Our story begins in the year 766, when Duke Thierry of Ardennes called his knights to the yearly spring feast on Monday, April 15, to give marching orders for the war season.

Knights, ladies and nobles from throughout the duchy gathered in Bastogne, filling the great hall.  Large, long, simple wooden tables had been laid out to accommodate the crowd.  A few, particularly at the head table, had individual chairs, but the majority sat on long wooden benches, matching the tables.  Although not as lavish as other feasts of the year, this one always promised to have much better foods than had been eaten at the manor-houses and minor castles throughout the long winter.

Our squires, however, were not given seats as they were expected to continue to serve their knights.  In those days, it was common for a squire to "fill his knight's cup", but in truth it was a more complete domestic duty of bringing food, removing empty plates, and always making sure the feasting knights did not run out of wine.

When the main participants of the feast had their fill, the squires and other kitchen boys gathered up the remains and divided it among themselves.  It was then that Duke Thierry rose and spoke to the hall, "Greetings to my knights and ladies, and especially to our honored guest Prince Charlemagne!  King Pepin has seen fit to make me the prince's tutor in the ways of warfare and nobility, while the king himself makes war against Aquitaine¹."  Here his speech was interrupted by cheers and pounding on the wooden tables by the more raucous knights, eager to follow King Pepin on his conquests.  Duke Thierry continued, "However, I have assembled you for a task closer to home.  There have been reports of a bandit, a robber-knight, who lives in the forest of the Ardennes.  He is most known for the large jewel set into his shield, which he brazenly wears flaunting the rule of law.  I would bid that, starting tomorrow, all true knights sally forth from here and travel with none but a squire in their aid, so that they may find and challenge the robber-knight in a full manly fashion, either on horse or on foot, with arms of your choosing.  Either slay or return with the robber-knight as prisoner, and with his jewel as trophy, and I shall reward you."  Here again many knights began cheering, thinking it would be no difficult feat to find and crush a cowardly robber, and win glory in the process.  The duke concluded, "I give you all one month, that on May 15 we shall again return to this great hall, where each man should make an account of his actions, be they good or ill."

The whole assembly, feeling that such a minor task would certainly be accomplished by at least one knight among them, cheered and returned to their drinks and merriment.  However, the mandate that each knight depart with a single squire put a damper on our characters, as they were not the primary squires for any particular knight.

¹ Aquitaine being a duchy, located in modern south-west France.  It's inhabitants are culturally Gascons, similar to Franks, but much closer to the warmer Mediterranean. 

---

For reference, when posting, OOC and mechanical items go at the bottom in orange.
Also, I forgot that the game starts in 766, not 768 as I previously stated, so you are 19 year old squires.  At this point, you could probably be knighted, but that would require some feat or proving yourself.
At this time, the PCs are squires at the feast during this announcement.  You currently have several options, but can really only choose one

• Try to ingratiate yourself with a particular knight or nobleman
• Trying to chat or impress ladies... but this is very difficult, since you are not belted knights yet
• Attempt to get close to Duke Thierry or other VIPs by serving him
• Attempt gossip and intrigue
• Talk trade and economics

Or anything else you can think of.
Post your own actions, but don't worry about the dice rolls as I will take care of those.  Feel free to have longer and fleshed-out posts, rather than short, one-liners.

Edit: I should say that you are basically shut out from this quest... but you will have another opportunity shortly

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:39, Sun 17 June 2018.

The collective nobility of the Duchy, resplendent in their finest accoutrements, the smell of fine food and wine, the idle gossip as those present eagerly awaited word from the Duke... Walter lived for moments like this.  While most of his peers preferred the lance and sword, words were Walter's weapon of choice; and there was no better place to practice the art than at the yearly feast.  While most of the other squires went about their work in relative obscurity, Walter's striking looks, silver tongue, and most of all, his familial connection to the Duke, ensured that he was always noticed wherever he went in the hall.  And while Walter did not hesitate to flit about the room, serving the assembled knights and ladies, tonight, his eyes were on the high table.

