The long winter is finally over, flowers bloom and buds appear on the trees.  After months of mainly staying within your manor, it is nice to be outside once again.  Over the winter, Sir Abloc and Lady Gwendolyn and Sir Aeddan and Lady Blodeuyn exchanged a couple of letters.  The most recent letters from the ladies included invitations to a hunt to be held by Count Dingad of East Hundred (Sir Enodoc and Sir Manhogan's liege).  Each is encouraged to bring a friend.

And so a bright, brisk morning finds the four companions riding south toward the outskirts of a small forest near the Count's castle.  In addition to some fresh air, exercise, and some fresh meat, this is a social hunt, which will involve a more picnic-like atmosphere.  There are to be about a dozen other knights as well as a number of ladies present.  Lady Gwendolyn and Lady Blodeuyn will, of course, be present.

It is customary to bring a small gift to your host, something 1£ or less.  (A list of standard prices can be found: https://www.eisinger.net/pbem/...agon_Price_Chart.pdf)

Arriving, Sir Enoduc introduces you to Count Dingad.

Other than the Count, Sir Enoduc, and Sir Manhogan, there are 12 knights and eight ladies, including Blodeuyn and Gwendolyn.  Loorette s not here.

You are free to interact with the two ladies you know or their fathers; use heraldry to try to recognize any of the knights; Intrigue to learn about the ladies; or anything else that you would like.

---

Hunt Procedure:

There are six to ten rounds in a day, each round lasting one hour.  In Winter it is six, Spring and Fall eight, and Summer ten.  For a social hunt, some of those rounds will be taken up by socializing.  The hunt will last for several days.

1.  Search for prey
- Each knight begins by making a hunting roll, success means a trail was found (roll on the prey table).



2. Chase
- A track is found and the dogs are set loose.
- Roll Hunting opposed to the prey's evasion score (in parenthesis)
- If successful, go to #4.
- If you succeeded at hunting but did not beat the prey's evasion roll, you are still on the trail, try #2 again.
- If you failed your hunting roll, go to #3.
- If you fumbled your hunting roll, you lost the trail,  Return to #1.

3. Obstacles
- Roll on the Obstacle Table and attempt to overcome the obstacle.
- If successful, you are still on the hunt, return to #2.
- If unsuccessful, you lost the trail, return to #1.



4. The Kill
- You get one free unopposed attack.
- If the prey survives, it attempts to evade.  Roll weapon versus its evasion score.
- Critical success - double damage, continue the fight.
- Success - normal damage, continue to the fight.
- Evasion beats your weapon skill; failure; or fumble - prey escapes.   Return to 1.

Due to the prey being harried by dogs, it will try to escape rather than fight.  Monsters on the Special Prey table may be more, aggressive.

Sir Daron arrives with his squire Brice, carrying a tame bird of prey - a trained hawk as a gift of thanks for Count Dingad.

"Thank you my lord for hosting this hunt," he says, before bowing in turn to Lady Gwendolyn and Lady Blodeuyn. "And thank you miladies."

In truth the young knight is not looking forward to this; he has ever been a poor huntsman. Still he conceals his fears of embarrassment and busies himself with the business of preparing for the hunt, while hopefully not falling off his horse or getting lost.

---

OOC:

Hunt Round 1

16:40, Today: Sir Daron rolled 8 using 1d20.  Hunting @10. (Success)

16:40, Today: Sir Daron rolled 6 using 1d20.  Prey. (Red Deer)

16:41, Today: Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting @10 (Red Deer @15). (Failure)

16:41, Today: Sir Daron rolled 18 using 1d20.  Obstacle. (Dogs Baying)

16:43, Today: Sir Daron rolled 3 using 1d20.  Awareness @15. (Success.)

Rhydwyn arrives with his squire. He had offered Count Dingad a silver brooch, thanking the man for his hospitality.
19:26, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 11 using 1d20.  vs hunting 11.

Sir Abloc arrives with his squire Wigan. He is thrilled to be out again after a long winter and with Spring comes the opportunity to see fair Lady Gwendolyn. As a gift to Count Dingad he carries a tapestry. A good sturdy quality tapestry (£1] even though Sir Abloc imagines a Count must have many to chose from and certainly many of better quality.

Before beginning the hunt he express his gratitude to being allowed to join the Count's hunt. He pays attention to the other knights present at the hunt wondering who else the Count has invited. He make certain to ask Sir Enodoc how the rebuilding of Landow Manor is coming along and cant stop from acting like a schoolboy in love while around Lady Gwendolyn.

---

Hunt Round 1

1. Search for Prey

Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 10 (Failure)

Sir Aeddan purchases a pair of young hawks and a soft-coated spaniel puppy.  One hawk he gives to Sir Dingad, along with respectful thanks for his hospitality; the other he retains for now.  He offers the puppy to Sir Manhogan, asking if Sir Manhogan will permit the Lady Blodeuyn to raise it as a pet and companion.

The Count thanks the knights for their thoughtful gifts.  Sir Manhogan accepts the puppy from Sir Aeddan, exclaiming that Blodeuyn will love it.

The Hunt begins!

Note: This is a different procedure for running a hunt than I have used in the past and I am working through the mechanics to see how it works.  I have color-coded knights' names to indicate which Stage they will be in at the beginning of the next action.  Red for 1, Yellow for 2, Orange for 3, and Green for 4.  I screwed up Sir Daron, who should have been back in Yellow after Action 3 but can't be bothered to fix it.

Morning

Round 1
Action 1

The knights head off into the woods and Sir Daron is the first to spot the trail of a Red Deer.  Sir Rhydwyn also finds the trail but Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan, perhaps their minds back with the young ladies, wander off into the woods, missing the trail.

Sir Daron rolled 8 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Sir Daron takes a check in Hunting, while Sir Rhydwyn (critical) and Sir Aeddan (fumble) each take a point in Hunting.

