Malthir attacks back...
But his luck is poor and the entangle interferes with his attacks and he misses badly.
Kressle pressed her advantage and tried to finish the duel, but Malthir's armour and shield stubbornly resisted her every attack! The crowd grew quiet and tense as they watched what must surely be the final moments in the duel, with both competitors battered and bruised.
Iomedae's luck shines on Malthir and somehow all of Kressle's impressive attacks are blocked by Malthir's armor and shield...
Malthir quickly strikes back, knocking her down.
2nd attack, only if needed....
Malthir rushes over and immediately heals her...
You almost had me Kressle, if not for Iomedae's luck... and offers his hand to help her up...
Knocked out, Kressle is healed by Malthir and rises groggily to her feet.
That I did Malthir, I was sure the match was mine she grumbled, but good-naturedly. You are surrounded by far too much metal, you great lummox
"At least it was more interesting to watch than two steel-covered louts hammering away at each other," Casimir remarks, as he hands his wife a goblet of wine to wash down the defeat.
Malthir walks over to watch the remaining match and to find out who his next opponent will be...
Marshall Kalev VS Warden Akiros-
1d20+3 Kalev init
1d20+1 Akiros init
Akiros was poised and ready when the whistle blew- with his hammer held in both hands. He hurled himself at the Marshall recklessly and ferociously, allowing Kalev an easy strike on him as he rushed in, hammer raised high overhead. He brought the hammer crashing down onto Kalev's shoulder with a distinct crack as Kalev's bone shuddered against the powerful impact.
1d20+14-4
2d6+16
Instinctively, Kalev swings Cleft to meet the uncoming opponent.
Using the momentum of his swing, he shrugs off most of the damage, dodges and moves to the other side of the arena, awaiting Akiros patiently.
Kalev swung his bardiche so that the flat collided with Akiros' head with near-perfect precision and a great deal of power behind the swing. For all Kalev's agility and the armour he wore, even his stag-like grace as he moved away was not enough. Akiros brought his hammer around savagely as he spun and used his momentum to send it crashing into Kalev's other shoulder.
Despite the immense pain in both of his shoulders (Kalev was fairly sure both had been partially or fully dislocated by the hammer blows), Kalev got clear and awaited Akiros' next attack. It came with no hesitation or fear from the stout Warden, who simply ran at Kalev with his hammer raised high once more...
Sensing this might be his last swing, Kalev called on all his training as he swung at the almost unstoppable warrior.
Cleft crashed into Akiros again and he grunted in pain as the long-hafted blade slammed into the Warden's head. The blow staggered him but did not stop him from slamming his earth-breaker into Kalev's breastplate with enough force to send him crashing into a nearby fence of the enclosure. The crowd stared in awe as Marshall Kalev failed to rise and Jhod rushed over to check his condition while Akiros staggered to the fence near Kalev, tired and anxious that he had swung too hard...
A few moments after the hammer hit him and everything went black, Kalev awoke to Jhod Kavken and Akiros standing over him. Positive energy rushed through him as his shoulders re-located themselves with a painful crack and his bruises diminished. Akiros looked almost guilty as he offered the Marshall his hand.
Malthir goes over and congratulates both men on the vicious fight.
I am glad neither of you got hurt...those were some mighty blows. Luckily, taking mighty blows is my specialty... he winks at Akiros.
@ Akiros, Are you ready for this Akiros? You have been favored by Erastil this day, I hope you can see that.
Just as I have been favored by Iomedae, I expect for you to fight just as hard against me, otherwise Erastil will be displeased.
With that Malthir turns around and walks away from the man so he can gather himself before the battle...he has a plan to deal with the man, although it might not be popular.
I had no intention of going easy on you, Malthir Akiros answered grimly as he grabbed a cloth to wipe sweat from his brow. But yes, it would appear that Old Deadeye's blessings are with me. Truly, I have never fought so well in all my years. Luck was not with Kalev. I need no further rest, Baron. I am ready.
Malthir waits for Fenna and some of the others to build the crowd up...he wants this to be a good spectacle, one his people will remember for some time.
He whispers a prayer for his friend Akiros, hoping these victories will finally bring him back to the light.
He then steps out into the ring the roar of the crowd just a minor background noise to his concentration, Iomedae's magic had already removed any fatigue he might feel and turned to face his once enemy, now friend...
