ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

Chapter One – The pas d’armes

‘Ah, that is so much better!’ Lady Rebecca exclaims as she takes a deep breath of the late spring air, even standing in her stirrups to do so; and her words seem confirmed by her mood – dressed in elegant yet practical tunic and riding britches, her flowing hair – the famous flame-red hue of the Redwyrm line – free to the breeze, the slender young lady appears many times happier than she has been the last few days, even weeks, as the tournament in honour of her sixteenth birthday approaches. She’s been expected to attend more and more social and political functions clad in the new finery her step-mother, the Baroness Hilda, has been buying endlessly for her with Baron Otto’s coin, appearing as pampered and pretty as can be. Those closest to the Lady Rebecca have noted well that she’s been coming near to bursting in her frustration at it all. With the steady influx of noble retinues arriving for the great event, not only has the whole castle... if not the entire Barony... been in turmoil barely more than organised chaos, but the young men’s eyes have been turning to Lady Rebecca as the unofficial ‘prize’ many of them seek... or, rather, the key to the ultimate prize of the Barony itself.

The epitome of a devoted daughter, and at times seeming wise beyond her years, Lady Rebecca has done her best to go along with all the pomp and ceremony, following in the Redwyrm tradition by putting the needs of the family and the Barony before her own desires. However, no matter the nobility of her lineage or her character, the Lady is still a young woman, and even the Baron and his wife couldn’t begrudge her a day away from it all, hunting in one of her favourite spots – the woodlands beyond the village of Dwarf’s Bridge. So the Baron, and even Baroness Hilda, finally conceded and let the Lady Rebecca have her day... on the condition she ride with an appropriate escort... which is how you find yourselves trotting through the main street of the village, between thatched wattle and daub cottages, with excited bare-foot children cheering you as they run alongside, the scent of home-cooked meals and spring-flowers both heavy on the warm breeze, and approaching the dwarf-crafted stone bridge which gives the village its name. It’s as you round the last cottage and the bridge comes into view that you behold a sight you’d not expected...

... Camped by the inn next to the bridge are several small and colourful pavilion tents, each flying pennons, similar to the multitude which have been springing up at the tourney grounds near Castle Redwyrm these last few days. Tethered by the tents are several impressive horses – obviously knights’ chargers by their stature and trappings – and seated at wooden tables outside the inn are a group of four men in plate armour whom one would assume are the owners of the beasts. With food-laden plates and bowls, and flagons overflowing with the local brew, it seems clear that the knights are freely spending coin – much to the delight of the locals, many of whom seem to have gathered to watch the men... and possibly to await something even more entertaining. Sure enough, as you approach, a liveried servant rushes to whisper in the ear of one of the knights even as he points in your direction. The knight – a large fellow with rather craggy features and a beard little more than dark stubble to match his tousled dark hair - casts a glance over his shoulder at you, the smile on his face splitting to a toothy grin as his eyes come to rest on Lady Rebecca. With a shout he rouses his companions, who proceed to don helms, take up arms, and mount their steeds, even as the servant hurries over to your hunting party.

With the knights behind him readying themselves and trotting their horses out to block the bridge, the servant steps forward and bows low. His livery, as well as the shield of the lead knight, sport the design of a golden griffon, three claws up and ready, on a field of dark green...

... ‘My Lords, my Ladies,’ the servant announces, ‘my Lord has declared a Passage of Arms on this bridge, and prays you tell – will you turn from your course, surrender your spurs in defeat and disgrace, or match my Lord and his company in honourable combat?’

Lady Rebecca seems both nervous and excited as her amber-hued eyes dart between the four ‘defending’ knights and her own retinue, but she manages to maintain her composure, and steadily asks of you all,

‘It’s another half day’s ride to Millar’s Ford, and Father wishes us returned by dusk... I did so want to go hunting today, but I’ll not ask anyone to risk themselves just to indulge my whims... On the other hand, there’s quite the crowd gathered here and, perhaps, the honour of the Barony to uphold...’ she glances once more towards the knights on the bridge, then back to the hunting party, ‘... what do you suggest?’

