The competitions of the Blood Games reward the top competitors and their Realms with Life Tokens. The winners of most competitions will also receive a Blood Games Victor’s Necklace, which are magically bound items that may not be stolen or removed from the owner, and can be used to ask for a favor from the nobles of many a Realm.
Many of the competitions require Life Tokens as entry fee, which are usually provided by the competitor’s Realm. Often these Life Token entry fees are the very prizes that the winners will receive.
Unless otherwise noted, spectators are not allowed to intervene in the contests, whether for weal or woe. If a spectator does try to interfere in a contest, other spectators are encouraged to take action to stop her from doing so.
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This party is held the evening before the Opening Ceremonies, and serves to welcome the attendees that have arrived this day with refreshments and gifts. The Voice will be present as representatives from all the Realms have the opportunity to make their introductions and formally state their claim to participation in the Blood Games as a Realm.
The party provides a good opportunity for initial contacts with visitors from other Realms, in order to size them up for the contests that will follow. Often, these first contacts provide the core of a challenge brought or an alliance sealed later during the Blood Games.
For those competitors that are not affiliated with any particular Realm yet, this party provides the perfect opportunity to determine where their skills might be best appreciated and rewarded, so they might choose their allegiance for the following days. This selection can be made at the Reception, where a Blood Games official will be present to take down the information, otherwise you will have to do so in the morning at check-in.
The Maze is a tradition that grew out of repeated attempts in the past to find entrance to the treasure chambers of Waxaclajuun, and pilfer some of the wealth therein. In order to avoid that the certain failure of these unwelcome attempts permanently cost several competitors their chance at glory, the Voice has seen fit to provide a venue for such adventurism within the spirit of the Blood Games.
The ancient dungeons which lay under Waxaclajuun hold many dangers, and the Voice has graciously allowed that certain areas be made accessible to groups of 5 which wish to try their strength. It is rumored that many treasures might be found in the Maze, but also fearsome traps and creatures that may rob you of all you possess.
The Opening Ceremonies are the first true competition of the Blood Games. More than just a starting bell, the Opening Ceremonies are the first demonstration of strength by the competitors participating in the Blood Games. The measurement of victory in the Opening Ceremonies is heraldry. This includes banners and flags, standards and shields, horns and drums, and other similar decorative or impressive object presented proudly by the competitors in honor of themselves, their Faction or House, and their Realm. All competitors will be given the opportunity to assemble by Faction, House, and Realm, and will then march onto the field of the Cathedral of Bellinger for the Voice’s opening remarks.
The Opening Ceremony requires no entry fee. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- 1 Life Token to each competitor that displays impressive personal, Faction, or House heraldry
- 10 Life Tokens to each Realm that displays impressive Realm heraldry
Without a doubt, the Skull Tournament is one of the most popular competitions of the Blood Games. Matches are often followed by a crowd of fans, and it is not uncommon for the sidelines to get rowdy. Although interference in the game by spectators is not allowed, many a fan has tried to slip in an unnoticed spell or two. Blood Games officials keep a close eye on the matches, to make sure such cheating is kept to a minimum. The Voice places high value on the honorable behavior of players and spectators in this favorite game of hers, and has been known to disqualify teams that display particularly egregious behavior.
The rules of Skull are as follows:
- The playing field is marked by two stakes on opposite sides of the field that serve as goal posts, one for each team.
- One skull is used, which scores a point for a team when it is placed on the opposing team’s goal post.
- Each team consists of five players:
o A carrier, who is the only person who may touch the skull, but may not wield any weapon
o A sword and shield fighter
o A pole arm fighter
o A short weapon or claw Florentine fighter
o A spell caster, who is the only one that may use spells, and may use only a short weapon
- Only the carriers may approach closer than 6’ to either goal post.
- After each score, both teams must return to the proximity of their goal post, and the team that was scored against picks up the skull off its post.
The Cathedral of Bellinger in Waxaclajuun provides a special boon to the Skull matches, if the high priest of Bellinger agrees. Every minute, a gong will ring, signaling a Healing 3 and Remedy All effect to all players on the field.
The tournament takes the form of single-elimination matches. Each match has a duration of 10 minutes. Each team that enters must declare its allegiance to a Realm. An entrance fee of 5 Life Tokens for that team will be deducted from the team’s Realm. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place team, plus each competitor will be awarded 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place team, plus each competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place team, plus each competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
The game of Flying Obelisks is a board game of strategy and tactics for two competitors. This contest will challenge the mind of its competitors like no other contest at the Blood Games. The rules of the game are easy to learn, especially for anyone familiar with similar board games, such as chess or hnefatafl. Competitors will be taught the rules as necessary, and may play practice matches as time allows.
