I absolutely detest posting anything without having my signature made or any progress on my character at all; however, I've got a thought and I feel like I shouldn't wait to get it out. Forgive me if this has already been done, I'm still working my way through an overwhelming amount of backstory and information intake.
My thoughts: Launch a world wide competition that starts off at the city level but ultimately unites for a grand finale at one location. I'm thinking of a dungeon like quest or labrinth for teams of players. It could start off with city officials posting everywhere that the games are coming and they need the support of the player base to bring the competition to their city. Story tellers would literally make single posts, like subliminal messages, in all but private threads detailing an npc hanging a flyer or simply that the players overhear whispers while they're doing whatever players do.
Then, phase two begins after the excitement levels have increased enough. Players are called upon to support the construction of each city's arena or play area. This can be done by the donation of money or labor, promoting skill building threads. Players will be offered some token in response to their aid; free admission into the games, the ability to bet on participating teams, a small trinket, etc.
Once the arenas are built, each city hosts its own event, crafted by the storyteller of that city or whoever they choose to run it for them so that each one is unique. The trials could include combat, but I'd much rather see traps and puzzles; especially if it somehow incorporated forcing the player to look up information OOC. For instance: a door that can only be unlocked by setting the correct race statuette on a pedestal bearing the inscription, "The rarest species in all the land." Teams would be scored based on turns taken to finish the quest, attempts taken at each problem, completing the quest, etc. All teams would get their own thread with the same storyteller but all threads should happen simultaneously or be locked to only those invited to prevent cheating as much as possible. Encourage the use of skills and lores as much as possible as well as utilizing team building exercises like requiring two people to push stones in different locations while a third pulls a lever.
Once each city has a victor team they'll receive a free trip to whatever city will host the final trials or Superbowl esque event. Ofcourse there will be a prize. Maybe a gnosis from some on looking and pleased deity?
I think this will bring a lot of players together and give the storytellers all something very unique and exciting to work on. If we're lucky, it'll also encourage players to learn more about Mizahar's history and general knowledge of all that exists within the lands. Plus, you get the added benefit of having a new location in each city after the games are complete.
Now... I must return to character creation. If anyone would like my brain to further explode liquid ideas upon them, send me a message!