This will be the first part of the fifth book of the ongoing Sorcerer-Kingmaker adventure path conversion.
At this stage of the adventure path, the PCs should be around 13th level, and their nascent city-state should be well-developed- perhaps even enough that they should need to consider the Dragon's tithe of 1,000 slaves, should the Dragon still be alive (depending on the timing and develeopment of your campaign world). "War of the Silt Kings" can begin at any time, but ideally before they begin to seriously explore the Gelebon Highlands. High Praetor Irovetus has the patience and power to wait and watch, and is wise enough not to rush his plans. You might consider a time jump of six months or even a few years from the last adventure. This adventure begins when High Praetor Irovetus sends a messenger, inviting the PCs to attend and participate in the Rushlight Games. The messenger, Velemandus, is a clean-shaven elven slave who delivers the memorized invitation perfectly by voice, even if distracted: "Greetings from his supreme and and inimitable magnificence, Castor Irovetus, by the grace of the almighty Andropinis the High Praetor of the city-state of Balic, Marvel of Numeria, Master of Mormouth, and Prince-Regent of the Sellen. It is with greatest honour that I greet you, my fellow Princes of the Silt. I would wish you the honour of accepting my invitation to attend the fifth Rushlight Games as my guests, before the glorious presence of Dictator Andropinis Himself. I know you to be discerning lords of your domain, and trust you would not want to miss such extravagance and an attempt to win the approval of the Dictator personally. And to sweeten the port, as it were, I have secured a mighty magical item, a gold and gemstone rod which confers lordly might, which I am willing to bestow upon the lord who proves themselves by fielding the true Rushlight Games champion! Could this champion even be among your own august personages? Please confirm your attendance by this invitation's most discretionary courier. I look forward to your attendance! Delivered from the voice of Castor Irovetus, High Praetor of Balic." Velemandus is willing to wait a day overnight for the PCs' response. It is the expected thing to offer food and shelter for him, and to fill his waterskins- doing otherwise would be quite rude. Velemandus himself is unfailingly polite, although if the PCs show open friendliness to him, he might accidentally let slip some details about the Games' challenges, especially the surprising presence of the renowned Mul gladiator Villamor Koth in the Midnight Melee, formerly of House Jarko. Koth had retired last year after earning his freedom, but was apparently offered a "princely sum" by Irovetus himself to compete. His skill with the carrikal is somewhat legendary, and he once fought a three-hour tournament against a trio of giants under the blazing sun. Travel to Balic should be relatively uneventful- the army has driven out any bandits or beasts in the area in preparation. By the time they arrive, the city-state of Balic has swelled by nearly half of its usual population- a veritable shanty-town of market-sellers and travellers has set up outside its white marble walls, although the uniformed guards keep the roadways clear with judicious application of lance shaft blows and snapping crodlu mounts. The Elven Market, as well as the agoras, are bustling with visitors hawking wares great and small. Thieves are having a field day, but keeping a low profile. Once they are recognized, the PCs are delivered a message by a trio of Praetors and a squad of armed guards that High Praetor Irovetus wishes to speak with them on their arrival. He can be found overseeing the Games' preparation, and the guards wil keep them safe and escort them to him, while they are in the city. Irovetus is a handsome and well-toned man in deep red velvet robe. He is eager to meet and observe the PCs face-to-face, but has already had one of Balic's court Defilers cast mind blank on him, making him immune to thought-detection abilities. In any case, he is a welcoming but cautious host, and gifts them each with an oilskin filled with water from Andropinis' own fountain. There is a barrel set aside filled with similar oilskins for the other guests. Each of the oilskins contains cool, clean water for refreshment, and is simply a gift. Expressing rudeness towards their host or towards Sorcerer-King Andropinis will see Irovetus' demeanour shift to icy disdain instantly, although their invitation is still valid. The competitors are other powerful players from other areas along Balic's region of the Silt Sea. Ledopolus: The dwarves of Ledopolus send some of their number along each time the Rushlight Games are held, usually a team of dour professionals. Each wears a copper band on their upper arm bearing the emblem of a bridge. Samarah: Samarah's competitors from the eastern end of the Estuary of the Forked Tongue are well-mannered and friendly, but eager to win - the town has experienced troubles in its last few years, and could do with the stability and glory. Altaruk: The competitors of Altaruk are mercenaries hired by the trading-town. They wear scarves printed with a white square, representing the fortress walls. They are eager for the experience and the travel, but have no overall loyalty to Altaruk. Gulg: Although their relationship with Balic is sometimes rocky, competitors from the forest city-state have been welcomed to the Fifth Rushlight Games. They are arrogant, confident in their own ability. Balic: The competitors from Balic are specially-selected and highly-trained citizens, defending the honour of their city and ruler personally. If they are successful, each will be well-rewarded. The Games Regular gladiatorial matches and displays of entertainment will be occurring over the next five days, but these are well below the PCs' pay grade. The big games will occur one per day, culminating in the Midnight Melee to close out the grand spectacle. There are three core rules to the games: Harm no spectators, kill no competitors, and don't get caught cheating. For each of the main events, competitors will be announced by Andropinis' chief herald, Mnerion Arpaia. Event One: Javelin Toss On the second day, one competitor from each city is provided with a basket of finely-made and polished javelins, and provided with three targets, one at 30 feet worth one point, one at 60 feet worth three points, and one at 90 feet worth 5 points (targets beyond 30 feet have disadvantage). Each competitor gets six throws at their choice of targets. The prize for victory in this round is a Javelin of Lightning with a point polished from a fulgurite. Event Two: Test of the Flame On the third day, Balic's laws on spellcasting are temporarily lifted for this test, and competitors are challenged to come up with the most impressive display of magic or Will in five casts each. This will be the first time many citizens of the city-state have openly seen spellcasting, and draw incredible amounts of attention, not to mention fearful crowds. Irovetus has deliberately arranged this to reveal powerful spellcasters so as to learn of their powers, and watches with scribes taking notes. The most impressive feat in any round wins 5 points, and the second prize wins 3 points. The prize for victory in this test is a simple golden diadem (a Circlet of Blasting). Event Three: Test of Wordfame On the fourth day, one competitor from each city is invited to take a podium in the centre of the stadium and boast to the audience of their greatest achievement. The story requires four checks, which can include Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion, with disadvantage for a second check of the same kind. The highest skill check in any round wins 5 points, and the second prize wins 3 points. The prize for victory in this test is a Helm of Telepathy made from a Gaj's exoskeleton. Andropinis himself watches this event, and can be seen to chuckle if someone scores a 30 or more on one of their checks. This earns an additional two points. Event Four: The Midnight Melee The evening of the fifth day culminates in the 'big-ticket' event (which starts a little after sundown, rather than truly midnight). The stands are full to bursting, and the entire arena is lit by torches placed around the outside and on tall stands. Each city is invited to bring a team of up to five warriors to battle one another. Each has instructions to surrender when they are badly wounded (at half hit points or less), although some choose to push the envelope a little. Forcing a member of a team to surrender is worth five points. Victory in the Midnight Melee earns hearty congratulations from the crowd, and a Mace of Smiting as the prize. At the end of the night, no matter how early in the morning it is, all competitors from each team are called together for the award ceremony, where High Praetor Irovetus awards his grand prize- a Rod of Lordly Might. Attendance at celebrations and post-Games drinks is expected, but someone from the PCs' city is likely to find them before dawn to deliver urgent news. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 15 January 2021. Comments are closed.
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