There are those who come to the festival out of curiosity and a genuine want to enjoy what it has to offer. Serana made her way among the tents looking for any sort of entertainment she could find.
So far, she's had no luck. The only interesting things she had witnessed were drunken festival goers trying to dance with any poor soul who walked too close, a guard breaking the arm of a man who tried to rob the cart he was standing next to, and a runaway barrel of ale that was chasing down 3 Halflings. Being one herself, she could empathize with their plight, but she couldn't stop laughing long enough to help them.
After a few hours of aimless wandering, Serana found herself in the middle of a large open area with various festival games on all sides. She looked around with glee, searching for which game she would try.
To her front, there was a ring toss game. The sign at the front had all the information about the game on it. She went excitedly to the sign and it read:
RINGOS RING TOSS
2gp to play
Start with 3 rings. Every ring is a
different prize.
-1 ring Straw doll
-2 rings Metal studded gloves
-3 rings 10gp and healing potion
The game seemed fun enough, but it really wasn't her style. Besides, what would she do with a doll? Those gloves wouldn't really fit her anyways either. She went to the right side and looked through the crowd for what game would attract so many large people. She weaved her way to the front and saw a single table sitting in the middle of the group. 2 men were in the middle of a strength challenge. Their hands were locked together straining to push the others flat on the table. One was an extremely stout Dwarf who's beard was as black as obsidian. His muscled arm flexed and the veins bulged from the effort he put forth against his opponent. On the opposite end of the table with a grimace on their face sat an Elf. Normally if someone were to see an elf, they would see nothing but poised beauty, fair skin, and an aloof expression. This elf however looked disheveled and sweaty, obviously giving the contest his upmost effort. Many voices were heard amongst the crowd giving off handed comments;
"Who's the stronger race? Dwarves or Elves?"
"You're crazy, it's no contest. The Dwarf's little arms will give out soon."
"Little you say? Go say that to his face."
"I disagree, the Elf's puny arms will soon break under the pressure."
"You think Elves are weak huh?"
"No, I just think they're easy to beat!"
Not wanting to wait around for the brawl that was brewing amongst the crowd of people that stood easily twice her height, Serana chose to go inspect another game. Next to the strength contest was another booth similar to the ring toss, but in place of the rings, there were balls. She got closer and saw another sign:
BARRYS BOTTLE BASH
2gp to play
2 balls 2 shots and 6 bottles
Knock down 2: ring and stick toy
Knock down 4: wooden knife
Knock down 6: 10gp and healing
potion
"Ugh." Serana groaned. "These prizes are for children." She knew the healing potion would be nice, and useful for her line of work, but the other items she could do without. One last game to check.
"I guess a doll wouldn't be all that bad, and I could always sell the gloves." She sighed.
She came upon the last booth and saw a small gathering around the sign. It was much longer than the other games sign and immediately peaked her interest.
HARDIN'S HOLE HURL
20gp to play
3 Balls 3 Shots
Shot 1: 5gp
Shot 2: 5gp
Shot 3: free 2nd game or healing
potion
Shot 4: 5gp
Shot 5: 20 gp or a shot at the jackpot Shot 6: half of the games money or a
magic stone
The jackpot was up on the table next to the man running the game. It was already 400gp! After a quick calculation in her head she realized that at least 40 people have tried and failed to get the jackpot. She knew right then that this was the game for her.
"So how does this game work?" She asked the man.
"Well young lady, I'm glad you asked. I am Hardin Hilldom and this here is my humble game of hole hurl." He said while giving a theatrical bow. "In front of you is a wooden board with a large hole in the middle. The object of the game is to throw the ball through the hole. Make it through and you win!"
"That's it?" Serana asked. "That seems way to easy. There has to be some kind of catch."
A sly smile appeared on Hardin's face, "Yes there is my lovely lady. For each ball you successfully score, the hole will grow smaller, making it harder and harder to claim victory. But if you succeed you could easily walk away with a valuable prize."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black stone. It was similar to a coin, but thicker, almost like a skipping rock. There was a faint glow to the stone that gave away it's magical aura, only one familiar with magic would be able to sense this.
"I'll play!" She exclaimed.
"Wonderful! We have a new contender!" Hardin announced.
The group scurried over to get a better view of Serana and her throws. Three balls were placed in front of her on the counter. They were a bit larger than her fist, but not to large to be un handleable.
"There you are my lady you can take your shots whenever you want."