Action 2

Sir Daron is distracted by dogs braying, while Sir Rhydwyn continues to follow the deer.  Sir Aeddan finally picks up the trail, but Sir Abloc seems to be riding in circles.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Avoidance.

Sir Aeddan gets a check in Hunting, while Sir Rhydwyn takes a point in Hunting (critical).

Action 3

Sir Rhydwyn comes upon the deer and swings with his sword but misses.  Sir Daron manages to pick the trail up again and he and Sir Rhydwyn will be able to make another attack next action.  Sir Abloc finally picks up the trail but Sir Aeddan is startled by some flushed birds.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Abloc, rolled 4 using 1d20.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Obstacle.


Action 4

Sir Daron manages to slash the beast, while Sir Rhydwyn still seems to have trouble connecting with the animal.  Sir Aeddan manages to recover from the sudden appearance of the birds, while Sir Abloc's horse runs into some thick brush.

Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 6d6.  Damage.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Abloc, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Obstacle.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.  Sir Aeddan takes a check in Horsemanship.

The deer takes 16 - 4 = 12 damage.


Round 2
Action 1

Although Sir Daron misses on his second swing, Sir Rhydwyn finally connects, wounding the deer.  Sir Abloc manages to get out of the heavy brush, and Sir Aeddan finally locates his companions and the deer.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Avoidance (8 - wounded).
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Horse DEX.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Hunting.  Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Sword.

The deer takes 19 - 4 = 15 damage

Action 2

Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Daron fail to connect with the animal but Sir Aeddan rides up and dispatches the deer.  Sir Abloc, meanwhile, is distracted by men shouting somewhere.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 10 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Sword.

The deer takes 10 -4 = 6 damage and is killed.

Attendants cart the carcass back to the camp, while the trio locate Sir Abloc.  We are halfway through the morning.  You can return and spend some time with the other knights or the ladies, or continue hunting until lunch is called.  Feel free to roll Hunting if you are continuing the hunt.

Surprised and impressed by his success Sir Daron decides to keep up the hunt until lunch.

---

OOC:
02:52, Today: Sir Daron rolled 19 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.

Refusing to accept defeat and not wanting to return to Lady Gwendolyn with nothing Sir Abloc push forward.

---

1) Search for Prey

Sir Abloc rolled 10 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 10 (Critical(?) Success)

Sir Abloc rolled 10 using 1d20.  Prey (Red Deer)

2) Chase

Sir Abloc rolled 9 using 1d20.  Red Deer @ 15 (Success +6) vs Sir Abloc rolled 6 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 10 (Success +4)

3) Obstacles

Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Obstacles (Hidden Ditch; Awareness)

Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Awareness @ 9 (Failure)

And that's it - correct?

Relieved and grateful to have struck the fatal blow to the morning's quarry without making too much of a fool of himself, Sir Aeddan decides to mingle socially with other knights until lunchtime.  He's looking for insignia he recognizes from his father's tales of glory, hoping to then ask a knight of his acquaintance for an introduction.

His go-to approach is to compliment the recognized knight based on what he knows from his father's stories.  He's quite aware that Dad had a tendency to embellish, but knights seem willing to look at the past through Sir Daeddon's rosy lens.

Sir Abloc & Sir Daron

Morning
Round 2
Actions 3-4
The pair continue hunting and Sir Abloc locates the trail of Red Deer, while Sir Daron searches around.  However, the deer manages to get away when Sir Abloc fails to notice a ditch.

Sir Abloc rolled 10 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc rolled 10 using 1d20.  Prey.
Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Abloc rolled 6 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Obstacles.
Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Hunting and a point in Hunting (Critical).

Round 3
Actions 1-4

Trying to find the trail once more, Sir Abloc eventually locates it, while Sir Daron continues to struggle to locate some sign of the animal.  The deer manages to avoid Sir Abloc but Sir Daron finally locates the trail and soon joins his brother knight.  Some birds are flushed by Sir Daron's horse, which spooks Sir Abloc's horse, but both manage to retain their seat and continue after the fleeing deer.  However, with a burst of speed and a stunning jump, the deer bounds across a stream and is gone.

Sir Daron, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Prey.
Sir Abloc, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Daron, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Abloc, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Abloc, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Avoidance.

Sir Abloc and Sir Daron each take a check in Hunting.  Sir Abloc takes a check in Horsemanship.  Sir Daron takes a point in Horsemanship (Critical).  They can hear the horn signalling lunch is about to be served, and head back in the direction of camp.  (Red deer are difficult, especially with only two knights.  :( )

Sir Aeddan

Sir Aeddan looks around at the other knights but does not recognize anyone that his father talked about.  He talks to a few of the knights in hopes of determining if any of his father's old friends are about but does not have any success in this venture.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Recognize.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Heraldry.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Courtesy.

---

Lunch involves some fresh game as well as wine.  Blankets are laid down on the ground and individuals, pairs, or small groups sit and eat or chat.

Determine who you are eating with and what you would like to do.  As always, you can use whatever skills seem appropriate to the occasion.  Lunch will last a couple of rounds so that you will have the opportunity to do more than one thing should you so choose.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:51, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

Rhydwyn would likely be spending time with his brothers-in-arms in the group enjoying the fresh game.

At lunch, Sir Aeddan cannot resist the opportunity to spend some time with the lady Blodeuyn.  Because they are in public and in full view of her father, he'd love to sit just with her on a blanket as they eat, knowing that this will not compromise her in any way.  But he will not object to anyone else joining them for food or conversation.

Sir Abloc actually enjoys himself and cant help but laugh as the deer once again gets away. Yes he would love to bring a majestic trophy back with him to Lady Gwendolyn but he is almost happy to see the deer once again nimbly outsmart him.

