"We must cross the river at once and apprehend the spy. If the King of Somerset hear news of our plans then we will never take Bristol. Who is with me?!" he cries out with the confidence of a young man that does know how fragile life is.

"Get the ferry in the water. We shall test it as we cross!" he calls out to the engineers and with a heavy sigh his squire pulls the reluctant charger towards the ferry.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Valorous @ 16 (Success)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Tue 18 May 2021.

Sir Aeddan is snapped out of indecision by Sir Abloc's cries.  He enthusiastically joins the effort to catch the spy.


15:58, Today: Sir Aeddan rolled 1 for Valorous (16).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 18 May 2021.

A rueful smile tugging at his lips at the workout they were being put through this day, Sir Daron moves to follow his friends.

---

OOC: 22:47, Today: Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Valorous (16).

The knights lead their horses to the second of the two ferries and load them onboard before standing on the ferry themselves.  The thing seems a little flimsy but the knights trust the engineers' calculations and start pulling across the river.  Seeing the knights board the ferry, the man watches for a short time to see if the thing holds and then scurries off into the underbrush.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Valorous.
Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Valorous (16).
Sir Aeddan rolled 1 using 1d20.  Valor (16).
Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Valorous @ 16.

Everyone gets a check in Valorous.

Halfway across the river they pass the original ferry coming back back and they continue pulling until they are safely across.

Engineers, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Industry (15).

Looking on the ground, the knights quickly determine which way the man went (toward Bristol) and despite some efforts to cover his trail, catch up with him in less than a mile.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Track. Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Track. Hunting.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Track. Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Track. Hunting.

Sirs Rhydwyn, Daron, and Aeddan all take a point in Hunting for criticalling.  Sir Abloc takes a check in Hunting.

It is mid-morning and the fields were planted in late spring.  So fortunately there are no workers currently in the fields to notice four knights charging after a running man.  The man is in fairly standard commoner clothing and collapses on the dirt track when the four horseman approach at a gallop.

Sir Aeddan bellows at the man on the ground, "Sir, your daily exercise is at an end.  My companions and I have been traveling, and the road has made us and our squires weary.  We insist that you stay on with us, to help the squires with the horses."

Hoping he hasn't spoken out of turn, Sir Aeddan wonders whether his companions are as loath as he to kill the stranger outright.  Perhaps, he thinks, the man is a simple peasant who will be easy to keep close until after the battle is over.  Regardless, the man will likely be more forthcoming over an evening meal than he would be at the point of a sword.

Sir Abloc nods in agreement. There is no need to kill the man - spy or not.

"Well said my brother," Sir Daron says to Sir Aeddan. "Let us show our noble generosity."

The knights shepherd the man back to the beachhead, where the other knights have been setting things up for the large body of knights and footmen who will be attacking Bath and Bristol from the rear.

Sirs Abloc, Aeddan, and Daron get a check in Merciful.

About a hundred footmen are ferried across in the first hour as knights begin to collect on the far side of the river.  The dozen knights who originally made the crossing accompany the slower footman as they begin the march toward Bristol, while more knights begin to cross the river.

The group moves slowly, giving the knights behind a chance to catch up and keeping the footman from tiring too quickly as they have a fight ahead of them.  As they close on the city, two dozen Cornish knights come up behind them to bolster their forces.  Bells begin to ring in the city as the alarm is spread.

Looking over the fortifications, the knights get a picture of the defenses.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Daron, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Abloc, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sirs Rhydwyn, Daron, and Aeddan take a check in Awareness, Sir Abloc gets a point in Awareness (4th success) and still has a check.

Sir Abloc feels that getting the gates to the city open and letting in the army would cause the defenders to surrender immediately, as would taking the castle.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Battle.
Sir Daron, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Battle.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Battle.
Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Battle.

Sir Abloc take a check in Battle.

The footmen hurry forward while the knights await their fellows and discuss how to proceed.

---

The tactical situation:

(See the map in msg: 17)

- There are probably 200-300 footmen guarding the city, and likely a knight commander and 30-50 footmen in the castle to the east.
- The drawbridge to the castle is currently down but will be raised.
- There is a gap in the fortification between the castle to the east and the river south of the castle.
- The defenders are somewhat spread out within the city but a group of 40-50 are creating a line to fill the gap in fortifications, armed with pikes.
- King Idres has roughly half of his army outside the gates to the south, which force would make quick work of the defenders if the gates were open and the bridge cleared.  The city forces would simply surrender.
- Overall, you are outnumbered 2-3:1 although you have some knights and they do not.

Some options:

- You can charge through the enemy footmen and make for the castle, attempting to capture it before the drawbridge is raised.  You will likely be fighting on foot and outnumbered but it will mostly be knights versus footmen.  This is dangerous.
- You can charge through the enemy footmen and attempt to take and hold the bridge and open the gates to the south, letting the rest of the army in.
- You can charge through the footmen and raid the city for plunder.
- You can defeat the enemy footmen before moving on.
- You can fight the footmen in the city and take it on your own.
- etc.

