Game Setup and Components
- Minimum Players: The game begins with at least five contestants, which can include both PCs and NPCs.
- Open Participation: The challenge is designed to accommodate any number of players, often attracting a large number of contestants during community events in Westkeep.
The initial round serves as a swift elimination phase, swiftly narrowing the field to only the top four contestants who demonstrate exceptional skill in the first trial atop Grimhorn.
Designer's Note
This mini-game is designed to be a quick and engaging activity for players of all character types. It consists of three challenges, each involving a single player roll. The essence of this game is to provide every player an opportunity to participate, regardless of their character's specific skills or abilities.
Flexibility in Approach
Players are encouraged to use any approach that suits their character’s strengths—be it brute strength, dexterity, intelligence, or any other ability. Whether a character attempts to dominate the bison with sheer power, outmaneuver it with agility, or cleverly anticipate its movements, the choice is up to the player. This flexibility allows players to narrate their character's actions and outcomes in a way that feels true to their role-playing experience.
Community and Wagers
Grimhorn's Stand is typically a communal game, often played before a village feast. While wagers are common, they are usually informal to comply with the Red Laws. Given The Bison's Rest proximity to the watchtower and Jorund Stoneheart’s respect for the law—despite his disregard for the new gods—official betting is subtly discouraged. However, Jorund's establishment manages to maintain a spirited atmosphere, allowing the community to enjoy the thrill of the game without overtly breaking any laws.
Structure
Grimhorn's Stand features two life-sized bison replicas, named Grimhorn and Stormhoof. These replicas are constructed from sturdy oak and covered with thick hides that mimic the texture and color of real bison fur. Each bison is mounted on separately controlled rotating platform and tracks, powered by a system of ropes and pulleys. This setup allows for a range of movements including spinning, bucking, and sudden lateral jolts.
- Additional Elements: Surrounding the main area are stands for spectators, and the entire game zone is ringed with barriers made of rope and wooden posts, adorned with tribal motifs and symbols of local fauna.
- Wolves: The third challenge involves "wolves", crafted from dark-stained burlap sacks hanging from rotating anchor points, allowing them to lunge towards the active participant. These wolves are swung by operators using long ropes, essentially a pendulum, simulating an attack scenario.
Game Phases
First Challenge - The Ride of Grimhorn
- Objective: Maintain balance atop Grimhorn as it spins and bucks.
- Mechanism: Other contestants operate the rope system attached to block and tackle mechanisms that cause Grimhorn to spin and buck.
- Ruling: DC roll of the players choosing. This roll represents not only their ability to balance but also their ability to read/react to the other contestants. The top four contestants with the highest result move to the next round.
Second Challenge - The Leap to Stormhoof
- Objective: From the spinning back of Grimhorn, players must leap onto Stormhoof, the second bison, which moves linearly back and forth along a track.
- Mechanism: Stormhoof’s track is a simple rail system that allows it to move a short distance laterally, mimicking the sudden shifts of a wild bison. This movement is synchronized with Grimhorn's spinning to increase the challenge.
- Ruling: Set at a DC 12 check (again of the players choosing) to successfully leap and land on Stormhoof. Any contestants who passes this trial moves on to the final round.
Third Challenge - Wolves at the Flank
- Objective: While riding Stormhoof, players must dodge or fend off the mechanical wolves swinging towards them.
- Mechanism: Operators use pulleys to swing wolves towards the player, timing their lunges to challenge the player's balance and reaction speed.
- Ruling: DC 15 check (player's choice) to dodge "bites" from the wolves (sacks of dirt operated by the contestants) or maintain balance. If multiple contestants pass, a sudden-death roll-off continues until one victor remains. If all fail, the highest result wins, symbolizing the best effort to fend off the attacks.
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