As he returns for lunch he make jokes about being bested by a deer and how unlucky he was. The sight of Lady Gwendolyn only makes him smile even more. He approach her during lunch and thanks her for writing him during the winter. For coping with his poor handwriting and for making the dark cold Winter warmer and brigter than ever before. He also thanks Sir Enodoc for allowing him to write his daughter and ask about the rebuilding of the manor.

as he eat lunch he try and recognize any of the other guests at the hunt. He is knows hunts are more than just social encounters. Often diplomacy - and treachery - can be found at hunts and he wonders who is who and what they are doing.

Sir Daron takes a moment to share the feast with Sir Rhydwyn. Truthfully the young knight feels a little awkward at the social occasions; as someone with no time or patience for womenfolk he can hardly talk to them and he feels too green a knight to talk to his elders easily.

"I am so glad that you were able to come on the hunt, Sir Aeddan," Blodeuyn announces when the pair are seated and unpacking the lunch that has been provided.  The day is pleasant, the sun providing long-forgotten warmth and a light breeze bringing the scent of early flowers.

"It is nice to have the chance to actually talk, although I very much appreciate getting your letters.  Tell me more about rescuing Loorette," she exclaims, "I don't really know her as she is from West Hundred (the next county over) but it seems from what I have heard that it was quite an adventure retrieving her."

Sir Aeddan, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Courtesy.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Intrigue.  The results of which will be revealed soon.

Sir Aeddan still seems to get a little tongue-tied around the lovely Lady Blodeuyn but she seems to find it adorable.

Sir Enodoc greets Sir Abloc cordially and assures him that the manor is coming along nicely.  While not completely finished, the main buildings should be done by year end and most of the orchards and fields have already recovered.

Lady Gwendolyn invites Sir Abloc to dine with her and the pair find a blanket in the shade of a large elm tree.

"It is so nice to see you again, the Winter was too long," Gwendolyn says.  Putting some chicken and vegetables on a plate for Sir Abloc she asks, "how did the hunt go this morning?"  Upon learning that he was unable to catch a deer she offers, "perhaps you would have better luck if you wore my favor," she unwraps a black and red strip of silk from around her neck, wrapping it around his arm.  It smells of cinnamon.

Sir Abloc, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Recognize.
Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Courtesy.
Sir Abloc, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Courtesy.

Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Daron sit and enjoy the fresh meat and listen idly to the talk among some of the knights sitting nearby.  It is difficult to catch everything that is being said and with multiple conversations going on it is necessary to concentrate on a signal individual at a time.  Even so, Sir Daron hears that Prince Mark has been sent to Salisbury and Countess Ellen's Court at Sarum to try to propose an alliance against King Nanteleod of Escavalon.  Meanwhile, Sir Rhydwyn overhears something about King Nanteleod planning to attack Cornish positions in Somerset this summer.

Sir Daron, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn take checks in Intrigue.

Another round of lunch to go before the afternoon hunt.

"It will be an honor to wear your favor, my Lady. I ... I ... I am grateful for your letters this Winter. Whenever I received a letter it was as if Spring arrived. The darkness wasnt so dark and the cold wasnt so cold and now that I sit here I must say you are more beautiful than I ever remembered." He suddenly pause and fumbles with his plate. "I am sorry. I have said too much and did not mean to offend you. Or your father ... " he glance at Sir Enodoc. "... I wonder if he will ever accept me".

Sir Daron frowns. "King Nanteleod seems a good fighter; it sounds like we'll be busy in the summer."

The young knight looks around to see if any of his brothers in arms would be interested in a game of dice or two before they pick up the hunt.

"It was an adventure indeed," Sir Aeddan replies to Lady Blodeuyn's question about rescuing Loorette.  "We knew only as much as you and Lady Gwendolyn had been able to tell us of her whereabouts.  No one could tell us more.  So we sought the counsel of the lady Morgana, Queen Ygraine's daughter, knowing that she has a particular talent for gathering information.  She had learned that Loorette was likely with the Saxons, so our group split in two and approached them from two directions, hoping to find our advantage.  We somehow did, and by some miracle we retrieved Loorette and found each other, all in the same night."

Sir Aeddan stops for a moment, then tentatively adds, "We, and of course the lady, owe Lady Morgana a debt of gratitude.  Things could not have gone so well without her help.  I came into the knighthood expecting to fight alongside, and against, other knights.  But I am learning that women can be powerful allies.  And, I suppose, powerful adversaries as well."

As Lady Blodeuyn sits, bathed in golden sunlight and in all the glorious beauty of her youth, Sir Aeddan can only reflect on his unwarranted good fortune in finding both brothers-in-arms and an object of such enchantment, all in his first year of knighthood.  "Thank you for sharing this time with me, Lady Blodeuyn.  Spending time in your presence means more than I thought anything could."

The young lady smiles, "far from, you have been the perfect gentleman and I think that the more my father learns about you the more impressed he will be.  You have already accomplished more than many knights twice your age," Gwendolyn replies.

"The count will probably have some influence in the decision," she adds.

Sir Abloc, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

Blodeuyn cocks a suspicious eyebrow, "the Witch?  I have heard tales about her, enough that I would be very careful in her presence were I forced to be in it."

Brightening she replies, "it was lovely receiving your letters as well.  So few knights taken an interest in reading and writing, I count myself doubly lucky."

Looking around to make sure no one would overhear, she adds, "you might do well to get into the Count's good graces.  He is a close advisor to Prince Mark as well as having some say as to who marries the young ladies of his knights."

Looking over at the count, Sir Aeddan notices that his shield bears a wolf on it.

Sir Daron finds a few knights playing cards and he joins in.  He struggles a little at first but quickly shows his skill at the game, winning the pot on the second hand.

Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).
Sir Daron, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Gaming (@7).

Sir Daron takes a check in Gaming.

Lunch concludes and the knights mount up once more, ready for an afternoon of hunting.

