The four knights join with Earl Guinier's forces in Camelford again as summer arrives and the campaigning season gets underway.  While a large company of knights riding off to join King Idres's Army is still a sight, it is somehow not quite as majestic and magical as on the prior year.  King Idres's camp is much as before, although much larger with 1500 knights and 5000 men-at-arms in a camp that seems to go on for as far as you can see.

The knights do not learn anything of interest as they ride along.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Daron, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Abloc, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

The knights (or more particularly their squires) setup camp.  It is said that King Nanteleod of Escavalon is moving to attack Cornish forces in Somerset.  King Idres's army here assembled will join the current occupation forces in Somerset.

Anything you would like to do in camp before heading off for Somerset?  The above Intrigue rolls were for gathering information on the road to camp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Tue 07 Dec 2021.

While Sir Aeddan waits for the camp site to be ready, he takes a walk around and keeps an eye out for anyone he recognizes.  He figures that an older knight he's spoken to before, and/or one of the knights who fought alongside them last year, might have a better sense of the goings-on than he does.

Sir Daron seemed mostly lost in his own thoughts. While he still felt he had done the right thing hanging the bandits it had brought him no pleasure, and he arrived at the muster looking grave - though he greeted his brother knights warmly enough.

Rhydwyn is also seemingly lost in his thoughts, worried about his brother and the fact that he had gone to the Fount.  He would greet his brother knights warmly, but he is still very worried.

Sir Abloc arrives at the camp in a merry mood. Campaigning somehow just seems so much easier than dealing with evading thieves and greedy merchants and annoying priests. And an added benefit of campaigning is that it allows for plunder and plunder is needed because Sir Abloc's finances are dwindling and he is a lousy steward.

So this Summer may be the answer to all his problems. Plunder means wealth and war means glory and both are needed if he is to ask for fair Gwendolyn's hand in marriage. Because of that he spend his time cheering people up, always with a smile on his face and with a witty remark to boost the morale.

Oh he is excited. Combat is thrilling. Combat is exciting. Combat is glorious.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

While Sirs Daron and Rhydwyn seem mostly lost in their own concerns, and Sir Abloc spitefully spreads joy, Sir Aeddan wanders about the camp in search of knights he might know.  As he is wandering about through the groups of tents, he comes across Sir Hyfaidd, one of Count Dingad's knights who they met during the hunt.  Although a quiet type, Sir Aeddan recalls that the man was quite sharp when he did speak.

During a brief conversation with Sir Hyfaidd, Sir Aeddan learns that both King Idres and King Nanteleod sent their heirs to woo Countess Ellen of Salisbury but that although no promises were made, it is believed that Salisbury will open its roads to Nanteleod's army.  That army is planning to march on Somerset and wrest it from Cornwall's benevolent overlordship.

Nanteleod's army outnumbers King Idres's, especially if joined by forces from Salisbury and Somerset.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Recognize.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Intrigue and a point in Recognize (critical).

Everyone can feel free to chat with one another about the Spring's events, plans for  the year, or intelligence gathered.

Sir Abloc make no effort to hide how he got cheated by a thief. People who hear him tell his story will all later testify that Sir Abloc really seems to hate the town where he found the courier.

Sir Abloc does not know the target for this year's summer campaign. Having grown up in an age of strife and war he is more or less used to everyone but Cornwall being an enemy. He wish it wasnt so. Perhaps he secretly dream of a world of peace and law but he push such thoughts away and consider them silly. Noble and wonderful perhaps but still silly and unrealistic. Besides ... like all young knights he long for glory and to show the world that he is the son of his father.

"So my brothers," Sir Daron says to the others, "how fare your manors and families?"

In reply to Sir Daron (msg # 8):

"My brother has unfortunately been missing for quite some time. When I tried to investigate, I wound up in Amesbury following his supposed path, but when I tried to speak with the abbess there, she told me that a group from that nunnery had gone to the Holy Fount, alone. I have no sign of my brother, so things have not been the best, needless to say," Rhydwyn says.

"I am sorry to hear about your brother, Sir Rhydwyn. Did you pursue the lead to the Holy Fount or do you hope to see what news may surface?" Sir Abloc replies.

"My own problems seems trivial compares to yours. I have been made a fool by a pox-marked thief, a greedy merchant and a fool of a priest. Which I may add does not bode well if I can be fooled by such a trio. I had commissioned an altarpiece for my church at Clethor. But it never showed up so I went to the craftsman expecting to find him drunk. Instead he told me the altarpiece was already done and had been send to me by courier two weeks prior to me showing up at his workplace.

