[h1]The Contest System of Veluria[/h1]

In Veluria, Pokémon Contests are more than just elegant displays—they are [i]battlegrounds of style, strategy, and spirit[/i]. Overseen by the Major Arcana’s Contest Icons, the circuit is rigorous, cutthroat, and deeply symbolic, with each ribbon not only signifying skill but acting as a potential key to fate itself.

Each Contest distributes [b]four Ribbons[/b] per event, and progression through the Contest is determined through a structured, high-stakes format:

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[b]Contest Phases[/b]

[i]1. Presentation Phase[/i]  
All contestants participate in a themed performance. Judges evaluate based on creativity, synergy, and execution.  
→ [b]One Ribbon[/b] is awarded to the best presentation of the round.  

[i]2. Battle Phase[/i]  
Those who score high enough advance to competitive battles—where style must be matched with tactical brilliance.  
→ [b]Top 2 Finalists each receive 1 Ribbon[/b].  
→ [b]Overall Winner receives an additional Ribbon (total 2)[/b].  

Each Contest, therefore, awards exactly [b]4 Ribbons[/b]. With [i]8 Contest Halls[/i] across Veluria, a total of [b]32 Ribbons[/b] are distributed per circuit season.

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[b]Qualifying for the Grand Festival[/b]

To enter the prestigious [i]Grand Festival[/i], Coordinators must earn [b]5 Ribbons[/b]. This mathematically limits the Grand Festival to a maximum of [b]6 qualified contestants[/b] per season—assuming no ribbon hoarding.

However, [i]nothing prevents a coordinator who already holds 5 ribbons from continuing to compete[/i]. Some do this intentionally to:
- Prevent potential rivals from qualifying.
- Secure additional prestige and dominance.
- Exhaust and observe future competition.

This creates a competitive meta where power players can [i]gatekeep access to the Grand Festival itself[/i].

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[b]Ribbons from Previous Years[/b]

Coordinators may redeem ribbons from prior seasons under a diminishing return system:
- [b]2 ribbons[/b] from last year = 1 valid current ribbon  
- [b]3 ribbons[/b] from 2–3 years ago = 1 current ribbon  
- [b]5 ribbons[/b] from older seasons = 1 current ribbon  

This allows long-time coordinators to stay in play, but shifts the [i]number of potential Grand Festival contestants[/i] each year, based on who chooses to redeem.

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[b]The Path to Icon Status[/b]

Winning the Grand Festival grants the title of [b]Top Coordinator[/b], the highest civilian honor in contest artistry. But the journey doesn’t end there.

- A Top Coordinator enters a [b]3 months mentorship program[/b] under any Contest Icon of their choice.
- After their tutelage, they gain the right to challenge an Icon for their position.
- If victorious, they claim the Icon’s Brooch and seat, becoming part of the Major Arcana’s Circle of Eight.

Furthermore, any Contest Icon may [b]challenge the Star Icon[/b]—the current Top Icon who holds the legendary [b]Star Brooch[/b], also known as the [i]First Elite of the Emperor’s Royal Guard[/i].