In the morning, I went with whatever prey the first successful hunter found.  If you want to look for specific prey, please announce that and if anyone finds the right trail, you can all head off after it and if you do not find any trail or find a trail but it is the wrong one, then you can look for new tracks the following turn.

Making your hunting (and prey if successful) rolls and feel free to discuss anything among yourselves.

"I'm going to try for a boar," Sir Daron tells his brother knights, before galloping with perhaps misjudged confidence.

---

OOC:
23:00, Today: Sir Daron rolled 15 using 1d20.  Prey (Boar).

22:58, Today: Sir Daron rolled 1 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.

"I will try for a stag," Rhydwyn says as he looks for any tracks.


18:59, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 7 using 1d20.  vs hunting 12.
19:01, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 17 using 1d20.  Prey (Red deer).

Hoping to make an impression on the Count, per Blodeuyn's murmured hint, Sir Aeddan hopes to hunt and kill a wolf.  He does not succeed.

When he notices that Sir Daron seems to have picked up the trail on prey, he joins him.  "Later this afternoon," he says to Sir Daron in a low voice, "we should attempt to kill a wolf.  It might earn us some advantageous attention.  Let our brothers know, if you speak to either of them."

OOC:  Sir Aeddan rolled 10 using 1d20.  Hunt @8.

Sir Abloc is the last to leave reluctant to leave Lady Gwendolyn behind. But he see no other option than to continue the hunt and with a little luck come back with a trophy. He does not care what kind of animal he brings back as long as he brings something back. Anything really.

Soon he picks up a trail and venture deeper and deeper into the woods until he is all alone and too late realize that he is up against something far more than a fallow deer ...

---

1) Search for Prey

Sir Abloc rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 11 (Success)

Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Prey (Fallow Deer)

2) Chase

Sir Abloc rolled 9 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 11 (Success +2) vs Sir Abloc rolled 15 using 1d20.  Fallow Deer @ 18 (Success +3)(Fallow Deer wins)

3) Obstacles

Sir Abloc rolled 2 using 1d20.  Obstacles (Wrong Animal; roll again on Prey Table +5)

Sir Abloc rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Prey (Special)

And I think I will pause here for a moment and let ToT take over ...

Afternoon
Round 4

Sir Daron and Sir Aeddan

After Sir Daron spots the boar's tracks, Sir Aeddan, who did not locate any prey of his own, follows him through the underbrush in pursuit of the wild pig.  As they crash through the woods, the baying of the hounds throws Sir Daron off for a moment but he soon recovers as Sir Aeddan catches up with the boar.

Sir Aeddan, perhaps suffused with adrenaline or over confident as a result of his earlier success, swings wildly at the boar and misses, embedding his sword in a tree trunk.  By the time he wrenches it free, the boar is gone.  Sir Daron, meanwhile, locates a different set of tracks than the ones he and Sir Aeddan had been following.  In fact, very different.  Although he has never seen anything like it, it appears that he has located the trail of a Griffin.  If he (or Aeddan) wishes to pursue it, they must roll a Valorous @ -5.  Griffons can fly, making their Avoidance 30. 

Sir Aeddan, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Daron, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Daron, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Daron, rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Prey.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Sir Daron takes a check in Hunting and a check in Awareness.  Sir Aeddan takes a check in Hunting and a point in Sword (Fumble).

Sir Rhydwyn

Sir Rhydwyn locates some deer tracks and follows them through the forest, the hounds baying as they give chase.  They cross over a stream and it takes him a moment to see where the deer exited the water but he is soon on the trail once more.  As he continues the chase, a horn blast causes him to turn in the wrong direction and it is a couple of minutes before he realizes that he is no longer following the trail and the deer is gone.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Hunting and a point in Awareness (Fumble)

Sir Abloc

Sir Abloc sees large padded paw prints, larger than a lion's and determines that it is almost certainly the mythical Manticore.  Although extremely rare, they occasionally venture down from the mountains to eat men.  A manticore has three rows of teeth and a scorpion's tail.  If Sir Abloc wants to pursue the beast, he must make a Valorous roll @ -10. 

Sir Abloc takes a check in Hunting.

---

Unless one or more people feel like pursuing a mythical beast that is likely to fight back, all four of you can return to the Prey table if you succeed at Hunting.  In general, you are far more likely to succeed as a group than as individuals.  Sir Aeddan has suggesting searching for a wolf to Sir Daron and assuming you all locate one another again, can relay that suggestion on to the others.  You can discuss the merits of this or follow or ignore the suggestion as you please.  As noted earlier, you can all roll on the prey table (if you Hunt successfully) and choose to all follow the same tracks if you like.

A griffon! The king of beasts! For a moment Sir Daron wss struck dumb at the sheer shock of what he had discovered.

Recovering his wits he turned to Sir Aeddan.

"My brother, think what glory we could win if should take such a fabulous beast alive and present it to our liege. We should ride back and get the others - and men with nets and ropes and food to tempt it."

"I am with you, my brother.  Imagine what the ladies will think of roast griffon for supper!"

OOC:  Sir Aeddan rolled 7 using 1d20.  Valorous at 11 (16 -5 modifier).

Sir Aeddan rides back alongside Sir Daron to fetch their brothers-in-arms as well as the extra supplies.

His blood turns to ice and his courage melts away. A manticore! A maneater! To proceed will mean suicide so he turns his horse around and make haste back to the hunting camp. "A manticore" he bellows as he reach camp. "A manticore is loose upon this land. We must stop it!"

He finds comfort in numbers. As many as possible actually. It greatly increases his chances of survival.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Valorous @ 16-10 (Failure)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Tue 10 Aug 2021.

When Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron do not find Sirs Rhydwyn and Abloc immediately, they proceed back towards camp, hoping to find them there.  Sir Aeddan, despite his enthusiasm to show his valour and hunting prowess, will not proceed with the hunt until all four knights have agreed what to do next.

