Session Played: 2024-06-22
Player Note: This was the longest session. I had a whole day free and played a few of the scenes after some long breaks during the day.
I also wanted to get the knighting out of the way, So most of the latter scenes are mostly exposition with very little rolling.
TL;DR Recap:
- Fought some bandits, captured all but one
- Returned to Castle Vagon
- Traveled to Sarum
- All four are knighted by Earl Roderick Year 485
Scene 1
Scene: Bandits!
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger & Old Garr
Location: Road to Imber
Gwyn the player knight, famously just, dark eyed. British Bovert the courtier knight, famously just, curly blond hair. British Emeric the fighter knight, famously reckless, scared, loud voice. British Roger the average knight, famously temperate, tall trim. RomanDay is ending and night approaches as the four squires and the priest ride out of Blakemoor woods. The bear is strapped to the back of Gwyn’s horse. Emeric’s spirits have been lifted as he admires the bear.
“I can’t believe I missed it!” Emeric groans but stops as the party hears shouting from ahead of them.
They ride closer and see armed men struggling with a peasant farmer. Two men are holding the peasant while a third hits him in the stomach. The fourth brigand has a hand on a rope tied around a cows neck.
“Help me, please! Ough!” The peasants yell are drowned by a gut punch.
“We cannot let this stand on the Earl’s lands!” Gwyn with proclaims and draws his sword, his companions do the same. Old Garr halts his horse and prays to god.
Oracle: Did they bring their shields? Roll 1 vs. 3 = NoCombat Round 1
Bandit 1 Draw Dagger
Bandit 2 Draw Dagger
Bandit 3 Draw Dagger
Bandit 4 Draw Dagger
Gwyn Move
Bovert Move
Emeric Move
Roger MoveThe men sees the knights rush in on horseback and draw their daggers. Released the peasant scrambles of into the underbrush after his cow.
Combat Round 2
Gwyn Sword 12(+5 Mounted), roll 2 vs. Bandit 1 Dagger 8(-5 Not-Mounted), roll 9
Gwyn wins, damage 4d6 roll = 13 - Armor 4 = Bandit 1 HP 16
13 vs. Knockdown 12 = Knockdown
Bovert Sword 14(+5 Mounted), roll 4 vs. Bandit 2 Dagger 8(-5 Not-Mounted), roll 6
Bovert wins, damage 4d6 roll = 15 - Armor 4 = Bandit 1 HP
13 15 vs. Knockdown 12 = Knockdown
Emeric Sword 15(+5 Mounted), roll 3 vs. Bandit 3 Dagger 8(-5 Not-Mounted), roll 9
Emeric wins, damage 5d6 roll = 14 - Armor 4 = Bandit 1 HP 15
14 vs. Knockdown 12 = Knockdown
Roger Sword 15(+5 Mounted), roll 4 vs. Bandit 1 Dagger 8(-5 Not-Mounted), roll 6
Roger wins, damage 4d6 roll = 10 - Armor 4 = Bandit 1 HP 19
10 vs. Knockdown 12 = No knockdown
Player Note: This is perhaps a bit much to read, but it helps me keep track of what happens in the scene.
Might look into a way to handle the supporting character fights simpler. BUT I do like the drama/tension it can add. Such as one enemy not getting knockdown and fleeing.Three of the bandits quickly fall to the ground under the mounted assault. Roger only manages a glancing blow and the last bandit still stands, ready to run.
“Yield and you will be spared.” Gwyn points his sword at the nearest brigand on the ground.
Oracle: Will the brigands yield? 4 vs. 3 = YesAccepting defeat the bandits spits and releases his grip on a rusty long dagger. The one still standing darts of into the woods.
Emeric Reckless 16, roll 17 = Failure“One’s getting away! Ah. Damned.” Emeric looks like he is about to charge after the fleeing man but he decides against it.
The squires dismount and inspect their captives. The bandits are cagey but weary of the straight swords.
“Their wounds aren’t too bad. They can walk.” Old Garr looks them over as Gwyn helps the peasant up from the ground.
“Thank you, thank you. I thought I was going to die!” The peasant looks familiar to the squires.
“You’ve been in Sarum before haven’t you?” Roger always had a keen eye for faces and the peasant nodded enthusiastically.
