20:51, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 7 using 1d20.  vs 13 temperate.

Although Rhydwyn isn't able to pick up on any particularly interesting gossip, he enjoys his mead and meal. He looks around for any knights, for a game of dice or cards.

21:29, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 17 using 1d20.  vs gaming 3.

Sir Daron

Sir Enodoc chuckles, replying, "I feel much the same way about Saxons, although I suppose that there are some who don't fit that mold.  Perhaps you will find the same to be true."  He claps Sir Daron on the back.

Despite the plenty all around him, Sir Daron manages to confine himself to a small portion.  When he gets up to raise a toast to their host, those around him join in, praising his elocution.  Or perhaps they are just drunk already.

Sir Daron, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Orate.

Sir Daron takes checks in Temperate and Orate.

Sir Abloc

Sir Abloc thoroughly enjoys the bounty set upon the table as well as a flagon or three.  He goes over and talks to some of his father's old companions and they swap stories of past adventures.  Sir Arddur's eldest son is now a knight, so he has 'retired.'  Sir Méen is also about to let his son take over for him.  It seems that the knights have heard a bit about Sir Abloc's adventures and praise his courage and determination.  Sir Abloc picks up a few pointers about larger battles and hears something about Salisbury but missed the details somehow.

Sir Abloc, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Abloc, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Battle.

Sir Abloc takes checks in Battle and Indulgent.

Sir Aeddan

Sir Talfryn seems to consider the Duchess somewhat irrelevant once she became Uther's Queen.

Sir Aeddan finds a few knights playing a dice game with which he is familiar and he joins in for a few rounds.  Sir Aeddan seems to be doing better, or at least not as badly, as his opponent for several rounds before his adversary catches a lucky roll.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Aeddan, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Temperate.

Sir Rhydwyn

Like Sir Aeddan, Sir Rhydwyn wanders off in search of a game and finds a group of knights playing cards.  He is dealt in but really struggles.  Cards were never exactly his forte but fortunately it seems that his opponent has been drinking quite a bit because neither can seem to get a decent hand.  It is seven rounds before Rhydwyn's opponent finally puts an end to their marathon session.

Sir Rhydwyn rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).

Sir Rhydwyn takes a point in Gaming as a result of fumbling. And he takes a cehck in Temperate.

---

Serving wenches come out with poached carp for the next course, followed by jugglers and acrobats to entertain the revelers.  It is announced that there will be a break after the next (fourth) course and that there will be dancing.

What are people doing between the third and fourth courses?

Sir Abloc enjoy the feast even more now that he seemingly allow himself to indulge in the meals on the table. Oh the wine. The food. It is so much different than Clethor's fish.

Perhaps it is the wine that make him feel strangely confident but between the third and fourth course he find himself (trying) to play the harp. And once again he fails miserably. If he is lucky people wont notice, but he will probarbly not be lucky and be forced to make excuses about how he "one day" may succeed.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 13 using 1d20.  Play (Harp) @ 10 (Failure)

Sir Daron finds himself wondering if anyone would even be capable of dancing after four courses. Nevertheless he again dined very lightly on the carp and enjoyed the jugglers.

Having observed his friends earlier Sir Daron decides to try his own hand at gaming, should other knights remain able.

During the third course, Sir Aeddan catches Blodeuyn's eye and remembers that he promised to make a fool of himself to amuse her.  After the course is over, he therefore approaches her table, stands as straight as he can, and confidently breaks into a classic Cornish love song.  He's blushing so fiercely that he's sure his ears are going to burst into flame.

He is...not successful at singing, but he still looks hopefully at the maiden to see if her affection for him will garner him some pity or perhaps even a smile.

OOC: Sir Aeddan rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sing @04

Rhydwyn will continue to play cards with the group he's found.

14:33, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 5 using 1d20 ((5)).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Mon 26 July 2021.

Sir Abloc

Sir Abloc can console himself with the fact that he is not the worst performer our there.  It seems that more than one knight partook of some 'liquid courage' and while it may have stiffened their backbones it did not loosen their fingers in a commensurate fashion.  Fortunately, only those closest to Sir Abloc really heard him and many of them were already drunk.

Sir Daron

Sir Daron finds a group of knights playing dice and unlike his companions, shows a good deal of felicity with the dice.  Although his first roll is not so good, on the second round he wipes the floor with his opponent.  Several of those around him congratulate Sir Daron and comment on his great skill.

Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Daron, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).

Sir Daron takes a check in Gaming.

Sir Aeddan

Like Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan has a bit of trouble with the musical arts.  Perhaps it is a case of stage fright, or perhaps he is just lousy at singing.  Whatever the case, Lady Blodeuyn claps and cheers excitedly.  While she can pretty clearly tell that he was not only a bit off key but rushed missed part of the second entirely.  Still, she come over, "that was lovely, Sir Aeddan.  Thank you.  Perhaps later we could sing a duet?"

