This encounter starts in a tavern like many others, but The Special Tavern [working title] is different; the sundial/clock/timekeeping-device out front makes that much apparent.
The party sits down at a table (ideally far off in the corner) One of the staff come up to them, introducing them and noting that they are newcomers here. The staff explains that, at the top of every hour, "the special" is served. (Aside from this, standard tavern foods/drinks are served like a normal tavern)
Assuming the party decides to stick around, they hear as the regulars around them slowly fall silent. Restless. The tavern's boisterous energy has gone down to an anxious murmur. The only sounds are the clattering of drinks, very quiet chats, and the loud toil of the chefs from the back. If a member of the party asks a nearby regular what's going on, the regular will turn, quietly chuckle, and whisper "you'll see..." All of the kitchen staff have disappeared into the back.
Soon, a cloaked wizard steps forth from the kitchen up to the bar counter. In his hands, he holds a cake covered in bright pink frosting, with a single unlit candle on top. At his sight, the regular taverngoers all erupt into a chant. "Special! Special! Special! Special!" they all chant, banging on the tables like war drums. The wizard begins muttering some odd incantation under his breath, drowned out by all the noise (if a player rolls well enough on insight, they may recognize it as a teleportation spell).
Suddenly, the cake disappears into a puff of smoke. The tavern falls dead silent for a moment. The players immediately notice it reappear at the center of their own table, the candle now lit. The rest of the tavern notices as well after a couple of seconds. The whole place explodes into war cries and bloodthirsty shouts.
Whichever group finishes eating The Special first is declared the hour's winner. Roll for initiative.
