You awake in your room on Harvest Eve, the first day of the Festival of Syndaris. By looking through the small pane of glass that separates you from the outside world, you can see a sky that is bright and clear. The temperature in your room dropped considerably during the course of the night; so you surmise that it may be a cold, autumn day. You complete your usual morning routine, and prepare to become one of the celebrants on the streets--streets that are decorated with the traditional blue festoons, pennants, and ribbons associated with this event.
Adventurers, if you wish, we can assume that all of you purchase a morning meal in your respective places of lodging and then shortly thereafter report to the tournament field at midday. If, however, you have something else you wish to do or some other place you wish to visit, then please let me know and we will walk through that. The city of Talisten, you can tell, is likely to have any sort of vendor, artisan, or shopkeeper you might need.
After a frugal breakfast the elf waits near the fireplace reading his spellbook and taking ocasional sips from a cup of tea he had ordered. He waits in the common room, after opening the door and let the eagle fly to strecht her wings, to see if he gets a glimpse of the dwarf he listened last night.
One hour before midday he stands, grab his things and get out, leaving 2 silver pieces on the table for the innkeeper. The eagle soon descends from the sky and perchs herself at his shoulder while he walks, today with his hood covering his face, towards the tournament field.
Arissa wakes up and, after a nice breakfast, goes out into the street and toward Tournament Square, taking in her surroundings before the tournament. She will pay the entrance fee as soon as possible.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Xellos wakes up and stretches his limbs then cracks open the window in his room to take a deep inhale of the crisp, cool autumn morning air. He slept quite soundly after two glasses of whiskey so the air feels especially pleasant. After dressing himself and gathering his belongings, he goes downstairs in the Sham's Peg to have a small breakfast of fruit, grains, and smoked cheese—particularly enjoying the calm inside the Inn without the cluster of drinking patrons from the night before. He leaves a note for Sham on the bar just after finishing with the intention of him seeing it later.
Had a very pleasant evening. Exactly what I needed for my first night in an unknown city so far from home. If you happen to see or know Sib, you have him to thank for recommending your place. Loved your whiskey. —X
Making sure his belongings are secure, black cloak is firmly covering his head, and gives a sharp exhale to prepare himself as he walks outside. Slowly making his way down the street, he takes in the sites and decorations for the festival as he walks; Using the directions Sib gave him he makes his way to Tournament Square. Xellos will linger on the fringes of any crowds as he scans the area for a place to sign up for the events. If he sees a place to do so he will make his way over and pay before it gets too crowded so he won't have to queue up.
Kurt leaves the inn after a hearty breakfast, heading towards the tournament asks a merchant where he could sell a few gemstones.
"kind sir, My name is Kurt and I have traveled far to attend this amazing festival. However Dues to the distance involved I find myself rather low on funds. I am looking to sell a 2 gemstones to provide me with said funds. To which I can spend here in this amazing city."
Kurt leaves the inn after a hearty breakfast, heading towards the tournament asks a merchant where he could sell a few gemstones.
"kind sir, My name is Kurt and I have traveled far to attend this amazing festival. However Dues to the distance involved I find myself rather low on funds. I am looking to sell a 2 gemstones to provide me with said funds. To which I can spend here in this amazing city."
This merchant makes an insulting offer: two pieces of gold for each gemstone. Later, a second merchant does little better. So, you walk a bit farther to see if the third jeweler/lapidary you've heard is in town might be a bit more reasonable.
As shown in the out-of-character PM thread, the merchant pays you 80% of the market price. For both stones that comes to 16 gp.
Ozum springs out of bed and slips on his boots. He takes great care to make sure they are laced tightly before throwing on his cloak and backpack. He grabs his staff leaning against his bedpost before making his way to the bedroom door. He stops short and kisses a sprig of mistletoe that was concealed in his pocket before crossing the threshold and making his way downstairs for breakfast.
After the meal is finished, the gnome strolls out into the crisp autumn air. He looks around and begins heading toward where he believes the tournament field to be.
The tournament area is, as you expected it to be, alive with eagerness and excitement. Most of the people that have gathered in the large open grassy area are there to spectate. And some of them, of course, are there not only to watch but to place a few bets and go home a with a few more pieces of gold in their pockets.