So I pursued the thief southwards tracking this devil of a man with a pox-marked face. I did not calm down when I found my altarpiece in a church in a town that might as well have been named Shite.

The priest was very proud of it. Told me how God works in mysterious ways and how a merchant in town had bought it from a man that God more or less had send to Shite with this beautiful altarpiece to inspire faith in people. Bullocks! Turned out the merchant knew it was stolen and had bought it for a patheticly small price and - being a pious little prick - had gracefully donated it to the church. Where the good Father I may add had decided to accept it, close his eyes for the obvious and be a self-righteous little arse.

So while I did manage to find the thief and bring him to justice. And while I did manage to bring back my altarpiece. And while I did manage to leave Shite and return home. Then I did not manage to find a way to bring the merchant or the priest to justice because no Law in this land would convict them as they had done nothing wrong except just being ... human .. I suppose." Sir Abloc sighs heavily.

"So I for one am looking forward to campaigning. I will rather face charging knights, boiling oil, a horde of Saxons and a rain of arrows than go back to Shite. It was not how I thought it would be to be a landed knight!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

"It pains me to report that, by all appearances, we will spend the summer defending Cornwall against invaders," Sir Aeddan sighs as he rejoins his brothers.  "It would seem that Prince Mark was not as successful at wooing the Countess of Salisbury as King Idres had hoped."

Upon hearing their stories, Sir Aeddan is excited to hear Sir Rhydwyn's report.  "You, too, were at Amesbury?" he asks Sir Rhydwyn.  "What did the Lady Morgana tell you about your brother's whereabouts?  Had she not heard anything?  It was the strangest thing, I went to visit her simply to present her with a small token of gratitude, but she somehow knew that my idiot brother had been recently married and presented him with a stunning gift for his bride."  He glances over his shoulder at his squire-and-brother, Alwin, who has the grace to look humble.

"Invaders, Sir Aeddan?! Oh will these wars never end? Why do Briton fight Briton instead of forcing the Saxons back into the sea?"

"I would be the first to join your campaign, Sir Abloc," Sir Aeddan agrees.  "Perhaps King Idres should have sent you to woo the Countess of Salisbury!"

"Woo? Me?! Oh no my brother. I wish I knew how to woo so I could win fair Lady Gwendolyn's heart but whenever I see her words fail me and I begin to sound like a fool!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

In reply to Sir Aeddan (msg # 11):

"I did not ask Lady Morgana, truth be told," Rhydwyn said. "I first spoke with my court bishop, Father Dafydd. From there he said that my brother was headed to a Holy Fount just south of Wandborough in Salisbury, and that he had taken a vow of silence and poverty before he left. When I went to Wandborough to speak with the bishop there, he said my brother had gone to Amesbury. I rode on to Amesbury, and there I heard from the head of the nunnery that the group of nuns my brother was with left, but he was not there."

"Your brother headed to Amesbury with a group of nuns?" Sir Aeddan exclaims, laughing lightly.  "You would know him far better than I, Sir Rhydwyn, but I have little hope for that vow of chastity he took.  So, if he never left Amesbury, then perhaps you should have lifted up some habits to see if one of them hid your brother!"  Considering how annoyed he was when his own younger brother made a major life decision without consulting him first, Sir Aeddan feels a new kinship with Sir Rhydwyn.

In reply to Sir Aeddan (msg # 16):

Rhydwyn glares at Aeddan. "Now is not the time for jests, Aeddan,", he snaps. "It's been several months - if I find him, then we can jest about his decisions. At this point, I don't know if he's alive or not - if I find him alive, then we can jest at his decisions. Until then, I am not in the mood."

The Marshal calls the knights to formation and the squires pack up the tents and supplies.  The grand army of Cornwall heads north into Somerset.  It takes a few days and then groups of knights are split off to hold a few castles and important towns, relieving the knights who had been on garrison duty for the prior few months.

As the army travels, word arrives that King Nanteleod of Escavalon is approaching Somerset from the North with a large army.  Countess Ellen of Salisbury accepted neither the offer of Prince Mark of Cornwall nor that of Prince Alain of Escavalon to ally.  Salisbury is remaining neutral, at least for the moment.

