The Celestial Games are a Thalassai tournament tradition in which mages compete in varied, dangerous trials. Past champions include Hadrian, Aelius and Ignaros. Aelius won several Games, helping him become an imperator. The trials were grueling and could kill competitors, but their prizes attracted strong mages. Records of earlier tournaments were kept in books studied by Virel during his stay in Chronasis.
The Celestial Games are a Thalassai tournament tradition in which mages compete in varied, dangerous trials. Past champions include Hadrian, Aelius and Ignaros. Aelius won several Games, helping him become an imperator. Records of earlier tournaments were kept in books.
Renewed Games
After the Xalmyrran cycles ended and the wall fell, Cassian planned a smaller event to find worthy imperators, with many legati expected to enter. He intended to invite competitors from across the world to a larger tournament once the train network was operational. The first test was approaching while preparations continued in Chronasis.
The Celestial Games are a Thalassai tournament tradition in which mages compete in varied, dangerous trials. Past champions include Hadrian, Aelius and Ignaros. Aelius won several Games, helping him become an imperator. Records of earlier tournaments were kept in books.
Format
The events remain secret from participants until the Games begin. Reviewing the proposed events prevented Cassian from entering; Nethira assisted with preparations instead of competing. The Games include duels and races alongside more demanding trials. No competitor had completed even half the trials, and winners often succeeded in only a few.
Thalena's suggestions for the next Games included taming a beast and bringing it to Chronasis, retrieving an object from an active volcano, and catching a fish from Lake Eternity. She also proposed exploration quests, such as mapping northeastern Valrindor and returning with proof of a visit to Vireen. Some allowed temporary teams; some banned Essence draining except to save a participant at the brink of death, and even that emergency use brought immediate disqualification.
One promised prize was the opportunity to bond with an astragon. The creatures choose their own riders.
Renewed Games
After the Xalmyrran cycles ended and the wall fell, Cassian planned a smaller event to find worthy imperators, with many legati expected to enter. He subsequently organized a simpler competition before reviewing Thalena's more demanding proposals. With the train network running, he prepared to invite competitors from outside Thalassai.
Thalena spread word of the Games while riding Glin through Haverloch, Stormhaven and Kyranthos. In Axanaxa, she arranged a sea route to Thalassai to help competitors reach the tournament, offering engine improvements and Thalassai ferries. Kazehiro wanted to compete for the chance to bond with an astragon; Khoradyn and Virel also expressed interest.
Thalena's disappearance delayed the Games. Cassian continued preparing, but told Virel the tournament would not take place just yet.
The Celestial Games are a Thalassai tournament tradition in which mages compete in varied, dangerous trials. Past champions include Hadrian, Aelius and Ignaros. Aelius won several Games, helping him become an imperator. Records of earlier tournaments were kept in books.
Format
The events remain secret from participants until the Games begin. Reviewing the proposed events prevented Cassian from entering; Nethira assisted with preparations instead of competing. The Games include duels and races alongside more demanding trials. No competitor had completed even half the trials, and winners often succeeded in only a few.
Thalena's suggestions for the next Games included taming a beast and bringing it to Chronasis, retrieving an object from an active volcano, and catching a fish from Lake Eternity. She also proposed exploration quests, such as mapping northeastern Valrindor and returning with proof of a visit to Vireen. Some allowed temporary teams; some banned Essence draining except to save a participant at the brink of death, and even that emergency use brought immediate disqualification.
One promised prize was the opportunity to bond with an astragon. The creatures choose their own riders.
Renewed Games
After the Xalmyrran cycles ended and the wall fell, Cassian planned a smaller event to find worthy imperators, with many legati expected to enter. He subsequently organized a simpler competition before reviewing Thalena's more demanding proposals. With the train network running, he prepared to invite competitors from outside Thalassai.
Thalena spread word of the Games while riding Glin through Haverloch, Stormhaven and Kyranthos. In Axanaxa, she arranged a sea route to Thalassai to help competitors reach the tournament, offering engine improvements and Thalassai ferries. Kazehiro wanted to compete for the chance to bond with an astragon; Khoradyn and Virel also expressed interest.
Thalena's disappearance delayed the Games. Cassian continued preparing, but told Virel the tournament would not take place just yet.
Kazehiro reached Chronasis while the Games were postponed and was offered a place to stay. Preparations later resumed: at the Valrindor Council, Cassian invited representatives and their nations to take part in the future Games.