The four of you and the other eight knights have a couple of minutes to assess the situation and make a plan as the other two-dozen knights ride up.  Sir Rhydwyn has the highest Battle score, so probably best to make him the erstwhile commander of the battle, although that does not mean that he needs to decide on his own how to proceed.  The knights riding up will defer to whatever you suggest as you have had a chance to assess the situation.

(OOC: I'm assuming that Sir Abloc shared his observations about the wisest courses being (1) to get the rest of our army in or (2) to take the castle.)

"Sir Rhydwyn," Sir Aeddan addresses his fellow knight, "your understanding of tactics is superior to mine.  But it seems to me that our best chance for success would come from letting in the rest of our army via a south gate.  That would mean getting through those footmen, establishing control of the bridge, and then opening the gate.  What do you think, sir?"

"Indeed my noble friends. Once more we have a chance to win glory and let our names be remembered. I say we chanrge through the footmen, take and hold the bridge, so our army can pour through the gates. Less glorious perhaps than taking the castle but none the less a way for us to win the day. Who is with me? Shall we see who can stay on a horse long enough to reach the gate?" he says with a grin on his face.

In reply to Sir Aeddan (msg # 26):

"Aye - I think we should get the army in. That way we will have a few more on our side to help."

"Wise words, Sir Rhydwyn! The gates it is then ...!" Sir Ablic replies and grab his sword ready for the charge to come.

---

Sir Aeddan:

(OOC: I'm assuming that Sir Abloc shared his observations ...

Of course. Time zones got in the way of a quicker reply from Sir Abloc :)

"Let's hope our horses understand the plan this time my brothers," Sir Daron adds smiling wryly, and readying his own steed.

As the additional knights ride up, it is communicated that the plan is to ride through the defending footmen, across the bridge, and to the gates to let in the rest of the army.  With nods and visors clamped down, the knights ready themselves.

The Cornish footmen continue to charge toward the enemy, who are outnumbered.  With a mighty 'Huzzah!' the knights charge.  The Cornish footmen form into small groups, allowing the knights to charge through them.  There is a resounding crash as the galloping horses crash through the enemy footmen, who break and run.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Battle.
Commander, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Battle.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Lance.
Footman, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Spear.

Sir Daron, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Lance.
Footman, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Spear.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Lance.
Footman, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Spear.

Sir Abloc, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Lance.
NPC Footman, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Spear.

Enemy, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Morale.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Battle.
Everyone gets a check in Lance and Sir Abloc gets a point in Lance for criticalling.


The knights do not even pause as they trample the footmen and continue on toward the bridge.  The small cadre of footmen guarding the bridge jump into the river rather than be skewered by three dozen knights on chargers.  Reaching the other side, the knights split up, with eighteen heading toward each of the two gates.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan bear to the right after the bridge and lead a group of knights toward the western gate, while Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn continue straight and make a left at the wall to head toward the eastern gate.

Once at the gates, they find that the mechanism to open the gates are up a story.  You have the choice of dismounting and fighting your way up the stairs or attempting to climb up from your horse.  Fighting your way up requires you to each beat an opponent or two on the stairs.  Climbing requires a Dexterity check followed by a Strength check.

Sir Abloc is surprised to have survived yet another charge unharmed and ride across the bridge as enemy footmen jump into the river. "We didnt fall off!" he cries out in surprise but unsure that his brothers-in-arms even hear him across the thundering noise of charging warhorses. He bears right with Sir Aeddan still full of confidence but as he reach the western gate he wonders just how much longer his luck will last. He dismounts and storm into the gatehouse determine to fight his way up the gate tower. He remembers well how he fell from his horse during his knigthing ceremony and lack confidence in his ability to climb the outside of the tower.

With a fearsome warcry that would leave even Saxons cowering in fear he storm into the gatehouse and feel sorry for the footmen that guard the place.

Sir Daron knows he is not nimble enough to even think about climbing from horseback and so dismounts, taking his sword in hand as he moves to fight up the stairs. "To battle my brothers!"

Seeing Sir Abloc dismount his horse and utter a fierce war cry as he heads up the stairs to the gatehouse, Sir Aeddan is once again left a little behind by his indecision.  His priority is to stay close enough to Sir Abloc to make the two of them a ferocious obstacle.  To save time, Sir Aeddan attempts to reach the gate mechanism straight from his horse, hoping that the tide of his recent horseback failures will at last turn.

"I have your back, brother!" he cries to Sir Abloc, as he begins his glorious charge.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Thu 27 May 2021.

