With the decision to include the Gauntlet in the first festival, a barrier was erected, cordoning off the area that was to house the massive obstacle course.  Curtains were hung at a height of eight feet, blocking everyone's view of the construction of this mammoth machine.  It was not until the actual opening of the festival that anyone other than the Festival Guardians could finally glimpse the object that would test the dexterity of those who dared attempt a running.

It stood twenty feet tall at its highest point and eighty feet from start to end.  The platforms were easily six feet from the ground.  Hay was scattered in great piles twenty feet out from the structure, for those less fortunate in their attempt.  Beneath the platforms were great gears, used to start the pendulum effect that would put and keep the Gauntlet in motion.

At the base of the Gauntlet, helpers wait to aid in fitting padding on those who wish it.  It is highly recommended, as there is no less than a six foot drop if you should falter.  You should also note that the blades used in the Gauntlet are authentic and rather sharp.  Padding is highly recommended.

Stage One:  Rotating Platform

After climbing the steps to the initial platform, you are faced with a rotating platform.  It is roughly ten feet long and one foot wide.  The beginning is almost stationary, with the end rotating in a three foot circle, thus moving the platform up, down and to the sides more as you move along it.  Two dexterity checks ((4+ on 1d20)) are required to successfully make it onto the platform at the other end.  

Stage Two:  Dodgeball

With only a two foot "stable" platform, you are forced directly into the next stage.  The first obstacle is a rotating bar with three "arms" on it, flattened lengths of wood similar to an oar.  Great balls of cowhide, filled with sawdust, rotate on four-post spindles beyond the arms.  They are staggered on either side of the platform, thus allowing them to cover the same space in some areas.  In this fifteen foot section, there are four such rotating obstacles as well as a two-foot drop in the platform.  Two dexterity checks ((7+ on 1d20)) are required to successfully make it onto the platform at the other end.

Stage Three:  Piercing Blades 

Again, there is only a two foot "stable" platform between the two stages.  Stage three is ten feet long, atop a platform with many slits in it. Through the slits rise blades of varying lengths, shoving up in a thrusting manner.  Two dexterity checks ((10+ on 1d20)) are required to successfully make it through the blades to the next platform.

Stage Four:  Pendulum Axe Blades

In the final stage, great pendulums swing from the frame overhead.  On the end of each of the pendulums is a massive axe head.  The axe heads are different in size and shape, but none are dull.  Extreme dexterity and cunning is needed to time your passage through this twenty-five foot section of the Gauntlet.  Three dexterity checks ((13+ on 1d20)) are required to successfully make it through the pendulum blades.  Upon the third successful check in this stage, you can congratulate yourself on expert navigation.

You've just run the Gauntlet.

Rules:
  • All combatants will roll dexterity checks using 1d20.  A successful check allows the combatant to continue. Please wait for dexterity checks to be called for.  Do not just roll randomly.
  • All combatants will be allowed three saving throws.  Saving throws will use 1d10 and are successful on a roll of 8-10.  A successful saving throw allows the combatant to "catch" him/herself and continue.  One saving throw is allowed per failed dexterity check.  No doubling or tripling the rolls (i.e., no saving on failed saves).
  • Please keep things realistic and don't simply "fly over" the obstacles, or climb across the top frame.  To successfully navigate, you must go through the stage, not over or under it.
  • A combatant can only attempt to Run the Gauntlet three times during each session.  The queue keeper must be contacted to sign up and combatants will be called in the order in which they appear on the queue keeper's list.
  • A proctor will be provided for the duration of this event on each night it is scheduled.  No one other than the assigned proctor can oversee this event or submit results.
VPs Awarding:

  • VPs are awarded by the stages completed.

  • Stage One earns 2 VP.

  • Stage Two earns 4 VPs, for a total of 6 VPs.

  • Stage Three earns 6 VPs, for a total of 12 VPs.

  • Stage Four earns 8 VPs, for a total of 20 VPs.

  • No VPs are awarded unless Stage One is successfully navigated.

  • Proctor - 3 VPs

  • Queuekeeper - 1 VP

  • NOTE:  FIRST participant to successfully complete the Gauntlet during this year's Festival of Beltane earns double VPs, for a total of 40 VPs, instead of 20 VPs.