The Ladies continue to chat until the final course is brought forth, baked apples.  Soon after, the feast concludes and the participants head off toward bed in order to be fresh for the melee in the morning . . . or to continue drinking and carousing somewhere.

Ariette rejoins her husband, Ellowyn returns to her own room escorted by Sir Dalan's knights, Arianwen returns to Sir Garym and seems in a better mood than Sir Garym can ever recall, and Fiona and Sir Perin head off with FIona's knights.

Anything else anyone wants to do before the Melee?

Garym was distracted throughout the feast. He was jealous in a way that he could not make her smile as she was when she returned to him. He hated the fact that he was jealous that others were sharing in the beauty that she brought to his life.

He barely heard the many toasts and jests that were made at the feast. Finally, when she came back to him he could once again breathe. He cherished the few minutes they had together before she was guided back to her room. He did not say much. He did not really know what to say, but somehow she made him feel like it was not necessary to speak.

The Melee was tomorrow, and as much as he looked forward to competing in it. He looked more forward to the feast afterwards, so that he may once again steal a few minutes from time to spend with Lethe.

N.B.  This is the second and final feast of the tournament.  After the melee, the tournament is over although many people will be staying (or arriving) for Sir Lamorak's funeral on the following day (Sunday).

The knights find their way to their accommodations and get a good night's sleep, waking refreshed in the morning.  Those who choose to pay their respects to Sir Lamorak, everyone is free to have breakfast.  The melee begins at 10:00 and participants are generally getting ready by 09:00.

Sir Gracian is in charge of himself and his 6 knights from Stonewall, as well as Sir Dalan's 12 knights from Dover's Crossing.  Sir Perin is in charge of the 24 knights from Hereford.  Sir Garym and Sir Sejanus are responsible only for themselves.  If anyone has any overall strategy or personal plans for the battle, let them post here or forever hold their piece.  Unless there are suggestions, the battle plans for the two sides are set.  Sir Elad will be commanding Earl Robert's side and Duke Ulfius of Silchester will be commanding the opposing side.

If people have no preference for what they do in the battle, then they will just roll random opponents and be assumed to be together with other PC knights.

Sejanus would join the Knights of Earl Robert under Sir Elad.

All of the PCs are fighting on Earl Robert's side.  The question is whether there is anything special anyone wants to do?  Charge for the flag; Guard the flag; Try to find Knight X and smack him around; Fight on the Right/Left flank; Have three of my knights ahead of me and the others behind and charge toward the enemy flag from the right side and once there, I grab the flag and the rest of my knights open a hole for me back up the center; etc.

At last the time arrives for the Grand Melee.  Hundreds of knights are lined up on each side.  After everyone is positioned, the official waves his flag and the melee begins.  There is a thundering of hooves as both flanks of both armies charge forward.  The Salisbury team sends Sir Garym, Sir Gracian, Sir Perin, Sir Sejanus, and their knights to hit the enemy's left flank, with approximate even numbers.  The Opposing team sends 100 knights against the Salisbury left flank with two-to-one odds.

Sir Sejanus and Sir Gracian are unhorsed, taking 15 points (including fall damage) and 11 points (including fall damage) respectively.  Sir Garym and Sir Perin manage to hit their opponents but are unable to knock them from their horses.  Switching to swords, the knights prepare to continue the fight.  Two of Sir Gracian's knights, 3 of Sir Dalan's knights, and 1 of the Hereford knights are also unhorsed.  The enemy in this part of the field looks much worse off.  Of the original 50, about 15 are unhorsed.

What is the plan?  Press on, help your fellow regain their mounts, flee in panic?  Sir Sejanus and Sir Gracian will require the round to get back to their feet.  If faced by chivalrous knights, their opponents may take the turn to dismount.  If sufficient forces remain with them to protect them, they can remount this turn and begin fighting on horseback next turn.

Check out Game Map - Group 1 at the bottom of the page in the pulldown, View, Force Reload if it still says Start in the upper right corner.

