Gore Lightbringer
Quick recap
The party prepared for and participated in a jousting tournament, with Gore serving as the Contessa’s champion. Gore successfully competed against a centaur opponent, winning both the mounted joust and the subsequent ground combat, earning 250 gold and the respect of the crowd. The group also visited magical shops, discussed crafting a dragon skin cloak, and made plans to sell unwanted items and acquire new equipment.
Next steps
- Splinter to pick up commissioned items from blacksmith (later in the day)
- Gore to return to Crooked Astrolabe to discuss dragon skin cloak timeline
- Halvor to wait one week for custom shield with shining alder design to be completed
- Halvor to repay 200 gold to Splinter (loan for shield purchase)
- Party to obtain item from Crooked Astrolabe suitable for library entry before heading to the sticks – Halvor to return to Crooked Astrolabe this afternoon/evening to exchange sap and compensation for a book suitable for library entry
Summary
Contest Plans and Preparation
The group discussed their plans for the night, with Frankie taking the first watch and others settling into their rooms.
Frankie had a dream involving a starry maelstrom and the sense of powerful beings contesting.
The next morning, they woke up uneventfully and prepared for a contest scheduled for after lunch. The contest’s rules were explained: it would be a test of strength with no magical weapons or armor allowed, though religious benedictions were acceptable. The contestant’s rival would choose the parameters of combat.
- Frankie to transcribe the second spell into spellbook (2 hours)
- Rock to take first watch (1 AM to 6 AM shift)
Tournament Rules and Magical Items
The group discussed their upcoming tournament fight, with the DM explaining the rules and that a referee would be present. They visited a magic shop where they examined a potion labeled “fizzy lifter” which, when smelled, could wake up an unconscious person and when drunk would cause levitation with gassy side effects.
The group also inquired about swamp sap they had found, which had a sweet smell and could potentially be valuable.
Dragon Lore and Library Access
The group discussed trading the mysterious swamp temple substance for access to a library in Friula, with the shopkeeper offering to find a suitable book as compensation. They also explored the possibility of creating a cloak from Gore’s dragon skin. The conversation included discussion of a painting depicting a person seeking arcane knowledge, potentially related to a dragon god named Seggotan.
The group then planned to watch Gore participate in the tournament.
Tournament Strategy and Rules Clarification
The group discussed the rules and logistics of the upcoming tournament involving jousting and hand-to-hand combat. Gore sought clarification on whether magic was allowed, and the Contessa explained that no magical armor or weapons were permitted, but religious benedictions were acceptable. The group debated strategies, including the use of Halvor’s abilities and the potential for mounted combat. The adjudicator, Alonzo Feracci, confirmed his impartiality and outlined the tournament’s structure, including a traditional joust with covered lances and the expectation of continuing on foot afterward.
Gore’s Pre-Combat Preparation
Gore and his opponent prepared for the jousting match, with Gore choosing to focus on Constitution for additional hit points and advantage on saving throws rather than Dexterity. Gore decided to use his longsword and shield, and Halvor cast a blessing that provided advantage on saving throws. The DM explained that jousting would be a contested roll, with losing by a certain amount potentially unhorsing the rider, who would then need an animal handling roll to stay in control. Frankie placed a bet on Gore at 5 to 4 odds.
Gore’s Jousting Victory
Gore’s character participated in a jousting competition against a centaur, ultimately winning the crowd’s respect with a successful lance attack. After dismounting, Gore faced the centaur on foot, where they continued the battle with a longsword and reckless attack, successfully hitting the centaur multiple times.
Combat Victory and Reward
Gore participated in the contest against the centaur (referred to as a Minotaur in some accounts), ultimately winning and receiving 250 gold from the Contessa as a reward. The Contessa also offered to cover their accommodations and other reasonable expenses during their stay in the city. After the contest, the party discussed healing and resting options, with Gore learning that he could recover all his hit points during a long rest (8 hours).
There were an oddly large number of Minotaurs at the tournament. Afterwards Gore asked one in passing why they were there and the Minotaur said they were there to watch the tournament and and see Gore Lightbringer win.
Inventory Management and Equipment Planning
The group discussed selling various items in town, with the Contessa’s advocate offering to use her contacts to get reasonable prices for their unwanted possessions. They agreed to send a list of items they wanted to sell, including a gold water clock, golden mice curtain hooks, and other odds and ends. The group also talked about acquiring new weapons and equipment, with Frankie expressing interest in obtaining a staff and Rock considering options for magical weapons to complement his monk abilities.
Currency Exchange and Shield Commission
The group discussed currency exchange rates and the value of various items, including sapphires and a dragon squishies sack. Halvor decided to spend 1100 gold to commission a custom shield with a silver tree design from the Astrolabe, which will take 1-2 weeks to complete. The group plans to return to the store to obtain an item needed for library access. They also discussed potential purchases of magical items like a bag of holding, though these were very expensive.