"No axe I'm afraid. We'll have to stick to being travelers and hope we can draw him out."

"Very well .. let us retreat into the woods and then see if we can lure him out then. It all comes down to your singing, Sir Dalan. Again." Sir Gracian tried to smile but didnt seem thrilled about facing a giant. Saxon warbands, Irish raiders or renegade knights seemed easier to defeat than a horse-eating giant.

After several attempts, the knights find that Sangnoir does not seem very interested in them as long as they are not coming up his hill.  One possible explanation is that he likes to eat horses and not men and without their horses, attacking them is more effort than it is worth.

It is now mid afternoon.

Sir Dalan grinds his teeth in annoyance. "Looks we'll have to this the hard way and try and sneak up that path - or at least a couple of us will sneak while the other openly challenges him to come down."

"I will challenge him once you have reached a hiding place. I will call him out so when he comes charging down the path you will get a few good swings in as he move past you. I wish it wasnt needed but I fear it is our only option."

Sir Caradwg and Sir Dalan sneak up to the path and find some cover about halfway up the hillside.  Sir Gracian marches up to the foot of the hill and taunts the giant, who looks around, grabs his club, and ambles down the path toward the lone knight.

Sir Dalan and Sir Caradwg hold their breath as the large brute passes within a foot of their hiding places but does not notice them.  They lunge toward the giant's unprotected back as Sir Gracian engages Sangnoir from the front.  All three knights hit the giant and although Sangnoir's club hits Sir Gracian, his shield deflects the blow without damage.  Meanwhile, Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian draw thin trickles of blood from the giant's arm and torso, but Sir Caradwg's blow is unable to penetrate the giant's thick hide.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Caradwg, rolled 13 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan, rolled 17 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Gracian, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 13-15 = 0 damage, 17 - 15 = 2 damage, and 19 - 15 = 4 damage for a total of 6 damage.

The knights strike once more and again all successfully hit the giant, who continues to focus on Sir Gracian.  Sangnoir's own blow is again deflected by Sir Gracian's shield.  Sir Dalan again manages to cut through the giant's armored skin but that skin repels the blades of Sir Caradwg and Sir Gracian.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Caradwg, rolled 15 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan, rolled 20 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Gracian, rolled 9 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 15 - 15 = 0 damage, 20 - 15 = 5 damage, and 9 - 15 = 0 damage for a total of 5 damage.

Although he has been struck three times, Sangnoir gives no indication of having even noticed the blows, much less being particularly wounded.  He swings again at Sir Gracian but his club flies wide of the target as he is struck twice in the back by Sir Caradwg and Sir Dalan.  Sir Gracian's own blow just misses as he avoids tha Giant's massive club.  Sir Dalan successfully wounds the giant for the third time while Sir Caradwg's cut is deflected once more.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Caradwg, rolled 13 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan, rolled 21 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Club.
Sangnoir takes 13 - 15 = 0 damage, and 21 - 15 = 6 damage for a total of 6 damage.

Sangnoir seems to be getting somewhat tired of being hit from three sides, even if many of the blows fall harmlessly against his tough skin.  He shifts a bit to the side, giving Sir Caradwg an opening, which he exploits, but causing Sir Dalan to miss him.  The giant lands a mighty blow on Sir Gracian, who barely manages to get his shield in front of him to block some of the impact.  The blow staggers Sir Gracian, whose knees buckle before he slumps to the ground, momentarily dazed.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Dalan, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Caradwg, rolled 20 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Club.
Sangnoir, rolled 26 using 8d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 20 - 15 = 5 damage.
Sir Gracian takes 26 - 10 - 6 = 10 damage and is knocked to the ground for one round.

The giant turns back toward his cave and engages his tormentors.

Sir Caradwg and Sir Dalan no longer have a plus to hit as the giant is now facing them.  Sir Gracian will require a turn to get back to his feet should he wish to do so.

What would you like to do?  The giant appears to still be at better than half health.  It will probably take at least another 3 rounds at this rate to knock him unconscious.  A blow like the one Gracian took (which was a little below average) could flatten one of you if you fail to parry.

Sir Dalan stares gravely at the giant. "Stand down Sangnoir and give us the stolen Elf steed and we shall depart you in peace."

He smiled wearily. "You are a great fighter giant, but we are determined men. It is possible you will defeat the three of us, but only at the risk of bleeding to death from your wounds or living on as a cripple. And of course we may defeat you. Is all that worth a horse? Let us take it and will leave you be."

Sir Gracian struggled to get up from the ground. It felt like a mountain had hit him head on. The world was spinning and his body hurt in ways it had never hurt before. He could hear Sir Dalan speak up but he couldnt focus on his companion's words.