As the only fight not to run concurrently with another event or bout, the finale had truly drawn the crowds and the Hellknights were doing their best to keep the crowd at a respectful distance to the fence, aware that an assassin could easily make an attempt on the Baron's life and then melt into the crowd. Akiros had returned to the small arena in much the same manner as before- with his two-handed hammer clutched in both hands.
Kalev, still smarting a little despite the healing, congratulates Akiros on his victory.
You fought well and bravely. It was not just luck or even Erastil's blessing. I am glad we did not face each other in mortal combat, because I think neither of us would walk away from such an encounter.
Then grabbing a mug of ale, he gets a good spot to watch the final fight between Malthir and Akiros.
No equipment change.
Akiros nodded in agreement with Kalev's analysis and clasped his wrist in respect.
Akiros' tactic was predictable- he ran right at Malthir with hammer raised high and brought it crashing down upon the Baron of Kardas, shoving Malthir's hastily raised sword aside with the haft of his weapon. Although the force of the blow made Malthir stagger backwards a step involuntarily, his enchanted full plate prevented anything other than superficial damage to the metal plates of his armour.
Is that the best you have Warden? Malthir says trying to goad him.
Seeing Malthir go on the defensive and knowing full well the potency of that defence having watched his Baron's fights, Akiros changed his tactic to one that suited the brutal nature of his blows- shattering Malthir's shield. The heavily enchanted darkwood shield stood up well to Akiros' repeated powerful blows- where a normal shield would have simply been smashed to splinters, Malthir's was badly dented instead.
Interesting tactic, of course you will have to pay to repair my equipment as punishment. he laughs
Deep in his rage, Akiros did not respond to Malthir's jest. Despite the breastplate Akiros wore Malthir managed to strike him once even in his defensive stance; although the flat of his blade was mostly ignored by the tough Warden. Akiros counter-attacked but Malthir was able to interpose his shield and strong armour sections wherever Akiros targeted.
Malthir followed up with two more powerful blows from himself.
Malthir bruised Akiros' hand with a firm whack of the flat of his blade, cracking a knuckle under the impact.
The former Paladin, ex-Bandit lieutenant, now savage warrior and Warden of the realm, attacked with all his might and rage. His roused fury and hunters focus seemed to be close to an end as his body trembled from the effort of sustaining his rage. The first blow of his mighty hammer hit Malthir square in the chest with a mighty, horizontal swing. The sheer force behind the heavy weapon was enough to almost knock Malthir flying out of the enclosure and he felt his ribcage threaten to shatter even in spite of his full plate. Never had Malthir felt such a powerful blow aimed to bruise and not kill. He seemed like he would surely fall, and yet he heroically held his ground, managing to get his broken shield up and block an attack as Akiros moved to finish the fight. Akiros, while only mildly wounded, seemed to pant from his exertions and the hammer sagged slightly in his steady grip. Malthir had outlasted the man's rage, but even a single blow was now likely enough to end his chance of winning the tournament...
Malthir had been in the belly of a beast and smashed by giants...yet this was the mightiest blow he had ever felt. If not for his fighting prowess he surely would have dropped by now but he was determined to see this done.
Fatigued as he was, Akiros managed to deflect Malthir's sword, although it snaked past him once only to strike at his breastplate. Severely tired from the efforts of the day and his exertions, Akiros' next two strikes were feeble shadows of his former prowess, both glancing from Malthir's shield and armour with little power behind them.
Malthir goes all out on the offensive...
Again, one of Malthir's sword blows glanced off Akiros' breastplate but the frustrated and badly bruised Paladin managed to strike Akiros with the flat of his blade once again. Akiros continued to attack despite his fatigue but his attacks were slow and easily read.
Malthir stands steady...fightiing desperately while Akiros is weary
Malthir continued to score the occasional hit while Akiros looked for openings to bring his hammer to bear. He tried a different ploy, aiming low for Malthir's legs with the long haft of his Earth Breaker as he sought to topple the Baron.
AOO:
Malthir gives him a stinging hit for his attempt. Akiros moves away 15 from Malthir, so Malthir immediately moves after him and attacks.
Badly wounded by repeated stinging blows from Malthir, Akiros ploughed into Malthir, driving him to the dirt with a powerful slam.
As Malthir tried to rise to his feet, Akiros used the opportunity to try and disarm liberator...
Malthir tries to get up and attacks Akiros, who is trying to disarm him.
Potential crit:
He then attacks him once.
