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Logs
Mar 29, 2009 12:27:49 GMT
Post by sleepingdragon on Mar 29, 2009 12:27:49 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: A tourney. King Robert Baratheon, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, has declared a tourney and festival in the great city of King’s Landing. All the lords and bannermen of the Seven Kingdoms are invited to attend, where there will be feasting , merriment, and great jousts for the finest knights in all the land to prove their mettle, along with a grand melee to claim the rich prizes offered by the crown (to say nothing of the adoration and cheers of the crowd).
Lord Cannis Rathing had stayed in his chair long after King Robert's messenger had left, gazing down silently at the note which he held awkwardly in his sole hand. Ever since the Trident, where he had lost his other hand, his sons, and most of his lands, Lord Cannis had brooded in Palestone, ignoring calls for tourneys, feasts, or anything else unless it was expressed as a direct command from his liege lord and enemy, Lord Roland Carrick of Redgate. But now he looked up after a long while and turned to Kessandra, his granddaughter. "I think it is about time that you are wed, Kessy," he told her. "Do you think any dragon men remain at King's Landing?" Kessandra: Kessandra did her best to look pleased at this news. "Of course, father. There are always men of loyalty, even in dark times. I'm certain we can find a suitable man." Sleeping Dragon: "I hope so. And hopefully while we're at it Carlan and Robur and Warwick will knock a few of the Usurper's dogs on their arses." Lord Cannis awkwardly stuffed the message into his pocket. Kessandra: "I shall prepare my things, father." She smiled, and this time it was genuine. The thought of King's Landing, and a gathering of knights and splendid ladies, was exciting. Warwick: Warwick nodded confidently and replued to his lord, "My lord, dare we hope that one or two get the lance through the heart, however sadly the accident is." Warwick: "may I*" Warwick: dare I* Dagobert: Behind his lordship's chair, Dagobert sighed, though not loud enough for Cannis hear. Robur: "I can't wait to make the usuper's scum taste my flail."said Robur menacingly "We'll show them that the House Rathing is still a force to be reckoned with." Sleeping Dragon: "Vanquish them, but no killing," said Lord Cannis. "We're not strong enough yet to deal with the repercussions. Go and prepare. We'll leave as soon as we can." Warwick: Warwick nodded softly and walked away in order to prepare for his great battles. He did however sniggered at himself, unheard by others. Kessandra: Kessy rushed off to speak with her friends and choose the most appropriate garb, and ordered the servants to gather together other necessities. Dagobert: "I will go to prepare healing salves and bandages." Dagobert said to Lord Cannis. "I imagine your lordship will want me to attend?" Sleeping Dragon: "Of course. If any of our men are injured I'll need you to treat them." Lord Cannis rose from his seat and went to prepare himself Dagobert: Dagobert went to his tower to gather his equipment and tend to his ravens. Warwick: Warick perpered for his upcoming discussions with his bitter oppoentsts Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis had little by the way of a possible entourage so it took just two days to fully prepare and set out for the tourney, heading out from Palestone and along the Red Fork of the Trident, intending to turn south at an inn situated on the crossroads some three days ride from Palestone.
For the first several days it was bright and sunny. One of Lord Cannis' knights, a massive, hulking warrior called Cannis, bore the banner of the Rathings, a flaming warhammer set against quartered black and silver. They rode across the lands of their neighbours. This set Lord Cannis in a foul mood, for many of the lands had once belonged to him, until the Trident where they had been seized from him and given to the Carricks, and then parcelled out to Lord Roland's victorious supporters. Whenever they passed a village or farms, Lord Cannis would look towards them, seemingly expecting that someone would recognise their former liege lord's banner, but if anyone did they showed no signs of it. Kessandra: Kessandra rode quietly by her father's side, sensing his discomfort and hoping that her presence would ease his burden. She wore simple riding clothes and her straight brown hair was tied back; except for her warhammer brooch, she could easily have been a merchant's daughter. Sleeping Dragon: edit: the warrior is Carlan, not Cannis! Dagobert: Dagobert rode his quiet horse slowly, constantly looking around at the country they were passing through, and once or twice stopping to pick something up. Warwick: Warwick was on his horse, a dreamy smile on his acient face, dreaming# Warwick: but his eyes was looking for dangers and beyond Robur: As they rode, the bosterious Robur would often start talking about how he looked forward to the great melee, and eagerly describe the ways in which he would crush his opponents with his flail. Sleeping Dragon: they continued on. As they got up in the morning of the third day it had begun to drizzle, a steady, fine rain that cut through their woollen cloaks as if they weren't there. Lord Cannis' health had always been frail, ever since the infection from his severed sword-hand had almost killed him, and he was soon coughing and sniffing.
