After having a taste of some adventure in the previous summer, the winter seemed to drag on for the squires of Bastogne, who were eager to be out on more adventures.  The short days and long winter nights slowly gave way to warmer weather, and the snow that covered the land thawed away.

This spring, Duke Thierry assembled his knights and men-at-arms in Burgundy for May Day.  King Pepin was already on campaign in Aquitaine, leaving Prince Charlemagne and Prince Carloman with Duke Thierry.

The journey from Bastogne to Burgundy took about two weeks, which led to two distinct thoughts.  Firstly, for the most part, the young squires had never been outside their home county.  They had heard of far-off places like Rome and Constantinople, but had not traveled more than a city or two away for their whole lives.  Burgundy was still Frankish territory loyal to King Pepin, and thus spoke the same language and had many of the same customs, leading some to wonder just how wide-spread the kingdom was.  This feeling was not unique to the young squires, as even some more experienced knights were filled with the same level of wonder.

Secondly, being amidst an army on the march was quite a departure from the lavish feast of last spring.  Some of the young squires embraced the hardiness of sleeping on hard cots instead of soft mattresses, eating hardtack¹ instead of freshly cooked meals, and always marching.  In addition to the rigors of life on campaign, it also gave them ample opportunity to observe and participate in the day-to-day operation of the army: feeding the men and horses, planning travel routes and supply lines, repairing and replacing worn down or broken armor and equipment, establishing campsites and fortifications, and a dozen other tasks that are necessary for an army on the move.

However, despite these two differences, there was still no shortage of rumor and gossip.  Pope Paul had died, and many of the devout were waiting to hear word from Rome as to whether the next pope had been chosen.  There was also the matter of Ogier, a Danish prisoner.  His father, the King of Denmark and nominally a vassal of King Pepin, had defied the king's messengers.  This led to his son, Ogier, being taken as prisoner.  Currently, Count Ganelon of Ponthieu was the appointed guardian of Ogier, though many people disagreed as to what his fate should be.  Some believed that having Ogier as a prisoner ensured the king's good behavior, and while he may be rude to messengers he would not dare to rebel or make war against King Pepin.  Others, including Count Ganelon himself, believed that Ogier should be made to suffer for his father's behavior.


¹  This is flour, water and salt, dried to form biscuits or loaves.  Somewhat like unleavened bread, it would not spoil for a long time and could be transported while in the field.  This type of ration is very old and has many names, I am not sure if "hardtack" is what it would have been called at the time.

---

The army is assembling in Burgundy for campaign.  Each squire has several options:,

• Attempt to buy or outfit himself with additional weapons, armor or supplies
• Find exotic or unique goods to buy and sell (essentially function as a merchant)
• Talk or carouse with the lords during travel (it is easy enough to walk or ride near a lord for an hour or two and talk)
• Learn the ways of war and strategy from veterans
• Make devout prayers at small churches and shrines as they pass

Or any other thing you can think of while on the road.

Walter was, rather unsurprisingly, in the middle of the swirling gossip and conversation.  And there was plenty of the stuff to go around!  The death of the Pope had tongues wagging, as did the royal prisoner.  And while only a squire, his position as the Duke's cousin (to say nothing of his silver tongue), made Walter a very welcome addition to any conversation. Getting to hear the latest rumors and gossip was something Walter always indulged in, the better to leverage power at court after all.  But today he wasn't overly concerned with such things, as he had a rather specific person with whom he wished to speak.  Sir Odo, a Knight of the Tower, and brother to Lady Giselinde.  The lady was, of course, one of the most eligible ladies in the entire Barony, and Walter had set his sights on winning her hand in marriage.

For his part, Walter held no illusions as to how such things worked.  While the Lady's input might matter some (and he fully intended to charm her at a later date), it was her brother who would ultimately decide such things.  And so as the army traveled, Walter casually conversed with the man, attempting to learn all he could about him and his family (but most importantly his sister and her potentially suitors) and to make a favorable impression.  He might be only a squire now, but given his age, that was likely to change shortly, at which point his advances would be taken far more seriously.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Sun 30 Sept 2018.

Thibault stood and watched and gawked at all of the new world he was seeing. His father had told him a bit about the sites he’d seen traveling and fighting but taking it in first hand was something new. Something intense. But he loved it.

He browsed the area trying to find something of interest. Something exotic and novel but plentiful and cheap here. So he could try to sell it for a profit. He knew from his father that being a mercenary knight wasnt the worst thing in the world, serving a lord could be good if it was the right one, but there were higher heights to reach than mercenary knight. And money could help make that happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Mon 01 Oct 2018.

Winter was hard at Buchenborg: the family faced their first winter and Christmas without Baynard, Gontran's brother and the once-heir to Buchenborg.  The solemnity was matched by the winter weather which was cold and unpleasant.  Without the security of the iron mine to support their income, Gontran's father ordered several of the fireplaces blocked up.  Gontran spent dreary days in heavy furs, tending the horses, practicing with a sword, and generally just killing time until spring.

Baldwin, his father, saw him off with a reminder that the family's fortunes rested with him.  It was the fitting end to a depressing season.

Two weeks to Burgundy would give Gontran time to clear his head, he thought, before setting to the business of the season.  As he met up with others on the road, he found himself preferring the company of the veteran knights who -- though some of their physical strength might be waning -- possessed minds for combat which could easy compensate for the slowness of their steps.  Gontran spoke little, but attended carefully, in the hopes that he could learn something new.

Sir Gundric had spent what time he could with his cousin and friend Sir Walter. While he had never been interested in gossip and rumors as much as Walter, anything to get away from his father was nice, considering just how often he reminded Gundric that he was a bastard.

Walter was able to find and speak with Sir Odo during the journey.  However, Sir Odo, having earned his position as a Knight of the Tower, was not inclined to have conversation with a squire who seemed to hold himself in high esteem being a cousin of the Duke.  As the conversation continued and Walter openly spoke about Sir Odo's sister, Lady Giselinde, Sir Odo became increasingly annoyed; instead of focusing on the tasks at hand or details of the campaign, this foppish squire was speaking of romancing a lady back home - a city that he may never return to, if he did not pay attention.  All this annoyed Sir Odo, but, being that Walter was a cousin of the Duke that had promoted Sir Odo, the knight was inclined to hold a conversation for a bit before excusing himself to tend to military matters.

Thibault was excited, as war - and particularly the spoils thereof - were the saving grace for mercenary knights.  He was familiar with the stark military life, as indeed he had not so much grown accustomed to the relative opulence of the well-to-do landowning knights.  Always with an eye for barter and trade, while stopping in a town he found an emerald ring for sale by a local merchant for 1£.  As there were no emerald mines in the area (either Burgundy or Bastogne), it was clear that the ring had originated far away.  While 1£ was a steep price to pay for a single ring, it would likely fetch much more than that if brought to the markets in the city of Bastogne.