In the center of Tournament Square stands a small canopy under which two of Talisten’s guards are receiving entry fees and registering the contestants. The process is quick—an exchange of money, a signature on a piece of parchment, and a stern warning that any use of magic will be considered not only dishonorable, but a civic offense punishable by a fine. “Certain experts will be keeping an eye on each contest to ensure that there is no funny business taking place,” states one of the guards.
The prizes for each contest are posted for all to see. As stated on the flyer you saw yesterday, in all seven contests the third-place finisher earns 50 gold pieces, and second-place finisher earns 100 gold pieces. The first-place prize for each contest is a specific magic item as follows:
Archery: Arrows +1 (quantity 8)
Juggling: Bag of Tricks (rust)
Obstacle course: Rope of Climbing
Knife throwing: Dagger +1
Stone throwing: Potion of Hill Giant Strength
Greased-pig catching: Oil of Slipperiness
Magician’s gambit: Deck of Illusions
Furthermore, grand prizes will be awarded to the three contestants who are the overall highest point earners in the tournament. For these three individuals, the chance is given to select an item from the following list. The Lord or Lady of the Tournament selects first, then is followed in order by the first runner-up and second runner-up.
Before, during, and after waiting your turn to pay your entry fee you hear bits of conversation here and there that reveal to you that the Tournament of Talisten will officially begin when Thoradin Brokenhammer, wielder of Talisten’s mace, gives the opening blessing. It is, therefore, a matter of some surprise when someone other than Thoradin makes her way through the crowd and up the set of stairs so she can stand on the main stage overlooking the tournament area. At first glance this person seems human, but it doesn’t take long to realize that she also possesses some elven qualities in her facial features and mannerisms. Extremely long, dark hair is pulled to the back of her head and then tumbles down to her waist. She wears finely-crafted leather armor and a scimitar hangs from her hip. A dark green cloak protects her from the autumn chill. Despite her small size, athleticism, grace, and authority seem to emanate from this half-elf female. Her identity is quickly revealed to you by someone nearby who comments, “It is Sariel, the druidess! Lovely to see her but odd that she’s the one to stand and open the tournament with a blessing. Where’s Thoradin?” A few murmurs from other places in the crowd indicate that Sariel’s appearance at this moment is, generally, unexpected.
The crowd hushes itself as soon as Sariel stands at center stage. She speaks. “Citizens of Syndaris and Friends of Syndaris, today I am honored to represent all the Windhovers as we prepare to commence the Tournament of Talisten. As you compete in the games may you do so in the spirit of sincere gratitude, acknowledging that we are a fortunate people that live in a prosperous land. Our citizens and guests will use their strength and skill today to win gold and other prizes to commemorate those first Windhovers who were called upon to use their strength and skill to win back the goodness and safety of our island realm. By the authority granted to the Windhovers, and with the permission of the Chancellor of Talisten, and with the blessing of Kiri-Jolith, I say to you this tournament is now open. Let the games begin!” Sariel then smiles warmly as she overlooks the crowd and hears their cheers.
Well, adventurers, all of us have been doing some extensive role playing up to this point. That will change for a short while as we make our way through the tournament. These contests are built on applying your character’s abilities, skills, and proficiencies (along with some dice rolls) to different scenarios. I have never done anything like this before in my experience as a DM; so I’m interested to see how it plays out. I thank you in advance for beta testing this idea!
I’m hoping to do at least one contest today, before Alora’s brief hiatus. Doing so will help me to see if I need to make any adjustments to the other contests during our break from the adventure next week. Archery will be the first contest; so check the next post to see how it will work. Thanks!
NOTE: Various NPC's will be participating in the tournament. I will provide not only their rolls, but their abilities and skills so you can see what modifiers apply to them.
Here’s how your character’s abilities, skills, and proficiencies—along with your dice rolls—will be used to generate a score for your character in the archery contest:
You will roll 1d20, add your DEX modifier, and add your proficiency modifier if you are proficient with the shortbow or simple ranged weapons. (Basically, you’re making an attack roll).
You will roll five times, once for each arrow.
