The Saxon Wars (Inactive)

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

782 AD - Charlemagne's wars against the Saxons.


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<< Minden, Graf Theodoric's Winter Camp // Saturday, October 12, 482 Anno Domini (2 weeks after the Massacre of Verden) // 20:48 // Cold; 37° F >>

The icy wind howls as it tears its way down from the north sea, across the moors, bogs and forests of Sachsenland. The tent shakes in the wind, rattling its poles and ropes. The roughly cut wooden "planks" that make up the floor of the semi-permanent cloth structure are slicked with half frozen mud. They are so splintery that no one can afford to take their boots off inside. The only "furniture" in the twelve by twelve foot space are four straw "mattresses" bound together with cheap twine and a small iron brazier for burning wood on the floor in the center. The walls are made of hides stitched expertly together and strung over wooden poles.

Three new knights, from far flung parts of Charlemagne's great empire sit around around the smoky brazier with a large jug of cheap wine. They've only just been assigned together, each part of the new conscripts that were called up to serve in the forces that fought at Süntel. None of them saw any of the fight that day, but in the chaos afterward the three of them were formed into a unit. Mounted men would be scarce until spring, so the three of them would have to serve alone for now. Their horses are tethered just outside the tent, their stamps and snorts can be heard reassuringly ever so often. The three knights were told that they would receive a new assignment in the morning, and that they had the night to do as they pleased. But they'd better be at the church bright and early for Lauds.

Okay, introduce yourselves and make friends (or not).


782 not 482.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus of Fulda huddles close to their pithy fire, tugging at his cloak to keep his hood well over his shaved scalp. Though the silence has nos stretched thin, he doesn't find it awkward, enjoying the relative peace of the late hour, his quiet new friends, and the (very bad) wine.

As Lo passes him the jug, Reolus waves it off, and breaks the silence. "Thank you, but no. It is nearly the hour of Compline, and I would prefer to keep my mind clear for the last Office of the day. I was going to make my way to the church for the service, but if you would like, I would administer the Office for the three of us here. I could use the peace it affords this night."

"Oh, sorry, I am Reolus, also know as Reolus of Fulda. May Christ's light shine on this meeting and this team who serve in His name."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar von Eschbronn sits on his saddle with his long, wool-covered legs and well worn, sturdy leather boots stretched toward the brazier. His broad-shoulders slouch in a cold weather outfit of layers of wool and furs while he cups a clay mug of mulled wine in his well-worn gauntlets. Near his claimed mattress carefully lay his Roman scale greaves and vambraces, as well as a large wooden shield, shortbow, quiver, longsword, backpack, and saddlebags.

He wears his long brown hair in a suebian knot to disguise his obvious youth and just sips his drink. He continues to wear his chain shirt and dagger under his overcoat as his father trained him. Gunthar's mind wonders toward the recent days of the travel from home to Graf Theodoric's Winter Camp. It went as well as good be expected encountering no one stupid enough to bother a fully equipped knight. Sigi seemed to enjoy the escape from home as much as he did.

Gunthar had yet to say anything to the two other knights. He merely nodded to them acknowledging their mutual existence. His silence might be interpreted as arrogance. Who would think that this teenager would be following his mother's advice? "It is better to look like a fool than to open your mouth and prove it," she often said.

At Reolus's introduction, Gunthar inclines his head and simply replies, "Gunthar from Eschbronn." His parents are not devout Christians, so his childhood upbringing lacked a certain faith other than to rely on his training and wits. He certainly is ignorant of most things Christian, such as Lauds and Compline, so he plans to hide his ignorance in silence and with a strategy of following his fellow knights.


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Winter in Saschenland is far fiercer than the warmer climes that Lo the Incautious grew up in, and the young man is helpless to prevent his teeth chattering as the occasional blast of wind finds a crack in the hides of the tent. His thick furs were soaked through earlier in the day, he’s spread them out beside the fire in the hope that they’ll dry by daybreak, but in the meantime his thin clothes struggle to warm him. The wine is doing a better job, and bad though it is, he takes another long gulp.

He smiles towards Reolus. Though both men are scrawny, Lo differs from his tonsured companion, the young Frankish knight having a rangy, hearty constitution evident in the healthy tan of his complexion while Reolus is frail, his skin pockmarked. Nonetheless, Lo takes comfort in the man’s presence. Reolus is a little older, and seems to possess a confidence that bolsters Lo from his quiet misgivings about what the morning may bring.

