However, Handy’s little foray into international diplomacy back in Canterlot had set off something of a buzz. Ponies began speculating about Prince Blueblood’s participation in the tournament on behalf of Equestria, and Handy’s own, shall we say, exaggerated social profile served to spread anticipation for the festival far beyond Firthengart’s own borders. This in turn attracted not only the idle nobility in Firthengart itself, excited for the possibility of seeing an Equestrian prince put in his place, but also attracted more and more griffons of means and commoners from surrounding counties and provinces.