After a week, the army arrives outside of Bristol.  See Group 5 Map.  If it shows Salisbury, <Shift> Reload it.  A large garrison rides out and Earl Guinier's knights are sent in to relieve them.  The Earl speaks briefly with the outgoing commander before leading his men inside.  While the commanders are speaking, you overhear one of the knights mention that they believe that there is a tunnel under the wall somewhere near the Brass Tacks Tavern.  Another knight says that they were looking for a cache of arms near the Church of the Holy Mother on Highgate.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Daron Takes a point in Intrigue (fumble).  Sir Abloc takes a check in Intrigue.

Entering the city, it is much as you recall it from the prior summer.  One addition is that a wall has been built below the castle between the moat and the river, cutting between the green and brown areas on the map.  As you settle into quarters in town, you watch the remainder of the army march off to the east.

You are going to have some, or a lot, of time in Bristol.  Your job is to defend it in case of attack, be it by force or subterfuge.  You can use Intrigue to try to learn information, Courtesy to make friends with locals, etc.  Feel free to look at the map or go personally to examine places of interest (I will provide more details as necessary) in order to imagine how you might try to attack the town if you were King Nanteleod or Somerset terrorists Freedom Fighters.

"Sir Abloc," Sir Aeddan says, "what would you say to a visit to the Brass Tacks Tavern?  We may make the acquaintance of some locals there, and have a chance to see if the rumored tunnel exists."

"Of course my brother! We will most likely be stuck here all summer so we might as well try out the local taverns and see what they have to offer." he replies with a grin before whispering to his friend "Perhaps we should not speak so loudly about the tunnel. I much rather have the enemy not know what we know."

He instructs his squire to find a place for them to stay and make his quarters as comfortably as possible. If Sir Abloc is to stay in Bristol for weeks if not more then he might as well get the best out of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Sun 07 Nov 2021.

"Right you are, then," Sir Aeddan replies with a conspiratorial grin. "Voices low, money out to ply the patrons with libations."

"It will be your money, my brother. I spend all mine chasing after a barstard with a pox-marked face." Sir Abloc replies with a grin before marching off to the tavern.

In reply to Sir Abloc (msg # 22):

"Don't forget about me, brothers," Rhydwyn teases as he playfully punches Aeddan in the arm.

"Or me," echoes Sir Daron, clearly somewhat put out at being forgotten. The young knight looks around him with obvious interest; being in a large town is a rare and exotic experience!

"Forget about you?" Sir Aeddan asks, puzzled.  "I assumed you two would work on tracking down the rumored cache of weapons," he adds in a low voice.  "Was I in error?"

"I think would be wise to spread out. We do not know when or how the enemy will strike. We should find the weapons and the tunnel and once that is done we should see to the defenses of this city. We stormed these walls not lang ago and by God this city will not fall again. Not while we man the walls."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Sir Daron nods. "In that case maybe you have that right of it. I shall go and visit the church now."

"Please do that and then let us meet tonight and discuss our finds. Hopefully while enjoying some good wine and food - and I promise not to torture you with my harp playing" he grins.

Sir Abloc & Sir Aeddan

The pair of knights head off in search of the Brass Tacks Tavern.  Not really even sure where to begin to look, other than perhaps 'near the wall,' they ask around and Sir Abloc learns that it is in the bottom portion of the city, below the river.  Heading across the bridge spanning the river, they continue straight to the wall and turn to their right.  They find the tavern on their right a little over halfway down the block (just passed the tower on their left).

Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Intrigue.

Having ridden through a few portions of the city already, the pair notice that this section of the city seems rather less . . . well-to-do than other sections they have seen.  Definitely the section above the bridge was markedly nicer.

Sir Abloc, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan take a check in Awareness.

The pair suspect that this is a combination of factors.  First, this lower section appears to have been overflow from the original city.  Second, it is not nearly as well protected as the original city sections, and in fact act as a buffer in case of an attack.  Third, the proximity to the wall over which or through which any attacker is likely to come suggests the very real possibility that this whole area would get torched during a serious attack.

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

Sit Abloc and Sir Aeddan take a check in Battle.

The tavern is a two-story building, which is a bit run down.  Hitching their horses outside, they enter the dimly-lit building.  To their right is a common room for nightly renters.  To the left is a bar with stools, some tables and chairs, and a few booths.  There are stairs going up to the next level ahead of you, between the two rooms.  There is probably a kitchen behind the stairs.

