The plot of the chess match is obviously a Sburb analogue (after Prospit loses the battle for Skaia, represented by a chess board), the heroes have to continue playing the game after their king is killed by Derse's forces. No idea what the connection to UU is but it's definitely there.
also I'm confused as to who the protagonists are in this book. the guys who are getting murdered and lose? also, since the antagonist, Calmasis represents Prospit (by extension, UU?), the protagonists represent Derse? rose, you so crazy.
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