All the while, Gontran played the loyal squire, helping the knights with their armor, the squires with the baggage train, and the supply master with procurement.  While the workings of Buchenborg manor were familiar to him, he had never seen an organization with several hundred knights, men-at-arms, horses, squires, other servants, and hangers-on, all under the name of Duke Thierry.  This was, perhaps, the way that war was meant to be conducted - experienced knights and warriors ready to do battle in distant lands, while squires and servants assist and filled support roles while gaining the experience to one day fight wars themselves.

Gundric was merely happy to finally be allowed to leave his home and follow the court.  His enthusiasm was slightly tempered by the spartan living conditions while on the march, but on the whole he and his cousin Walter spent the time in chat and gossip.

---

The main court, including Duke Thierry, Prince Charlemagne and Prince Carloman, and many other high ranking nobles, held a court to determine the fate and condition of Ogier the Dane.  The squires were in attendance, albeit at the back of the crowd of knights.  The leader of this army was Duke Thierry, though Prince Charlemagne and Prince Carloman generally had more authority, leading to discussion of who even should be the one to decide the fate of Ogier.  Several dukes spoke up for and against different punishments, with increasing fervor.

Soon two messengers approached, one a Lombard¹ and the other a Roman.  Seeing the intensity of the debate that was currently going on, the messengers nevertheless brazenly interrupted, making their message appear more urgent.  They begin announcing a message in Italian, until other heralds stepped forward to translate.  After several exchanges between the messengers and heralds, the heralds turned and proclaimed in a loud voice in common French:
"The Duke of Nepi² has allied with the Saracens. The pagans have landed near Rome and occupy Mount Janiculum³, and these dogs prepare to cross the Tiber and carry fire and sword into the capital of the Christian world as we speak! They have even installed a false Pope! To arms! Liberate the Eternal City from these foul infidels and honorless renegades!”

Many knights were aghast at the news, but by the end of the short speech were moved to action.  Immediately, all the knights and men-at-arms and squires and baggage-boys bustled about, ready to march again.  This required crossing the Alps, a treacherous journey at any time, made more so by the recent end of winter and permanent snow on the mountain tops.  However, the chance to fight and regain Rome and the Papacy from the pagans energized the whole army.



¹ Lombardy being the fertile river valleys south of the Alps, modern northern Italy.
² Nepi being a city and surroundings in Tuscany, just north of Rome.  To call Nepi a duchy is being overly generous, given its rather small size and importance.
³ Mount Janiculum is a very tall hill just outside of Rome proper (not one of the famed seven hills).  It is strategically valuable.

---

Walter failed a Courtesy roll, so he made no progress with Sir Odo or Lady Giselinde.
Thibault may purchase the ring or pass on it.
Gontran gains an XP check for Battle

Now, what crazy news!  What treachery!  Get ready for the march to battle!  Huzzah!

Thibault, sighing, payed for the ring and hoped to get a return on his investment.  At the end of the day, he would still have a fairly rare ring, and who knows, if he couldn't make a profit perhaps he could gift it...
____________________________________________

He was milling about at court, performing his squirelly duties, when the heralds delivered the news.  He was taken aback! Those pagans were making a mistake that they would pay dearly for. One that he could perhaps cash in on. He would soon see battle, if he made it over the mountains.

He looked around trying to catch the eye and speak to one of some of the other squires. Guntran, Walter or Gundric. Perhaps they could speak and look after one another.

Then he would ready himself to march...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Thu 04 Oct 2018.

Gontran, seemingly unlike most of the squires and knights about, was less shocked by the news and more disappointed: he had enjoyed his respite from winter in listening to experienced knights, but now had to set upon the road again for some insult to the Church.  Even so, it seemed that a true battle might be looming, and Gontran set his focus upon that.  He had, like so many children of knights, been raised on the stories of knights coming home draped in the lordly trappings of battle.  While he cared little for riches of his own, such things might be sufficient to bolster Buchenborg.

He was a mere squire and, he suspected, unlikely to be in the thick of things.  Regardless, he checked his weapons and affixed them to the saddle.  Maybe he would find an opportunity to use them...

Gundric was glad to be away from home, more than willing to come to court. Yet, hearing news of battle brought him both worry and excitement.

The army broke camp and marched toward the Alps the following day.  The trial of Ogier was delayed, as everyone agreed that the attack was more pressing. Duke Naymo of Bavaria was placed in command of the vanguard of the army, though many other nobles follow.  Prince Charlemagne leads the main battle formation.




Soon the warm, verdant, spring days of Burgundy give way to the steep and stark Alps.  The vegetation grew rare at the high altitudes, and the cold winds cut through the summer clothing.  Roads gave way to beaten paths, which gave way to barely traceable tracks, and the movement of the whole army slowed to a crawl.  Gontran, a massive man atop his horse, at one point lost his balance on the steep slopes and fell, taking a minor injury.  In another instance, Gundric heard the rumblings of an avalanche and took cover mere moments before several large rocks tumbled down the mountain.  This scared Thibault's horse, but being an able horseman, Thibault was able to reign in his horse.

The avalanche of snow blocked even the smallest paths, and the army was forced to set up camp.  Scouts were sent in every direction, attempting to find different paths through the mountains.  For three days, the army waited and shivered.

As they waited, Gundric noticed a white deer standing on a rocky outcropping.  Driven by hunger, Gundric almost reflexively hefted a spear to pierce the animal for fresh food.  However, the deer darted away.  Gundric followed, climbing the rocks and peering over.  He beheld a decline into a fertile valley below - just the type of path that was needed!  However, Gundric had lost sight of the deer, but it then occurred to him - no deer would live this high up the mountains...

---

Gontran takes 5 fall damage.
Gundric gets an XP check for Awareness.
Thibault gets an XP check for Horsemanship.
Gundric gains an XP check for Hunting.  Gundric has discovered a wath through, but must pass this information along to the commanders.

This journey is even more perilous than the stories say.  We could be crushed by rocks from above or fall and be dashed on the cliffs below.  We could easily freeze to death if this path doesn't open. And waiting for us on the other side are heathen enemies who could kill us or hold us hostage. But we will prevail over all of these obstacles.


While camped, Thibault keeps his ears open for any good gossip or intrigue going around the camp.

During one night of the camping, Thibault goes over the Gontran to check on him.  "Hello Gontran. That was a bit of a fall you took.  How are you holding up?  What do you think about this endeavor we're undertaking to free Rome? What an opportunity to see the world and do some great deeds, eh?  If we don't freeze first."

In reply to Sir Thibault (msg # 11):

Gontran nodded to Thibault.  "Thibault," he says, as he helps to set up a tent while favoring his left leg.  It seemed to him that Thibault's concern was sincere: moreso than that of some of the other knights, who had jeered and reminded him of the fall since it occurred.  How would he ever be a proper knight if he was unhorsed by mere terrain?  Not even in combat?  The memory of it, and the associated laughter, made his blood boil.

His face turned red... perhaps rage, embarrassment, or merely the cold.  Perhaps all three.  "I'm doing fine," he stated, taking pains to stand up straightly as evidence.  "My pride is hurt worse than my body."  His cheeks burning, he turned towards the expanses of snow.  "Besides, nothing for a bruise better than the cold, and we have plenty of that."