It is late afternoon, there are a half dozen patrons in the bar as well as the bartender and a bar maid.  There is room in the bar area for a few dozen people.  Basic food, as well as libations, are served in the bar.

Sir Daron & Sir Rhydwyn

The pair of knights struggle a bit more than their brothers in locating the Church of the Holy Mother on Highgate.  Asking around, they get little response and what response they get turns out not to be helpful.  They get the distinct feeling that their presence here is not viewed positively by the populace.

Eventually, using a bit of logic, they happen upon Highgate and eventually the Church of the Holy Mother.  Looking at the main portion of Bristol above the river, there is a cross in the center where two roads meet.  Around this there are a couple of ring roads or partial rings.  Going up from the cross to the first ring they discover that that portion of the ring road is Highgate . . . not far from the gate.  The Church of the Holy Mother is the steepled building just above that first ring.

Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Heading toward the church up the road from the cross, there is a wall above the ring road to the right and the church extends to the left.  Adjacent to the church are houses that face the ring road.  There are houses and shops to the right and left as they head toward the ring road and along the ring road itself.

The church appears to be open, as churches normally are, although there is no mass going on.

---

Notes:

Both rumors used the church and tavern as landmarks.  While they could also be the location of the alleged activity, they are not necessarily.

Let me know if there is anything specific you need information about.  For instance, you could ask if there is a stable nearby (this is an example not a suggestion) or additional information about type of construction or whatever.  Essentially I am only making up as much as someone asks about.  If no one talks to the bar maid, then I am probably not going to create a name or personality for her.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Abloc take a look around the bar, seeing no faces that seem particularly friendly or familiar.  Sir Aeddan beckons to the barmaid, and offers her a substantial tip if she can direct them toward a patron who is both talkative and a busybody (knows everyone's business).  Sir Aeddan will then purchase a round of ale for the patrons and see if he and Sir Abloc can initiate a friendly ale-related conversation with said busybody.

Rhydwyn nods to Sir Daron. "Lead the way then, if you want to try by the church first." Since Daron had wanted to go to the church, he'd let the other knight take lead.

"Perhaps we should have bought someone with knowledge about mining? I suppose it requires some knowledge to build a tunnel that lead under the walls without risking collapse." Sir Abloc whispers to Sir Aeddan only pausing when the bottles of ales are placed on their table.

"But .. let us see what we find." he continues and cheers when Sir Aeddan purchase a round of ale for the patrons.

Looking disconcerted, for in truth he has scant idea where to begin to look, Sir Daron strokes at his short beard.

"We'll begin by seeing if their a smithy near here," he indicated the church. "That might give us some clue."

Sir Aeddan & Sir Abloc

Sir Aeddan and Sir Abloc head to an empty table and call over the barmaid.  She is friendly enough in a 'server' sort of way.  A round of ale for the half dozen patrons and yourselves costs 2d.  Sir Aeddan notices that while the patrons viewed the knights at best suspiciously, they seem to become a bit more genial when free ale arrives.

How much would you like to tip the barmaid?

Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Courtesy.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Abloc, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Awareness.

Sir Daron & Sir Rhydwyn

There is, in fact, a smithy half-a-block from the Church.  As you approach the church from the central cross, it is on your right not far from the ring road where the church is located.  The business has a pair of horseshoes above the entrance and the sound of hammering can clearly be heard.  There is no door and a blast of heat hits you as you enter.

There is a rather large man with a ham-sized malus pounding out some nails on a forge.  He is wearing a leather apron and leather gloves.  There is no one else currently in the shop.

Sir Abloc place 2d in her palm without people seeing it. "And this is for you. With more to come if you keep your eyes and ears open for us."

Sir Abloc does not want people to feel like he is pumping them for information. Instead his plan is to keep the ale flowing and just listen to their drunken stories. Sooner or later someone is going to say something ... hopefully.

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 34):

Rhydwyn will turn to Sir Daron. "Would you like to speak?" he asks quietly. "I was never great with socializing and getting information, all of those sorts of things."

Rhydwyn never enjoyed having to speak with strangers, but if Daron wanted him to speak first, then he would.

Sir Daron nods curtly and approaches the smith, deciding being straightforward is the best option for now.

"Greetings, I am Sir Daron and this is Sir Rhydwyn. We are here to help defend the city and we are looking for weapons."

