"Indeed!" Sir Abloc mutters in reply while donning his armor and grabbing his shield and sword. "They will not get further than this courtyard. No matter what comes through that tunnel we will hold!"

And when he, his brother knights and the men-at-arms descend on the courtyard Sir Abloc does so with all the fury he can muster and with a war cry that will make even Saxons turn tails.

"If it comes to it don't hesitate to kill," Sir Daron says, donning his own armour, shield and sword. "We'll forgo a ransom but remember any prisoner we take will eat into our resources in food and guards needed."

Game Map Group 6 is a rough drawing of the area.  Your four men-at-arms were in a house down the block on the road closest to the wall.  With luck, one got to the gate to warn them while the other three moved to the alley from the courtyard to the road in order to block any enemy from passing.  Your side is denoted in red.  Note it was one of the two observers who went around to your door (you suspect).

The enemy knights in the courtyard mill around while you quietly don your armor and make ready.  Your best guess is that they are adjusting their eyes to the darkness and getting an update from the observer as to the layout of the area, guards, and the like.  You are just tightening your last straps as the remaining observer heads toward the alley on the far side of the courtyard from your own door.  The group of enemy knights begins to cautiously follow.  The knights appear to be moving slowly to avoid making noise and possibly alerting you to their presence, while the observer is probably going to ensure that the path is clear.

Lining up by the door, you open it quietly and charge out with a yell, surprising the enemy knights, who manage to turn to face you but can only defend themselves first round.

Sir Daron manages to get to the commander as the others converge on other knights.  Despite good blows, however, none of the knights are able to do any damage.  Meanwhile, half of the men-at-arms strike blows but none of them are able to do any damage either.  Things are not looking promising so far.

Sir Daron, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 1,14,19,5,12,5.  Sword.
Knights, rolled 7,17,15.  Sword.

Sirs Abloc, Aeddan, Daron, and Rhydwyn each take a check in Sword.

Anything special anyone wants to say or do?

I am using the Ordinary Knight stats for the enemy knights and Notable Knight stats for the commander.  Their Sword skills are all 20/21, which is a bit higher than what I would consider Ordinary at this point but it seems likely that they would send some of their better knights on a mission like this.  That just means more money if you capture them . . . right?

Confident that reinforcements are on the way from the guard tower (or perhaps the Earl himself), Sir Aeddan dismisses his frustration at having been bested by an enemy knight.  He re-engages with new determination to protect his brother knights and the knights in their charge.

Sir Abloc lunge at the enemy with a mighty roar determined to drive them back.

The battle continues, the brave Cornish knights hoping that either their luck improves or reinforcements arrive, soonish.

Sir Daron swings at the Commander once more and hits, but the Commander's blow strikes true, and Sir Daron takes 4 hp through shield and armor and is knocked off his feet.

Sir Abloc's enthusiasm seems to enable him to tag his opponent, causing the man to take 4 hp of damage, although he remains on his feet.  Sir Aeddan hits his opponent but does no damage, while Sir Rhydwyn is similarly hit but takes no damage.

Sir Daron, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 12 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Abloc, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sirs Abloc, Aeddan, Daron, and Rhydwyn take a check in Sword.

Meanwhile, the enemy knights all land staggering blows on your men-at-arms, only two of whom parried.  However, only one of the men is knocked to the ground.  Things are looking increasingly grim as Sir Daron looks like he is about to be skewered by the enemy commander and the men-at-arms are unlikely to survive another round.

It is at this point that the three men-at-arms from the other building arrive, two standing over Sir Daron, and the other taking the place of the downed man-at-arms.  While an improvement, the ultimate outcome does not appear to favor the party.

However, the Commander cocks his head slightly and frowns. He barks an order to his men and the six facing the men-at-arms rush forward at your soldiers.

Sir Daron gets back to his feet while the Commander concentrates on one of the two men-at-arms and knocks him unconscious while the other fails to connect.

Sir Abloc, meanwhile, lands a solid blow on his opponent and although the knight parries, he takes 2 hp of damage and is knocked off his feet.

Sir Aeddan also connects a solid blow and although he does 5 hp of damage, his opponent remains standing.

