Fiction:

A group of displaced workers and former militia from Kiast in, living and working in the underwater Rift district, who have moved into the city to help develop it, begin protesting against Sunrider’s leadership, claiming that the rebuilding efforts favor the wealthy top of the House and leave them struggling in squalor. They’re demanding fairer treatment for workers and the displaced population.

The protests have seemingly come out of nowhere and escalated quickly, leading to organized strikes and whispers of upcoming riots. However, an anonymous source suggests the rebellion isn’t organic—someone is funding and weaponizing their anger for personal gain. If Sunrider doesn't act, this could spiral into an uncontrollable movement. Suspecting rival House influence, the Quaestor has sent you to investigate.

Hard choice:

This competition will include a Hard Choice, designed to challenge your character’s morals and as an additional challenge for you as a writer. The Hard Choices are:

• Negotiate in Good Faith: This could mean making major concessions to the workers and possibly playing into the hands of foreign influence, weakening Sunrider’s hold on the city, and emboldening future opposition.
• Let the Protests Happen and Frame a Rival: Use misinformation to turn public opinion against a rival noble house, blaming them for the unrest.
• Use Force, But Blame a Third Party: Order a violent crack down on the protests—but stage it to look like a rogue security faction or rival worker group is responsible, allowing Sunrider to come in later as the "savior" to restore order.

Competition details:

• The only story limitation in this competition is that you must choose one of the Hard Choices detailed above and write the story with that in mind
• Entries must meet a minimum of 500 words for participation.
• Entries will be graded according to the Fiction Grading Rubric 3.0
• Placing entries may be canonized in House Fiction, after Summit and author approval.