Emeric and Gwyn binds the bandits wrist and keep a close eye on them. Emeric decides to lead his horse act as rear guard. Old Garr lets the wounded peasant man ride his horse and joins Emeric at the back of the party.
Glory Awards
Three bandits captured 30 Glory, divided among the four = 7
Additional 10 Glory each for the fight.
Total Glory 17 eachScene 2
Scene: A Victorious Return
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger & Old Garr
Location: Village of Imber
They see the light from cook fires in the windows and trails of smoke as they arrive back to Imber. Peasant gathered around and cheer as they see not only the bear but three prisoners. The peasant they rescued seems to forget his bruises as he recounts the tale of his rescue.
A fire is built in the center of town and soon the smell of roasting bear wafts through the air. Gwyn takes in the scene with a smile. He sees Emeric and a few of the local hunters string up the bear pelt. Expertly cleaning it while a throng of children are flocked around Roger. They ask all sorts of questions and the mild mannered squire responds gently. Bovert seems to be flirting with some of the young women by the cook fire.
Old Garr and a couple of strong men take the prisoners away as children throw rocks at them. The priest chides them, but doesn’t seem to mind much.
Bovert Lustful 7, roll 19 = FailureGwyn catches Bovert’s eye as the other man is being led by the arm by a flaxen haired woman. A wry smile on Bovert’s lips. The squire’s cheeks grow red as he sees a shake of Gwyn’s head.
“My fair lady, I pray I must take my leave of thee.” Bovert bows and kisses the woman's fingers, she seemed a bit annoyed that her catch got away.
“Always the spoil sport, Gwyn.” Bovert mutters as he comes over to join his friend.
“There’s enough with one of you running around, I’m not ready for your offspring.” Gwyn smiles and offers up a small mug of ale.
The evening concludes late after a merry meal of roast boar and singing. The next day they leave early with their prisoners in tow. They ride carefully, keeping a close look on the prisoners mounted on the spare horses.
Scene 3
Scene: A Victorious Return
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger & Sir Elad
Location: Vagon Castle
In the afternoon they arrive back at Vagon castle.
“Good, you’ve returned. Victorious I presume?” Sir Elad looks them over and seems pleased. Younger squires take their horses while a pair of Sir Elad’s guards escort the prisoners to the dungeons.
Sir Elad leads them to the hall and listens intently to their tale. Gwyn speaks up and starts the tale.
Gwyn Orate 3, roll 12 = failure
Roger Orate 13, roll 9 = successHe feels himself stumble over his words, starting and stopping the tale. Sir Elad looks patiently as Roger places a hand on Gwyn’s shoulder.
“We met with Old Garr in Imber and enjoyed his hospitality before setting out the following day.” Roger voice was measured and confident. Gwyn took a step back and listened to the tale. He was painted in a flattering light as the leader of the hunt and how the two slew the fearsome bear.
“Good. Now these prisoners, brigands you said?” Sir Elad nods sagely as the squires explain.
“One got away. Ran off into the dense underbrush. The coward!” Emeric looks out a nearby window, seemingly ready to take flight at once.
“Three prisoners is a good haul, young Emeric. But you should inform the Earl of this when we reach Sarum.” Sir Elad spoke and Gwyn felt a rush of excitement.
After a night of resting in the castle they prepared to ride with Sir Elad and a small group of nights. A wagon of supplies was in tow with the prisoners properly manacled. The three bandits looked miserable.
Scene 4
Scene: Arriving in Sarum
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger & Sir Elad
Location: Sarum
The road to Sarum was well traveled and dotted with farms. Less than half a days after leaving Vagon castle they could see the ringed stone walls surround the ditch and looming above the flat top of Sarum Castle. A modern stone castle, well fortified. It was a familiar site and had been home for Gwyn when he first became a page.
“Wonderful.” Gwyn said as they joined the throng of travelers entering the city.
“I can’t wait to get to the pub.” Bovert responded.
They went past Damas gate and the farmers market with Sir Elad leading them around the inner moat. Sarum castle on its hill looking down upon the town. When they reached the castle bailey several stable boys led by a young squire took their horses. The prisoners were handed of to a pair of rough looking guards.
Gwyn and his companions carried their personal gear and followed Sir Elad. The aged knight was greeted by guards and servants on the way. Nodding curtly to most and shaking the hands of another seasoned nights. Gwyn bowed and got a faint nod in reply before hurrying after the others.
