The party's travels take them from rolling hills to rocky slopes and mountains.  As the day continues on, there is a noticeable rise in traffic on the road.  The freemen and peasant traffic picks up considerably, but even the number of gentry and nobles on the road increases.  Inquiries quickly reveal that a faire is taking place at Dumbarton with a tournament as one of the primary draws.  The standard of the Queen's sister, Morgan snaps and bounces in the breeze on the river Clyde, the site of Dumbarton Castle.  It takes some time to negotiate the city of vendors and tents that have sprung up around Dumbarton, even with the deference provided to the party's members of rank and name.  Arriving at the castle's walls find the gate a hive of activity with nobles and servants alike coming and going.  Morgan was a princess, and sister to the high king of Britain.

ooc: I'm going to assume that this is the proper procedure under these conditions.

Dugal approaches the guards at the gate, making sure his tabard is visible. He addresses the most ranking of the guardsmen. I am Dugal, prince of Pictland. Would you please have someone inform her Highness, Princess Morgan, that my party and I have arrived? And I will need directions to a suitable inn that my party and I may stay in.

"By your command sire," a stewart nodded and scampered off while another fine robbed servant.  "Highness, I believe your brother is here at the castle already, I do not believe there is an inn in the county that has space, but perhaps a pavillion tent?" he suggested humbly.

If there is no room at any of the inns, then a pavilion tent will suffice. Please direct me to where available space may be located.

"Yes sire," the seneschal nods. "Conduct his highness to Prince Duncan's pavilion," he waved to a steward who leapt to action, verifying that the prince and his party were ready to depart before leading them to a great tent surrounded by smaller tents in a meadow on the edge of the town.

The party's arrival is noticed immediately, the crest of the family prominently displayed on pennants about the grouping.   A servant dashed into the largest tent and a moment later, Prince Duncan, Dugall’s elder brother arrived with servants in tow.  He was richly dressed and adorned with jewellery befitting his station.  “Brother!” he called to Dugall.  “I am pleased to see you!” he waited for Dugall to dismount before embracing him in a mixture of affection and per functionary manner.

Dugal leaps from his horse, throwing the reins to a waiting servant, and quickly strides to his brother. Brother! I am likewise pleased to see you again. Allow me to introduce my traveling companions. Dugal points each one out by name. After each one has a chance to exchange pleasantries with Duncan, So tell me brother, how fares things at home?

Rys dismounts as the brothers embrace. When he is introduced, Rys bows. Sire, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. If I can be of any service to you, you have but to ask.

ooc: who else do we see in this pavilion? priests, mages, entertainers (servants are a given)

Bowing low upon being introduced, "M'Lord, thank ye fer lodging this humble Knight."

"Father and mother are well brother," Duncan responds with a nod and a smile.  "I am glad you are here.  Will you be partaking in the lists?"

The prince spies the heavy weapon of the priest and addresses him according.  "Your kind offer of service is our pleasure to call upon as such time it should be needed padre," Prince Duncan responds to Rhys, before nodding to the gratitude of the knight, Gremag.

"Come have you eaten?" Duncan asks, gesturing to the interior of the great tent.  "Share a meal with us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Thu 21 June 2007.

I hadn't thought about it, to be honest. He keys his voice lower so as to not be heard by the servants, Our party has come north on a quest for King Arthur. We need to find the Bard Taliesin so we can continue our journey.

Rys bows again to the prince.

Rys' eyes light up at the thought of a good meal and follows everyone into the interior of the tent.

"Taliesin you say?" the senior prince murmurs, wrapping his arm about his brother's shoulders ushering him inward.  "Come, share my tables," Duncan invites the company as they enter the pavallion tent.
The sizeable structure was colourful in its fabric and set with tables where plates of food waited for all to partake.  A company of knights waited patiently at one table, while courtiers shared the head table.  Recognizing Dougall, space was made at Duncan's right hand immediately as spaces were found the party according to rank.  A blessing was said by Duncan's priest before a meal of pork, sparrow, potatoes and vegetables was served to the company.

"Taliesin has performed each night at the castle," Duncan supplies as the meal is begun.

Dugal breathes easier upon hearing this. That is good to hear brother. I have always wanted to hear him perform. I hear he is the best bard in the land. After eating a bit, Has a schedule been devised for the competition yet? I think I will participate in the lists if there is room still.

