Dr. Lau's Tournament
Entry fee is one magic item of approximately 1000 xp value (although the xp values table is so odd at times that the power is more important than the xp value); there is also a token fee of 250 gp to defray expenses.
Single elimination, opponents chosen by lot. Fights continue until one player "taps out," is incapacitated, or killed. In general, paralysis, befumblement, etc. is counted a loss, unless there are other threats "on the board." E.g., if one player summons an elemental to assist him, and is then paralyzed, the chance remains that the elemental could defeat his opponent, or keep him occupied until the paralysis wears off. Anyone who thinks he has so many hit points that he can survive being coup-de-graced repeatedly until paralysis wears off had better call that ahead of time.
No single magic item can be used by more than one person in the tournament. With the exceptions of simple "pluses" and certain passive effects (such as a ring of fire resistance), powers from magic items can only be used once in the course of the tournament. For example, a sword of sharpness may only sever one head, although it can strike, with its plus, as many antagonists as possible; a wand of lightning may only throw one lightning bolt, although it may be used again to cast shocking tap, etc. A necklace of missiles may be used multiple times since it contains multiple missiles. Spells may be cast as many times as is practicable, with no fear of duplication.
No buffing, spell casting, or item activation beyond passive effects (i.e. items may be grasped, worn, etc.) may take place before time begins.
All combats will take place on the second floor of the adamantite fortress of the Syrian. Leaving the area willingly will constitute "tapping out"; being forced out by one's opponent will allow a time out. Time outs will be handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness in durations, etc.
The area around the fortress is under strict peace-bound rules.
Every Thursday, sundown to sunup, the tournament will run. No player will be forced to fight more than one bout per week. Failure to show up for an announced bout before sunset will result in a forfeit.
In any bout that lasts more then sixty rounds, the judges have the option of calling a winner.
The winner will take home 50% of the pool of entry magic items plus the Maiden Sword of Yueh. Second place will take home 30%, and the two third place contestants 10% each. In case of extra items left over and impossible to divide, the items will be sold off, and the proceeds distributed to the poor.
All fights, before, during and after the battle commences, will be monitored magically, through "glassee" windows, and on-site by zin. Decisions of the judges are final.
