Tavern Brawls S02W03

The Tipsy Turtle was packed with people after the conclusion of the third week of the current Brawl. And even though they sat right next to each other, Arwen had to almost shout for Abacus to be able to hear what he was saying over the constant murmur of voices.

“Where is he then? I haven’t seen him since he sent out Gerard to mind the bar.” They both looked around yet another time – still not laying eyes on the barkeeper even though this might possibly be the busiest night all year.

“I don’t know,” Abacus responded and seemed to deliberate for a moment before he continued. “Maybe we should go check.” It was a confirmation and not a question. The two friends were still dressed in the nomad disguise they had worn this week and people didn’t pay them too much attention. Besides… He had a nagging sensation in his stomach that Arwen might be right and that something really was wrong. 

Together they made their way outside instead of trying to get behind the bar unnoticed. They walked to the stables and peered inside, but continued on when they spotted Justivius and his followers readying their horses. Instead they went behind the neighboring house and opened the hatch that lead down into the basement – careful not to be seen by anyone. At the far wall of the basement, they grabbed a dirty, old chest and lifted it out of their way – revealing a hole in the wall, big enough for them to wiggle their way through.

The tunnel wasn’t long – just long enough to connect to the bigger tunnels that ran under the inn – and soon the two were back on their feet, quietly sweeping off dirt from their clothes with their hands. Neither of them said a word. These tunnels ran all the way from the harbor to the quarters of the Town Guard and you never knew who might be near. 

Making their way to the ladder that lead back up to the barkeeper’s private rooms, they suddenly heard voices coming from one of the rooms situated just below the inn and slowed down while they listened intently.

“I can’t do it like that!” Arwen looked to Abacus and when his friend nodded, he knew that he had heard right. The voice coming from the room was the barkeeper’s. And he sounded angry. “I already have the Commissar and half of the Town Guard crawling up my ass. I’ll admit that business is good because of the tournament, but it is bringing heat down on me like never before. This is not what we agreed upon!” 

A murmur – much quieter than the barkeeper’s voice – reached their ears, so low that Arwen wasn’t able to make out the words. But then the barkeeper spoke again. “I don’t care! It’s my life on the line here, not yours! Honestly, I am this close to taking your precious tournament and shove it up your …” The other voice interrupted with a ring of warning in it and the barkeeper immediately quieted down. “I’m sorry. I know what I owe you. I just… I need more time.”

When the barkeeper exited the room, Arwen and Abacus were pressing themselves into the tunnel wall – trying to be as small as possible. Wordlessly they both agreed to wait and see if they could lay eyes on the mysterious other person. But after a few uneventful moments they inched forward and peered inside the room. 

It was empty.

The 3rd week of this season’s Tavern Brawls is in the books and we now have only two undefeated teams left – the Decepticons and Heroes of the Damned – while the Brave Travelers, the Smugglers and Nightmare on Realm Street each have won more matches than they have lost. Seven champions are still undefeated, counting 3 Fighters, 1 Cleric, 1 Ranger, 1 Thief and 1 Wizard.

The Fighter is still the class doing best with a win percentage for the season of 54%. Cleric is next with 52%, closely followed by the rest of the classes; Ranger 49%, Thief 48% and Wizard 47%. There might be a few Daredevils that could benefit from taking a closer look at the matchups in the new post-balancing meta! But with each passing week we climb to higher levels. Everything is still up for grabs!