After hearing Gunthar’s introduction, Lo smiles broadly, slaps his own chest and says “Lo you can call me. Lo the Incautious is the name they give me back home, but actually I’m quite the opposite. Honour to meet you both, and I’d be most obliged if you could lead us through the Compline, Reolus.”


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

After a few minutes, Reolus figures it's about the right time. He gets up, fixes his stole, unwraps a small stand cross, and begins to chant the office, leading the other men in the prayers, psalms, Creed, and Litany.

Perform-sing: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

While normally possessing a fine voice, the chill and cheap wine seems to have taken its toll on his instrument. It is adequate for performing the service, however.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar follows along with Reolus and Lo. He does not understand the Latin, so he mimics the sounds. His voice, while not trained, carries a tune well enough. He reins his thoughts from drifting too far, in order to not miss anything. He wants to start the relationship with his fellow knights as well as possible.

Perform (sing): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15


One more reaction from Lo and I'll move on to the morning unless anyone has strong desire to keep RPing.


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Enjoying the camaraderie of sharing these simple devotions with his new brothers-in-arms, Lo also drops to his knees and joins the prayer. Like Gunthar, he can speak no Latin, but he follows the melody of chanting enthusiastically, throwing particular emphasis on the odd phrase that he remembers from church.

Perform (sing): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

When Compline is finished he downs two more full cups of the rank wine to ensure sleep will come swiftly, and goes to bed hoping dawn will find him before the cold creeps past his drunken fortitude.


Compline completed, the knights settle down on their mattresses. The wine helps to make them more comfortable, and the rest of their fuel added to the brazier ensures the tent will stay bearably warm through the night. They drift off to sleep.

<< Minden, Graf Theodoric's Winter Camp // Sunday, October 13, 482 Anno Domini // 05:30 // Cold; 39° F >>

The knights awake just before dawn to the sounds of other men in the camp stirring. As a Sunday every Catholic is required to attend mass. The church in Minden is a timber building in the style of a basillica. It has a long central nave, with aisle of benches broken up by timber columns. There are windows near the ceiling along both sides. The simple church lacks a transept, so the nave leads directly into the semicircular apse. There is a wooden altar covered in a heavily embroidered cloth under a life-size painted wooden crucifix on the wall. On the altar are the candles, golden goblet and other paraphernalia necessary for conducting holy Mass. The church is only large enough for the knights and nobles to take Mass there. There is an outdoor altar set up in a field to provide mass for the common foot soldiers. A few minutes after the knights wake up, a bell is rung calling everyone to Mass.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Already up early for Lauds, Reolus stays at the church, offering himself for whatever services the camp's priest needs, and assists in the mass.

Any details on the camp priest?


There are several priests in the camp, but the parish priest is a man named August. He's an average looking middle aged man with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair. He has a short beard and hair. Reolus was one of very few who made it to the church for Lauds. Father August, noticing his tonsure approaches him after Lauds, as people begin filing in for Mass. "Good morning. I'm Father August. You're one of the knights if I'm not mistaken?"


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"Yes, Father August. I am Brother Reolus of Fulda. I studied there for many years, and was ordained myself before being called home for family matters. Now, I serve at his majesty's pleasure in being the light of the Gospels to the Saxons."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar awakes to the cold. Except his feet and face, he is warm and dry. He stays comfortable for as long as possible before moving to a sitting position. The brazier contains nothing but light gray ash. He notices Reolus has already left leaving just him and Lo. He has time to swish some watered wine before the bell starts to call. Gunthar stands and straps on his weapon's belt with his longsword. He stamps his boots on the floor boards to get some circulation and says, "Lo, let's not miss Mass." He leaves the tent and pauses long enough for Lo to join before following the tolling bell.


Reolus of Fulda wrote:
"Yes, Father August. I am Brother Reolus of Fulda. I studied there for many years, and was ordained myself before being called home for family matters. Now, I serve at his majesty's pleasure in being the light of the Gospels to the Saxons."

"I am glad to see one of the truly devout here. I fear that we shall all have need of strong faith through the dark times ahead. Ah, there is the Graf now," the priest says motioning with one hand towards the door. Graf Theodoric has just entered the church. He is a tall man with a long light brown hair, a full beard, and a noble bearing. He is wearing a high quality tunic with embroidery around the hems, as well as breeches and boots. He wears what appears to be a masterfully crafted sword at his side and is attended by several lesser noblemen and a couple of kinghts. "If you'll excuse me, brother," Father August says, touching Reolus's shoulder before moving off to greet the Graf.

