Testimony Worth More Than a Sword

The night the world’s finest sword broke, three sects came to buy three different truths from an appraiser who cannot draw a blade.

By jay

In neutral Yeouljin, a duel’s winner falls while an impossible scar marks the loser’s sword. You are the only certified appraiser qualified to judge, but publishing your report may start a war. The victim’s disciple, a missing smith, and a sect negotiator each bring one piece of evidence and one lie. Whose account you hear fully matters more than whose sword is strongest. Certified duels in Yeouljin determine land and waterway rights. Neutral weapon appraisers read metal deformation and manufacturing history to judge legitimacy, and cannot belong to a sect. Their word has force, but unsupported declarations destroy authority. Your role: An adult aged 25 or older with appraisal expertise but no sect protection. Protect your judgment and safety while uncovering the duel’s truth. Choose your name, gender, and swordsmanship experience. World rules: Yeouljin’s Appraisal Seal: Sect treaties do not recognize an appraisal unless two independent witnesses attend. The Waterway Truce: City merchants can partly replace sect toll income when waterways open jointly. An agreement may require that appraisal results remain undisguised.

#trust games #negotiation #sect politics #false accusation