Tankard Basher (tæŋkəd bæʃə)

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A traditional Dwarvish drinking game from Damvahold, Tankard Basher is a game that tests one's Strength and Constitution. The participants hit their tankards vertically onto a table to a beat, and then every fourth beat they drink what's left. The stronger someone is, the less Beer is left in the tankard, and the more they drink the more constitution they need to not pass out. Usually the game has dedicated pourers that fill the tankards as quickly as possible right after the contents are drunk each beat. The winner is the one that passes out last.

History

Historians speculate that an alarming number of Dwarvish arguments have been settled using a game of Tankard Basher - even important political ones.

Execution

The referee makes sure that the hits are as vertical as they can be and there's no cheating. Whoever is too drunk to hit the table is also disqualified. There's usually a Bard providing a tune for the beat. Even though to the outsider it might seem like a fun game, some Dwarves take it very seriously, and a loss can deeply scar their pride.

Components and tools

Powerful participants (such as Half-orcs) are often given special tankards that break less easily. In large competitions it's also possible to have special tables, or even magically reinforced ones, to make sure nothing breaks too easily.

Participants

Any number of participants, one extra referee, and a Bard to play the beat.

Primary Related Location

Damvahold

Related Ethnicities

• Dali