Festival of the Rusty Pipe

An unprecedented influx of visitors from distant cities and countries has flooded into Bridgeport. Artists and traders abound, eager to earn money by performing or selling their often overpriced goods. A circus has even set up just outside the city limits. The number of visitors now rivals that of the local population. Inns and taverns are filled to capacity, and stable owners are renting out every available space for the night. Many residents have moved in with friends or relatives, renting out their own homes to visitors for substantial profits.

 

Festival of the
Rusty Pipe

Bridgeport City, spring 2865 PB

Hark, noble denizens of fair Bridgeport, and ye who inhabit the County of Bridgeport, a tale of grandeur and merriment dost unfold! The "Festival of the Rusty Pipe" doth make its triumphant return.   Prepare, prepare, to be enthralled, for within this splendid jubilee, wonders abound like stars in the firmament. Behold the grandeur of Cirque de Solani, their colored pavilions an emblem of enchantment itself. Gird your hearts for the spectacle of pig races - a sight to render both young and old breathless with mirth. Sharpen thy arrows and test thy skill in bow-shooting contests, where the marksmanship of the valiant shall resound in victorious glory.   Yet, fair compatriots, this is but a mere prelude to the banquet of diversions awaiting thee. Indulge thy senses in contests of eating and drinking, where jests and jollity dance hand in hand. Tune thine ears to the melodies spun by minstrels and musicians, as the very air is steeped in harmonious rapture. Witness the exultant spectacle of dance, a fervor that sets foot and heart alight.   Lo, let it be known that this celebration is a realm of artisans, a haven of creativity and skilled artistry. Immerse thyself in storytelling, as tales of yore weave through the air like wisps of enchantment. Behold the handiwork of craftsmen, painters, and sculptors alike, their creations an embodiment of ingenuity that dost cast a spell upon the senses.   This weeklong fête, an ephemeral reverie, dost beckon with the allure of an alchemist's promise - transmuting the mundane into the magical. Rejoice, for the Festival of the Rusty Pipe dost herald its arrival, inviting one and all to partake in a pageantry of splendid merriment. Verily, seize this opportunity to revel in a realm where the extraordinary dwells amongst us, encapsulated in a span of days as brief as a lover's kiss.   -- Town Cryer

 

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Festival committee:

• Barnabas Flurry
• Cilla
• Erin Maycey
• Thessaly Cadenza

  During the whole event many things are happening:
 

Grand Parade

On the first day of the festival, a grand parade winds its way through the city's bustling streets, capturing the attention of everyone in Bridgeport. Featuring over two dozen elaborately decorated floats, the procession is a spectacle of color and creativity. Each float presents satirical scenes that humorously ridicule recent events or poke fun at individuals who have made fools of themselves lately. Local artisans and performers collaborate to bring these scenes to life, using puppetry, music, and theatrical displays. The parade not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community, allowing citizens to laugh together at shared experiences.  

City Run

Participants in the city-run are each given a card at the starting line, which they must have stamped at ten specific checkpoints located along the route. The first contestant to cross the finish line with a card bearing all ten stamps wins the race. The race both begins and ends at the Iron Gate on the east side of the city.    

Contests

  The winner of each contest will receive a special item related to their specific competition - for example, a unique bow for the archery event, an ornate stein for the drinking challenge, or a finely crafted fishing rod for the fishing competition. In addition to the specialized item, they will be awarded 100 gold coins and an exclusive invitation to the Masquerade Ball at Villa Cadenza.   Archery Contest
The renowned archer Harrison Acton from Olena Ora will be judging the competitions, where contestants can participate in four distinct events: shortbow and longbow categories, each at both regular and maximum ranges. In each event, every contestant will shoot five arrows. Any contestant who fails to score a single hit is immediately eliminated. If all contestants score hits, the one with the fewest successful shots is eliminated. In the event of a tie for the lowest number of hits, those contestants will enter a tiebreaker round, shooting three additional arrows to determine who is eliminated. This process continues, with remaining contestants advancing to new rounds, until only a single winner remains in each category.   Bridgeport Booze Blitz
Seven taverns have joined forces to host a drinking contest. Participants start at the first tavern, have a drink, and then proceed to the next one, continuing this pattern. The first person to have a drink at all seven taverns and then loudly proclaim, "I drank it all and yet I stand!" (without puking) wins the contest. The taverns and their order in the contest are:  

• The Pantry
• Smoking Cow Club
• Tambourine
• Silver Dwarf Pub
• Crooked House
• Drunken Duck
• Bizzarri Inn and Stable

    Fishing Contest
The contest will award the participant who catches the most unusual-looking fish, as judged by a panel. This fishing competition takes place on the third day of the event, starting at sunrise and concluding at noon.   The jury consists of three veteran fishermen who have, over their long careers, encountered countless bizarre and extraordinary fish. They will evaluate each catch based on its uniqueness and peculiarity to determine the winner.   Enchanted Stones Tournament
  Strong Individual Competition
Originally named the "Strong Men Contest," this event underwent a name change after several festival team members voiced their objections. Following a spirited two-hour debate, the contest was renamed the "Strong Individual Competition" to promote inclusivity and encourage participation from all individuals, regardless of gender.   Disciplines:   Trunk Pulling: Contestants must pull a massive tree trunk from the Iron Gate halfway to the Second Gate. This grueling task tests their endurance and raw strength. Purpose: The trunks used in this event will later serve as material for the Woodcarving Contest.   Caber Toss: Participants lift a large log vertically and throw it as far as possible. The challenge lies not only in strength but also in technique and balance. This event is a crowd favorite, showcasing impressive displays of power as logs soar through the air.   Brumurum Honorbrow, owner of the Kobold Fight Club, is the judge of this competition.   Woodcarving Contest
Participants in the carving contest are tasked with creating a piece based on a theme that will be revealed just before the competition starts. They will have six hours to complete their work. The renowned sculptor Jamond will judge the contest, evaluating each entry for creativity, skill, and interpretation of the theme.    

Play at the Opera House

The Guild of Actors and Entertainers is performing a play in the Opera House each day, called "The Comedy of Horrors".  

The Shadow Masquerade

The Shadow Masquerade is happening at the last day of the Festival.  

Gnome Workshop Fireworks

The festival will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks extravaganza crafted by the ingenious artisans of the Gnome Workshop. As the final evening descends into night, the skies over Bridgeport will come alive with a symphony of light and color (and noise), marking a spectacular end to the festivities.  

Day	Start Time	End Time	Event	Location
1	noon	-	Grand Parade	start: East Gate end: Cornmarket marketplace
2	noon	midnight	City Run	start and end at East Gate
3	sunrise	noon	Fishing Contest	harbour
4	noon	-	Archery Contest	between East Gate and Second Gate
5	noon	afternoon	Strong Individual Contest	between East Gate and Second Gate
6	afternoon	sunset	Woodcarving Contest	between East Gate and Second Gate
7	sunset	sunrise	Masquerade Ball	Villa Cadenza
7	midnight	-	Gnome Workshop Fireworks	Gnome Workshop
Day	Start Time	End Time	Daily Event	Location
daily	sunset	midnight	Drinking Contest	start: The Pantry end: Bizzarri Inn and Stable
daily	sunset	midnight	The Comedy of Horrors	Opera House