In Fourth Place:

To borrow a phrase from my partner's lexicon: much feels. Such pain. Christopher Barros thrived on his witty, engaging interactions with characters like his mentor at Castelobruxo and Elspeth, his partner-in-ship. It's been a privilege to have some quality writing behind some quality romance in any Games, but he just took it to the next level. Well done indeed (we still don't forgive Veronica. Just thought you should know.)

In Third Place:

Another veteran of my Games, Clove_Thenardier showed her skill with Kamaria Sehene, our resident photographer. Her character, despite being mild compared to some of the more... flamboyant tributes, retained a subtlety and deft touch that lingered in every entry but was particularly evident in the Finals. The note of bittersweet hope at the end was quite lovely, and perfectly appropriate to her character.

In Second Place:

No one does torment quite like CAKersey, and we all hurt a bit when Kazuhiko Tommi was put through hell- a bit more literally than we ever anticipated. Though it was clear from the beginning that he wouldn't end happily, his fate as a tormented ghost of Mahoutokoro  was beautifully written and shockingly sad nonetheless. He has truly earned his place in the top four.

So obviously, that leaves...

Three rules for winning Games (by Elspeth Anne Ladds)

1. Begin with a base of humor and add the Rule of Threes for added spice.

2. Stir in character development and perfectly paced backstory as you reach out and form all-too-adorable ships.

3. A sprinkling of extra-painful one-liners can never do any harm.

There we have it! Author Games: The City of Gold has officially ended. 

It's been a treat hosting these Games with Rappy (it was so fun, we're doing it again pretty soon.) If there was any lingering fear of the HP Games curse after Jack famously broke it, you fabulous writers have done so very well to banish it completely. 

We would like to thank all our wonderful competitors, as well as everyone who cared enough to read, vote, and comment. We couldn't have done it without you, and it gives our cold little hearts just a bit of warmth to see how people actually care about these things.

Tune in tomorrow on Rappy's account for another joint Games, or somewhat later for a solo Games from me.

-The Narrator/TheCatKing/Joe

and The Narrator/RappyTheDinosaur/Rappy

(Maybe there's one more thing:)

SPOOKY'S NINTH CLUE: Wheeahnlx

NEXT KEY: A=H