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Sir Jaymin, rubbing the hint of a moustache on his upper lip, tilts back his visor to take in the knight's shield.

He turns to Lady Rebecca, his eyes brightening in that way they always do when he looks at her. "My lady," he replies in a voice loud enough to carry to the offending knights, "I would seriously question Lord Geoffrey's authority to declare a Passage of Anything here within the confines of your father's barony, yet if you wish the bridge cleared of this ... debris, I would be honoured to oblige you."

Knowledge(Nobility)1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

After hearing Jaymin call out the name of the boisterous knight, Garrett continues the conversation.

"Sir Jaymin, there is no harm in a bit of sport, even if the claim of passage in less than legitimate."

Turning his attention to Lord Geoffrey...

"And what would m'lord's pleasure be? Blades? Joust?"

Dotting for easy reference.

Kerdin is moving just behind the Lady Rebecca. Wearing his traditional jester costume, with green and white being mixed and looking little bit stupid, he jumps and spring around like a bunny. Small and clumsy, he truly resembles jester, who is just following his mistress and keeping the good mood up.

Upon seeing the knights, he stops and narrow his eyes. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9. Getting old, Kerdin scratches his head and think for a while, until decides his memory is not serving him at this moment. Jumping to front and bowing to knights, Kerdin begins to sing Ooh, Why did you us stop, are you some kind of block? Can´t we through move, why do we have to choose? Our party is peacefully passing, just once, could you us let through without guessing?

Diplomacy1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 1d20=3 + 5 = 8

In expectation of the days sport, Lady Beatrix has donned her well worn riding leathers and pulled her long hair back into a serviceable bun. In spite of this, as well her pointed ears and hair several shades lighter than Rebbecca's, the resemblance is still striking; they could be sisters or, more probably, cousins. She looks down her nose at the knights and their servant. Leaning towards her lady, she speaks in a hushed tone deliberately intended to carry,"I concur with Sir Jaymin, someone should give this so called 'Lord Geoffrey' a good thrashing."

Sitting astride his destrier dressed in hunting leathers with Bosco and Beudreau, two of his favorites hounds from the baron's kennels alongside him, Clarius looks out at the strangers.

Still, boys.

If these worthies are guests of our liege, the baron, then surely they intend to display their skills where they can be most appreciated; at the lists.

1d20 ⇒ 18

Aydan sits astride his horse, near the front of the Lady's retinue. His chestnut brown hair hangs loose to frame his face. He wears a comfortable set of leathers, well oiled and cared for, and covered with a cloak of forest green. His sword is sheathed at his side and his longbow rests on his back. a pair of hounds heel on the left of his mount, letting out a small growl, but staying faithfully at his side.

"Sir Jaymin has the right of it, my Lord." he says to Lord Geoffrey, bowing his head in respect, but with a small smirk on his face, "I for one am all for a contest of strength and skill, but as my Lady has said, it is her wish to hunt, and I would shudder to think of how the Good Baron would react if he heard that a guest on his land impeached on his daughter and her retinue in such a way as to deny her passage of her own lands...." He glanced back to the three knights accompanying them with a smile, "Though if you are indeed set on pressing this, I'm sure we'll find a way to oblige...

intimidate roll 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Carefully listening to the duel of words, Alaina takes the time to think before speaking. Her light brown hair sways slightly in a faint breeze as she considers a way to put this in a good light..

"Mi'Lady," Alaina says as she carefully guides her horse closer to Rebbecca. "Perhaps we should let the boys have their fun? It will be good to see if they have improved any come the tournament. Also, like you said, there is a crowd gathering. Perhaps seeing an honor duel could inspire the younger generation while letting the older generation know it has fine and noble guardians?"