In reply to Sir Aeddan (msg # 32):

Rhydwyn sighs as he realizes he lost the deer. ALthough when he hears the blast, he will look for his brothers-in-arms and head back to the camp.

The four knights find one another and there is a moment of confused yelling before it is determined that there may be a manticore and/or a griffin nearby.

Figure out if you want to try to track one or the other or if you just wish to live to see the morrow.  :)

"We will be in grave danger no matter what beast we decide to hunt down. But hunt we must because if we do not then surely innocent people will be killed by those horrendous beasts. If we merely decide to go after a simple wolf now then we will not be able to call ourself knights or men."

He looks ashamed as he continues.

"I am afraid. There. I said it. I found the manticore's tracks and my blood turned to ice and my courage faltered. I wish it was not so and I know that you my brothers are more couragerous than I will ever be but still I must hunt. We must hunt. But which beast?"

By the time he reunited with the others something of Sir Daron's enthusiasm had faded. "I saw no evidence the fabulous beasts after men. They hide in the deepest parts of the forest. Would we truly be challenging them to protect peasants or simply for our own glory?"

"Perhaps you are right, Sir Daron. Perhaps I am being vain when wanting to hunt one of those beasts." Sir Abloc looks embarassed.

"So what say you, my brothers. Do we hunt for the beasts or do we find less dangerous game?"

"I feel as though the manticore is the much greater threat. That is the beast I feel we should eliminate first."

"I hear you, Sir Rhydwyn, but my courage is failing me. I say we leave the beasts be until they threaten the peasants and maidens of this land. Yes I know it will be seen as a sign of cowardism and perhaps it is. But we will not succeed in defeating either of the beasts."

Seeing that his brother knights are collectively acknowledging the recklessness with which they decided to hunt down mythical beasts, Sir Aeddan too loses his enthusiasm.  "May I suggest that we try again, but together, to hunt?  Our host, Count Dingad, is a close friend to Prince Mark of Cornwall -- King Idres's son -- and Prince Mark's symbol is a wolf.  Let's see if we can hunt a wolf and make an impression of our skills upon Count Dingad.  Surely it will help us make the right sort of name for ourselves."

OOC:  ToT can roll the hunt for us, if we're all in agreement to seek a wolf.  It's a wolf that Sir Aeddan's love interest, Blodeuyn, suggested we try to score today, to impress Count Dingad.

Sir Abloc nods in agreement. "A wolf it is then."

A wolf feels safer than a manticore.

Round 5

The group splits up in search of fresh tracks, hoping to find a wolf that might impress the Count.  Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan have no luck in their search but Sir Rhydwyn finds some Fallow Deer tracks and Sir Daron locates wolf tracks.

Calling the others over, the four let loose the hounds and pursue the wolf tracks.

Sir Abloc, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Prey.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Prey.

Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn take checks in Hunting.

The wolf seems a wily customer and only Sir Abloc is able to catch sight of it, although Sir Rhydwyn is not far behind.  Sir Aeddan's horse is spooked by a strange noise, while Sir Daron's path crosses a hidden ditch.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Wolf, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Daron, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Obstacle.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Obstacle.

Sir Abloc and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Hunting.

Sir Abloc swings at the wolf but misses, while Sir Rhydwyn's horse is startled by a strange noise.  Sir Daron manages to avoid the ditch but Sir Aeddan is unable to get control of his horse and losses the trail.

Sir Abloc, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Sir Daron takes a check in Awareness.

Sir Abloc swings and misses again but the wolf remains in sight.  Sir Rhydwyn manages to calm his horse and get back on the trail but Sir Daron comes upon a stream.  Sir Aeddan wonders somewhat aimlessly through the woods, trying to find the trail once more.

Sir Abloc, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Wolf, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Obstacle.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a point in Horsemanship (critical).

At last, Sir Abloc connects with the Wolf, which is knocked unconscious by the blow (seems wolves are lightweights).  Sir Daron gets his horse to jump the stream while Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Aeddan find the trail once more.

Wolf, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 14 using 5d6.  Damage.

The wolf takes 14 - 2 = 12 points of damage and is knocked unconscious.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Sword.  Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Hunting.  Sir Daron takes a check in Horsemanship.

Sir Abloc dismounts and kneels by the Wolf. Such a magnificient beast deserves some respect. Sir Abloc tells his squire to make preparations to bring the Wolf back to camp while Sir Abloc himself wonders where his companions are.

In reply to Sir Abloc (msg # 43):

Rhydwyn will also dismount and kneel by the wolf for a moment, before standing back up. He will help carry it back as best he can.

Sir Aeddan, who felt foolish a number of times during this hunt, is relieved to finally catch up to his knightly brothers.  The sight of the unconscious wolf is somewhat sobering, particularly as he sees Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Abloc both kneeling by the beast in respect.

Sir Aeddan helps bind the wolf for transport, but he stays behind Sir Abloc as they approach the castle.  His brother knight deserves the credit for this one.

"Well done Sir Abloc," Sir Daron calls out as he arrives and dismounts his horse. "Will you take the beast a symbol for your heraldry?"

Heraldry? The thought hasnt occured to Sir Abloc but now that Sir Daron mentions it he nods. "I am not sure, my brother, but I must admit it does look dashing doesnt it?" he answers with a huge grin.

"And what is even better is that we all managed to stay on our horses!"

The four return to camp with the wolf, trussed and unconscious.  The other knights have not returned as yet and the Count is chatting with Sir Manhogan.  Looking over at the four as they return, he gestures the, over, "what have you got there?" he inquires.

"A wolf, my Lord" Sir Abloc cries out. "A wolf in honor and you and our Prince Mark of Cornwall. A beast both fiercesome and honorable, graceful and dangerous."

Sir Abloc dismounts and bows to his host.