Although Sir Rhydwyn lands a blow on his opponent, his opponent's strike was better and he takes 1 hp of damage.  Unfortunately, he is unable to remain on his feet.

Commander, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 21 using 5d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Abloc, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sirs Abloc, Aeddan, and Rhydwyn take a check in Sword.

Two of your men-at-arms successfully hit their opponents, one of whom is knocked down.  Another manages to hit his opponent with the same force that he was hit, and neither takes damage.  The newly arrived man-at-arms is knocked down, and two others are knocked unconscious.  The man-at-arms who was knocked down last round gets back to his feet.

Four of your men-at-arms are on the ground, two of which appear not to be moving.  Sir Rhydwyn is struggling to get up.  Two enemy knights have been knocked down and are struggling to get back up.  So eight enemy knights against three knights and five men-at-arms.  The enemy knights' attempt to force their way through your men-at-arms and get toward the alley was thwarted, at least for the moment.

If the enemy commander goes down there is a better chance of victory. He is not out to steal Sir Daron's glory but the commander seems to be a formidable foe. So with renewed fury he slams his shield into his next opponent and swings his sword. Sir Abloc fighting style is never pretty but always efficient and his goal is to drive a wedge into the eenemy and make towards the commander.

The city must not fall. He must not fail in his duties.

---

OOC: A long shot I know but things seems a bit ... desperate. Is it possible to invoke Passion (Lord)? Earl Guinere has been told to hold the city and he in turn has told our characters to guard this secret tunnel. If our characters fall the gate falls and if the gate falls the city falls. So ... I mean ... now is the time where it would be nice to gain an extra +10 to +20 to our rolls :)

Sir Aeddan, whose courage had begun to fail him, takes heart at the sight of Sir Abloc steeling himself and engaging the enemy commander.  "For Earl Guinier!  For Cornwall!" Sir Aeddan exclaims forcefully, taking his best swing at his opponent.

Sir Abloc, his own opponent down, moves over to help the man-at-arms fighting the Commander.  The Commander concentrates all of his attention on Sir Abloc, and the two land equally-vicious blows on one another, resulting in no damage.  However, the man-at-arms manages to do 6 points of damage.  The Commander remains on his feet.

Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 16 using 3d6.  Damage.
Commander, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Sword.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron both land solid hits but are in turn hit by their opponents.  Both remain on their feet but Sir Aeddan takes 4 points of damage and Sir Daron takes 3 points of damage.

Sir Daron, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Daron and Sir Aeddan each take a check in Sword.

Sir Rhydwyn gets back to his feet.

The three Escavalon knights, who knocked their men-at-arms opponents down, head toward the entrance to the alley from the courtyard.  The two men-at-arms who knocked their opponents down, attack them while they are on the ground.  The other two knights and men-at-arms continue fighting.

One of the two men-at-arms who previously knocked his opponent down manages to hit again, but for only 1 point of damage.  However, this prevents the knight from rising.  One of the two men-at-arms fighting a standing opponent manages to block the blow, the other is rendered unconscious, or worse.

You now have four knights and six men-at-arms up, and three men-at-arms unconscious.  The enemy has six knights up, three knights down the alley, and one knight on the ground.  Sir Daron and Sir Aeddan believe that they hear the sound of shouting from the alleyway.

The current scene:
Commander - Sir Abloc + MAA
Knight - Sir Aeddan
Knight - Sir Daron
Knight - MAA
Knight - MAA
Knight -
Knight (Down) - MAA
Sir Rhydwyn and two MAA are free to choose where to go/what to do.

Up to three people can attack a single foe.  Sir Rhydwyn is the weakest of the four with a sword.  You can probably assume that the opposing knight without an opponent will head toward the alley if not challenged.  Disengaging from an upright foe allows an uncontested blow, so no shield to absorb 6 points of damage if you successfully attack but score lower than your opponent.  Your opponents always hit and have been doing ~19-20 damage, although the average is ~17-18.  Multiple opponents require splitting your skill between opponents.

Hoping that the voices he hears are additional Cornwall knights, Sir Aeddan continues his fight with the enemy knight, again exclaiming "Cornwall!" in hopes of summoning the reinforcements.  Unaccustomed to taking damage, he is surprised to find that he can dismiss the pain after a few seconds and retain his focus on the fight.