Thibault was relieved to hear that Gontran was ok. The fall didn't seem terrible, but you could never tell with horse falls. Besides, he knew that hurt pride sometimes lasted longer than any physical injury. "Glad to hear it. I'll leave you to your duties and healing. I just wanted to check in with you. After all the squires of Duke Thierry should stick together and look after one another so far from home. The lord has other things to do." With that, Thibault took his leave to perform his own duties and listen for any good information.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Thu 11 Oct 2018.

As Thibault departed without snide remark or laughter, Gontran frowned: some from the effort from concealing the pain, and some from his underestimation of the man.  Thibault was not cut from the same arrogant cloth as the others.  Of course, none of them were knights.

Gontran wondered if those who had earned their spurs were once modest as well.  Would Gontran himself change once... no... IF he became a knight.

At this rate, it didn't seem likely he'd ever have the chance to find out.

And so, Gundric turned around, beginning to ride back towards the Duke's men. This pass would hopefully prove useful to the army.

Once Thibault returned to camp and pointed out the way to the dukes, the whole army filed through the pass.  Going single file took more than a whole day for the army to cross, but assembling and marching on the other side the army resumed its travel.

Moving through Lombardy, the army stopped and camped at a place called Spoleto.  King Desiderius of Lombardy made camp there, and it became a mustering ground for loyal Christian troops.  It would be several days before Charlemagne and the main body of troops would reach them, giving the vanguard time to prepare.  Many Roman exiles, particularly loyalist clergy (even many cardinals), were in the camp as well, giving eye witness accounts of the pagan army.

Clearly there would be a battle soon, but the question remained whether Charlemagne and his body of troops would arrive before open battle.

---

With several days in Spoleto, the squires have several options:

• There is no shortage of rumors and gossip between the Italians, the pagans, and the Franks
• Rest at an abbey and heal HP equal to your healing rate (otherwise, all this marching and activity precludes you from healing)
• Make allies with the Lombards
• Pray for a blessing from a cardinal
• Make other battle preparations

After hearing the news the fellow squire Gundric had found the pass which got the group moving again, Thibault went over to congratulate him before they break camp. "Hello Gundric!  What a great find!  You may have single handedly gotten us moving again. I had heard some tale about a great white stag or something leading you through the woods?  Is that true?  I also heard something about me having found that path, but I tried to set everyone straight. My goodness, I hope you get recognition for this find."

______________________

Feeling relatively hail and hardy after the march Thibault decides he doesn't need to rest up at the Abbey. Trying to decide what to do with his time after his duties, he finds himself wandering over to visit a cardinal.  He knows, like everyone else here, that battle is on its way and that it's not safe for a squire.  In fact, that's one of the points of introducing them to battle so early and lightly armed. He's never been a religious man, but maybe god will here him and see him through.

"Hello Cardinal, my name is Thibault. I am a squire of Duke Thierry and I was hoping to get a blessing from you to help me face what's soon coming. I know the LORD is with me but feeling his hand while we fight these heathens would be immense."

Gontran helped to set up the camp, and then heard how long it would be before they moved out again.  He sought someone for permission to rest: his injury was aggravated by all of this activity, and he would need to be in top form if there was a battle to be had.

"Hello Thibault! I am glad to have found this place, especially after the army stalled. I did see a white stag, though what it means I know not. It could be a sign from God that our quest is just. I do know the stag got away, though."

"That probably would have made a nice stew, but I'm glad you weren't able to get to it before it could show us the path. One more sign that we are meant to be here and doing the right thing."

Thibault went about the camp and found a page of a cardinal running an errand.  Thibault asked how he might procure a blessing from the cardinal, and the page informed him of a mass was to be conducted in the morning by Cardinal Mauritso in the chapel of Spoleto.  Like nearly everything in the city, the chapel was an appropriate size for normal activity but was overflowing with the sheer number of men, leaving many men standing in the aisles and along the walls of the chapel.  Thibault, being only a squire, had arrived early enough to secure such a place for himself standing along the side wall to attend the cardinal's mass and receive a blessing for the warriors, knowing that battle was coming any day.

Gontran, meanwhile, stayed at a small abbey outside Spoleto.  Refugee monks from Rome had also taken up residence, leading to overcrowding, and Gontran was forced to sleep on a cot in a windowless wine cellar.  However, the cool of the cellar and the uninterrupted dark allowed him to sleep nearly a whole day, and his body to mend after the fall he had taken in the Alps and the long marches after.

Gundric marched along with the army, happy to be of service.  His luck in finding a passage through the Alps was a stroke of good fortune for the Franks, though the enormity of the discovery was perhaps lost on him.  Like a loyal squire, he followed the army into Italy and assisted in setting up the camp and preparing for the coming battle.

Two days later, a huge force of men led by Prince Charlemagne arrived in Spoleto.  Their numbers were so great that they could be seen while still many miles away from the town's watchtowers.  The town was already overflowing with people, and a huge encampment had to be set up in the grape fields nearby.  Word quickly spread among the various ranks that Prince Charlemagne had arrived and was in a war council with the other dukes and kings, and by the time the fires were extinguished for the night, the warriors all throughout the city knew they would be facing the saracens in open battle the next day.  Some dreamt of the battle, or the saracens themselves and their strange ways, or imagined walking the marble streets of Rome itself.  For some, sleep came quickly with these dreams, and for others it was a restless night worried about the upcoming battle.

---

Thibault receives a blessing (unspecified mechanical advantage)
Gontran heals his normal healing rate

Tomorrow, I will post the first part of the battle!

The morning mists burnt away, leaving the camped Franks and Lombards within view of the saracens.  Even without an accurate count, it is clear that the green and yellow banners in the distance vastly outnumbered the Christian forces in Spoleto.  Still, the combined forces rose and armed themselves, setting their battle lines according to their ranks.  Prince Charlemagne grants the Oriflamme, a huge red banner of the Franks, to Sir Alory of Lombardy, a great warrior.  Archbishop Turpin of Reims gave a blessing to the troops, before they marched toward the Saracens shouting the battlecries of the Franks.

The squires, along with other squires Roland, Renaud, Oliver, Guy, and Ogier the Dane, were left behind to guard the camp and baggage train.  They watched as the two armies approached one another, then the forces and banners intermingled.  From such a distance, unable to identify individual warriors or hear the sounds of war, it appeared almost as two waves slowly crashing together.  The squires watched nervously, anxious to help in the battle.

As the battle went on, various knights and lords one by one returned to the camp.  Some merely needed new weapons or a shield, others were wounded and required aid to staunch their bleeding.  Each warrior gave a quick account of the battle, telling the victories and defeats that he had seen.  This only served to tantalize the squires, as no single warrior could tell which side was winning.  Then Duke Thierry himself came riding back to the camp.  "Squire," he shouted, "attend my wound!"  The duke dismounted and pulled back his armor to show a minor stab wound where a spear had pierced the armor.  Quickly, Thibault grabbed gauze and began to pack the wound.  Duke Thierry pulled his armor back to hold the dressing in place.  "Shield!" he shouted, and Gontran was immediately at his side, arming him.  "I must return to battle, for Count Anquin of Normandy and Count Guydelon the elder have been captured by a near giant!  I must return!"  The duke spurred his horse, and was off.