Your rolls plus all modifiers will translate as follows:
0 – 6: arrow misses target (0 points)
7 – 10: arrow lands in outer circle (3 points)
11 – 14: arrow lands in middle circle (6 points)
15 – 18: arrow lands in inner circle (9 points)
19 or more: arrow lands in bullseye (12 points)
Any player whose score is tied with another player or NPC play a tie-breaker round with each contestant being given only three shots
Alora woke earlier than the others and attempted to find the temple of the Morninglord in the city to ask about her uncle before making her way to the tournament. Alora will hopefully bumping into her acquaintances from the evening before to accompany them to the contest field.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
*You heard them. No magic whatsoever. Take a look for them and the bow*
Adds Frandal putting the bracers on his quiver along with his longbow
Frandal walks towards the fire line checking the string and the bowshaft thet they lend to him. He reaches his spot and looks at the target. He takes off his hood and notch the arrow. Pull the string back, breathe, relax and... fire!
Archery: 28 / 23 / 23 / 24 / 15 / 28 / 16 / 13
(OOC: I have noticed that if I change something while editing, before one roll, when it it reposted the roll changes. So I don’t dare to add my points as futuristc did sorry!.
One more thing, no advantage for beign tall and marvelous? ;) (joking he’s an elf after all ;) )
Alora woke earlier than the others and attempted to find the temple of the Morninglord in the city to ask about her uncle before making her way to the tournament. Alora will hopefully bumping into her acquaintances from the evening before to accompany them to the contest field.
Your walk to the temple was pleasant and peaceful, for the city wasn't fully awake yet. Unfortunately, those within the temple had no knowledge of or familiarity with anyone by the name of Baltus.
You don't see Mithro, Huck, and Garrett until you actually arrive at Tournament Square.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Xellos grumbles at hearing no magic allowed, but shrugs his shoulders and makes his way to the line with the shortbow anyway. He fumbles around with it awkwardly, giving a glance to his crossbow. (No proficiency)
He notches the arrows and looses them in succession, making sure his cloak stays on his head at all times. "If only magic missiles were allowed..." He says.
(Sorry if I missed this, but are we going one at a time or is this multiplie people on an archery range going at once?) Xellos would give a nod to the elf with the eagle that he saw at Sham's last night if he was next to him.
Arrows:
8
16
5
18
22
48 points
Xellos stares wide-eyed at his decent success with a weapon he isn't familiar with handling.
Day 2
You awake in your room on Harvest Eve, the first day of the Festival of Syndaris. By looking through the small pane of glass that separates you from the outside world, you can see a sky that is bright and clear. The temperature in your room dropped considerably during the course of the night; so you surmise that it may be a cold, autumn day. You complete your usual morning routine, and prepare to become one of the celebrants on the streets--streets that are decorated with the traditional blue festoons, pennants, and ribbons associated with this event.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adventurers, if you wish, we can assume that all of you purchase a morning meal in your respective places of lodging and then shortly thereafter report to the tournament field at midday. If, however, you have something else you wish to do or some other place you wish to visit, then please let me know and we will walk through that. The city of Talisten, you can tell, is likely to have any sort of vendor, artisan, or shopkeeper you might need.
After a frugal breakfast the elf waits near the fireplace reading his spellbook and taking ocasional sips from a cup of tea he had ordered. He waits in the common room, after opening the door and let the eagle fly to strecht her wings, to see if he gets a glimpse of the dwarf he listened last night.
One hour before midday he stands, grab his things and get out, leaving 2 silver pieces on the table for the innkeeper. The eagle soon descends from the sky and perchs herself at his shoulder while he walks, today with his hood covering his face, towards the tournament field.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Arissa wakes up and, after a nice breakfast, goes out into the street and toward Tournament Square, taking in her surroundings before the tournament. She will pay the entrance fee as soon as possible.
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Xellos wakes up and stretches his limbs then cracks open the window in his room to take a deep inhale of the crisp, cool autumn morning air. He slept quite soundly after two glasses of whiskey so the air feels especially pleasant. After dressing himself and gathering his belongings, he goes downstairs in the Sham's Peg to have a small breakfast of fruit, grains, and smoked cheese—particularly enjoying the calm inside the Inn without the cluster of drinking patrons from the night before. He leaves a note for Sham on the bar just after finishing with the intention of him seeing it later.
