Updated after some thought given.
This idea came to me when I was thinking of how to get the PC’s together initially, how to make sure that they would all get along reasonably, and generally to make my life easier. I figured that since Cauldron has a lake in the middle of the city that possibly Water Polo could be a viable sport. I have since renamed it Crater Ball. So with this in mind I am offering the PC’s 4 free ranks in Swim, and a free feat depending upon their position to start the campaign.
Center: Point Blank Shot
Forwards and Defense: Improved Unarmed Strike
Goalkeeper: Increased Reflexes
To start the Campaign I am going to ask them to assign positions, then choose their Captain, and finally name the team. The Captain will be relevant come time for Chapter 3, and the team name will be relevant for the entire campaign.
Welcome to the Crater Bowl – Flood Festival (Chapter 3)
This event takes place during days 2, 4, and 6 of the Flood Festival, and has been the focal point of the Festival for the past five years. It is also the most prestigious event of the entire festival. PC’s that wish to compete have a chance to earn a lot of money, and also earn some influence.
Day 2, First Match (Quarterfinal):
Is against the Town Guard, with Terseon Skellrang as the Goalkeeper. The rest of his team is made up of the standard guards (Give them 4 ranks in swim).
Reward: 300gp (total) and +1 on all diplomacy checks with citizens of Cauldron.
Day 4, The Second Match (Semifinal):
Should the PC’s pass the first match, the second is against Triel and her thugs. Triel is the Goalkeeper for this team, and her thugs have 5 ranks in swim.
Reward: 600gp (total) and +2 on all Diplomacy checks with Citizens of Cauldron (Not cumulative with first match).
Day 6, The Final Match (Final):
Should the PC’s get to the final match it is against the Stormblades, who are the returning champions. This is to help take care of the conflict that the PC’s are supposed to have with them just before the Flood Festival. This will also insure that the PC’s don’t kill one of the noble’s children. Mind you, there are only four members of the Stormblades, so add in Fario and Fellian to make up the difference. How you do this team is entirely up to you, but the members of this team should have at least Swim 6.
Reward: 1200gp (total) and +4 on all Diplomacy checks with Citizens of Cauldron (Not cumulative with first or second matches), and personal invitations to The Demonskar Ball. The ‘Captain’ of the team is given the ‘Crater with the demonic claw rising out of it’.
Crater Ball – ‘Waterpolo’
Teams: 1 Center, 2 Forwards, 2 Defenses, and 1 Goalkeeper
Possession: Both Centers roll Initiative
- Roll d20 + Initiative + Ranks in Swim
- Winner gets possession
- Go to 'Attack and Defend'
Attack and Defend: Attackers and Defenders roll to determine participants
- All players (except goalies) make Swim checks (DC 15) to participate
- All players who succeed make a roll of d20 + Attack Bonus + Ranks in Swim
- For every five points that the offense beats the Defense award 1 shot on goal, go to 'Shots on Goal'
- If the defense beats the offense then possession changes, repeat 'Attack and Defend'
Shots on Goal: Determine shooter and Roll Opposed rolls
- Roll a d6 to determine shooter if necessary (1-2, 3-4, 5-6 / 1-3, 4-6)
- Shooter rolls a ranged attack roll (d20 + Base Attack Bonus + Dex)
- Goalie rolls a Reflex Save vs. the result of the shooter
- If goalie fails a goal is scored, all further shots dismissed, go to 'Possession'
- If goalie succeeds the shot is deflected and shots continue as normal
- If the goalie succeeds by 5 or more then the ball is caught and possession changes, all further shots
On goal are dismissed
- If all shots are deflected possession changes
Winning the Match: First to 7 goals wins