"Time for a spot of interpretive dance ..."
Kallista rises to her feet and moves to the middle of the hall. With a single "ching" of her finger cymbals, she makes sure that every eye is upon her and then, she dances.
This is a warrior's dance, as you now see. Gradually the sequence of movements resolve themselves into a story and you see that she is telling a tale of adventure.
Skilfully, she takes the watchers on a journey deep underground, past mysteries of yesteryear. There are strange foes crushed underfoot, undead are abjured, injuries received and recovered from and finally a journey undertaken for one long dead. At its height, the dance ends abruptly, with Kallista herself poised, ready to do battle, eyes wide with horror.
As she finishes the last movement and the sound of her finger cymbals dies away, she bows deeply to Lord Kerrigan.
"It's a work in progress. Our adventure didn't finish, so nor does the dance."
...
As she finishes the last movement and the sound of her finger cymbals dies away, she bows deeply to Lord Kerrigan.
"It's a work in progress. Our adventure didn't finish, so nor does the dance."
"Well, that's more entertaining!"
"Any more?" questions Kornelius.
Sir Manfred reels to his feet. "I've got another *hic* 'f y' want, m' brother taught me. R'lly rude though." Turns bright red.
Sir Manfred weaves as he starts singing...
And The Band Played Appropriate Music
by ChrisLeif
There once was a kingdom with many young knights;
They were valiant, and all in fine fettle.
And they wished to compare all their relative mights
In a contest that would try their mettle.
So they whipped out their swordarms, and sweated and strained
To lift up the weights they'd attached with much pain.
I just said they were valiant, not that they had brains.
And you know what I'm meaning by "swordarm."
CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the menfolk did tear at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the women did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.
Now the first knight, he lifted five pounds off the stage.
He was feeling quite macho and studly.
The second knight called for ten pounds in a rage,
And the contest began to get ugly.
The third called for twenty, the fourth for still more.
The fifth said he'd give all the others what for.
And the crowd's steady cheering increased to a roar.
This was almost as much fun as bloodshed.
CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the menfolk did tear at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the women did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.
Now of course no mere stickjock can outshine his king,
So the monarch did enter the fray.
He parted his robes, and he pulled out his thing,
And he called on the queen, for to sway
His lusts and his passions with all of her charm,
As a hundred-pound weight he strapped to his swordarm.
When he lifted it up, the crowd cried with alarm,
For his scepter was truly majestic.
CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the womenfolk tore at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the menfolk did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.
Testing their swordarms, testing their swordarms.
The menfolk did swoon at the sight they had seen,
While the children waved flags,
and the women tore out all their hair,
The royal musicians played "God Save The Queen."
Sir Manfred weaves as he starts singing...
And The Band Played Appropriate Music
by ChrisLeifThere once was a kingdom with many young knights;
They were valiant, and all in fine fettle.
And they wished to compare all their relative mights
In a contest that would try their mettle.
So they whipped out their swordarms, and sweated and strained
To lift up the weights they'd attached with much pain.
I just said they were valiant, not that they had brains.
And you know what I'm meaning by "swordarm."CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the menfolk did tear at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the women did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.Now the first knight, he lifted five pounds off the stage.
He was feeling quite macho and studly.
The second knight called for ten pounds in a rage,
And the contest began to get ugly.
The third called for twenty, the fourth for still more.
The fifth said he'd give all the others what for.
And the crowd's steady cheering increased to a roar.
This was almost as much fun as bloodshed.CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the menfolk did tear at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the women did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.Now of course no mere stickjock can outshine his king,
So the monarch did enter the fray.
He parted his robes, and he pulled out his thing,
And he called on the queen, for to sway
His lusts and his passions with all of her charm,
As a hundred-pound weight he strapped to his swordarm.
When he lifted it up, the crowd cried with alarm,
For his scepter was truly majestic.CHORUS:
And the band played appropriate music,
While the womenfolk tore at their hair.
The children waved flags, and the menfolk did swoon,
As they saw what was happening there.Testing their swordarms, testing their swordarms.
The menfolk did swoon at the sight they had seen,
While the children waved flags,
and the women tore out all their hair,
The royal musicians played God save the Queen
"Never heard that one." says Kornelius.
Ehlissa looks solemn and intones the following, in an almost sing-song manner:
(extract from The Wanderer, author unknown)
He who thought wisely
on this foundation,
and pondered deeply
on this dark life,
wise in spirit,
remembered often from afar
many conflicts,
and spoke these words:
Where is the horse gone? Where the rider?
Where the giver of treasure?
Where are the seats at the feast?
Where are the revels in the hall?
Alas for the bright cup!
Alas for the mailed warrior!
Alas for the splendour of the prince!