Walter it seems, had almost claimed sole dominion over servicing those seated at the most prominent table.  Or at the very least, he was certainly the squire who seemed to always be present.  Whether that was because he had made friends with the kitchen staff during his childhood (namely in an attempt to sneak food during his younger years), or simply pure luck, it didn't matter, he always seemed to have whatever was needed, be it refilling a wine cup, or bringing the next course out.  While he didn't go so far as to openly converse with those seated at the table, he was seemingly always armed with a warm smile, a few kind words, or a witty quip.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Mon 18 June 2018.

Gontran stood away from the rest, listening to the Duke.  Were he a smaller man, he would have liked to slide back between two beams and out of sight.  Events of the nobility, and his lack of finesse therein, was the very reason he had be allowed -- nay, encouraged -- to stay away from attention despite his otherwise noble upbringing.  Of course, were he a smaller man, he would not have so difficult a time navigating the relatively narrow space between tables.  He was content, therefore, to wait aside and ferry away whatever the bolder squires would bring him to be cleaned.

The Duke's announcement, however, shook him from his complacency.  He would bring no attention nor help to Buchenborg standing off to the side and hoping someone would offer him anything: he needed to be in the fray.  Not unlike a battle, he mused.

He took a deep breath.  "Just don't say anything," he reminded himself under his breath before and stepping out to take a more active role in serving these full-fledged knights.  If he got in the way, he would simply have to hope that his bulk would ensure that he could impress even in calamity.

Maixent had spent some time in Bastogne and had come to know a few people.  He felt he was respected well enough by his knight and by his fellow squires, but, something inside of him always yearned for something more.   Knighthood and his family manor would, at some point, be his...but even those goals were but stepping stones.

The noise of of the knights cheering the proclamation of a quest from the Duke, brought him out of his thoughts.  He quickly refilled the wine and made his way around the hall.

As he passed the Ladies, he showed proper deference and occasionally made a soft comment about their prospects of finding a proper husband amidst these fine knights.  He tried, as he made small talk with them, to make eye contact with Lady Ermeline.  He didn't want to seem too forward, as he knew he was still a lowly squire, but, the rumors were, she was hard to control.  Something about a wild, free-thinking woman, while a bit out of place in proper society, drew his fanciful thoughts of an adventurous life.

 The Great Hall of the Duke’s castle was filled with the finest of Bastogne’s society. From prominent Merchants, Knights, Lord and Ladies, and then there was the Duke himself. The Hall was aglow with the sounds of merriment and dining. The sound of voices, laughter, the clatter of platters and goblet, even the sound of music all blended into a medley of the court at Feast.

 Squires and Servants waded through the maze of tables with pitchers of the finest wine from the Duke’s own cellar in hand; making sure no cup would ever be empty.  The large hulking young man was one of those Squires. Bailain hurried here and there with a pitcher of wine, as he filled the goblet of thirsty patrons of the feast.

 When one of the Stewards stopped Bailain and told him to go and put more wood onto the fire pit. The squire nodded and handed his pitcher to a passing servant, and headed over to the stacked wood near the hearth. Bail caught the eye of his old friend Walter, and gave him a wink and a nod, an old signal that Bail was up to something.

 The Squire had of course, heard the Duke’s announcement of the Quests to see out the Bandit, and the Knights taking a Squire with them. Bail was a junior squire and a low born one at that. His chance of being selected by one of the questing knights was not very good, not unless he did something to stand out and impress one of the knights. So Bail did what he was good at, he selected only the thickest cuts of wood and then attempted to break them in two with his bare hands; He had great strength, so he would demonstrate that with a Herculean feat of strength.

Duke Thierry, seeing the squire Walter, his cousin, filling cups with the other table servers, called him over to the high table.  The Duke stood and embraced Walter, and with his hand on Walter's shoulder said to the other lords, "This is my cousin, Walter, who will make a fine knight one day soon!"  Turning, and in a much quieter voice, he said to Walter, "Gather your fellow unattached squires," his eyes motioned to the others, "and meet me when the feast is done, for I have a task for you."  With that, the Duke sat and resumed feasting.