Turning to Aydan Crow and bowing, slipping and falling on his buttocks, the halfling burst to laugh. Standing again and smiling, Kerdin turns to whole party Ooh, indeed Mr. Crow! However, why won´t we then show
that we can accept the joust, but there will be a joke
a man can come out from the woods and only to find himself to be fool

I will sing a song of this, how would a man calibre like his,
a man with wide stance, and having with him his trusted lance,
But if he forgot to think, because he is only using one of his stick
There is no need to resort to violence, when its apparent, that the man hasn’t received guidance,
How to properly act and when there should be silence… because what was given, can be taken and takes a poatic stance

Zurladew had been circling the horses, trying to keep Kerdin on the other side so there might be a jester for each half of the party. Which would be a lot easier if he weren't cavorting like an inebriated faun, he thought bitterly. Zurladew wore the same green-and-white motley as his fellow jester, but somehow less comically than Kerdin.

The unexpected halt drew Zurladew's attention, scanning the livery and flags for an inkling of the upstart on the bridge. Nobility check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 He cracks a wide grin upon recognizing the Griffin of Thevia.

"Caution, good sirs and ladies, for a thief is in our midst!" Zurladew suddenly begins yelling. As heads turn to look at him, he explains. "Well, the viscount is from Thevia, is he not? Therefore I would be in perfect correctness to call him Thevin. And is not another name for burglary and larceny thievery, or among the low-born, thievin? Therefore, if our viscount is Thevin, that would make him a thief!" Zurladew bows low, jest complete.

Perform (Comedy) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

And I understand that it's probably more likely "Thevian," but I firmly believe that Zurladew would never let the truth get in the way of a joke.

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Brendan, in his tabard of white and yellow emblazoned with the key symbol of his god, approaches the servant and looking past the man adresses the Viscount directly.
"Lord Geoffery, these are not your lands and you seek to stop the Baron's retinue from returning to his castle. You and your men please step aside and allow us to pass. If you wish to test your prowess there will be plenty of opportunity to do so once the games begin. This shameless display does no one any good and smacks of downright thuggery."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Well, that's not going to go over very well

"I would seriously question Lord Geoffrey's authority to declare a Passage of Anything here within the confines of your father's barony..."

"And what would m'lord's pleasure be? Blades? Joust?"

'That's the spirit!' declares Lord Geoffrey as his deep voice carries across the distance between the two groups, 'So I'll leave the choice to you - a general melee if you wish, or some specified weapons if that's more to your tastes.'

Ooh, Why did you us stop, are you some kind of block? Can´t we through move, why do we have to choose? Our party is peacefully passing, just once, could you us let through without guessing?

Lord Geoffrey, visor up, lets out a loud and deep belly-laugh at Kerdin's antics,

'You speak well, little Sir,' the Lord says to the jester, leaning down from his horse to do so, 'and you can be assured I and my good fellows here wish to disrupt no-one's peace, but just to test the character of your armour-clad companions.'

The Viscount appears to be listening to what he can hear of the hunting party's comments with a smile on his face. Lady Rebecca, meanwhile, takes in the council of her entourage - Sir Jaymin, Lady Beatrix and Aydan's willingness to see the 'upstarts' given a lesson, as well as Sir Garrett's eagerness for the sport of it, which seems to match Lord Geoffrey's own. In response to Clarius's sage observations she nods,

'Yes,' she agrees, 'we'll have enough of this sort of thing shortly.'

... but then she fails to prevent a slight smile spreading to her lips as she listens to the advice of Lady Alaina,

''Tis true what you say, Alaina,' she replies, a sparkle in her amber eyes, 'and I'd hate for Father's champions to be shown up come time for the tourney...' she shoots the briefest of glances at Sir Jaymin, before regaining her noble bearing and hiding the smile...

As the discussion and musing continue, the crowd's chuckles at Kerdin's foolery die down for a moment as Zurladew says his part. For a moment an expectant hush falls over the gathered crowd as all eyes turn towards Lord Geoffrey...