In reply to Sir Abloc (msg # 49):

Rhydwyn also bows, but allows Abloc to do the talking.

Sir Daron dismounts and bows, but is content to let Sir Abloc take his rightful glory.

Count Dingad smiles, "that is a fine catch indeed, Sir Abloc," he says, looking around at the other knights.  "I am impressed.  Perhaps the four of you would care to join me tomorrow morning?  I plan to do a special boar hunt on foot without the dogs," he continues.  "It is a bit more sporting."

The procedure will be a bit different and the boar will fight back, making it a bit more dangerous.

"It will be a great honor to join in the boar hunt, my Lord." Sir Abloc replies and smiles. Boars are dangerous prey but it wont be until tomorrow. And until then he will have time to spend with fair Lady Gwendolyn.

"An honor, my lord," Sir Aeddan chimes in.  Although he is excited at the prospect of impressing Count Dingad, and by extension Prince Mark, he is also thinking that any glory attached to his name will increase his chances of a good opinion by Lady Blodeuyn's father.

The count smiles, "excellent, I will see you all bright and early then."  Some retainers take possession of the wolf and soon other groups of knights return from the hunt.  While a couple have dear and one a bear, several groups return empty-handed.

Tables are set out with linen table cloths, porcelain dishes, and silver utensils.  Soon enough a large selection of food has been presented.  Although nothing particularly special, the food is all quite fresh, which is a welcome respite after the long winter.  The ladies are all present, although they will be retiring to their respective manors after the meal, while the knights stay on for a second day's hunting.

You have some time to interact with others in whatever way you see fit.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan each take 10 Glory for a killing blow and Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Daron each take 5 Glory for their part in the hunts.

Sir Aeddan would like to spend some time talking with Lady Blodeuyn.  If they can speak without being overheard, he'll thank her for her excellent advice regarding the day's hunting.    He'll tell her that he feels honored to be acquainted with someone who can so thoughtfully assess a situation.  He'd also like to ask her how she's getting along with her new puppy; that discussion can take place even if they might be overheard.

Sir Rhydwyn will spend time talking with some of the other knights, talking about the hunts. He will see if any of them might want to join the rest of the group for the second day's hunt.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:43, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

Sir Gwendolyn spend whatever time he can find with Lady Gwendolyn talking about .. well .. anything she wants to talk about really. He make a promise to himself to do well this Summer he will ask for her hand in marriage.

And his heart breaks a little when Lady Gwendolyn leave and return home after the meal.

Sir Daron has little to say. Tired after the hunts so far and with no maiden to talk with, he is content simply to rest a time and partake of lunch.

Sir Aeddan

Lady Blodeuyn is happy to chat with Sir Aeddan in semi-private and blushes at his compliments.  She is very happy to have been helpful and hopes that the morrow's hunt will help Sir Aeddan and his companions get the visibility they deserve.  And of course she loves her new puppy Galiant!

Sir Abloc

Lady Gwendolyn talks at length about restoration of Landow Manor.  It seems very much to be a subject that interests her.  Sir Abloc quickly senses that the young lady has spent a great deal of time watching over progress and learning as much as possible about improvements, building projects, and running a manor.

Sir Rhydwyn

The hunt with the Count in the morning is a private affair, by invitation of the Count.  Perhaps best not to mention it to the Count's knights who were not invited.  :)

Sir Daron

The food is good but not so much so that Sir Daron will become too enamored with food he can scarcely afford.

Day 2

In the morning, the knights are out bright and early, or more to the point, early before it become too bright.  The four walk up in the pre-dawn to find the Count talking to three other knights.  In the dim light, you don't recognize any of the three.

Seeing the four companions approach, the Count comes over to greet them as the other three knights head into the woods in search of tracks.  Other than the Count, none of the knights are displaying coats of arms (the players do not have coats of arms yet and they are only just starting to come into vogue for normal knights).

"Ready to hunt down a boar?" the Count asks.  "It should be a splendid morning for a hunt!"

The four are provided with boar spears (use lance skill) and can set out on foot in search of tracks.

---

Roll your hunting and if applicable, prey table rolls.  If anyone finds boar tracks they can alert the others.  If no one finds boar tracks, we will try again.  I will take care of subsequent rolls after the prey table roll.  You are all on foot in armor, no dogs, armed with boar spears.

Sir Abloc rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 11

Sir Abloc rolled 8 using 1d20.  Search for Prey (Red Deer)

---

Sir Abloc venture into the woods. On the ground and armed only with a boar spear. It doesnt make him feel safe at all. He steps softly and moves ahead slowly searching for tracks but all he finds are signs of Red Deers in the area and that is not what he is looking for.

Sir Aeddan rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting @8.

Sir Aeddan rolled 9 using 1d20.  Search for prey: red deer.

Sir Aeddan searches for tracks but only finds signs of a red deer.  He keeps looking.

Sir Daron ventured into the woods, his boar spear in hand. Unfortunately either prey or his hunting instincts seemed to be lacking.

---

OOC: 12:40, Today: Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.

Rhydwyn will look for any tracks he can.

14:21, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 5 using 1d20.  vs hunting 11.
14:22, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 15 using 1d20.  hunting table (bull).

The knights go off into the woods in search of tracks and although Sir Daron seems to wander off somewhat randomly, the others all manage to find a trail, although mostly it is deer.

Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Hunting.

Then, two voices ring out from different directions, the Count shouts "I found boar tracks!" at almost the same instant that one of the three knights shouts the same.

You can head north toward the count's trail and roll hunting to see if you can Chase (Step 2), you can head south toward the other knight's trail and roll hunting to see if you can Chase (Step 2), or you can continue looking for your very own boar trail.

Sir Abloc rush north in the direction of the Count. He doubt his own skills wwhen it comes to tracking so no need for him to try and find his own boar.

