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4:52pm 2013-8-21 Smon Has entered the room
4:56pm 2013-8-21 Amalric Has entered the room
Amalric: evening!
4:56pm 2013-8-21 chris107 Has entered the room
Smon: Hi!
Amalric: evening chris!
chris107: 'Evening chaps
Smon: Amalric, I did a background info post on the blog stuff Shade should remember.
Smon: Hi chris!
4:57pm 2013-8-21 atherton Has entered the room
Amalric: ah, excellent
atherton: Hi Simon
chris107: Hey Ath!
atherton: Amalric, you ran out on us
Smon: Hi ath. Wanna play my campaign?
atherton: Hi Chris
atherton: yes, when you move it to a sane hour of the day Simon
Smon: lol
atherton: 1 AM here, I won't be lasting much longer
atherton: who else is playing?
atherton: Gooner I presume?
Smon: Ken, yup
chris107: yup
Smon: Amalric & Chris
4:59pm 2013-8-21 Goonergeezer Has entered the room
atherton: Efnisien?
Smon: Hi G!
Goonergeezer: ello peeps
chris107: You say his name three times and he appears!
Smon: ok, full house plus ath
atherton: Gooner was in chat earlier
Smon: I want to start now, ath you can lurk if desired
atherton: well I'll exit, I just came round to say hello actually
Smon: ok, bye then
atherton: I shall be off, happy gaming, don't get yourselves killed!
atherton: see ya's
chris107: Bye Ath.
5:01pm 2013-8-21 atherton Has exited the room
Amalric: killed? pffft!
chris107: It's been known
Smon: Shade did you see my last blog post?
Amalric: not in your game, chris, nobody hits anything in there!
Amalric: just reading it now Simon
Amalric: ah, i see. perhaps i should start us off with a lead to there?
Smon: (sorry for delay)
Amalric: (delays were expected!)
Goonergeezer: (no worries)
chris107: (While we wait Graham could you witness my % roll please?)
Smon: ok, bit of child trouble
chris107: (Later
)Smon: GM: It's a bit after 1am as Shade wades ashore through chilly chest-deep water.
Smon: If you head away from the river you should reach Hareboro in half an hour or so.
Amalric: (no problem!)
Amalric: Shade does just that
Smon: GM: Trudging over the meadows, Shade soon comes across the track that goes NW down to the Nemo ferry and SE to Hareboro.
Smon: You can see a few lights from Hareboro in the distance over the fields, with the large manor house of Dame Lysana on a slight rise off to the right.
Smon: You could head for eg the ferryman's house by the river, to Dame Lysana, or look for a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village.
Amalric: let's head for the manor. Dame Lysana might have some advice or ideas for us
chris107: (Thank heavens Cadwal is sleeping the sleep of the just!)
Smon: Shade is alone, right?
Amalric: yes
Smon: GM: OK you head for the manor, reaching it a bit before 2am.
Smon: The courtyard gates are locked, you can see a couple nightlights in the windows.
Amalric: Shade climbs over the gates, or the wall
Smon: There's a pull-chain bell by the gates, but you can climb over if preferred.
Smon: (should be ok now for 40 mins)
Amalric: sorry, he'll pull the chain then
Smon: ding-dong! There's a delay, then an elderly manservant pulls back a view-plate and squints through at Shade. "Who is it?" he sounds nervous.
Amalric: "I am a friend of Dame Lysana, and seek her aid"
Smon: "What's yer name?"
Amalric: "My name is Shade. Dame Lysana heard of me through her sister, the Lady Candice."
Smon: The fellow squints harder at Shade. "Oh! Right. I recall ye now... hold on."
Smon: Five minutes later the gates are opened, the old man and another manservant escort Shade into the main building, where Dame Lysana is waiting in a reception room in a cream night gown, having hastily applied some make-up and brushed her hair.
Amalric: "Good evening, milady."
Smon: She looks sleepily at Shade, gesturing him to sit. "W-welcome... I heard you fought for Kallent now?"
Amalric: "It seemed like the opportune thing to do. And it is on that matter I approach you at this unseemly hour, for which I beg your forgiveness."
Smon: (Lysana detailed here - http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/central-herdley.html)
Smon: Lysana nods. "What news do you have? I hear the Dunfalcon are very close now..."
chris107: (Not getting anything at that link Simon)
Smon: http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/central-herdley.html
Smon: (was the bracket messing it up)
chris107: (Thanks)
Amalric: (do I need to play this out, or can we say Shade passes on news of their recent adventures, and who they have captive at the boat?)
Smon: Are you telling her everything? Odric's death, capture of Varuna & Beverly, etc?
Smon: (Long as I know what you said, fine either way)
Amalric: (yes)
Amalric: (from the pic I think Shade has the hots for the 'merry widow' :D)
Smon: GM: Lysana listens in silence for half an hour as Shade tells everything that has transpired. Lysana: "Odric is dead... Then I am free!" She smiles with relief, almost ecstatic.
Smon: "I can never repay you enough for this service. I can only hope that Earl George and the Kallent arrive soon, to liberate these lands."
Smon: You can make a CHA check
Smon: d20 roll low
Smon: (she's actually a pretty sad widow, until now!)
Amalric rolls 1d20 and gets:
20,chris107: Oops!
Amalric: fuck me, nothing but low scores last night, and as soon as i want a low one...
Smon: I'm afraid Shade won't be getting any hot upper-class action tonight.
Goonergeezer: (all the charm of Maranwe there)
Amalric: maybe she's too relieved to consider it!
Amalric: (LOL, nice one Ken!)
Amalric: (assassins get no love...)
Smon: Dame Lysana happily agrees to provide Shade with a cart and draft horse if he wishes. "You prefer a wagon? You are welcome to my coach, if you prefer."
chris107: (5 Charisma isn't it?)
Smon: no, high Cha since rebuild
chris107: (Ah)
Smon: (not that it seems to make any difference)
chris107:
Amalric: (my rolls are all wrong recently, i could almost have predicted that!)
Smon: Lysana: "If you see Earl George, tell him to hurry south!"
Smon: GM: Are you taking the draft wagon or the coach?
Amalric: "Of course," says Shade, muttering something about rotten luck under hsi breath
Amalric: (not sure, how many people do we need to carry? is it just for the prisoners?)
Smon: You have 9 total.
Smon: Coach can squeeze in 6 in the carriage, 2 on the running board, 1-3 can hang on top.
Amalric: wagon would probably be better, and less noticeable - i imagine the Dame's carriage would be quite obvious
Amalric: but if its easier...
Smon: Wagon is slower, could fit 2 on running board, 4-5 inside, others could walk, it only goes at walking pace, coach goes ca 50 miles/day.
Smon: Coach could get you home in a day, wagon 2 days or so.
Amalric: coach it is
Smon: Dame Lysana nods. "Just return it whenever is convenient."
Amalric: maybe the Dame will be more...grateful...when i return the wagon
Smon:
Amalric: *coach
Smon: GM: Fifteen minutes later Shade is driving a two-horse coach north-west out of Hareboro.
Smon: Around 3am Shade takes a track as close as he can to the river, only a couple hundred yards from the boats over a meadow.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Amalric: nice night for a ride, he muses to himself, sadly...
Smon: The ground is a bit soft from recent rain, would be risky to take it over the meadow.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
2,Smon: Are you leaving it and returning to the boat?
Smon: GM: Garrick, who do you have set on watch currently? Hugh or Cadwal?
Amalric: no, i think i'll stay with the coach and horses, wouldn't want someone making off with them
Goonergeezer: last watch will be cadwal, i want hugh sleeping so he does not worry about his forthcoming punishment
Smon: OK, you could call out to alert the boat? Or just sit there, or risk it?
Smon: (risk driving it over the meadow, might break a wheel if it goes over)
Amalric: call to the boat, I guess, though shouting out across the darkness goes against an assassin's grain!
chris107: (Does Cadwal recognize the voice as Shade's?)
chris107: (I don't think he was aware that Shade had left the boat)
Smon: GM: Cadwal is stoically standing guard atop the boat when he hears Shade's voice yelling from beyond the riverbank.
Smon: /roll 1d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets:
18,chris107: He will wake Cousin Garrick then splash over to see what's going on.
Smon: Cadwal can't see much of the riverside from where he is, just bullrushes.
Smon: Cadwal heads downstairs and wakes Garrick,then wades ahore, once on the bank he sees the finely appointed coach on the other side of the meadow.
chris107: "Pssst CG, Shades out over the river somwhere..."
chris107: "Gosh Shadey, nice wheels!"
