Ideas for events at a coronation?

[Polama]

My players failed utterly at preventing a royal coup, which means the evil uncle has seized control of the kingdom. Now, before he starts ruthlessly squeezing the peasantry and forcing adventurers to go to war for him, he has to be crowned king. Which means, of course, a festival!

I figure festivals must be fairly standard rpg fair. I can think of a few trope events (archery contest, pickpockets, drinking competitions...), but I was wondering if others had run or played in games featuring a festival. Anything work particularly well? Any interesting variations we might expect at a festival in a magical world?

 

[TarionzCousin]

Bardic contests: poetry and songs
Drinking and eating contests.
Jousting.

Everyone present must swear fealty to the new king, of course. Don't have them do it all at once, though. Landed nobility goes first, followed by lesser nobles. They all get to parade up front in court. Peasants go last and just kneel where they are.

Tournaments, Fairs, and Taverns is a nice resource. It's got a nice section on throwing halfings, too.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

With all of the security heightened at the coronation, the surrounding area would likely be pretty easy pickings for bold thieves -- even pursuit would be limited, because the guards couldn't draw security away from the royal guests.

 

[smetzger]

1) The little guy who was killed, is newly shown off via raise dead.
2) Barbarian yells
3) Hottie winks at the hero

 

[RangerWickett]

"Who disrupts my coronation?!"

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4er_AinswtI]YouTube - ‪My Favorite Transformers the Movie Scene‬‏[/ame]

 

[GSHamster]

There should be two sets of festivities, one for the nobility, and one for the common people.

For the nobility, probably a state dinner/feast, and a ball.

For the commoners, a fair, competitions like archery, lots of bards and other performers (circus, freaks, etc.)

For both, maybe a jousting tournament.

Also, for festivities like this, remember that there two genders. Often the immediate suggestions that come to mind are the traditionally male activities, as in your original post. But there's a whole distaff side to historical celebrations that can make things interesting and add color to the event.

 

[Ravilah]

It was sometimes a practice for the new king to declare a general amnesty for all condemned criminals during a coronation. Lots of adventure hooks if, say, a murderer with a grudge is once more loose in the city, or the city guard needs help just scooping them all back up again.

On the other hand, it was also popular to have executions. Since the new king is evil, there could be all manner of hangings, beheadings, burnings, and impalings.

A lot of extra religious services get held on coronation week. The churches/temples would be full all day with masses and liturgical ceremonies of blessing. Maybe free healings will be offered from sunrise to sunset on the actual day.

Kings often give gifts to the city populace...to encourage popularity. Step right up and take your pick of a shiny silver piece or a nice, healthy piglet (the evil uncle intends on taxing it right back anyway).

Tournaments are absolutely, historically, and fantastically obligatory. If your setting isn't strictly medieval, a gladiatorial combat against vicious monsters would be a crowd-pleaser. The players could sign-up for one, or rescue slaves sentenced to fight in them, or kill some of the monsters that get loose, or find out who's rigging the fights.

David Copperfield and Chris Angel square off in a competition to see who is truly the most powerful wizard, and who will serve as court mage to the king.

Doomsayers fill the streets, prophesying the king's evil reign. They all disappear the next day.

Each night, a coven of well-dressed vampires attend one of the many balls that take place throughout the week. They don't seem interested in eating anyone, and the nobles are actually more fascinated by their charm than frightened of their reputation.

An ominous astrological event takes place the night before the coronation. Meteors fall like burning rain into the city, or a blood red comet lights the night, or a new constellation of piercing green stars appears in the heavens.

 

[Polama]

You guys are great, I've got like double the material already now.

I especially appreciate GSHamster pointing out what a good opportunity this would be for a bit of burglary. The party rogue thinks of nothing else but theft: I'll make sure to have a few homes of miscellaneous goods prepared for when she realizes the opportunity at hand.

The players are going to be returning by boat, so as they arrive they'll see some magical fireworks (in the vein of Gandalf). Hopefully Seeing explosions over the city should give them a good surprise when they enter expecting an invasion and finding a huge party.

 

[Aberzanzorax]

I'd say the festival might reflect (and give hints to the PCs) the personality of the new evil emperor.


Is he a schemer? It's all fun and games.

Is he a tyrant? I love the "swearing fealty" idea.

Is he a necromancer? Perhaps the dead rise from their graves to swear fealty as well (in public or in private).

Does he plan to rule through fear, wit, wisdom, charm, pulling strings politically or with assasinations, etc. Do you, as DM think he'll pull this off effectively (without pc intervention) or is he a bit of an incompetent?


I think that could inform your decisions and help a brainstorm (of your own, or if you shared the answers, here).

 

[AeroDm]

I wanted the players to feel like they were beginning in a podunk, and the campaign began on festival, so I introduced them to a little something called "Pushcow." It is a competition to see how many feet you can bull rush a cow over three attempts. The first roll you can charge and get a bonus, the next two rolls are normal. A roll of 1 on any check means the cow turns and attacks.

It has never failed to amuse.