Perin is still engaged with the young knight, so he'll push on and try to finish him.  While he won't stop to cover for his brothers directly (they've got men of their own), he'll order his knights to switch to the mounted enemy, thereby allowing the dismounted men either time to remount, or the ability to fight on equal footing against the enemy knights who have also been dismounted.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Tue 31 Oct 2017.

Garym drew his sword; he hoped he saw an advantage that would give the Home team the advantage. Yelling through the rage of battle was not an easy thing, "Perin, if we hold are position here we shall have an advantage. They will either need to reinforce, or we will out number them soon."

Garym did not need to dismount the foe he fought was still mounted, so Garym continued his attack on him.

At Sir Garym's suggestions, the Salisbury right flank holds position and continues to attack the Opposition's left flank.

Sir Garym squares off against his opponent and both hit but the Old Knight's blow rings true (Sir Garym takes 3 points of damage and gets a check in Horsemanship).  Sir Perin, meanwhile, goes berserk, allowing his opponent to hit him . . . feebly, before criticalling the young knight, killing him instantly.  (Sir Perin gets a check in Cruel).

Sir Gracian's knights form up around Sir Gracian and Sir Sejanus, allowing them to remount.  All knights can attack from horseback against new opponents next round.  The Hereford knights take down several of the opposing knights.

On the far flank, the heavily outnumbered Salisbury left flank has held off the attacking enemy, even pushing them back.  Salisbury reinforcements arrive on the left flank, while some other reserves position themselves behind the right flank.

Map updated, what next?

"We need to hold this flank. The left advancing. If, we can hold they will have to commit to the left or be flanked." Garym knew if they could hold for a little longer the opposition would need to shift their forces.

Perin watched the knight opposing him drop like a stone.  He hadn't meant to actually hurt the young man, but when the red mist of battle had descended, intent meant little.  Besides, he was sure that it was nothing too serious and that they would have a good laugh about it over a drink tonight.  Still, he needed to get control, and so he forced himself to focus, just in time to catch Garym's words.  "Indeed my friend!" he shouts, before quickly finding himself engaged in combat again, as another knight moves forward to avenge his fallen comrade.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Wed 01 Nov 2017.

The Salisbury right flank remains in position, attacking their opponent's left flank but not pressing forward or falling back.  Sir Gracian and Sir Garym both hit their opponents but are struck in return, their armor and shields deflecting all of the damage.  Sir Gracian gets a point in Horsemanship.  Sir Perin hits his opponent, who struck less forcefully.  The Old knight takes 5 points of damage and falls from his horse.  Sir Sejanus is hit for 5 points of damage after striking his opponent.  He remains in the saddle this time however.  Sir Sejanus gets a check in Horsemanship.

After their flank attack stalled against an inferior force, the opponent's force finally starts to gain some ground.  Only the arrival of reinforcements keeps the Salisbury left flank from crumpling.  Meanwhile, the opponents bring up reserves to counter the Salisbury reserves and start pushing against the center.

  Map updated.  What now?

 Sejanus shook of the recent buffet from an opposing Knight. He suddenly broke ranks and made an attempt to make a wide flanking maneuver around the opposing knights. The opposition had to react to his sudden move, either that or Sejanus might make it to the others flag, At best, his sudden move might catch them off guard, and at worst, they had to detach one or more riders to intercept him, causing gaps in their ranks that his side might be able to take advantage of and break through.

Perin frowned as Sejanus broke rank, but he didn't pay the fellow much heed.  His own opponent was unhorsed, so he turned his attention to one of the opposing knights still in the saddle.  After all, it wouldn't be honorable to take strike the man while he was recovering.

Taking an unopposed hit from the knight he faced, (and 9 damage) Sir Sejanus wheels his horse and gallops around the right flank, heading toward the enemy flag.  There is a noticeable gasp and then cheers from the crowd, which quickly turns to a roar from the Salisbury fans when the Hereford knights, seemingly as one, disengage and follow, all in formation on their sleek black Andalusian chargers.  The 20 Hereford knights able to pull out screen Sir Sejanus, who can make it to the flag next round and (with a successful horsemanship roll) grab the flag.