A short time later, the very visible Oriflamme banner turned and seemed to flee the field!  The wave of Frankish warriors slowly followed - an apparent retreat.  Soon the banner of Prince Charlemagne, with Archbishop Turpin and Duke Naymo, appeared to be surrounded by saracens.

Ogier the Dane let out a great cry of frustration, picked up a stone larger than his head and hurled it in anger.  He shouted, "Are we to idly stand by while the Franks and the seat of all Christendom is taken by these idolators?"

Sir Alory, still holding the Oriflamme, rode up on his horse.  His voice sounds terrified, directing his men, "Alas, Prince Charlemagne has fallen and most of his men are dead!  We must withdraw and negotiate, while we still can!"  This was too much for Ogier, who ran towards Sir Alory.  Grabbing him by his armor, the giant Ogier overthrew Sir Alory and picked up the Oriflamme.  Mounting the horse, Ogier rallied the squires and the retreating Franks, shouting, "This is the hour of need!  We must defend Prince Charlemagne and defeat the Infidels!  Monjoie!"  Looking around, the squires quickly arm themselves and prepare for battle.

---

Now what do the squires do?  Clearly the battle is not going well, but a new wave of enthusiasm may turn the tide.  Are there any traits or passions you wish to engage?

Thibault yells "I'm with you Ogier! Our honor demands that we do not run and leave Charlemagne in their clutches!" He arms himself, his honor stoking the flames of battle within him. Concerning himself with not much than his name and the survival of himself and anyone else he can help.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Fri 19 Oct 2018.

"I will help you!" Gundric cries as he races ahead with Thibault.

Gontran surveyed the battle, trying to keep in mind what he had learned from the veterans on the road.  At the beginning, numbers were against them, but he knew sound tactics, good terrain, or superior skill could even the odds.  As the battle progressed, however, it seemed the Franks possessed none of these.  It might be numbers that won -- or in their case, lost -- the day.

As Sir Alory wavered and was thrown down by Ogier.  He remembered that Ogier was a prisoner, whose very fate was in question.  Ogier might have taken the opportunity to retreat, but he aimed to rally instead.  With so few men, it seemed a risky proposition... bordering on recklessness.

Gontran knew something of recklessness.  Discretion, to him, was not the better part of valor, but an excuse invalorous men used to mask cowardice.  Reckless and valor were sometimes one in the same, and today Gontran knew that that volatile mixture would mean blood spilled and glory won; for whom was still in question.  It mattered little.

"My friends!  To the Duke!" he bellowed.

Not sure what "engage a passion" means, but Gontran is reckless, valorous, and honorable!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Sat 20 Oct 2018.

Seeing the Oriflamme itself, Thibault's blood surged and he could not help but rally to the cause.  He mounted a horse and charged with Ogier, heedless of the danger.  Gontran was caught up too, and nearly rushed off without a shield, but recovered himself and fully armed before entering the battle.

Charging down the hill, Ogier and the squires were confronted with a scene of mass confusion.  The retreating Franks, Lombards, Romans, and allies were a mess of bleeding men and horses, staggering back toward the camp.  The occasional Saracen pursuer broke through, attacking the fleeing men in the back.  The push by Ogier quickly cut down these lone men, until whole groups of Saracens, the vanguard of the attack, was located.  Ogier and the squires lined up and charged at the armed men.

The Saracens were not prepared to face a counter-charge by mounted men, and Thibault, Gundric and Gontran each found their mark with their lances.  Now the battle was joined man to man, with armored bodies pressing one another and weapons striking from all around.

Suddenly, a Saracen mounted on a beautiful sable horse charged forward, wielding a curved sword from his native Arabia, his arms a yellow field with a green crescent Moon.  The men around him rallied to his side, and began to reform their line.  The knight shouted in a foreign tongue at the mounted squires, then charged toward them.

---

Thibault succeeded at an Honor check, so he gets +5 to rolls for the battle.  Gain an XP check for Honor.
Gontran is Reckless, but failed a Reckless roll, so he didn't do anything too crazy.  Gain an XP check for Prudent.
Each of you succeeded in your Lance rolls (though you had some nice bonuses to begin with), so you each get an XP check for Lance.
Next, you are fully engaged with a Saracen unit in regular battle.  None of you are injured, now switching to regular weapons.  Also, your surprise bonus is gone.  The Saracen knight is ready to engage in close combat (no more charges), if someone wants to take up the challenge.

Gontran eyed the Saracen Commander and his beautiful horse: such a beast would make a fine trophy if he could claim it.  So would that blade.  Gontran found himself overwhelmed by the juxtaposition of such elegance among so much carnage, and he remembered the stories of valor from his youth.  Before better sense could weave prudence into his actions, he raised his sword to salute the Commander and charged in himself.

As he rode, he quickly realized that this might be his last ride.  Still, it was too late to change his mind, and so he drew a deep breath and spurred on his horse.  Lost for the type of words that every young boy fantasizes shouting at their enemies, he simply yelled as loudly as he could: allowing the energy of battle to mask his hesitancy.

If this would be an end, it would be a good end.

Thibault sees Gontran making his way to the Saracen commander and believes that his compatriot has the situation well in hand. The fighting is all around him now and the action is thick. The stories he can tell about today will be long, if he can survive.

He turns his attention to another Saracen to enter combat with. None of them are in this alone and so each enemy that Thibault strikes down is one less to attack an ally. He enters battle with one of the enemy.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

Gontran and the Saracen knight charged at one another, swords flashing.  The movements of the pagan were strange, his horse large and majestic but with strange proportions compared with the horses of the Franks.  Likewise with his armor and his sword, the rhythm of his strikes unlike anything Gontran had seen before.  Still, the movements of the squires - a combination of traditional Frankish cavalry maneuvers and the jittering inexperience of squires in their first battle - befuddled the saracen as well.  With a single well-timed blow, Gontran used his large frame to knock the knight off the horse where he was lost into the fray.

Thibault, still horsed himself, struck on the left and right against the enemy footmen.  The speed and ferocity of his strikes was unmatched, and he was untouched by the saracens.  Likewise Gundric rode through the melee striking, but an enemy sword struck at him.  Gundric easily parried the blow, but it slowed his assault.

"Onward, to the Prince!" cried Ogier, urging his makeshift unit forward.  Prince Charlemagne, now visible across the battlefield, had remounted a horse and brought his banner up again but was surrounded by saracens.  Ogier charged, leading deeper into the clashing arms and choking dust of the battle, with the Oriflamme banner still flowing behind him.

---

Gontran was surprisingly successful and gets 25 Glory for unhorsing the knight.  Gontran and Thibault both get an XP check for Sword.  Gundric failed his roll, but did not take any damage and is still horsed.
You have the opportunity to ride in and rescue Prince Charlemagne, but it is very dangerous as he is in the heaviest area of the battlefield.  Or you could remain here to gain strength and slowly fight toward him.  Or try to finish off the saracen knight you wounded.