Smon: Two black mares stand in the traps.
chris107: The young squire looks on appreciatively at the slick carriage.
Goonergeezer: Garrick comes groggily awake after very little sleep then goes to wake Hugh, then lisa and cheryl leaving the two hostiges still sleeping
Smon: Sir Hugh wakes silently, the girls more groggily.
chris107: C will pet the blacks.
Amalric: "Just a little number I acquired, got a nice deal."
Smon: The horses crop grass calmly.
Amalric: (sorry, need to have dinner, will be 15-20 mins)
Smon: (s'ok)
Smon: Is Garrick going to follow Cadwal? Leaving Hugh?
chris107: (Enjoy)
Smon: (my dinner will likely be in 30 mins or so then I'll be afk 30-40 mins)
Goonergeezer: no garrick will stay on the boat and wait to see whats happening first
Smon: Shade could leave Cadwal with the coach and report back?
chris107: Sounds good to me.
Smon: GM: OK, Shade returns to the boat, heads downstairs and recounts his meeting with Dame Lysana and her loan of her coach.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
6,Smon: Are you waiting until dawn before setting off?
chris107: C sits on the driving seat admiring the fine pair before him.
Goonergeezer: no we are gonna set off straight away, under the cover of darkness
Smon: Cadwal notices that the mares are black, the coach was black but partly repainted in purple.
Goonergeezer: once everyone is awake garrick will awake the prisoners
Smon: GM: So, Garrick wakes Varuna & Beverly and Sir Hugh rouses Lana Greenvale. Are you keeping Varuna hooded & gagged?
Goonergeezer: Varuna yes
Smon: Beverly wakes groggily. From Lana's cabin you hear her voice: "Leave, Sir Hugh? I can't leave my barge! It is my life!"
Smon: She still sounds very weak.
Smon: Shade goes back to inform Cadwal that you are departing soon, and relieve him, so Cadwal can return to the barge to collect his gear etc.
chris107: "Thanks Shadey."
Smon: Sir Hugh: "I'm sorry ma'am. We will tell Earl George to recover it, if possible. But we must leave before we are discovered here by enemies."
chris107: C will offer to carry the ladies over the water too.
Smon: Up on deck, Lisa and Cheryle happily agree to Cadwal's proposal to carry them over the water. Cheryle: "Sure thing, hon!"
Smon: Lisa: "That would be wonderful, thank you Master - I mean Sir Knight."
chris107: "Haha brace yourselves girlies, it's a wee bit chilly!"
Goonergeezer: Garrick will aid Cadwel with the women across the water, taking Varuna after lisa and chryl are across leaving Hugh with lana and bev
Smon: Both of the slave girls are carrying blankets against the night's chill. Cadwal can carry them over hoisted high, so they remain dry.
chris107: When the ladies are safely over C will go get his armour and other gear, packing them and keeping them out of the water if poss.
Smon: Garrick carts over Varuna's nubile form. As Sir Hugh picks up Beverly, Cadwal & Garrick both notice her cast him a sultry look. She whispers in his ear; he nods, seeming to blush slightly - hard to tell in the dark & with his beard, though.
Smon: Hugh carries Beverly across and sets her down. As he returns for Lana, Garrick joins him. On deck, Lana is lying. She shakes her head. "No - leave me. I'm staying here."
chris107: "I say Cousin G, she's a saucy piece and no doubt!"
chris107: Stage whispers C
Smon:
Smon: Lana: "I have food and water. In a week I'll be healed, I'll..."
Smon: Hugh glances to Garrick. "Sounds like a bad idea to me."
Goonergeezer: "Lana, listen to me, our deal still stands, once we are back to kallent and you are healed we will suply you with a new boat and crew, we owe you at least that much, if we leave you here there may be more creatures from the grave that stalk these parts
Smon: On the riverbank, Beverly heard Cadwal's stage whisper, and blushes furiously.
Smon: Hugh: "Aye. You're in no condition, Lana..." he hoists her up.
Smon: "Garrick, stand in the water and I'll pass her down to you."
Smon: Lana falls silent, but with a dark look.
chris107: (OOC @ Simon - I've put C's age at 24, minimum for a half elf fighter in the DMG, as the fifth son I couldn't see him any older. Hope that's okay?)
Smon: (fine Chris) GM: Eventually all of you including the protesting Lana are assembled at the coach. Who are you putting inside? Lana would really need to lie down, taking up a whole couch, you could put Varuna on the floor, Lisa Cheryle & Beverly on the other couch?
Smon: Who's driving & who up top?
Smon: (supper, be 25-30 mins)
chris107: C is eagre to be on the driving bench
chris107: (He knows good horse flesh when he sees it, fancies himself a bit of a 'Prince Phillip' with the old carriage racing
Goonergeezer: Garrick is on top, same position as the last coach he was in on our firdst outing
Goonergeezer: (when he first set eyes on the love of his life Tabitha)
Amalric: Shade will sit beside Cadwal in the drivers seat, unless someone else insists, in which case he'll sit up top
chris107: "C'mon Sir Hugh! All aboard the Skylark!"
chris107: Beams C
chris107: (Has C had time to put his dry armour back on?)
Amalric: (LOL, I remember that cartoon!)
chris107:
chris107: "Hold on tight y'all"
chris107: (Shall I roll that % while Simon is dining Graham?)
Amalric: (go ahead)
chris107 rolls 1d100 and gets:
40,chris107: 40 thanks.
Amalric: ah well
Goonergeezer rolls 1d100 and gets:
31,Goonergeezer:
chris107:
Amalric: i should have rolled, i'd get 00 on my form. or 01
Goonergeezer: go for it
Amalric rolls 1d100 and gets:
58,Goonergeezer:
chris107: As Jeff is using wpn spec that still works out at +2, +5!
chris107: 3/2 rounds 6-15/8-23
Goonergeezer: AAiiieeeeeeee!!!! weap spec that vile thing from the unmentionable book
chris107: I agree. But when in Rome....
Goonergeezer: feed the christians to the lions?
chris107: That as well
chris107: Garrick surely would!
Amalric: Lee Mack joke
Goonergeezer: criminals certainly
chris107: Or should I now call him Herr Garrick?
Goonergeezer: thank you for the idea, that will be one of the law reforms i bring in
Amalric: when my firstt ever character gained 18 STR i rolled 58 for the %
chris107:
chris107: spooky
Amalric: happy days
chris107: I'll go grab a drink while Simon's eating...brb
Goonergeezer: Wanna see the design for Garricks personal guard insignia?
Goonergeezer:http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b494/goonergeezer1/Grolfagnazi_zpsf4724e08.jpg
Amalric: please
Amalric: LOL class!
Goonergeezer: i would like to point out i am not in the least bit right wing by the way
Amalric: of course not
Amalric: have you see Father Ted?
Goonergeezer: seen a few episodes
Amalric: the one where he inherits the Nazi memoribilia from a fellow priest?
Goonergeezer: nope, not seen that one
chris107: Haha Classic!
chris107: Do you intend to wipe out the Earl and all the other family members before you bring in your 'reforms'?
chris107: Kallantgrad?
Amalric: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Are_You_Right_There,_Father_Ted?
chris107: FT is just brilliant. A great talent taken too young
Goonergeezer: no, i am quite happy with my position now, if i can impr5ess them all with my ideas i might get a nice piece of land to call my own, however with the baby boom in 20 years he will be leading a large force somewhere
chris107: Ah dreams of Empire?
Amalric: (quite agree, chris)
chris107: In 20 years Cadwal will only just be mature
Goonergeezer: with our armoured divisions we shall blitz our way across the counties taking city after city
Amalric: LIghtning War
chris107: Nice idea
Goonergeezer: im sure i have heard of it so,mewhere brfore though
chris107: C just wants to lance Blackfang up the arras.
Smon: back, much child trouble at dinner
Should be ok to 9.30pm now.chris107: Oh dear, is the little treasure alright?
Smon: (he initially wouldn't eat anything)
Amalric: (Ken, are those your painted figures on photobucket? had a quick look after seeing the insignia)
chris107: (That's why they invented the cattle prod, right?)
Goonergeezer: yea, there all mine
Smon: GM: OK so Cadwal is driving, with Shade beside him, Garrick up top. Sir Hugh suggests that he go in the coach, which means one of the girls go topside with Garrick. "I want to keep an eye on Varuna and Beverly, just in case. Lana, too."
Amalric: (nice work!)
Smon: Lisa: "I can go up top with Garrick."
Smon: You all have time to redon armour.
