Trials of Combat

Brave the challenges of honor or misfortune

Slayers of Rings & Crowns

By Ogre Adventurer

Trials of Combat

In the realm of Trials of Combat, adventurers can seek the wisdom and acknowledgement of Trial Masters, enigmatic figures dedicated to assessing and honing the skills of warriors, mages, and all manner of combatants. These masters are found throughout the world, often hidden in plain sight within bustling villages, castle towns, and rogue encampments. Look for faction flags snapping in the breeze or signs adorned with arcane symbols outside guild halls, taverns, and clandestine academies.

Some Trial Masters operate covertly, existing on the edge of the law, offering trials for *coin slipped under the table. Rules are set by the Trial type and/or the mode, and must be followed or guards will enforce penalties. Potions, scrolls or any other items besides gear are not allowed; however, participating characters with healing properties and buffs have no restrictions. Those who dare to seek out these obscure masters in mobile camps will find the most rewarding challenges awaiting them.

*This represents common coin, not trial coins discussed below.

Trials of Combat are facilitated by Trial Masters. Trial Masters offer unique opportunities to earn distinct rewards, including Honor Points for Proving Grounds, Valor Points for the Arena, Auctorati Points for the Coliseum, and Medals awarded for war and even underground events that illegally pay common coin.

These points can be spent on a range of enhancements, such as specialized gear tailored for each trial's rigorous demands, powerful potions, arcane scrolls, profession manuals, and various other valuable items. The rewards vary depending on the faction or quest giver, ensuring that no trial is ever the same. As you establish faction status with the Trial Master(s), more powerful items will become available for sale and you'll receive better gifts, secrets, and quests.

Trials Currency

The below Trial Currency are earned by participating in combat trials and used to purchase exclusive items from trial vendors.

Honor Points

Honor Points are earned in the Proving Grounds and can be redeemed for exclusive gear sets and enhancements that are specifically designed for various trial challenges.

Valor Points

Valor Points are awarded to participants who succeed in the Arena; these points can be exchanged for formidable weaponry, protective gear, and consumables tailored for arena combat.

Auctorati Points

Auctorati Points are granted for victories in the Coliseum, and are spent on dangerous armament sets, ancient potions, and scrolls containing forgotten knowledge to gain advantages in future battles.

Battle Insignia

Battle Insignia are medals awarded for acts of heroism and exceptional achievements in war and battles.

Trial Coins

Trial Coins are a special currency earned during combat trials, which can only be spent on items sold by trial vendors and are not used for general transactions elsewhere in the world. Trial Coins are rewarded for special victories with achievements and may be used as a currency from vendors of each event.

Proving Grounds

The Proving Grounds require a minimum of five participants, with no upper limit on the number of challengers. The enemy count is dynamically adjusted to match the strength of the party, ensuring a challenging yet fair encounter. Various battleground modes exist within the Proving Grounds, each offering a distinct test of skill and strategy. Participants will gain Honor Points if their goals are reached.

1. Beacon Capture: Teams compete to control multiple beacons scattered across the battlefield. Communication and teamwork are key as squads attempt to outmaneuver their opponents and secure vital points. Once a beacon is taken, the party must destroy it. Each victory in the Proving Grounds grants players coin, experience, and Honor Points which can be redeemed for exclusive gear sets designed for the various trials, enhancing their capabilities for future challenges. The Trial Master will have other, more challenging Beacons for the party to explore as they collect Honor.
2. King of the Peak: The objective is to hold a specific high ground for as long as possible while fending off waves of enemies. Players must utilize environmental features and their wits to maintain their advantage.
3. Race Through the Cave: A high-stakes dash through dark treacherous caves filled with traps, puzzles, and monsters. Players must navigate obstacles while battling foes to be the first to cross the finish line, which is a source of light elsewhere.

Arena

The Arena is a test of skill against other humanoids, employing strict rules regarding weaponry and armor. Participants are allowed to equip only certain classes of weapons and must adhere to given specifications. Players choose equipment sets with different set bonuses, but they're only borrowing the equipment. To earn the equipment sets, characters must spend Valor Points (see below). Combatants may choose from several match formats, each requiring different strategies and tactics:

1. 1 vs. 1: A battle of personal skill, where technique and quick thinking are essential for victory.
2. 2 vs. 2: Teams of two engage in a fight that demands coordination and synergy to overpower their rivals.
3. 3 vs. 3: With bigger teams come greater complexities; players must work together to outmaneuver obstacles and their opponents while predicting their moves.
4. 4 vs. 4: Larger teams allow for diverse strategies, requiring balanced roles and sharp tactics to ensure victory. There are obstacles, buffs, and random hidden gear in these arenas.
5. 5 vs. 5: These arenas are slightly larger than the others and not only provide the challenges of 4 vs. 4 but add other elements, like small mazes, netting and more. This is the ultimate test, where teams must master coordination, communication, and adaptability to defeat their rivals, exploiting the strengths and weaknesses of their allies and foes alike.

Victorious participants earn Valor Points, which can be exchanged for formidable weaponry and protective gear sets crafted for the demands of arena combat, as well as consumables that can spell the difference between victory and defeat.

Coliseum

The Coliseum is a test for champions, where participants can face any creature imaginable without the constraints of any striking rules. The only requirements are that fighters must follow the mode types listed below and earn a measure of proficiency before they can wield more powerful weapons, granting them an edge in battle.

The challenge is over when one side's Life Points have been depleted:

1. Duel: A duel against powerful beasts or mythical entities; participants are tested on their individual prowess and adaptability.
2. Tag Team: 2 on 2 teamwork shines as players join forces against fearsome foes, relying heavily on each other's strengths to survive the onslaught. At the edge of a circled area, characters and their enemies strategically tag one another in and out of the match. If two are in the fighting zone at the same time, they'll be forced to challenge their opponent 1 vs. 2 for a round.
3. Triad: A vigorous contest of skill, cunning, and raw power where 3 party members face formidable monsters; tactical decisions can make or break the match.
4. Crucible: Each team has 2 teams of two. Each faces one another for a round then the team switches. Players must leave the match once their Life has been depleted, but characters may be healed as long as there's a healer in the team. Teams face greater odds and tougher challenges, requiring sharp instincts and a deep understanding of all participants' abilities to secure triumph.
5. Riot: The stakes reach their zenith as the fiercest creatures from every corner of the world are unleashed upon the champions, demanding the ultimate display of their combat skills and teamwork.

Success in the Coliseum bestows Auctorati Points, which can be spent on dangerous armament sets, ancient potions that enhance combat capabilities, and scrolls filled with forgotten knowledge to gain an edge in future battles.

War

War is the large-scale conflict between factions, nations, or worlds, fought across land, sea, and air using a mix of strategy, technology, magic, and unconventional tactics.

Ground War

Conflicts fought across varied terrains such as forests, deserts, tundra, and urban ruins, involving armies, beasts, and war machines. Guerrilla warfare — ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run tactics — is often used by outnumbered or unconventional forces.

Battle at Sea

Epic struggles between ships, aquatic beasts, and naval forces upon oceans, lakes, and other waterways.

Marine Warfare

Combat waged in coastal regions, river deltas, or marshlands, blending amphibious assaults, mariner skirmishes, and the use of watercraft.

Aerial Warfare

Battles in the skies, featuring advanced airships, dragons, flying machines, or improvised aircraft, where combatants clash above the world and sometimes even in space.

The Trials of Combat await those brave enough to face them. Seek the Trial Masters, prove your mettle, and collect the rewards to ascend in the annals of legend.