"Huzzah, Brother. Together we shall teach them about Cornish steel and valour!" Sir Abloc replies and swings his sword at the enemy as he try and push his way up the stairs. "FEAR US!" he shouts at the poor footmen. "FEAR US AND WEEP!"

Sirs Abloc and Aeddan

While Sir Abloc dismounts and is confronted by footmen on the stairs, Sir Aeddan makes the potentially foolhardy decision to attempt to climb directly to the housing for the gate mechanism from his horse.  Whether it is simply his innate ability shining through, some act of providence, or recent successes have galvanized him, he manages the maneuver with surprising ease.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Strength.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Reckless and a check in Valorous.

Sir Abloc slices the first opponent he meets with a well-aimed blow.  The footman fails to connect with his own sword and is knocked unconscious.  Although another soldier greets Sir Abloc a couple of stairs up, the grinding of gears and rush of Cornish knights and footmen puts an end to the fighting in the area.

Sir Abloc, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 21 using 5d6.  Damage.

The footman takes 21 - 4 - 0 = 17 points of damage and is knocked unconscious.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Sword.

Sirs Daron and Rhydwyn

At the other gate, Sir Daron dismounts and heads up the stair on the right but is blocked by a footman who manages to hit him as Sir Daron's blow misses the mark.  However, the knight's armor protects him.

Sir Daron, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 8 using 3d6.  Damage.

Sir Daron takes 8 - 10 - 0 = 0 points of damage.

Sir Rhydwyn heads up the stair on the left after dismounting and is similarly blocked.  Both he and his opponent fail to land a blow.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Darron continues to try to push his way up the stairs and although he manages to hit, his opponent had the better blow, although it was weak and did no damage.

Sir Daron, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 5 using 1d20.
Footman, rolled 4 using 3d6.  Damage.

Sir Daron takes 4 - 10 - 6 = 0 points of damage.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.

Sir Rhydwyn sets himself and manages a resounding blow against his opponent, who manages a hit of his own but is knocked from his feet.  This allows Sir Rhydwyn to continue up the stairs and face a final opponent.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
Footman, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Footman takes 18 - 4 - 6 = 8 points of damage and is knocked down.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Sword.

As he hears the approach of horses, Sir Daron manages a stunning blow against his opponent, knocking him unconscious.

Sir Daron, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 25 using 6d6.  Damage.

Footman takes 25 - 4 - 6 = 15 points of damage and is knocked unconscious.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.

Sir Rhydwyn, with one final chance to reach the gate mechanism before the arrival of his countrymen misses his opponent, whose wild swing resulted in the footman losing his sword.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.

As the Cornish knights arrive from the other gate, the footmen around Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn surrender and soon both gates are open and the Cornish army floods into the city, which promptly surrenders.

---

Everyone receives 10 Glory for participating in the battle, 5 Glory for the river-crossing operation, and Sir Aeddan receives an additional 10 Glory for opening the gate.

Bristol falls to King Idres and soon Bath does as well.  The cities and villages put up only token resistance while the King of Somerset and his knights hide in the marches.  The remainder of the forty-days of service for the summer is spent in camp or on patrols.

In early August you are released from service for the year and can return to your manors or follow up on Sir Daron's plan to do a bit of raiding on Salisbury while you are in the neighborhood and their knights are off fighting the Saxons.

Decide if you want to bring anyone else in on the plan and any particulars you have in mind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:04, Sat 29 May 2021.

Rhydwyn isn't going to raid right away.

Sir Abloc looks surprised when he finally make his way up the tower and see Sir Aeddan already standing there. "How .. what ... by God where did you come from?!" When he realize Sir Aeddan climbed Sir Abloc looks even more surprised until he clap his back and shake his head in disbelief. "You are a brave man. Reckless and brave ... and a little bit crazy".

Later when the 40 days of service is over he approach Sir Daron and declare his intend to accompany him on raiding if Sir Daron is still interested.

Sir Daron grudgingly congratulates the footman he knocked unconscious. "You fought like a knight. Well met."

Much later when Sir Abloc approaches him Sir Daron is a good mood. "Wonderful! I look forward to it my brother and God willing we'll return from Salisbury rich as Romans!"

"I wouldnt mind that my brother!" grins Sir Abloc. "Rumours has it that Sir Rhydwyn is not interested in raiding but perhaps Sir Aeddan would like to join us? Strength in numbers and all that"

Sir Aeddan is eager to seek adventure and fortune with his friends.  "Brothers," he says quietly, "the knights who forded with us to get to Bristol -- there were perhaps a dozen of them, good men all.  We could benefit from some strength in numbers when we're seeking spoils in Salisbury.  What say you to asking them?  Surely at least a few could use the extra income as much as we."

Sir Daron hesitated, the thoughts of the loot to be won already decreasing with the notion of extra hands... still it did make sense in case there were surprises in Salisbury.

"Well put Sir Aeddan, so long as the recognise our leadership in this adventure."