Goonergeezer: G will invite Lisa to ride up top with him
Amalric: Shade looks the other way
Smon: Lisa smiles happily at Garrick and he helps her up on top of the coach. She has a blanket wrapped around her as a sort of dress. Once arrayed, Shade points Cadwal in the right direction and you can set off.
Smon: It's around 4.30am, around an hour and a half to sunrise.
chris107: "Tally Ho!"
Smon: You take the track to the ferry road, following it south awhile towards Hareboro. Do you want to follow it in to Hareboro and join the Dunfalcon Pike there?
chris107: (C is loving it!)
Goonergeezer: "lets put as much distance between us and the boats as possible before sun-up"
chris107: Which road is fastest!
Smon: The quick way is straight into the village & join the main road. Or you can try to work around the village via side tracks, will take awhile.
Goonergeezer: (if we can get past hareboro before light then we go the main road, otherwise we stay on the smaller)
Smon: Yes, still dark. Your wheels rumble on the cobblestones as you enter the litle village.
chris107: (C had visions of flying through the town, manes flaring and wheels sparking!)
Smon: The people of Hareboro are well used to strange goings on under cover of darkness, and nothing stirs as Cadwal drives quickly through town.
Goonergeezer: (if you wanna do that garrick can do a manacal laugh at the same time for effect)
Smon: Soon you reach the mighty Dunfalcon Pike where Garrick's adventures began atop a coach, so long ago...
chris107:
Smon: You turn left and head north-east, towards Kallent and home.
Goonergeezer: "let us hope this time there are no bandits on the road!"
chris107: (Does the coach have one of those horns?)
Smon: (there's a horn, yup)
chris107: "Oh Cousin G! Can we?!"
Goonergeezer: "wait until we hit the kallent border, then feel free"
Smon: You drive out of the village along fields and meadows, passing a few grazing cows unmolested by brigands. A little before dawn you clatter over a bridge across Cold Lake Stream, the Witching Woods visible to your right in the distance.
chris107: "Onwards then my beauties!"
Smon: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCeUC58hCydTu0XZ6jCBbshIRm-prYBsA_NYsLAJq499sqiz22MEVML66B4BcHvfcNuNqKXGEwTgA3KbtukwIOmVGyg5JbbkYs1IEyCtNTnYKUkcvHA-5FdiOxtP5NsLey2K6RvSiaMhe/s1600/Herdley.bmp
Goonergeezer: "Be alert all, last time i was here there was trouble"
Smon: Two miles further on, as the sun is glinting over the treetops to the east, you see mighty Castle Rock ahead on its rock, the Nemo to your left - and an armed camp around the fortress.
Smon: It looks to be under siege.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
3,Goonergeezer: can we see any banners flying?
Smon: You don't seem to have been spotted yet, but it looks like a small army blocks the trail ahead. As you get closer you can make out the red dragon banners of Kallent.
Smon: They must have moved immediately they got Edward's signal, to be here so fast.
chris107: "Hurrah!"
Goonergeezer: "We are safe, let us carry on, Blow your horn Cadwell, and blow it loud"
Smon: Two outriders leave the camp and gallop towards you, you see more men stiring in the tents.
chris107: C gives a rare old fanfare on the horn!!!
Amalric: "hope they're not flying flase colours..."
Amalric: *false
Goonergeezer: (shhh)
Smon: The soldiers raise lances, blocking the road ahead. "Halt!" yells a grizzled man at arms, glaring at Cadwal.
chris107: "Nah Shadey, those are Kallant Dragons!"
Smon: You stop?
chris107: C draws the carriage to a halt, stands and bows with a flourish
Goonergeezer: "Hail, identify yourselves"
chris107: "Cadwal Fortescue old boy. At your service."
Smon: You stop, the soldiers advance, then break into a grin. "Hey! It's Cadwal Fortescue! And look yon - Sir Garrick!"
Smon: The soldiers salutes Garrick. "Corporal Middens of the Kallent Guard, Sir. We didn't expect to see you here."
Goonergeezer: "Lisa, you might want to make sure you stay covered up now, the men can get very frisky if they know death could be immenant
Smon: Middens: "We only just got 'ere last night..." Lisa nods to Garrick.
Goonergeezer: "Middens, good man, is Sir George here?"
Smon: Middens: "The Earl is here, Sirs! You want to see him?"
Goonergeezer: "yes straight away, lead on Middens"
Smon: Middens leads your coach into the camp, but the road is blocked by logs. "You'll need to leave yer coach sirs. I'll take you to the Earl's tent."
Amalric: "See that your men guard that with their lives, Corporal."
chris107: C looks on ruefully at the departing blacks. A fine pair indeed...
Goonergeezer: Garrick gets off the coach and enters the inside and prepares the Women for a short walk"
chris107: And makes mental note to self to purchase a fine black charger one day.
Smon: It takes a few minutes to get everyone out of the coach. Two soldiers bring a stretcher for Lana Greenvale.
Goonergeezer: after which he calls out to Middens "Send for a strecher and healer, we have an injured party here"
Goonergeezer: ~"Ah, already done it, good man Middens"
Smon: Eventually the whole coterie are escorted to a large tent in the middle of the camp, where Earl George is breakfasting with his barons and battle-captains. They look up at your approach. George sees Garrick and Cadwal and beams happily. "You're back! Good show, men! And who are all these lovely ladies?"
Goonergeezer: Garrick indicates Lisa and Cheryl "these are the 2 ladies who were working for us secretly, while i was incarcerated.......
chris107: "Morning Uncle George, chaps. How's Aunt Tabitha?" c helps himself to kidneys and a fried slice or what ever's on offer.
Amalric: "Who is he calling a lady?" mutters Shade
Smon: George: "Oh yes, do sit down!" Servants bring chairs and plates for you.
Goonergeezer: "The prize of our mission, Sir george may i present the Countess Varuna......
chris107: "She's a spirited old thing Uncle G!"
Goonergeezer: "and as a bonus and very lucky for us, may i also introduce you to, Miss Beverley Arleigh-Wright"
chris107: "Darn near had Cousin G's eye out!"
Smon: Sir Hugh removes Varuna's hood, to a smattering of applause from the assembled knights.
Smon: Lisa pushes Beverly forward. George: "I say! A double! Fantastic!"
Smon: Beverly and Varuna look fearfully at the Beast of Kallent.
chris107: "Rather!"
Amalric: Shade grins despite himself
Smon: George: "Do have some tea, all of you!" He waves, indicating Shade, Lisa, Cheryle, and Sir Hugh.
Smon: George nods to Lisa and Cheryle: "We're most grateful for your aid - I'll have Sir Garrick take good care of you, what what! This is all quite splendid!"
Smon: Lisa: "Thank you, my lord."
chris107: "And try the kidney's. DE-LISH!"
Goonergeezer: "what news then Soir George, who holds this castle, and how many men are defending?"
Smon: George indicates the castle with a kipper-fork. "We just got here last night. Thought I'd invest the castle while our next lot of troops come up. Any Herdleymen between here and Earlshurst, by the way?"
Smon: "We think they have fifty or so in there."
chris107: "Well after Brekkers shall we chivvy them out?"
Smon: George looks at Cadwal. "Steady on there, nephew. That's a big castle!"
Amalric: "There are...ways."
Goonergeezer: "there is fighting ranging all over Herdley, Dunfalcons troops are stronger the further south, have you had any further word from Edward?"
chris107: "The Herdley scum can't stand against the Beast of Kallant Uncs!"
Smon: Sir Hugh looks at Cadwal and sighs.
chris107: "You could take that little fort all by yourself!"
Smon: George: "Beast of Kallent, that's what they call me, eh? Splendid!"
Goonergeezer: g to George "Our young Knight here has aquitted himself admirably"
chris107: "Nay you're too kind Cous. 'tws you saved us all from that smelly fellow with the long fingernails..."
Smon: George: "Admirably, of course! Cadwal's brave as a lion, eh! As to the situation - we got Edward's message yesterday, and moved south immediately as planned. I've left my sister Dame Gertrude Steward at Kallent Castle... Reminds me - Sir Hugh, you have a letter for me?" Hugh nods and hands over a letter, which George scans: "Splendid!"
Smon: George: "We have two hundred men behind us securing Tamit and the Dunfalcon Pike, three hundred more here, five hundred more on the way. Very little resistance, it seems."
Smon: GM: You breakfast, and take half an hour or so to give George a full account of your adventures.