“Looks smaller than when we here last, right?” Emeric gestured at the keep, Bovert rolled his eyes.
“The biggest castle in the county, small?” Gwyn shook his head and shouldered past the larger squire.
Scene 5
Scene: A Visit to Court
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger, Sir Elad, Earl Roderick & Court
Location: Earl’s Hall, Sarum
Sir Elad leads the squire’s to the main hall. Within the Earl’s Hall, court is in session and full of courtiers while dogs, cats and children bustle about. As Sir Elad speaks to the herald near the entrance of the court, Gwyn places his personal affects at the back. A page boy, no older than 8, helps put their things away.
He sees about a dozen knights, some he recognizes, and many more courtiers in the hall. Earl Roderick is seated in a high backed wooden chair. Behind him hangs a shield marked with his striped heraldry, gold and blue lines. Several other shields hang through out the hall as well as fine draperies.
Seated at a long table to one side of the room he sees Garland, his illegitimate half-brother. Ser Garland now, as he was knighted last year. His brother’s eyes caught his. Ser Garland was as keen eyed as Gwyn. Garland smiled gently and nodded in greeting. Earl Roderick had done their family a great service in taking the bastard as a household knight.
“Sir Elad and the squires Gwyn, Emeric and Roger!” The herald announced and Gwyn could see every eye in the hall fall upon Sir Elad.
“Come along now.” Sir Elad whispered before walking towards Earl Roderick's.
“Sir Elad, a pleasure to see you old friend.” Earl Roderick smiled as Sir Elad bowed before him.
“Allow me to present you these squires here.”
Gwyn Courtesy 10, roll 10 = critical success
Bovert Courtesy 15, roll 15 = critical success
Emeric Courtesy 3, roll 17 = failure
Roger Courtesy 10, roll 15 = failureBoth Gwyn and Bovert performed smooth and deferential bow to their liege lord. Roger stunned to be in such company bowed awkwardly. Emeric only bowed after a whispered command from Gwyn.
“These squires have done the county a great favor. Vanquishing a man-eating bear in Imber and capturing brigands on the road.” Sir Elad gestures for them to step forward and tell their tale.
Roger Orate 13, roll 10 = success“My liege.” Roger begins the tale, speaking loudly enough to be heard in the hall. When he gets to the part about slaying the bear Gwyn and Bovert presents the magnificent bear pelt. Earl Roderick smiles approvingly and accepts the offered gift. A scattering of applause can be heard from the courtiers. When Roger gets to the part about the brigands Gwyn steps forward.
“My liege, I regret to inform you that one escaped us. He may still be roaming the Blakemoor.” Gwyn can see some of the older knights whisper among each other.
“I thank you, all four of you. You have indeed done Salisbury proud. Sir Elad, we’ll speak again later.” Earl Roderick smiles approvingly before dismissing them.
“You acquitted yourselves well lads. Now scurry off, I have others I need to speak to.” Sir Elad led them to the side of the hall before leaving them to sit next to the priest Father Tewi. The pair began to gossip.
“I suppose we’ll try to blend in.” Gwyn said to the others while looking for a seat at the far end of the room.
“I could use some ale.” Emeric’s loud voice drew disapproving looks from some of the ladies nearby.
The four squires settled into the court. Gwyn thought it strange to be in the hall and not serve as a cup bearer.
“Thank you.” He took an offered mug from the same page boy that had helped them earlier. The boy reminded him of meeting Bovert for the first time. The tall handsome ladies man had once been a pudgy seven year old with a big mouth. They had becamo fast friends.
Gwyn Awareness 15, roll 9 = success“It’s so terrible! I heard that a thousand Saxons landed to reinforce King Hengest! He’s the devil’s son, that’s for sure.” A woman with a shrill voice was whispering to a portly courtier and Gwyn’s ears perked up.
Saxons nearby and the man and woman kept arguing about Prince Madoc, Uther’s bastard son. A renowned warrior for sure, but not a proper heir. Gwyn had seen Prince Madoc when he and the others were training under Ser Amig. Handsome but with a fearsome reputation.
The woman said something about Merlin, the magician, but Gwyn didn’t catch all of it. Emeric tapped him on the shoulder and gestured for him to follow. Roger and Bovert were waiting by the door.
“Did you hear anything about Saxon’s from the continent?” Gwyn asked as they passed through the great doors to the hall.
