diff --git a/src/moai/core/orchestrator.py b/src/moai/core/orchestrator.py
index 5116a8e..6cd548b 100644
--- a/src/moai/core/orchestrator.py
+++ b/src/moai/core/orchestrator.py
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ import asyncio
 import logging
 
 from moai.core.ai_client import get_ai_client
+from moai.core.models import Discussion, RoundType
+from moai.core.services.discussion import create_message, create_round
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -69,3 +71,107 @@ async def query_models_parallel(
     results = await asyncio.gather(*tasks)
 
     return dict(results)
+
+
+def build_context(discussion: Discussion) -> list[dict]:
+    """Build conversation context from all rounds and messages in a discussion.
+
+    Converts the discussion history into OpenAI message format. The original
+    question becomes the first user message, and all model responses are
+    formatted as user messages with model attribution for context.
+
+    Args:
+        discussion: Discussion object with eager-loaded rounds and messages.
+
+    Returns:
+        List of message dicts in OpenAI format:
+        [{"role": "user", "content": "..."}]
+    """
+    messages = []
+
+    # Original question as first message
+    messages.append({"role": "user", "content": discussion.question})
+
+    # Sort rounds by round_number
+    sorted_rounds = sorted(discussion.rounds, key=lambda r: r.round_number)
+
+    for round_ in sorted_rounds:
+        # Sort messages by timestamp within round
+        sorted_messages = sorted(round_.messages, key=lambda m: m.timestamp)
+
+        for msg in sorted_messages:
+            # Format: "**Model:** response" as user context
+            formatted = f"**{msg.model.title()}:** {msg.content}"
+            messages.append({"role": "user", "content": formatted})
+
+    return messages
+
+
+async def run_discussion_round(
+    discussion: Discussion,
+    models: list[str],
+    project_name: str,
+    round_number: int,
+) -> dict[str, str]:
+    """Run a single round of sequential discussion.
+
+    Each model is queried in sequence, seeing all prior responses including
+    those from earlier in this same round. This creates a true sequential
+    discussion where GPT sees Claude's response before responding.
+
+    Args:
+        discussion: Discussion object with eager-loaded rounds and messages.
+        models: List of model short names in execution order.
+        project_name: Project name for context.
+        round_number: The round number being executed.
+
+    Returns:
+        Dict mapping model name to response text.
+    """
+    client = get_ai_client()
+
+    # Build system prompt with participant info
+    models_str = ", ".join(models)
+    system_prompt = SYSTEM_PROMPT.format(models=models_str, topic=project_name)
+
+    # Create the round record
+    round_ = await create_round(
+        discussion_id=discussion.id,
+        round_number=round_number,
+        round_type=RoundType.SEQUENTIAL,
+    )
+
+    # Build initial context from prior rounds
+    context_messages = build_context(discussion)
+
+    # Store responses as we go (for sequential context building)
+    responses: dict[str, str] = {}
+
+    # Query each model SEQUENTIALLY
+    for model in models:
+        try:
+            response = await client.complete(
+                model=model,
+                messages=context_messages,
+                system_prompt=system_prompt,
+            )
+            logger.info("Model %s responded successfully (round %d)", model, round_number)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error("Model %s failed (round %d): %s", model, round_number, e)
+            response = f"[Error: {e}]"
+
+        # Persist message
+        await create_message(
+            round_id=round_.id,
+            model=model,
+            content=response,
+        )
+
+        # Add to responses
+        responses[model] = response
+
+        # Add this response to context for next model in this round
+        formatted = f"**{model.title()}:** {response}"
+        context_messages.append({"role": "user", "content": formatted})
+
+    return responses