Sir Elad splits his reserves and sends them forward.  Duke Ulfius attempts to cut off Sir Sejanus and the Hereford knights.  The Salisbury left continues to hold off the superior oppponent right flank.

With a serious numerical advantage, the opponent left matches two-to-one on most of the Salisbury right flank.  Sir Garym gets an Ordinary knight, who hits him for 10 damage, while he blocks the blow from the previous Old knight.  Sir Gracian gets hit by two Old knights, and falls from his horse, taking 3 and 5 damage.  Sir Perin gets a pair of young knights but neither is able to wound him.

Expect to be facing 2+ knights each next round.  Figure out what you want to do and how you wish to split your attacks if necessary.  Except for Sir Sejanus, who seems to be in the clear.

"Michael's Sword!!!" Garym cursed as Sejanus and the Hereford Knights advanced. A gutsy move by Sejanus if it works, but if it fails it would be costly for many. "Allow them to push you back, so that we have support from reserves"


OOC: Ignore Old Knight. Attack Ordinary
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

Perin watched as Sejanus, with the support of the Hereford knights disengaged from combat.  Hearing Garym curse, he almost did the same, but for different reasons.  He'd been too focused on solo combat to make effective use of the knights given to him by Fiona.  His first chance to prove himself as a commander and he'd pissed into the wind.  Growling, he barks "No, we hold here!" and strikes at one of the younger knights.

Perin had already made enough mistakes today, he wouldn't compound them by making even more.  And if they allow themselves to be pushed back, the enemy might be able to disengage and attack Sejanus and Fiona's men.  While there was no hope of winning their current combat, maybe they could keep the enemy tied up long enough for Sejanus to complete his mission...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

 The last blow caused his teeth to chatter, but Sejanus managed to retain himself, in the saddle. He leaned forward, and spurred his mount for all the speed it could give him, as he hurdled towards the prize, the flag of the opposite team.

Sir Elad pushes his reinforcements up, with half preventing the collapse of his left flank, while the other half moves up to the right flank in order to fill any gaps next turn.  Duke Ulfius presses forward with all of his troops, except some reserves, which go to intercept Sir Sejanus and the Hereford knight, who are threatening the flag.

Sir Gracian gets to his feet and the pair of knights facing him get down from their horses and approach him (all three of you can fight next turn).  Sir Garym is hit by both knights facing him, taking 8 damage from the Old knight and 2 from the Ordinary knight.  Sir Perin finds a third knight facing him and he attacks the newcomer, an Ordinary knight.  Sir Perin's strike is true but the Ordinary knight's blow is better, causing 3 damage.  The two young knights both hit but Sir Perin's armor deflects the blows.

Sir Sejanus heads toward the flag while the Hereford knights pivot smoothly and crash into the upcoming reserves.  Despite having fought for several rounds already, the Hereford knights tear through the opposition.  Sir Sejanus grabs the flag and wheels his horse, trying to figure out how to get back to his own lines from here.

Map updated.  What next?

 Sejanus saw the goal of his madness, now within his grasp. The young Knight had only hoped to be a diversion, to draw off the other side’s knights. But it seemed the Good god above had smiled upon his efforts, for his mail gauntleted hand, grasped the opponent’s flag, as he wheeled his mount into the opposite direction to face his own lines.

 Sejanus made a quick study of the field, and saw the Knights of Hertford where near to hand, and must have provided him support for his romp. He raised the prize high into the air, and rode for the men of Hertfort. “Rally to me! Rally to me!! We ride for the Left, to pass between the lines. ONWAARD!!!

And then there were three.  "So much for honot" he grunts, if only to himself; as there was no way his comment would be heard by anyone else over the clash of sword and shield, and the roars of the crowd.  And while the crowd's cheering seemed to indicate that Sejanus' gambit was paying off, Perin couldn't spare a glance to check.  Outnumbered as he was, one slip up and he'd pay the price.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Fri 03 Nov 2017.