Sir Abloc & Sir Aeddan

The barmaid accepts the donation with a pretty smile and sashays back to the bar.  Of the half dozen patrons, the knights guess that one is a messenger, two are merchants, one an off-duty guard, and two are just drunks.  Although it is unclear how the drunks support their habit.  As it gets toward evening, a larger crowd shuffles in.  Mostly shop keepers, artisans, and a merchant or two.  Probably 15 or so people in all.

Sir Abloc, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Courtesy.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Courtesy.

Everyone seems to immediately notice the knights and seem to be on their guard, although less so after a drink or three.  Most patrons are only around for a drink or two before presumably heading home.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Abloc, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

The knights do not hear anything of particular interest to their mission, although they are definitely new hear and viewed with some suspicion, so perhaps this comes as no large surprise.

Anything specific you would like to do?  How long do you stay, how many rounds do you buy (figure 1d = 3 servings of ale), do you stay mostly in the background or approach one group or another? 

Sir Daron & Sir Rhydwyn

The smith brightens at this, "really?  Well, I am the finest smith in town, I would be happy to make whatever weapons you might be interested in.  There has not been as much of a market of late as the in . . . the knights seem to have brought their own and have largely prohibited the populace from carrying weapons."

Sir Abloc spends 5d on the first night of drunken revelry and another 5d on the following night. He intends to play the role of a knight fond of drinking and dining with a purse full of money that he doesnt mind spending on the patrons. He expects music, dancing and silly stories and he is glad to be as far away from thew fighting as possible as it allows him more time to party. He always shows up a bit drunk - or so he hope they think - so he can spill his ale and hopefully not drink as much as everyone else. He wants to remain sober enough to pay attention to any drunken talk about secret tunnels, Roman catacombs and secret entrances to the city.

If he feels like people are starting to warm up to him by then then he intends to keep showing up at least a few nights more.

During the daytime he tries to get some sleep when possible and discuss the matters with the brave Sir Aeddan. "What shall we do? I hope our charade at the tavern will pay off eventually. And hopefully before my purse runs dry! I still think we could see if one of the men in our service comes from a family of miners. Perhaps he can determine where tunnels would most likely be dug? I really dont know what to do so I hope you are a wiser man than I!"

---

OOC: I have so far written off 10d (two nights of partying like it is 506 AD)

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 38):

Rhydwyn nods as he hears the man makes weapons. "What would you say to a spear?" he asks, curious what the price would be.

Sir Aeddan agrees that the outlay of money over a number of evenings seems worth the price; he, too, is spending 5d per outing.  When he talks with the locals, he tries to keep the conversation innocuous -- he'll mention a pretty lass he noticed in the town, he'll ask about how this season's weather will affect the local harvest, et cetera.  He's hopeful that he will eventually find someone who enjoys knowing other people's business and talking about it.

Separately, Sir Aeddan agrees with Sir Abloc that they should inquire of their own troops about someone with a background in mining.  Such a person might be able to point out general areas where tunneling would be practicable and, once they get a lead from the locals, might help them narrow down where to look.

Sir Daron scratches at his beard. The smith seems friendly enough so he decides to try the direct approach: "Would you be able to tell us where any old weapons might have been hidden?"

Sir Daron & Sir Rhydwyn

The smith's hopeful expression fades a bit at interest in purchasing a single spear, "1 denarius per spear," he replies a little sullenly, adding with a hopeful note, "250 for a Librum."  240d=1£

At mention of a cache of weapons, he becomes more guarded, seemingly concerned that the new knights in town think he could be involved in something illegal.  "I just make weapons, I am not involved in any trouble," he replies.

The pair spend the week asking around and following rumors, which turn out to be false, but find no evidence of an actual weapons cache in the area.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Daron, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a point in Intrigue (fumble).

Sir Abloc & Sir Aeddan

The pair locate a knight with deposits of coal on his lands, who knows a thing or two about mining and tunneling.  Walking around the neighborhood, checking the soil, and looking out over the wall, the knight explains, "the soil here is not great for tunneling and would require a lot of wooden supports to prevent a collapse.  The amount of soil they would need to remove to get all the way under the wall would be very large and easily detectable.  It is likely that if there is a tunnel here, it predates our occupation."

Sir Abloc, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Courtesy.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Courtesy.
NPC Knight, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Industry.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Courtesy.