Two hours into the day's travel, there came cawing and squawking from up ahead, and a murder of crows rose from out of a gulley by the side of the road and took wing. Soon the stench of death was in the air, wafting along towards them in the chilly wind. Kessandra: "What happened?" murmured Kessandra worriedly. "It must be a dead animal..." Robur: "I smell a carcass nearby."said a frowning Robur "Some unlucky traveller killed by bandits, perhaps." Dagobert: Dagobert had just been suggesting to Cannis that they stop for a while. "Maybe more than that." he murmured looking up at the crows. Sleeping Dragon: "It would be like Carrick, to let bandits thrive on the roads. There were bandits on my land once, briefly, just after my father died, and old Jaehaerys was still king. I hanged them all and we never heard from them again. Let's see what the crows have left for us." Lord Cannis continued on, undeterred by the stink Kessandra: Kessandra took a washcloth out of her bag and covered her mouth and nose. Warwick: Nodded at his lord, he unseathed his sword, taking the view that they still may be around Robur: Robur followed Warwick's example, taking out his flail, Sleeping Dragon: the bodies of three men lay in the gully, though one, lying face down, was scarcely more than a boy. They were clothed in little more than their undergarments and a layer of mud and blood, and their wounds bore witness to a fight before they died. Whoever killed them must have stripped them of all their goods before dumping the bodies alongside the road, and their dark eye-sockets, pecked out by the crows, bore mute testimonies to the evils of men. Kessandra: "Mother forgive us..." whispered Kessandra. She looked away to keep herself from gagging. Dagobert: Dagobert slid down from his saddle and moved carefully forward to examine the bodies. Warwick: He merely gave them a glance and dismissed as one of the ususal event Sleeping Dragon: Rust stains on the bodies of the slain showed that all three had once worn armour, though it was now nowhere to be found - even their boots had been taken. They didn't appear to have been dead for more than a day. As they came closer, they could see that the older men's hands were calloused and their arms well developed, making it clear they had been knights, with the young boy perhaps their squire. Dagobert: Dagobert looked around for the tracks of their horses. Kessandra: Kessandra too looked around for any signs, staying away from the bodies. Dagobert: "If we can spot the tracks it will at least tell us which way they were headed before they stopped here, and which direction those who took their horses set off in," Dagobert said, finding no sign himself. whispering to Kessandra, though attempting to avoid the bodies, Kessandra could not help but occasionally glance at them, then quickly look away and continue to search for tracks. Then she stopped. The boy had just moved - very slightly and imperceptibly, but he had moved all the same. Kessandra: "He's... he's alive!" She overcame her revulsion and ran over to the boy on the ground. Robur: "As much as I dislike doing Carrick's a favour, I think we should track down these bandits and kill them. "said Robur, who actually didn't look very impressed by the dead bodies Sleeping Dragon: "She's right, he moved! Dagobert, get to the boy now!" Lord Cannis cried in surprise Dagobert: Dagobert moved quickly to the boy's side. Sleeping Dragon: as Kessandra and Dagobert moved into the ditch, the boy gave a moan and crawled slightly towards them, then stopped and slumped down into the mud again. The Ghost of King Aerys: Disconnecting from server... The Ghost of King Aerys (exit): 23:15 Dagobert: "Quick, get him out of the mud!" Dagobert said sharply to the other men. He began rummaging through his bag. "He needs to be somewhere warm and dry." Sleeping Dragon: Carlan made his way into the ditch and went to move the boy, and as he rolled over they could see that the boy had been wounded in the gut, a dagger or short sword driven into his belly. His flesh around the wound was badly discoloured, and as he rose they could see the huge amount of blood he had spilled onto the ground. whispering to Dagobert, Dagobert's heart immediately sank. The wound was horrific and infected, and he could tell it would require a minor miracle to rescue this boy from death. Dagobert: Dagobert shook his head, but he did say. "The likelihood of bringing this boy back from the brink is very small. I will try everything in my power to do so," Kessandra: Kessandra kneeled down beside him and began praying to herself, eyes closed. Dagobert: Dagobert knelt beside the boy, cleaning and closing the wound as far as he could. Warwick: Disconnecting from server... Warwick (exit): 23:32 Sleeping Dragon: the boy opened cracked lips as Dagobert began to work on him. "There were four of them...well armed, fought well," he said. "Pulled Ser Tymon and Ser Roddik off their horses and killed them fast. Threw me in here with them..." he coughed. "Don't want to die." Dagobert: "We're doing our best to make sure you don't," Dagobert reassured the boy. Dagobert: "Did they have any symbols, anything that marked them out?" he asked the boy as he worked. Sleeping Dragon: "Didn't see any. All too fast." The boy's body twitched and he groaned. "Too late...please, avenge us. We were only going to the tourney. Ser Tymon was good to me and they..." The boy suddenly spasmed heavily and blood began to seep from the wound. Dagobert: Dagobert tried to bind the wound but he knew it was hopeless. Kessandra: "No!" Kessandra cradled the boy's head in her lap. "The Crone will guide you home," she said finally. Robur: "That we can do."said Robur grimly hearing the boy's requests for revenge
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Logs
Apr 7, 2009 22:01:23 GMT
Post by sleepingdragon on Apr 7, 2009 22:01:23 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Dagobert made a last futile attempt to bandage the wound but it was useless, and the squire's convlusions quickly ceased and he was still. Lord Cannis looked on grimly. "The deaths of these men falls on Carrick's head," he growled. "What use is a lord if he can't protect people travelling in his land?" Dagobert: "Should we bury them here my lord?" Dagobert asked. Skyman: Kessy closed the boy's eyes. "Who could be so brutal?" Sleeping Dragon: "We haven't the tools to bury them, nor the time," said Lord Cannis. "Mayhaps at the inn we'll find someone who can come and bury them." Carlan: Carlan looked on sadly as the others talked. Skyman: "We can't just leave them lying like this, though, can we father? At least let them lie beside each other, make their rest more peaceful." Skyman: *edit: grandfather Dagobert: "Let us hope that no wild beasts find them." Dagobert said quietly. Sleeping Dragon: "As you wish, Kessy," Lord Cannis shrugged. "Robur, Carlan, Warwick, move them to rest alongside one another. At the inn we'll see if Masha Heddle knows anyone who wants to earn some silver." Robur: "After we've given them a decent burial we might want to track the bandits down."said Robur, sounding more concerned with revenge than with giving them a proper burial "And after that, we'll want people around to know that Carrick couldn't deal with a few bandits in his lands and it was house Rathing who did the deed." CosmicHorror (enter): 19:50 Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis paused, then nodded. "You're right, ser. We'll see if any information is forthcoming at the inn. Bandits rarely content themselves with attacking one group, especially not ones bold enough to try attacking knights." Dagobert: Dagobert cleaned his hands carefully with water before mounting his horse. Warwick: Warwick nodded warily at the news he just heard. "Indeed." Skyman (enter): 20:00 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (899) Skyman... Sleeping Dragon: [1d4] => [2] = (2) Sleeping Dragon: Leaving the knights behind, Lord Cannis' retinue pressed on. The drizzle continued ceaselessly, leaving them soaked. Lord Cannis began to sniff and sneeze as the day wore on, wiping at his nose in a highly unlordly manner.