Goonergeezer: "their troops are all further south, i do not know how many Dunfalcon have in the field, we have seen many fires burning in the distance, although today has been quiet"
Smon: George: "Garrick, Cadwal,Mr Shade, I'm afraid I have bad news for you. No war for you today."
chris107: C looks crestfallen
Goonergeezer: "what would you have us do Sir George?"
Smon: George: "You're to take ten men as escort and get your prisoners safe back to Castle Kallent. There, Garrick you are appointed Steward in my absence, replacing Gertrude. Cadwal, you shall assist."
chris107: He's been honing both edges of his BIG sword between mouthfuls of Kippers and Kedgerie.
chris107: (C smirks internally, thinking about fierce Auntie Gerti needing replacing by any one to guard Castle K. Safer than having a dragon there he thinks to himself)
Goonergeezer: "May we take Hugh with us? there are some things i need to tell you of in private george"
Goonergeezer: (tbh she still scares garrick)
chris107:
Smon: George nods. "Yes, Sir Hugh will go with you. Private, eh? Walk with me."
Smon: George stands and has Garrick walk with him a short way through the tents, towards the horse-paddock.
chris107: "Oops sounds like some one's in the soup!"
Goonergeezer: during the walk Garrick will tell geoirge what has happebned between Hugh nad Bev
Smon: George listens, then grins. "Hugh got his end away, eh? Sly old dog! I knew he'd made a fair few bastards in his day!"
Goonergeezer: "I was thinking that i will order him to marry her, they seem vgery close and the joining will give us a foothold in arleigh"
Smon: "He didn't force himself on her, did he? That's not the Hugh I know."
Goonergeezer: "i fear he made his advances without first asking her but she did not shy away from him either"
Smon: George nods. "Quite a goer, eh? Seems tough on Hugh. But, such a marriage does sound politically useful, as well as restoring the lady's tarnished virtue. Hm... it's a good idea, but what does Hugh think?"
Goonergeezer: "Hugh will be thankful that his punishment is so lean, i will charge him with Funding some youth camps, its an idea i have that we can go into upon your glorious retrn though George"
Smon: Back at breakfast, an elderly knight joins the gathering - Cadwal recognises his father, Sir Audley Fortescue. Sir Audley beams at Cadwal. "Morning, son! Heard you had a few adventures!"
chris107: "Pater! How glorious!"
Smon: George nods to Garrick: "Well, I'd not want to force the poor chap, but if he's happy, then fair enough. Seems we have a lot of marriages coming up, eh! You know Cassie Starling is marrying Sir Gregor Caskeham, soon as he's back?"
chris107: "Nay Sir, nothing more than a jaunt in the country."
chris107: C looks a little shocked. He always thought he may have a bash at young Cassie.
Smon: Audley shakes Cadwal's hand (a rare event): "Good show sir, good show! Herdley will soon be ours, not least thanks to you and your friends!"
chris107: Perhaps if I knock his block off......?
Goonergeezer: "aye, it seems a shame to marry such a nice lady to such a beast, he would be better suited to the crueklty of Varuna than a sweet thing as miss Starling
chris107: (C is moved by his father gesture)
Goonergeezer: "young cadwal here now, couldnt ask for a nicer young chap"
chris107: "I Cassie and I have been chums a long time. Rub along well enough.... A lovely pair...
chris107: of matched bays I believe?"
Smon: George nods and smiles. "Yes... Edward did actually mention that possibility in his letter! But who to marry Cassie to? I know the poor thing's beside herself, she knows Father Sweetrede's gone... Cadwal, you say?"
chris107: "Just need a good gallop."
Smon: You make your way back to the main group, where Cadwal can plausibly interject.
chris107: C brightens at the prospect.
chris107: "Well it would mean a good marriage for both of us."
Smon: George looks at Cadwal thoughtfully. "A lovely pair? Yes, indeed she does, as I recall! He smiles."
chris107: "And she's an apsalute peach!"
chris107: "Oh yes Uncle G, I've had my eye on them for a while now..."
chris107: "Once trained and brought under the whip...."
chris107: "I think they would do very nicely."
chris107: "They just need hitching to the rright wagon of course..."
chris107: He goes on blathering enthuisiasticly
Smon: George nods to Cadwal: "And who would not, they're stunners!" He nods again. "Just need a firm hand, crack of the whip, yes indeed. Well, that's excellent, settled then! Hugh shall marry Beverly Arleigh, Gregor to Countess Varuna, Cadwal to Cassie Starling. Splendid!"
chris107: "So that's settled then? The lovely Cassie and I to be hitched. Splendid!"
Amalric: "Friends in high places, eh Cadwal?"
Smon: George nods: "You best all get on back to Kallent, soon as the priests have a look at you. Frankly you look like you need a bit of R&R!"
chris107: (C winks at Shadey, maybe he's not as daft as he looks afterall?)
Goonergeezer: "Baron Melchett will be pleased"
Smon: George raises an eyebrow. "Melchet? Oh yes. Lose one son in law, gain another."
chris107: "Sound the advance! Look out Cassie!"
Smon: The assembled knights grin at Cadwal's infectious enthusiasm, several even cheer.
Goonergeezer: "No holidays during a war George, unless the Populace needs a little morale boost that is"
chris107: (A 5th son is hardly a great catch after all)
Goonergeezer: "Nothing like a royal wedding for the masses entertainment eh?"
chris107: (And Starling Manor is a lovely place. Good old Cassie!)
Smon: George: "Oh, you'll be kept very busy, Garrick. We only have a minimal guard left at Castle Kallent, and I need you to secure the country and make sure Redfort don't advance on our rear while we're down here. Also, if you can get Yggsburgh onside... work with Ulrich Hawkes."
Goonergeezer: "the time for cheering is when Dunfalcon are scurrying back to theit little rat holes"
chris107: "Well let's get the priest hurrying with old Cassie and your's truly. Then I can come back and ride the villains off our land!"
Smon: George nods to Garrick: "Aye - soon as I reach Edward we'll see what to do about Dunfalcon...."
Goonergeezer: "Let us see the priest then and be on our way, i long for a hot bath and the silk sheets of my bed
Smon: GM: You are attended by Clerics, Garrick first:
Smon: /roll 3d8
Smon rolls 3d8 and gets:
8, 8, 
3, = 19 Smon: 19 hp back.
chris107: ( C slyly looks to see if daddy is shocked by this sudden coup his 'idiot son' has pulled off)
Goonergeezer: (on 24 now)
Smon: Sir Fortescue does look a bit surprised at how Cadwal seems to be going up in the world. He nudges Cadwal. "That man Garrick certainly likes you, eh? Marrying the Starling girl is quite a prize!"
Smon: Cadwal doesn't look badly injured, so Lana gets the remaining healing:
Smon: /roll 2d8
Smon rolls 2d8 and gets:
4, 
7, = 11 chris107: "Fortescue is a name to be proud of Pater."
Smon: at full, but still incapacitated.
chris107: (Could C suggest healing Miss Greenvale first?)
chris107: (As his wounds are piffling by comparrison and she's alady after all)
chris107: (Just the second roll has him to full)
Smon: (Yes, I said they healed Lana)
Smon: Hugh and Cadwal get kind words and some bandages.
chris107: (Must have missed that in the Cassie Uphoria
)Smon: Lana: "My boat...."
Smon: (I'm breaking at 9.30pm to put son to bed, I can be back ca 10pm if you like?)
Goonergeezer: g to lana "if your boat is still there then you shall have it back, if not then we shall have a new one built for you
Goonergeezer: (fine by me)
Smon: "Fortescue is a name to be proud of Pater." - Sir Audley wipes a tear from his eye and embraces Cadwal. "That's my boy. You done us proud, son."
chris107: (Gives me time to write the Sir and Lady Audley Fortescue are pleased to announce speach
)Amalric: (fine with me, just putting mine to bed now!)
chris107: I'll go make a sandwich and top up my glass then
chris107: A toast to the happy couple!
Smon: Lana: "I'll stay here with the army... I think that's my best chance to get my boat back, and I can tell the Earl what we saw of the land. I'll call on you at Castle Kallent, gentlemen." She grins.
chris107:
Goonergeezer: "remember Lana, there is a job for you should you want it, now or in the future"
Smon: Lana nods and grins. "I'll most likely take you up on that - soon as I get an armoured jerkin!" Earl George glances over at Sir Hugh, tucking into his breakfast. He whispers to Garrick & Cadwal: "Who's going to break the news to him?"
Smon: GM: The road is now cleared for your coach to proceed.
