Friday Encounter: Trial by Champion

This might seem like a simple combat encounter on paper, but what sets it apart is the context behind it. The goal here is to reframe combat in a new setting, presenting different overarching and long-term stakes that have the potential to alter the trajectory of a campaign, and introduce factions and NPCs that could influence further proceedings. Beyond that, it's a way to reference a fun historical anecdote I've always thought was ripe with gaming potential, and to remind your players that, in a non-Flintstonist setting, you can't always expect things to play out the way they would in our world.

The encounter is probably best suited for the road, but with some adjustments it could also work in a town. The party should come across two nobles, Fulbrecht Steinecker and Bertold von Langmessen. The two of them are embroiled in a fierce argument - in fact, they belong to rival houses, and their families have long held enmity for one another. They've always found every excuse to blame their failings on one another whenever possible, but the latest incident was the last straw, and they're at each others' throats.

When traveling the road, their carriages bumped into each other - which scraped the paint on a fine mural that Bertold had done on the side of his. Now, Bertold insists that Fulbrecht should pay him in compensation. In fact, Bertold is convinced that Fulbrecht had his carriage steered into his on purpose. Fulbrecht, on the other hand, insists that it was an accident, and that Bertold is being unreasonable - but his rival won't budge, and he has begun to suspect that Bertold is using this as an opportunity to slander his good name.

It has become apparent that the two men's arguing will get them nowhere. They have decided to settle the matter through the tradition of trial by champion - that is, each man nominates a warrior to stand for his cause, and the two duel each other. Voltan, the god of justice, will guide the two warriors so that the victor is he who stands for the righteous cause (at least, that's what everyone believes). Fulbrecht has nominated one of his personal bodyguards, Dagobert Dreschner - a sturdy, imposing man with a grim countenance and the scars of many battles - as his champion. Bertold knows that he can't put forth a warrior who could possibly stand a chance against Dagobert, but, unwilling to concede to his rival or look weak, he hasn't admitted this, insisting that his favored champion is sick. If he sees any worthy-looking warriors in the party, however, he will nominate them instead, seeing this as his chance to prove his righteousness!

Bertold will call the party over, explaining the situation (biased in his favor, of course) and imploring the PCs to name one of their number to fill in. This should ideally be a fighter or other martial class, but if you don't have any in the party or you feel like giving another character a chance to shine, you could easily tweak things - for instance, perhaps Dagobert is a mage, and the noblemen want to settle their dispute with a magical duel.

In any case, if the PCs agree, the nobles set the rules of the contest. Dagobert must be faced one on one; it is strictly prohibited for either champion to receive outside help. The champions cannot use magic or magical equipment to aid them. Bertold will provide his champion with a mundane longsword and shield to ensure they are an even match for Dagobert. The two warriors must remain within a ten-foot circle drawn in the dirt; if any part of one champion leaves it for whatever reason, their side forfeits the trial. Otherwise, the fight will continue until one warrior surrenders or falls unconscious. With that, the men say a prayer to Voltan to rightly guide the champions' weapons and step back to let the battle begin.

Dagobert has the stats of a gladiator. He will fight until he hits half HP (56), at which case he will surrender and concede that Bertold is right - Voltan has willed it so.

There are a number of ways the PCs can interact with this encounter. They might support Bertold's cause, but if they decide to take Fulbrecht's side, they may consider throwing the fight so that Fulbrecht comes out on top. If you want to give the PCs a more personal stake in the conflict, you can substitute Bertold and/or Fulbrecht for other nobles the PCs may have encountered before - friend or foe. But the two men will surely remember the PCs, and this may impact further adventures.

If the PC wins for Bertold, he will be thankful for the help and agree to pay the party 50 GP each. Furthermore, he will welcome the party to his manor, where they may rest and dine with his subjects. He will be happy to provide them support going forward, and may have other quests for them down the line. If he realizes he has some loyal hired muscle in the party, he may even seek to send them on missions to sabotage Fulbrecht, knowing that it would be unbecoming of him to be implicated himself. 

If, on the other hand, the PC loses, Bertold will be quick to blame their failings for his loss and insist he made a mistake in seeking the help of the PCs, since he didn't know them and couldn't trust them. He may be less forgiving if they are caught up to no good in his lands, and those loyal to him will spurn the party. Conversely, if Fulbrecht loses, he may hold a grudge against the party as well, and take action accordingly.