🎭 The Sawdust Courts

The Judges
The Sawdust Courts are overseen by four judges, each representing a different virtue of performance:
• Judge Carnelia Thist (Human) — Brawn
• Eldrich Reeve (Human) — Mind
• Solenn Veyra (Half-Elf) — Finesse
• Madame Orluna (Elf) — Spirit
Overview
The Sawdust Courts are a performance trial where accused individuals compete to win the favor of the judges.
The trial consists of five rounds.
The winner is not decided by total points alone — each judge ultimately votes for the performer who impressed them most.
Phase 1 — Performance Rounds
Each Round:
• Each contestant chooses one stat to perform with:
• Mind
• Finesse
• Brawn
• Spirit
• Contestants roll opposed checks.
• The highest roll overall wins the round.
• The winning contestant earns 1 point with the judge associated with the stat they rolled.
Example:
• Sally rolls Spirit (15)
• Bob rolls Mind (14)
Sally wins the round.
➡ Madame Orluna (Spirit) gives Sally 1 point.
Only one point total is awarded each round.
After 5 rounds:
• A total of 5 points have been awarded.
All rolled results are recorded.
Phase 2 — Judge Bonus Points
After all rounds conclude:
Each judge awards 1 bonus point to the contestant who achieved the highest single roll in that judge’s stat across all five rounds.
Example:
• Highest Spirit roll during the trial = Sally’s 18
➡ Madame Orluna awards Sally 1 bonus point.
Total bonus points awarded = 4
Phase 3 — Judge Votes
Each judge reviews their own category:
• The contestant with the most points in that judge’s category earns that judge’s vote.
• If tied, the highest roll in that category breaks the tie.
Verdict
• Each judge casts one vote.
• If a contestant earns a majority (3 or more votes), they are declared the winner and go free.
Tie Result
If judges are split evenly:
The crowd determines the verdict.
➡ Both contestants make a contested Spirit roll.
The winner gains the crowd’s favor and wins the trial.

On a critical success, gain +1 ongoing bonus to that stat for the remainder of the trial.

On a critical failure, suffer –1 ongoing penalty to that stat for the remainder of the trial.