How that time has passed away,
dark under the cover of night,
as if it had never been!
Now there stands in the trace
of the beloved troop
a wall, wondrously high,
wound round with serpents.
The warriors taken off
by the glory of spears,
the weapons greedy for slaughter,
the famous fate ,
and storms beat
these rocky cliffs,
falling frost
fetters the earth,
the harbinger of winter;
Then dark comes,
nightshadows deepen,
from the north there comes
a rough hailstorm
in malice against men.
All is troublesome
in this earthly kingdom,
the turn of events changes
the world under the heavens.
Here money is fleeting,
here friend is fleeting,
here man is fleeting,
here kinsman is fleeting,
all the foundation of this world
turns to waste!
Kallista listens intently and rises to quietly applaud the warrior maiden as her words end.
After applauding, Falcon Warchild rises and speaks. "A relic found in the Cinderlands bore these words. No one knows to whom it refers:
"Rise up, Lord;
may Your enemies be scattered;
may those who hate You
be driven from Your face.
"Rise up, Lord;
may Your subjects be loyal;
may those who love You
be bountiful and prosper.
"Rise up, Lord;
may your men be strong;
may your women be mild;
and may the Gods to whom you pray
bless your sword arm.
"Rise up, Lord,
and conquer.
Rise up, Lord,
and rule.
Rise up, Lord,
and be loved by us again."
Falcon then turns to Ehlissa and Kallista. "It's not Shoanti in origin. Shoanti women are not expected to be mild."
Prince Percival rises unsteadily with a half full wine glass, waving as he speaks.
“My court hath played host once to a well known gnome bard, I have a few simple limericks I remember from the jester. Here goes, the Limericks of Eddie Leer”
His arm lifts and he barely avoids spilling the wine.
“There was an halfling of the Isles,
Whose face was pervaded with smiles,
He sung high dum diddle,
And played on the fiddle,
That amiable Man of the Isles.”
“There was an sad dwarf with a beard,
Who said, 'It is just as I feared!
Two Owls and a Hen,
Four Larks and a Wren,
Have all built their nests in my beard!”
“There was a young elf whose chin,
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp,
And purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.”
Weaving and bobbing a little, the Prince puts one finger to his lips and whispers, “these have an air of naughtiness about them, close thine ears if you wish not to hear them.”
There was a lady who triplets begat
Nat, Pat and Tat
It was fun breeding
But trouble feeding
Cause she didn't have a tit for Tat.
There was a young gnome named Perkin
Who was always jerkin his gherkin
His father said Perkin
Stop jerkin your gherkin
Your gherkins fer ferkin not jerkin
There was a fat turkey named Sam,
Who gobbled whenever he ran.
He came out of the bush,
Presenting his tush,
And was shot up the arse by an elf.
With a small giggle, the halfling falls back into his chair.
Weaving and bobbing a little, the Prince puts one finger to his lips and whispers, “these have an air of naughtiness about them, close thine ears if you wish not to hear them.”
** spoiler omitted **
With a small giggle, the halfling falls back into his chair.
This halfling 'prince' is definently not mature.
"Sir Manfred looks different ... more ... manly," says Kerrigan.
Falcon Warchild glances at him with surprise.
"I just noticed it is all," says Kerrigan. "Different."
After a few more songs and a half dozen more poems, Kerrigan calls it a night. The guests are free to enjoy his hospitality for as long as the food lasts, but little in the way of alcohol is served at the Keep as a rule.
The next day will be the first day of the joust and if no one disputes Kornelius' rankings, the right of first challenge goes to The Rogue Knight. Manfred, Kornelius, Prince Percival, and Ehlissa can be challenged.
The next day will be the first day of the joust
CORRECTION:
The next day will be the second day of the joust OR
The next day will be the first day of the challenge round
Prince Percival decides to forego his second breakfast, on the grounds his stomach is a little tender already and he isn't feeling so light on his feet.
He doesn't remember the name of the halfling serving girl but then he doesn't remember much of the night before after the poems and songs started. Perhaps she was just a dream?
Its a shame because no one seems to want to tell him what actually happened for the rest of the evening.
Disgruntled and a little tired, the royal heads for the field and gets ready for the Challenges. He tries to get his head round the explanations of Kornelius, but it's all too much for a morning. Instead the halfling waits to be challenged.
"Enough, mayhaps there are women in the contest and tis not mine turn to challenge."
The morning of the joust, The Rogue Knight looks a little green. "Prince Percival's poisoned pastries!" he mutters before collapsing. Kargan looks on with a knowing smile.
Ehlissa frowns, "Is there foul play afoot?" she asks of no-one in particular.
Sir Manfred rides up to Kallista's tent and taps her shield with his lance. The signal for a challenge.