Goonergeezer: "ui think you should do it George, Scare the willies out of him and be all stern, then tell him"
Goonergeezer: "let him think the worst"
Goonergeezer: "i am sure he will see the funny side"
Smon: George nods. "Scary, eh? I can do that... They don't call me the Beast of Kallent for nothing, what what!"
chris107: "Cad nods wisely
chris107: "Splendid!"
Smon: Earl George barks: "Sir Hugh Orde! Walk with me!" Hugh looks up apprehensively. "Yes, my lord!" He rises and they walk towards the paddocks.
Goonergeezer: Garrick turns to Cadwal "Humour is good for Morale boy, remember that and one day you may be leading a large army of men who respect you but do not fear you"
chris107: "Oh Cousin G, You are so right. "
Goonergeezer: "they will know you are a man's man and not some lofty highborne who cares not for them"
chris107: "Lead from the front what oh?!"
Smon: Five minutes later, they return with th Earl's hand on Sir Hugh's shoulders. Hugh looks slightly dazed, but as he glances at Beverly Arleigh she returns a smouldering look, and Hugh seems to acquire a spring in his step. Indeed, he seems to be suppressing a happy grin.
chris107: (v quietly to Cousin G) "And with the Starling Darling and her lovely lolly who knows?"
Smon: Corporal Middens strides up and salutes the assembled knights. "Coach is ready for departure, Sirs!" George nods: "Good show. Middens, you command the escort. Drop them off and hurry back here - can't afford to do without you, I'm afraid!"
chris107: "Well done Hugh old boy! Capital! Splendid! First to congratulate and all that!"
Goonergeezer: "you can drive young cadwal, but on one condition..............
Smon: Hugh looks over at Cadwal. "Er, thanks..." As George turns away, Hugh straightens his back. "You know, Cadwal, I think married life might agree with me, after all..."
chris107: C will blow the horn loudly upon departure. a 'hunting' refrain!
Goonergeezer: "you blow the horn long and loud"
chris107: "Look out Cassie! The hounds are on your scent my old sausage!"
Smon: GM: You all (minus Lana) remount the coach, now with a ten-man cavalry escort, and blow the horn loudly as you set off for the green fields of home...
Smon: (:D)
Smon:
Goonergeezer: on the journey back g will talk with lisa about what she may like to do once we get back to Kallent, he will suggest a handmaiden for Tabitha, or if she wishes and does not mind the advances as a serving girl for Sir Ulrich In Yggs
Smon: You ride swiftly through occupied countryside, occasionally passing small bands of Kallent soldiers marching to join the war. 16 miles later you pass the now-Kallent-ocupied Herdley Tor, and are back in Kallent.
Amalric: "There's a lot of stuff being blown out here..."
chris107: Sir & Lady Audley Fortescue of Holdcut are pleased to announce the forthcoming nuptuals of their youngest son Cadwal to Lady Cassandra Starling.... Has a ring to it what Cousin G?"
chris107: C blows the horn wildly as they pass each group of Kallant soldiers.
Smon: As the coach trundles on, Garrick talks with Lisa. She looks thoughtful: "The night we met, you said you would come back and rescue me... Thank you for keeping your promise." She smiles. "I think handmaiden sounds better than serving maid!"
Goonergeezer: "Very Nice Cadwal, a Noble wedding, lots of food for the Commmon man and celebrations, might take their minds off the war, even if only for a few hours"
chris107: Offering martial encouragment to the troops.
Goonergeezer: "my Tabitha will be lucky to have you" garrick smiles broadly
Smon: Lisa looks out over the green fields of Kallent. "I hope so, Sir Garrick. I really hope so."
Goonergeezer: "as for you Cheryl, i wish to talk long with you on the laws of your land, i am sure there is much we can learn from your teachings"
Smon: (OOC poor Shade, only one left without a girlfriend)
8:28pm 2013-8-21 _Jester_ Has entered the room
chris107: Evening Jester
_Jester_: (ignore me please, if you are playing)
_Jester_: (Evening Bud)
Smon: Garrick has to lean down to speak to Cheryle through the window. He sees she has her foot on the small of Varuna's back. She looks up, grins and waves. "Sure thing hon! I'll write you a whole new law code!"
chris107: (Don't worry Shadey I'm sure there's some one out there for a handsome young assassin!)
Smon:
Amalric: (no girlfriend, and no luck either!)
chris107: (You got us the carriage, couldn't have got done without that)
chris107: We re-convening at 10 then? I could do with a sandwich
_Jester_: (cool, have fun all. Peace
chris107: Bye J
8:32pm 2013-8-21 _Jester_ Has exited the room
Smon: Another 24 miles pass through Kallent, and as the afternoon sun is lowering in the west, Cadwal steers the carriage up the steep track to the gates of Castle Kallent... home.
Smon: (I'll resume w your arrival ca 10pm-10.15pm hopefully)
chris107: Super
Goonergeezer: (k)
Amalric: (np)
Goonergeezer: (wc brb)
8:38pm 2013-8-21 Smon Has exited the room
8:38pm 2013-8-21 Smon Has entered the room
Goonergeezer: bk
chris107: Back
Goonergeezer: wb
chris107: Must talk nicely to Uncle George about getting knighted. Need the old spurs before the wedding.
Goonergeezer: as Steward of Kallent, i am sure i could manage that
chris107: Services to realm etc. etc....
chris107: And maybe a land grab into Herdley? Looks like Holdcut is on the Northern border...
chris107: Strong family ties to North & South.
Goonergeezer: George is going to do that anyway i think, we have to worry about redfort coming from the north first
chris107: Oh dear that's a bit close to (the new) home at Starling Manor...
Goonergeezer: yep
Amalric: you two are like victorian Brits, dividing up Africa between you!
Goonergeezer: we need to get Yggs onside with us
chris107: Ah well time to polish up the lance.
Goonergeezer: more like germany and russia with poland
chris107: War Horse diplomacy.
chris107: A fellow who likes hunting, riding and fishing etc. needs to have a firm base. 5th sons are notoriously poor
chris107: And I think old Cassie's loaded!
Goonergeezer: more money means more taxes, ofc you could get a tax deduction if you have lots of children
chris107: Soon as I can get her up the duff the futures settled.
Amalric: you old romantic, you!
chris107: C really is very good.
chris107: with a G
Goonergeezer: Varuna's and Bev's need to be done first, so we will prob make a big thing of yours
chris107: But not knowing he's going to live maybe another 200 years...
chris107: Suddenly lots of interesting possibilities have opened up.
Goonergeezer: brb coffee calling ,me
chris107: But more likely to be eaten by a Dragon
Goonergeezer: i have the perfect idea for young C, was thinking about setting up a "Dirty Dozen" Styled unit, for jobs Behind enemy lines and such
Goonergeezer: a couple of honourable knights and an assasin, then the rest a bunch of degenerates
chris107: Will have to see how the Knighthood and wedding go. It's no job for a mere squire
chris107: Will need lots of quality horseflesh!
Smon: back
Goonergeezer: wb
chris107: All fed and watered this end.
Goonergeezer: (just waiting for akettle to boil this end)
Amalric: from what i've seen the knights ARE the degenerates
chris107:
Smon: (the Steward would have the authority to bestow knighthood, yup)
Smon: (if a knight himself)
chris107: Slaying Evil and protecting the poor's not easy!
Goonergeezer: (there we go, the morning after our return your knighthood will be granted)
chris107: (Was hoping maybe Uncle George may see his way clear as a pre wedding present....)
chris107: Then silver spurs it is
Smon: GM: As you roll up and the sentries identify you the drawbridge of Castle Kallent is lowered, and the portcullis raised. You enter the courtyard.
chris107: **Tries on Sir Cadwal for size
Smon: As you dismount, a gaggle of Kallent noblewomen come out to greet you - Countess Tabitha Kallent-Fortescue, her stout sister Dame Gertrude, her three daughters Helen, Tabitha Garrick's-wife, Maria, and Helen's friend Cassandra Starling among them.
Goonergeezer: Garrick looks around for the face of his beloved
Smon: Tabitha's face breaks into a huge smile at the sight of her beloved returned once more!
chris107: C smiles winningly (he hopes)
Goonergeezer: Garrick dismounts quickly and rushes to embrace his wife
Smon: She squeals in delight and rushes forward, into his arms.