Gontran, meanwhile, was a giant of a man, and carrying even the largest serving platters was no effort at all.  He found moving among some of the cramped tables difficult, more than once bumping into various knights and ladies where they sat.  Once, he had in his hands a huge wooden dish with a nearly whole roasted pig on it.  When a knight suddenly stood up at the table, it nearly toppled the entire dish and animal, but Gonran was able to keep his balance and hold steady.  The knight asked, "Who is this man, a squire, already larger than most knights in armor?  Come lad, we could use a man like you on the battlefield!"

Maixent contented himself by serving the ladies, particularly the bold Lady Ermeline.  She took notice of this, calling him over.  "You, squire, what is your name?  Though you be a squire, and not at all blessed with a comely visage, you are bold enough to serve the most honored ladies?"  Maixent told his name and lineage.  "Ahh, Maixent, I shall remember that name.  Now go about thy duties, until we should happen to meet again."  She smiled and returned to the ladies, but it was a smile Maixent would remember.

Bailain, tasked with refilling the firewood, made a show of taking a small log and attempting to rip the dry wood apart with his bare hands.  But being a server, and standing out of the way, he did not attract much attention.  This was for the best, because after heaving and grunting, his fingers could make no dent in the bark.  His grip was solid and limbs were strong, but it seemed no amount of human effort could do what one simple stroke of the axe could.  Resignedly, Bailain used the tool, then tossed the log into the fire.  It was only a small consolation that the little attention he had drawn initially proved in his favor, that no one seemed to notice his failing.

---

After a few hours, when the feast was winding down, Duke Thierry called over his cousin Walter and the other squires.  "Ah, yes, you youth of Bastogne.  While the knights and their squires will be out in search of the robber-knight, I need men for another mission.  I suspect you will be knights soon enough - once you have proven yourselves, that is - so I entrust you with the escort of Father Jerome.  You are to escort him to Liege, where the Prince-Bishop has agreed to lend him the use of a relic of Saint Marcian.  You will leave tomorrow, travel to Liege, meet with the Prince-Bishop, and return with the relic straight away.¹  So sleep well, and be ready to leave in the morning."

Early in the morning, while the fires from the previous night's festivities were dying embers, the squires and pages arose early and began busying about.  Most prepared for the coming hunt of the robber-knight, but our squires prepared themselves for the travel to Liege.

In the courtyard, waiting with only a donkey as transport, was Father Jerome.  He was an older man, with greying hair and beard.  He had a reputation of being very pious, being the personal chaplain to the Duke and Duchess.  He was not overly talkative with the squires, being perhaps the third full generation of knights he had seen grow from boys into men during his lifetime, so he simply waited for them to load up and depart.


¹ Depending on the weather and conditions, traveling one-way from Bastogne to Liege is about 3 or 4 days.

---

Walter, gain an XP check for Passion: Family due to the Duke's kind words
Gontran, gain a 10 Glory for being recognized
Maixent, you got a critical on your (below-average) App roll!  Gain an XP check for Proud... but also the attention of Lady Ermeline
Bailain, it was a Str check at -10 to accomplish that feat, so no luck.

Full disclosure: Religion and Intrigue rolls were made and results given in Private Lines to each of you.

Detail what you load up and bring on such a mission.  Traveling with weapons and armor would be normal, or even expected - you are an escort, and there is a robber-knight about!  Even moderate amounts of food should suffice, since you are in local territory and would be afforded hospitality nearly anywhere you might stop.  Also, you may speak with Father Jerome during the travels.  Is there anything particular you wish to do, see or go to while traveling?  Check the map for places of interest between Bastogne and Liege.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:11, Mon 25 June 2018.

After the Duke dismissed them, Walter couldn't help but grin "Well my friends, I told you tolerating me over these long years would pay off down the road!"  Grinning broadly, he clapped Bailain and Gontran on the shoulder.  "Shall we get to packing before everyone else begins to do the same in the morning?"  he asked, glancing about. And just like that, they were off, scurrying about the castle in an attempt to acquire everything that they might need for the trip ahead.  For his part, Walter packed light, carrying only a moderate amount of necessary supplies.  They were traveling locally, and on a mission for the Duke no less, and as such, could expect hospitality wherever they went.  However, his weapons and armor were a given, especially with this robber knight about.