Had a very pleasant evening. Exactly what I needed for my first night in an unknown city so far from home. If you happen to see or know Sib, you have him to thank for recommending your place. Loved your whiskey. —X
Making sure his belongings are secure, black cloak is firmly covering his head, and gives a sharp exhale to prepare himself as he walks outside. Slowly making his way down the street, he takes in the sites and decorations for the festival as he walks; Using the directions Sib gave him he makes his way to Tournament Square. Xellos will linger on the fringes of any crowds as he scans the area for a place to sign up for the events. If he sees a place to do so he will make his way over and pay before it gets too crowded so he won't have to queue up.
After Apocalypse - Liavyre Withrethin Elf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse - Leofir Sylvaranth Elf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call - Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides - DM
Kurt leaves the inn after a hearty breakfast, heading towards the tournament asks a merchant where he could sell a few gemstones.
"kind sir, My name is Kurt and I have traveled far to attend this amazing festival. However Dues to the distance involved I find myself rather low on funds. I am looking to sell a 2 gemstones to provide me with said funds. To which I can spend here in this amazing city."
Kurt Stoneseeker
Ragmin Graybeard
As shown in the out-of-character PM thread, the merchant pays you 80% of the market price. For both stones that comes to 16 gp.
Ozum springs out of bed and slips on his boots. He takes great care to make sure they are laced tightly before throwing on his cloak and backpack. He grabs his staff leaning against his bedpost before making his way to the bedroom door. He stops short and kisses a sprig of mistletoe that was concealed in his pocket before crossing the threshold and making his way downstairs for breakfast.
After the meal is finished, the gnome strolls out into the crisp autumn air. He looks around and begins heading toward where he believes the tournament field to be.
The tournament area is, as you expected it to be, alive with eagerness and excitement. Most of the people that have gathered in the large open grassy area are there to spectate. And some of them, of course, are there not only to watch but to place a few bets and go home a with a few more pieces of gold in their pockets.
In the center of Tournament Square stands a small canopy under which two of Talisten’s guards are receiving entry fees and registering the contestants. The process is quick—an exchange of money, a signature on a piece of parchment, and a stern warning that any use of magic will be considered not only dishonorable, but a civic offense punishable by a fine. “Certain experts will be keeping an eye on each contest to ensure that there is no funny business taking place,” states one of the guards.
The prizes for each contest are posted for all to see. As stated on the flyer you saw yesterday, in all seven contests the third-place finisher earns 50 gold pieces, and second-place finisher earns 100 gold pieces. The first-place prize for each contest is a specific magic item as follows:
Furthermore, grand prizes will be awarded to the three contestants who are the overall highest point earners in the tournament. For these three individuals, the chance is given to select an item from the following list. The Lord or Lady of the Tournament selects first, then is followed in order by the first runner-up and second runner-up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before, during, and after waiting your turn to pay your entry fee you hear bits of conversation here and there that reveal to you that the Tournament of Talisten will officially begin when Thoradin Brokenhammer, wielder of Talisten’s mace, gives the opening blessing. It is, therefore, a matter of some surprise when someone other than Thoradin makes her way through the crowd and up the set of stairs so she can stand on the main stage overlooking the tournament area. At first glance this person seems human, but it doesn’t take long to realize that she also possesses some elven qualities in her facial features and mannerisms. Extremely long, dark hair is pulled to the back of her head and then tumbles down to her waist. She wears finely-crafted leather armor and a scimitar hangs from her hip. A dark green cloak protects her from the autumn chill. Despite her small size, athleticism, grace, and authority seem to emanate from this half-elf female. Her identity is quickly revealed to you by someone nearby who comments, “It is Sariel, the druidess! Lovely to see her but odd that she’s the one to stand and open the tournament with a blessing. Where’s Thoradin?” A few murmurs from other places in the crowd indicate that Sariel’s appearance at this moment is, generally, unexpected.