Goonergeezer: "we have much to talk about my love, and you have much to do, there are weddings to help plan" garrick whisp[ers the names Cadwal and Cassandra into her ear
chris107: C greets his Aunts warmly then his Cousins but saves the warmest greetings for young Dame Starling
Smon: The Countess beams affably and knits. Dame Gertrude snorts disapprovingly at the sight of the naked Countess Varuna and the underdressed slave girls and Beverly as Hugh helps her down.
chris107: "Hello Cassie my old pudding"
Amalric: Shade smiles pleasantly and waits for an introduction
Smon: Cassandra Starling wipes a tear from her eye. She looks at Cadwal, who she knows only slightly. "Hello, Squire Cadwal. I have heard the news. Were you with Sweetrede when he....?"
Goonergeezer: "my lady cassandra, may i introduce to you, the man who will be the newest knight in Kallent and your Husband to be, Cadwal
chris107: "Alas no, I'm told he saw of that old Odric and no mistake though."
Smon: Dame Gertrude: "Sir Garrick! Unhand your wife a moment and make proper introductions."
Goonergeezer: "we were, his last words were his love for you and his hope that we would keep you safe from harm"
Amalric: "He did indeed, though alas it meant that poor Sweetrede was forever lost to us."
Goonergeezer: "Forgive me Dame Gertrude" Garick then goes on to introduce each member of their party in turn
Smon: Tears roll down Cassandra's face. It takes her a moment to take in Garrick's words. She pales slightly as she looks at Cadwal, a hand goes to her (ample) bosom.
chris107: "Sorry my lovely girl, didn't mean for the news to come in such a way"
Goonergeezer: (does garrick know of any rooms in the castle befitting two noblewomen but secure enough to keep them locked in?)
chris107: "Without your consent there can be no wedding of course"
chris107: (Whispers) "But it's me or that dreadful Caskham chap I'm afraid
"Amalric: Hobson's choice
chris107: Haha!
Smon: Cassandra looks to Cadwal. "I had heard a rumour I was to be married to a terrible brute..." Dame Gertrude listens to the introductions: "Mr Shade, my nephew Edward speaks highly of your talents, Thank you for your assistance, please see the treasurer as to your pay."
Amalric: "My humble thanks, milady"
chris107: "Least I could do to help out a lovely girl like you
"chris107: "And we'll have a splendid time of things I promise!"
Smon: Gertrude: "Helen, take the two slave-girls and see they have decent clothing before they join Sir Garrick's service. As for these Herdley trollops..." she glares at Varuna and Beverly "I would think the dungeons?"
chris107: He's all enthusiasm and puppy dog charm
Smon: Cadwal roll a CHA check for me
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets:
9,chris107: 9/14
Goonergeezer: "Dame gertrude, i think the dungeons might be a little harsh, surly there must be somewhere in a high tower, a room we can lock from the outside?"£
chris107: (Good old Auntie Gerti! To the dungeons with 'em
)Smon: Gertrude glares at Garrick. "Varuna at least is a great villain, with untold powers of unholy sorcery! Put her in a tower and she'll spider-climb out the window and be gone!"
Smon: Cassie looks at Cadwal and manages a slightly wan smile.
Smon: Tabitha looks a little concerned at the news that she is gaining the two buxom slave girls as handmaidens. She looks at Garrick.
Goonergeezer: "true words Gertrude, to the dungeoins with the countess, but make sure she has her comforts, i would prefer to think of her as a hostage thatn a prisoner
chris107: He grins back
chris107: affably
Smon: Cassie smiles slightly more warmly at Cadwal. Helen Kallent turns to Cadwal: "Cousin, you must come to tea with Cassandra and me. I fear you've been adventuring so long, we barely know you." Cassie looks greatful for the offer of chaperone.
Goonergeezer: "Tabitha my dear, Lisa has been Loyal to Kallent without ever meeting its citizens apart from me, Cheryl, will be working as an advisor and will not be a handmaiden, but be sure that i only have eyes for you my love, i would sooner tear out my heart than be unfaithful to you"
chris107: (And quietly does an aunt Gerti impression behind her back to make Cassie laugh)
Amalric: "They are very kind girls, milady. Always willing to please." Shade whispers to Lady Tabitha, aware his words could be taken either way
chris107: "Dear Cousin Helen, you are right as always."
Smon: Cassie looks at Cadwal's impersonation and giggles. Tabitha listens to Shade and nods a little uncertain: "Mr Shade, perhaps you could... help them get adjusted to life here?" she asks - it seems not just Cadwal will be chaperoned!
Amalric: "As the Lady wishes. I would be happy to serve in any way i can."
Smon: be sure that i only have eyes for you my love, i would sooner tear out my heart than be unfaithful to you"<< Tabitha looks into Garrick's eyes, and nods. "I know my love. Yours is the truest heart I have ever known." She reaches up and kisses him tenderly.
Amalric: (give me more practice on my CHA rolls
)chris107: (Yes the only time we didn't need a blinking 20!)
Smon: Dame Gertrude: "Now, as for this Beverly Arleigh, I suppose she can be placed in guest quarters..." Sir Hugh: "Do not fear, I will watch her closely, my lady. Oh, the Earl gave me this letter for you..." He hands a letter to Dame Gertrude - "Sir Garrick is to take up the position of Steward here forthwith."
Amalric: (maybe take a road trip back with the coach, take the girls, have a threesome on the way, LOL. foursome, if Dame Lysana is in better form!)
Smon: (well, good luck Shade!)
Amalric: (I'll need it)
Smon: Dame Gertrude reads the letter, her face like thunder. "This... this is quite unnecessary." She looks up at Garrick, narrow-eyed. Perhaps remembering how he 'deflowered' Tabitha behind her back, so long ago.
Smon: Gertrude: "Sir Garrick, clearly you are wounded and exhausted. You need to spend time with your wife. We'll discuss Stewardship matters when you're recovered, in a week or so."
Goonergeezer: "My dear dame, a day or two is the most i will need, there is too much needing to be done to rest for a week, but your concern touches me deeply"
chris107: "Dear Aunt Gertrude, Sir Garrick was commissioned by Earl George himself. You couldn't ask him to defy his duty?"
chris107: Says C innocently
Smon: Dame Gertrude glares: "*hmmff!!" Meanwhile the now ungagged (by Hugh) Countess Varuna has been watching matters silently. Now she speaks at last: "You are all mad! I am of the Ostavitch! Do you have any idea what that means?! They will come for me! And they will kill you - all of you!"
Amalric: "Ostavitch? What's that? Isn't it a large flightless bird...?"
chris107: "How tiresome"
chris107:
Goonergeezer: "then my dear countess one of my last actions will be to see that any rescue attempts fail"
Smon: The women look at Varuna fearfully, except for Gertrude, who sneers. "Ostavitch - vampires and werewolves, oh my! No match for Crisan knights!"
chris107: "And me..."
Smon: Varuna glances at Garrick fearfully, definitely believing his claim!
chris107: "No villian can stand against men of honour."
Smon: Gertrude: "You see Sir Garrick, this creature needs to be in a dungeon, without access to materiel. Guards, make sure she is hooded and close chained. Take her away." The Kallent guards drag Varuna off.
chris107: (The Ostavitch comment cracked me up, I spat wine all over!)
Smon: Gertrude: "Well, gentlemen, dinner is in two hours. I'll see you there."
chris107: "What a rude woman"
chris107: C will beg a moment to clean up before tea with the lovely Helen and Cassie.
Goonergeezer: "i sugest we all retire to our rooms Bathe and get into clean clothes before dinner"
Smon: Tabitha shyly takes Garrick's hand. "Let us go to our quarters, my love." Sir Hugh takes Beverly Arleigh's elbow. "And I'll take you to yours...." She looks at him with a definite mix of apprehension and lust.
Amalric: "A room. That would be nice. And somewhere to spruce up."
Goonergeezer: garrick tells a servant to prepare a guest room for shade, and to bruing him anything he desires, withing reason"
Smon: GM: Shade is given a room in the serjeant's barracks, Cadwal gets noble guest quarters adjacent to Hugh, adjacent to Beverly Arleigh. Although it seems those two are unlikely to need separate rooms.
Smon: Cadwal washes and puts on clean clothes for his tea with Helen and Cassie.
Smon: GM: Everyone ok to keep going another 30 mins?
chris107: Nice clean teeth too
chris107: 30 mins is good for me.
Goonergeezer: (yea 30 mins is good)
Amalric: (just about!)
Smon: As Tabitha leads Garrick to their chambers, she pauses. "Oh, Garrick, an old friend of ours is here at the Castle. She arrived yesterday - she's with Father Thadeus at the Chapel."
Goonergeezer: "Really? i cant think who it could be"
Smon: As Cadwal heads out of his room for his pre-dinner tea date, he can hear the sounds of enthusiastic lovemaking coming from Beverly Arleigh's room.
chris107: He smiles but moves on like the well bred young chap he is.