At last, they came to the inn at the crossroads in the last hours of light. The sight of timbers and a thatched roof were welcome in the unending drizzle, and still more so was the curl of blue-grey smoke from the fieldstone chimney, speaking of a warm heath and, hopefully, some warm food and drink as respite from the road. Fatigued from the days' ride, to say nothing of the encounter with the bandits' handiwork, Lord Cannis spurred himself onwards towards the inn's muddy yard. Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(886) Skyman' from room... Skyman (exit): 20:05 Dagobert: Dagobert followed, keen to get into the warm. Robur: Robur walked in, looking forward to eating and perhaps some rest after a hard day's ride. Skyman (enter): 20:10 Skyman: Kessandra sighed in relief and looked around for a stable boy to take Faithful. Sleeping Dragon: they spurred on towards the stables, where their horses were taken by a stout young lad of about fifteen named Davin. When he had taken their horses, they made their way into the inn. "Try not to make Heddle smile," Lord Cannis said cryptically as he pushed the door open.
Before he could explain this comment, they were inside and Masha Heddle herself, an ageing woman with iron-grey hair up in a bun, came over to them. Her mouth worked as she walked, as if she was chewing something. "Good evening, milord," she greeted. "You'll be wanting lodging for the night?"
A look of irritation passed across Lord Cannis' face. "Yes. Kessy, handle the haggling please, I want to get off my feet," he said abruptly. Without waiting for an answer Lord Cannis sat down at a nearby table, ordering an ale from a comely young serving girl as he went. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (903) Skyman... Skyman: Kessandra nodded. "What are your prices, good woman?" Dagobert: Dagobert followed him. "You should get dry my lord. I will make up a posset later to help you sleep." Carlan: Carlan smiled as they went inside, happy for the rest and the warmth. He followed Lord Cannis and sat down at a table near him. He stopped the serving girl and ordered roast boar. Robur: Robur too went to eat some meat and quaff down some ale, far too tired and hungry to haggle. Skyman: Kessandra explained that her father knew Heddle, and they would always be good business when they traveled south, so some coins off would be good for the innkeeper in the long run. Skyman: *edit:grandfather Skyman: She then went to sit down by the lord and asked if they had roast duck. Sleeping Dragon: though she started sternly enough, Heddle's disposition soon changed as Kessy quickly convinced her that it would be a good idea to reduce their price, and in the end they were able to secure rooms for all of Lord Cannis' entourage at about two-thirds of Heddle's initial asking price. As Kessy did this, the serving girl brought meat and ale to the party, serving Lord Cannis first. whispering to Skyman, Dagobert, Carlan, Warwick, the serving girl eyed Ser Robur several times as she served the party, taking quick glances and then hastily looking away Skyman: Kessandra smiled and nudged Robur, glancing surreptiously at the serving girl. Warwick: Glancing at the wench and at Robur, he nodded privately. Dagobert: Dagobert sniffed. Robur: Robur seemed mostly concerned with the food, tearing big chunks out of the meat with his teeth and chewing. Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis was silent and withdrawn throughout dinner, eating slowly. Apart from the entourage, the inn was largely empty - apart from Heddle and the serving girl, there was also a grey-bearded tinker who sat fiddling with a broken tin jar Heddle had given him, and a black-haired, lean man seated by the hearth, sniffling and coughing loudly and drinking tea Skyman (exit): 20:41 Skyman: "Perhaps I should go see if I can get any information about the bandits from Heddle and the patrons," suggested Kessandra. Dagobert: Dagobert looked over at the black-haired man, then at Kessandra. "That would be a good idea my lady." Skyman: Kessy started by speaking to Heddle before moving on to the black-haired man, who seemed less busy than the tinker. Dagobert: Dagobert walked over to the tinker. He made a favourable comment on the man's work. "Have you travelled far this day?" he asked. Sleeping Dragon: "Not at all," replied the tinker. "Been staying here a few days, fixing things for Masha before I head on to King's Landing. I'm Horace, milord," he introduced himself Skyman (enter): 20:52 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (911) Skyman... Sleeping Dragon: as Kessy came over to him, the black-haired man broke out into a fit of coughing. "Forgive me, milady," he said, wiping at his nose with the back of his sleeve. "Caught a chill I've not been able to shake off." Warwick: Warick dug into his food, enjoying every piece of it. Dagobert: "Maester Dagobert." he replied. "I wondered if you had heard any reports or rumours of bandits on the road?" Sleeping Dragon: edit: Kessy found Heddle was too busy for the moment, so the innkeeper told her she'd come to speak to her in a few minutes Sleeping Dragon: "Bandits? None I heard of coming from Riverrun, old Lord Hoster deals firmly with that sort. He's been sick though, I'm hearing." Skyman: "Of course. I hope you're feeling at least a little better now, in the warmth. My name is Kessandra Rathing. Are you headed for the tourney like us?" Sleeping Dragon: The black-haired man nodded. "All them lords and knights gathering, sure one will have use for a sell-sword. But this cold's had me laid up in here for days." Skyman: "Ah, a sellsword. I can imagine that illness would be quite frustrating for you. You haven't heard anything about bandits nearby, have you?" Dagobert: Dagobert continued talking to the tinker for a short while more, then returned to the table. "The tinker has heard of no problems coming from Riverrun, but there is one piece of interesting information - apparently Lord Hoster has been taken ill." Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis looked pensive. "Good for the traitor," he said quietly. Sleeping Dragon: the sellsword began to cough again. "Not a..." he broke off half way through and put his hand on his chest. "Not a thing, milady," he said when he had recovered. Skyman: "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm making it worse, forcing you to speak! However, if you do feel up to we have a job for a couple of able-bodied men. We found some bodies in need of burial. Let us know if you feel well enough." When the conversation wrapped up she returned to their table. Dagobert: "That man needs some cordial my lady." Dagobert said to Kessandra when she sat down. Skyman: "He does sound terrible! If you can help him, please do, Dag." Dagobert: Dagobert went over to the dark-haired man. "I have some medicine which might help with that cough, if you would like to try it." Sleeping Dragon: The dark-haired man waved his hand dismissively. "'Tis nothing serious, I'll be back on my feet soon enough," he said. Dagobert: Dagobert shrugged. "It would ease the cough, that is all." Sleeping Dragon: Masha Heddle came over to Lord Cannis' table. "Sorry I was busy, milady. What did you wish to speak to me of?" she asked, smiling, and they saw why Lord Cannis had warned them against her smile - her teeth were stained red. Sleeping Dragon: *she asked Kessandra Warwick: He blinked slightly in surprise at Heddle. Skyman: Kessandra blinked, but managed to gather herself and respond. "Uh, we were just wondering if you'd heard any word of bandits in the area. We ran across some signs and are concerned for the safety of travelers." Skyman (exit): 21:23 Sleeping Dragon: "Bandits? Hmm..." she paused and thought, chewing. "There was a singer come through here about nine, ten days ago, from the south going to Seagard. Said he'd heard of a farm being burned somewhere by Acorn Hall. Have they come north, milady?" Heddle sounded concerned Skyman: "Oh, I wouldn't worry overly much, it didn't seem to be many of them. I would just warn your patrons to be careful," said Kessandra with false confidence. Carlan: brb Sleeping Dragon: Heddle looked relieved. "Very well, milady." Robur: Finishing quaffing down a mug of ale, Robur looked to the others. Warwick: Warick nodded and smiled for a moment at Robur Skyman: "Oh, and we did find... a couple of bodies on the road. If you can send out some of your boys to bury them we would be happy to pay." Robur: "These lands aren't as safe as they should be."mentioned Robur off-handedly Sleeping Dragon: Heddle looked startled. "I don't think I can spare anyone, milady, it's just Davin I could send and if there are bandits about he's no good. He's a strong lad, but no fighter. Let the dead attend to themselves." Skyman: Kessandra nodded sadly. "I understand, of course." Dagobert: "We can hardly expect a boy to do the job." Dagobert said quietly. Sleeping Dragon: "What are our chances then of finding these bandits?" Lord Cannis wondered. "If they've come from the south we might continue on the road and see if anyone on the way has heard about them." Skyman (enter): 21:45 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (925) Skyman... Warwick: Warick nodded,, "Indeed, if we do come across them,. We will give them a sounding beating. beside we are forwarned. My lord" Robur: "We will have to hunt them down, I doubt that they will be so stupid as to attack us." said Robur "And even if they are, all the worse for them."he added, sounding eager to face these outlaws Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis nodded. "We'll continue on down the road for a day or so and see if we can learn anything." Sleeping Dragon: shortly afterwards, the party went to their rooms and slept. Heddle's beds were far more comfortable than the pavilion they had been sharing on the roads, and they had the best night's sleep they had had since leaving Palestone. They woke early in the morning and went down to break their fast, finding that Heddle and her serving girl had already woken and had begun to cook. Warwick: Warick dug into it. "Good night anyone?" Skyman: "Oh yes!" said Kessandra. "It's wonderful having a real bed again. I hope we find good lodging at King's Landing. Dagobert: Dagobert picked at his food. "The beds were comfortable." Carlan: Carlan smiled as he sat down but didn't say anything. The chair creaked ominously under his bulk but he ignored it. He began eating a large amount of food Robur: "Adequate, I'd say."commented Robur "Though we'll probably want something more worthy of our station at King's Landing" Skyman: "Think of all the people though! I'm sure the best rooms will be reserved for greater... I mean, more treasonous lords." Warwick: "Frankly, these beds are excellent and I doubt we will have such as good when we get there" Warick summed Skyman (exit): 22:16 Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis was again silent throughout breakfast. He seemed to have recovered slightly from the chill of the day before. "We'll see what we can find," he said as he finished. "We have a lot of ground to cover. Let's get moving." Dagobert: Dagobert excused himself from the table and went to gather his things. Warwick: Warick nodded and gathered his stuff. But he made sure his lance and such out, clearly ready for any battles today Sleeping Dragon: shortly afterwards the party left and began to make their way south along the road. The weather had cleared up in the evening, and it was now clear and warm. Sleeping Dragon: they rode along the road, passing through a lightly wooded area near to the river. About a mile from the road they came to a bend. As they came near to the bend there were