Armed with this knowledge, the two knights refine their data collection methods and after several nights, notice an older man who seems a bit lonely and always in search of people to listen to his tales.  Inviting him to their table in the back on a slow day, they ply him with drinks while he regales them with stories of his youth, growing up in the area.  After getting quite drunk, he lets slip a story about sneaking out of town via an old tunnel he and his friends found in a nearby courtyard that leads to the church outside of town.  (You each spent 10d total to date.)

Sir Aeddan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Abloc, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan take checks in Awareness.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan selflessly offer to help the man get home, although they express disbelief in the man's story.  Staggering somewhat, he leads them to a small courtyard and indicates a wall, which close examination reveals to contain a hidden passage.  Chastened, they apologize for not believing him, and get the man to his house.

---

About a week after the Cornish knights' arrival, word spreads that King Nanteleod's army is approaching and a day later a scouting party of some 50 knights arrives outside of the walls, and outside of arrow range.  They scout the area all around the walls from a safe distance and messengers can be seen riding back the way they came or arriving from that direction.

The following day, a huge host arrives, including more than one thousand knights and many more men-at-arms.  Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Rhydwyn recognize the banners of Escavalon, Estregales, Norgales, and Somerset, while Sir Daron is quite convinced he sees King Lot's banner.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Heraldry.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Heraldry.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Heraldry.
Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Heraldry.

Sirs Abloc, Aeddan, and Rhydwyn take checks in Herladry, Sir Daron takes a point in Heraldry (fumble).

The massive army sets up camp outside of bow range.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Tue 07 Dec 2021.

Sir Abloc share the news about the tunnel with his companions but any chance of exploring the tunnel is cut short by the arrival of the enemy host. Now he find himself standing on the walls looking at a staggering amount of tents and banners listening to Sir Daron tell him that even King Lot is here to storm the walls and retake the city.

He feel a sense of dread creep up on him and a small voice in his back of his head keeps yelling "We are [censored]!" but he manage to smile to his companions (a rather strained smile that is) and in an attempt to keep up the morale on the walls yells out for all to hear "My brave brothers - knights and yeomen alike! I see a great enemy before us but I fear not because by my side stands Cornish men. Cornish! Oh just the sound of that word strike fear into their hearts. Why else do you think a host so numerous has come to these walls? What they lack in valour they try and make up for in numbers. But they will fail ... and the glory we will win will make Angels sing our praise!"

Hopefully his little speech cheer the men up while he leans closer to his comrades Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn and whispers "I am bloody nearly wetting myself here. King Lot even, Sir Daron? King Lot?!"

"Sir Aeddan? We need to bring word about the tunnel to [insert name of the knight commanding our forces]. We should guard it and use it to strike hard at their siege train."

---

OOC: Who is in charge of the defense? I doubt it is us .. we are so far down the food chain that I doubt they have given us a city to defend.

"Agreed, Sir Abloc," says Sir Aeddan. "I have too little understanding of battle intrigue to suggest a plan to exploit the tunnel.  Brothers, we need to find our commander, or the Earl himself, and pass along our news immediately."

"Indeed we must. This city has been theirs for years so there is a chance - or risk - that they too know about the tunnel. Perhaps if an ambushed is prepared at our side of the tunnel then we can take prisoners if they try to use the tunnel to infiltrate the city. But ... quickly ... to the Earl."

Earl Guinier is in charge as it is his knights and troops guarding the city.  Your forces number around 50 knights and 250 men-at-arms.  Enough to cover the walls during an attack or generally keep the populace in check but little more.

A rough count of the enemy makes their numbers around 1000-1500 knights and 4000-6000 foot soldiers.  However, no siege engines are present, without which a frontal assault would be futile.  At a guess, you think their numbers roughly match those of the Cornish army.

It is evening before you manage to talk to the Earl.  He seems quite concerned about the tunnel and starts pacing, walks over to look at a map of the city, and then starts shouting orders.  There are a total of seven external gates but he guesses that the most effective use of the tunnel by the enemy would be sneaking a handful of knights in under cover of darkness and opening one of the two closest gates.  Alternately, they could attempt to send a larger force in during some distraction.

He orders four knights and ten soldiers to guard each of the two gates south of the river and assigns ten more soldiers to the four of you to watch the tunnel entrance.  You are to maintain a low profile so word does not get back to the enemy that you know about the tunnel.  If the enemy comes through the tunnel, you are to prevent them from getting to the gates.

