Punching the Ticket

**"Punching the Ticket" (1x18)** is the fourth session of the third chapter of A War On All Sides. The party heads back to The Colosseum in an effort to become the new champions of The Trials of Talahad, thereby securing an invitation to The Eltivo Gala.

## **Synopsis**

The day was finally here. The party was set to make a name for themselves at The Trials of Talahad and face off against their infamous foe and his squadron, Bastion's Bastion. The prize? An invite to The Eltivo Gala and a chance to determine if Nellek Vazerio is affiliated with Molod and the destruction of Kaspalia.

Bright and earl at the Drunken Dragon, Crawmi Lonespire attempted to garner a large fan base for the day's event. After much gallivanting and showmanship, he did eventually get quite a large group of fans applauding them and bidding them good wishes. Amidst the revelry, an elven man in impressive attire approached the party. He introduced himself as Errond ir'Lanios, the Chief Wayfinder of the Clifftop Adventurer's Guild in Skyreach. As Bastion's Bastion was part of the rivaling Deathsgate Adventurer's Guild, Errond offered potential sponsorship in the future if the group could win the day. Errond was able to give the group some insight into the events they could expect at the Trial. The final event apparently is one that Bastion's Bastion has never lost: a 1-on-1 duel! Bastion had proven himself as ruthless and indomitable, with 3 victories and 0 defeats under his belt. Showing no fear, though, Ashok cast down any doubts from his party and volunteered to show Bastion no mercy, should it come down to it.

The group made their way to the Colosseum, buying some wares from a mystery goods vendor before encountering Bastion at the training grounds. Bastion formally challenged them, much to the disappointment of the appointed challengers who were forced to forfeit their position to Too Hot to Trot.

The group entered the arena, much to the delight of the crowd. They noticed a man in fine, gold trimmed clothing watching very intently from the Eltivo Gala private seating area. The Trials started with a cognitive challenge, a maze which pitted the teams against one another. Too Hot to Trot won with some clever puzzle solving, including Ashok Rixon tossing a torch into a chasm that was actually just an illusion, allowing the party to simply walk across without needing to construct a bridge. The next trial was a battle that pitted each team against a ferocious group of dinosaurs from the Uro'mae Valley! Though Crawmi and Nowun made impressive efforts in felling the beasts, Bastion's Bastion was quicker, winning the event.

And thus, Bastion met Ashok in the middle of the Colosseum in what would be a grueling contest. Blows were exchanged, and Ashok made the wise choice to keep his distance from Bastion and use his chain to strike from afar. He was able to widdle his opponent down before his powerful blows could overcome him, using healing magic and craftiness to win the day. As Bastion's blood-soaked face collided with the sand floor of the arena, the crowd burst into applause as Too Hot to Trot was crowned the victor of the Trials of Talahad. The group now needed to set their sights on the evening ahead, as they were to get cleaned up and ready to make an appearance at the most important social event in Skyreach, if not Hasania.

## **Featured Characters**

### **Player Characters**

* Ivantar
* Ronwe
* Ashok
* Crawmi
* Nowun
* Omaronim

### **New**

* Errond ir’Lanios
	+ Chief Wayfinder of Clifftop Adventurer's Guild