He grins at her and says, "Mount up milady! Time to get in the game!" He rides off to his end of the lists.
"Milord, you're doing me too much honour. You've got the wrong blonde."
"Milord, you're doing me too much honour. You've got the wrong blonde."
** spoiler omitted **
"Are you withdrawing milady, or do you wish more time to prepare? You should not let the crowd intimidate you; once you start down the list, everything else fades away. And it is hard bruising fun!"
"It's very kind of you to offer to wait for me. If you're sure, Milord?"
Sir Manfred replies; "For my part, I can wait. But you need to convince the judge there." He points out Falcon Warchild with his lance. "If he becomes impatient, I may be forced to challenge someone else."
Sir Manfred replies; "For my part, I can wait. But you need to convince the judge there." He points out Falcon Warchild with his lance. "If he becomes impatient, I may be forced to challenge someone else."
Falcon smiles patiently but waits for Sir Manfred to make another challenge.
Sir Manfred rides up to Prince Percival Pineperry's pavillion and taps the Prince's shield hung up outside it.
"Come your Highness! 'Tis time to cross lances!"
Sir Manfred turns Trouble and tries to get him to rear for the crowd, which leans forward expectantly...
Trouble just gives him a disgusted look and walks to his preferred end of the lists. The crowd settles back down, disappointed.
"I see, my Lord. I rather hoped to sit...no, fine, thine wish is mine command, I shall be ready in a nonce."
The halfling completes his preparations and mounts Silkwind trotting out to tilt. He sways a little in the breeze, perhaps the wine was still working its way through his body.
He lowers his helm with a smile and a wave at the crowd, straightening in his saddle and trying to emulate the knight's professionalism. At least Sir Manfred looked ready for battle.
Then Percival takes his lance from one of the trumpeteers, who asks, "who do we bet on, Sire?"
The Purple Prince whispers back, "Mine suggestion would be a sizable bet going on Manfred. And a much smaller one on myself, he cuts a fine figure and looks like he wants this. Of course I shall try mine best but yesterday the luck was with me."
As the aide doubles away, Prince Percival murmurs, "But I do have the advantage in size and he rides like my Aunt Fanny."
The halfling kicks his heels in and lets Silkwind break into a run just as Manfred does the same, only bigger and probably faster.
Falcon Warchild greets Sir Manfred and Prince Percival. "Gentlemen," he says, shooting a suspicious glance at Prince Percival. "The crowd awaits."
With no magic enhancements, Sir Manfred charges with an AC of 22.
*******FIRST COURSE
Charge attack, no use of options
Lance Charge attack:
Dice Roll Results
#1803 1d20 + (9) = 22
Lance Charge Damage:
Dice Roll Results
#1805 2d8 + (6) = 22 (capped at 15 points as lance shatters)
Opponent must make Ride check DC 20
IF Sir Manfred is hit, Ride check or unhorsed(no warsaddle, no handle animal bonus):
Dice Roll Results
#1806 1d20 + (3) = 18
IF unhorsed, chance for damage:
Ride check:
Dice Roll Results
#1807 1d20 + (3) = 9
Damage if failed
#1808 1d6 + () = 2
*******SECOND COURSE
Charge attack, no use of options
Lance Charge attack:
Dice Roll Results
#1809 1d20 + (9) = 20
Lance Charge Damage:
Dice Roll Results
#1810 2d8 + (6) = 18 (capped at 15 points as lance shatters)
Opponent must make Ride check DC 20
IF Sir Manfred is hit, Ride check or unhorsed(no warsaddle, no handle animal bonus):
Dice Roll Results
#1811 1d20 + (3) = 5
IF unhorsed, chance for damage:
Ride check:
Dice Roll Results
#1812 1d20 + (3) = 19
Damage if failed:
#1813 1d6 + (0) = 6
********THIRD COURSE
Charge attack, no use of options
Lance Charge attack:
Dice Roll Results
#1814 1d20 + (9) = 10
Lance Charge Damage:
Dice Roll Results
#1815 2d8 + (6) = 18 (capped at 15 points as lance shatters)
Opponent must make Ride check DC 20
IF Sir Manfred is hit, Ride check or unhorsed(no warsaddle, no handle animal bonus):
Dice Roll Results
#1816 1d20 + (3) = 6
IF unhorsed, chance for damage:
Ride check:
Dice Roll Results
#1817 1d20 + (3) = 23
Damage if failed:
#1818 1d6 + (0) = 4
Scoreboards
Challenge Order w/o Notes
Challenge Order with notes
OOPS! These scoreboard have minor faults in them. Do not use these unless you want false info.