Assume that you could be on 'stakeout' duty for an extended period, so figure out what sort of accommodations you which to occupy, how you setup watches, etc.  It will be around 8 pm when you get to the courtyard, the sun is up from 5am to 9pm.

Note:  I misread the number of troops Escavalon and Cornwall have, so I have adjusted the numbers in the two posts in this thread that mention troop amounts.

Sir Aeddan suggests to his brother knights that they quietly take over an empty house with a  back window that overlooks the courtyard.  The place is clearly unoccupied and has been for some time, so they can expect no objections.

His suggestion for a cover story is that the occupying force needs the place to store supplies (some empty crates, and some burlap bags of dirt, ought to do it).  Guarding the "supplies" will naturally involve the presence of some bored-looking men-at-arms.  At any given time, two men-at-arms will be in charge of keeping tabs on the front door and of observing the courtyard for any activity that may be tunnel-related.  The four brother knights can live in the empty house so that at least two are always present.

"What say you, brothers?" Sir Aeddan asks.  "Will that be sufficient to quietly keep an eye out for any activity?"

"It seems a most cunning deception Sir Aeddan," Sir Daron agrees, stroking at his beard. "We must also consider laying traps if possible in case the enemy does come in numbers - and with King Lot there I fear there will be numbers."

"Indeed. A most cunning plan Sir Aeddan, but I must agree with brave Sir Daron. If King Lot is here then there will be numbers and traps may be needed.

Could we perhaps stack bundles of straw? I suppose they will come out at night so we will need light and those bundles could be set on fire by our archers?"

Sir Abloc let the men prepare bundles of straw to be arranged at the entrance to the tunnel and in the courtyard.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Playing stake-out is interesting for a few hours but after a couple of days, it has become monotonous and all four knights are half praying for something to happen.  Anything.

Watching the courtyard, and the surrounding area, the knights start to get a bit of a feel for the people in this area.  Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn both notice that like themselves, a pair of locals are watching the courtyard, and their house, in shifts.  One of them is always there at sun-up.  One or the other is there during the day and until at least any lights go out in your house.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Daron, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Awareness.
Sir Abloc, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn take checks in Awareness.

You are starting day 4.  The four of you and 6 men-at-arms are staying in the house, while the other men-at-arms are staying in a nearby house.  The moon is waning and will be a new moon in another day (tomorrow night).  King Nanteleod's army is still camped outside the walls.  There has been no sign of any obvious plans to lay a siege, much less attempt to take the city by force.  This seems a bit worrying.

The courtyard is not lit at night, and there are only 3 houses (yours included) with windows looking onto the courtyard.  The other two are also occupied.  A little bit of light spills from the windows into the courtyard for a little while at night but it is just candles and they do not do much to light the place.  Because you are watching, there is enough light to see figures in the courtyard, but little else.  No one seems to be in the courtyard after dark (other than possibly the other watchers).  There are lights on the streets until about midnight.

---

You have bundles of straw if you would like to lay them around.  A couple of things of note:  First, straw is not going to instantly burst into flame when struck with a flaming arrow absent some oil or pitch;  Second, placing bundles of straw around may be noticed by those watching the courtyard.  This is not meant to dissuade you, I just want to make sure we are on the same page.

Other than deciding on the straw, what would you like to do?  For instance, you can have someone follow the watchers; confront them; capture them (or attempt to); kill them (maybe); ignore them; or do something else entirely.

"I suppose they are spies watching us. We are spotted but that was to be expected. I suggest we dont chase them down though. By pretending not to have noticed them they will think they have the element of surprise and that may be to our advantage. What do you think, my brothers?"

"I agree," replies Sir Aeddan. "If we continue our ruse that our job is to guard the supplies kept in this house, and if we do not seem to notice that anyone is watching us, then our position remains strong.  And if the town spies are keeping an eye out for chances to bring in their previous lord's troops through the tunnel, then our presence here may keep that from ever happening."

Sir Aeddan suggests that, at some point, they should stage a bit of theatre in which two of the men-at-arms carry bales of straw into the house, then complain to each other about having run out of room to store it.  They will, within sight and hearing of anyone on the street, decide to put some bales out in the courtyard and hope they don't get in trouble for doing so.  Those bales, in particular, will smell a bit of the oil that's been drizzled on them, to make them more flammable once a fiery arrow is fired into them.