Lo rises groggily and nods to Gunthar, not saying much. He rubs the sand from his eyes and shuffles off after the younger knight. When they arrive at the church they see that Reolus is already seated, a few rows back from the front and that the Graf is just settling into the front row of pews. Lo points to Reolus and grunts, before shuffling over to sit next to him. The church fills over the next couple minutes with the various knights and nobles of the armies camped at Minden. Most of them are armed and well dressed, with long hair, beards or mustaches.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

sorry so brief

Gunthar follows Lo and sits next to him people-watching.


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Lo watches the Graf's entrance with both interest and trepidation, aware of the gulf in standing, carriage and ability between himself and the great man. His fingers drift self-consciously to his chin. He never seems able to convince a beard to properly take purchase there.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus, kneeling and deep in prayer, glances up with a smile as his bunk mates arrive, then returns to his devotions, speaking in some language the others have never heard before.


The church gradually fills over the next few minutes, and the morning sun breaks through the eastern windows of the building. Once people have stopped filing in Father Augustus goes to stand before the altar. Everyone sits and quiets down. The server of the communion goes to stand with the priest. The father turns to the altar and bows, making the sign of the cross. He says "In nomine Patris, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Introibo ad altare Dei."

Latin:
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I approach the altar of God.

He then conducts the Mass in Latin, reciting scripture back and forth with the server. The priest and server chant the mass in a monotone drone, moving about the altar at various points and frequently performing the sign of the cross as well as occasional genuflections. Eventually, after many minutes of this, the communion is prepared and the "congregation" is called to partake. The most influential nobles go first, followed by the rest of the people in the church according to their social status. Conveniently enough, everyone had already naturally arranged themselves according to social status, with the more important being towards the front. While some of the knights and nobles eyes shine with piety during the service, many others look bored, sleepy or hung over. Each person files to the front of the church where they receive a small piece of flat bread from the server and a blessing from the priest as well as a sip of wine. This of course symbolizes the body and blood of Christ which were sacrificed for everyone's salvation. After the communion things wind down, and a few minutes later the Mass is finished.

Please describe the Mass from your character's view, how they take communion etc. I was going to type out the whole Latin mass in detail, but it's really long and complicated and it's not even the exact one they would have been using way back in the day. It should be pretty similar to the traditional Latin Rite though if you want to look it up.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Relous, being fluent in Latin and well-versed in this Rite, is the first in the congregation to add his voice to any responses, and the first to chant "Amen" at the end of various prayers. He also catches himself several times chanting along with the priest and server, singing the Propers of the day, and adding his voice to the chanting of the Ordinary, especially the Benedictus, his personal favourite.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis!

Latin:
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

Reolus stays put after Mass has concluded, continuing to pray under his breath.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar dutifully follows Mass, but his mind and eyes wander. Without turning his head, he studies everyone that he can see wondering who they are and what they believe. He does not understand what is being said or why, but he believes that it is important to fit in. He wonders what his father and mother believe. His expression is not sleepy, bored, devout, or hung over. At best, it could be described as curious.

When Reolus does not move after Mass, Gunthar stays seated watching parishioners file past. He avoids eye-balling anyone by using his peripheral vision.
_____________________________________
Perception take 20+5=25


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Blood of Christ though it may be, Lo drank a little too much of its less divine cousin the night before, and taking a sup makes him wince. He quickly suppresses his reaction, afraid that Father Augustus might take it as some guilty sign, which perhaps it is, if overindulgence to prevent the cold is considered a sin. The priest moves on, and Lo stifles a belch.

At least his clothes are dry again, though they smell strongly of the fire over which they’ve hung most every night since his arrival in the northern reaches of Charlemagne’s empire. Blinking blearily, he does his best to get himself together, boldly throwing his voice into the parts of Mass which require his participation, and trying to look suitably pious throughout the rest.

He notices Gunthar’s eyes wandering about the church, and takes comfort in the fact. Whilst it’s good to have God-fearing Reolus at his side, it would be wearying if both his new companions were the holy sort.


After the mass, everyone mills about talking with one another before slowly filtering out of the church. The three young knights see Father August approach Graf Theodoric and speak with him. A couple of moments later the Graf says something to one of his retainers, and the man nods. He breaks off from the Graf's group and comes over to the three.