Master Colm had been a little reclusive over the last day or two.  Something was bothering him, yet he failed to put a finger on it.  Aye well, not a thing to bother the companions about I suppose."  he thought to himself.

The party met Dugal's brother soon after and were ushered into a great pavilion where a grand meal was served.  Colm found himself seated at the far end of the table, the firthest from the royalty.  "Tis no matter, at least there's only personage on one side of me..." he thought ruefully.

The ever aware woodsman soon noticed a couple of Knights across the pavilion.  They were to far away to hear what was being said; but the Irishman noticed the snickers and glances his way.  Glowering over his beard at them in return, Colm wondered if it was his accent, his less-than-plate-mail armour, or the great ash bow slung over his shoulder that attracted the mirth of the Knights.

Continuing to glower, the woodsman said aloud "Well plenty of time for that, eh lass?" as a serving wench dropped a pewter plate full of food in front of him.  As she turned to go Colm gave her a good swat on the rump and smiled invitingly before noisily digging into the grub in front of him.

"Aye brother, there will be a joust on the morrow.  There will be contests in the melee and there will be flights on the range for the archers," Duncan nods at the question.

Colm's swat elicits a blush and a giggle from the wench whose curls bounce as she scampers away to fetch a pitcher of wine to fill goblets as they empty.

Then I will need to talk to the Martial of the List to get my name on the list of joust combatants.

Locking eyes with the senior Prince, "Sire, might I inquire about joining the Melee tourny? If't allowable, I'd love to enlist."

"Aye and so you shall!" Dugall's brother declares, waving over an advisor.  "Herald, take a message on my behalf to the Marshall of the lists that my brother Dugall and this good knight Gremag will be in the field."  The response from the herald was immediate as he scribbled the note with a goose quill onto some parchment.

"Are there others who wish to partake?  Perhaps your yeoman wishes to test his mettle with the archers at flights?" he suggested, casting cursory glance in Colm's direction before looking back to his brother.

OODM:  Things seem to be settling in my life for the time being so hopefully my posts will be more frequent and I hope that you're all still here and enjoying the game.

Licking his fingers clean of the greasy chicken Colm reaches for his wine goblet and raises it in toast.  "The yeoman's name is Colm MacTyre Sire.  And aye I thank the indeed.  I would be most pleased to show the lads proper bowmanship!"

With a hearty laugh Colm drains the goblet in one swallow, wine trickling into his beard and calls for the wench.

I too apologize for my absence.  With summer vaction upon us and two kids etc just been busy.  Will do my best to keep up.  Poor Lar, just being sidelined and waiting to get into this good game.  Sorry man.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Sun 29 July 2007.

After Duncan's priest performs the blessing, Rys turns to this priest, as he's sitting next to him, Greetings. I am Rys from Canterbury, originally from York. How are you doing?

Thank you Brother.  With that taken care of, Dugal continues to chat with his brother, catching up on the details of what is going on at home and in their father's domain.

"I am Monseigneur Gates," the priest replied to Rys greeting politely.  "I am well Father. I am glad that you are in the service of Prince Dugall, a young prince needs the guidance of a man of God when moving in the world."

Rys smiles slightly. "Actually, I am not in the Prince's service. His Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Kay, on behalf of His Majesty, sent me, and diverse others, on a quest. His Highness is but one of my fellow questors." Rys pauses for a moment. "And I think it can be said of everyone that guidance from a man of God is needed when moving in the world...even those same men of God. It is troubling times we are living in." Rys' eyes grow a bit distant as his voice lowers with concern.

PM

The companions enjoy a hearty meal as guests of Dougall's brother Prince Duncan.  The entrance of Sir Gremag in the lists brings cheers of encouragement and good natured challenges from other knights present.  Sir Etienne, the Templar is called away by a representive of his order, beforewhich he graciously expresses his gratitude to their host.  Colm finds himself creating a later rendez-vous with the serving wench that enthusiastically provided him his drink and victuals.  Father Rhys' dinner companion's exeriences with the world differ, finding the world considerably more agreeable, perhaps it is the life that is afforded him in a royal entourage in a time of relative peace.  The end of the meal brings sweet cakes and cider, mead and song provided by both Duncan's minstrel as well as Calis, each providing performances worthy of their august audience.  The night's rest is peaceful, the camp of so many knights, barons and lords heavily secured and the fire of the pavalion tent warm and comforting.

