-- Melee Round 13 --

Just when things seem like they are going Arthur's way, things suddenly aren't.  While Sir Gracian is keeping the right flank from folding, the left flank collapses.

Arthur, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Battle result.
Opponent, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Battle result.

Sir Garym continues to fence with the Notable Knight, with both hitting but Sir Garym getting the better shot.  However, only a small bit of damage gets through and the enemy remains on his horse.

Sir Garym, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Garym, rolled 21 using 5d6.  Damage.
Notable Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
The Notable knight takes 21 - 18 = 3 damage and remains in the saddle.

Sir Gracian, meanwhile, seems inspired by his own words, or at least manages to provide a good example as he pummels his opponent, who is knocked unconscious.

Sir Gracian, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 36 using 10d6.  Damage.
The Notable knight takes 36 - 18 = 18 damage and is knocked unconscious.

Sir Gracian gets a point in Sword.

Sir Garym remains engaged and is attempting to rally the knights around Sir Gawaine, who is moving toward the flag.

Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian are free to find new opponents or do something else.

"Good Sirs, this battle will be won by those who want it worse. Tell me do you want to go back to your households and manors knowing that the other Knights are better men then thee!!! Or, will you fight as this was your last battle, and all that you hold dear is at risk of being loss. What we do here today sends a message to all that might oppose King Arthur that no matter the battle we shall always fight to win!!!" Garym knew that several of his fellow knights did not view battle as he did. They saw it as less important, but Garym as he studied battle had came to the realization that the world would be better with these demonstrations than constantly fighting for the crumbs off each others tables.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 19 Apr 2018.

Exhausted but devoutly grateful the old knight had lowered his sword Sir Dalan remounts his steed and tries to regroup his knights.

"Men, the left flank is in danger. On our own we can't stem the tide but we may be able to slow it and give time for the King to regroup. Harry the foe - avoid being dragged into direct combat but see if we can draw some of their men away from the main force. Or at least force them to move more slowly and cautiously."

"HOLD THE LINE OH MOST NOBLE BROTHERS AND SHOW OUR FOE THE FIRE OF OUR HEARTS! LET NOT FEAR OR WEAKNESS GRIP YOU BUT BE THE LIONS I KNOW YOU ALL TO BE!" Gracian roars and push himself harder as he engage the enemy where the fighting is the most fierce. He attacks his foe with all his strength even though his body feels weak and tired while shouting words of encouragement. The right flank must not fall and he is determined to show his fellow knights that defeat is not an option.

-- Melee Round 14 --

Sir Gawaine grabs the enemy flag as Sir Dalan and his knights reinforce the left flank.  Things look grim for the Northerners as Sir Gawaine heads back with the flag behind a wedge of Hereford knights led by the Dux of the City of Legions.

Arthur, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Battle result.
Opponent, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Battle result.

Sir Dalan attempts to rally those around him but in the confusion is only able to assemble the remainder of his own knights.  Fortunately, they are enough to hold the flank for the moment as Sir Dalan crosses swords with an Old knight who tags him but does no damage.

Sir Dalan, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Opponent.
Sir Dalan, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Old Knight, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Old Knight, rolled 17 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Dalan takes 17 - 21 = 0 damage and remains astride his destrier.
Sir Dalan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Orate.

Sir Garym, meanwhile, lands a shattering blow that renders his own opponent unconscious.  Thus freeing him up to join the soon-to-be victorious forces with Sir Gawaine.

Sir Garym, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Garym, rolled 39 using 10d6.  Damage.

Sir Garym gets a point in Sword.

Sir Gracian comes across a Notable knight who attempts to pummel him but manages only to dent Sir Gracian's armor.

Sir Gracian, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Opponent.
Sir Gracian, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Gracian takes 18 - 18 = 0 damage and remains on his horse.

Sir Gracian gets a check in Horsemanship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:17, Fri 20 Apr 2018.

Sir Dalan feels bruised and humiliated at his continuing poor showing. With a surge of determination he tries to strike through a weakness in his foe's defences... any weakness.

Garym cries out in victory, and than falls in line with the other knights charging home to victory.

Gracian can see the captured banner being carried home but it is too soon to celebrate. "ONE MORE PUSH MEN AND VICTORY WILL BE OURS!" he cries out and swings at his opponent again.

-- Melee Final Round --

The wedge makes it back over the line and Sir Gawaine plants the captured flag next to the King's banner, signalling the victory.

