A tournament or arena encounter can create a welcome change of pace in our games. They offer a structured series of varied challenges where characters can shine through skill, ingenuity, and flair, all while competing for a coveted prize. Whether used as filler sessions or part of the main story, tournaments can be tailored to fit any environment, from royal courts to roadside taverns.

This article provides a template for preparing and running tournament encounters, beginning with a hook to enter the tournament, three stages of competitions, and tips for running a fun tournament encounter.

Hook: Entering the Tournament

First, the characters must enter the tournament. Three general hooks are possible:

1. Voluntary Entry: The characters hear about the tournament through rumors, a town crier, or a announcement board. We can draw them in with the promise of fame, gold, or a unique reward like a magic item.
2. Compelled Participation: The party is forced into the competition, perhaps to win their own freedom, secure the release of an NPC (or an absent PC), or obtain a critical McGuffin as the prize of the competition.
3. Patron’s Request: A group patron—be it a noble, a guild leader, or a faerie queen—asks the party to compete in their name. Success could bring the party renown and/or material rewards.

Designing the Tournament: The 3 Stages Template

A well-rounded tournament mixes combat and non-combat challenges to test the characters’ versatility. Here’s a general template for running a tournament encounter:

1. Non-Combat Challenge 1 (for example, jousting): This round could include Animal Handling, Athletics, Acrobatics checks, and attack rolls with a lance. Ask players to come up with their own unique actions to influence the round. Alternatively, start the tournament off with a combat round if your players are more interested in combat.
2. Non-Combat Challenge 2 (for example, racing): Whether on horseback, fantastical mounts like giant snails, or through an obstacle-filled footrace, this stage tests characters’ speed and resilience. Players might use Animal Handling to control their mount, Acrobatics to avoid hazards, and other abilities to sabotage rivals.
3. Combat Challenge (for example, a brawl): Pit the party against a rival adventuring group or mixed challengers. Winning the combat is key, but rewarding characters for flair—such as creative spell use or charismatic taunts—can make this stage feel different than regular combats.

The Winner’s Ceremony

Celebrate the conclusion of the tournament with a grand ceremony. The winners might receive:

• Gold or magical items
• Renown with factions or patrons or even a royal title
• Boons from influential patrons (e.g., invitations to future quests or special events)

We can use this moment to plant seeds for future adventures—perhaps a jealous rival or a treacherous patron who expects repayment for their favor.

Location: The Shape-Shifting Arena

The location where the tournament is held can add depth and variety to each stage:

• Dynamic Layouts: Magical arenas that transform between rounds keep players on their toes. For example, the jousting area might morph into a twisting racetrack and then into a combat pit filled with shifting terrain.
• Hidden Features: Place traps, hazards, or boons in the arena. These could range from healing potions tucked in a corner to traps that hinder reckless characters. Allow characters to discover these with Perception or Investigation checks.
• Announcer: Every tournament needs a memorable announcer, like a witty leprechaun with an amplified voice who taunts the audience, but also hypes up characters who compete in style.
• Engaging the Audience: Include narrative descriptions of the roaring crowd, nobles murmuring about competitors, and the swaying favor of the general audience. NPCs can offer in-game boons, like potions or spell effects (for example, bless or aid) for spectacular performances.

Final Tips for Running Tournaments

• Balance the Challenges: Mix non-combat and combat to ensure every character has a chance to contribute.
• Reward Creativity: Encourage players to think outside the box, rewarding ingenuity with inspiration and audience approval.
• Pace for Excitement: Keep each stage dynamic and engaging. Use audience reactions and in-game commentary to maintain the energy.

With these elements in place, our tournament sessions can become thrilling, memorable highlights in any campaign, offering players an opportunity to showcase their skills in unusual ways, and revel in their characters’ glory.