6.12 The concept of game-in-microcosm.

There is an important principle, here in Avalon, that is not entirely addressed by the contents of the pivotal HELP SADISM: that of game-in-microcosm. In order that younger or less skilled Avalonians may develop it is crucial that they are allowed to go through their own struggles, against enemies of equal and challenging stature. It is not the place of the great to bully the small, even if this is in defence of one of their own: their charge will not live to thank them, will not improve, will not find the freedom to respond independently to the challenges that may face them. The end result of mollycoddling, whether in the name of bullying, revenge or plain interference is a dearth of rising talent. This cannot be.

"Conflict to the point of it being unconscious - REALplay not ROLEplay; extremes that don't break..."

Avalon is a land that thrives on conflict and consensus. It is a world of extremes and subtleties. You, the great, must allow the young to experience the spectrum at their own level. The rewards will be obvious: they will mature faster, more independent, more innovative. Olympus trusts in the gamesense and intelligence of the great and the middling and the young alike to understand and apply the principles of game-in-microcosm. The pantheon will look with active displeasure on those who do not.