---

Chase:

Sir Abloc rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 11 (Success +9) vs Sir Abloc rolled 7 using 1d20.  Boar @ 10 (Success +3)(Result: Sir Abloc wins)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Tue 14 Sept 2021.

Sir Aeddan, too, heads in the direction of the Count, succeeding in Chase.

Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting @8.

Sir Daron swiftly moved in the direction of the voice he recognised.

Rhydwyn will follow the count and the tracks he found.

12:46, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 19 using 1d20.  vs hunting 11.

Round 1

Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Rhydwyn head north toward the sound of the Count's voice.  While Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan are able to locate and follow the trail, Sir Rhydwyn is startled by a loud horn blast and is forced to backtrack.

Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting @8.
Sir Abloc rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 11.
Boar (North), rolled 15 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Rhydwyn rolled 19 using 1d20.  vs hunting 11.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Obstacle.

Meanwhile, Sir Daron heads to the south and is reassured to find that he was right in identifying the voice as that of Prince Mark.  The two head into the woods, following the trail of the boar.

Sir Daron, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Boar (South), rolled 14 using 1d20.  Avoidance.

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

Round 2

Sir Daron and Prince Mark each score mighty blows against their boar with their long spears.  While gravely injured, the animal manages to turn on them and prepare one final attack against the two knights.

Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.
Prince Mark, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Lance.
Prince Mark, rolled 28 using 6d6.  Damage.

Sir Daron takes a check in Lance.

The Boar takes 20 - 5  = 15 damage but remains upright.
The Boar takes 28 - 5  = 23 damage but remains upright.  While this is enough damage to knock the boar unconscious, it continues to fight for one more round.

To the north, Count Dingad is unable to properly position his spear, but fortunately, Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan both skewer the beast.  However, the boar remains quite spry and turns to attack.  Meanwhile, Sir Rhydwyn manages to recover and locate the trail.

Count Dingad, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Abloc, rolled 11 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan take a check in Lance and Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Awareness.

The Boar takes 19 - 5  = 14 damage but remains upright.
The Boar takes 11 - 5  = 6 damage but remains upright.

Round 3

The boar charges Prince Mark, raking the Prince with its tusks as the Prince's Spear is knocked aside by the force of the blow.  Although staggered, the Prince remains on his feet.  Sir Daron, meanwhile, stabs the Boar with the point of his spear, killing the beast.

Prince Mark, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Spear.
Boar (South), rolled 13 using 1d20.  Tusk Slash.
Boar (South), rolled 19 using 6d6.  Damage.
Prince Mark, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Spear.
Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 6d6.  Damage.

Prince Mark takes 19 - 12  = 7 damage but remains on his feet.
The Boar takes 16 - 5  = 11 damage and dies.

Sir Daron takes a check in Lance.

To the north, the boar charges the Count.  The boar knocks aside the COunt's spear and gores him with its tusks.   Sir Aeddan jabs wildly with his spear, missing the target.  However, Sir Abloc scores a blow against the ravaging porker.  Sir Rhydwyn continues to follow the trail and arrives at the fight, spear ready.

Count Dingad, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Spear.
Boar (North), rolled 11 using 1d20.  Tusk Slash.
Boar (North), rolled 18 using 6d6.  Damage.
Count Dingad, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Spear.
Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Spear.
Sir Abloc, rolled 13 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Hunting.

Count Dingad takes 18 - 12  = 6 damage but remains on his feet.
The Boar takes 13 - 5  = 8 damage but seems unfazed.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Lance and Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Hunting.

Round 4

The boar continues to savage the Count, who is only able to manage a weak jab with his spear, which the boar brushes aside once more.  However, Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn manage to land a couple of powerful blows that are sufficient to kill the boar.  However, the boar continues to fight for one more round.

Count Dingad, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Lance.
Boar (North), rolled 13 using 1d20.  Tusk Slash.
Boar (North), rolled 16 using 6d6.  Damage.
Count Dingad, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 24 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Lance.

Count Dingad takes 16 - 12  = 4 damage but remains on his feet.
The Boar takes 17 - 5  = 12 damage but remains upright.
The Boar takes 24 - 5  = 19 damage and despite taking enough damage to die, it remains fighting for one more round.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Lance.

Round 5

The count manages to finally position his spear properly, in fact perfectly, and impales the thrashing pig.

Count Dingad, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Lance.
Boar (North), rolled 7 using 1d20.  Tusk Slash.

The boar was already dead, so this was just a last chance for it to slash the Count.  Sir Rhydwyn's blow killed it.

Notes:
1.  I usually roll for NPCs.  It doesn't matter most of the time but with the boars' avoidance rolls I didn't want to broadcast which had a better avoidance roll prior to people deciding which trail to attempt to follow.  Prey get a single avoidance roll for all opponents/hunters.

2.  The winner in an opposed resolution is the highest success roll.  How much you succeeded by is irrelevant.  So Knight A 15 sword rolls a 2, Dog A claws 5 rolls a 3, Dog wins because 3 is higher than 2 and both were successes.

"Your highness," Sir Daron says to Prince Mark, "You are wounded!"

The young knight momentarily forgets the boar he has slain to move to aid the injured prince.

"Your lordship," Sir Aeddan says to Count Dingad, "you are wounded!"

The young knight momentarily forgets the boar Sir Rhydwyn has slain to move to aid the injured count.

Although Rhydwyn is glad the boar is dead, seeing that both the Prince and the Count were wounded sends a chill down his spine. He would make his way over to help the prince, though would gather what help he could.

Sir Abloc kneels by the Count and Sir Aeddan and tries to stop the bleeding with whatever he can get his hands on. "Can you move, your lordship? I may know how to stop a bleeding but I fear your lorship could use better assistance than me." Sir Abloc says with a wry smile.

---

---

Sir Abloc attempts to administer First Aid.