It seems that Sangnoir is simply a nasty, horse-eating giant who hates all men and whose only pleasure is to kill anyone who crosses his path.  Ignoring Sir Dalan's entreaties, the brute swings his club at Sir Caradwg, who deflects the blow and strikes a glancing blow off of the giant's thick hide, drawing a thin trickle of blood.  Sir Dalan's own blade misses as the giant's club rebounds off of Sir Caradwg's shield.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Dalan, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Caradwg, rolled 16 using 4d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 16 - 15 = 1 point of damage.  Sir Gracian regains his feet.

Buoyed by his success, Sir Caradwg again swings at the giant but this time his sword goes wide and he takes a tremendous blow from the giant's club, which knocks him back several feet.   Sir Dalan, attempting to avoid getting hit by Sir Caradwg as he passes, also swings ineffectually.  Fortunately, Sir Gracian has gotten back to his feet and jabs his sword in the giant's back, although it barely scratches the beast.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Dalan, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Gracian, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 25 using 8d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 16 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 16 - 15 = 1 point of damage while Sir Caradwg takes 25 - 10 = 15 points of damage and is knocked to the ground for one turn.

Sir Dalan now faces the hulking beast, while Sir Gracian attacks once more from the rear.  Sir Dalan's blade rings true this time but it is for naught as the giant's club crashes into the valiant knight, sending him flying.  Perhaps distracted by his friend's tumultuous flight, Sir Gracian's blow is true but far to weak to penetrate the Giant's armor.

Sir Dalan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Gracian, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 29 using 8d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 10 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan takes 29 - 10 - 6 = 13 points of damage and is out for a round, Sangnoir takes 10 - 15 = 0 damage.

As Sir Dalan goes flying, Sir Caradwg gets back to his feet and strikes at the giant, who strikes back harder, knocking the knight unconscious.  Sir Gracian finally deals a serious blow to the giant's back, cutting deeply and forcing the giant's attention back to him.

Sir Caradwg, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Gracian, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 26 using 8d6.  Damage.
Sir Gracian, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 22 - 15 = 7 damage, while Sir Caradwg takes 26 - 10 - 6 = 10 damage and goes unconscious.

As Sir Dalan returns to his feet behind the giant once more, he and Sir Gracian share a look.  They know that they are running out of time.  Although the giant has received a large number of small wounds, he is still standing.  Neither of the pair can take another blow from that huge club, nor can either of the brave knights hope to take down the beast alone.

Steeling themselves, they scream their war cries and rush at Sangnoir from front and back.  Both drive their swords into the monstrous beast, who seems confused and loses his grip on his club, which sales through the air and down the hill.  Sir Dalan's blow catches the giant behind the knees, while Sir Gracian's crushes in the left side of Sangnoir face.  The giant crumples to the ground, no longer moving.

Sir Gracian, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sangnoir, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Club.
Sir Dalan, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.  Hit due to + from rear.
Sir Gracian, rolled 23 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan, rolled 17 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
Sangnoir takes 23 - 15 = 8 and 17 - 15 = 2 for a total of 10 damage and falls unconscious.

There is nothing on Sangnoir's body and although unconscious he won't be waking up ever again.  Sir Caradwg is at 2 hp.  He is not going to die but nor will he be of any further use on the adventure.  He can be left here for the moment and recovered by his squire once you return to your horses, or you can create a litter and try to bring him back to the Kingdom Inapercu.

Sangnoir's is nothing but a filthy cave.  It smells foul - the scent of horses and their waste and the rank odor of the unwashed giant and his bedding (tanned horsehides) hang heavily in the air.  Bones are scattered across the floor and a few rotting horse carcasses hang on the walls.  At the back of the cave is a large pen in which there are five horses of various breeds.

Among the penned horses is Selemine, the faerie horse of the Lady Arwen.  It is obviously different from the others: its forehead is marked with a star-shaped patch, its grey coat is brilliant, and its grey mane is feathery and ethereal.

You each receive 100 Glory for defeating Sangnoir.
What would you like to do?

Sir Dalan sits down and breathes heavily. It takes long moments to get enough breath back to speak properly. When he does so he smiles wearily at Sir Gracian.

"When I sing of this tale remind me to make it less exhausting my brother. Come, we better help our fallen bretheren."

Sir Dalan assists with making a litter for Sir Caradwg before venturing into the cave. He boggles at the captured horses before approaching Selemine, awed at the unworldly sight of the horse. "I do not know if faerie horses understand the speech of mortals but if you do we are here to rescue you and return you to your mistress."

---

OOC: Can we take the four 'mortal' horses with us?

If so I suggest we each take one - even if Sir Tyngyr and Sir Caradwg are NPCs they are still our brother knights who participated in the quest.

Sir Gracian found himself unable to speak. He was on the ground trying to catch his breath and when Sir Dalan spoke he merely raised his hand in acknowledgement while trying to speak a few words "... no ... one ... believe ... this ... any ... way ..."