In the morning breakfast is served and plans are made for the lists with oppurtunities in archery, individual melees as well as the first tilts in the lists in the mid afternoon.  Princess Morgana of course would be sitting as the most honoured hostess of the lists in the royal box.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:03, Sun 02 Dec 2007.

Rys spends the rest of the meal chatting with Msgr. Gates. Rys, being a traveling priest, has seen much heartache and pain. After the meal is done, "Msgr. Gates, with such a large gathering, will morning mass be held here on the fields, or will it still be held in the cathedral?" After getting the answer, Rys excuses himself for a good night's rest. He wakes in the morning so that he can make the morning mass.

Dugal stays up late with his brother, catching up on how things in their father's realm has been. In the morning, he joins his brother at mass. As the day's festivities begin, Dugal follows his brother to the place in the stands set aside for his family. Seeing where his brother's party will be, " I am off to the Martial of the List brother, to have myself registered for later today. I will be back." With that, Dugal heads off to the Martial's stand.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Mon 03 Dec 2007.

Enjoying copious amounts of food and drink, Colm endears himself to the wench who always seemed to be at his elbow with a ready smile, a wink, and a promise of a conquest to come.  As the festivities wind down Colm, a wee bit tipsy and no worse for wear, manages to liberate a mostly full vessel of wine from a table and arm in arm with his wench beats a hasty retreat into the night.  Heads bowed together and each enjoying the remains of the wine Colm disappears into the night his ringing laughter of contentment all that he leaves behind.

When the cock crowed come morn, the wayward Irishman dons his breaches in haste, leaves his mistress with a lingering kiss and heads out to greet the day.  A little parched and slightly bleary eyed the Yeoman goes in search of bread to break his fast and water to quench his thirst.  Awhile later and well satiated, Colm wonders the tourney grounds and with a little effort locates the Martial of the List.

Spoting his traveling companion Sir Dugal ahead in line Colm deftly steps past whoever else was behind the stoic Knight and joining him in line claps the mans shoulder in greeting.

"Well met Sir Knight!  May the day greet you with love in it's heart and fire in it's loins!" he chuckles at his little private joke.  "Pray tell noble sir, this is wear I can enlist in the tourney and show these English bastards how to handle a bow?" he finishes with a sloppy grin.

OCC: Good to post again.  Just so everybody knows, with winter here I am extremley busy with work but I don't see it being a problem to post a few times a week.  Sorry for the late start, as I said busy busy busy.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Mon 03 Dec 2007.

Upon hearing the challenges and cheers of my entrance to the lists, I give almost as many good natured challenges as I receive. "Dun go soil yerself when I come at ya with me hammer!", I respond to the most boisterous and largest fellow.


Come morning, as others head to Mass, I quickly slip away to a secluded and quiet area of the castle. As I prepare myself for the melee, I first dress into what finery I have, mainly a doublet with my family crest, and head off to ensure that my name is on the list for the Melee tourny.

Reaching the lists, I spy Master Colm skipping others to reach Prince Dugal up ahead. "Master Colm, Master of the Bow, how far'd ye last night? I lost sight of you once tha wine hit tha tables... as is usual in towns lately." I say with a sly wink.


OOC: Work at work is winding down for the holidays, but work in school is kicking up. From friday through tuesday I have finals, then I'll be done until January... 3rd I want to say.

Dugal is a bit surprised to see the Irishmen in line, expecting to see him cavorting with the serving girls...of which there are plenty. Indeed Master Colm. This is the line for the Martial of the List. It is with him that you need to register for any of the martial competitions being held today. I hope you fare well today in the competition. He looks around. Ah, I see Sir Gremag is coming to join us as well. Good morning Sir Gremag.

After mass, Rys begins to wander through the various vendors that are hawking there wares. For competitions such as these, numerous merchants descend to make their sales. After wandering for a while, he begins to search for Taliesin.


