"Just before the Lord was about to stumble, a rock crashed off the edge of the cliff. The sound dispersed the shroud of pride, restoring the clarity of noble purpose in him. Despite the Manticore’s worthy attempt, the Griffin’s might reigns supreme and the throne of valor stands strong! Will this ever change? Only destiny, which guides the weapons of Lords and Ladies, knows the answer. For now, let us all praise the fearless Griffin!" Bits and pieces of the herald's festive announcements could be heard even through the tunes of the wandering troubadours, who had wandered into one of the border imperial taverns. Not all of the local guests shared the joyous mood due to the completion of the Great Contest, though.
"All those mirror-loving scoundrels… Damn them!" The smuggler grumbled as he downed a pint of strong ale, hoping to drown his frustration in the bitter drink.
"Forget about it. The outcome was decided from the beginning," said the cloaked thief sitting across from him. "A week before the contest began, my accomplice's sister's husband eyed a shipment of golden silk arriving in Harbor City. He had a mind to snatch a few rolls for his wife, except they doubled the guard. Seems like Her Majesty ordered a new ball gown for herself, so she might as well decorate the walls of Capital City with the color of her outfit."
"For real?" The surprise made the smuggler put his mug down.
"Oh yeah. Where do you think all these ‘coincidences’ come from? Odd partners appearing out of nowhere and disappearing again. Magic copies on the opposite side, even as loads of contestants are signed up and waiting for a match. These ain’t just my assumptions, either. Take it from the contestants. They wouldn’t lie, would they? Noblesse oblige, if you know what I mean."
"What a cunning wolf she is!" cried the smuggler, his mug crashing down on the table with a bang. "Wish I’d known it earlier, before I bet all my money on…"
"Relax. A couple of smuggling trips and you’ll be back in business. Just remember the secret route – the Lady plotted it herself. Those lazy imperial dogs won’t go anywhere near it." The thief raised his pitcher higher. "Here’s mud in your eye, brother!
Taking the last sip of ale, the cloaked figure moved stealthily toward the exit, passing a table with a blacked-out drunk. Suddenly one of the drunk’s eyes opened up, not looking foggy from alcohol at all, cautiously surveyed the surroundings for a moment and closed again. Snoring, chewing, champing and squelching noises followed.
Valiant Lords and Ladies! The Great Contest was undoubtedly a great success! Everyone fought well, but only one side could emerge victorious. Once again the Griffin side has triumphed, winning 2 out of 3 rounds with a score of 18,684 vs 18,510. Warlord Grammith and dwarven commander Tolgar thank every contestant for taking part in this glorious battlefield event!
All those who attained 3 wins have received a time-limited buff that will last through August 15:
Those who fought for the Griffin side: +15% to faction skill points gained
Those who fought for the Manticore side: +10% to faction skill points gained
They have also received the corresponding banner icon in their profiles.
Those who attained 30 wins have been additionally rewarded with their side’s Order artifact!
In honor of the victory, the Griffin banner will assume its rightful place above the capital gate until the end of August 2023.
What’s more, everyone who attained at least one win has received 3 buns as a gift:
Eat them by September 1 before they go bad.
Glory to Griffin! |