When the squires all reappeared in the courtyard that morning, Walter was already present, chatting up the Father rather amiably.  "Good morning my friends!" he boomed, gesturing them over "Is everyone packed and ready to go?  If so we should make haste!"

He watched as Sir Walter spoke and clapped his friends on the shoulder.  He only nodded and said, "in the morning, then." Turning, he walked towards his rooms and began to calculate what all he'd need to bring.  He gathered up what he needed and went to bed, planning to rise early to finish readying his mount.

He led his horse to where the Father awaited, and, like Sir Walter, he had packed relatively light but with all his arms.  His crossbow was tied to the saddle, ready for use as needed.  Maixent acknowledged Walter's comment with a nod, "Aye, I am ready and looking forward to successfully completing our first task."  When he finished speaking, he mounted.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Mon 25 June 2018.

   The Duke spoke to the young Squires and told them of an important task set before them. For such as they, to be honored with escorting the Duke’s Confessor on upon an important mission, was a singular honor for the young men. Bailain was not one to speak overly much, but when he did, it was with a rich baritone voce that some had remarked was more a croaking them speech. “ We are greatly honored, My Lord." Said with a bowing his head.

 When the Duke had departed,  Bailain had a smile upon his lips. “ It seems we shall show the world our mettle, Lads.  If we do a good job, his Lordship will look upon us all with favor. And with any luck, we will have some witless brigands attempt to molest the good father…so we can chastise them for their sins." He made a wolfish grin to his friends.

Listening to the stories of the knights, Gontran wanted nothing more than to prove his mettle on horseback against a robber knight.  Being directed to guard a priest seemed like a step in the wrong direction, but obedience to his lord meant following direction.  Lost in thought, he simply nodded and bowed a lot rather than dare speak.

Tying off his saddlebags, he checked his saddle again. At least here, with the horses, he was in his element.  "Check your horse, Father?" he offered.

Being accustomed to deference, and unaccustomed to the labors of preparing a journey, Father Jerome readily accepted the squire's assistance.  The group departs in the morning, while so many other knights and squires were still dressing to chase after the robber-knight.

The journey takes three days, with few delays and beautiful spring weather along the way.  Liege was a stone monastery, surrounded by fields of various crops.  There was a small city nearby, all controlled by the Prince-Bishop.  Although not as opulent as the larger city Bastogne, the monastery was a center of religious life and had various services unavailable anywhere else.

The meeting between Father Jerome and Prince-Bishop Fulcaire is brief and formal.  They each faced the altar in the chapel, knelt, and chanted several lines of Latin.  To a lay-person, it was not clear whether this was an actual ceremony or simply a blessing.  Ultimately, Prince-Bishop Fulcaire retrieved from a side cabinet a small, rectangular box, no larger than a man's hand, covered with silver and small gemstones that sparkle in the sunbeams that entered through the capel's high ceiling.  This was clearly just an ornate container for the relic, which was secured inside.  Father Jerome humbly accepted the box and wrapped it in loose cloth, before tucking it inside his robes.

As it was still daylight, Father Jerome accepted the Prince-Bishop's offer of hospitality to stay at the monastery, then depart in the morning.  The rooms for guests of the monastery were no different than the cells in which the monks spent the majority of their time - small and bland, with scarcely enough room for a bed and small table.  Luckily, the squires had little in the way of belongings and no attendants, so containing their travel gear in such a small room was not a problem.

---

Now the squires have an evening in Liege.  The major options include

•   Speak with Father Jerome and/or the Prince-Bishop about spiritual matters and theology, or the present politics
•   Read from the books in the scriptorum
•   Pray at the chapel for a specific blessing (uses the Love Charlemagne trait, need to specify the object of your prayer)
•   Buy candles, incense, small wood carvings, or other religious decorations from the monks
•   Go into town and speak with the peasants or merchants

Or something else

Gontran unceremoniously settled himself in the small space provided by the Monastery by laying most of his gear haphazardly on the bed.  He peered out the small window.  This was a place of learned men living a quiet life of contemplation and worship.  He would not believed it possible, but here he was even more uncomfortable than he had been at court.