Thibault looked around the battlefield when he had a chance to catch a breathe. He saw Gontran defeat the Saracen Commander and give whoop of relief.  He was also happy to see Gundric still horsed and fighting.

At Ogier's call, Thibault rallied again and delved deeper into the fray, charging in to help save Charlemagne.

Gontran unhorsed the Saracen warrior, much to his own surprise.  In that moment, he hesitated, and lost the knight behind numerous feet of warriors and horses from both sides.  He much wanted to press in and retrieve the knight's sword, but heard the rallying cry behind him.

The soul of valor and desire for glory overwhelmed both his selfish desires and prudence, and he turned his horse to follow Ogier into the fray.  Perhaps his luck would hold.

Pressing forward, Ogier charged through the battlefield with the Oriflamme streaming behind him.  Many Franks rallied to the cause, including the squires, cutting their way toward Prince Charlemagne.  In one last push, Ogier broke through the last line of saracens and united with Charlemagne.  The few Franks left cheered at the dashing rescue, but they were still surrounded.

As the fight continued, the squire Roland saw a saracen approaching Charlemagne from the rear, knife raised.  Roland charged and ran through the would-be-attacker, saving Charlemagne.  At the same time, Gontran saw an enemy knight flanking Charlemagne, but Gontran was able to intercept the man before he engaged Charlemagne.  Gontran and the knight then traded blows.  Thibault, meanwhile, was staggered in the charge and was unhorsed.

---

Gontran gets 10 Glory for the heroic act.
Gontran takes 17-16=1 damage this round.
Thibault takes 18-5=13 damage and is knocked down, then takes 1 damage from the fall.
Though Charlemagne is reinforced, he is still in a bad spot.  Now Thibault has been unhorsed and pretty wounded, too, and may choose to fight more defensively.

Gontran expected to be dead by now, or that he would arrive too late, and yet here was Charlemagne alive.  Things were going better than expected.

"My lords!" he cried as he broke through. "Pardon our intrusion!  The festivities here were just too tempting!"  His jovial words masked his belief that they would all be dead soon.

Still, there was a duty to perform.  Though he would never be so presumptuous to claim a place fighting at the side of Charlemagne, when he saw the charging Saracen, he saw no one else to take fill that role.

As sword met sword, he raised his voice, knowing that his voice would not likely carry over the din.  Unlikelier still that his opponent would understand him.  All the same, he cried, "I am Gontran, son of Baylin of Buchenborg!  To hell with you, heathen!"

As the air is knocked out of him from his fall, Thibault returns to his feet as quickly as possible.  He knows he's injured but this isn't the time to let that slow him down.  Instead he takes a defensive position and carefully tries to make his way to the group by the Oriflamme Banner.

---

Thibault will fight defensively for now.

In reply to Sir Thibault (msg # 34):


Gundric will fight defensively, assisting thibault as much as he can.

Gontran's battle cry was matched by shouting in a foreign tongue of his opponent, before the knight was knocked down, another victim of Gontran's strong arm.  The fall cracked the knight's helm, and as he was removing it, he was cut down by another warrior in the swirl of battle.

Thibault, wounded and unhorsed, stood to get his bearings.  Gundric wheeled his horse around, pushing back the saracen warriors and giving Thibault and other Frankish footmen the chance to rally and unite.  The assembled footmen, able to draw together, formed a small battle line with other Frankish cavalry behind them, giving them a fighting position.

---

With the rescue of Prince Charlemagne, the whole temperament of the battle changed.  The saracens, once keen to swarm over the few Franks on the field, began to panic.  Though still outnumbering the Franks, the saracens threw themselves like wave after wave of humanity against the Frankish knights, yet like the cliffs above the sea, the waves could not budge the Franks.  Bolstered by the presence of the Oriflamme, the Franks pushed back any enemy advance and indeed the battle turned based on attrition.

Soon, the Franks, Lombards, Romans and others were moving forward in all directions, pushing the battle lines back toward the enemy camp.  The saracens, so surprised by this, turned from orderly retreat to disorganized flight.

The squires, still filled with the youthful lust for battle and exhilaration of pushing back the enemy, continued to press forward.  However, they were met by two saracen knights, Sir Falseron and Sir Morlant.  Sir Falseron was to guard the prisoners taken by the saracens during the battle, but now that the Franks had pushed so deep into enemy lines, he was close to the fighting.  The other knight, Sir Morlant, was already blood-stained from the battle, with his armor chipped and dented in a dozen places.  Sir Morlant was enraged, riding here and there striking at any opponent he could find.

Sir Morlant raged across the battlefield and approached the squires.  Hacking wildly with his sword, he was intercepted by Gontran, thought Gontran was no match for the man and was wounded.  Bishop Turpin of Reims, who had been at Prince Charlemagne's side throughout the whole battle, saw the huge Frankish squire Gontran being pushed back by the ferocity of Sir Morlant.  Bishop Turpin shouted, "That man is possessed by some devil to be barbaric!  He must be slain!"  At that, several knights, including Bishop Turpin, joined with Gontran to knock down and slay Sir Morlant.

Sir Falseron was one of the last saracen knights to fall, slain by another squire Oliver.  With his death, the saracen army was in full rout.  Ogier the Dane road up and down, waving the Oriflamme before the cheering Christian warriors.

---

Gontran lost to Sir Morlant, but took 17-13=4 damage and stays horsed.  Actually, I miscalculated your armor from last round, so you should have taken 3 more damage there too.
Gundric protects the wounded Thibault, gain 5 Glory.  Due to putting yourself in harms way, you take 5d6 damage while Thibault takes 3d6.  Gundric takes 20-5=15 damage.  This is not considered a major wound as it is cumulative from smaller injuries.
Thibault takes 12-13=0 damage from this round.
Bishop Turpin was in the battle all along... not sure if I mentioned him before.

As the battle is wrapping up, and now the rout is on.  You may

• Free prisoners (previously guarded by Sir Falseron)
• Plunder the baggage train (very lucrative)
• Capture a pagan warrior

Or whatever else you can think of.

Thibault eyes dart back and forth as he tries to determine what should be done next. The feeling of gratitude that he has for Gontran and Gundric stepping in and helping himself and other knights make it to the line is incredible.  So strong is this feeling, overriding his entrepreneurship, that he has calling to help free the other prisoners and pay this feeling forward.

He tries to catch their eye and give a nod of thanks to the fellow squires, but he's not sure if it's seen. He reaches deep to try to push past the hindering pain and presses the attack to free the prisoners with the battle cry "Free the Prisoners!"

Gontran cheered with the full-fledged knights.  Inwardly, he marveled at their luck that they had survived.  That a handful of squires had turned the tide was nothing short of miraculous.

As the Saracens fled, they left many things behind.  He scanned the field for the beautiful horse and sword he had previously seen, desiring some token of his personal victories to display at Buchenborg.  Finding none, he took up Thibault's cause and moved to free the prisoners.