Arthur, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Battle result.
Opponent, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Battle result.

Sir Dalan gets in a final blow on his latest nemesis but fails to knock him off of his horse.

Sir Dalan, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Old Knight, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 19 using 5d6+2.  Damage.
Old Knight, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
The Old knight takes 19 - 16 = 3 damage but remains on his horse.

Sir Gracian fails spectacularly at staying on his own horse after exchanging blows with his final opponent.

Sir Gracian, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Notable Knight, rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.


Sir Garym meets no new opponents as he rides behind Sir Gawaine.

And finally the melee is over, perhaps to everyone's relief.  Everyone has about half a day to recuperate in time for the farewell feast.  All wounds will be sufficiently healed as not to affect anyone by then.  Glory and prize money will be calculated.

Sir Dalan shakes hands with his last foe, then wearily leads his knights back off the field of battle. Every inch of him is bruised and he knows he has won precious little glory in this tournament.

"Congratulations Sir Gawaine," he tells the great knight when he sees him. Despite his poor humour he attempts to smile at Sir Gracian and Sir Garym too. "Well fought my brothers! I shall see you at the feast. Right now I feel as I could sleep for a thousand years."

Gracian felt battered after more falls from his horse than he could count yet he felt alive again. This tournament had surely saved him from melancholy and worse and he knew in his heart that his Ariette was proud of him.

He barely had the strength to answer his friend, Dalan, and merely managed to waive back before heading to his quarters and a hot bath.

"You will not miss the final feast? I am sure Sir Gawaine will want to drink to our grand victory." Garym was still riding the high from the Melee. He rushed to his tent having Budfannon remove his armor, and douse him with a bucket of water to wash away the stench of his sweat. Barely saying a word, he rushed to Arianwen to take her into his arms to make mad love to her.

-- Farewell Feast --

The Salisbury knights retire to their beds and are refreshed by the time the final feast rolls around.  Although it seems that Sir Garym did the most rolling around.

As usual, King Arthur welcomes everyone to the feast and thanks them for participating in the tournament.  He bestows upon Sir Gawaine the wreath for winning the Melee and congratulates all participants.  With a nod to King Belinans, he sits down.

King Belinans then rises and addresses the assemblage:  "I, King Belinans of Sugales, do wish it to be known that I will host a tournament in honor of the Calen Hae (Beltain) next Spring.  All knights are welcome to try their skill in friendly competition with my knights, the best, bravest, and strongest in these isles.  Ours is the heritage of a people never conquered by the Romans.  Yet we have taken the best they had to offer and have added to our nation's list of qualities.  Let us see if there is anything of worth you can bring to us."

There is a great deal of murmuring as the first course, pastries, is brought out.

Sir Perin, meanwhile, is excited to tell you all how he spotted Sir Loftrees at the beginning of the melee and knocked him unconscious.  He seems anxious to tell Fiona all about it but she was not around after the melee.

Sir Dalan gets 70 Glory and £8 in ransom.
Sir Garym gets 100 GLory and £12 in ransom.
Sir Gracian gets 80 Glory and £8 in ransom.

Gracian attends the party in a particularly good mood. The tournament had been good to him and now there were the exciting news of King Belinan's tournament the coming Spring. Gracian jumps to his feet and raise his cup of wine in salute to King Belinan "I will attend your magnificient tournament next Spring, Your Highness, and with my own eyes see the splendors of your Kingdom. Glorious is this day and age where peace rule our land and knights exchange blows on tournament grounds and not on fields of battle! A toast ... may all that rule the land be as wise and noble as our Kings"

Hopefully none will be offended if he offers a toast to both Kings present at the feast.

Sir Dalan has to bite his tongue to stop from groaning at dismay at talk of another tournament. After the past few days it is the last thing he want's to think about!

After the toasts done; Garym came almost dancing up to Dalan, Gracian, and Perin. Carry a large horn of strong smelling mead he refills their glasses. "I got this from an from a Saxon. Not certain where he had got it, but I figured if he was sharing I would share with my friends. So passes another Pentecost feast, and next we advance on Ireland."

He drinks deeply from the horn. "May Victory be Ours, and may We return home to the Land we love!!"

There are toasts and merry-making at the Salisbury table.  Food arrives, the second coursing being roasted pheasant, followed some time later by grilled pike.  More ale flows, more food is eaten.  The minstrels arrive and couples begin to dance, while knights mingle.

What is everyone up to?