He lingered in the room for what he deemed was a proper amount of time before knocking on the doorframe of one of the others' doors.  "Going into the village for supplies.  Need anything?" he asked.  It was, perhaps, a foolish question, but it was the best attempt he felt that he could make at conversation.

Walking into the village, he immediately relaxed.  Here, there were people he could relate to.  His fellow squires weren't bad, of course, but they were still more learned than he, and the Monks likely beyond them.  He began perusing the local stores and speaking with those who showed an interest in some honest smalltalk.

EDIT: pursuing -> perusing
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 30 June 2018.

Walter smiled as Gontran popped his head into the room "If you are heading into town, could you make sure that our supplies are restocked for the return trip, my friend?  Thank you very much!"  After the large man beat a hasty retreat, Walter smiled at the others and said simply "I'm going to ask the Prince-Bishop for his blessing for our return trip if anyone wishes to join me."  In truth, he couldn't resist the chance to rub elbows with the upper crust of society.  The premise was, of course, in securing the man's blessing for the trip ahead, but in reality, he was far more interested in bending the man's ear and getting the chance to discuss matters of politics with one as influential as Fulcaire.  After all, how many chances like this would he get, especially as a young squire?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Sat 30 June 2018.

Maixent dropped off his belongings in his cubicle and, as he made his way back to the group, he heard Walter's statement.  He thought about if for a moment and said, "I, too, shall go speak with the Prince-Bishop." He clapped the other squire on the back and gave him a look as if to say, 'Let's go'.

Maixent had no intention of asking for a blessing...no, he wanted to discuss the current succession and the state of our nation.

Gontran

The village outside Liege was not nearly so large as Bastogne, but was still significantly larger than most any other village in the county.  Although the village was several miles away, the tolling bells from the monastery could still be heard: a fitting reminder of the influence the Prince-Bishop had.  The religious aura extended over the village, with so many monks, nuns, friars, pardoners, deacons and scribes in the streets.  The town was a perfect compliment to the monastery, with two chandlers, a winery, an ink-maker and a parchment stretcher.

Gontran walked about the village and felt at home.  As he drifted between the shops and industries, he was much more comfortable with those who earned their living with the strength of their backs than the frail men whose only tool was a quill.  Wearing a sword, he was immediately recognized as a warrior (though not yet a belted knight), but this did not diminish the affinity with which the peasants regarded him.  What began as a distraction to take his mind off the stiff formality of the monastery ended with an afternoon of pleasant conversation and the blacksmith giving him a new set of horseshoes.

---

Maixent and Walter

The Prince-Bishop Fulcaire ate supper in the common room with the other monks.  It was somewhat akin to the feasts held by nobles, where other knights and ladies all sat together in the great hall of a castle; however this was very different in most other regards: the food was bland, the monks ate in almost perfect quiet (as some had taken vows of silence), and there was no merriment or entertainment.  In short, the meal was not a social celebration as with the nobility, but instead was merely a means for the monks to nourish their bodies.

After this, Prince-Bishop Fulcaire separated from the other monks and tended to the business of governing.  It was then that Maixent and Walter approached, while the Prince-Bishop sat in the candlelight reading reports of how many candles were made in the village and burnt in the monastery.

When the squires approached, they spoke in the most flattering terms asking for a blessing.  The Prince-Bishop sharply rebuked them, saying, "What do you young men of County Bastogne have with the church?  You were sent here on the orders of Duke Thierry, but I can see that you are more concerned with winning your spurs¹ than furthering the church.  You, Maixent, cousin of Duke Thierry, are already well-known for your vanity, and you, Walter, bear the uneven eyes of a cursed man.  Still," he sighed, "you two and your companions are accomplishing a mission for Mother Church.  Bow your heads and pray."  Here the Prince-Bishop quickly and perfunctorily read through a quick series of prayers in Latin, which the squires could barely understand, before making the sign of the cross.  Waving his hand in dismissal, he said, "Now go with the blessing of the Lord, to protect the relic with all the strength of your bodies."