Smon: Tabitha grins up at Garrick. "Do you remember Aole, the Nerian princess? You saved her from the brigands the day we met."
Goonergeezer: "My god, it has been so lonf asince we saw her last, Is she well?"
Smon: Tabitha: "She seems well. She's completed her studies at the University and is on a sort of crusade against evil, I think. She said she had heard you had returned from captivity, so she came to see if you could use her help..."
chris107: (C makes a mental note of where the evil Countess was taken and possible routes to foil rescue if an attempt is made)
Smon: Tabitha smiles. "But I'm sure that can wait until dinner. Come husband, we need to get you properly.... clean...."
Smon: (fade to black Tabitha/Garrick)
Goonergeezer: "indeed my dear........
Goonergeezer: (Cue Train going into a tunnel, a rocket taking off and then waves breaking on the shoreline)
chris107:
Smon: Cadwal reaches the door to Lady Helen's personal quarters. A stout maid ushers him into the living room, where Helen and Cassandra are waiting. They rise and curtsey.
chris107: He bows gracefully
Smon: Helen: "Welcome Sir Cadwal. Please sit. You must tell us all about your great adventures..."
Smon: The maid serves tea.
chris107: "Ladies you look woderful, but i would rather tell you of my gallant friends and particularly to you dearest Cassie as you have lost the most..... If, if... If I can make up just some of that loss I would feel my duty started."
chris107: "Let me tell you of Sweetrede and etc etc etc....
Smon: Cassandra looks nervously at Cadwal, but smiles at his words. She nods. "Sweetrede was my dearest friend in all the world. Like a... father... to me."
chris107: He will tell the whole exciting tale. Playing down his own part but making the others except the beast who was to force himself upon sweet Cassie
chris107: shine.
Smon: The young women listen attentively as Cadwal extolls the praises of a man he barely knew.
chris107: "Without his wisdom and the skill and bravery of Mr Shade and Cousin Garrik I fear we may have fallen... He looks all solomn nobility.
Smon: Cassandra: "It is some comfort to me that he... that he vanquished so great an evil. And that perhaps he still lives, somewhere... out there."
chris107: Then he jollies things up asking about gossip and things that ladies like to talk about.
Smon: Lady Helen nods. "My brother in law Sir Garrick is truly the bravest and noblest of knights."
chris107: Making them feel special and interesting....
chris107: Listening attentively
Smon: They gossip a little about the latest Yggsburgh fashions, about the hairs on Dame Gertrude's lip; but Helen always asks more than she tells: "Tell me about the other weddings my father has planned. Sir Hugh and Beverly Arleigh? Sir Gregor and Varuna? Why?"
chris107: C knows that Lady Helen is VERY clever so plays the game to the best of his ability. Always steering the subject back to the lovely Cassie. Always soliciting her opinions...
chris107: "Sir Gregor & Veruna because they deserve each other."
chris107: "Hugh and Beverly as they love each other plainly. Don't you agree love is a blessing dearest Cassie? "
Smon: Helen nods. "Forgive my foolishness, cousin, but I wonder, how does your proposed marriage to Cassandra fit in?"
Smon: Cassie blushes, looking down.
chris107: "Nay foolish you have never been Lady Helen."
chris107: " I may not in all fairness pretend that Lady Cassandra's charm and beauty have not escaped my eye. For who has not heard of her ample charms and qualities?"
Smon: Cassie blushes more deeply at the reference to her ample charms. Helen: "So, the marriage is your idea? Your reward for sterling service?"
chris107: "But when I heard that that brute, that animal was to be given power over her. I decided that with the last breath in my body I would protect her with my life."
Smon: Helen smiles: "Ah! So, Gregor's marriage to Varuna and yours to Cassandra, both are to save Cassandra from an ill-deserved fate!"
chris107: "My service was small compared to the work of others my Lady Helen. Service rendered well is it's own reward."
chris107: "i mearly offer myself willingly at Lady Cassies alter. "
Smon: Cassandra looks up nervously at Cadwal. "I th-thank you. When I heard the rumour, I was terrified..."
chris107: "I would sacrifice my life to protect her."
chris107: "And to be rewarded by her smile each day I would count a blessing..."
chris107: (I just can lay it on thick!)
Smon: Cassandra blushes. "Th-thank you. But I'm not worthy; I'm not even...." Helen touches Cassie's hand to silence her, then nods to Cadwal, seeming satisfied.
chris107: "The Starlings and the Fortescues, two noble houses in the service of Kallant, made stronger by coming together in love...."
Smon: Helen: "Indeed. You seem a most fair suitor, Squire Cadwal - and I have seen a few." She smiles.
chris107: He bows his head at this praise from Lady Helen and shares a secret smile with Cassie
Amalric: (not even a virgin?
)Smon: Cassandra speaks up: "Good Cadwal, you seem a wonderful man, and you will be a most worthy knight. But before we... You must know, you may have heard, I am not..."
Smon: Helen sighs.
chris107: C gently hushes the beautiful lady. "We need never speak of things which trouble you. Our life together starts here today."
Amalric: (actually a woman?)
Smon: Cassandra nods, brightening.
Smon: (right the 1st tine A)
Amalric: (hussy!)
Smon: Helen: "Enough of such talk. To lighter matters..."
chris107: (Hell beggerss and 5th sons can't be choosers
)Smon: GM: OK, I'll stop there.
Amalric: (LOL fair point chris!)
Smon:
chris107: C then becomes the bright young society chap he's been brought up to be.
Smon: Yeah, Cadwal did pretty well for a bastard I reckon.
Amalric: good stuff. as someone from the lower echelons of society, Shade will have to make do with 'lesser' women
chris107:
Smon: And Little Aimswick's not a bad piece of land.
Amalric: plenty to go around for him though, if his luck improves!
chris107: Got to start begating as soon as
Smon: Re Shade - it's a numbers game, hit on enough of them you're bound to get lucky sometime.
chris107: heirs are of great importance to the nobility.
Amalric: right I'm off to bed. thanks for the game Simon, here's to the next session!
Smon: cheers, next game 2 weeks!
chris107: Yeah cheers guys
Amalric: and LOL, with my rolling those 20s will dry up soon enough
chris107: Thanks for the game Simon.
Smon: I'll be totally afk from this Saturday to 2nd September.
Smon: oh, 400 xp each.
10:34pm 2013-8-21 Amalric Has exited the room
Goonergeezer: tyvm all, anotyher good game
chris107: See you in 2 weeks then, have fun.
Goonergeezer: 2 weeks it is then
Smon: & I'll post your new gp
Goonergeezer: thats a level for garrick
Goonergeezer: quick hp roll?
chris107: Yeah! 5th?
Smon: I'll prob do a small time jump soon
Goonergeezer rolls 1d10 and gets:
2,Smon: yup, can roll hp - Shade & Garrick will be levelling
chris107:
Smon: bad luck G
Goonergeezer: yay a 2!
Smon: well you had plenty already and THACO 16 now!
chris107: G'night all
Smon: bye c
10:36pm 2013-8-21 chris107 Has exited the room
Goonergeezer: thats a 3 with con too! ok tyvm Simon, i better go now, my wife is giving me funny looks
Goonergeezer: ty again and see you in 2 weeks
10:39pm 2013-8-21 Goonergeezer Has exited the room
10:44pm 2013-8-21 eliana Has entered the room
eliana: Hey!!!
eliana:
eliana: I'm the first..! What do I win?
eliana: Or maybe i'm the last
10:49pm 2013-8-21 eliana Has exited the room
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4:52pm 2013-8-21 Smon Has entered the room
4:56pm 2013-8-21 Amalric Has entered the room
Amalric: evening!
4:56pm 2013-8-21 chris107 Has entered the room
Smon: Hi!
Amalric: evening chris!
chris107: 'Evening chaps
Smon: Amalric, I did a background info post on the blog stuff Shade should remember.
Smon: Hi chris!
4:57pm 2013-8-21 atherton Has entered the room
Amalric: ah, excellent
atherton: Hi Simon
chris107: Hey Ath!
atherton: Amalric, you ran out on us
Smon: Hi ath. Wanna play my campaign?
atherton: Hi Chris
atherton: yes, when you move it to a sane hour of the day Simon
Smon: lol
atherton: 1 AM here, I won't be lasting much longer
atherton: who else is playing?
atherton: Gooner I presume?
Smon: Ken, yup
chris107: yup
Smon: Amalric & Chris
4:59pm 2013-8-21 Goonergeezer Has entered the room
atherton: Efnisien?