"Guten morgen. I am Brechthalt von Aachen," he says, inclining his head slightly. The quality of man's clothes, jewelry and the scabbard of his sword all mark him as rich and powerful. "I bear your orders from the Graf Theodoric. You were going to be assigned to latrine digging and fortification duty, but it seems that the good Father August has requested the aid of a few men. He requested you by name, Reolus. Anyway, you three are to report to him immediately and help him in any way you can." Expecting his orders to be followed without question, the nobleman nods again and hurries off to rejoin the Graf's retinue as they make their way out of the church. The Graf smiles and makes eye contact with each of the three knights on his way out, nodding to them. As the Graf leaves, so does everyone else, leaving the church empty except for the three knights and Father August. The priest stands by the altar, waiting for the knights to come to him.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus, surprised, waits a moment too long to acknowledge the retainer, and he ends up bowing his head to the man's retreating back.

Grateful to not have to dig latrines (yes, there is humility to be learned in such labour, but digging through the almost-frozen ground does not appeal at all), Reolus smiles as he approaches the priest.

"You had need of us, Father August?"


The priest smiles in greeting. "Indeed, I do. Your piety impressed me, so I asked for you, Reolus." Father August pauses for a moment composing his thoughts, then asks "I'm sure you're aware of what the King ordered done at Verden recently?"


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus' smile falters. "Satan rejoices when men are killed still in their paganism. My mother is a Saxon. She embraced the Lord and was saved. I'd rather see that happen to all Saxons than, the alternative..."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar stands when Brechthalt von Aachen approaches and nods his head in respectful reply. Digging latrines! the thought screams in his mind as he tries to not to modify his facial expression. He remembers stories of his older cousin who suffered similar humiliation at the hands of older, more powerful knights. His father's moral at the time was that every burden must be borne and builds character. His attention returns in time to nod before Brechthalt's imminent departure. He knew following Reolus would pay off but did not expect it to fast.Then, he returns the Graf's smile, recognition, and nod greatly appreciating the small time of personal attention.

When they approach Father August, Gunthar again inclines his head in respect. Not wanting to interrupt Reolus, he remains silent hoping that he knows the whole story of which the priest speaks. Some times stories change with the number of tellings.


"Indeed, my own family is from Minden. My father converted under the efforts of Saint Boniface before I was born, thank Christ. As I'm sure you know, a lot of the Sachsen were on the fence about becoming Frankish and Christian, but had accepted it over the last couple of years. When Widukind returned only the most diehard of pagans rose up with him. Our Majesty's recent actions at Verden have rather upset a lot of the Sachsen who were balanced so precariously on that fence." Father August clasps his hands in front of his waist and allows his sleeves to slide down over them. "I have a young acolyte named Uwe. His father's brother Bernd was amongst those who lost their heads at Verden. Uwe is a devout Christian, but his family are still followers of die alten Wege (the old ways)."

"After Verden, Uwe requested I allow him to return home to his father's Hof (farmstead) to be with his family during their time of grief. I agreed to his request, and granted him two weeks. He was to return yesterday, but I've had no word of him. It's unlike him to be late. I care greatly for the boy, and worry what might have happened to him. I'd ask that you three ride to the Berghaller Hof and check after Uwe."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

"We would be happy to find the boy. Do you have directions or a map to Berghaller Hof? And a description of Uwe?" Gunthar replies. He tries to read the father to detect if there he suspects anything else.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17


The priest is being forthright. He's very worried about Uwe. It's hard to say what he might suspect by looking at him.

"Oh, you can read?" the priest asks in surprise. "I don't have a map. I don't have any maps actually. However, you ride east along the road for about a day, then turn north for another day or so. If you ask directions you shouldn't have much trouble. As for Uwe, well, he's about this tall," the priest says holding up a hand flat to his chin. "He's got light colored hair, it's tonsured. He's a slight boy, without much muscle on him. When he left he was wearing the brown homespun of a neophyte priest."

Don't forget, unless you spend ranks in linguistics, you are illiterate! Also, books and maps are very rare and expensive. Anything made of paper or vellum is. Most of the books are bibles or other religious texts kept in monasteries. Anything else written would be records of laws, taxes and transactions and mostly confined to large towns. Gunthar's probably never seen a book that wasn't on an altar and written in Latin.