---

All

The next morning, along with Father Jerome - now bearing the small silver reliquary box held tightly to his chest - the squires mounted their horses and departed from Liege.  They began to retrace the path back to Bastogne, along the dirt roads and paths.

When they had traveled half a day, and were still on the Prince-Bishop's land, they came across a pilgrim walking on the road in the opposite direction.  The pilgrim's clothing was filthy, and he leaned on a walking stick with each step.  He carried a small pack with him, which, as his appearance would suggest, contained all of his worldly possessions.  The pilgrim stopped and bowed his head, addressing the squires, "Please, kind sirs, would you spare a coin for an old man on his way to Saint Hubert's?"<sup>2

1</sup>As spurs were used as a sign of knighthood and ceremonially given to a new knight, to "gain one's spurs" means to be promoted to a knight.
²Saint Hubert's is another local monastery, much smaller and separate from Liege.

---

Gontran passed his Attitude: Commoners roll.  You gain extra horseshoes, which let you reroll a failed horsemanship roll once.
Maixent and Walter failed their Attitude: Church roll and got a scolding.  The Prince-Bishop was too polite not to give them a blessing, but they got an earful first.
Now everyone is on the road back.

As he had upon spotting other passersby on the road, Gontran rode up to the side of Father Jerome.  Having spent an inordinate amount of his youth working alongside peasants who did not value their word as nobility did, Gontran was naturally suspicious; the nature of his role as escort seemed to bring out the worst in him in this regard.  Here, he couldn't help feel something was wrong, despite having no evidence of such.

The man seemed harmless enough, but that didn't mean he wasn't the distraction for an ambush.  Gontran cast his eyes away from the road to scan the nearby trees and brush for signs of others.  He lingered back with the priest to let the others do the talking.

Walter was rather angry at the Bishop's assessment of him, but he managed to keep an impassive look on his face throughout the dressing down the pair received, and when the blessing was concluded, he thanked the Prince-Bishop before departing.  The usually talkative young man was notably subdued over the next day, and it appeared he was deep in thought, and it didn't take much of a guess to figure out why.  However, the appearance of the pilgrim on the road quickly snapped him from his thoughts and he smiled before addressing the traveler."Of course brother.  I'm afraid that I don't have much to spare, but please, take these  and go with God's blessing." the young squire said as he fished out a few coins and handed them over to the man with a slight bow of his head
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Thu 05 July 2018.

 The large squire rode along with the others and enjoyed the fresh air and scenery. Once they had departed from the Bishop's holding, Bailain breathed with more ease, as he was not one for the confinement of "churchy" matters.

 As the group rode down the “Road” they spotted what appeared to be a Pilgrim. When asked for alms, the squire knew he had no money, but he rode up to the afoot man and reached into a haversack and offered a sausage almost as long as Bailian’s forearm. “Here. I have no coin, but this will fill your belly, well and good.” He said with a faint him of a smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Fri 06 July 2018.

The old man was very appreciative.  "Thank you, kind sirs, for this generosity.  May the Lord bless you!" he bowed in gratitude.  He walked a short distance off the road, then turned around and said to the squires, "If you need lodgings for the night, up the road and to the right there is a hunting cabin.  I stayed there last night.  It is in the woods where the road pulls away from the Ourthe River." With that, the hungry pilgrim could wait no longer, he sat down in the grass, happy to eat the food.

The squires and Father Jerome continued on, the road following the path of the Ourthe River.  About half an hour later, the road led away from the river into a deep wood.  As the travelers enter the shade of the trees, several brigands jump out from behind their hiding places.  These are simple peasant warriors armed with clubs and knives, hardly a match for the armed squires.  Using the ambush to their advantage, they screamed and closed the distance to the mounted travelers, clearly intent on confrontation.  Out of one side of the forest, the old pilgrim can be seen with the brigands.