sudden twangs of bowstrings, and hooves suddenly hammering towards them Dagobert: Dagobert let his horse drop back behind the others. Kessandra (enter): 22:46 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (957) Kessandra... Sleeping Dragon: there were four bandits, two waiting in amongst the trees while two others, mounted on rounseys and armed with lances and shields, charged. All took aim on Carlan, the largest of the group. Two arrows thudded into his shield while the two riders, one of whom, they saw, was the sellsword from the inn, aimed their lances at him. The sellsword's couldn't penetrate his thick armour, but the other rider, a big man in a brigandine, punched through into his side Warwick: Warick laughed gleefully as his horse tortted over to his new enemies and impaled one bandit on his mighty war lance. The armour was puny against it, causing massive damages to the chap. Kessandra (exit): 23:16 Robur: "Stay back and let me handle this!"said Robur to Kessandra and Dagobert as spurred his horse to join the fray. Moving towards the other opponent, he tried to strike him with his war lance, but the blow glanced off the bandit's shield. CosmicHorror: Disconnecting from server... CosmicHorror (exit): 23:21 Kessandra: Faithful began to rear, scared by the sudden commotion, but Kessy got ahold of her and quickly guided her farther away from the battle. Her heart was pounding, but she found that she was surprisingly calm. Dagobert: Dagobert struggled with his mount for a moment then followed Kassandra. "I am sure we are safe here my lady." he said reassuringly. Sleeping Dragon: the warrior Warwick had struck dropped his lance and drew his blade, slashing at him, but he was badly hurt by Warwick's charge and it struck his shield Sleeping Dragon: one of the archers broke through the trees and began to rush towards Kessy and Dagobert, slowed by branches Carlan: Carlan yelled in pain as the man's lance broke through his armor. He pulled out his flail and swung it in one of his powerful arms. He hit the man in the chest. The man's armor crumpled and he fell from his horse unconscious Sleeping Dragon: one of the other archers, gaping at the speed with which his comrades were being defeated, turned to hide in amongst the trees Sleeping Dragon: the remaining horseman drew his blade and slashed desperately at Carlan, but couldn't penetrate his thick armour Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis struggled to control his horse with his lone hand. "Kill this fool!" he spat angrily Warwick: Warick looked forlonly at the lance he just lost and took a quick glance around. He realised that Wort is going toward to Kessay. Quickly readying his chain and ball, he rode into the tree in attempt to ensure Wort to make the Strenger Robur: Letting the lance drop the ground, Robur took his flail from his saddle and brought it down on the head his opponent with great violence, severely stunning him. Kessandra: Seeing the approaching man, Kessy was momentarily frozen. But Warwick moved in front of her, and she gathered herself and managed to turn Faithful around and ride across toward the opposite treeline. Dagobert: Dagobert also retreated. He watched for any other bandits, constantly scanning the road behind him and the trees on either side. Sleeping Dragon: the bandit fired his bow at Warwick, but it flew wide. Cursing, he dropped the bow and drew a battle axe Carlan: Hearing his lord's command, Carlan swung with all of his strength at Corvin's head. The helm collapsed and the man fell to the ground, dead. Sleeping Dragon: Anger subsiding as the battle was already clearly won, Lord Cannis shouted to Warwick, "Try to take him alive!" Warwick: Warwick smiled with glee after he noticed that Wort's shot missed him and charged him among the trees and slammed his chain and ball onto Wort. He merely knocked him out since his lord command to leave him alive
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Logs
May 19, 2011 16:52:56 GMT
Post by Edivad on May 19, 2011 16:52:56 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Warwick felled the last bandit and things were still again. Lord Cannis clutched at his chest for a momentand then spoke, pointing a finger and the fallen leader nf the brigands( who still had Warwick's lance driven into his side. "Dagobert! Make sure that one doesn't die!" said Lord Cannis, ctepping down from his horse. Lord CanNis' face was white and he appeared quite shaken. Dagobert: Dagobert seeme` torn between attending to the fallen bandit and seeing to his Lord but he obeyed the ckmmand. As the battle finished, Carlan slowly relaxed. When Lord Cannis got off his horse, Carlan joined him. "Milord? Are you alright?" Robur: "That was a good blow, Warwick. " said Robur looked at the fallen bandit with disdain Warwick: Warwick checked the archer carefully. "Indeed, Robur. But alas, I only knocked him down, not gut him like the pig he is." Sleeping Dragon: Dagobert was able to skilfully extract Warwick's lance. Lord Cannis waved a hand dismissively at Carlan. "Haven't been in a battle in many a year. Feel a bit strange, but it will pass soon. Can you bring him to, Dagobert? These bandits are suspiciously well equipped." Robur: "I was about to comment on that my Lord."said Robur's hearing Cannis's words "Probably stole their arms from someone better than them."he added spitefully Dagobert: Dagobert carried on working on the bandit, but he cast worried looks at Cannis now and then. Warwick: Warick dismounted from his horse and dragged the archer that been knocked out back to the gathering Warwick: "At least I managed to avoid to kill the archer." Warwick told them Sleeping Dragon: eventually, Dagobert was able to bring the bandit leader back to consciousness, while Lord Cannis sat down heavily and watched the work. At length, the brigand leader was brought round.