Garym points his sword at ordinary Knight, "Can you not face me alone!!!"

The Salisbury left caves, barely holding back their opponent's churning advance.  They are getting close to be backed up against their flag.  The center is similarly being pushed backwards.

On the Salisbury right, things are going no better.  Seriously outnumbered, Sir Gracian and Sir Garym are felled by the two knights fighting each of them, none of whom feel like giving up their numerical advantage.  Sir Perin is struck for 9 points (bringing him close to the unconscious level) but he remains on his horse as the blows of the young knights glance harmlessly off of his armor.

As Sir Sejanus heads back toward his friends, the Hereford knights tromp on the reserves facing them once more before ten of them disengage and form a shield for Sir Sejanus and the flag.  However, the hoped for gap around that edge of the line closes up as the remaining Salisbury knights there mostly crumple, with only Sir Perin and one other knight still on horseback and all but a handful having surrendered or been rendered unconscious.

Fortunately, the last of the reserves push up to fortify the right flank before it collapses and the fresh knights prevent the opponents from turning to engage Sir Sejanus.  As the numbers even out, the Salisbury knights are back to fighting only a single opponent . . . except Sir Perin, who still seems to have three.

Sir Sejanus and Sir Perin are the only ones still standing.  Sir Perin is sort of trapped for the moment, and Sir Sejanus is somewhat limited in his options as there is barely enough room to get around the flank but most of the rest of the field is a continuous line of knights.  So I will update again a little later.  Sir Perin and Sir Sejanus are free to post thoughts or actions (limited as their choices are).  Depending on how the next battle roll goes, they should have some new choices next round.

The knights of Salisbury have done their job, and Sejanus stands a very good chance of escaping with the flag.  Still, in doing so, they have suffered horrendous casualties at the hands of their numerically superior foe.  While this level of punishment might normally cause no problems for Perin, the wounds from yesterday's fight with the lion are still fresh; and rather than risk further aggravation and the chance for serious injury, Perin holds his hands wide, signaling his desire to yield the combat.  "Well fought gentlemen" is all he manages to muster, though he manages to keep the bitter tone out of his voice.  While there's no shame in yielding, he's more than a little conflicted about the matter, especially as his three opponents had eschewed a fair fight in favor of pressing the advantage that their weight of numbers conferred.

Fortunately, the Salisbury knights regain some momentum, perhaps due to the capture of the enemy's flag.  They manage to push their opponents back on their own left and center.

On the Salisbury right, the knights facing Sir Perin turn their horses, rather dismissively, and engage the oncoming Hereford knights, which are leading Sir Sejanus around the flank.  Although most of the remaining right flank surrenders, the addition of the reserves and the Hereford knights allows Sir Sejanus to sneak around the flank.

Now back behind his own lines, Sir Sejanus has a clear path to his own base.  If the Salisbury side can hold out a little longer . . .

And they do.  Sir Sejanus makes it back to the Salisbury fort with the opponent's flag and the melee is over.

Sir Garym, Sir Gracian, and Sir Perin receive 30 Glory for their efforts and ending up on the winning side.  Sir Sejanus is named the Melee Champion and receives a prize of 2£ and 100 Glory.  If I have not mentioned it, I think everyone should have checks in Sword and Horsemanship, and Perin and Garym should have checks in Lance.

Sir Gracian and Sir Garym will be conscious sometime in the next hour or so.  They will be mobile by evening and with rest, back to full health in a couple of days.  Sir Perin will recover to his previously wounded state by tomorrow.  Sir Sejanus will be at full health by tonight.

Most guests will be leaving shortly, including Fiona and Galeria (within the next couple of hours probably).  The Queen is staying for the funeral, as that seems appropriate.  The Princess is staying for an indeterminate amount of time.

You are all expected to be at the funeral tomorrow (although I don't plan on playing it out).  You can then head back to your manors and prepare for the Great Summer Saxon Hunt.  You will have enough time to set things in order and heal but not much else.