Though he wants nothing more than to sit back and sulk in privacy over the tournaments disappointments and frustrations Sir Dalan has little choice but to feign having a good time. Getting to his feet he offers his hand to Lady Ellowyn as the couples take the floor.

"A dance my dear?"

Gracian make subtle inquiries about Sir Flydrigg before seeking him out in the crowd. His opponent had impressed him and he had promised Sir Flydrigg to toast in his honor.

As he moved through the crowd he saw Sir Dalan seek out the fair Lady Ellowyn and he smiled at the sight of the young couple. For a brief moment he longed for his Ariette, but for some reason he was able to push it away and enjoy the feast.

Garym continues to pour drinks for the various knights he knows. His head is spinning from the mead. He normally drinks lightly, but the thrill of the tournament, and the good fortune that has come to him has unleashed an exuberance that restrained Garym did not know.  He was happy... Truly happy...

Looking across the room he saw his lovely Arianwen, and world stopped spinning. She was his world, and more than that she made him want to be a better man... a better knight.  But, the joy he felt he wanted to bring to his people... He needed to give back that which he was given to those he was sworn to protect.

The crowds of people ceased to exist as he quickly went to her. He knew that his actions were almost unseemly for public. He gently spun her around, and simply stared in her eyes for a long moment before he spoke. "Thank you, my lady and life. I love you."

"Of course, my love," Ellowyn responds, accepting her husband's arm.  Ellowyn purses her lips, however, after the third time Sir Dalan's unfocused shambling results in her getting kicked in the chin or her toes stepped on.  "Something is troubling you, what is it?" she inquires.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Dancing, as sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than our successes.

Sir Garym, however, seems quite fluid on the dance floor this evening as he and Arianwen swirl about the dance floor.  "You seem in a fine mood, dear," she says as they take a short break in between dances.  "You were quite impressive on the melee field today."

Sir Garym gets a check in Dance.

Sir Gracian manages to locate Sir Flydrigg and drinks a toast in the old knight's honor.  However, as he tries to talk him up about event around the kingdom, he mentions how old and wise Sir Flydrigg must be and the conversation sort of grinds to a halt.

Sir Gracian gets a check in Intrigue.  You guys really enjoy fumbling, don't you?  :)

Sir Dalan sighs. "I did not enjoy this tournament my love - humiliation and failure greeted me at every pass. My one success was in exhausting an elder knight into surrender by sheer strength of youth, and not before he showed himself the more skilled knight. The thought of another tourney as King Belinan has declared turns my blood to ice. Oh let us slip away as soon as we can; I have no desire to linger here and smile until my cheeks ache."

"I just understand better now what I am fighting for. I was so engrossed in the idea of glory. Becoming a Round Table Knight is grand, but it is not as grand as being happy. If, somehow I became a Round Table before this it would of been for reasons unworthy of the Knighthood. Such lofty dreams of Grandeur from before do not even come close to a single day I spend with you now." Garym squeezed her hand warmly too full of love to say all. "I know the King and Queen have not departed, but maybe we can sneak out of the feast to walk the ramparts together seeing the lights of villagers near by."

Cursing himself for once again making a fool of himself Gracian excuse himself and leave the good Sir Flydrigg to his own and tries to find a quiet corner where he cant cause a diplomatic crisis. But all the quiet corners seems to be occupied so instead he find his eyes wandering and enjoys the sight of the beautiful women at the feast.

"Well, King Belinan's tournament is not for another year, so perhaps you will have changed your mind by then," Ellowyn suggests.  Putting a hand to his cheek, she smiles, "as you wish."  The two slip off between songs.

Arianwen nods, "I would like that.  So many people and so much to try to figure out, it is all making my head spin a bit," she admits.  The night is pleasant and once out of the main hall, the noise volume drops dramatically.

Sir Gracian looks around, spotting Jacquette dancing with, well, two knights it appears.  One seems to be attempting to cut in while the other seems unwilling to allow that to happen.  It seems a duel could be imminent.  Over on the other side of the dance floor, Sir Perin and Fiona seem to be arguing about something.  Or at least Sir Perin seems to be arguing, Fiona seems to simply be nodding.  A number of other attractive ladies are dancing or chatting.  So much to see and do.  Sir Gracian gets the feeling that someone is watching him.  Scanning the room, however, reveals nothing, although the feeling seems to wane as he looks over toward a far corner. He wonders if he imagined the curtains there moving.  Probably.