The tournament takes the form of single-elimination matches, held in the
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor, plus the winner receives 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
Download the Flying Obelisks Rules
The Pyramid Chase is a challenging race of speed, endurance, and cunning. Starting from the Cathedral field, the race pits the competitors against each other. The finish line is at the top of one of the highest pyramids in Waxaclajuun. On the way to that goal, the competitors may take any action they wish against each other. Spectators are not allowed to intervene anywhere along the path, whether for weal or woe.
An entrance fee of 1 Life Tokens is required of each competitor, which may be deducted from the competitor’s Realm. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor, plus the winner receives 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
The Friend of Foe competition challenges the competitors’ strength, wisdom, and cunning in combat. Competitors are placed into an arena with a monster. The sole winner of the arena combat advances to the next match. The competitors must decide when to attack each other, and when to attack the monster.
The competition takes the form of single-elimination matches. No entrance fee is required. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Each competitor may claim the Life Tokens of the opposing competitors and monsters they defeat in their matches
- 3 Life Tokens will additionally be awarded to the first place competitor
The Jungle Run is a race which reminds the competitors of the true dangers faced in the wilderness. The race pits the competitors against foul beasts that have been set free along the race path. The path is a loop that begins and ends at the Cathedral fields. Competitors may not take direct action against each other. Spectators are not allowed to intervene anywhere along the path, whether for weal or woe.
An entrance fee of 1 Life Tokens is required of each competitor, which may be deducted from the competitor’s Realm. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor, plus the winner receives 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
This party is held the evening after the first full day of the Blood Games. The party provides a respite from the challenges of the day, and a refuge from the foul creatures that prowl the darkness of the jungle at night. Here competitors can drink, eat, boast, and enjoy the entertainment of the Bardic Contest or Trade Isles Hold ‘Em tournament. Flying Obelisks matches will be ongoing as well, whether still as part of the tournament, or simply for fun.
The Voice is expected to present the Awards of the day’s competitions, as well as invoke the favor of Brashtamere upon the Blood Bowl, a magical punch bowl whose contents may provide guests who brave its drink with minor or major boons.
The Bardic Contest encourages any and all performers from the various Realms to showcase their talent. Whether in song or verse, acrobatics or comedy, solo or group, all performances will be eagerly received by the attendees of the Blood Party.
The competition will be marshaled and judged by Blood Games officials and representatives appointed by them. No entrance fee is required. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- 24 Life Tokens will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor(s)
- 16 Life Tokens will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor(s)
- 8 Life Tokens will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor(s)
Trade Isles Hold’Em is a card game tournament which uses simple rules known to most poker players. An entrance fee of 1 Life Tokens is required of each competitor, which may be deducted from the competitor’s Realm. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor, plus the winner receives 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor, plus the competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
The Arcane Hunt is a combination race, puzzle quest, and monster chase which sends the competitors on the search for various exotic items and pieces of information. Competitors may sign up in teams of up to 5 players. The first team to provide a complete list of correct answers and required items will win the contest. Spectators are not allowed to intervene, whether for weal or woe.
An entrance fee of 1 Life Tokens is required of each competitor, which may be deducted from the competitor’s Realm. The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Half of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the first place competitor, plus each competitor on the winning team receives 3 Life Tokens additionally
- One third of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the second place competitor, plus each competitor will be awarded 2 Life Tokens additionally
- One sixth of the Life Tokens paid as entrance fees will be awarded to the Realm of the third place competitor, plus each competitor will be awarded 1 Life Token additionally
The Grand Melee is the final celebration of battle in the Blood Games. It concludes the competitions with a great fight between the competitors of all the Realms. All attendees of the Blood Games are automatically entered into this battle. If a competitor wishes to remain out of this fight, they must return their Life Tokens to the Blood Games office before the Grand Melee, where they will be credited to their Realm.
The competition takes the form of a no-holds-barred battle. Each Realm is stationed at a point within Waxaclajuun as determined by Blood Games officials, together with any Realm that has sworn fealty to it. The Voice will signal the commencement of the Grand Melee, at which point all competitors may act as they wish. At any time, a competitor who has at least 2 Life Tokens may return to the appointed Blood Games official to return their Life Tokens and exit the Grand Melee. The Grand Melee ends when all Life Tokens have been returned, or only one Realm holds the remainder.
The prizes for this competition are as follows:
- Each competitor may return Life Tokens to the Blood Games official for their Realm if they have more than 1
- 25 Life Tokens will additionally be awarded to the last Realm left standing on the field
The Closing Ceremonies bid farewell to all attendees of the Blood Games. The Voice is expected to present those Awards which were not yet presented during last night’s Blood Party. The final, and greatest, Award is the Prestige Trophy, which will be presented to the Realm with the highest final Life Token total.