Also, population density in this area is low. About one homestead with anywhere from 5-40 people living on it per day's ride, plus small groups still living a partial hunter/gatherer lifestyle. Minden is like the last tiny village on the Sachsenland wilderness frontier. (Pulling this from my bum, but it's an educated pulling from bum).


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"Do you fear something has happened to him, that perhaps his pagan relations have visited some sort of revenge on him for Verden? Or do you think he's run off, returned to his family? Or more likely just late or lost?"


"It could be nothing, perhaps he simply misses home and wishes to stay longer than I would allow. In such a case you must remind him of his duty. Something could also have befallen him, I'd hope not from his family. But the roads are no longer always safe for Christians, and there are dangerous animals in the forest."


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"Then we shall leave at once, and God-willing, find him a few hours out, coming back on a lame donkey."


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

I actually wasn't suggesting that Gunthar could read. Even illiterate people can usually interpret maps. Cheers

"Thank you for your trust in this task, Father August. The sooner we depart, the sooner we can find him." Gunthar nods and readies to leave. Then, his facial expression changes to show an idea, "Father, would you have another horse that we could bring in case we find him on foot?"


The father shakes his head and then pauses for a second scratching his chin. "I don't have any horses, but there is a plow mule I could probably borrow," he says.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar smiles, "Well if it can't keep up with us, it will just slow us down finding him. Thanks for the offer. Good day, Father!" He waves and readies to leave with his fellow knights.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Reolus asks Gunthar with a smile as the man makes for the exit. Motioning him back, he turns back to Father August, bows his head, and awaits a blessing for their endeavour.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar turns with an expression of complete innocent surprise. Whatever it takes, he thinks to himself. He returns to stand beside and mimic Reolus.


Lo has been silent during the exshange, his hangover particularly punishing. He keeps his eyes down respectfully, and was ready to leave with Gunthar before Reolus calls them back.

Father August smiles, seeming to think he'd made a good choice in Reolus. The priest raises his hands to shoulder height, palms out and facing towards the knights. He then begins praying in Latin and moves them together to push his palms together in the gesture of prayer in front of his chest while he speaks.

"Omnipotens sempiterne Deus,
laetabitur in te sperantium
et in saecula saeculorum laudabunt.
Ut milites in suo munere protege.
Virtute tua in eis scutum
et ab omni malo et damno tutela.
Ut possint amores repatriandi potentiam
incolumis cum omnibus qui diligunt,
pietatem tuam, ut te semper laudabo.
Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum."

Latin:
Almighty and eternal God,
those who take refuge in you will be glad
and forever will shout for joy.
Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.
Protect them with the shield of your strength
and keep them safe from all evil and harm.
May the power of your love enable them to return home
in safety, that with all who love them,
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father August uses his right hand, still oriented vertically to make the sign of the cross over the knights and says, "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen." When he is finished he smiles one last time, "Thank you for undertaking this task for me. I will pray for you at every opportunity."


He's basically ready for you to leave now. Go ahead and post whatever preparations you make, if you're wearing armor etc. Then I'll post the next bit, about the journey.


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus thanks Father August and departs. Back at their tent, he puts his leather armour on (obviously untrained in its use), and straps his weapons on (also with an air of unfamiliarity), though he does seem somewhat comfortable with the long spear he carries. He also packs a satchel of medicines, with which he seems very comfortable, and priestly devices like his stole and a small pewter vial containing olive oil. He also packs trail rations.

Once packed, he heads outside and prepares his horse.


The horse nickers at Reolus in pleasure as he prepares its saddle. The animal is more than a little tired of being tied up next to a tent. It stamps in anticipation of being allowed to move.


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

Gunthar nods to the father and follows Reolus to the tent. He first visits Sigi to give him breakfast while he packs. After readying his gear, he dons his greaves and vambraces. He finally installs his saddle and waits for his fellow knights to go.


Short post for now, more a little later..

Lo dons his armor and saddles up his mount as well. Looking to the others and seeing them ready, he says, "Well, let's be off then."

<< Road from Minden // Sunday, October 13, 482 Anno Domini // 07:45 // Cold; 39° F >>


1d100 ⇒ 13

As the knights make their way down the road the first day, the weather is cold and windy, but clear. The vast blue blanket of the Sachsenland sky stretches above them, studded with occasional small puffy white clouds, high in the air. To either side of the dirt path that passes for a "road" in these parts are slightly rolling hills and thick deciduous forests. Most of their leaves have already fallen, and only the occasional evergreen provides a break from the monotony of the dead grey trees and dried yellowed grasses. The ground is peaty, and in places boggy. Whatever terrain isn't covered in the twisted dead trees and undergrowth is covered in damp dead grass. They pass only a single farmstead where a dozen dirty Sachsen look up from their labors to eye the passing knights with suspicion and fear. There are no other travelers on the road the first day.

