The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

It ends up going to four rounds only, as Balassar gets his third victory.  However, the boy you fought did manage to take the second round, and he looks so absurdly pleased that the crowd cheers him as much as you.  And you both get your fair share of cheers, as the 'Kord' incident seems to have blown over very quickly. 

After the fight, the boy comes over to shake your hand vigorously.  I can't believe I beat you in that round.  You're bloody massive.  Oh my god, look at them, they're cheering me as well!  This is awesome.  He shakes Alton's hand too, but before you can get a word in, he runs off to be with his friends.

Silent, you're up next.  Pick your supporter and make your rolls.

Balassar just nods as she verbally reprimands him.  He didn’t see the issue to much since it wasn’t like he had just shouted a betrayer gods name or anything, but the empire does have its rules. He just focuses back on his opponent and begins the match.

Balassar smiles as he just pats the kid on the back and then raises his hand in the air “You did great for someone your age. You have brought much honor this day to you family and god.”

I imagine Silent wouldn't necessarily know Wash's Charisma modifier is higher than Magnum's since he's a new ally, and he remembers Magnum doing a bang-up job in previous pit-fighting bouts so he'll have Magnum support him. 

He'll stretch out and try to limber up in the ring, raises a fist and says to the gnome woman with a grin, Don't go easy on me, friend. 

14 

20 

21 

6 

11 

I won't, comes back a tart reply, and the fight begins.  Magnum, how are you supporting on this?

Magnum cheers Silent on by reminding him, very loudly, that he bisected a half ogre once.  And just shouting about how small this threat is compared to a giant hyena or the Owlbear he fought.

Silent, you draw some confidence from Magnum's encouragement - I'll add a +1 to your rolls.

The fight begins.

18
20
8
8
23

Result:  Silent 1 - 1 Gnome woman

First round times out in a draw.  You each win one round, but the next two are also draws.  Silent, you find your height working against you - your gnome opponent seems able to push and shove in just the right way that you keep almost overbalancing, and have to work hard to stay upright.

The competition goes to extra time.  Give me three more wrestling checks.  The first win takes it.

15 

6 

14 

16
15
10

The first extra time round is a draw, but the second, alas, is taken by the gnome as she grabs your waist and pulls hard.  You fall, and are pinned to the ground.  The crowd cheers and claps you both, and the gnome woman helps you to your feet.  Good fight, she says.  Then she returns to the side of the ring to await her next opponent.  The competition is over for Silent.

You have a chance to watch a few of the other competitors.  The gnome woman wins her next fight; you learn from some of the crowd that her name is Isbel.  She, and a human man with long blond hair seem to be the main threat to Balassar.

8

Balassar, your next opponent is a human woman who only narrowly won her first round.  You feel somewhat confident as you approach and meet in the centre of the ring.  Good luck to you, dragon-man, she says, and gives you a very unsubtle wink.

Is Alton still your supporter?  

Give me the five wrestling checks for Balassar.  And supporter, please describe your support...

Balassar just looks down at Alton "Let's go for round two...maybe I'll keep quiet this time and just let my wrestling talk" he says as he just takes a deep breath. He just looks at the sky a small declaration going through his head to Kord before looking at the woman. Balassar just holds out his hand "Good luck to you also. May this be a good and honorable match." he says taking up his stance and getting ready as the two engage in combat.

OOC:

He'll stick with Alton

1: 27

2: 21

3: 30

4: 17

5: 28

Before the match starts Alton finds a way to massage Balassar's shoulders while pumping him up for the match, "Alright, you had a rough first match but we've seen how she fights and you're warmed up. You've beaten harder opponents before and can take her no problem. Now get out there and show them what you're made of."

I'll give Alton a 1 point bonus on his support.

18

The woman's supporter seems to be quite well-known to the crowd;  he's loud, but doesn't quite have the charisma to back it up, and you hear groans as he begins describing Balassar's inevitable defeat.  It doesn't seem to be helping the woman much, but she laughs and seems up for the fight.

15
23
17
15
12

Results:  Balassar 2 - 1 Human woman

After four rounds, Balassar has an unbeatable lead.  The final round is a more relaxed affair; that seems to be the tradition in these parts, that both contestants still give it their all but take a few more chances, and in this case she manages to pull off a risky move and get a very unconventional hold on you. Nevertheless, the overall result is clear:  another victory for Balassar.

Isbel, the gnome who defeated Silent, also progresses, and Balassar will meet her in the final.  She seems to have a bit of a home advantage; she's not from Felderwin, you gather, but she's visited on Harvest Close a few years now and is well known, and fairly popular, with the fans.  Her supporter is a large gnome woman, possibly a sister or cousin, who has a drum and beats a steady, but somehow still very aggressive rhythm in support of her friend.

The gnome approaches and glances over at Silent, waiting at the ringside with the rest of the party.  Your friend was good.  Maybe you're better.  She leans in closer and says in a low voice:  But I think the Stormlord will favour me this day.  She grins and gets ready to fight.

Balassar, make your rolls.  I assume you're sticking with Alton? 

Alton, the pounding of the gnome's drum is really putting you off - how will you counter it?

(If Balassar stays with Alton.)

Alton gets behind Balassar on the outside of the ring, "Alright, this is the final match and we have seen what this gnome can do. She tough and crafty and took Silent down, so don't underestimate her. It will be a hard match, but keep your wits about you and be more stubborn that a dwarf; and you'll make it." He will pull out his pan flute and using the drum beat as a metronome comes up with an upbeat battle music that he will start playing once they start. "Round one, Fight!"

(This would be the time to pull out the Mortal Combat theme.)

Not officially acting as a supporter, Silent will yell out advice during the fight based on his earlier bout with Isbel; he suspects she will use similar tactics considering Balassar shares his height advantage and heavy build. Steady, steady... watch your legs, she's a crafty one! 

Balassar just smiles as the Gnome woman makes her comment "I guess we'll find out. Either way this will be a good match." he says taking his position as he looks over at Alton and just grins before taking his stance.

OOC:

He will stick with Alton.

R1: 11

R2: 29

R3: 25

R4: 26

R5: 30

11
10
19
15
10

Result:  Balassar 2 - 1 Isbel

Isbel takes the first round, but Balassar follows up with a win.  It's even, and the third round is a draw.  The crowd is on its feet; it's a really entertaining show, and the music is helping make a really memorable show.  Alton, the gnome woman's drumming reacts to your music, half trying to overpower it, half embracing the duet, and the crowd just shouts louder to be heard.  The fourth round goes to Balassar, and Isbel has one chance to draw even again.  And... she doesn't quite make it.  Balassar pins her to the ground as the timer runs out, and the crowd erupts.

Balassar, you are Champion of the Harvest Close, in Felderwin at least.  Your fellow competitors congratulate you, and you have a chance to speak to them or to the party before the prize is given.

Balassar just smiles as he takes in the victory and looks at the sky. He just nods and smile giving back congratulations to his other competitors. He then walks over to Isbel and holds out his hand "Balassar Silverstone, thanks for the great match."