Gontran smiled grimly.  Clearly his earlier suspicions were right.  It also affirmed for him that the Duke had, in fact, sent them on a mission of some importance; he had, until now, suspected otherwise.

He recalled that he had often been chastised by his tutors for being reckless and impulsive, and he knew that he probably should stop to analyze the situation more thoroughly.  Unfortunately, his insecurities from being among so many learned men -- his fellow squires and the clergy -- had been growing over the last few days, and his desire to prove himself to all of them overwhelmed prudence.

He dismounted and drew his sword, pointing it at his enemy.  "I am Gontran: Son of Baldwin of Buchenborg," he shouted to the brigands. "Surrender and live, or fight and die."

Without waiting for a reply, he raised his shield and advanced.

Despite his words, Gontran will fight to disarm and pommel the peasants into submission unless they actually succeed at wounding him; he is, after all, 15 Merciful.
 I realize that this might penalize my combat roll.

Bailian grunted in annoyance the large Squire reached for that which hung upon his saddle prow. A large cudgel make of polished oak. Three banks of iron had been hammered around the massive club, each band supported four iron spikes. He brandished the weapon and shook it at the would be brigands.

 His companion Gontran had said something that sounded formal, but all Bailian could think of to say was as follows. “ You owe me a sausage!” He shouted those words like the meat was worth a sack of gold.

While Walter's initial reaction was one of anger towards the old pilgrim, he quickly calmed himself.  He didn't know the entire situation after all.  Perhaps the old man's life was in danger, or perhaps his loved ones were.  Or perhaps he had thrown his lot in with these men willingly, there was no way for Walter to know for certain.  However he did know one thing, armed as the brigands were, they truly must be desperate indeed to attack such a group as this.  As so while he drew he sword and shield and prepared for battle, Walter echoed Gontran's thoughts "Friends, we have no wish for violence, but know that we will defend ourselves."  For his part, Walter remained mounted and next to the Father, as he gestured for his fellow squires to follow suit and protect their charge.

The dirty scruff of peasant brigands quickly closed around the squires.  Though they possessed no armor, no horses and only rudimentary weapons, they counted on their vastly superior numbers and the ambush positioning to carry them to victory.  Even their charge was not a disciplined act, but rather an untrained mass of ragged men rushing forward.

Gontran, despite his efforts to subdue the attackers, ran one clear through with his sword.  Bailain, gleefully enjoying the melee, struck one on the head with his club so hard that the brigand fell dead on the spot.  Walter, too, cleaved a great wound into another.  A volley of arrows, more coordinated than the charge, was unleashed from the forest.  Luckily, due to the poor craftsmanship of the brigand's bows, most of the arrows missed their mark.  Gontran alone was struck by an arrow, which pierced his ringmail and bit into his skin, though not deeply.

Seeing how quickly they were falling at the hands of the squires, the other brigands quickly broke and ran, fleeing across the river.  Their flight left a much more distinct trail than their stealthy approach.

Also down the river, a small island was visible, with a wooden hut typically built by a hermit.

---

Gontran takes 3 damage from an arrow, a very minor wound.  Despite your best efforts, you so outclassed these fighters that Bailain killed one outright, Gontran mortally wounded another, and Walter was able to wound another.  These two could be taken as prisoners.  They have no items of value to loot.  You each gain 10 Glory and an XP check for the weapon skill.

The trail the others left is easy to follow, should you wish to follow it.  You also may head to the island by fording the river, or continue on the road toward Bastogne.

Edit: Father Jerome was not injured and the relic is intact

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:12, Wed 11 July 2018.

Sighing as he watched the men flee, Walter turned to his fellow squires "As much as I'd love to catch the rest of these men, we have a mission to complete, and that should take precedent, wouldn't you agree brothers?"  Glancing down at the severely wounded men on the ground, he added "And as for these two, we can take them with us to the closest town and let the authorities handle them.  It won't be out of our way, and we can ensure that justice is done."  While Walter was rather annoyed about missing the chance to hunt down the rest of the brigands, duty came first.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Wed 11 July 2018.