“Something interesting? You are one lucky fellow,” the guard said as he studied Lazarus. “See that giant arena in the distance? The inventor's games will be starting soon. It's one of the biggest events in all of Czarina and a true show of Seraphim skill.” he added, neglecting to mention that all the races were of course allowed to enter. “In fact, if you hurry you just might make the opening ceremonies....”

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The crowd roared to life as the announcer and master of ceremonies took to the center of the arena. The contest was held each year in a Colosseum nicknamed the Magnus for its sheer size. Tens of thousands could fit in the circular arena, and certainly it seemed as if that many had attended for the day's activities. The arena itself had been made perfectly flat through earth magic, with over a hundred workbenches scattered throughout evenly, all facing inward. In the center a massive pit loomed, dark and ominous. 

While the announcer riled the crowd up with stories of past winners and returning champions, the competitors were being given a much more useful explanation of the rules by the judges in an underground chamber leading out into the arena. “Each competitor will be allowed to enter each of the three main events. Placing well in any event will score points proportional to your rank, while placing poorly will cost you an equal amount of points. Not competing in any event will not be penalized, and the winner will be determined by their total combined score.”

Three additional judges stepped forward, all seraphim in official garb, each representing a different event. “The first event will be weaponry,” the leftmost said, glancing down at parchment. “All competitors will be given an hour to create a weapon of their choosing. Targets will be provided for demonstration. Ranged weapons are allowed but you must create your own ammo. You will be scored on craftsmanship, durability, originality and, of course, lethality.”

“The weapons event will be followed by armor,” the second instructed. “Competitors will have two hours to create as many pieces of armor as they wish. Competitors in this event must have an assistant to model the armor. A precaution: the armor will be tested, so do not enter if you are not confident in your design or care for the survival of the person assisting you. Points will be awarded for quantity of armor as well as quality, weight, craftsmanship, flexibility where appropriate, and function where magically enhanced.”

“Finally,” the center seraphim said, stepping forward, “we will close with the trinket event, a crowd favorite. Competitors will be given three hours to refine and showcase any items they have brought with them or create in that timeframe. Entries from previous years will not be accepted. They can be anything, so be creative! The winner will be determined by panel evaluating each item's uniqueness, durability, function, visual appeal, and by crowd reaction.”

“In a moment we will be opening the gates and you will be directed to the bench prepared for you. I see some new faces this year,” the head judge said, nodding at Cadogan, “so I expect to be surprised. Winners, don't get lazy because you won in in previous competitions.” As the gate began to rise light poured in from outside as the cheers of the audience shook the very walls. “GOOD LUCK” the judge shouted as he pointed towards the exit, shielding his eyes from the light. “MAY THE BEST INVENTOR WIN!”

Outside, the master of ceremonies greeted the inventors and officially began the event by firing a bolt of energy high into the air. The bolt arced in the sky and flew down into the massive pit, which exploded into a massive flame that rose above the Colosseum itself. Embers flew from the pit, dancing through the sky in a magical display and earning cheers from the crowd as they fluttered down to each station, lightning coals to be used in smithing.

The first event had begun.