Homebrew Feast at the Palace

[firefox2341]

Heeeeeey, firefox the incompitent GM back at it again with the homebrew campaign.

This one's simple, Party has gotten themselves invited to the royal Palace, Their goal is to impress the King and his court. The whole place is holding a feast/ funeral, and I need help coming up with things to happen in the palace as a chance to improve their relation with the Nobility. I was thinking of trials, games, that sort of thing. Like tests of Strength, Archery demonstrations, Maybe a tourney of chess. Or mayhaps an actual full on tournament of arms. Trying to have this whole endeavor be very little actual combat and a lot more heavy RP/ Skill checks.

Suggestions for possible games, events, or happenings are appreciated!

Thanks!

[Lathiira]

1) Present gifts to the king. Let PCs have the chance to craft stuff, handwave the time (assuming they had some advance notice of the feast). Use the results of the Craft check (or Profession) to gauge the king's happiness with the gift. Say, use the Craft skill in place of Diplomacy.

2) A cook-off. This is a feast. Let them roast, fry, and bake dishes for the occasion. As above.

3) Funeral? Have an opportunity for the PCs to speak about the departed. A suitable Perform (oratory) check would work. Substitute Knowledge (religion) to speak of the will of the gods and fate of the soul. Or Knowledge (planes) to speak of the great afterlife waiting for the departed.

4) Perform. 'Nuff said.

5) Weapon skill demonstrations. Use BAB instead of a skill check.

Of course, Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Bluff, and Intimidate can all be useful while interaction with the nobles is happening. Knowledge (nobility) or even Knowledge (local) might be of use as well.