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Tavern Games

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 11:09 pm
by Charon
Magic Wand

A dice based tavern game for 4+ players.

Everyone antes by paying 1 copper piece, one player is assigned the button and goes first.
The game begins with each player rolling a d4 unseen by the other players. Usually an independent observer will act as referee to ensure no cheating takes place, watching each player roll so they cannot change their result.

After each player has rolled their d4, a round of betting takes place much like poker, beginning with the button and continuing clockwise. Once everyone has matched the current bet or folded, the d4s are revealed and everyone can see what each other has.

Now each player rolls 1d6 in secret, again verified by an independent. A second round of betting takes place, starting with the button and once all players match or fold, the d6s are revealed.

A final third round follows using a d8. One last round of betting takes place before this final number is revealed. If at any point all players fold and only one player remains, he takes the pot.

Once revealed, the numbers on the dice (d4, d6, d8 for each player) are added and the highest number wins. Ties split the pot.

However, there are certain combinations that cast spells from the magic wand. These are resolved by the button and continue clockwise. Only one complete circuit of spellcasting is processed, even if scores have changed to allow further castings. Ties split the pot unless otherwise noted.

123 - Reduce Person
All other scores are halved. You are immune to any other Reduce Person effects. You always win a tie.

234 - Teleport
Swap one equivalent dice. You may choose any opponent's dice and swap like for like with yours, for example, swapping your d8 for their d8. Be careful, if your opponent has not yet cast a spell you may be giving them a combo!

345 - Shield
Triggers the moment any other spell tries to affect you. Your dice and score cannot be manipulated by any means.

456 - Contingency
After all other spells are resolved, if anyone has a higher score than you, roll 1d4 and add it to your score.

111 - Divine Intervention
Keep your initial score (3) and roll all your dice again. Add this result to get your final score.

222 - Mirror Image
Roll 1d6. On a 1-5 your score is doubled. On a 6, your score is tripled.

333 - Disintegration
Any 3s rolled by any other players are discarded.

444 - Bulls Strength
Roll 1d4 and add to your total.

The button moves clockwise after each complete game. Initial button assignment can be determined via roll off if necessary.

Re: Tavern Games

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 1:15 pm
by Charon
Updated to version 1.2.

Two new spells added for 345 and 456.
Reduce Person changed to only provide immunity to further instances of Reduce Person.

Re: Tavern Games

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 1:39 pm
by Charon
Sample game to illustrate.

Six players ante.
After first round, everyone bets and stays in. The d4s are revealed to be:
Player A - 1
Player B - 4
Player C - 4
Player D - 4
Player E - 3
Player F - 3

At this point all players have information. Mirror Image is off the table for everyone. BCD are the only ones who could proc Bull's Strength or Contingency and are in strong positions score-wise.
E and F are in a strong position for potential spells with many options.
A looks the weakest but Divine Intervention and Reduce Person are possibles.

Round 2 rolls happen. Players A and B fold. The dice reveals are now:
Player A - 1, 4 - Folded
Player B - 4, 1 - Folded
Player C - 4, 2
Player D - 4, 4
Player E - 3, 4
Player F - 3, 5

The remaining players are all looking good. Everyone can see that D is in a strong position and is likely to win. Player C is doing well too, he could hit a teleport or simply outroll D on the final dice.
E and F are online for the shield spell but it's not gonna improve their score and would only be protecting against teleport, which would most likely be used on Player D. Player E is thinking of folding, while F is considering staying in.

Final rolls are made. Player F folds before the betting. The dice are revealed as:
Player C - 4, 2, 6
Player D - 4, 4, 4
Player E - 3, 4, 2
Player F - 3, 5, 2 - Folded

Player C is up first, he has a score of 12, no spell.
Player D also has 12 but has cast Bull's Strength. He rolls 1 on a d4, bringing his total to 13.
Player E has cast Teleport. He swaps his d8 with Player C. Player C's score is now 8 (422). Player E's score is now 13 (346).
Players D and E split the pot.