Artisans Guild – Fate’s Gauntlet
©Geoffrey Schumann. Not for resale. Permission is granted to print this document for personal use only.
Act I: The Gathering
Scene 1: The Announcement
Setting: The bustling main square of the artisan city of Crafthold, with colorful banners and a large stage.
Characters: The Protagonist (Player’s character), Master Artisans, fellow Competitors, Townsfolk.
Action: A herald announces the upcoming “Aesthetic Duel,” a prestigious competition where artists and craftsmen from across the land will showcase their skills to be judged by master artisans. The rewards include enhancing one’s artistic reputation and potential royal patronage.
Scene 2: Preparation
Setting: The workshop/studio where the Protagonist prepares their entry.
Characters: The Protagonist, their Mentor (optional), other local Competitors.
Action: The Protagonist chooses their craft (painting, sculpture, jewelry, etc.) and begins their creation. They may seek advice, gather rare materials, and perhaps deal with a minor crisis or sabotage.
Scene 3: Networking
Setting: A pre-duel mixer in the town hall.
Characters: Competitors, Artisans, Local Nobility, and Sponsors.
Action: The Protagonist has the opportunity to converse with other competitors, gain insights into the judging process, and make valuable connections. They might gain or lose confidence based on the strength of their competition.
Act II: The Duel
Scene 1: The Presentation
Setting: The grand hall of Crafthold, transformed into an exhibition space.
Characters: The Protagonist, Master Artisans, Competitors, Audience.
Action: Each competitor presents their piece. Vivid descriptions of artworks and performances highlight the creativity and skill of the contestants. The Protagonist showcases their work, emphasizing its beauty and function.
Scene 2: The Judgement
Setting: Same as Scene 1.
Characters: Master Artisans (Judges), Competitors, Audience.
Action: Judges critique each work, providing feedback that ranges from technical proficiency to the emotional impact of the pieces. Tension builds as the Protagonist awaits their turn.
Scene 3: The Twist
Setting: Still in the grand hall.
Characters: A Surprise Guest (a renowned artist or a critic), Competitors, Audience.
Action: A surprise twist occurs when a famous but reclusive artist or critic arrives to give their own opinions, perhaps challenging the judges’ views or offering a unique opportunity to the competitors.
Act III: The Outcome
Scene 1: The Awards
Setting: The grand hall, later in the evening.
Characters: Master Artisans, Competitors, Audience, the Surprise Guest.
Action: Prizes are awarded. The protagonist’s success or failure is revealed—do they win and boost their reputation, or face public embarrassment?
Scene 2: The Aftermath
Setting: The aftermath at the Protagonist’s workshop or a local tavern.
Characters: The Protagonist, Fellow Competitors, New Acquaintances.
Action: Depending on the outcome, the Protagonist deals with either their newfound fame or the consequences of their failure. Opportunities for future adventures or redemption arcs can be introduced.
Scene 3: The Departure
Setting: The main square or the protagonist’s residence.
Characters: The Protagonist, their Mentor, and New Allies.
Action: The adventure concludes with the Protagonist reflecting on the lessons learned and preparing for future challenges, setting the stage for their next creative journey.
GM’s Tips:
When running “The Aesthetic Duel” adventure, focus on fostering creativity among your players and immersing them in the rich artistic culture of your game world. Here are some tips to help you guide the experience:
Encourage Detailed Descriptions: Ask players to describe their artistic creations in detail. This not only enhances the role-playing experience but also allows for a deeper engagement with the character’s craft. Consider using visual aids or mood boards to inspire players.
Flexible Judging Criteria: As the GM, you control the outcome of the competition based on the narrative needs. Adjust the judging criteria based on the story’s direction and the players’ inputs. It’s important to balance fairness with dramatic tension—sometimes, a surprising loss can lead to more engaging storytelling than a straightforward win.
Handle Failure Creatively: If a player fails, make the failure interesting and integral to the story. Provide paths for redemption or side quests that can help the character recover from their setback, turning the failure into a pivotal character development moment.
Integrate Player Backgrounds: Leverage the backgrounds and goals of each character to personalize the experience. If a character has a history with a rival competitor or a specific interest in a certain art form, incorporate these elements to make the competition more meaningful.
Use NPCs Effectively: Introduce NPCs, such as master artisans, critics, and rival competitors, to enrich the narrative. These characters can provide feedback, pose challenges, and offer opportunities for further adventures.
Offer Meaningful Choices: Provide players with decisions that will affect the outcome of their participation in the duel. Choices about preparation methods, materials used, and reactions to critiques can all impact their performance and the story’s progression.
Prepare for Varied Outcomes: Plan for different outcomes based on the competition’s results. Whether a character succeeds or fails, have a plan for how their journey will continue. This ensures the adventure doesn’t end abruptly but leads into further developments.