Sir Abloc agrees with Sir Aeddan ruse and adds that guard duty is boring and will end up in people being drunk most of the time. So he make sure to send a soldier to buy wine now and then so people can hear loud drunken singing from the house at night. The wine is in reality just poured out (Sir Abloc make sure the soldiers know he will reward them with plenty of silver and wine after the siege if they keep up with the charade).

Doesnt hurt if the enemy think the knights and men-at-arms are drunk most of the time ...

Sir Daron smiles in admiration. "A cunning plan my brothers! You make a fine pair of knaves, and in a war it is at least as often the sly as the strong who wins."

He looks thoughtful. "Should we actually try and provoke an attack through the tunnel? The enemy would as like send their best, perhaps even some of their leaders and if we could slay or capture them it would be a great blow to the foe - aye, but a risk all the same."

"Oh I am sure they will attack us no matter what, brave Sir Daron. They will come through the tunnel and probarbly head for the gates. On their way they will try and dispatch of the drunken guards - us. We will surprise them by offering a stiff resistance and with all our fury push them back to the tunnel entrance. It will be easier to hold them there because the tunnel is quite narrow. We will take turns fighting until the attackers are driven back or we are relieved. Their attack through the tunnel will most likely be coordinated with an attack by the besiegers on our gates so we will be in for a long night.

And if we manage to easily defeat the attackers that come through the tunnel and if we suffer few casulties and if our Lord can spare more men, then I suggest we do as you say, my noble brother, and take the sword and torch to their camp. By navigating the tunnel and hit them hard while our main force sally through the gates and end this damn siege. But ... I admit .. that is alot of if's" Sir Ablic finally adds with a shy grin.

Another day of watching comes to an end, followed by a similarly dull night.  The following day the bales of slightly-oily straw are tossed into the courtyard with little fanfare or much attention paid it seems.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron are set to watch during the moonless night.  It is especially dark and dreary and the hours slowly tick by.  At some point, Sir Daron sort of drifts off to sleep.  Then, at 4 am, about an hour before it will first start to get light, Sir Aeddan notices a movement in the courtyard.  It is the two watchers!

Sir Aeddan, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Energetic.
Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Energetic.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Awareness.

Sir Aeddan takes checks in Energetic and Awareness.

Shaking Daron awake, Sir Aeddan watches as the pair go to the door and open it.  For a brief moment there is the bright glow of torchlight before the burning brand is extinguished.  In that instant, Sir Aeddan can see armored knights behind the door.

As Sir Daron wakes the others, Sir Aeddan watches as ten knights emerge from the doorway and stand, presumably taking to one of the two watchers while the other watcher heads out one of the two alleys from the courtyard (toward the front of your house).

As Sir Rhydwyn and Sir Abloc don their armor and the men-at-arms ready their weapons, what would you like to do?  There are the four of you and six men-at-arms in your house, which has a backdoor into the alley and a front door (soon to be watched) out onto the street nearest to the wall.  There are an additional four men-at-arms in another house nearby that you can signal (I assume you have prearranged some basic signals).

You do not know what level of coordination and communication has gone on between the watchers and the invading knights.  Presumably the knights do not want to raise the alarm but it is unclear whether bypassing or clearing your house would be their plan nor how long before they begin their operation.  There are knights and men-at-arms at the gate, which is not far away in case you wanted to alert them or request backup but that would require sending a man-at-arm who would not be available if a fight erupted quickly and could be seen or intercepted and spook the invaders into a quick rush to the gate.  If sending a man-at-arms, do you send one from your house or the other one?  You can assume that only the enemy knights will engage in any battle.

"Action at last!" Sir Aeddan mutters to himself.  Having seen one of the enemy knights headed for their own front door, presumably to intercept anyone raising an alarm, Sir Aeddan signals the four men-at-arms from their other house--as previously agreed, one man-at-arms will make haste out the front door and to the guard tower, to raise the alarm.

Presuming the alarm-raiser is successful, his next objective will be to surprise and disable (or kill) the guard who is watching the front door of the Hero Hideout.

In the meantime, as soon as the brother knights and remaining men-at-arms are suited up, they will all descend on the courtyard to capture (or, if necessary, kill and forfeit that tasty ransom money) the ten enemy knights who are there, along with the guards.  If the heroes can accomplish this, they can then light the hay bales on fire and toss them into the tunnel, hopefully delaying any other enemies who are en route.

"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.