Quentin has nothing specific, just cheering on his friends and making sure his fools don't get themselves or him into too much trouble. 

(( Elwin will watch the others to support them, but otherwise just wait for the dinner at the hall ))

Del has seen the future, where he was the least bad battling bard. He spent the day cheering on the others, feeling a bit guilty about not being part of the healers, and playing motivational songs. 

He tries to find a good home for Alcari to make room for Bongo and Laughtrack. It was indicated some horse trading naturally occurs where there are knights and adventurer-types. The hyenas should take the lowest of the three tapestry rooms set up for stalls, so the horses won't have to walk past.

Then dinner and music

Raven watches the others, and keeps an eye out for anyone sneaking around trying to harm her companions.

She does so from the shadows.

Stealth: 27

Passive perception: 20.

Raven sees nothing particularly underhanded going on, and at least nothing that threatens her friends. The contests of the day all over but the barding, she mainly sees gambling money changing hands

Del, having spoken to Alcari and knowing she would prefer to go home to Lomalos, approaches Sir Banith Vithan, who happily offers to purchase the beautiful mare of Royal Guard stock for 20 gold.  His hope of getting a ridiculous bargain are thwarted when Sir Kevill Aldalire scoffs and immediately offers three times his price.  Sir Banith raises his offer, and Sir Kevell triples it again. You get the feeling that Aldalire is making such high bids mainly to annoy Sir Bannith (and because he can afford to.)  In the end, Sir Bannith stomps away fuming as Sir Kevell smilingly pays you 375 gold for the mare (if you accept it) saying, "She is a lovely creature, and the horses of the Royal Guard are known for their steadiness, intelligence and courage. I promise she will see lighter work and more comfortable accommodations in the Aldalire stables than she ever would in the hands of the Vithans. I have a niece who would adore her."

Once the dinner is over, and the bard competition has been concluded, Sir Rokkeek stands at the head table. "Now, before everybody gets too drunk--" There is a roar of mirth from the attendees. "It is time to dispense the spoils of the tourney! For those new to us," (he bows in Elwin's direction) "in ages past, it was the custom for the victors to be granted the horses and armor, spellbooks, or other weapons of one's defeated opponents. This led to a situation where half our knights would have to walk into battle naked, and the other half were obliged to open arms dealerships to capitalize on their gains." There is another roar from the assembled knights, and shouts of "Remember when Lady Whessander showed up for the Battle of Fellridge with nothing but a hatchet?" "Ha, and Sir Estabel dueling the ogre with no armor but a cooking pot on his head!" and other such reminisces.  When the hubbub dies down, Sir Rokkeek continues.

"Victors of the tournament may choose one of three options. "First, a simple pay-out of one thousand gold coins to the victor. Second, the victor may demand a ransom from each of the opponents they have personally defeated. The ransom may be in coin, equipment, or other requests. The defeated knight may protest a ransom demand as unreasonable, and the Officers of the Knights of the Hall will judge whether or not the ransom is valid.  The third option is to request a boon of the hall itself. Boons requested n the past have ranged from pleas to bring armed  forces to bear on an invasion of orcs, to requests that everyone in the hall donate one button to the victor. Any request will be carefully weighed and considered, although it is unlikely we will take up arms for you against peaceful creatures or other members of the Hall of Courts."

As the winner of the high-profile jousting competition, Lady Kassaria Trehearne is called first.  She says, "First, I would like to dedicate my victory to Sir Elwin Cold, the brave and gallant new knight who is to thank for this entire day of contests and entertainment."  Cheers for Sir Elwin rock the room.

"For my spoils, I claim ransom," Lady Kassaria continues. "Count Leithador, you have a foal arriving in a few weeks, by Ghostmane out of Belleth.  I claim it as mine. Sir Banith, you have a magical drinking horn, and I think I want it. Lady Marinell Vogboth...I want a public confession. At last year's Autumn Hunt, I killed three boars and before I could collect them, saw a fine stag.  By the time I had hunted down the stag and returned, the boars were gone. Coincidentally, I heard that your contribution to the feast was three boars. I demand to know. Did you steal my boars?"

Lady Marinell sputters and protests and denies, and knghts around the tables start chanting, "Zone of Truth! Zone of Truth!" and "Where's Baron Ollanpar?"  As the still-dazed-looking paladin approaches, Lady Marinell bursts out, "Oh, all right!  I overslept and was riding through the fens trying to find SOMETHING that the rest of you hoodlums hadn't already slaughtered or chased off. And I found three dead boars in the middle of nowhere with nobody around."

"With MY arrows in them," Lady Kassaria adds.

"Oh, all right, yes. I replaced your arrows with my own and turned them in, rather than have nothing to contribute to the feast. What do you want from me?  The price of three boars? Fine, you'll have it."

"All I wanted was the confession," says Lady Kassaria. She bows to the Officers of the Knights of the Hall, and to Elwin, and returns to her seat.  the red-faced Lady Marinell has to listen to humorous shouts of "Shame!" and "Pig-stealer!" for a while.