It seems that Blodeuyn does not have high expectations for young knights' artistic skills but appreciates the courage it takes to try something in public at which you are not particularly skilled.

Sir Rhydwyn

Sir Ryhdwyn continues playing but seems to have a run of bad luck as the knight he is playing against wins on the very next hand.  Perhaps more alcohol is the answer?

Sir Rhydwyn rolled 5 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).

---

The fourth course is capon pastries and crisps.  So, more meat, is the answer.  And, more wine, more mead, and more ale!  It seems that the hall is becoming noisier as the drinking continues.

As the plates and dishes and platters are removed, King Idres takes to the dance floor with his wife and after a few spins is joined by his son, Prince Mark.  A handful of the greater nobles join in after a few more measures.  Once the first dance is complete, others are invited to join.

Sir Daron is in fair spirits after his win and the dice tables but refrains from eating or drinking at all from this course on - as always his concern is motivated as much for the health of his purse as for his body. Capon pastries would be an expensive luxury to grow fond of!

With no maiden of his own to woo and his stern distrust of the fairer sex the young knight is a mere observer as the others dance.

It is time. Sir Abloc rise from his seat and approach Lady Gwendolyn. His throat is dry. His heart is racing. How can someone as beautiful as her be so cruel as to ask him to dance? He glance at her father before finding the courage to bow to her and say "My Lady? I have never been so afraid before but if I do not ask you to dance with me I know in my heart I will regret it for the rest of my life."

And if there is a God in Heaven then He will have mercy on a poor young knight and make angels whisper in his ears how to dance.

His courage buoyed by Lady Blodeuyn's earlier enthusiasm, as well as by Sir Abloc standing up first, Sir Aeddan rises from his seat and approaches the young lady.  Her smile makes his heart leap and he addresses her.  "My lady, if you can help me stumble through a dance as happily as you suffered through my singing, I would be forever grateful.  Would you kindly stand up with me?"

Sir Aeddan's young heart is very much in the lady's hands this evening.

Rhydwyn will gladly enjoy more mead after the string of losses he had.

Sir Daron

While it is not easy to pass up such delights, Sir Daron is steadfast in his refusal to succumb to the many delicacies laid before him.  Instead, he watches his brother knights head out onto the dance floor and perhaps to their doom.

While there are a couple of dozen knights and ladies dancing, Sir Daron notices that a lot of eyes are following his brother knights, and especially the ladies with whom they are dancing.  Many of those eyes appear more than a little envious.

Sir Daron, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Daron takes a check in Awareness.

Sir Abloc

It seems that Sir Abloc's prayers are answered as the lovely Gwendolyn whispers encouragement into his ear as they dance.  While it is not enough to prevent him from the occasional misstep, her own skill is such that the couple look competent enough.

Although he is the smallest of his companions, Sir Abloc is a giant compared to the diminutive Gwendolyn (SIZ: 7).  He is almost afraid to hold so delicate a creature, his rough hands on her delicate fingers.  "Thank you for the dance, Sir Abloc," Gwendolyn says with a pretty curtsy and a prettier smile.  She smells of cinnamon and the scent lingers in his nostrils long after they have parted.

Sir Abloc, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Dancing.
Gwendolyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Dancing.

Sir Aeddan

And soon enough, the Lady Bloeuyn is in Sir Aeddan's hands as they whirl about the dance floor.  Sir Aeddan's lack of skill at dancing is easily overshadowed by Blodeuyn's expertise.  She dances beautifully and although it is not really his area, it is quite clear to Sir Aeddan that she is quite an accomplished dancer.

Holding her as close as the dance allows, Sir Aeddan marvels at her soft hands, creamy complexion, and the scent of honeysuckle.  In fact, it takes him a few moments to realize that the dance is over.  "You did just fine, Sir Aeddan.  Perhaps if we practice more you will become more fluent," Lady Blodeuyn says, breaking the spell . . . or perhaps casting another.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Dancing.
Blodeuyn, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Dancing.

Sir Rhydwyn

The mead goes down smoothly and warms Sir Rhydwyn, helping him get over his recent losses.  He wonders idly whether it is harder to charge into battle against a massed foe or walk across the dance floor in front of all your fellows?

While there are a couple of dozen knights and ladies dancing, Sir Rhydwyn notices that a lot of eyes are following his brother knights, and especially the ladies with whom they are dancing.  Many of those eyes appear more than a little envious.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Awareness.

---

The knights have made it passed the halfway point and Sir Aeddan and Sir Abloc have faced grave challenges.  Speaking of challenges, it is time for some feast challenges!