"Who are you?" Lord Cannis demanded as soon as it was obvious that he was awake. "Where did you get your equipment? I know you're not just an ordinary bandit."
The brigand said nothing for a while. "Make him talk," Lord Cannis growled to Carlan, but before the big man could move, the bandit spoke. "I have information worth your life, Lord Rathing, and those of your men. Promise to spare me and I'll share it with you." Sleeping Dragon: Kessy spoke to Lord Cannis quietly, but he shook his head angrily. "I will not negotiate terms with such as you," Lord Cannis snapped at the bandit. "Carlan, break him." Dagobert: "I really think we would do well to at least find out what he has to say my Lord." Dagobert murmured on Cannis's other side. Sleeping Dragon: "I intend to," Lord Cannis snapped. Warwick: Warick stared at the prisoner with hint of bloodthirstiness Warwick: and mentioning how long Carlan can do it for. Robur: "Perhaps his lance was not enough, and you wish for a taste of my flail too?"said Robur menacingly joining Warwick in the intimidating Carlan: Carlan blinked in confusion for a moment then started to step forward towards the prisoner. Sleeping Dragon: Warwick, Robur, and Carlan worked on the prisoner for a while. The brigand ignored their taunts, but eventually his courage gave in as they applied fists and boots. The brigand picked himself up off the ground, face full of anger and fear, before spitting out his answer. "I am Ser Ander, and I've been sent to capture you in particular, Lord Rathing." Warwick: Warick shook her head, not having any idea what these names are. Warwick: him* Warwick: his* Dagobert: "I know who he is." Dagobert muttered to his Lord. "He served Ser Almar Othson, the knight of the thicket, but fell out with him over a woman. He left Ser Almar's service swearing revenge." Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis nodded to Dagobert. "My maester believes you fell out with that cattle-thief Othson. Who sent you after me?"
'Ser' Ander looked shaken before replying. "Why Lord Carrick, milord! Why else do you suppose I've been able to operate on his land without reprisal?" Warwick: Warwick muttered for a moment, "You are lying. Tell the truth!" He roared at him. Carlan: Carlan's attention had drifted, but when Warwick yelled he looked up and grabbed his flail tightly Sleeping Dragon: Ser Ander glared at Warwick hatefully. "You will kill me whatever I say. Why should I give you the truth?" Warwick: "The choice to kill you or not is not up to me. It is up to my lord." Warwick replied Sleeping Dragon: "I have no patience for this," Lord Cannis spat. Kessy sat down next to him and they spoke quietly for about a minute. Finally Lord Cannis relented. "You may have your miserable life, liar, but only if you speak the truth."
Ser Ander relaxed. "I have never ceased to serve Ser Almar, milord. Our falling out was a ruse. Milord Othson has fallen into difficulty with debt, and ordered me to turn to brigandage. Our spoils have gone mostly to him. He has several spies among your smallfolk. He has known for a long time that Lord Carrick hates you, and when he heard that you were leaving Palestone he thought of a plot to get rid of you in the hopes of a ransom or of being granted Palestone. A few hours ago, milord, or perhaps about now, a group of well-armed riders struck one of the villages a day or so to the west. Many were probably killed. Terrible, truly, but there were to be some survivors, and in the debris some will find tokens and torn bits of cloth bearing your flaming warhammer." Dagobert: Dagobert looked shocked. "A terrible thing to do." Robur: "Treacherous dogs."muttered Robur "Someone will have to pay for this disgrace."he added obviously angry Sleeping Dragon: "Indeed. And who will ever know? Lord Carrick hates you, milord. He does not forget that once you were the overlord and he the vassal. He will see this as an opportunity to rid himself of you once and for all, and is unlikely to look very closely to ensure that you are actually responsible." Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis' face was red. "I am still free. Ser Almar doesn't have me. We must go back to Palestone immediately and muster our men!"