Sir Abloc continues the attack on the commander. The enemy knight is indeed a formidable opponent. A man to be feared or respected. Or both. After they have once more exchanged blows Sir Abloc calls out to the commander.

"Brave Sir Knight. Please tell me your name so I know who I have the honor to face. Your skill and bravery deserves praise!"

Sir Daron does not speak to his opponent, too preoccupied with fending off blows to talk and trying to ignore his growing weariness.

Sir Rhydwyn engages the available knight, along with one of the free men-at-arm, while the other joins the man-at-arm engaging the Commander with Sir Abloc.

The Commander continues to concentrate solely on Sir Abloc, landing a solid blow that knocks Sir Abloc off of his feet.  Sir Abloc takes one point of damage.  One of the two men-at-arms manages to hit the Commander, but does only a single point of damage and the Commander remains on his feet.

The Commander calls down to Sir Abloc, "I am Eogan."

Sir Abloc, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword.
Commander, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 11 using 3d6.  Damage.
Men-At-Arms, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Sword.

Sir Aeddan's opponent lands a weak blow, sliding easily off of the Cornish knight's armor.  Sir Daron is similarly struck without damage.  Sir Rydwyn, however, manages to land a blow on his foe, but only does a single point of damage.  His opponent remains on his feet.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 9 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Daron, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 11 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn each take a check in Sword.

The man-at-arms with Sir Rhydwyn misses.

Of the remaining three men-at-arms fighting knights, two are knocked unconscious, while the third manages a staggering blow, causing the knight to take 2 points of damage and get knocked to the ground.

The Commander concentrates on one of the two men-at-arm still engaging him and knocks him unconscious with a single blow.  However, the other man-at-arms deals him a staggering blow, causing him 5 points of damage and knocking him from his feet.

Sir Aeddan and his opponent exchange blows but are unable to connect with one another.  Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn each get clobbered for 6 points of damage but manage to remain upright.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Daron, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn each take a check in Sword.

The man-at arms who was figting with Sir Rhydwyn, and the one who knocked the knight down, engage the two knights who knocked their men0at0arms opponents unconscious last round.  One of the men-at-arms is knocked unconscious, but the other is merely staggered by the blow and remains upright.

The current scene:
Commander (down) - MAA
No one - Sir Abloc
Knight - Sir Aeddan
Knight - Sir Daron
Knight - Sir Rhydwyn
Knight - MAA
Knight -
Knight -

The enemy still has seven knights present, all but the Commander standing, two no longer facing any opponent.  You have four knights and two men-at-arms standing, and six men-at-arms unconscious.  You are rapidly running out of men-at-arms and are likely to soon be outnumbered.  You can call on the Commander to surrender but he will not (at least yet).  He will struggle to get back up.  His knights are only lightly wounded, while you are more wounded and soon to be outnumbered (to his mind).

Where is Sir Abloc going?  One of the two available knights, the Commander, to the Alley?  If he goes to the Commander in order to try to keep him on the ground, does the man-at-arms stay there as well or engage one of the free knights?  If no one engages them, they get to choose what to do.

Sir Aeddan stays the course with his current opponent, hoping that their party will land some lucky blows on the enemy.

"Sir Eogan" Sir Abloc cries out as he scramble to his feet. "I am proud to fight such s valiant warrior, but this city will not fall." He lunge towards the commander and hope to land a fiercesome blow on the man.

"Surrender now while you have the chance Sir Eogan and I will treat you like my guest. Continue this fight and you will end up dead on the ground!"

The Commander continues to struggle to get up, the odds still in his favor.  However, Sir Abloc hits him, doing 7 points of damage and keeping him on the ground.

Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Sword.

Sir Aeddan also hits his opponent but is unable to penetrate the knight's armor and shield.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 5d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Sword.

Sir Daron lands a mighty blow against his opponent, who takes a Major Wound and is knocked unconscious.

Sir Daron, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 31 using 6d6.  Damage.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.

Sir Rhydwyn misses his opponent, takes 12 points of damage, and is knocked off of his feet.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Dexterity.

