Dark clouds rolled in low over the tournament field. The hopefuls looked around as they heard the sound of drums, but nobody could tell where the noise was coming from. Then a chorus of unearthly shrieks split the air. A howling wind whipped up and lashed the assembled crowds.

Just as the noise and confusion was rising to a fever pitch, it all suddenly ceased. The contestants looked around, puzzled, when they noticed something happening in the air at the center of the field. Almost as an afterthought, a hole appeared in the air a few feet above the ground. It made a “Blarf” noise and disgorged a tall, thin man, then disappeared. A moment later a second, smaller hole opened where the first had been, spat out a cheap top hat, and disappeared as well.

The man stood, picking up the top hat and putting it on his head. He looked around unsteadily. “Is there still time to sign up?” he asked.