OOPS! These scoreboard have minor faults in them. Do not use these unless you want false info.Scoreboards
Challenge Order w/o Notes
Challenge Order with notes
"I see, my Lord. I rather hoped to sit...no, fine, thine wish is mine command, I shall be ready in a nonce."
The halfling completes his preparations and mounts Silkwind trotting out to tilt. He sways a little in the breeze, perhaps the wine was still working its way through his body.
He lowers his helm with a smile and a wave at the crowd, straightening in his saddle and trying to emulate the knight's professionalism. At least Sir Manfred looked ready for battle.
Then Percival takes his lance from one of the trumpeteers, who asks, "who do we bet on, Sire?"
The Purple Prince whispers back, "Mine suggestion would be a sizable bet going on Manfred. And a much smaller one on myself, he cuts a fine figure and looks like he wants this. Of course I shall try mine best but yesterday the luck was with me."
As the aide doubles away, Prince Percival murmurs, "But I do have the advantage in size and he rides like my Aunt Fanny."
The halfling kicks his heels in and lets Silkwind break into a run just as Manfred does the same, only bigger and probably faster.
"Thy majesty, what is taking you so long. The crowd awaits you."says Kornelius
Prince Percival charges in his small lance aimed for the chest of his massive adversary.
First Lance attack , Damage , Ride check .
A little less confident in his ability, Percival makes a quick prayer to Desna for luck and then kicks Silkwind into full flight.
Second Lance Attack , Damage , Ride check
And if the plucky little chap is still in the fight he waves gamely at the crowd and goes forth.
Third Lance Attack , Damage , Ride check .
Sir Manfred and the Halfling Prince charge towards each other much to the delight of the crowd which looks even larger today than yesterday. Manfred's lance scores a solid hit but Percival manages to stay horsed. Percival's lance is deflected by a Manfred's shield.
On the second course, the riders charge towards each other again but they easily bat each other's lances aside.
On the third course, something goes terribly wrong with Manfred's lance...
Confirmation roll
1d20+9=12
Confirmation roll
1d20+9=12
As Manfred charges towards Prince Percival for the third confrontation, Trouble is thrown off his gait by some very loose dirt. His horse weaving too close to the wooden rails, Manfred's lance catches in the rails and he is pitched high in the air and off of his mount.
Ride check:
Damage:
Sir Manfred staggers to his feet, recovers what dignity he can and goes out to get Trouble back.
Prince Percival comes to a stop near the landing site.
"Sir Manfred please take a moment to compose thineself, unless our Lord has a different mind, perchance our last tilt could be run again, without such poor footing or ill luck to spoil the entertainment? This be not an honourable ending."
Quiet murmur - "That's a very well named horse."
"That Prince Percival is quite the gentleman," mutters Lord Kerrigan. "And a good cook."
Kerrigan gestures for the course to be run again.
Prince Percival heads back and changes lances. The halfling chooses
Sabreharp, the lance given to him by his father.
"Thank you, Merrildene. I hope I can do my family honour now."
The three trumpeteers sound their horns and Merrildene hands the royal prince a stirrup cup of cider brandy. "Something to settle the stomach, my Lord."
He smacks his lips and offers a toast, shouting across the field towards Sir Manfred (with a nod to Lord Kerrigan),
"There was a fair Prince
Who fought at the Keep
He lost the first course
Then drew the second
Lets see what the last....glug..will reap!"
"Good luck, Sir Manfred." With that the visor comes down and the lance up.
Prince Percival heads back and changes lances. The halfling chooses
Sabreharp, the lance given to him by his father."Thank you, Merrildene. I hope I can do my family honour now."
The three trumpeteers sound their horns and Merrildene hands the royal prince a stirrup cup of cider brandy. "Something to settle the stomach, my Lord."
He smacks his lips and offers a toast, shouting across the field towards Sir Manfred (with a nod to Lord Kerrigan),
"There was a fair Prince
Who fought at the Keep
He lost the first course
Then drew the second
Lets see what the last....glug..will reap!""Good luck, Sir Manfred." With that the visor comes down and the lance up.
Prince Percival heads back and changes lances. The halfling chooses
Sabreharp, the lance given to him by his father.
.....
Sir Manfred brushes off the dirt of his fall, glares sternly at Trouble, then mounts up, grasps a new lance, lowers his visor, then at the signal starts Trouble down the lists again.
********THIRD COURSE (Reprise)
Charge attack, no use of options
Lance Charge attack:
Lance Charge Damage:
(capped at 15 points as lance shatters)
Opponent must make Ride check DC 20
IF Sir Manfred is hit, Ride check or unhorsed(no warsaddle, no handle animal bonus):
IF unhorsed, chance for damage:
Ride check:
Damage if failed: