Session 1: Festival

General Summary

During the Festival of Qhiena, Jini Auklin received a gift from Meriel Beleret. It was a Heartstone, a common enough gift. Jini then joined the melee, a festival tradition she has enjoyed four years in a row. As she awaited her turn to fight, she bentered with her mentor, Gerrart Dannamore, who said he had news for her after the tournament. In the first round, she faced Rory Halsall, a young cleric-in training she had never met before. The fight was a struggle, especially while Jini tried to use her mace and crossbow. When Rory healed himself using cure wounds, it looked like Jini might lose, but she then brought her magic to bear on him. While Rory struggled to hit her with his sacred flame, Jini blasted him with her eldritch powers, and ended the match with the disconcerting knell of death's bell.

While resting between rounds, Jini had an encounter with her rival, Roland Cannell. Despite his jibes, she kept her cool and focused on preparing for the next fight. In the second round, she dueled Donal Hogeson, an experienced warrior who now helped to train the city guard. Keeping her distance and relying on her spells, Jini was hit by one of Roland's crossbow bolts before she brought him down.

After being healed, Jini went to see if Gerrart had any advice for her next round. As she approached, she heard him telling an unknown man that he would leave for Aeston on the morrow. When she pressed him about it, Gerrart told he the man was an Outrider from the Guardians of the White Flame. He promised to tell her all about it after the festival, and shooed her off to her final round.

In the championship round, Jini faced off with Roland and his pet hawk. Despite having to fight against greater numbers, Jini kept her cool and focused her attacks on Roland. In the end, Jini was victorious, although she was barely conscious herself.

After the crowd calmed, Colin Beleret crowned Jini the Festival Champion, and awarded her the 15 gold prize. Jini was surrounded by thronging fans and friends who wanted to congratulate her. Finally, Jini and Meriel were able to break away to go enjoy the festival. As they headed for the kiosks, they could still hear the cheers from behind them. Then up ahead of them, there were new sounds: shrieks of terror.

Rewards Granted

Heartstone 15 Gold 150 XP

Missions/Quests Completed

Compete in the Festival Melee.

Character(s) interacted with

Meriel Beleret

Gerrart Dannamore

Rory Halsall

Donal Hogeson

Roland Cannell

Colin Beleret

Related Reports

Session 2: Escape Report

Notes

May need to switch Rory to second or last. His fight was much harder due to healing.

Evaluation

Experienced players will likely find the arena combat pretty boring at Level 1. The key to keeping their interest will be providing engaging descriptions and good interactive roleplay opportunities. Beginning players will benefit greatly, as this combat should introduce the basics for them.

Campaign

Playtesting Campaign