It’s ancient China and there are two emperors. As there can only be one emperor, they are about to go to war. They have all their armies and ships ready to fight. However, instead of fighting, they agree to decide the outcome with a philosophical battle where they will each have their best philosopher answer the question: What is the ultimate truth? The philosophers will privately present their answer to panel of judges, who will decide the winner. The first emperor tells his best philosopher the situation, and that he has three months to prepare his presentation. That philosopher doesn’t know the ultimate truth, but works as hard as he can on the problem for three months. Three months later, he still doesn’t know, but it's time to present, so he does his best. He introduces his idea and all the relevant background for three hours, and then finally says, “the ultimate truth is that something is.” He then goes out of the room, while the other philosopher gives his presentation. Three hours later, the first emperor goes to his philosopher, says, “we lost” and offers him a drink, which the philosopher knows is poison because he failed. The question is, what did the other philosopher say?

We sound like Eden as a pair. Make us weight, we won't play fair. Sometimes consensus, most times schism. Usually locked away in prism. If by chance you seek, then throw. The serpent sees where we meet low. We carry freight when we meet high, But separate us, and we die.

Unlike other rulers I am strengthened by neglect. Over my jurisdiction, great taxes I elect. When routine dues are paid, I am weakened severely. Yet if too long delayed, it may cost you quite dearly. My vault is of the flesh, my tellers silver and bone. The upkeep of the kingdom is financed with a loan.

I have a heart that never beats, I have a home but I never sleep. I can take a mans house and build anothers, And I love to play games with my many brothers. I am a king among fools. Who am I?

You may think me an actor; people come from all over the world to see me play my role. The play begins like all plays do – the red curtain draws aside, and I come onto the stage. There is one other actor. He is dressed in beautiful, bright clothing. I, however, am entirely naked. There are many acts in this play, in between which the other actor helps me to get dressed before the curtain reopens. He dresses me in colorful piercings and a red coat. The story we tell is a tragedy through dance. My choreography is straightforward, but if he forgets his then the play is over. Either way, I consider this a once in a lifetime performance. What role do I play?

I'm the end that brings the end, I'm the one that hides. Shackles gird me waist to toe, Sealed in tower I. Ever tasked to make amends, Slowly here I die. My stricken foe you'll never know, His death is met with sigh.

Twice born but once it dies. A more feline obelisk then a dairy soar. Some to royalty will rise. When seen by many they're adored. What is it?