Ser Ander smiled. "Milord, you haven't the time. Ser Almar has given me until evenfall to return to the Thicket with you as my captive. If I fail to do this, he will presume that I have been defeated and he will come looking for you with all of his men." Dagobert: Dagobert spoke quietly to Lord Cannis. "I see two possible ways out of this, but either will be most difficult. You can either rush to Redgate and attempt to persuade Lord Roland of your innocence in this matter. Or you can attempt to raise the smallfolk nearby to fight Ser Almer. But Lord Roland hates you and you are away from your own lands." He shook his head sorrowfully. Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis frowned. "My friend Ser Anton Black has a tower a few hours east of here. He has a force of riders who keep the peace on his land. I might persuade him to fight alongside us. And these smallfolk are mine in truth, they might rouse themselves for me. Carrick is just a thief. What do you think?" Dagobert: "We have to try. The other way might just put you in Carrick's hands." Dagobert said somewhat doubtfully. Robur: "And perhaps we might even be able to retake the lands that are rightfully ours."said Robur agreeing with his lord's plan Dagobert: "And Ser Almar's brother Waymar is the Master at Arms to Lord Roland, there will be no love for us in Redgate." Dagobert added. Carlan: "What you command my lord, but Carrick does not like us." Sleeping Dragon: Kessandra attempted to persuade her grandfather to chose the more peaceful option, speaking of the smallfolk who would be killed in the conflict, but Lord Cannis shook his head. "Their deaths will lie at the feet of Ser Almar, and I will ensure he pays for it. We must act swiftly! Shall we return to the inn? That will make a good central base for our forces, and from there we can attempt to win the smallfolk to our side." Warwick: He nodded at the discussions and considered what is going happen Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis mounted up on his horse. "You, Ser Ander, are our prisoner. I agree to spare you, not to release you. Take this one with us as well," he gestured at the fallen bandit. "We will plant our standard at the inn. Warwick, ride east to the tower of Highsaddle. That is where Ser Anton resides. Tell him that now is the time for him to repay me for the tourney at Maidenpool, and his men should make for the inn at the crossroads as speedily as possible." Warwick: He nodded and remounted in horse and rode for the Highsaddle to speak to Ser Anton quickly as possile Dagobert: Dagobert prepared to accompany his Lord. He watched Cannis with concern when he wasn't looking. Skyman (enter): 21:15 Carlan: Carlan moved around and gathered the horses whose riders had fallen. The large man seemed surprisingly gentle with them and his touches reassured them. He quickly brought them together and helped lift the unconscious man into one of the saddles. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (880) Kessandra... Robur: After doing a through check of his armour and weapons to see that they were in proper conditions mounted on his horse, obviously eager to get to the inn as soon as possible to rouse the commoners to fight. He was obviously looking forward to the war. Sleeping Dragon: they rode back to the inn at the crossroads as quickly as possible, bearing their prisoners with them. Masha Heddle looked confused as they reentered, and frightened as Lord Cannis ordered Carlan to plant the flagstaff with the banner of their House directly in front of the inn. "Be silent, woman!" Lord Cannis shouted over Heddle's objections. "I am the Lord of Palestone and not to be questioned by the likes of you!" Robur: "You should consider it at an honour to have your inn be used as a base by House Rathing, woman."said Robur matter-of-factly Sleeping Dragon: they rode out on their horses in small groups, speaking to the smallfolk of the perfidy of Ser Almar and how he had attacked a village not far from here. Lord Cannis brought Ser Ander with him to speak, and sent the other bandit, Wort, with Kessy, to give weight to their arguments. They were further supported when news came from the west that a village had in fact been attacked by riders that morning. Whether by luck or by the smallfolk's ignorance of heraldry, as yet no one had connected the flaming warhammer badges Ser Almar had planted with House Rathing.
It was a long, tiring day. Persuading the smallfolk to place themselves in harm's way for Lord Cannis' sake was not a simple matter, and was largely only possible because the smallfolk feared that Ser Almar might slay them as well. The gods, however, seemed to be on their side. By the time the sun had set, a diverse and badly mismatched group of peasants from nearby villages, about 300 in number, had come to the inn, where Lord Cannis set them to going into the nearby wood and cutting themselves spears and crude woven shields. Masha Heddle gaped at the sudden army arriving at her inn in abject horror and disbelief. Kessandra: Kessy was nearly as surprised as Heddle, but did her best to look resolute to help inspire the men. Carlan: Carlan accompanied Lord Cannis throughout the day, speaking to the people about the conflict. While people recognized his status as a knight, Carlan was unable to convince people to follow him. whispering to Warwick, Warwick pounded across the riverlands, driving his horse relentlessly and refusing to stop save once or twice to ensure he did not get lost. After about six hours he found himself at Highsaddle, a simple stone tower atop a hill commanding the nearby plains. The guards did not seem particularly impressed by his claim to be on an errand from Lord Cannis Rathing, but their attitude changed when they spoke to Ser Anton and discovered that he was, indeed, as eager as Lord Cannis had guessed to fight on their behalf. "I'll gather my men immediately," said Ser Anton, a greying man about ten years younger than Lord Cannis, told him. "I was unhappy to fight on the other side during the Rebellion, but Lord Tully commanded me." Robur: Robur was recognized by the folk as knight, but his arguments about how it was the people's duty to fight and die for House Cannis failed to convince the rabble. Robur: edit: House Rathing, not Cannis Warwick: (whispering): He replied with thank in his tone, "My Lord will welcome your precious support." Dagobert: Dagobert also travelled with Lord Cannis and spoke eloquently, convincing a good many to fight for House Rathing. Kessandra: Kessandra had mad a beautiful speech about their duty to their wives and sons, and brought in more men as well. Sleeping Dragon: late that evening, Warwick returned from Highsaddle, stating that Ser Anton had agreed to come to support them. That night, they went and slept exhaustedly, preparing for the day to come.
