SWORDSTOCK 2026

Friday Night Feature Game: Tavern Brawl

The night is young and the tavern is lively. You and your crew have spent the evening enjoying good drink, loud laughter, and tales of questionable heroism. Unfortunately, another group at a nearby table has taken offense to something said across the room.

Words are exchanged. Pride is bruised. Insults grow louder with every passing moment.

Soon enough, talk alone will not settle the matter. Rather than turn the tavern into a battlefield, both parties agree to step outside and settle the matter in a dark alley beside the tavern.

Welcome to Tavern Brawl, a 3 versus 3 challenge of wit and steel played in two stages.

Stage One: The Battle of Words

Every great tavern misadventure begins with sharp tongues before sharper blades. One team begins with a bold insult directed at their rivals. The opposing team may answer with a retort of their own. One more exchange is allowed before the watching crowd of passersby decides which group delivered the finest verbal defeat. The winning team earns a point for their superior wit and audacity.

Stage Two: The Clash of Steel

Now the matter is settled the old fashioned way.

Both teams take up smallswords and share a single lantern to light the fight. With only one source of light between them, teammates must rely on clever positioning, quick communication, and skilled fencing to overcome their opponents in the dim glow.

Each victory in words or steel earns a point for your team. The exact format of the evening’s games will depend on how many participate and how much time remains before the tavern calls last orders.

Teams of three may be formed ahead of time for those who wish to plan their strategy, sharpen their insults, and build strong teamwork before the night begins. Participants who arrive without a full party need not worry, as pickup teams will be formed so that everyone can join in the fun.

Workshops

Check out our workshops page for details on this year’s seminars.