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The other Champions start for the door, but stop and look at you when you speak up with your question. “If we’re caught stealing, is the penalty based on gem quantity, or value?”
The champions heads turn from you to the Jester, and you see the flicker of a smile at the edge of the his mouth, “By value, rounded down. So if, for instance, you had a diamond, an amethyst, and a ruby, totaling 175 points, and were caught stealing, you would be forced to surrender the amethyst and ruby to whomever you tried to steal from.”
You nod, the penalty on stealing isn’t too harsh, all things considered. Good to know.
“Any other questions?” The Jester asks, while he has your attention.
“The Jesters Corps will be surveilling us throughout the entire game, then?” The question comes from a pale, black haired boy who looks an age with you. He’s short and extremely lean, with porcelain skin and pitch eyes. His voice is soft and smooth and its echo beneath the high-vaulted ceilings of the Emperor’s bed chamber imparts to it a sinister almost snake-like quality.
“Not necessarily the whole game. Often enough. My brothers and I have a knack at going undetected, so you will not know the difference.” The force of some taboo implication dances between the Jester’s answer. Does that mean you could possibly get away with some form of cheating so long as the Jesters aren’t watching? Would there be anyway to know for sure?
“Will all challenges be placed at once? Or will they appear throughout the course of the game? Are there any hints or clues as to the location of the challenges.” The speaker has the characteristic accent and tan skin of an Erratian. He looks to be among the oldest of the champions. He has long, black hair tied and decorated ornately with lapis-lazuli filigree that match his piercing blue eyes.
“Challenges will be placed throughout the competition, and may appear in any place at any time. Occasionally hints, clues, or even outright announcements will be provided as to the location of a challenge.”
After that, there are no more questions. The Jester bows, and steps backwards towards the wall at the Emperor’s side. The knights lead you back into the antechamber and you can see each of the Champions processing the rules of the bizarre contest.
"What an exciting competition." You say with your usual bravado, feeling no awkwardness at addressing the group of mostly strangers.
A few of the other champions look at you, but no one responds.
"Given that one of us will be the future Emperor, wouldn't it be best if we all got to know each other before we become enemies tomorrow?" You ask.
The expression on their faces tells you that most of them had become so focused on the competition, that they had already forgotten about the prize.
"I'll come." A tall, handsome red haired boy dressed in fine, regal clothing is the first to respond. "Best that you all get to know your future Emperor." He says snidely.
(Cont).
