The new knights join with Earl Guinier's forces in Camelford, and head east to muster with King Idres's Army near Devon.  It is a grand spectacle to be riding along with 50 knights and 100 men-at-arms, kicking up a storm of dust as you pass the peasants working in the fields while you are astride your chargers in your shiny new armor.

Arriving at King Idres's camp you are stunned.  While you had traveled on the periphery of the army before, you never saw anything of this size.  There are 500 knights and 1000 men-at-arms in a camp that seems to go on for as far as you can see.

There is a whole section of massive pieces of siege equipment, hundreds of archers, and a wagon train with supplies that seems like it would take a day or more to pass.  At night the place is lit up with cooking fires and you can't imagine any kingdom being able to withstand this much might!

After a week, all of the Earls have arrived and the army heads east.  Earl Guinier's forces are somewhere in the middle of the army, which stretches as far forward and back as you can see.  It takes several days of slow riding to get to Jagent and then, finally to Somerset.

The King of Somerset, apparently agreeing with the knights' assessment, flees into the marches with his knights, leaving his castles and cities guarded only by men-at-arms.

Earl Guinier's forces are set to work taking the castle at Wells, while most of the army moves passed and splits, heading toward Bath and Bristol.

The Battle of Wells

While not perhaps the most glorious endeavor, taking a castle armed only with footmen is still necessary to keep supply lines open and properly subjugate the populace.  After making camp and tending to extra horses, leaving excess equipment, and the like.  The knights form up just out of bow range.

Several trebuchet launch huge pieces of masonry at the gates, crushing them to splinters after getting the range right.  A trumpet blares and the knights charge forward into the gap where the gates had stood.

Please state your intentions.  You will need to make a horsemanship roll to successfully navigate the littered path going into the castle while attempting to avoid other knights and enemy defenses.  Failure means taking falling damage and being unhorsed.

Once at the gate, if still mounted you can attempt to push through the defenders and press the attack farther into the castle looking for an enemy commander or otherwise disrupting the defenses; or you can help clear the defenders at the gate in order to facilitate the entry of the knights behind you.  If unhorsed, you can attack those at the gate.  Either way you will be using sword.  There is no need to dismount versus footmen, that is a chivalrous thing to do against an enemy knight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:52, Sat 05 June 2021.

This is it! he think to himself as he charge the shattered gates of Wells. The thundering sound of charging knights. The stench of horse and man, of fear and terror, mingle with the sound of his own racing heart and men screaming as they fall off their horses or are killed by the archers on the walls of Well.

This is it!

---

Intentions - Sir Abloc is eager to win glory so he charge the shattered gates hoping to be the first through the gates. He wants to push on into the castle and confront the commander. IF he falls of his horse then he will fight on foot to take the gates.

Sir Abloc rolled 4 using 1d20.  Horsemanship @ 15

This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Sun 02 May 2021.

Sir Daron rides forth, his mind filled with dreams of glory and gold. Unfortunately for the confident young knight he is destined not to reach the gate - at least not as part of the grand charge!

---

OOC: 21:03, Today: Sir Daron rolled 19 using 1d20.  Horsemanship @15.

Oof!

Sir Abloc

Sir Abloc skillfully maneuvers his horse through the debris and defenders, managing to avoid running into any of the other knights, a couple of whom were not so lucky, or skilled on a horse.  Leaping over a surprised defender, Sir Abloc continues up the main street in search of the enemy commander.

The flash of a pennant alerts him to the enemy commander's presence and he waves his companions to follow him.  If only they had not all fallen off of their horses at the gate.  Fortunately, a couple of other knights followed his illustrious example and close on the commander's guards as Sir Abloc himself goes after the commander.

Their first exchange results in no more harm than a violently vibrating sword arm.  However, on his second swing, Sir Abloc connects solidly with his sword while the enemy commander's own blow goes wide, leaving him open to a solid blow, although he manages to stay on his feet.

Sir Abloc rolled 4 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.