He finally managed to venture into the cave with Sir Dalan. "Indeed a magnificent steed." he said when he saw Selemine "... and one worthy of a Queen. I hope the Elf Lord will keep his word when we return Selemine so we can go back to the Realm of Man. I must say I will rather fight Saxons than I will fight Giants."

Selemine gives every appearance of attacking anyone who approaches her.  However, Sir Dalan manages to calm the faerie horse down sufficiently that she does not simply bolt when freed.

After fashioning a stretcher for their fallen brother, which they mount across a pair of the found horses, the two weary companions mount the two remaining horses and follow Selemine as she leads them back into the Faerie Realm.

There is much celebrating in the Kingdom Inapercu when the knights return.  King Billis asks to hear the details of your fight with Sangnoir.  Lady Arwen, with tears in her eyes, thanks you with all of her heart for the return of her beloved horse.

The four horses were three Palfrey and one Sumpter.  Total value = £6 60d.  If you wish to sell them off (you already have spare horses) you can each just add £2 20d to your money as there were three of you at the giant.  Sir Caradwg will stay in the Faerie realm.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Horsemanship.

What do you have to say of your fight?

Sir Gracian is uncomfortable being so close to the Faerie Realm and does his best not to stare at the strange creatures he see at the court. He tries to be at polite and well-mannered but often wonders if court etiquette is different in the realm of faeries than in the realm of mortals. Sp he tries to keep his mouth shut, observe and listen and when King Billie ask to hear the details of the fight with the giant Sangnoir Sir Gracian is eager to point to Sir Dalan. "My well-spoken brother-in-arms is much better than I to tell the tale of our adventure. The giant was indeed a fearsome opponent and had my companions not be such splendid warriors I am sure I would have perished". Fearful that he has said too much Sir Gracian suddenly turn quiet and looks at Sir Dalan and hope he will step up and tell the tale.

---

I am all for taking the money :) Money, money, money must be funny in a rich man's world.

And I wonder if Courtesy skill can be used to know how to act in the Court of the Faerie King?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Wed 30 Aug 2017.

Sir Dalan looks a little awkward but bows to the elven king and queen.

"Your grace, my brother knight has already told you the meat of our story and I fear there is little more to add. Still, I shall try."

He cleared his throat and began to sing before Billis and Arwen.

"The giant feasted before his lair,
Great and broad and ugly and vile,
As foul as sight as thy queen is fair,
At first we sought to take him by guile,

To our tricks and calls he paid no heed,
So by force we knew we must slay Sangnoir,
And liberate thy wife's faerie steed,
By which all of use could win our desire,

Two hid to strike at the beast from the side,
While one stood proud a challenge on his lips,
To make the brute's slow witted mind decide,
A lone and foolhardy knight was in his grips,

When he came to the fight we three struck as one,
Our blades bouncing from a hide like ancient stones,
And it was long till our surprise and numbers won,
Battle against he who mocked thy and thy lady's thrones."

The Lords and Ladies cheer, while the King praises the knights on their valor and cunning.  "A masterful deed masterfully recounted," he proclaims, clapping.  "We will see to your companion," he promises, indicating Sir Caradwg.  "Now, I invite you to join us this evening.  We are having a grand celebratory feast in honor of the return of Lady Arwen's steed."

Sir Dalan gets a check in Sing, you both get an additional 50 glory for the spreading of your tale to the Faerie Court.

Sir Dalan pales at this. "Forgive me wise and noble King Billis but are the tales true that days pass differently in the faerie kingdom as they do in the mortal world? Our great friend Sir Gawaine must have the Treasures of Britain in time for his challenge."

The King smiles good-naturedly, "fear not, noble knights, you will depart my Kingdom the morning following your arrival whether you join us in celebrating or not."

Sir Gracian was horrified of the thought of spending more time in the Faerie Realm but he was too afraid to speak up so he merely nodded and tried to remain calm.

---

I love the idea of the Faerie Realm and the Faerie Court and I want us to stay so never mind Sir Gracian's condition :)

Sir Dalan let out a sigh of relief he hadn't known he'd been holding in and bowed once more. "It would be an honour to join your celebration King Billis."

---

OOC: I agree, I love the Faerie Realm and Court aspect. IC Sir Dalan is awed and enchanted by the beauty of the place and the inhabitants but he does still have a flicker of uncertainy as you see!

King Bellis beams, "excellent," he says as he claps his hands.  Two comely^* maidens appear and escort the knights to a pair of tents.  Each tent has a steaming bath and fresh clothing in your size.

The maidens are neither shy nor modest, eager to assist the knights but willing to respect their privacy as well, although a request for privacy might elicit some giggles.  Noting your wounds, the maidens will attempt to apply a delicate-smelling salve that heals 6 points of damage.