Gundric cheered with the knights as well, shocked that they had survived - and turned the tide of battle. He sprinted to help Gontran and Thibault with the prisoners.

Riding up to the prisoner pens, the squires were surprised to find that these captives were not fighting men but were mostly women and children.  They appeared to be citizens of Rome, cheering and thanking the warriors in Italian.  The squires freed person after person, dozens and dozens, leading some to question whether the saracens had taken the whole city of Rome prisoner.

---

The remaining saracens fled the field, retreating back to their ships in the harbor.  The Frankish pursuit could not possibly track down every fleeing warrior, and many escaped to the safety of their ships.  The battle was a bloody one for both sides, but it was clear that the Christians were victorious.  Searching the field, the body of Duke Toto of Nepi¹ was found dead.

Prince Charlemagne returned to the Frankish camp, where he was greeted by the cheering victorious warriors.  Ogier, still wearing Sir Alory's helmet and shield, rode up to the Prince and handed him the Oriflamme, then knelt before him.  Prince Charlemagne said, "Rise, valiant Lombard."  Instead, Ogier removed his helmet and cast it aside, to the surprise of the Prince.  "Ogier the Dane!  Rise, rise!  Let no man question your loyalty, or that you belong as a noble knight among the Franks."  Quickly, several questions came to his mind, and he replied less certainly, "Why are you wearing the arms of the Lombard?  Has Sir Alory fallen in battle?"

Ogier, still kneeling, remained silent.  He looked back and forth, but could not bring himself to look up at Prince Charlemagne.  The Prince looked back and forth, toward the other squires, not recognizing them as either knights or squires, but clearly expected some kind of answer.

¹ Recall that Duke Toto of Nepi was an Italian duke from just outside Rome that had allied with the saracens.

---

Each of the squires gets a check for Merciful and Honor for freeing the prisoners.
Now Prince Charlemagne wants some kind of explanation.  Recall that Ogier was on trial due to the misbehavior of his father, the King of Denmark.  Also, Sir Alory is still alive and (presumably) somewhere still in the camp.

Thibault takes a step forward toward Ogier "My Prince. Ogier showed great courage and loyalty to you when it was discovered that you had been surrounded on the battlefield and some felt it prudent to leave you there. He requisitioned Sir Alory's armor after Sir Alory had been unhorsed and rallied us behind the Oriflamme banner to fight our way to you."

Gontran knelt alongside Ogier before Charlemagne.  He had intended to tell the Prince the whole truth, but he would not contradict a fellow squire before his liege.

"My lord, we had heard you had fallen in battle.  We are much relieved to see you among the living.  I suspect that, were it not for Ogier, we would not be speaking so."  He turned his head to nod to the Danish prince.  "Ogier spurred us to break through the line, and to great effect, when Sir Alory found himself unable."

He remained kneeling beside the Dane, but lapsed into silence.

Prince Charlemagne listened to the pleas from the squires.  "Each of you have distinguished yourselves in battle, now you are not afraid to speak the truth to a prince, in defense of the Dane.  What honorable men you are."  Then to the group, "Rise, all of you, for you have proven yourselves honorable warriors and no mere squires.  And you, Ogier, have shown in deeds of arms that you are as loyal and courageous as any knight of the Franks.  No longer will you be considered a hostage, but a free man among the Franks."  Looking around, Prince Charlemagne declares, "Any of you squires who took up arms will be knighted two days hence in the cathedral.  First, I will send for the doctors to leech your wounds, then give you a full share of the spoils so that you may outfit yourselves in the full manner of knights."

While the prince was honoring those successful warriors, the dukes and other lords snickered.  "And what of Sir Alory, the vile deserter?"  Another said, "That base coward abandoned the prince, and fled the field with the Oriflamme."  The noble prince raised his hand to silence the others and said, "Sir Alory shall be brought in judgement in the coming days, but now is a time for celebration."

The squire Roland spoke up at this, saying, "Sir Alory did what he could, but he who was born with the heart of a hare cannot exchange it for the heart of a lion."

Prince Charlemagne considered, then spoke.  "Roland, is it?  I remember you saved me from a knife in the back during the battle.  Now, how well-said, Roland.  We have more pressing concerns, setting things aright in Rome than one man's failure."

---

Gontran and Thibault gain 5 Glory each for defending Ogier.
Each squire heals 3 HP from immediate medical treatment.
The spoils are not overly rich, at £3 per squire.  However, now being in Rome is more opportunity.  There are two days before the knighting ceremony.  The ceremony itself involves fasting and staying awake all night, which may prove rather strenuous, particularly for injured characters.  In the meantime, the PCs have several options:

• Shop the markets of Rome for exotic goods (particularly since far-off saracens have recently been there)
• Get new tailored clothing for the ceremony and beyond
• Visit the sights of Rome
• Pray at the holy sites
• Spend time resting in a monastery to heal (for a £1 donation, heal 1d6 immediately)
• Hire a specialist in some task for your entourage
• Assist Duke Thierry and Prince Charlemagne in the political work that needs done to reestablish Rome and the papacy (as the false pope had been appointed)
• Continue chasing and rooting out the remnants of the saracen army/camp/fleet

Pick one option for each day (or two of the same) before the knighting ceremony next post!

Gundric is amazed at what his cousin Walter, along with the aftermath of the battle. How had a group of squires, and Gundric a simple bastard, born of an illegitimate affair between his noble mother and some other man, would become knights of the Duke? Surely God was good.

Yet he winced in pain from the wound. With that in mind, he will heal, get clothing, and pray.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Mon 19 Nov 2018.

The spoils from the Saracen army weighed heavily at his belt.  It reminded him of richer days in Buchenborg, when he would wander into the village to buy the people a round of drinks and bask in their adulation and good company.  Those were the days when the iron beneath their feet lined their pockets with silver, and all the responsibility fell on Baynard to carry on the family reputation.  It was times that he felt successful, like today, that Baynard's shadow fell long over him and reminded Gontran that he was the second choice... and had there been any younger brothers, he would have been third or fourth.

He remembered little of scripture, not having taken to reading, but he recalled the story of the three servants given talents of silver by their master.  Much as he desired to hoard the coin away to present, it was the servant who buried his who was chastised.  Funny, he thought, that none of the servants had tried to invest the talents but lost it all.  What would the master think of that one?

He hoped not to find out as he wandered the markets.  What here would fetch a good price back home?  It was a conundrum.  Best to find the things that he was unfamiliar with undoubtedly... but those were also the things he knew the least about.  As he wandered the markets and streets, he took in the sights: structures that had existed long before the days of Christ.  Perhaps it was for this reason that he was moved to think of scripture.

((Taking in the sights of Rome and visiting the Markets))

Thibault knew that there was more to come and that he needed to be at his best during the knighting ceremony.  As such, he would spend the days in the monastery recovering. He decided to donate £1 of his spoils to them as well.