... Then the Viscount himself bursts out laughing, and the crowd happily join in!

'Hah!' the Viscount roars, pointing at Zurladew, 'Good one!'

One of Geoffrey's knights, a heavyset fellow with a shield depicting a golden chalice on a field checked with white and green diamonds, hurls the half-eaten drumstick he was finishing as he waited at Zurladew... although the shot flies wide by a mile...

'Cur!' the knight yells, shaking his gauntlet-clad fist... much to the crowd's amusement! However, when Brenan says his piece...

"Lord Geoffery, these are not your lands and you seek to stop the Baron's retinue from returning to his castle. You and your men please step aside and allow us to pass. If you wish to test your prowess there will be plenty of opportunity to do so once the games begin. This shameless display does no one any good and smacks of downright thuggery."

... the crowd hushes for a second time. This time there's no laughter from the Viscount, although he holds out his arm to halt the man with the chalice on his shield as he makes to ride towards the priest. Shaking his head at his companions, Lord Geoffry rides a pace or two closer, leaning forwards as he replies,

'You forget your place, priest, as you address a Lord of this mighty Empire. Out of respect for the Baron, who is undoubtedly a great man and true son of Taldor, and for the fact there are Ladies present, I'll stay my hand this once and let your vile tongue remain within your empty skull.'

Turning to Lady Rebecca the Viscount continues,

'My Lady, I beseech you to not listen to the holy man's lies - I and my company are not without shame, nor are we thugs... I have heard, as has all of Taldor, of the terrible suffering of your family at the hands of banditry, and would never wish for you to consider our actions remotely similar to those which took from you those you loved. Rest easy we're not here to stop you on your way from or to your father's castle, nor to impede your travels this day in any way. If your knights are not up to the challenge, then let them simply surrender their spurs as a sign to all of their meekness of spirit and lack of chivalric honour, and you can continue on your way... although if such is to be the case, then I recommend that you allow my knights to escort you, for in such an instance you'd be in need of men... not boys...'

Wheeling his horse to return to his men, the Viscount's eyes lock for a moment with Aydan's - almost as if silently acknowledging the young man's earlier attempt at bravado.

The mood suddenly sombre, Lady Rebecca frowns at Brendan but says nothing... for the moment. Turning to her knights she says, quietly,

'Well it looks like you have to do this thing now... Whatever you do, don't lose!' she signals for Beatrix and Alaina to follow her, and spurs her horse to trot out of the road... and out of the way.

The hush of the crowd continues as they await the coming spectacle...

That's the spirit!' declares Lord Geoffrey as his deep voice carries across the distance between the two groups, 'So I'll leave the choice to you - a general melee if you wish, or some specified weapons if that's more to your tastes.'

Sir Garrett dismounts from his horse, while looking to his companions.

"For sake of speed and so that m'lady may go about her business, a general melee would do just fine, Lord Geoffrey. Shall there be anyother ground rules before we start?" asks Garrett as he pulls his falcata from its scabbard.

"You speak strong words, sir," Sir Jaymin shouts across at the Viscount, "perhaps to hide the flaccidness of your...arm. Prepare your lance, good sir, assuming it extends but more than a little way from your waist."

Hearing Sir Garrett call for a melee, Jaymin frowns. "Perhaps it would be for the best, as you will have less distance to fall when I send you to feast upon the dust of the road."

Seeing Sir Jaymin's disappointment in melee...

"If you would prefer a joust, I'm sure m'lord would not mind, nor would I."

Garrett wait beside his horse, awaiting a decision on how this bout will be contested.

Kn:Nobility1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Kerdin stops and keep fooling around to keep crowd happy, but looks after Lady Rebecca as she moves with other ladies further away. Upon comment of Lord Geoffrey

I recommend that you allow my knights to escort you, for in such an instance you'd be in need of men... not boys...'

