to blame each other and prepare for battle. Six candidate magi were chosen from the magical academies in each country. Now, all twenty-four shall be tested in body, mind, wizardry, and heart, against each other and the magical might of the Guardians.
The times are dark. Only in hours like these can one truly take the measure of a mage.