Proposition: Intellectual Death Match

[Sporadic 2844]

The Proposition, titled thusly, was signed by the Mali'aheral Ellir'siol and displayed within the library for public perusal. Sheets of paper were left next to the original parchment, encouraging discussion, with each paper possessing a dotted line along the bottom, encouraging signatures.

 

---

 
The intellectual Death Match would be a one-on-one battle with no remorse and no pulled punches. Figuratively, of course. Although no blood shall be spilt, the Death Match could be likened to the brawling contests of dimmer societies. Yet, the Intellectual Death Match encourages and rewards the only kind of strength worth measuring: Mental Strength
 
Why?
For maehr'sae, one of two pillars upon which our proud city is built. The intellectual Death Match would be called into existence for the fostering of taelehan'ceru: Mighty Minds. The participants would be called 'Brain Gladiators', or 'Mind Gladiators'. 'Mind Warriors'  was considered, but the honorific conjures to mind the image of snooty wizards who think sparkles and circus shows are an acceptable substitute of true, rigorous intelligence.
 
When?
An intellectual Death Match is a short event requiring but two contestants and a judge, but each ties into a tallying system that lasts throughout a season. Our brightest and highest-tallied would face off at season's dawn with the intent of declaring intellectual supremacy. Needless to say, our Mali'thill would lock hands to make such an event well worth the time.
 
What?
An intellectual Death Match would come to pass in one of several 'Arenas', each designed to test a particular brand of intelligence. Arenas considered at this time are:
 
Debate: Given a subject by the judge, two contestants follow a format to defend their predefined stance on the subject. Victory is declared by the judge on merit, not viewpoint.

 Poetry: As vicious as High Elves would ever dare getting with another Mali'thill, poetry is a face-off of words and eloquence. The judge declares the victor, granted that no respectful yield has been called before the round's end.

Translation: An elven sentence of difficulty is presented to the contestants, with their assignment to translate such. A first-to-the-finish event, with the judge deciding if the translation rings acceptable.

 Permutation: A logic puzzle that involves the grouping of items based on pre-given clues. Another first-to-the-finish.

 Trivia: A tried and true contest where the Judge poses questions to contestants about History and Culture in turns.

 Acting: A trial for the creative side of the brain, this contest revolves around acting out an assigned Persona with limited time in each round, with the Judge, having no prior knowledge, attempting to guess the persona executed.

 Labyrinth: The maze is designed from floors of rooms in superposition, and clearing it within the shortest possible time will be an exercise for the brightest gladiators at the end of a season. 
 
Who?
The Mali'aheral who feel pure enough to satisfy the threshold outlaid by the maehr'sae, which this author hopes is a substantial amount. Gladiators from outside the city may be asked to compete, mostly for a good laugh between the serious rounds.
 
Naturally, he/she who would emerge victorious from the Death Matches would be given rewards and status fitting to the display of such mental capacity. 
 

[Supremacy 3361]

A note is pinned below:
 

It appears to be not a death match at all. Perhaps you ought give it a more accurate title.

[hex37 737]

((What, no high stakes chess? ))

[Major Dom 1297]

((Is this a High Elf exclusive contest? For example, could a Hafling Druid participate?))

[Sporadic 2844]

A note is pinned below:

 

It appears to be not a death match at all. Perhaps you ought give it a more accurate title.

 

The reason for this metaphor and many others is the expected level of fervor. I would still expect a Mali'aheral fighting for their maehr'sae to do so as vigorously as they would for their life, even if their blood isn't to flow.

If this means we have to mop up a few dissappointed Uruk before we commence then so be it.

 

 

((What, no high stakes chess? ))

 

((did we invent chess? The criteria behind viable 'Arenas' is that they are portable and proxy into the MC RP environment without much difficulty. Suggestions for doing so are welcome.))

 

((Is this a High Elf exclusive contest? For example, could a Hafling Druid participate?))

((Well, it seems unproductive to exclude people from RP if it isn't necessary. I'm sure there's a few Mali'aheral around who'd love nothing more than proving IC that their intellect is far beyond that of anything the lesser races can muster.

In short: hopefully, but it depends on the city's attitude.))

[hex37 737]

((http://en.lichess.org/ , I use it all the time for IC chess, in one famous instance, against an event necromancer.))

[Major Dom 1297]

((Well, it seems unproductive to exclude people from RP if it isn't necessary. I'm sure there's a few Mali'aheral around who'd love nothing more than proving IC that their intellect is far beyond that of anything the lesser races can muster.

In short: hopefully, but it depends on the city's attitude.))

((In that case, keep me posted on this. I am /so/ in.))

[PtahWithin 1320]

((Call it, The Contention of Grey Power))

[Lago 2572]

((Make it so that the battle continues until one is physically slain by the strength of the other's argument))

[cruzazul 2815]

((Don't racially segregate. Us poor Fjarriuaga want to join :3))

[Supremacy 3361]

((Hush, the high elves just killed one of your kind infront of the gates. No need to kill others)).

[Sporadic 2844]

Ellir returns to the library later to find any left feedback upon her proposition, finds none, and frowns, muttering something about participants.

 

((It's not that I mind the OOC comments, just that I need IC feedback as well as actual participants to get initiative off the ground. Maximal RP generation is the goal here.))

[Jon Evaglno 202]

*Jon most likely would never see this, considering he avoids Haelun'or like the plague. But if he did, he would begin reading it, get excited, and leave dejected, muttering about deceptive names.*

[Major Dom 1297]

Eldon receives news from a High Elf friend he has residing in Haelun'or about a battle of wits. Grinning devilishly, Eldon sends the friend a note to be pinned near the flier.

 

"Dear Mali'aheral, I am Eldon, of the Druidic Order. I have received news of your contest and wish to pit myself against the best of your esteemed race. I am a halfling. I hope you accept my challenge."

[Supremacy 3361]

Kalenz reads the note and nods before penning a response:

This seems curious. When shall it be held?