Kerdin turns his head little bit and give a look at him.

Keeping up the fooling, Kerdin moves with jumping and spinning towards Zurladew little by little, until reaching him

Perform[Comedy]1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

and with that, keep falling down and bells ringing, but next to him whispers

A 'melee' just means hand-to-hand, in fact a traditional tournament 'melee' is a mass fight between knights on horseback.

Oh...ok.

Seeing Geoffrey and his men still on horseback, Garrett places his falcata in his saddle scabbard, re-mounts his horse, readies his lance and awaits the beginning of the melee.

Clarius dismounts and reaching into his saddlebag, pulls out a chain shirt. Donning the shirt, he guides Bosco and Beudreau over to Lady Rebecca and her retinue. Stay boys.

Walking back, Clarius remounts his horse and draws his longsword. I do not regularly carry a lance to hunts. If it would be amenable to all parties, perhaps we could keep this to small arms and first blood? This is a time of celebration and it would belittle us all to unintentionally mar the event with grievous injury or death.

"If swords must be crossed, then so be it. Bow your heads for a benediction. Oh most holy builder shine your light on these brave men as they prepare to bring glory and honor on Baron Redwyrm." Brendan casts a Bless on the party, then continues under his breath "And kick the little snots backside up around his ears."

Nobility: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 1d20=20 + 5 = 25

Lady Beatrix follows Rebecca off to the side to observe the sport.

As Lady Rebecca distances herself from the men, Aydan tosses her a conspiratorial smile, "A pity, I spotted a wondrous stag just past the eastern bluff last week..."

He turns towards Lord Geoffrey, his ready smile still on his face. "My Lord I am no Knight, though my arm is as strong as any man's. If tussling with a commonborn wouldn't offend your Knights, I would ask your permission to join this contest."

"They are men Sir Ayden, didn't you hear? They should have no problem with it at all!" Alaina class from the side of the rode.

Aydan smiles his Cheshire grin at Alaina, nodding to her sincerely for the compliment and encouragement, "You do me great honor my Lady but that title is not for me, We wouldn't want our guests to believe we are any but truthful"

He turns back to Lord Geoffrey and his men, "Still, the Lady does have the right of it, what say you My Lord, care to prove your words?"

Listening to what the men of the hunting party have to say, Lord Geoffrey takes a few moments to discuss things with his fellows, then turns back to the group,

'If the lad thinks he's up to the challenge,' the Viscount nods towards Aydan, 'then by all means, allow him to even the numbers. As for lances... you appear to carry two in your party, so myself and Sir Hugh,' he indicates the man with the golden chalice on his shield, 'will surrender ours in the interests of fair play...' as he says this the servant from before rushes over to relieve the Viscount and Sir Hugh of their lances. Viscount Geoffrey hefts a heavily-flanged mace in the stead of his lance, whilst Sir Hugh draws his longsword. Satisfied with the preparations he calls out once more, '... Now, do you require rest or refreshment before we begin? If so then I've paid for the hospitality of the inn.'

One of Lord Geoffrey's other knights - a man sporting a black shield with three silver serpents undulating horizontally across it, and a matching tabbard over his plate armour - canters forwards a little. Leveling his lance towards Sir Garrett he asks, his voice sounding with a deep metallic ring to it as he keeps his visor in place,

'Do you wish us to supply you with a real sword, young Albercroft? I fear your antique may get damaged in the melee...'

The last of Lord Geoffrey's knights - his shield green with a vertical silver stripe down the middle, and three blue flowers spaced evenly down that stripe - leans towards the Ladies as his horse sidesteps a little that way. Pushing up the visor of his plate armour - polished to a mirror finish - he reveals himself to be a devilishly handsome man, sporting a pencil thin blond moustache and small pointed beard. His deep blue eyes seem to almost sparkle as his smile lights up his face. Nodding to them all, his eyes settle on Lady Beatrix...