Akiros slammed Malthir to the dirt once more with a powerful tackle. As the Paladin tried to rise, he finally landed a second blow with his earth breaker- a powerful, two handed blow that finally brought low the Baron of Kardas...
Overrun
Attack (Hit)
Malthir is knocked down by Akiros and wearily tries to rise...but
Akiros' blow is enough to lay low the Baron...not wanting to look weak in front of his people, his mind automatically uses his magic to stop him from going unconscious...Hero's Defiance.
Enough! I am defeated...you are a great warrior Akiros. Malthir gets up and turns to the crowd.
People of Kardas. This warrior has done what no other could, beaten all of the champions of our great country. Celebrate his victory, three cheers for Akiros, champion of Kardas!!!!!!!!
Malthir lifts up his visor and smiles at his friend.
Battered and bruised, Akiros smiled gratefully at Malthir's accolades and wearily moved to receive his sash. The crowd seemed appreciative of another close fight.
"Statkari Ismort," Fenna announces warmly, as Akiros approaches after having his wounds tended and his armour made presentable; the red sash he had already won adorning his chest, "you have done Kardas proud this day, and proven yourself a true champion of the realm."
"Earlier, you proved you had the strength and determination to stand fast in the face of the dangers that threaten the people of this land," she continues, approaching the Warden who had knelt low enough for the small woman to reach his shoulders, "and now, you have decisively displayed the martial prowess required to strike down those dangers, should they dare to challenge you."
Reaching up with the golden sash that signifies victory in the Melee, Fenna hangs it beside the red cloth, "Your great accomplishments today have shown without doubt that Kardas' defences are safe in your hands."
Ricter watches the fight with Grachius and several of the other Hellknights. Amongst the cheers of the crowd as Akiros wins the dual, he quietly comments to his bretheran:
"Akiros attacked with nothing but blind fury and dumb luck. Baron Malthir should by right have won that round. It's a shame that the Champion of Kardas is apparently a raging brute."
However, he says this as he applauds along with the rest of the spectators.
Many of the Hellknight's surrounding Ricter murmured in agreement and discontent, although most were polite enough to applaud as Akiros received the sash. Hellknight Korvus in particular seemed to agree with Ricter, commenting that "the brute would have lost on points".
Despite the Hellknight's murmurs, the crowds were very pleased by the entire tournament. It had brought people of the city together again and to some extent, had reminded them that these Hellknights were mere men- powerful warriors and dedicated warriors, but not devils from hell, as many of the more superstitious elements of Kardas had murmured upon their initial arrival. The day's events would certainly not change the minds of many overnight, but the atmosphere was good. Each of the Statkari could feel a positive aura that surrounded the event and the celebrations continued into the evening.
Malthir hosted a fine banquet in Kardasholme that evening, in the very hall that Hargulka had been slain in. Akiros raised the first toast- to his lord Baron Malthir and his righteous stewardship of the Barony.
I wish to raise a toast...
To those who didn't fight here today. Oft' they are in the background. Oft' not in the spotlight. Oft' they die without the recognition of the hero. Oft' they live a life with little thanks. Today I thank them for their service.
Malthir raises his glass and toasts each one of the Statkari in attendance who didn't fight in the tournament. After that he goes one step further.
Everyone, stop what you are doing. He waits for even the servants to stop what they are doing.
From the cook to the paige, you each play an important role...though you receive little thanks. But today I thank you, we all thank you from our hearts. To celebrate the people of Kardas, I offer each of you a gift. Something that most of you could use more than my mere words.
Malthir and Vaysh get up with a large pouch in their hands. To each of the servants in attendance and those in the castle, they hand each one of them a single piece of gold, newly minted with the symbol of Kardas and thanks them personally.
The servants eagerly accepted the coin and many comments on Malthir's charity were made as he and his wife handed out gold coins. As Councillor, Fenna couldn't help but wonder which faction of the community would be the first to ask for a handout- perhaps the relatively poor fisherman?
Kip nods at Ricter's remark. I think we should send both a magical message and riders. A Statkari, him or herself, would also make sense. The obvious choice would be to send Ilya. He is the kingdom's Grand Diplomat after all...
What shall we say in the sending?
Given what happened to Lord Sirian... additional security for Ilya would seem to be in order.
Kip spent much of the tournament working the crowd as a representative of the Statkari. He focused his attentions on the commoners amoung those present. Asking questions. Listening to concerns. Trying to gauge the state of the kingdom from the perspective of the citizens.