Take a check in Horsemanship and one in Valorous for charging ahead with little thought or care.

Sir Abloc, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Take a check in Awareness.

Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Sword.
NPC Commander, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Sword.

Take a check in Sword.

Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
NPC Commander, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 21 using 5d6.  Damage.
Commander, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
The Enemy Commander takes 21 - 10 = 11 points of damage but remains on his feet.

---

Sir Daron

Sir Daron's horse stumbles on a piece of dislodged masonry and Sir Daron is unhorsed.  While thrown, Sir Daron manages to twist in the air and land on his feet, charging a stunned defender.

Sir Daron rolled 19 using 1d20.  Horsemanship
Sir Daron, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.

Take a check in Sword.

The enemy soldier crumples to the ground, bleeding profusely.
The footman too 20 - 8 = 12 damage and collapsed.

---

Sir Rhydwyn

Like Sir Daron before him, Sir Rhydwyn is not so fortunate as Sir Abloc and is thrown from his horse, landing unceremoniously in a pile of armor and taking 3 damage.  It takes him a round to get to his feet.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 3 using 1d3.  Damage.

---

Sir Aeddan

Sir Aeddan follows in the illustrious footsteps, or hoofprints, of Sirs Daron and Rhydwyn and is thrown from his horse.  His fall lacks the graceful ease of Sir Darona and like Sir Rhydwyn, he ends up in a pile near a crumbled portion of the wall.  He takes 2 points of damage and it takes him a round to get to his feet.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 2 using 1d3.  Damage.

---

Next round, Sir Abloc continues to fight the enemy commander, while the others face new footmen.

Sir Abloc push on the attack hoping to end the battle as soon as possible. He doesnt know the fate of his friends but hope they are well.

"Yield noble Sir Knight!!" he calls out to the enemy commander hoping to convince him to surrender. "You have done your duty and defended the castle with honor. Surrender now and spare your men more hardship! The battle is already lost!"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:28, Fri 07 May 2021.

Sir Daron scarcely has time to draw breath before he is looking around. Seeing both Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Aeddan fall from their horses the young knight says a prayer to God and the saints and rushes to stand over at least the nearest of his friends to ward off any attack against the fallen knight.

Sir Abloc

Although wounded, the enemy commander seems disinclined to give up the fight too quickly, a move he seems to regret after Sir Abloc slams him once more with his sword.  Although the enemy commander manages to at least get his shield up, blocking the force of the blow, it still knocks him to the ground, at which point he pleads for mercy.

Sir Abloc, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 16 using 5d6.  Damage.
Commander, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
The Enemy Commander takes 16 - 10 - 6 = 0 points of damage and is knocked off of his feet.

Take a check in Sword.

---

Sir Daron

Sir Daron interposes himself between his companions and the footmen rushing up to greet them, knocking one unconscious with a swift swipe of his sword.

Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Axe.
Sir Daron, rolled 25 using 6d6.  Damage.
The footman took 25 - 4 - 6 = 15 damage and collapsed.

Take a check in Sword.

---

Sir Rhydwyn

Sir Rhydwyn gets to his feet and swings at the footman who approaches but seems a bit shaken from the fall and swings wide.  The footman fares no better and neither is struck

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Axe.

---

Sir Aeddan

Sir Aeddan coems up swinging and catches the nearest footman with a solid blow that knocks the man to his knees.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Footman, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Axe.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
The footman took 18 - 4 = 14 damage and is knocked down.

Take a check in Sword.

---

Last round of combat as someone <cough> Sir Abloc <cough> defeated the enemy commander.

"Mercy shall be given, Sir Knight. Now surrender your men and the castle. You will become a prisoner but you will be treated according to your status." says Sir Abloc. It suddenly dawns on him that he has survived his first battle and without a scratch. He says a silent prayer and hope his companions has been equally lucky.