'If it's not too bold of me, m'lady,' he asks, 'I shall make a point of seeking you out at banquet when the tourney proper begins. Mayhap by then you'll have forgiven me for the sound thrashing I'm about to level upon your men-folk...' he salutes the Ladies with his lance and rides back into position to await the coming assault.

"You need not worry Mi'Lady, I'll patch up our side after this bout is over. Until then though, let's cheer them on!"

'I'd ask you to offer healing to their side as well,' Lady Rebecca replies quietly with the slightest of frowns marring her delicate features, 'Viscount Thevia is a guest of my Father's, and a knight of Taldor, as are his men. My Father would have them treated as such, no matter the banter they may exchange with our...' she thinks for a moment, then continues, '... our "champions" I suppose is the right term. I'd ask the same of you, Father Brendan,' she adds, glancing at the priest for a moment before letting slip a mild sigh, 'I realise you only had our best interests in mind when you spoke earlier, but Father has gone to a great deal of trouble to arrange all this... this... circus... and I'd hate to be the one to besmerch the goodwill at the Imperial Court he hopes the Barony will receive from all this.'

When you're ready, roll Initiative and declare your actions - 'spectators' too, if you plan on doing anything... interesting... during the combat.

Init: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Nobility check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Not doing anything interesting right now - have to get to work. I'll respond to whatever happens at some point tonight or tomorrow.

Knowledge (Nobility):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Garrett laughs at the black clad knight's comment.

"That blade has served my family for many generations, and will serve many more long after I'm gone.

Garrett levels his lance at the black clad knight, then briefly looks to his companions.

"I am ready now, presuming everyone else is."

When the melee is set to begin, Garrett will charge the black knight with his lance on a ride-by-attack.

Initiative:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"Fear not, m'lady. I wil not deny anyone the healing power of the Supreme Lawgiver, provided they make proper restitution to the Temple." looking down at the young girl "Sir Geoffery began this fray and should be held responsible for the injuries to his men."

Initiative1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
KN:nobility1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Kerdin is moving closer to ladies, keeping eye on any abnormal behavior and especially to this damn flower-powder... Maybe it would be better to make couple holes at him, before advancing like that to our ladies he eyes the Sir Gervase. Smiling, he gets an idea Fools... you deserve to get what you pick

When the fight is going begin, Kerdin begins to sing in melodic voice... but instead of boosting his allies strenght Let those fools believe what they want, he will sink enemies to deeper mud

Start singing, when fight is going to begin. Not sure if this is questionable, since this is targeting multiple people instead of one
Bardic Performance: Satire –1 penalty on attack and damage rolls
(minimum 1) and a –1 penalty on saves against fear and
charm effects

Sir Jaymin will target the remaining lance wielder, set himself up and charge the man (on cue, of course, he's not trying to be sneaky).

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

AC is 20 at the moment

Ride Check to use knees: 1d20 + 8 - 7 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 7 = 14
Ride check to stay in saddle if hit: 1d20 + 8 - 7 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 7 = 6

No guts, no glory. I'll charge Viscount Geoffrey

Looking to Viscount Geoffrey, Clarius readies his shield and sword, En guard, sir.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Guide horse with knees: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Attack: Charge 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: Longsword 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Forgot,

AC if still within ten feet of an ally with Mounted Combat: 20
Otherwise, AC: 19

Ride check to stay in saddle if hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Aydan drew his bastard sword and hefted it lightly in one hand, keeping one hand on his reins. He raised his sword in front of his face, saluting Lady Rebecca and throwing a wink towards the ladies.

Then he wheeled his horse back around and rounded towards Sir Hugh, "And here I thought today was going to be a dull one. When you're ready Sir."

On Sir Hugh's signal, he attacks!

woohoo, some decent first rolls

Hmmm... Better safe than sorry, thinks Zurladew as he mutters to himself and begins casting spells. I'd hate to deal with the Baron if a knight winds up dead in a brawl. Hidden on the sidelines, Zurladew does a quick magical check of the combatant's gear, to ensure there's been no foul play.

