"Sir Sagramore, let me act as your body shield. I will draw competitors off of you as needed. If, we can turn this battle into one of you versus Sir Aldric we will win when you fell him." Garym takes a position to Sagramore's left grinding his teeth in a determined fashion.

"For that to work, we will need to coax Sir Aldric here.  I can't risk trying to break through their lines as the chance of capture is too high.  Making me the leader of the opposition effectively removes me from competing," the Round Table knight explains ruefully.

He nods in the direction of the opposing commander, "Sir Aldric is very good with the lance but not so much with the sword.  So making him commander was not as much of a loss to their army."

The melee begins and although both commanders provide good plans, things quickly turn messy, with both sides taking a lot of early losses.

Sir Sagramore and Sir Garym are hanging back behind the right flank, hoping to draw Sir Aldric in their direction.

"I understand, but they will come for you. It may take a bit, but as the battle disintegrates several will seek to make their reputations by defeating you." Several times as the battle raged, Garym wanted to break to attack, but being good to his word he held back attacking any who dared come towards Sagramore.

Round 2

After the initial charge, which saw many knights unhorsed, the battle quickly devolves into more individual skirmishes along the whole line.  Fighting with swords on horseback and on foot, the knights on both sides struggle to press forward.  The knights of Essex seem to be having the worst of it, as their right flank collapses, requiring reinforcements to keep their line intact.

Round 3

Sensing opportunity, Sir Sagramore orders his own reinforcements to charge into the frey.  A half dozen foreign knights charge in with lances, knocking four of the fresh Essex knights from their chargers and begin to roll back the Essex right flank.  Numerous Essex knights are forced to surrender.

Round 4

Sensing potential doom, Sir Alric and his guard along with what knights he can scrape together, head over to try to prevent a rout.  The foreign knights press the enemy's exposed right flank and continue to push the Essex knights back.

Sir Sagramore and his guard prepare a charge into the enemy's left flank.

Garym had seen little to no action. He was glad when Sagramore decided to commit his guard to attack. Garym was surprised at how poorly the Knights of Essex had fought. Was it because one of Arthur's own was leading the battle. Garym scolded himself for his distracted thoughts. His father had taught him discipline, but recently Garym had forgotten even the most basic of lessons. Garym pushed all from his mind as he awaited the call to charge.

Round 5

Sir Sagramore, Sir Garym, and the rest of the reserves charge forward, swords drawn, and hit their opponent's left flank.  Hoping for a quick breakthrough that would bend back both flanks, they are instead stopped cold.

Sir Garym faces a young knight (fortunately not the same one as in the joust) and the pair trade blows.  While both succeed, it is the young knight who strikes true although Sir Garym's shield and armor deflect the blow.  Sir Aldric seems to have stabilized his right flank, which is now slowly starting to press the attackers back.

Round 6

Sir Garym and the young knight continue to trade blows, both successful once more although this time it is Sir Garym's blow that wins through.  Although the young knight's armor and shield take most of the blow, he receives a slight scratch as well but remains in the saddle.

Meanwhile, an ordinary knights swings wildly at Sir Sagramore, missing.  Sir Sagramore slashes the knight, sending him from his saddle.  In a normal fight, the man would be dead.  Instead, he just lies still on the ground where he fell.

The Essex knights continue to push back on their right and now begin to do so on the left as well.

Round 7

Circling, Sir Garym keeps in between the young knight and Sir Sagramore and the two clash once more.  However, this time the young knight fails to connect and takes a crushing blow to his side but remains upright.

Another ordinary knight slashes at Sir Sagramore and although both hit, it is the Essex knight's blow that lands, although it does not penetrate Sir Sagramore's armor.

The Essex knights continue to push back Sir Sagramore and the other on the Essex left flank.  The two armies are now down to about 15 knights per side.

Garym glares coldly at the opponent he is facing; he needs to finish him off. The flow of the battle is nearly even, but if Garym quickly defeat the young knight then Garym could free Sagramore up to face more skill foes by taking his opponent.

Round 8

Desperate to rid himself of this infuriating opponent, Sir Garym urges his horse forward and slashes at his opponent, whose own blow goes wide.  However, the blow has little behind it and merely bounces off the knight's armor.