The crowd hushes itself as soon as Sariel stands at center stage. She speaks. “Citizens of Syndaris and Friends of Syndaris, today I am honored to represent all the Windhovers as we prepare to commence the Tournament of Talisten. As you compete in the games may you do so in the spirit of sincere gratitude, acknowledging that we are a fortunate people that live in a prosperous land. Our citizens and guests will use their strength and skill today to win gold and other prizes to commemorate those first Windhovers who were called upon to use their strength and skill to win back the goodness and safety of our island realm. By the authority granted to the Windhovers, and with the permission of the Chancellor of Talisten, and with the blessing of Kiri-Jolith, I say to you this tournament is now open. Let the games begin!” Sariel then smiles warmly as she overlooks the crowd and hears their cheers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, adventurers, all of us have been doing some extensive role playing up to this point. That will change for a short while as we make our way through the tournament. These contests are built on applying your character’s abilities, skills, and proficiencies (along with some dice rolls) to different scenarios. I have never done anything like this before in my experience as a DM; so I’m interested to see how it plays out. I thank you in advance for beta testing this idea!
I’m hoping to do at least one contest today, before Alora’s brief hiatus. Doing so will help me to see if I need to make any adjustments to the other contests during our break from the adventure next week. Archery will be the first contest; so check the next post to see how it will work. Thanks!
NOTE: Various NPC's will be participating in the tournament. I will provide not only their rolls, but their abilities and skills so you can see what modifiers apply to them.
ARCHERY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s how your character’s abilities, skills, and proficiencies—along with your dice rolls—will be used to generate a score for your character in the archery contest:
Archery results for NPC Indira (+1 DEX, +1 Proficiency modifier): 3 9 13 6 9
33 total points
Alora woke earlier than the others and attempted to find the temple of the Morninglord in the city to ask about her uncle before making her way to the tournament. Alora will hopefully bumping into her acquaintances from the evening before to accompany them to the contest field.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Arissa is excited to begin.
Archery: 9 (12) 13 (3) 14 (3) 14 (12) 23 (3)
Total Points: 33
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
*Why are you taking off your bracers?*
*You heard them. No magic whatsoever. Take a look for them and the bow*
Adds Frandal putting the bracers on his quiver along with his longbow
Frandal walks towards the fire line checking the string and the bowshaft thet they lend to him. He reaches his spot and looks at the target. He takes off his hood and notch the arrow. Pull the string back, breathe, relax and... fire!
Archery: 28 / 23 / 23 / 24 / 15 / 28 / 16 / 13
(OOC: I have noticed that if I change something while editing, before one roll, when it it reposted the roll changes. So I don’t dare to add my points as futuristc did sorry!.
One more thing, no advantage for beign tall and marvelous? ;) (joking he’s an elf after all ;) )
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kurt strides could confidently to the shooting line. Smiles at the every one, then let’s fly
one, two, then the next 3 in the quick succession
.19:12
24:12
11:6
18:9
14:6
total 45
Kurt Stoneseeker
Ragmin Graybeard
Archery results for NPC Morindak (+2 DEX, +0 Proficiency modifier): 18 13 15 17 16
42 total points
Archery results for NPC Jerrick (+0 DEX, +2 Proficiency modifier): 14 2 16 7 10
24 total points
Archery results for NPC Garrett Goodbarrel (+3 DEX, +0 proficiency): 21 10 15 11 18
33 total points
Xellos grumbles at hearing no magic allowed, but shrugs his shoulders and makes his way to the line with the shortbow anyway. He fumbles around with it awkwardly, giving a glance to his crossbow. (No proficiency)
He notches the arrows and looses them in succession, making sure his cloak stays on his head at all times. "If only magic missiles were allowed..." He says.
(Sorry if I missed this, but are we going one at a time or is this multiplie people on an archery range going at once?) Xellos would give a nod to the elf with the eagle that he saw at Sham's last night if he was next to him.
Arrows:
8
16
5
18
22
48 points
Xellos stares wide-eyed at his decent success with a weapon he isn't familiar with handling.
After Apocalypse - Liavyre Withrethin Elf Ranger
Dragon of Autumn - Geoff Krowly Human Cleric
Princes of the Apocalypse - Leofir Sylvaranth Elf Rogue
The Windhovers' Call - Xellos Mazoku Tiefling Sorcerer
High Times at Low Tides - DM
Archery results for NPC Renzor Smythe (+2 DEX, +2 Proficiency modifier):16 16 16 13 22
27 total points