His interest in the events was marginal at best, but he made sure to congratulate the winners of each event.
When not attending the tournament or associated events, Kip was shopping for adventuring kit and continuing to investigate Ehaism-Caesin. He sought out long lived Fey or other inhabitants of the area to attempt to determine if any could corroborate the presence of a dragon laying claim to that part of the forest, and if so, for how long.
A few days have passed since the tournament. The mood in the capital seems to have improved, although the recent Hellknight alliance and the evacuation of Swordhaven are still hot topics- the Guardians and Statkari are not yet trusted to the extent they were before these two significant events- but by River Kingdoms standards, they are still well thought of.
Under Ricter's supervision, the Hellknights have began to set themselves up in Hargulka's old lair- and their first duty was to promptly deliver the various goods to Swordhaven.
As part of your promotion, Signifer Grachius has enchanted your armour and shield over the past couple of days, at the Lictor's request and funding. With his magic bolstering both pieces of equipment, you feel more assured in your defence than ever before.
Signifer Grachius is a strong leader, but the hierarchy of leadership is clear. He follows your commands without question and offers advice when appropriate.
Each of the Statkari is kept busy with their various duties- but towards the end of Pharast, news arrives that gives each of you pause and you are all summoned to Kardasholme. One of Kalev's scouts reported a small entourage of one hundred or so fighting men were spotted marching towards Swordhaven from the north-east- flying the flag of Surtova. They appear to be a rather inflated emissary and entourage, rather than an army, so the scouts believe. It is early morning now, but they could arrive at the capital by the evening.
Malthir gathers all of the Statkari that are nearby...
Ricter, summon all of the hellknights you can gather in the city and send a message to get a few more from the citadel if you think they can get here in time!
I plan to ride out and meet them just outside of the city. I don't know yet if these men plan ill or not, but I plan to find out before they reach the city. Prepare them for battle if needed.
Statkari, know this though.
We will NOT bend our knee to Surtova.
We will NOT let them drag us into the looming civil strife that could grip Brevoy.
We will NOT welcome any man that would try to set themselves about us.
With that he helps gather the men he does have and prepares them to ride out after lunch to meet the group nearing SwordHaven about 1-2 miles outside the city.
We should all ride out and meet them in the open, to hear their purpose. I will see if I can gather a few of our hunters and archers, in case we need to retreat. A few bowshots may make them think twice in case things go ugly.
Statkari and between them and yourselves however, are about fifty men and women- over a dozen are garbed in the same dark and ornate full plate that Ricter himself wears, but the rest are wearing half-plate.
Once the citadel is established, Ricter will organize his forces thus:
Gracius will remain in the citdal and begin working on a 'chamber of trails' - a place to summon a devil without any risk of it breaking loose. Four Hellknights will also stay in the citadel to ensure that it is well defended.
Four Hellknights will be posted in Swordhaven. They will assist with the training of the militia, and occasionally patrol the streets making use of detect chaos. They will report to me if they discover any powerful agent of chaos has entered the city. They will not typically involve themselves in law enforcement - Casimir's spy network is a much more effective tool for catching common criminals than Hellknights noisily marching around.
Two Hellknights will be posted in Kardas' two or three most vulnerable hamlets. They will be instructed to destroy any attackers, or at least delay them long enough for an evacuation. They will need to work closely with Kalev's boarder patrols.
Finally, a pair of Hellknights will be kept aside for special missions. This will typically be plain-clothes recon of the wider river kingdoms, so if any of the Hellknights have a minor amount of skill in subterfuge that would be a benefit. These two Hellknights will, at present, be accompanying our envoy to Varnhold.
The Armigers will have three stages to their training. The third with the least experience will be based in Swordhaven and train alongside the militia. The middling third will be in the citadel's garrison and will focus on their studies as well as continuing their martial training. The most experienced third will support the pairs of Hellknights guarding the boarder hamlets. Should any one of them aid in repelling a particularly vicious raid it will be time to consider their trial.
Ricter will spend three quaters of his time in Swordhaven, but will regularly visit the citadel to meet with Gracius and the Hellknights guarding the hamlets.
This means that when the Surtova force approaches there are four Hellknights and about twelve Armigers, as well as Ricter himself, present in Swordhaven. One of the Armigers will be dispatched to the citadel to summon another four Hellknights - the Armigers and Gracius will stay in the citadel to keep it defended.