void write_error(const std::string &error);

        faction_a.place_at(place_a);
        faction_b.place_at(place_b);

        // Place the different factions in different orders on
        // alternating rounds so that one side doesn't get the
        // first-move advantage for all rounds.
        if (trials_done & 1)
        {
            faction_a.place_at(place_a);
            faction_b.place_at(place_b);
        }
        else
        {
            faction_b.place_at(place_b);
            faction_a.place_at(place_a);
        }

        parse_monster_spec();

        try
        {
            parse_monster_spec();
        }
        catch (const std::string &error)
        {
            write_error(error);
            end(0, false, "%s", error.c_str());
        }