Sir Sagramore, on the other hand, meets another ordinary knight and promptly knocks the man from the saddle.

The Essex forces continue to push back against their foes and it looks like at any moment the foreigners' line will break.

Round 9

Squaring off once more, Sir Garym and the young knight swing at each other, both attempting the same move and merely knocking each other back a pace.

Sir Sagramore comes across another ordinary knight and promptly send him to the ground as well.

Suddenly and rather unexpectedly, the knights on the Essex right blunder into one another and the foreigners break through, pushing Sir Aldric back toward the other side of the field lest he be captured.  There are about a eight knights on the Essex side and a dozen on the other side.  (Essex failed their roll, foreigners criticalled).

Round 10

Sir Garym strikes again at the young knight but he is getting tired and his blow goes wide, allowing the young knight to hit him soundly.

Sir Garym takes 18 - 10 = 8 damage but remains on his horse.

Meanwhile, Sir Sagramore and Sir Aldric face off, with both hitting but the fresher Sir Aldric striking true, although Sir Sagramore's armor blunts the blow and he remains in the saddle.

The Essex left collapses as knights try to back up to avoid being enfiladed.  There are now ten foreign knights and 4 Essex knights.  (Essex fumbled their roll, foreigners succeeded.)

Garym needed to defeat this knight. He was feeling angered. Not at the competitor, but himself. Many of the other knights had already defeated several knights. He had done little, but dance with this one.

Round 11

Sir Garym and the young knight face off one last time.  The young knight swings wide once more but Sir Garym strikes him soundly, knocking the young knight from his horse.

Nearby, Sir Sagramore and Sir Aldric continue to battle.  Sir Aldric Strikes his opponent but Sir Sagramore's mighty blow knocks the Essex from his saddle and he lands unconscious on the turf.  The Battle is over.

There are 9 knights remaining on the foreign team and only a single Essex knight.

Sir Sagramore looks around and nods.  As he heads off the field he stops by Sir Garym, "good work, you kept them off of my flanks."

Sir Garym gets 25 Glory for defeating the young knight, being on the winning side, and still being on horseback at the end.

OOC:  Sir Sagramore could not tell how many knights Sir Garym fought as Sir Garym was on his right flank.  He just knows that no one attacked him from that quarter.

"Thank you, Sir Sagramore." Garym paused for a moment before speaking. He desired to choose the right words. "You were telling me that the Knights of the Table are planning to ride to each of the lords to plan the Kingdom's next year. I would be available if you would need a companion Knight for your entourage."

"You can go in my place if you want, he half jokes.  I'd rather be home for the winter and holidays than spending it in Anglia.  You are certainly welcome to come along though," he replies.

Each of the RT Knights is going to one County/Kingdom in the Fall and one in the Winter.  For the most part they are going to two places that are close to each other and as close as can be managed to their own homeland.  Where possible, their visits coincide with tournaments, feasts, etc.  Being Winter, it will be at Duke Hervis of Anglia's Winter Feast.  Travel in Winter is less dependable, although it shouldn't be too bad on the King's Roads, so you may get stuck there or on the road for a while.  You will miss whatever is going on in Salisbury though.

"It would be my honor to serve King Arthur. My steward manages my affairs well, and I have no wife. One day, I may be required to serve closer to home. Now, I long to prove my self as a knight. Maybe one day; being worthy to become a companion to the Table, or possibly become a true Knight of the Table." He understood that one day he would need to settle down, but for now he wanted to take advantage of his freedom before he was to encumbered to do so.

The knight chuckles, "yes, people often romanticize becoming a famous knight without realizing the responsibilities that come with it and the loss of freedom."

Sir Sagramore departs and there are a few hours until the Bear fight in the arena.  The challenges will be held on the morrow and with luck Sir Aldric will be recovered enough to participate.

"Budfannon, take may I want you to take my greetings to Sir Aldric. Congratulate him and the Knights of Essex on a battle well fought. Also, tell him I would be honored to meet him in the lists to tilt during the challenges tomorrow." Garym almost wanted to not ride against him. The tourney had been rougher on him than he would of thought. First, he did more poorly than he thought he would in the lists. Than in the Grand Melee, he fought what seemed to be the son of Ares. He knew that he was exaggerating, but he was less than thrilled with himself.