Going to cast Detect Poison on the enemy combatants' weapons, starting with Sir Guy - based on his reputation, he'd be the most likely to pull underhanded techniques. I'll take as long as necessary to check all their weapons, even if it takes a few rounds. Probably should have thought of it before the general brawl, but better to call scandal in the middle of the fight than not at all.

Don't forget about the +1 from the Bless

As Sir Garrett, Sir Jaymin, and Master Clarius each prepare to joust Brendan will approach each individually and use Inspirirng Word on each before they tilt. granting each a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

Unfortunately it doesn't stack with the Bless

Since the combat is a general melee - they all go at it as soon as someone sparks off - Brendan only gets time to use Inspiring Word on one of the Redwyrm knights before it all kicks off: I'll say it's Sir Garrett just 'cos Brendan happened to list him first (and which he can do, 'cos our priest topped the Initiative charts!).

As Kerdin starts to sing a happy little improvised ditty satirizing Lord Geoffrey and his knights (including appropriate comic actions as he pantomimes Sir Hugh too fat to even astride his horse, Sir Guy as a bent-over, hang-wringing, coniver, and Sir Gervase as too enraptured with the ladies to notice the combat), Father Brendan calls out a word of inpiration to Sir Garrett and the knight spurs his mount to charge... followed rapidly by all the other combatants doing the same!

BTW, for stuff like bardic performance and inspiring word, it's a good idea from a role-p' point of view to describe a bit what you're actually doing / saying - that's much more fun than boring mechanical bonuses! :)

The crowd gasps as the hooves of eight destriers raise both a sound of thunder and a cloud of dust on the dirt street of the small village: a mother pulls her small child back away from the danger, whilst slightly older children let out cries and cheers of excited delight - cheers joined in by many of the adults present as well - all mingled with peals of laughter at Kerdin's satirical performance.

It takes mere seconds for the horsemen to meet in a deadly clash, everything seeming to happen at once, although Sir Garrett and his black-shielded opponent meet a fraction of a second before the others. The lance of the knight with the three silver serpents on his black shield (Sir Guy) deflects off Sir Garrett's shield, even as the lance of the blessed and inspired Sir Garrett seeks and finds a chink in hs opponent's armour, at the shoulder. In an incredible display of power and skill Sir Garrett's very first blow sends his opponent spinning from his saddle to crash, rolling a little way, to the dirt road! The crowd roar their approval in no uncertain terms, and even Lady Rebecca looks up from trying to control her horse (skittish at the sudden action) as her hand goes to her mouth to cover an involuntary gasp of amazement! As Sir Garrett's steed thunders on, mounting the single-arched stone bridge being 'defended', Sir Guy can be seen within a cloud of dust pushing himself (a little unsteadily) to his feet as he fumbles to draw his longsword and turns to face his opponent from the ground...

Almost simultaneous with Sir Garrett's impressive charge, Sir Clarius meets no less a man than the Viscount himself as their mounts carry them within striking distance of each other. Sir Clarius's sword rings off Lord Geoffrey's shield, but the knight returns the favour as he deflects the Viscount's heavy mace with his own shield. The two mounted warrior's horses start to circle each other as they continue to exchange blows...

Aydan's exchange with Sir Hugh goes a little less well, as the young man's bastard sword is knocked aside by the large knight's shield, whilst Sir Hugh's blade finds it's way up under Aydan's arm to draw blood... Aydan takes 4 Hit Points of damage.

Finally, meeting the knight with the three flowers on his shield (Sir Gervase) head-on, Sir Jaymin find himself struck a powerful blow which almost sends him sprawling from his saddle, whilst his own lance fails to find its way past his opponent's shield. Sir Jaymin takes 12 Hit Points of damage... ouch!

