Xorvintaal
KSS>or-vin-taa(h)l
A game Dragons use as a proxy for open warfare.
Execution
Xorvintaal was like a chess game, as players had to defeat their opponents with strategy instead of combat. Dragons who played Xorvintaal took great pains to not be discovered by others, as well.
Components and tools
There were hundreds of rules, called 'precepts'. It is said that to read the entire codex of rules would take a few years, and even some players of the Great Game have admitted they don't fully understand all the rules. The rules are so complicated that it was rare for the less intelligent dragon, such as the whites, to play the game.
Points are scored based on conquest or by killing key opponents, although players also scored points by showing great skills of subterfuge, daring or renown. Points scored in the game were used to determine the pecking order of dragons.
Points are scored based on conquest or by killing key opponents, although players also scored points by showing great skills of subterfuge, daring or renown. Points scored in the game were used to determine the pecking order of dragons.
Rules
- The most important rule was that "to gain, first you must lose"; thus all Taaldarax lost what magic they had in order to play the game.
- Another rule forbade the players from acting against each other directly; instead they must use their servants against their opponents. The rules did not forbid combat in all circumstances, however; if a challenge for combat was issued and both players agreed, the Taaldarax could battle one another, and their servants were bound to fight as well.
- If a Daramaekstrix is wrongly ousted from his location, the offender is given a single warning by a Taaldarax to return the location to it's previous owner. If the owner is dead, the location must be forfeited by the offender. If the offender refuses to comply with the Precepts, they are to be killed by a Taaldarax.
- The Daramaekstrix of the Skyfire Legion may not join Xorvintaal, and Taaldarax may not interfere with the Skyfire Legion by any method, including their servants.
Comments