Sir Daron is still standing guard over the defeated footman when word comes of the enemy commander's defeat. Though the young knight has not done too badly, excusing his horsemanship, Sir Daron cannot helpful but look rueful. Not great ransom for him...

Sir Aeddan, still grateful for the assistance of Sir Daron after their ignominious falls from their respective horses, notes that Sir Daron looks a bit despondent and calls out to him.  "We may not be the finest horsemen yet," he laughs self-deprecatingly, "but look what fighters we are!  Let the world beware, once we can stay in a saddle!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Wed 12 May 2021.

Despite his annoyance at his failure Sir Daron cannot help but smile at his friend's comment. "Aye, though I worry they'll have to tie me into my saddle next battle!"

With the enemy commander captured and Cornish knights swarming through the gates, the defenses crumble and Earl Guinier's knights take control of Wells.  Although the cities in Somerset had largely escaped capture during the prior seasons' campaigns, the addition of siege equipment and lack of knights (save the commander) to defend them, seems to have turned the tide in Cornwall's favor.

With a secession of hostilities, Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn take the opportunity to use First Aid on one another.  Sir Aeddan is fully healed and Sir Rhydwyn gets back one hp.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Healing First Aid.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d3.  Healing.

Sir Aeddan take a check in First Aid.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Healing First Aid.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 3 using 1d3.  Healing.

Sir Rhydwyn take a check in First Aid.


The knights rest and recover over the next week, during which time Sir Rhydwyn recovers fully and Sir Alboc is paid the ransom for Sir Gwynallt, the enemy commander.    Soon enough, they are once more on the march, heading to join the coming battle for Bristol.

Feel free to react before we move on to the Battle of Bristol.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:53, Sat 05 June 2021.

"My noble friends! I am glad to see you were not harmed at the taking of Wells. I have heard rumours of how well you took the gates and held off the enemy!" Sir Abloc is glad to see his companions unharmed. Other and more experienced knights had been less fortunate and the priests had been busy.

Sir Abloc keep quiet about the ransom he receives. He knows his defeat of the enemy knight were more a matter of chance than skill and it seems like bad form to flaunt his newfound wealth. To be honest he has never own that much silver before and has intructed his squire to guard the chest with his life.

On the march he do his best to downplay his role at Wells and does his best to praise other knights and listen to their tales. And if he is nervous about the coming battle for Bristol he tries not to show it and keep his concerns between him and his priest.

"Alas we did not do as well as you my brother," Sir Daron replies, but smiled warmly and clasped his hand to Sir Abloc's, shaking it.. "Still it is a poor man who cannot congratulate a friend who does well."

Sir Daron spends much of his time on the road to Bristol discretely practicing his horsemanship. If Bristol is anything like Wells he has more to fear from his own steed than the enemy!

"Indeed, you did the best out of all of us, Sir Abloc," Rhydwyn says with a chuckle. "I'm glad to see that you are doing well after the battle."

"It was poor luck on my part, my Brothers, and I have heard rumours of your skills with both sword and lance, so I am certain you will win glory in the coming campaign. What is even more important is that we are all well and can continue our wonderful adventure together!" Sir Abloc says with a grin on his face.

Then he leans closer to the others and whispers "At least we did better at Wells than at the banquet!" He sounds like a man with a new-found fear of social events.

The ride to Bristol takes a couple of days.  Although it is only 15-20 miles as the crow flies, the roads are a little less direct and the siege engines slow everything down to a crawl.  With summer taking hold of the land, the roads are dry and dusty but it is better than rain, which would turn the paths into a sea of mud.

Although the knights are mainly there to guard the siege engines, there are no threats to be seen.  The King of Somerset and his knights have secreted themselves in the marshes and the footmen are guarding the castles and cities.

Arriving at the outskirts of Bristol, the young knights find a rather different situation than at Wells.  Bristol is on the far side of the River Avon and thick walls and tall towers protect the only bridge in the area.  Although King Idres has setup siege engines, they seem to have had limited impact so far.