Regaining her composure a little, Lady Rebecca (enthralled by the contest, despite her earlier words) quietly says to her Ladies,

'I never realised Sir Garrett was so... well... good! And look - poor Aydan's hurt! He really shouldn't even be fighting... he's always so reckless! Oh no! Sir Jaymin! No... wait... I think he's alright...' she shakes her head a little in wonder and asks, 'so, tell me Ladies, who amongst them do you favour?'

Knowledge (Nobility):1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

Damn! Missed it by one. Question for you Prof. Would it be considered bad form to charge him with my lance again. My gut reaction says yes, but wanted to make sure.

Sir Garrett wheels around to make another attack on his unyielding opponent.

Just realized I don't seem to have my HP done. Prof, should I use max, or roll it?

Aydan let out a sharp hiss of air as the blade cut into his side and wheeled his horse around on Sir Hugh, I'll be damned before I let this damned orc get away unblooded,

Using his legs to guide his horse, Aydan lifts his hands from the reins and grips his sword with both hands for a powerful upward slash.

*looks at rolls* ... I'm screwed

Just realized I don't seem to have my HP done. Prof, should I use max, or roll it?

In the recruitment thread he said max HP at 1st level.

thanks, was going to check that later, but I only have a couple minutes a shot to check while at work.

Clarius grunts at the force of Geoffrey's mace on his shield. With a look of grim determination, Clarius wheels his mount around, bringing his longsword down for an overhand chop over the Viscount's shield.

Kerdin sung and dance. Demonstrating the efficiency of the "enemies" of life and leadership as well some more private things from their personal life.

[KN:Nobility]1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Round 2
Stopping and letting the effect continue and make them stagger, when they realise what he sign Fear, Moral, Hope is keeping human going. Take them away and they fall down.

Moving closer to the Lady Rebecca, Lady Alaina and Beatrix, Kerdin kept his eyes open for anything strange. Concentrating and then small arcane surge, raising from his fingers and bringing small warmth over him, Kerdin sends Message to Zurladew

Bardic Performance: 6/7 left in daily. 1 round gone[sung], 2 round left Lingering Performance

Sir Garret, reemmber that you can add +1 to your attack score, IF

When you attack a creature smaller than your mount thatis on foot, you get the +1 bonus on melee attacks for being on

higher ground.

Sir Garret, reemmber that you can add +1 to your attack score, When you attack a creature smaller than your mount that is

Thanks, I had forgotten all about that. It's been a while since I played a mounted character.

Sir Jaymin grits his teeth against the pain, each step of the horse shifting his broken ribs. With a determined expression, he levels his lance once again and charges.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 2) + 8 = 13

Ride check guide: 1d20 + 8 - 7 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 7 = 17
Ride check stay in saddle: 1d20 + 8 - 7 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 7 = 6

Given the misunderstanding about the horse, please ignore the above post and use this one instead

ride check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
handle animal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 hoping it'll help

Aydan winces from the blood dripping down his side, and from the horse bucking underneath him, thrashing against his hold, poor thing, he thinks, I shouldn't have pulled you into this

Working against his mount he turns to Sir Hugh and raises his sword to his brow in salute. "My Lord," he calls out, "I've been called brave by some and reckless by many, but I try to stay away from "stupid." And yet here I am. My steed is not bred for this, and while I'd truly enjoy testing my skills against yours I fear that the thrashing you'd give me now would only prove that aforementioned stupidity, and not your skill..." he takes a deep breath, knowing just how badly he's about to hurt his own pride, "Will you permit me to withdraw?"

Kn: Nob 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

While the battle rages, Zurladew turns towards the tents. He cavorts towards the tents, seeking to traverse the crowd in plain sight but disguising his intentions behind a facade of antics.

Appropriate skill check here? I would think that Bluff or Perform (Comedy) might make sense here - not really trying for Stealth, but I could roll for that as well.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Perform (Comedy) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16