Sir Daron

"Just a small gouge," Prince Mark replies, although he allows Sir Daron to perform some basic first aid, at which Sir Daron fails.  Chuckling, the Prince adds, "I am glad that you are better at using a spear than staunching a wound."

The two other knights who had been with Sir Mark appear from the woods, looking a little sheepish at failing to follow the trail and missing the kill.  Prince Mark orders them, "carry that carcass back."  The pair quickly use their spears to spit the boar and head back toward camp with it over their shoulders.

Looking Sir Daron over for a moment he continues, "you are Sir Daron, are you not?  Son of Sir Arcol?  I have heard a great deal about your father and those of your companions.  I was told to keep an eye on you, something that has been easy as you have already started to make a name for yourselves.  Instrumental in taking Wells and Bristol, raided Salisbury and rescued two young Cornish maidens, and then infiltrated a Saxon army to rescue a third," he snorts, shaking his head.  "And all in your first year, very impressive."

As he talks, he limps along slightly, using his spear as a sort of crutch.  Although the wound is undoubtedly painful, it does not appear too severe.  A couple of weeks rest and he will be good as new.

Sir Daron, rolled 13 using 1d20.  First Aid.

---

Sirs Abloc/Aeddan/Rhydwyn

"A rather rambunctious fellow, that," the Count replies, indicating the dead boar.  "Got a couple of good shots at me but I will be fine."  Sir Abloc fails to tend the first wound but Sir Rhydwyn treats the second successfully.  The Count seems to be in a good humor despite the wounds, which are not too severe.

"The young ladies will be gushing over me when they see my bloodied armor," he chuckles.  "You seem rather capable hunters for new knights, and I hear that you've had a busy first year as well," he comments as he tests out walking with the aid of his spear.

Sir Abloc, rolled 13 using 1d20.  First Aid.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 6 using 1d20.  First Aid.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d3.  Healing.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in First Aid.

---

Just a note on Wounds and Healing.  Each wound you take is recorded separately and each wound can be individually healed with a First Aid attempt.  Success gets d3 hp back, Critical gets d6 hp, Failure has no effect, and Fumble causes an additional d3 damage.  You can only get back the amount of the wound you are attempting to heal.  So the Count was wounded twice, Sir Abloc attempted to heal the 6-pt wound and Sir Rhydwyn healed part of the 4-pt wound.  If Sir Rhydwyn had Criticalled, he would have still only been able to heal up to 4 points of damage.  Each wound can only be treated once.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:38, Wed 22 Sept 2021.

"Pure luck, my Lord." Sir Abloc replies with a wry smile and a slight chuckle. "To be honest I hadnt expected knighthood to be so adventurous. Saxons, maidens and war all in one year. I suppose I should count myself lucky to live in such times but if it hadnt been for my brother-knights I would surely have ended up in the annals of history as the shortest-living knight in all of Cornwall."

He pause and looks at the Count's wounds. "Are his Lordship certain he doesnt need any help getting back? We could send for horses?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

In reply to Sir Abloc (msg # 76):

"Aye, I have to agree, Sir Abloc. I couldn't have ever expected it to be like this." As he glances at the Count's wounds, he nods to Abloc. "I think we should send for horses - that way the wound might not get worse than it already is."

The Count replies, "while fortune may have provided opportunity, you were the ones who took advantage.  And certainly infiltrating a Saxon army was something of your own doing that few would have attempted much less succeeded at."

Waving off talk of horses he continues, "no, no, I would prefer to limp out under my own power than be carried out by horses.  Bearing my grievous wound stoically is the right path."

Note:  Sir Rhydwyn is absolutely correct that walking around could cause aggravation and thus slow healing or cause additional damage.  However, the Count's Pride is at stake here and since he is not expecting to be fighting until Summer, he believes that he has plenty of time to rest and recover.  That does not mean everyone else should follow his example.  :)

"Thank you your highness," Sir Daron replies, feeling startled and honoured to be with the prince. "I fear you do me too much credit though sire; I could have achieved nothing without my brothers in arms."

"Of course my Lord" Sir Abloc replies. If the Count is determined to make himself look manly and heroic so be it. He accompany the Count back while constantly making sure the Count is alright.

Prince Mark purses his lips, examining Sir Daron closely for a moment before answering, "no, I think you are deserving of the credit, as are your brethren.  You will find in life that most people are at best adequate at their job, role, or profession.  However, on the edges, there are always that select few such as yourselves who excel while there is a decidedly larger group who seek success through others' accomplishments."

---

The two groups of knights and the wounded lieges arrive back at camp at roughly the same time and as predicted there is a great deal of fawning and sycophantic behavior to be observed.

The hunt is concluding and you have the opportunity to have any final interactions before things close up.  The Count will be passing out gifts before you all leave.

This has only taken up a very small portion of the Spring, so think about any mini adventure your character might wish to take on (nothing too elaborate).  Otherwise, I will come up with something for you.  If you want, you could incorporate something from your Winter rolls.

Sir Abloc spends his time talking to courtiers and knights alike. His thoughts are on Lady Gwendolyn and how he can win her hand in marriage, but he force himself to make polite smalltalk and ... who knows? ... get to know people.

---

OOC: I am up for any mini-adventure you got in mind ToT. A possible idea could be something to do with the religious altar piece he has commisioned for the church in Clethor but I am fine with whatever you want :)

The hunt concludes and the Count present you each with fresh meat from the hunt and a silver dagger.  Treat the gift at £1 you can add to your wealth (food can substitute for the normal cost of food and the dagger can be traded or sold, that is its purpose).

The group returns to their own manors with a month or so until they must muster for King Idres in order to repel invaders from Escavalon over the summer.

Sir Daron gains 25 Glory for hunting with Prince Mark, while Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan get 10 Glory for hunting with the Count, and Sir Rhydwyn gains 10 Glory for hunting with the count and an extra 5 Glory for the killing blow.