The Diplomacy Phase marks the beginning of the Silken Pact — a sacred time where Houses must set aside rivalry and wield persuasion, tact, and vision to form alliances that will shape the coming battles. This phase decides which three Houses will unite under one banner, and which three will stand against them in the tournament.

Purpose

The Diplomacy Phase exists to encourage strategy, dialogue, and political skill among House Wardens.
It ensures that alliances are earned, not assigned, creating a layer of depth and identity behind each coalition that competes in the Silken Pact.

Who Participates

• House Wardens serve as the primary diplomats of their respective Houses.
• Wardens may consult with their Deputies, Champions, or trusted members, but only the Warden may confirm or sign an official alliance declaration.
• The Squad Authority observes and validates all alliances formed.

Phase Structure

1. Opening of Diplomacy

• The Squad Authority announces the start of the Diplomacy Phase.
• All Houses are now free to negotiate, propose alliances, and draft offers through official communication channels (Squad threads, GC, or server channels designated for diplomacy).
• Discussions may include shared strategies, leader roles, or proposed Coalition Leaders (House Champions).

2. Negotiation Period

• Houses have a limited time window (usually 48–72 hours) to finalize their talks.
• During this period, Wardens may:
  • Form proposals (e.g., “House A seeks alliance with Houses B and C.”)
  • Offer incentives or cooperation plans (e.g., combined training, support in other events).
  • Conduct private or open negotiations — but all final agreements must be confirmed in public declaration form.

3. Declaration of Alliances

• Once negotiations conclude, the House Wardens of the allied Houses must issue a joint declaration.
  This declaration must include:
  • The names of the three allied Houses
  • The chosen Coalition Name (optional, but encouraged)
  • The designated Coalition Leader (House Champion)
• The declaration must be posted in the official match thread or Council channel for approval.

4. Squad Authority Validation

• The Squad Authority will review all submitted alliances to ensure:
  • No House is part of multiple alliances.
  • No alliance creates clear imbalance or violates fairness.
  • All participants are eligible and properly represented.
• Once validated, the Squad Authority officially seals the alliances.
  • From this moment, the Diplomacy Phase ends, and the Combat Phase begins.

Rules & Restrictions

• Each House may only be part of one alliance.
• Alliances are locked once declared and approved.
• Secret or undeclared pacts outside the official process are void and penalized.
• Wardens who withdraw or alter alliances after confirmation may face sanctions from the Squad Authority (e.g., temporary suspension from the next Pact).
• The Coalition Leader must be confirmed in the same declaration.

Strategic Tips

• Balance matters: Pair strength with wisdom; don’t form alliances purely by rank — complement each other’s strengths.
• Diplomacy is public: How you treat other Houses now may echo in future Pacts.
• Choose your Leader wisely: The Coalition Leader represents your alliance in all official matters.
• Unity over Ego: The Silken Pact rewards harmony; discord within an alliance can lead to defeat.

Conclusion

The Diplomacy Phase is not a pause before battle — it is the first battle.
Words are weapons, trust is currency, and every alliance forged here will echo through the history of the Sentinels.
When the threads are chosen and the pact is sealed, the loom of fate shall weave a new champion beneath the banner of Silk.