The closest bridge is to the west, near to the sea.  However, it is adjacent to the Lamplighter's Marsh, which is currently inhabited by a large number of Somerset knights.  It seems unwise to cross a large force in the area for fear of ambush or getting your supply-lines cut.

There is another heavily guarded bridge at Bath to the east, where the remainder of the Cornish knights are besieging the city.  About halfway between Bath and Bristol there is a bridge at Keynsham.  Scouts have reported that it appears lightly guarded and is the obvious place for a large force to cross and come around to the rear of Bath and Bristol.  However, King Idres believes it to be a trap and has proposed an alternate plan.

About halfway between Keynsham and Bristol, the river curves in a wide "C."  The engineers believe that it would be an ideal place to setup a ferry as the river's change in direction would make getting a boat across far easier and the curve in the river would provide natural barriers on three sides of the beachhead.

It is decided to send a dozen of Earl Guinier's knights, including Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn.  The small group of knights and engineers head upstream at dawn with a few wagons filled with equipment for the engineers.

Arriving at the spot that has been chosen, the engineers construct a couple of flat-bottomed ferries from the wagons, each ferry capable of carrying four horses and four men at a time.  The knights and their squires setup camp.

When the ferries are ready, the engineers explain that the ferry will be attached to one of the knights' horses by two coils of rope.  The knight will ride his horse upstream along the riverbank while the ropes are played out.  If done properly, the ferry will maintain its place relative to the camp but be pulled across the river as the horse moves upstream along the curving bank.

Sir Abloc is the first to attempt this.  It does not go well.  Despite the assistance from the engineers (+5), Sir Abloc has a lot of difficulty letting the rope out at the proper speed and that seems to cause him to lose control of his horse and they have to pull the ferry back to shore.

Sir Abloc, rolled 18, 19 using 2d20.  Boating / Horsemanship.

Sir Rhydwyn does a little better than Sir Abloc but seems to have similar problems coordinating the letting out of the rope at the proper speed and keeping control of his horse.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 10, 14 using 2d20.  Boating / Horsemanship.

Sir Aeddan, having watched the others and listened carefully to the instructions from the engineers, masterfully plays out the rope and has successfully gotten the ferry halfway across the river but forgets to pay attention to where his horse is going.  The horse ends up in the river, throwing Sir Aeddan in the process.  Fortunately he is able to catch onto the rope (+5) and half swims and half drags himself back to shore.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 6, 20 using 2d20.  Boating / Horsemanship.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Swim.

Take a check in Swim, a point in Boating for criticalling, and a point in Horsemanship for fumbling.

Sir Daron is a bit apprehensive when it is his turn but he takes his cue from Sir Aeddan and successfully lets the rope out at the correct speed in order to keep the ferry on the right track.  Having also learned from Sir Aeddan's mistakes, he keeps an especial eye on his horse, and masterfully controls it until the ferry is on the far side.

Sir Daron, rolled 2, 15 using 2d20.  Boating / Horsemanship.

Take a check in Boating and a point in Horsemanship for criticalling.

Once the ferry is properly secured on the far side, the engineers set to work on a pulley system that will allow them to pull a ferry from each side at the same time.  As they are doing this, Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Daron notice a man watching the proceedings from the far side of the river.  There are no farms in the immediate area

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Daron take a check in Awareness.


It would be bad if the enemy were to discover what the knights are up to, as they could probably disrupt the ferry and increase guards around the backs of the cities.  The knights can immediately cross the river in the ferry before it is tested (requires a Valorous check) and attempt to apprehend the 'spy.'  They can wait until the ferry is tested and search out the spy but this will require hunting rolls.  Or they can return immediately to Bristol and have the invasion force immediately make for the ferry.

---

For the Battle of Wells:

Sir Abloc - 20 Glory for two rounds of battle and 25 Glory for capturing the enemy commander.
Sirs Aeddan, Daron, and Rhydwyn - 20 Glory for two rounds of battle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:53, Sat 05 June 2021.

"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."