His squire returns some time later to let Sir Garym know that Sir Aldric would be glad for a friendly challenge on the morrow.

An hour later it is time for the arena and Sir Garym joins the other knights in watching the spectacle.  The arena is a relatively new introduction to tournaments but has become quite popular in regional tournaments.  Unlike the joust and melee, which are relatively safe, the arena is unpredictable.  If the animal gets the upper hand, it isn't going to give quarter or pull punches.

The first challenger is a young Essex knight, eager to prove his valor.  Although he gets the first hit on the bear, the bear slams the knight with both claws, sending him bleeding to the ground.  Several knights with shields run in and circle the wounded knight and drag him out before the bear can kill him.

A second challenger, from Hertford, fairs better.  Although the bear gets in a hit, the knight is able to wear it down and eventually kill it.

There are a couple of hours until the second and final feast and then in the morning, jousting challenges.

Garym felt a little better about the Tourney. He had made in roads towards his goals of living the glorious life of a heroic knight. Perhaps, Sagramore was right that most did not realize the restrains that lifestyle brought.

He knew that he need some rest, but he was restless as he tried. His mind was distant as he daydreamed about Rosalynd. He had never met her, but their eyes met once. In that moment, he thought he saw something, but he was to blind to know that it could of been his future.

If nothing else, Sir Garym can feel good about not getting mauled by a bear, which is always a plus.  At length it is time for the feast.  It is a little less extravagant than the night before but there is still plenty of food, drink, and entertainment.

The first course is eels in spicy puree.  This is followed by some poached trout.  Then there is a bit of a break as the musicians and performers come out.  The Countess dances with Sir Aldric, who seems mostly recovered from Sir Sagramore's smackdown, although not at full health.  NExt, she dances with Sagramore, as the winner of the Melee.

All other pursuits are open, however.

Garym walks up to Meleri the Huntress. He knew he lacked the social skills of many that were in attendance, so he thought maybe she would tolerate his poor dance skills. "Hello, I am Sir Garym; I have heard of your skill in riding. I have great respect for that. I was hoping I could join you for a dance. A favor between equestrian lovers. But, I must warn you that your horse more likely dances better than I."

"I am Meleri of Kent," the young woman replies.  "I am not much interested in dancing, perhaps you would care to discuss something of more interest?"

Failed Courtesy.

"To be honest. I am not that interested in dancing myself. I suppose that is why I never learned. Perhaps, we should talk about something we both enjoy. Horses." Garym was relieved in some ways that she had not wished to dance. She did not seem to be the type that would tolerate ineptness.

The young woman talks at some length about coursers and their breeding and history.  It being obvious that Sir Garym is quite familiar with equines, she moves to a topic of more interest to her, "you clearly know a lot about horses, Sir Garym, do you spend a lot of time hunting or is this just a result of fighting?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:48, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

"I know little of the art of the hunt. I have heard that you are famed through the kingdoms for your knowledge. But, I did not come by my skill from fighting alone. At young age, my father took me riding. Most of the time he was busy, but that day he made time to share one of his passions with me. He had told me not to spur the horse into a sprint. I was still to small, and my father was fearful that I would be thrown if I did so. But, like a child I did not listen. I took a wild ride where I was almost thrown, but somehow I knew instinctively how to bring the horse into control. Control is a poor choice of words. It was more like the Horse and I were one person. I rode back to my father, and for one of the first time I saw pride in father's face for me. Ever since, when I ride I remember those times I rode with my father." Garym regretted saying so much. He was not certain even why he shared so much. A knight was expected to hold him separate from such sentimentality.

Meleri listens to the story without comment but quirks an eyebrow slightly, suggesting that this is not the usual banter one normally expects to hear.  She does not, however, provide any real indication of her thoughts on the matter, instead asking, "would you like to come hunting with me sometime?"

Garym knew he was unskilled in the ways of Courtly Intrigue. He was fairly certain that he had made a faux pas. He knew himself to be a poor hunter, but he could not readily refuse an offer. He had made the first move in speaking to her, and she had countered by offering him a chance to hunt with her. "I would enjoy a good hunt, Lady Meleri."