The second to be called is Clewis Thevrel, winner of the archery tournament. "I ask a boon of the Hall," he says. "I come from the small village of Thindwell. We harvest fine woods, herbs, nuts, fruit and hides from the wild forest, and used to send them by boat down the Elk river to the Arasrok, to sell to the towns and cities along the banks. The mayor of the city of Flitheret has placed a gate across the river, and now demands tolls for our boats passing through. We have the choice of losing much of our profit by paying the tolls, or having nobody to sell to but Flitheret, and they do not pay reasonable prices, and tax our goods even more than the tolls cost. There is no practical overland trade route, especially with the gnoll troubles, and we are in no position to threaten Flitheret with any sort of reprisals, and they simply refuse to negotiate with us. Might we beg the Hall to help us with this matter?"

The officers confer among themselves, and Sir Rokkeek says, "Your boon is accepted. We will send diplomats to Flitheret as soon as possible, and one way or the other, see that a reasonable way is found for the village of Thindwell to resume their trade." Clewis the archer bows to the officers and sits.

Next, Mindartis, Raven, Quentin and Del are called on to claim their spoils.

Elwin smiled and cheered as Lady Kassaria laid out her ransoms. She had really managed to catch his eye... but, he told himself, he had to focus on other matters first.

He listened rather intently to Thevrel's requested boon--or rather, to how the knights of the hall decided to handle the request. He realized he shouldn't have been surprised that they'd send diplomats, but upon reflection realized he still had a ways to go as one of them; diplomacy wasn't exactly the first option that had come to his mind.

Finally, he turned expectantly toward them as his companions were called upon.

Quentin spends some time to think about what he should ask for before finally speaking up, “Sorry my friends but I am going to be slightly selfish in this one and ask for a ransom from each of my opponents. From Frazzah I request your Staff of Absorption. From Billy five potions from your stock. And from Melvarin a copy of your spellbook.” Quentin then chuckles before saying, “Though as a personal favor from one member of the Ellentar court to another you have to tell me where you get your underwear made, they looked quite comfy.”

Melvarin turns bright red, and there's a lot of laughter.  He gives you his backup spellbook (you check to make sure all his spells are in it) and mutters, "Hetheler's on Kestrel Street." It's a fairly well-respected, but not exclusive tailor.

His spellbook includes:

 Frazzah hands over the Rod of Absorbtion with some regret, but resignation.

Billy asks what potions you would like. (Pick any 5 in the game, unless there is something insanely powerful like a wish potion i don't know about. :D I hold veto power.)

Del thanks Sir Kevell for his generous donation to those less fortunate, and thanks Alcari for her service. I send you safely home dear friend, may the grass be always greener 

He is a little uncomfortable with the whole prize thing, since (1) he won by being least bad rather than doing very well (b) he's not sure what he could take from these comrades that would help save the world and (on the gripping hand) pretty sure we can count on the knights at the right time anyway. So he turns it on its head Not a lover nor a fighter, but a picker and a grinner and a giver. I'll take the knights' gold, and spread it out some, starting with this - 200 second place prizes to each competitor (leaving Del with 400 - he did win) I'm not owed a ransom, but I'll bid you each two things. Spread the word about the conspiracy - you can sing songs about how it's left to us amateurs to rescue everyone - and send word if you gain any information. And second - none of us were at our best in the contest, were we? Lets jam together and raise the roof tonight

Playing a set that takes advantage of having a bagpiper - more Dropkick Murphys, obv, but a range of genres MC5, Public Enemy, Bill Withers for the tearjerker Performance 18

((still pretty lame. uffda))

The other bards cheer your generosity, and the fools demand to buy your drinks for the rest of hte night. (The drinks here are being served free of charge, so it's an inexpensive offer to make!)

Roll with advantage, you have backup! (And a point of Inspiration, in case you need to roll once more. ;) )

Obbie strums her lute! 11 She seems tired...

Sir Almeth toots his bagpipes! 14  Finally no longer under presssure, he shows that his reputation is deserved, after all.

Frazzah the Sorceress brings out her Bagpipes of Fire Resistance and asks to jam with you! She occasionally accidentally blows a little dragon breath through them, but that's why they are fire resistant.13 She is surprisingly skilled, and tells you she used to be a stage performer before she accidentally fireballed her costars and discovered her magical talents.

The Fools do backup vocals, drums and dancing! 14 and do it pretty well, for once.

People enjoy the music while they wait for the rest of the victors to claim their rewards.

((that was with advantage - I know my DM like he was my own DM. I wouldn't burn his last inspiration for an after dinner show - its for saving kids or friends))

Raven steps forward as her name is called.

"Sir Ethen Galasar, I would like to ask you to serve me for one year, I will pay for your food and boarding and will provide for your horse as well." She nods to the knight. "You have promise and I would like to see you grow in experience and renown."