Once bathed and suitably attired, the knights depart their tents to find a grand feast and celebration in progress.  Faerie knights on horseback jousting, other playing all manner of games, Fae maidens to dance with, and exotic foods that defy description.  The sumptuous feast is paired with heady wines and ales.  A particular delicacy is the dressed white peacock in orange and peach sauce.  All of the activities are accompanied by Faerie musicians and a variety of songbirds.

Feel free to describe the scene and your reactions.  All activities are open to you, eating, dancing, jousting with Faerie knights (no lasting damage), and wooing of Elf maidens.

^* Mortal women tend to range in appearance from 3-18. Ariette, who was vying for Sir Tor's attention, is very attractive at an appearance of 17.  Queen Guinevere is a scarcely-human 30.  Sort of a once-in-a-generation level of beauty.  The Fae range around high 20s to mid 30s.  The two accompanying Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian are App 32-33.  You have simply never seen anyone so beautiful.

Sir Dalan's eyes grow wide in disbelief at the sight of the faerie maiden who seems more goddess than mere woman. Speechless and witless he allows himself to be led to the bath, though he regains his senses as he realises what is going on. Blushing ferociously he allows her to attend to his wounds, though he tries to keep his modesty as best as he can.

"What... what is your name?" he asks, still struggling to form coherent thoughts next to such a radiant being. Suddenly he feels very ugly and lumpen next to the beautiful faerie folk.

---

OOC: Would it be appropriate to roll an Amor meeting such a beautiful woman?

"I am Aliadra," she replies coyly.  She gives no indication of finding Sir Dalan unattractive.  In fact, quite the opposite>  She seems quite impressed with his role in defeating the giant Sangnoir, a brutish beast to be sure, as well as his beautiful singing voice.  Perhaps when surrounded by beauty it takes on less importance?

OOC:  You should roll an Amor (Aliadra) at 3d6+10.  Normally you can only have a single Amor, which for Dalan would be Ellowyn, but I consider this to be a different sort of Amor, something of a dream almost.

Sir Dalan smiles, trying to hide his shyness at this lovely and sweet natured woman. "A honour to meet you fair Aliadra. I would ask you to dance later, though I fear my feet are not the finest even for a mortal man." He takes her hand. "Though perhaps thy grace shall inspire me."

He allows Aliadra to chose suitable clothes for him and escort him to the dining table, though seeing the jousts he begs a moment away to try his hand against the faerie knights. "Forgive me but I am a knight and even should I falter it would be a splendid thing to face against the chivalry of elvenkind." He pauses, looking embarrassed. "Where have my wits gone.... I have no steed with me!"

---

OOC: 18:22, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 23 using 3d6+10.  Amor (Aliadra).

Wow!

Sir Gracian found himself lost in a dream. The colors, the sounds, the tastes .. it was all so vibrant and so timeless. It was a world of wonder and mystery. A world both young and ancient. A world in many ways so perfect that it brought tears to his eyes when he thought of his home and of the realm of mortals where poverty and cruelty seemed to rule almost supreme.

As the elf maid tended to his wounds he finally found the courage to speak. Until then he had not dared to say a word too afraid to ruin the perfection that was infront of him.

"You are by all means the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, my Lady. Forgive me the boldness of my words and I mean you no disrespect. When you look at me my heart almost burst, when you laugh I almost cry tears of joy and when you so graciously tend to my wounds then I am the proudest man. I know that I will leave this realm tomorrow and return to the realm of mortals. It is where I belong - in a world of war, tears and sadness. I am a flawed man and a barstard. I come from a people that is now lost and have no place in this new world that I have sworn to defend to my death. I will one day die a violent death and never live to see the autumn of my years but I promise you, fair lady, that I will never ever forget you or this moment. This moment - right now -  will be the last thing I think of when death comes to me and I will die with a smile on my face and pride in my heart if you will but tell me your name."

The Elf Maiden seems to literally glow at Sir Gracian's praise.  Perhaps it is a form of blushing?  Her laughter comes like the sound of water splashing on rock on a hot day.  It is not unkind or taunting but filled with joy.  "And here I feared you a mute only to find your tongue laced with mithrel," she says, tracing an idle finger along your arm.

"It is I who is honored to be allowed to serve so brave and modest a knight.  To do battle against one such as Sangnoir not for glory or riches but to help another in need?  To return our Lady's horse and never say a word boasting of your accomplishments?  Even entering our land is more than the bravest among you could do!" she exclaims.

She tilts her head slightly to one side and replies, "my name is Flydorill, and perhaps after the feast I could provide you with some further memories and future smiles."  She flashes Sir Gracian a coquettish grin as she leads him from the tent to the festivities.

Roll an Amor (Flydorill) at 3d6+10.
Joining Sir Dalan at the jousts, eating, drinking, dancing?
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:17, Thu 31 Aug 2017.