The Franks, Lombards and others settled into the city of Rome, and the residents returned to their homes.  The saracen army, though far reduced in number, regrouped and camped on the far side of the Tiber River.  Prince Charlemagne and Duke Thierry, along with many other nobles, occupied the palaces in Rome and worked to reestablish the city.  The false pope Constantin was captured during the battle and awaited his fate in the dungeon, while the College of Cardinals convened and within a day elected the new Pope Stephen III.

Gundric and Thibault found a large monastery inside the city of Rome, secluded by its high walls from the rest of the city.  The quiet provided by this seclusion, broken only at regular intervals for prayer bells, allowed them each to rest while the monks applied the healing arts.

The second day, while Thibault remained in the monastery, Gundric went to the tailors.  The fabrics were so exotic, including cotton from Egypt and silk from the orient.  The peasant workers were so happy to be back in their homes, and knew that they could profit from the occupying army, that they worked long into the night to have the garment ready by the next morning.

Meanwhile, Gontran took in the sights of the city.  The ancient temples with their Latin inscriptions made no more sense to him than Frankish writing, but he was told they were of ancient design.  The sheer size of the city was astounding - walking block after block through the winding streets seemingly without end.  There were the Vatican and its palaces, the numerous churches and monasteries, as well as secular buildings of government officials, theaters, and taverns.  What caught Gontran by surprise was the great water-works, huge aqueducts which fed fountains on every corner, and huge bath complexes.  Never had Gontran seen so much water controlled and put to use.

As he went about the city, Gontran found several markets.  He debated what to spend money on, but found that the exotic spices were to his liking - it was something that he could sample himself to test the quality, and would be useful either as a gift or to sell at a profit in the north, where such things were unheard of.  He used some of his spoils from the battle to buy a large sack of spices.

---

Both Gundric and Thibault lose £1, but each heal 3 points.
Thibault spends a further £1 and heals 4 more points.
Gundric then spends £1 for clothing (Rich quality)
Gontran gains +100 Glory for seeing the sites.
Gontran spends £1 on a bag of exotic spices.
Make sure you update your character sheets!

---

The appointed day and time had come for the whole group of squires to be knighted.  The ceremony began with a mass celebrated by the new Pope Stephen III at the Vatican, though the pope retired after and was not seen again.  The squires, now together with their mates Ogier, Roland and others, went through a ritual bath and cleaning.  Many of the squires moved gingerly during this time, favoring their still-fresh injuries from the battle.  The arms and armor of all the squires were to be placed on the altar, but because there were so many being knighted, the equipment was stacked according to each man in small piles which filled the dais.  Then, according to tradition, the knights were to remain in the chapel all night without eating, drinking, speaking or sleeping.  This was meant to focus them in prayer, and to strengthen their devotion.  However, for some of the more wounded squires, quiet and sleep was their natural state, and they had to force themselves awake by standing and walking.  By the end of the night it was a near constant stream of squires walking circles around the chapel to stay awake until daybreak.

When the Sun's light pierced the stained glass windows of the chapel, the doors were opened.  The Frankish nobility, including Prince Charlemagne, entered and took their seats.  The squires took their equipment from the alter and dressed themselves as warriors devoted to God.  One by one the squires were called up to to front, where they were knighted by Prince Charlemagne, using his own sword Joyeuse.  Gundric, Gontran and Thibault were rather early in the procession, as the position of honor was reserved for more illustrious figures of Ogier (wearing Sir Allory's arms), Roland and Oliver.  All the new knights are applauded and cheered by the crowd.

Prince Charlemagne then announces, "By the grace of God, and if you agree to it, I would like to choose twelve worthy men to lead my palace guards in battle to confront the pagans with courage.” The crowd cheered again.  "I will name as paladins first my kinsman Roland, then Oliver, thirdly Turpin. Let also be Ogier the Dane, Guy of Burgundy, Odo of Lengres, Berenger the Gascon, Warin of Vergy, Samson of Brittany, Anseïs the Proud, Ivory the Foundling, and Yvo the Black. I place them at the head of my army to fight the pagans, in memory of the order God gave his twelve apostles to spread His word all around the world; and likewise shall each one of you bring aid and strength when danger is highest, as if you were all blood-brothers.”

Though it is still morning, the celebration begins in earnest.  Prince Charlemagne and his newly appointed Paladins retreat to the palace to continue the military, civic, and religious preparations.  The newest knights of Bastogne, along with Duke Thierry and their brotherhood, all retired to a tavern.  Though customarily a gift is given to a new knight by the lord who knighted him, no one was offended that it was Duke Thierry instead of the prince that gave out gifts.  To Sir Gundric he gave a blessed spear to pierce the bodies of pagans.  To Sir Gontran he gave a golden ring.  To Sir Thibault, he gave a fine charger.

---

Sir Gundric gains +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne and +200 Glory for being knighted in such rich clothing.
Sir Gontran gets +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne
Sir Thibault gets +1,000 Glory for being knighted by Prince Charlemagne
Sir Gundric gets a spear which gives +1 to spear skill vs pagans.
Then, Sir Gontran gets a golden ring worth £2
Sir Thibault gets a charger.

---

Two more days passed, in the same way of rebuilding and reestablishing the city, before Prince Carloman arrived with reinforcements.  Prince Charlemagne teased his brother for the late arrival.  Though Carloman himself took this with a laugh, his man Count Gerard of Vienne took offense and immediately declared that he would march against the remaining pagans.  At this, Roland and several other paladins, now dressed in their scarlet and gold, jumped up and volunteered to continue the fight against the pagans.

---

The newly knighted PCs are not strictly obligated to continue the fight, and may be excused due to their previous injuries anyway.  Now you may choose from the previous list of options (staying in Rome), or go on and fight with the paladins.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:35, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

At the Tavern Sir Thibault finds his fellow former squires of Duke Thierry "Hello Sir Gontran and Sir Gundric. How are you doing this evening? I'm feeling blessed to have survived the battle and am thankful to both of you."

---

Sir Thibault feels better and almost back to normal.  With a few aches and pains, he decides that the glory of the fight and his new knighthood calls to him.

"I, too, will fight against the pagans!" he says to no one in particular as the paladins rise up and volunteer to fight.  He knows he needs to make a name for himself out on the battlefield and earn some renown for himself to keep climbing up the ladder for status and earn something else for himself. It is great to be a knight but still there is farther to go.

In reply to Sir Thibault (msg # 48):

"Hello there, Sir Gontran and Sir Thibault," Gundric says as he chuckles, buying a mug of mead. I am glad to have also survived and to have met good friends such as you. I will need to stay in Rome to recover for now, but another time I will gladly fight the pagans alongside you." He takes a long swig of the cool drink, enjoying a reprieve from the heat of the Mediterranean, and a chance to truly relax for a bit.

A weapon for Gundric... a charger for Thibault... it was hard to wonder if Charlemagne had not snubbed him with such an... ornamentation.  He accepted it as gratefully as a clumsy man was able and withdrew after the ceremonies.  He was embittered that the heroism of he and his fellow squires had been so overlooked.