"Lady Farenrax, you surprised me during our combat. You easily gave me the most trouble and I believe you will continue to grow in renown on your own." She says next. "I would like to request your tan bag of tricks as my boone for our battle."

"Duchess Mellivanda, You and I went round and round until one of us found the other." Raven says. "I think this battle could have gone either way... I would like to request you provide me with a set of studded leather armor enhanced defensively with magic to as powerful as you can afford."

Quote from DragonDenn >>

"Sir Ethen Galasar, I would like to ask you to serve me for one year, I will pay for your food and boarding and will provide for your horse as well."

 Elwin blinked, then tried to hide his smirk. "Well--these rewards are more serious than I expected!" he thought to himself.

Sir Galasar, out of work, inexperienced and looking for a leader, accepts. He knees down and swears to do your bidding for one year. "May our legends grow together, my lady!"

Lady Farenrax sighs and tosses over the bag. "You were my most dangerous game so far," she says.

The duchess looks relieved that you are not demanding any of her precious jewelry collection, and intrigued at the project. "I will set my most skilled artisans to work on the armor at once. I believe they will enjoy the challenge."  (Home brewery time, I think. :D)

Mindartis watches everyone. His ears were still ringing with fury, but he did his best to ignore it. He wasn't interested in gold or randsoms, though he wasn't sure what he was about to ask was too much to ask. Flitterbug's words earlier really... well, he wasn't sure why they really meant anything to him.

He finally stands up, trying his best to channel his sister's agreeable disposition about everything, "I don't want your money or ransom. Honestly I'm not sure if what I'm about to ask is something that can even be called a boon. We stand here, all of us capable warriors in our own right. And to the north, the gnolls are still invading here. Perhaps... perhaps with our strength combined... this fight against the gnolls could be ended faster and much more efficiently..." he trails off, not really sure what to say next.

Pretty much every knight jumps to their feet, enthusiastically agreeing and cheering.

"The gnolls are too close to ignore any longer!" one shouts. "In force inside our own forest!"

"The finest knights in all the Westwoods are gathered here!" another shouts. "What better opportunity could there be?"

"Kill the gnolls!  Kill the gnolls!" others chant.

While a few look taken aback or unenthusiastic, it's clear that the majority of the warriors here are all on board with Mindartis's request.  Some from nearby courts and kingdoms promise to bring foot soldiers in as quickly as possible, and someone offers to contact the allied forced at the border to send what troops they can.  Sir Rokkeek finally pounds on his table until some kind of order is restored, and addresses the assembled warriors.

"The boon is well considered. We shall fall upon the gnoll army assembling to the north and destroy them," Sir Rokkeek announces. "What better opportunity could there be than this?  But many of us are tired from the exertions of the day, and whatever methods are used and how near they are, it will take at least a little time to gather foot soldiers. I propose that we ride out at dawn, and those who can follow close after or meet us on the way shall join us later."

The crowd cheers, and some of the pages rush outside to call for volunteers from the gathered commoners as well.

"And before we conclude the night's festivities, Sir Elwin Cold, will you please approach?  In ordinary circumstances, Sir Elwin would be charged with his first great knight's quest at this time.  However, Sir Elwin's quest is already in progress." He proceeds to tell the story of the Barleymen and the hag plot, which facts seem to be known to most of them: since Raven told the story at the council, it has spread, along with the fame of the party.  "Therefore, all I can do at this time is to urge you to continue the path you have already chosen, which I am sure is quite unnecessary."

"Although fortune has not favored Sir Elwin in the tournament, we will hardly let our guest of honor go forth empty handed to face his foes," says Sir Rokkeek with a twinkle in his eye. "These items, confiscated from dishonorable knights, may aid you in your battles against evil.  But be wary of trying to use them in a tournament, because we know you have them!" The knights laugh at the last comment.

Sir Rokkeek gives you a Saddle of the Cavalier, and a battered pair of Gloves of Ogre Strength. "The hall wishes you the best of luck in your great endeavor," he adds. "Your noble quest aids us all and bring honor to the Hall and your sponsor, the King of Lomalos. May your chosen gods watch over you! This concludes the official business of Sir Elwin's induction. At dawn we ride forth against the gnolls!  I suggest that the company get some rest before the morning, or at least enjoy one last night of revelry before the great battle!"

Sir Rokkeek and the officers withdraw.. Most of the knights head for bed or come to Mindartis to discuss plans and tactics for tomorrow: it seems to be taken for granted that he will be their leader. (Others clearly plan to party all night long.)

When Mindartis gets a moment alone, he approaches Quentin, "So... bit of an odd question. Can magical weapons... backfire?"

“What do you mean by backfire?” Quentin replies 

(Has Quentin ever heard of magical items backfiring?) 

History/Arcana whatever is more appropriate it’s the same modifier: 15

"My sword is... sparking..." Mindartis says, "and it's never done that before."

(Quentin has heard tales of sentient magic weapons turning on their wielders, but it doesn;t sound like what Mindartis is describing...sounds more like a malfunction or a change in nature.)