The Quintessential Barbarian
The Quintessential Barbarian cover
| Author | Robert Schwalb |
| Series | Quintessential Series |
| Publisher | Mongoose Publishing |
| Publish date | 2003 |
| Pages | 128 |
| ISBN | 1-903980-92-5 |
| OGL Section 15 | qbbn |
The material below is designated as Open Game Content
Among the more advanced societies, donning full plate armour and sitting atop a horse, with jousting lance and dressed shield are the symbols of noble warriors. When they finally ride full-tilt at their opponent, outfitted similarly, seeing who remains mounted after the pass demonstrates the peak of skill at arms. Simply put, barbarians scoff at this foolishness. They question how wearing a shell of steel is any means of determining one's worth. They laugh at the knights who fall and shake their heads at the occasional accidental death caused by a misplaced lance.
Barbarians believe contests should truly demonstrate an individual's practical abilities. It is unlikely on a battlefield for a warrior to have the opportunity to withdraw and rest before re-engaging in a grand melee at his own discretion. No, a contest should reflect the worth of the individual to the clan and war chief. In this section are descriptions of contests and tournaments barbarians engage in for pleasure, but also to demonstrate their abilities and to achieve glory. These tournaments range from the grisly to the intellectual, challenging the individual on every side, from pure Strength to raw personality.
Contests of Stamina
Winners of these contests represent the toughest and most indomitable heroes of the clan. Each of these trials tests a barbarian's ability to function while under adverse conditions and persevere through them until the end. A full survey of competitions falling under this classification is well beyond the scope of this section; however, one should look to these three examples as guidelines for contests of your own creation.
Contests of War
Blood sports, these contests always result in death. They reflect the cunning and the desensitized nature of these ravaging warmongers. To outsiders, these games are the antithesis of wholesome civilised behaviour. To barbarians, it is the cornerstone of their society.
Other Contests
Many other sporting events appeal to barbaric societies. In the following pages are just a few of the possibilities for barbarians to enjoy. Abbreviated versions of the guidelines established above, these games are no less nasty and brutish.
- Axe Throwing
- Bare-Knuckle Boxing
- Log Rolling
- Ring Fighting
- Snatch and Grab
- Stone or Log Throwing
- Trunk Climbing
Editing ©2008 Alex Schröder