Given the option to remain behind, it was hard to see the benefit of pressing on in the fight: would he be able to do more than charge in at the last moment?  Probably not.  Still, he thought of Buchenborg, and he was beset by the thought of the crumbling facade and his parents aging in poverty.

When the worst of the resentment had passed, he placed the ring upon his finger and went to volunteer for the fight.

Now it was that Sir Gundric was not swayed by the words of Count Gerard of Vienne, or taking into account his still serious wounds, and returned to the high-walled monastery to pray and heal.

But Sir Gontran and Sir Thibault were eager to show themselves worthy of their spurs¹.  There were many knights who fought in the previous battle outside Rome that now volunteered to fight again, though their shields and helms were still dinted from foreign blows.  The army of Price Carloman all arrayed made a magnificent sight, though their baggage train was slowed in the Alps leaving many warriors without full arms or armor.

The saracens, meanwhile, had organized themselves in the rolling hills near the coast at a place called Mount Bittert.  Though their numbers were greatly reduced, they held the terrain advantage of defending their positions with their ships nearby for a quick retreat.  However, as the Frankish army approached, the saracen archers let fly volley after volley of arrows, slowing the attackers progress.  Both Sir Gontran and Sir Thibault were struck, but their armor prevented any injury.

When the Franks had closed the distance, the saracen archers ceased and their mounted warriors led a charge against the Franks.  Here, Sir Gontran was struck by a lance but remained in the saddle, though bleeding.  Sir Thibault was struck and unhorsed, hitting the ground.  He lay there for several moments, knocked out by the blow, before he slowly rose to his feet, though pained by broken bones.

Soon a lumbering saracen, a giant standing head and shoulders above any other warrior on the field, engaged the young Prince Carloman.  The prince had the worse of it, being unhorsed and injured, before his guards were able to pull him back from the battle.  They shouted, "It is a descendant of the heathen Goliath!  No man can match his size and strength!"  The Franks were now in disarray, many still without equipment, their charge broken against the saracen defense, and their leader Prince Carloman wounded.  There was no Oriflamme to rescue the knights this time, as happened previously, and the saracens had repelled the offensive.


¹Spurs being symbolic of knighthood (i.e. cavalry), they were often used metaphorically to mean knighthood.

---

Sir Gundric heals another 4 HP.
Sir Gontran takes 12-7=5 lance damage but stays in the the saddle (thanks to a huge Size trait)
Sir Thibault takes 16-11=5 lance damage and falls, taking a further 5 damage.
With friendly forces in retreat, you could either simply flee, or attempt to hold off the enemy, or aid Sir Thibault or Prince Carloman, who are both unhorsed.

Thibault tries to escape on foot and yells to Gontran to try to save Carloman.

The last lance had hobbled Gontran, he raised his visor to spit blood, and held the lance gingerly against his shoulder.  He considered joining the retreat until Thibault charged him to protect the young prince.  Although the prince was withdrawing, perhaps more time could be bought to secure the escape.

He threw down the visor again and wheeled his horse.  Wincing in the face of he wounds, he spurred the horse again for one final charge.

((Hold off the enemy with the intention of buying time for the Prince.))

Sir Thibault, injured and on foot, stumbled back toward the Frankish lines.  He could see Prince Carloman, injured, being swept back from the battle by his guards.  At that, Sir Thibault believed the battle to be lost, and did what he could to escape.

Sir Gontran, his mouth wet with blood, gritted his teeth and spurred his horse on.  With every stride he could feel the pain in his shoulder, but he knew that if Prince Carloman should fall it would be disastrous.  However, as he moved across the battlefield, he was overtaken from behind by Sir Roland, his armor decked with the new scarlet and gold of the Paladins, who charged ahead to take the battle to the saracens.

Meanwhile, the saracen giant called out in broken Latin, "I am Aumont, son of Agolant, the Emir of Babylon!  Let any man who wishes challenge me!"  The battlefield cleared in front of him, as much due to fear of him as due to the Frankish retreat.

Sir Roland continued his charge and shouted, "I am Sir Roland, a Paladin of the Faith!" though the rest of his message was lost in the din of battle.  Quickly they joined in battle, before even Sir Gontran could catch up, and Sir Roland unhorsed Aumont.  The two knights joined in a terrible battle, each striking the other with crushing blows.  Sir Gontran approached was able to grab the reins of Aumont's horse, a magnificent foreign charger, but as he did so, Sir Roland struck the death-blow to Aumont.  Sir Roland despoiled the giant but was not challenged by any of the saracens, who recoiled in fear.

When he had taken the arms and armor¹, Sir Roland cried to the saracens, "I have no desire to dishonor your champion, Aumont.  Come and claim his body without contest, and give him burial according to your customs.  Then be gone from Italy and all of Europe!"  With this, Sir Roland took the reigns of the horse from Sir Gontran and thanked him, while both armies parted.

---

The Battle of Mount Bitter did not turn the tide of the war, as both sides simply retreated after suffering losses.  The main knights of our story, Sir Gontran, Sir Thibault, and Sir Gundric, were too wounded and spent the rest of their time resting and healing.

While they recovered, they received news that formal duels had occurred between the Franks and the saracens to exchange prisoners and settle the invasion.  After one dishonorable ambush attempt by Prince Carloman is unsuccessful, prisoners are exchanged to ensure the duels are completed honorably.  One saracen, Sir Carahue, volunteered to be offered as a prisoner to the Franks.  Ultimately, the duel was between Ogier the Dane and Sir Danemont - another Dane, though by most accounts a pirate and opportunist who had sided with the saracens.  Sir Ogier slew Sir Danemont, at once redeeming the Danish people and ending the saracen invasion.  The saracens shortly left Italy, though Sir Carahue was released.  His noble actions impressed the Gloriande, a sultan's daughter, and they married.  Sir Carahue, hated and considered a traitor by most of the saracens, then stayed behind in Italy.

After several more weeks, Prince Charlemagne and Carloman were able to reestablish the Papacy and the government of Rome.  The Lombards shared in the glory, then returned to their homes north of Rome.  Slowly the Franks returned to Frankia, including Duke Thierry and the Knights of Bastogne, as successful defenders of the faith.

The Knights of Bastogne returned to their homes only in October of that year 767, barely in time to oversee the winter preparations.  Though many of the Knights of Bastogne were injured, few had been killed during the campaign.  After the happy reunions and a few funeral masses, life in the county went back to the way it had been, with the notable exception that many knights had brought back valuable spoils from their travels.



¹ These spoils include the famed sword Durendal, the elephant-tusk horn called Oliphant, and the horse Veillantif.

---

Sir Gontran gains 150 Glory for the battle
Sir Thibault gains 100 Glory for the battle but loses his horse
There are no significant spoils from the Battle of Mount Bitter since it is indecisive and both sides withdrew.
This now goes to the winter phase.  All injuries are healed.  Follow the Winter Phase steps.

Gundric returned to the manor in the October of 768, watching over the end of the harvest season. He practiced his skills of observation and at the lance, feeling more improved by the end of the winter, and although he practiced hunting, he didn't feel like he had improved. He also tried to find a bride for himself during the winter.