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Pro-bending, a sport introduced in "The Legend of Korra," is an exciting addition to the "Avatar Legends" campaign. It involves two teams, each consisting of three benders—one waterbender, one earthbender, and one firebender—competing on a large platform above a pool of water. The objective is clear: stay on the platform and eliminate the opposing team.
If you’re running a campaign in Republic City, the "Welcome to Republic City" campaign setting book offers great guidance for hosting thrilling pro-bending matches. You might be curious about how pro-bending functions within a tabletop role-playing game. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
The Basics of Pro-Bending
Pro-bending matches take place on a hexagonal platform divided into sections. Each section is further split into three zones, creating strategic areas for movement. The goal is to push the rival team backwards, claiming their territory while ensuring your team avoids falling into the water.
Though primarily played in Republic City, the sport can be adapted for other settings, despite being created during the Korra era.
Winning a Pro-Bending Match
To secure a victory in pro-bending, teams engage in three one-minute rounds. The team that wins the most rounds emerges as the victor.
Success in a round requires players to push their opponents into an advancing zone. If neither team has claimed ground, the team with the most players still on the platform takes the round. If all players from one team are knocked off, that team loses the match outright.
Players who are knocked off may re-enter in the next round, ensuring they aren’t left out for long.
Understanding the Benders
In pro-bending, each team consists of one waterbender, one earthbender, and one firebender, while airbending is not permitted, though there’s potential for its inclusion in future variations. Earth and waterbenders utilize resources available on the platform, while firebenders must generate their own flames. Certain bending techniques, including bloodbending, are prohibited, ensuring the competition remains fair.
Gameplay System for Pro-Bending
The rules for pro-bending incorporate specific moves that influence the match’s dynamics:
- Arena Moves: Allow players not in the match to impact the game’s outcome, either before or during the match.
- Highlight Moves: Represent impactful actions during the match that can help change the tide of competition.
- Faceoff Moves: Used in the event of a tie, where players roll with their marked fatigue to determine the winner.
Each type of move carries its unique advantages and potential drawbacks, shaping the overall strategy of the match.
Long-Term Use of Pro-Bending
As a game master, you can enhance your campaign by employing pro-bending in various ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Tournaments: Organize a season-long tournament, completed in either round-robin or elimination format.
- Rank and Renown: Winning matches can elevate players’ ranks and reputations throughout Republic City, granting them benefits as they become known figures.
- Campaign Hooks: Use pro-bending as a catalyst for larger narratives. For example, an NPC could help the players only if they outperform a rival in the arena.
By incorporating these elements, pro-bending can become a significant and memorable part of your "Avatar Legends" campaign. Whether you choose to run quick matches or develop a long storyline around the sport, there’s plenty of room for creativity and excitement.
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