[ Like clockwork, the Sage's voice emanates from the pendants. However, unlike the previous one, there's no rush, no hurry, and no unnecessary prodding on his end: the Sage's words are even and cool, without a hint of tension or strain.
Even without his reminder, everyone should be familiar with this routine. All this message shows is, in this place, there are cordialities to be kept. Especially on Tuesdays.
As soon as everyone enters the Great Hall, letters form together in green, glowing brightly and vibrantly. ]
Succession
Some among you have begun to waver when it comes to the challenge—or should I say some of you had no intention of participating from the very beginning? There are a number of you who thought themselves above these "games", while others believed themselves too weak or too dim to be little more than a sacrifice. For those of you who have had neither hope nor a reason to fight, allow me to inspire you.
I request you take a look at the pendant hanging from your neck. Many of you have questioned their purpose, how they work, and why you've been given these specific gems. Allow me to shed a small amount of light on these pendants—and one of the many functions they serve. The pendants keep a tenable connection to your world. They are what will allow us to return you safely from where you were taken. The longer you wear them, the more they attune to you and the easier it shall be to return you to the precise moment you were taken. However, through this process we've found something... interesting.
Though I can't say why or how—those who you have strong bonds with have become candidates for the challenge. These candidates can be easily plucked from their worlds to replace any Warrior here who fails to perform their duties.
I should mention, each of you has only the one replacement. They cannot be exchanged for anyone else's, much as you might wish that were the case.
[ As if to prove his point, the pendants against everyone's chests glow faintly. An image of an individual floods your vision; it could be your best friend, a sibling, a lover, a spouse, or even just someone you feel a deep connection to. The image persists briefly, just long enough for you to recall the life you were swept away from. Then, it breaks. ]
Last week, the more skeptical among you failed to take me at my word. The threat to your lives and worlds proved to be too much for you to fathom, and I fear today's incentive shall meet the same fate.
That is why should any of you require something more substantial than my word... I shall provide it.
[ A long wooden table shimmers into existence containing a whole menagerie of items. Most of them might not make sense to you, but don't worry. As you gaze over the objects, your eyes will settle on one that should stand out to you—it's an item that belongs to the individual you saw in your vision.
These items are very much real (though there are no weapons or any other dangerous objects), and you're free to take them and keep them. Think of it as a gift, or perhaps a friendly reminder of what's truly at stake here. ]
If this challenge fails and none of you are willing to battle the corruption, your loved ones will become your substitutes. Continue rising to the challenge, else we won't be able to guarantee the safety of those you witnessed.
Their lives are in your hands. Have a good day, my warriors.
[ Following his words, the letters dissipate into nothingness, leaving everyone with the distant memory of those vivid images. ]
Incentive
[ Like clockwork, the Sage's voice emanates from the pendants. However, unlike the previous one, there's no rush, no hurry, and no unnecessary prodding on his end: the Sage's words are even and cool, without a hint of tension or strain.
Even without his reminder, everyone should be familiar with this routine. All this message shows is, in this place, there are cordialities to be kept. Especially on Tuesdays.
As soon as everyone enters the Great Hall, letters form together in green, glowing brightly and vibrantly. ]
Some among you have begun to waver when it comes to the challenge—or should I say some of you had no intention of participating from the very beginning? There are a number of you who thought themselves above these "games", while others believed themselves too weak or too dim to be little more than a sacrifice. For those of you who have had neither hope nor a reason to fight, allow me to inspire you.
I request you take a look at the pendant hanging from your neck. Many of you have questioned their purpose, how they work, and why you've been given these specific gems. Allow me to shed a small amount of light on these pendants—and one of the many functions they serve. The pendants keep a tenable connection to your world. They are what will allow us to return you safely from where you were taken. The longer you wear them, the more they attune to you and the easier it shall be to return you to the precise moment you were taken. However, through this process we've found something... interesting.
Though I can't say why or how—those who you have strong bonds with have become candidates for the challenge. These candidates can be easily plucked from their worlds to replace any Warrior here who fails to perform their duties.
I should mention, each of you has only the one replacement. They cannot be exchanged for anyone else's, much as you might wish that were the case.
[ As if to prove his point, the pendants against everyone's chests glow faintly. An image of an individual floods your vision; it could be your best friend, a sibling, a lover, a spouse, or even just someone you feel a deep connection to. The image persists briefly, just long enough for you to recall the life you were swept away from. Then, it breaks. ]
Last week, the more skeptical among you failed to take me at my word. The threat to your lives and worlds proved to be too much for you to fathom, and I fear today's incentive shall meet the same fate.
That is why should any of you require something more substantial than my word... I shall provide it.
[ A long wooden table shimmers into existence containing a whole menagerie of items. Most of them might not make sense to you, but don't worry. As you gaze over the objects, your eyes will settle on one that should stand out to you—it's an item that belongs to the individual you saw in your vision.
These items are very much real (though there are no weapons or any other dangerous objects), and you're free to take them and keep them. Think of it as a gift, or perhaps a friendly reminder of what's truly at stake here. ]
If this challenge fails and none of you are willing to battle the corruption, your loved ones will become your substitutes. Continue rising to the challenge, else we won't be able to guarantee the safety of those you witnessed.
Their lives are in your hands. Have a good day, my warriors.
[ Following his words, the letters dissipate into nothingness, leaving everyone with the distant memory of those vivid images. ]