The two men-at-arms facing other knights are both knocked unconscious.

The free knight attacks Sir Abloc unopposed and strikes him for 7 points of damage but he remains on his feet.

Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 17 using 5d6 with rolls of 3,5,3,5,1.  Damage.
Sir Abloc, rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Dexterity.

It is at this point that two Cornish knights and two men-at-arms emerge from the alley to join the fray.  This means Cornwall has five knights standing and one down, and two men-at-arms standing.  Escavalon has five nights standing and their Commander down.  The odds are suddenly looking far worse for the invaders, especially if additional knights and men show up.  As a result Sir Eogan surrenders, followed by his men.

"You are a brave man, Sir Eogan" Sir Abloc says while trying to catch his breath again. He reach out to Sir Eogan and offer to help him to get up from the ground. "I will make sure your wounds get tended to and you shall be treated fairly and honorably."

After having helped Sir Eogan get to his feet he turns to see to his comrades. "Are any of you hurt badly, my brothers?" he ask. "Sir Rhydwyn? It seemed as if you spared your shield by blocking with your body ... are you well my friend?"

Deeply relieved that the fight is over, but concurrently anxious about Sir Rhydwyn's injuries and the state of the siege, Sir Aeddan rushes to the two Cornish knights.  "Are you sent from the gate, good sirs?" he asks quickly.  "Is the Earl aware that a force tried to enter through the tunnel?"

"A tough fight," Sir Daron says, breathing heavily. He looks down at the unconscious enemy knight who he defeated. "Sir Eoghan who is this man?"

Sir Rhydwyn winces as he is brought to the ground. He is unable to move for several moments as the wind is knocked out of him, but soon tries to stand.

"Aye, I'm alright. Just need a bit to... While he doesn't finish the sentence, he nods, and they can tell Rhydwyn will be alright. "Just need to get my breath is all."

Sir Eogan accepts Sir Abloc's proffered hand.  "That is Sir Senach," he responds to Sir Daron.  The two knights who arrived with the two men-at-arms confirm that they are from the gate and that messengers were sent to the other gate and to the Earl.

The four Cornish knights escort the ten Escavalon knights to the castle, where they are handed off to the Earl.  Knights and men-at-arms from the gates secure the tunnel entrance.  Once dawn lights the sky in the east, it is clear to King Nanteleod that his gambit with the tunnel has failed.  A fact reinforced by receiving a request for ransom for the ten knights shortly thereafter.

For simplicity sake, I will award half of one share of the ransom to each of the two late-coming knights from the gate.  Ransom for a vassal knight is £18, your lord takes half but with two captured knights per Cornish knight share, you each receive £18 in ransom.

After the ransom is paid and the knights are returned, a couple of days pass and then the sieging army breaks camp and moves on.  The rest of the summer passes without incident.

Sir Daron was almost unable to believe his fortune. "Truly a memorable Summer my brothers," he said, shaking his head in disbelief as the ransom was paid.

"I believe gentlemen that I shall have to marry soon. Oh believe me I have grown no fonder of women - I distrust and dislike them all from Eve on down, but I do owe a duty to my family to continue our name and position - which means a legitimate son."

"Indeed it has been a memorable Summer." Sir Abloc replied. He had Sir Eogan to the gates and said good bye to the man and had since been lost in his own thoughts. No matter how much Sir Abloc longed for peace then he was starting to realize he couldnt afford peace. War seemed to be the only income that made any sense.

But the talk about marriage made him laugh. "Oh Sir Daron, you are a hopeless romantic soul. With talk like that I am sure you will win every heart of every maiden across all of Britain."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Mon 17 Jan 2022.

Sir Aeddan makes no reply to Sir Daron's declaration at first, as he is speechless with laughter at Sir Abloc's reply.  "Sir Daron," he finally replies, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, "you are entirely right that we must get heirs.  Lately, when I think of Lady Blodeuyn, I imagine what it would be like to raise our son as a valorous knight."  He does not elaborate on the creation of said son with the lady in question.

Their 70 days of service up, the knights are spelled by another Count and his men and they return to their manors with tales of riches and Glory.  Each knight receives 250 Glory for the capture of 10 enemy knights and the thwarting of their plans.