<<On the road // Sunday, October 13, 482 Anno Domini //16:00 // Cold; 41° F >>

After eight hours of riding, everyone is sore and getting extremely tired. The sun is also well into its descent. The knights will need to set up camp soon if they want to do it in the light. Lo speaks up, "Hey, let's find a campsite."

Survival rolls to determine the quality of your campsite please.

I also need a watch order for the night. Without spellcasters it doesn't matter much, so everyone roll 1d3?


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Reolus would like the last watch, so he can greet the dawn and recite Lauds to welcome the day.

Unless extraordinary circumstances prevent him, Reolus will always try to follow the Order of Divine Offices as proscribed in the Benedictine Rule. While they road, Reolus estimated the hours and recited the psalms and prayers for each, under his breath, or out loud, if his companions wanted him to. He knows that his own obediences can be...irritating...for those of lesser piety, and he would never want his own faith to become a stumbling block for others whose faiths were still developing. He will not preach to the other knights, unless they ask him questions, or engage in very unbiblical behaviour in his presence.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25


Hit Points 19/19 | Healing surge 3/3
Stats:
AC 21, T 12, FF 19 | CMD 16 | Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +0 | Init +2 | Perception +7

if we can take 10+4=14 Survival or just aid Reolus. If not,
Survival or aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Gunthar's training forces him to ignore his aches and pains in order to concentrate on siting and making camp. He takes care of Sigi before himself removing the saddle, feeding, and brushing him. Then, he removes his Roman scale vambraces and greaves, so he can sleep easier. Finally, he sees to sharing the camp workload of preparing supper, cooking, and cleaning.

He takes his turn on watch taking the few minutes to refit his Roman scale and keeping his sword and shortbow within ready reach.
1d3 ⇒ 1

Gunthar easily accommodates Reolus's routine happy that he keeps his beliefs to himself.


Reolus and Gunthar are able to find a surprisingly good camp sight. They locate a flat-topped hillock a ways off the road, that is surrounded in a bramble think enough to both block the wind and line of sight to the road enough that they can safely have a small fire. The ground is comparatively dry due to its elevation. The presence of a "firepit" (a hole dug in the ground with old ashes inside) indicates they aren't the first ones to have slept in this place, but the evidence of prior occupation is old. They quickly cut some pine boughs from the nearby forest and pile them into improvised mattresses. The needled branches are a far cry from a feather bed or even straw, but they keep one's body up away from the cold, damp ground.

As the sun sets, the three knights settle into their makeshift home for the night. The stars and moon rise, and with them the wind grows stronger and colder. Always gusting from the north, the wind carries the chill of the slate gray waves of the North Sea into their camp. Their small fire of smokeless coals does little to warm them, but it is enough to cook their evening meal of oat porridge, salt pork and turnips.

Watch order?


Male Human (Frankish) Fighter (Armour Master) 2
Stats:
HP 18 | AC 20, T 13, FF 18 | CMD 17 | Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +2 | Perception +3

Even though the land is colder and wilder than the climes he is used to, Lo welcomes returning to the open road. Pious enough in his own way, he had still kept an embarrassed silence through most of the conversation with Father August. And timber though Minden's church may be, it still seemed impressive enough to Lo, who was painfully aware of the rustic fashion of his own religious education.

Being back in the wilderness calms the young knight; a more familiar world than the unfathomable kingdoms of Heaven. He's pleased to note as well that though Reolus is clearly more comfortable within the house of God, without he doesn't seem too evangelical, and Lo takes comfort in his companions muttered psalms, happily echoing an "Amen" as required.

Unsure how familiar his companions are in such environs, Lo volunteers to take the midnight watch. He keeps his bow close at hand, and hopes the moon will be strong enough for him to see should brigands, wolves, or Saxons come calling in the night.

Perception check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18


Max HP: 17; Current HP: 17; F: +2; R: +2; W +5; AC: 15; Touch: 13; FF: 1

Gunthar, Lo, and Reolus seems to be the order.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Ha! Nothing's getting past eagle-eyes Reolus!!

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