“What’s that about Saxons?!” Roared Emeric with a furious look upon his face. Emeric’s hatred of the invaders were stronger than most. Gwyn filled the others in on what he heard about the Saxon’s and Prince Madoc.
“King Hengest, if I could get my hands around his neck!” Emeric muttered to himself.
“I heard King Uther sent out scouts to the east.” Roger added.
“Saxon’s this and Saxon’s that! More importantly I swear I caught the eye of Lady Elaine.” Bovert put an arm around Emeric’s shoulder. Emeric’s sour expression melted into a derisive snort.
“You’re not even knight and already you have ideas above your station.” Gwyn shook his head as the four friends walked out into the castle yard.
Scene 6
Scene: Few Who Deserve the Honor Character: Gwyn of Woodford Dramatis Personae: Bovert, Emeric, Roger, Sir Elad, Earl Roderick & Court Location: Earl’s Hall, Sarum
Later that night after dinner Earl Roderick stands up and addressees the gathering.
“I have decided to grant knighthood, to those worthy. So they may better serve me and Salisbury.” A murmur spread amongst the courtiers and Gwyn felt a swell of excitement and trepidation. The earl turns to first to Sir Hywel and asks if he knows anyone men worthy of the honor.
“I know many who want it, but few who deserve it.” Sir Hywel says gravely and the earl nods before turning to Sir Elad.
“Sir Elad, do you know any men worthy of this honor.” Sir Elad stands and clears his throat before speaking.
“I do my lord. Gwyn, Bovert, Emeric and Roger. All good men who have served me faithfully in Castle Vagon.”
“Very well, come forth men.” Earl Roderick meets Gwyns gaze and he rises carefully from his seat. He feels hands on his shoulders and hear faint whispers as he approaches the high table. He bows before the earl and sees his three companions next to him.
“Gwyn, Son of Haeward, are you ready to be a knight and serve Salisbury with honor.” The room seems eerily quiet. Shadows cast from the braziers dance upon the wall behind the earl.
“I am, my liege.” To Gwyn the words feel natural but as if they come from somewhere deep within him. He thinks of his father, the man who died at Siege of Carlion. Gwyn only has a fleeting memory of his father, he was two years old when he last saw him.
As he blinks he realizes the others have been asked the same question as Earl Roderick speaks up again.
“Tomorrow we shall have a knighting ceremony!”
The room erupts into cheers and laughter. Sir Elad nods proudly as Gwyn and the others are ushered back to their seats. The rest of the evening is a blur of congratulations and lively celebrations.
Scene 6
Scene: The Vigil
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Gwyn, Bovert, Emeric, Father Tewi & Earl Roderick
Location: Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sarum
Gwyn stands before an altar in the cathedral. Bovert is on his left and Emeric on his right. They are all dressed in white tunics over black clothes, fastened with a white belt. A new set of chainmail, sword, shield and spurs for each of them were placed upon the stone altar by the earl.
The earl is kneeling prayer, next to him stands Father Tewi holding a golden cup. As the earl rises he drinks from the cup.
“This is your vigil. Your friend is standing his in the Josephe abbey.” Gwyn knew Roger was Catholic but it felt strange to do this without him.
“Father Tewi will bless your arms and armaments, it is your duty to stand vigil this night. Pray and god will keep you safe.” Earl Roderick nodded to Father Tewi and the priest began to say his blessings.
It felt as if hours had passed when the priest finished his blessing. Gwyn’s knees were sore from kneeling against the hard fabric. He tried to concentrate on praying but thoughts of the future and the past kept intruding. He heard Emeric’s whispered prayer. His whispers where raspy and he often had to clear his throat. Father’s Tewi’s footsteps echoed away from them, the candles were burning on the altar and it was dark outside. It would be a long night.
Gwyn Spiritual 10, roll 15 = failure
Bovert Spiritual 10, roll 2 = success
Emeric Spiritual 10, roll 3 = success
Bovert and Emeric gain a check in Spiritual, for praying at a significant moment.Gwyn blinked and saw the candle wax melting. He heard both his friends mumbled prayer but his thoughts kept distracting him. He wanted to reach out and touch the sword, it represented his future. He would be a knight. Finally he would take his fathers place at Woodford manor.