23:40, Today: Father Rys rolled 38 using 1d20+27. diplomacy.
23:40, Today: Father Rys rolled 32 using 1d20+27. diplomacy.
23:39, Today: Father Rys rolled 45 using 1d20+27. diplomacy.
23:39, Today: Father Rys rolled 16 using 1d20+9. gather info.
23:39, Today: Father Rys rolled 27 using 1d20+9. gather info.
23:39, Today: Father Rys rolled 20 using 1d20+9. gather info.

"I thank thee Sir Knight, I will wait in line and register as soon as you do.  I thank thee again, although I believe I have little to fear from this English rabble hahahaha!  Be assured Master Swordsman, I will raise a resounding cheer when you take the field against any opponent!"  Colm with a broad grin states assuredly to his friend.





"Top of the morning to ye Sir Gremag, and well met!  Colm reaches forth his calloused hand and grasps the Knights forearm in greeting.  "Well as ye suredly know our dear Emerald Isle is but a wee spot of land, I do what I can to carry forth our grand Irish legacy!" Colm boasts with a hearty laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Wed 05 Dec 2007.

Dugal smiles and shakes his head at the confidence Colm is exhibiting. He waits his turn in line to speak with the Master of the List. When he arrives at the tent, he registers himself for a position in the joust. Several eyes widen that Dugal is participating. With his registration done, he waits until Sir Gremag and Master Colm have also registered themselves before leaving.

"Aye, tha Isle is but a speck o'land compared to here. But we Irishmen learn to protect our land at least twice as better as these Englishmen. Let's teach them a thing or two, aye?"


After waiting a few minutes to make the lists, I make sure my name was entered, then I head over to meet up with the Prince and Master Colm. With a little sarcasm in my voice and a wink in my eye, I address the prince. "M'lord, how did ye sleep last night? I hope ye dun expect these men to truly strike ye, being of royal stock."

"I slept well, thank you Sir Gremag. How did you sleep?"

"Well, yes, I expect them to try and strike me on the list. All combatants know the risks involved in participating in these competitions."

Rather than attempt to contain a large body of knights and yeoman milling about inside a structure, great refectory tables had been set up in the exterior of the courtyard where the tournament's Marshall of Arms and a group of pages and squires clerked at creating the lists for arching, the melee, individual arms competitions and the lists of the joust.  Gremag finds he is matched with one called Sir Nar and will meet on the field in the melee mid morning in the circles near the lists.

Rys makes his way to Morganna's castle, making sure he still has the document signed by Sir Kay and the Archbishop of Cantebury in its protective sleeve. Once validating that, he walks up to the gates. He approaches the senior-most looking guard, "Pardon sir. My name is Rys, a priest from Canterbury. I need to find Taliesin and speak to him at his earliest convenience." If challenged on this, Rys will draw the document with both Sir Kay's and the Archbishop's seals on them.

13:11, Today: Father Rys rolled 35 using 1d20+27. diplomacy.

With the announcement of the completion of the setting up of the refectory tables Colm follows Sir Gremag over to the knight's table.  When the knight is given his alotted opponent for his first bout Colm begins to peer throught the crowd while listening to the chatter around him.  Spotting who he believes to be his friend's combatant Colm leans over and taps the Knights platted shoulder.

"There my friend, I think lies you quarry". Colm gestures to a Knight across the way.  The man appeared to be a Knight by his bearing and arms, yet he was covered with tattoo markings and was shaved clean of head.

"Rather strange and not normal to these parts I'd say!"

Clasping his friend Gremag by the fore-arm Colm wishes him well against his opponent and announces his intent to search out the archer's lists and possibly spy one of his future opponents.

Dugal signs up for a slot in the mounted combat order. When he gets the time he is supposed to arrive, he goes back to his brother's place in the stands to watch and cheer on his fellow adventurers. Before his bout, he goes back to his brother's pavillion to arm and armor himself, and make sure his steed is ready for battle.

        Beings that Sir Nar desires to make a good showing for himself
during todays jousting competition, he decides that its best to make
a diligent effort to ready himself. He retrieves his mount and all
that he possesses before heading off for the nearby River junction.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 21 Dec 2007.

Now knowing who he faces, Sir Gremag heads off to suit up in his armor and grabs his massive hammer.

Heading to the melee grounds, he nods and smiles at those who look at him and his hammer with the look of awe that such a hammer could be wielded so effortlessly by a mere mortal. Reaching the grounds, I await my time to enter the field of battle.