In the morning, Lord Cannis looked a dead man. The chaos and excitement of the day before had taken its toll on him, and he complained of barely sleeping and feeling very sick. Dagobert: Dagobert fussed round his Lord, making up infusions and trying to get him to rest. Sleeping Dragon: eventually, Lord Cannis accepted that he'd be unable to help that day, and he went to bed Dagobert: Satisfied that he had done what he could, Dagobert set off to speak to more smallfolk. Robur: Robur tried again to convince the folk, but he didn't fare much better than before. He was obviously displeased, and muttered under his breath about the smallfolk lack of loyalty to their rightful masters. Kessandra: Kessandra once again managed to inspire some men into service; certain of the smallfolk were willing to follow an elegant young lady where they wouldn't follow a warrior. Warwick: Warwick was clearly a knight and commanding knight, but sadly, his imidiaiton for them to do doesn't work Dagobert: Dagobert again made a rousing speech and gained more volunteers for the fight. Sleeping Dragon: by the end of the day their forces had swelled to perhaps 500, though it was obvious that some were having second thoughts, especially on hearing that their general had fallen ill and spent the day being sick. They were cheered, however, by the arrival at nightfall of Ser Anton Black, a warrior in his early fifties with greying hair, and his cadre of twenty horsemen armed with maces and chainmail, riding beneath the banner of a running black horse. Robur: "Good thing to have some other people who can actually fight on our side." commented Robur obviously pleased when he heard of the arrival of their ally's horsemen Warwick: Nodding, "Indeed. Anton's men will turn the tide on our side." Dagobert: "There will be many men fighting on our side," Dagobert said. "Do not underestimate the smallfolk." Sleeping Dragon: the next morning, as they were breaking their fast, one of the smallfolk scouts they had sent to watch the river to the south, where House Othson's fief lay, came back reporting that a large force of perhaps three or four hundred men was marching towards them. Sleeping Dragon: Lord Cannis set out and ordered the levies to form up, setting themselves up on a small hill about a quarter of a mile south of the inn. Due to the size of the force Ser Anton, Ser Warwick, and Ser Robur were all given their own sub-commands, and the smallfolk cried out for the Wise Man and the Kind Lady to go with them, as Dagobert and Kessandra had played such a large role in convincing them to go forth and fight Dagobert: Dagobert willingly joined them. Kessandra: Kessandra gathered her courage and rode in among the peasants. "The Warrior will be in your arms!" she cried, "And the Mother will watch over you." Edivad (enter): 22:45 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (906) Edivad... Edivad (enter): 22:46 Edivad (enter): 22:47 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (908) Edivad... Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (909) Edivad... Sleeping Dragon: soon Ser Almar's forces had come into view. They could see four distinct bodies of troops - Ser Almar's knights, lances glinting in the sun, horses walking calmly, and to their right, a group of infantrymen. Behind them came a peasant levy of their own, appearing nevous. Away from the other units came a disorganised and chaotic looking rabble of wild men. As Ser Ander had warned them, Ser Almar had emptied his gaols of the most desperate and dangerous men in his lands. Kessandra (enter): 22:51 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (912) Kessandra... Edivad (enter): 22:53 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (914) Edivad... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(906) Edivad' from room... Edivad (exit): 23:03 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(908) Edivad' from room... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(909) Edivad' from room... Edivad (exit): 23:03 Edivad (exit): 23:04 Robur (exit): 23:14 Kessandra (enter): 23:15 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (922) Kessandra... Kessandra (exit): 23:18 Carlan: Carlan rode gallantly forward in front of the army and attacked the unit of criminals. They fell away before him, but weren't retreating. Kessandra (enter): 23:43 Kessandra (exit): 23:44 Sleeping Dragon: Ser Almar's voice could be heard across the battlefield, a deep, booming roar. "FORM UP, THERE'S ONLY ONE OF HIM! DRIVE OFF THE DRAGON-KNIGHT MEN!" he shouted, and his knights tore across the field towards Carlan, while on the hill, Lord Cannis gave orders to fire on the first men to come within range. Carlan began to flee, riding well, but in the process was struck by several hurled javelins. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (946) Kessandra... Sleeping Dragon: as Ser Carlan whirled away, Ser Almar ordered his men forward. His peasants went forth nervously, and then the reorganised criminals, who surged forward screaming wildly. They came under fire from the hill as they approached, but the peasants' arrows largely fell wide, or stuck in what armour they had been granted Kessandra (exit): 00:02 Sleeping Dragon: the criminals advanced, falling under more fire. Several were felled by arrows, but they continued up the hill regardless Kessandra (enter): 00:16 Sleeping Dragon: the criminal unit engaged with Warwick and Robur's levies, while the Thicket garrison troops advanced. The criminals locked their shields against Warwick's levy, holding him back, but then Robur's men smashed them in their flank. A roar went up from the Rathing forces as the criminals were crushed between hammer and anvil. Many perished, and those that survived were in utter confusion Sleeping Dragon: unable to control the criminals, Ser Almar ordered his peasants to charge forward. They smashed into Warwick's unit in their exposed flank, slaying several of his men. Warwick himself took a scrape in the fray Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (967) Kessandra... Kessandra (exit): 00:35 Edivad: Robur advanced from the ranks of the paesants, whirling his flail above his head viciously and screaming at the hapless crimininals as he brought his weapon down on them, sending them into a desperate rout. Carlan: Carlan rode into the peasant levies with a massive impact, sending peasants sprawling before him. HE swung his flail, killing and injuring many and causing the rest to trample over each other in terror, spreading death in all directions Warwick: Disconnecting from server... Warwick (exit): 00:45 Robur: Not content to have simply routed them, Robur uttered a warcry and spurred his destrier against the routing foes, killing many with great ferocity. Carlan: Carlan turned his attention to the garrison troops and charged them, but the higher trained troops rebuffed his attack easily. He turned and rode back to his troops Robur: Turning his horse around, Robur charged at the advancing garrison. He fell upon them with reckless rage, his flail shattering heads and skulls left and right and routing the unfortunate foes. Robur: edit: change 'routing' to 'scattering' Sleeping Dragon: Ser Almar reorganised his scattering garrison troops, but Lord Cannis ordered Ser Anton's horsemen forward Kessandra (enter): 01:00 Sleeping Dragon: Ser Anton's horsemen smashed into the garrison, and then the battle turned into an absolute rout as Ser Almar's horse turned and fled. Ser Anton's men chased after them, leaving the peasants far behind. About an hour later he returned. A frantic battle had been fought, but Ser Almar's horses had tired first and his men had been defeated, and the Knight of the Thicket himself taken.
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