Without another word, Serana threw the first ball. It flew right down the middle. Hardin slapped 5 gold pieces on the counter.
"A wonderful first shot my dear! How will you fair as the challenge becomes increasingly difficult."
Serana wasn't worried, she was determined to win it all.
Second shot through. Another 5 gold pieces. With the third shot through the ever shrinking hole, another three balls were placed in front of her.
"Now my dear, will you take the potion or wi-"
He was cut off as Serana sent the 4th ball through the hole with ease. Hardin laughed out loud as he dropped another 5 gold pieces.
"Seems like we may actually have a winner at long last."
As she released the 5th shot, she felt the ball slip over her finger and she knew it was going to be close. It sailed through the air and struck the edge of the ring, bouncing the ball up. When it landed, the crowd gasped. It teetered on the edge of the ring without falling.
"My my my we have a little situation here." Hardin said. "I'm sorry but I can't call that a score." The crowd began to voice their disapproval when Hardin held up his hand for silence. "But neither can I call that a miss. I will give you your 6th shot. Whatever you score shall be your prize. If you knock only the one in then it will count as your 5th shot. If both manage to go in then you win it all. Fair?"
"I thank you for your decision, it sounds as just as it could be in this situation." Serana laughed.
"Well I'm glad you agree. Now for the final shot!"
Serana lined up her throw, pulled back and threw the ball as fast as she could. It struck the first ball sending it through the ring, but in doing so, it lost most of it's momentum. Again the ball struck the edge of the ring, it bounced up and down a few times before it rested on the edge yet again.
"Oh come on!" Serana cried out.
"I'm sorry miss, better luck next time." Hardin said sadly.
"It's still moving!" Someone shouted.
Both Serana and Hardin turned just in time to see the ball fall through the ring on the other side.
"We have a jackpot!" Hardin cried out.
Serana jumped excitedly, shouting with joy. The small group joined her, giving her congratulations and advice on what prize she should take.
"Well sweety, here are your options. On top of the 15 gold pieces you've already won," he dropped a heavy coin purse onto the counter in front of her, "you could add 400 to that value. Or instead you could choose this pretty stone. The choice is yours."
"I choose the stone." She quickly stated.
The group gasped and tried to convince her to change her mind.
"The lady has chosen, and her decision is final." Hardin said.
The grumbles of the crowd could be heard as they melted away back to the festival.
"You have an eye for the arcane don't you my dear?" Hardin asked.
"You could say that." Serana smirked.
"Sorcerer? No no no wait....bard? No definitely not....perhaps a druid?"
"Correct." Serana said.
"Well my dear, I'm glad this stone is going to be put to good use and not just on some rich man's mantel." Hardin replied.
"So what exactly does it do?" She asked.
"Of course I should've explained it earlier, allow me to show you." Hardin said.
He reached over and grabbed a hammer and a nail from the behind the counter. Apparently the booth was only recently constructed. He took the nail and hammered it halfway into the counter.
"How hard do you believe it would be to pull that out with your bare hand?" Hardin asked.
"Not very easy, but not impossible." Serana answered.
Hardin nodded and then attempted to remove the nail with no success.
"You would be correct, it is very difficult. Now watch this." He grabbed the stone and held it in his fist. "I wish to be stronger." The stone glowed faintly in his hand before going dull. He reached for the nail once more and after a few seconds of pulling, he extracted it from the counter.
"So it grants wishes?" Serana asked excitedly.
Hardin laughed, "No my dear. It has 6 different phrases you can use to improve yourself. As you can see, it won't drastically change your abilities, but maybe it could give you an edge in a much needed situation. The six phrases are:
-I wish to be stronger
-I wish to be dexterous
-I wish to be tougher
-I wish to be wiser
-I wish to be smarter
-I wish to be influential.
The stone can increase your abilities only once a day. The following morning you will feel the effects have faded and must choose another or the same." Hardin explained.
"How many times can I use this stone?" Serana asked.
"It will work until you break it." He said.
"This truly is a wonderful prize, thank you." Serana patted the man's hand and grabbed the stone. "I wish to b-"
Hardin cut her off, "Uh miss, I may have already used the stones charge for the day." He said sheepishly. "Sorry."
"Oh that's alright, I'm sure you could use the effects more than I could right now anyways. Have a good night." She said as she walked away. Looking down at the stone in her hand a smile broke onto her face. This was definitely the right game for her.