Right of Conquest Announced

[Ebon Ilnaren]

On Sunday April 7th, at the start of the current Duel of Swords cycle, couriers ventured from the Arena to all of the Baronial Manors, delivering a token to each Baron. These tokens denoted a new Right of Conquest granted to each Baron.

At a press conference held in the Arena, Ebon Ilnaren spoke to a collection of sports journalists and other interested parties amid a barrage of camera flashes. "This new initiative is designed to heighten activity and excitement for all those who enjoy the Duel of Swords, whether as participant or audience member. Each Baron has been given a token granting them the right to stake their own Barony in challenge to another Baron. The victor would then have the option of retaining both Baronies, under the same alignment towards the Overlord, or releasing one without penalty to be left vacated until it can be awarded to a new recipient appropriately, such as at the All-Ranks Tournament at cycle's end. Also, please note that no Baron can reign over more than two Baronies at any one time." He gestured towards a raised hand. "Yes?"

"Caros Mathers, Ringside. How often can Barons gain and use this right?"

"Once per cycle, and an existing Baron does not gain an additional right of conquest upon gaining a second Barony. Howevert, new Barons are given that right mid-cycle upon attaining the rank. The right expires at the end of the cycle." replied Ebon. "Next question?"

A woman with a RhyDin Post press pass called out. "Are there any changes to how these challenges will be handled, compared to regular challenges?"

Ebon nodded in response. "Good questions... yes and no. Baron vs. Barons challenges such as these will still be posted upon the Arena corkboard, to be validated and accepted just as any other challenge, and challenging Barons must have fought a regulation duel within the past 30 days before issuing their challenge. However, there are no testings or intercessions allowed, not even by the Overlord, and they will always be fought as a single duel." He chuckled as a few groans of protest arose from the audience. "I know, we all love a good best-of-three show, but these are duelists who have already proven their skil and fitness for the rank of Baron. We should give them that courtesy. I've time for one more questiom... there."

"Thank you," rumbled a sharp-suited orc. "Vash Gorr, Clash of Arms. You mentioned alignments earlier. Currently renegade Barons can have a queue of multiple challengers. Will that hold true for this new right?"

With a shake of his head, Ebon responded. "No, in order for a Right of Conquest challenge to occur, neither the challenging nor challenged Barons can already be under challenge from another source. However, there is no grace period, as any reigning Baron can be challenged by another as long as neither is otherwise involved in a different challenge. So we may see Barons being challenged in rapid succession, with a new challenge being issued almost immediately after the previous one has been fought and posted. So things could get very interesting indeed." With a smile, Ebon stepped back from the microphone. "Thank you all for coming! I hope you're as excited about this as we are in the Arena management! Good night!"



((The OOC post and discussion thread for the Right of Conquest can be found here.))