After another lovely course, this time a selection of local and imported cheeses, knights challenge one another on their knowledge and skill.

Sir Daron is challenged to knowledge about Industry.  "What makes bread rise?" 

Sir Abloc is challenged to knowledge about boating.  "How do you sail into the wind?"

Sir Aeddan is challenged to knowledge about Intrigue.  "Where were the Angles defeated this summer?"

Sir Rhydwyn is challenged to knowledge about Battle.  "What is the signal for 'retreat?'"

Sir Daron waves away the cheeses from his own plate; he has already eaten and drunk enough this evening.

When it comes to the question Sir Daron raises an eyebrow. "I am not knowledgeable in the ways of peasants."

Though he has a fair idea of the 'correct' answer Sir Daron suspects the question is itself the trap and no well born knight would confess to knowing the answer.

Sir Abloc looks puzzled by the question but try and reply "You position yourself in such a way that the sail is angled correct. That is in a direction that is slightly more forward than the sail force. That will make the boat move forward because the keel acts to the water much like the sail acts to the wind. People call it tacking." Sir Abloc knows nothing of boating but for once it useful to come from a village of fishermen.

And yet he find it hard to concentrate. The scent of cinnamon is still in his nostrils reminding him of ... her.

---

OOC: I know nothing of sailing, tacking and jibing. If the answer comes off as a bit dry it is because I had to look it up. Sorry :)

Sir Aeddan needs to stop and recall something the lady Morgana told him while they searched for the Saxons and Loorette.  "King Nanteleod defeated the Angles this fall at Hertford," he responds, hoping that he sounds more confident than he feels.

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 26):

Rhydwyn eagerly taps out a pattern he has known since a boy. With that he will start it to keep an eye out for any lads who might be amenable to a bit of fun after the feast.

16:10, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  battle 13.

Sir Abloc gets a check in Boating, Sir Aeddan gets a check in Intrigue, and Sir Rhydwyn gets a check in Battle.  Not sure if Sir Daron should get a check in Despise (Peasants)?  :)

The penultimate course is served, and it is, you guessed it, more meat!  Roast chicken this time.  Perhaps something plain enough that it will tempt the frugal Sir Daron?  Although these seem to be especially plump chickens with a glaze of honey.

Sir Rhydwyn catches the eye of a burly youth. 

Any last actions?  The ladies and nobles will be departing immediately following the last course, after which things tend to get a little more rowdy.

Sir Daron shifted in his seat, idly picking at his food and counting the moments til he could depart. He planned to leave as soon as the nobles and ladies made their own exit.

Rhydwyn will enjoy more meat and ale.

Sir Abloc approach Sir Enodoc and Lady Gwendolyn and ask them both for permission to write to Lady Gwendolyn.

And then he approach Bishop Llawr and ask him for advice. Sir Abloc wish to commission a new altar piece to the church in Clethor but he does not know where to find an artist able to do such work. Perhaps the Bishop know who Sir Abloc can approach?

When that is done he see no reason to stay at the feast so he retire before things get too rowdy.

This course being birds, Sir Aeddan quietly declines the offered meat.  But he sips more ale and stays to talk with his compatriots.  Before the knights and ladies leave, he bids a fond good night to Lady Blodeuyn and a respectful good night to her father.

He'll stay after the nice people leave, hoping to find an outlet for his *ahem* excessive energy this evening.  Preferably a friendly woman with whom he can talk, too; he watches among the serving staff for someone to catch his eye.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Thu 29 July 2021.

Sir Daron beats a hasty retreat from the Hall as soon as it is polite to do so.  Escaping the tempting food and drink as well as the treacherous women.

Sir Abloc bids good evening to Gwendolyn and her father, promising to write.  Her eyes sparkle as she offers her hand.  Next stop, the Bishop, who recommends a local artist who has done some fine work.  Sir Abloc then follows in the footsteps of his companion, Sir Daron. 

Sir Aeddan bids the lovely Blodeuyn and her father a good night and similarly promises to write.  Lady Blodeuyn offers her gallant knight her hand with a sweet smile.  Once the ladies and nobles have departed, Sir Aeddan locates a serving maid and the pair wander off.  Make a Lustful or Chaste roll to see how the night goes.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Awareness.

Sir Rhydwyn meets up with the young server and the pair head out of the hall.  Make a Lustful or Chaste roll to see how the night goes.

---

Thus ends the feast and the year.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn each get a point in Awareness for multiple successes.

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 36):

The two enjoy the night.

16:47, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 2 using 1d20 ((2))

Sir Aeddan and his companion, too, enjoy their time together.

OOC: Sir Aeddan rolled 7 using 1d20

Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Lustful.