Gwyn Energetic 13, roll 5 = success
Bovert Energetic 13, roll 10 = success
Emeric Energetic 13, roll 12 = successDespite being unable to pray the night away Gwyn passes the time. He marvels as the light of the dawn illuminates the stained glass windows. He focuses on the craftsmanship worked into the cathedral. When Father Tewi returns in the morning he is pleased to see that they are all still awake.
Scene 7
Scene: Arise Sir Knight
Character: Gwyn of Woodford
Dramatis Personae: Gwyn, Bovert, Emeric, Roger, Sir Elad, Earl Roderick & Court Location: Earl’s Hall, Sarum
"Gwyn, come forth and kneel before the throne." The herald gestures towards Gwyn as a servant places sword, armor, shield, and spurs nearby.
"Be it known to all men that I, Roderick Earl of Salisbury am minded to raise Gwyn by virtue of his honor, loyalty, valor, and skill at arms, to the high rank of knighthood." The herald reads from a scroll.
"Gwyn, do you swear and acknowledge Roderick Earl of Salisbury to be your true and lawful liege?"
"I do so swear." Gwyn responds kneeling in front of Earl Roderick seated in his high backed chair.
"Do you also swear fealty to Uther Pendragon, to defend and obey him until he depart the throne, or death shall take you?"
"I so swear." Gwyn rises as Earl Roderick stands from his seat and approaches him
"Let this be the last blow you receive without just recourse." The Earl strikes Gwyn across the face with his palm. The coulee stings as Gwyn takes a knee in front of the earl. He extends his hands, palms upraised, earl Roderick places his own over Gwyn's.
"Repeat after me: “I, Gwyn, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Earl Roderick of Salisbury, my liege, to defend and obey him until he depart his demesnes or death shall take me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.” The herald speaks to Gwyn who feels weak in his knees.
“I, Gwyn, do solemnly swear and pledge my sword to Earl Roderick of Salisbury, my liege, to defend and obey him until he depart his demesnes or death shall take me, and to uphold the honor of knighthood.” A steadiness enters his voice as the words he speaks sinks in.
"And I, for my part, do swear to defend and honor Gwyn as befits a true knight." A servant receives the sword and the earl taps the point on Gwyns shoulders. First right, then the left.
"I dub thee Sir Gwyn. Receive now your spurs,-" A servant fastens spurs around Gwyn's ankles.
"-your right to suitable arms,-" The new shield painted azure blue is passed from a servant to the earl, who places it on Gwyns left arm.
"-and take this, my sword-" The sword sheathed in a new scabbard is strapped to his waist by the earl.
"-to your side to serve and defend me well. Arise, Sir Knight." Sir Gwyn stands to a tumultuous roar from the gathered hall.
Gwyn is ushered to stand next to Bovert, who was first to be knighted. His tall and handsome friend looks older and wiser than before.
“Can you believe it?!” Bovert smiles while shaking his head as Gwyn joins his side.
They watch Emeric go through the ceremony and then Roger. Gwyn watches with a serious expression, feeling the weight of destiny upon his shoulders.
After all of them been knighted and the hall has again broken out into cheers and applause, Earl Roderick raises his hands.
“A knighting isn’t really complete without one thing.” He pauses for a effect and someone in the crowd yells.
“THE LEAP!”
The crowd chants and Earl Roderick’s court ushers the newly minted knights out of the hall.
Armed and armored they stand in the courtyard in front of their horses. All four sprint at once, each attempting to leap up onto their horse. Gwyn thinks of his father and mother. He wants to live up to his father’s legacy and to make the family proud.
Gwyn passion Love(Family) 15, roll 15 = critical success
Gwyn Dex 12(+20 Inspired, -10 Armor), roll 16 = success
Bovert Dex 11(-10 Armor), roll 15 = failure
Emeric Dex 11(-10 Armor), roll 4 = failure
Roger Dex 12(-10 Armor), roll 14 = failureGwyn feels as if he is lifted into the air rather than leaping. He manages to land in the saddle of his charger, Trojan. Trojan bucks but stays in place. The gathered crowd cheer joyfully. They fallen knights are quickly helped up off the ground and Bovert is even lifted into the air by a group of squires.
Glory Gained
Knighthood 1,000 glory each
The Leap, additional 10 glory to Gwyn
Total Glory 1,000 each to Emeric, Roger & Bovert, 1,010 to GwynNext Session: Battle of Mearcred Creek
Cool reading about Sarum 40 years before my campaign even takes place.