Smon: Hi G!
Goonergeezer: ello peeps
chris107: You say his name three times and he appears!
Smon: ok, full house plus ath
atherton: Gooner was in chat earlier
Smon: I want to start now, ath you can lurk if desired
atherton: well I'll exit, I just came round to say hello actually
Smon: ok, bye then
atherton: I shall be off, happy gaming, don't get yourselves killed!
atherton: see ya's
chris107: Bye Ath.
5:01pm 2013-8-21 atherton Has exited the room
Amalric: killed? pffft!
chris107: It's been known
Smon: Shade did you see my last blog post?
Amalric: not in your game, chris, nobody hits anything in there!
Amalric: just reading it now Simon
Amalric: ah, i see. perhaps i should start us off with a lead to there?
Smon: (sorry for delay)
Amalric: (delays were expected!)
Goonergeezer: (no worries)
chris107: (While we wait Graham could you witness my % roll please?)
Smon: ok, bit of child trouble
chris107: (Later
)Smon: GM: It's a bit after 1am as Shade wades ashore through chilly chest-deep water.
Smon: If you head away from the river you should reach Hareboro in half an hour or so.
Amalric: (no problem!)
Amalric: Shade does just that
Smon: GM: Trudging over the meadows, Shade soon comes across the track that goes NW down to the Nemo ferry and SE to Hareboro.
Smon: You can see a few lights from Hareboro in the distance over the fields, with the large manor house of Dame Lysana on a slight rise off to the right.
Smon: You could head for eg the ferryman's house by the river, to Dame Lysana, or look for a farmhouse on the outskirts of the village.
Amalric: let's head for the manor. Dame Lysana might have some advice or ideas for us
chris107: (Thank heavens Cadwal is sleeping the sleep of the just!)
Smon: Shade is alone, right?
Amalric: yes
Smon: GM: OK you head for the manor, reaching it a bit before 2am.
Smon: The courtyard gates are locked, you can see a couple nightlights in the windows.
Amalric: Shade climbs over the gates, or the wall
Smon: There's a pull-chain bell by the gates, but you can climb over if preferred.
Smon: (should be ok now for 40 mins)
Amalric: sorry, he'll pull the chain then
Smon: ding-dong! There's a delay, then an elderly manservant pulls back a view-plate and squints through at Shade. "Who is it?" he sounds nervous.
Amalric: "I am a friend of Dame Lysana, and seek her aid"
Smon: "What's yer name?"
Amalric: "My name is Shade. Dame Lysana heard of me through her sister, the Lady Candice."
Smon: The fellow squints harder at Shade. "Oh! Right. I recall ye now... hold on."
Smon: Five minutes later the gates are opened, the old man and another manservant escort Shade into the main building, where Dame Lysana is waiting in a reception room in a cream night gown, having hastily applied some make-up and brushed her hair.
Amalric: "Good evening, milady."
Smon: She looks sleepily at Shade, gesturing him to sit. "W-welcome... I heard you fought for Kallent now?"
Amalric: "It seemed like the opportune thing to do. And it is on that matter I approach you at this unseemly hour, for which I beg your forgiveness."
Smon: (Lysana detailed here -http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/central-herdley.html)
Smon: Lysana nods. "What news do you have? I hear the Dunfalcon are very close now..."
chris107: (Not getting anything at that link Simon)
Smon: http://smonsyggsburgh.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/central-herdley.html
Smon: (was the bracket messing it up)
chris107: (Thanks)
Amalric: (do I need to play this out, or can we say Shade passes on news of their recent adventures, and who they have captive at the boat?)
Smon: Are you telling her everything? Odric's death, capture of Varuna & Beverly, etc?
Smon: (Long as I know what you said, fine either way)
Amalric: (yes)
Amalric: (from the pic I think Shade has the hots for the 'merry widow' :D)
Smon: GM: Lysana listens in silence for half an hour as Shade tells everything that has transpired. Lysana: "Odric is dead... Then I am free!" She smiles with relief, almost ecstatic.
Smon: "I can never repay you enough for this service. I can only hope that Earl George and the Kallent arrive soon, to liberate these lands."
Smon: You can make a CHA check
Smon: d20 roll low
Smon: (she's actually a pretty sad widow, until now!)
Amalric rolls 1d20 and gets:
20,chris107: Oops!
Amalric: fuck me, nothing but low scores last night, and as soon as i want a low one...
Smon: I'm afraid Shade won't be getting any hot upper-class action tonight.
Goonergeezer: (all the charm of Maranwe there)
Amalric: maybe she's too relieved to consider it!
Amalric: (LOL, nice one Ken!)
Amalric: (assassins get no love...)
Smon: Dame Lysana happily agrees to provide Shade with a cart and draft horse if he wishes. "You prefer a wagon? You are welcome to my coach, if you prefer."
chris107: (5 Charisma isn't it?)
Smon: no, high Cha since rebuild
chris107: (Ah)
Smon: (not that it seems to make any difference)
chris107:
Amalric: (my rolls are all wrong recently, i could almost have predicted that!)
Smon: Lysana: "If you see Earl George, tell him to hurry south!"
Smon: GM: Are you taking the draft wagon or the coach?
Amalric: "Of course," says Shade, muttering something about rotten luck under hsi breath
Amalric: (not sure, how many people do we need to carry? is it just for the prisoners?)
Smon: You have 9 total.
Smon: Coach can squeeze in 6 in the carriage, 2 on the running board, 1-3 can hang on top.
Amalric: wagon would probably be better, and less noticeable - i imagine the Dame's carriage would be quite obvious
Amalric: but if its easier...
Smon: Wagon is slower, could fit 2 on running board, 4-5 inside, others could walk, it only goes at walking pace, coach goes ca 50 miles/day.
Smon: Coach could get you home in a day, wagon 2 days or so.
Amalric: coach it is
Smon: Dame Lysana nods. "Just return it whenever is convenient."
Amalric: maybe the Dame will be more...grateful...when i return the wagon
Smon:
Amalric: *coach
Smon: GM: Fifteen minutes later Shade is driving a two-horse coach north-west out of Hareboro.
Smon: Around 3am Shade takes a track as close as he can to the river, only a couple hundred yards from the boats over a meadow.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
4,Amalric: nice night for a ride, he muses to himself, sadly...
Smon: The ground is a bit soft from recent rain, would be risky to take it over the meadow.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
2,Smon: Are you leaving it and returning to the boat?
Smon: GM: Garrick, who do you have set on watch currently? Hugh or Cadwal?
Amalric: no, i think i'll stay with the coach and horses, wouldn't want someone making off with them
Goonergeezer: last watch will be cadwal, i want hugh sleeping so he does not worry about his forthcoming punishment
Smon: OK, you could call out to alert the boat? Or just sit there, or risk it?
Smon: (risk driving it over the meadow, might break a wheel if it goes over)
Amalric: call to the boat, I guess, though shouting out across the darkness goes against an assassin's grain!
chris107: (Does Cadwal recognize the voice as Shade's?)
chris107: (I don't think he was aware that Shade had left the boat)
Smon: GM: Cadwal is stoically standing guard atop the boat when he hears Shade's voice yelling from beyond the riverbank.
Smon: /roll 1d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets:
18,chris107: He will wake Cousin Garrick then splash over to see what's going on.
Smon: Cadwal can't see much of the riverside from where he is, just bullrushes.
Smon: Cadwal heads downstairs and wakes Garrick,then wades ahore, once on the bank he sees the finely appointed coach on the other side of the meadow.
chris107: "Pssst CG, Shades out over the river somwhere..."
chris107: "Gosh Shadey, nice wheels!"
Smon: Two black mares stand in the traps.
chris107: The young squire looks on appreciatively at the slick carriage.
Goonergeezer: Garrick comes groggily awake after very little sleep then goes to wake Hugh, then lisa and cheryl leaving the two hostiges still sleeping
Smon: Sir Hugh wakes silently, the girls more groggily.
chris107: C will pet the blacks.
Amalric: "Just a little number I acquired, got a nice deal."
Smon: The horses crop grass calmly.
Amalric: (sorry, need to have dinner, will be 15-20 mins)
Smon: (s'ok)
Smon: Is Garrick going to follow Cadwal? Leaving Hugh?
chris107: (Enjoy)
Smon: (my dinner will likely be in 30 mins or so then I'll be afk 30-40 mins)
Goonergeezer: no garrick will stay on the boat and wait to see whats happening first
Smon: Shade could leave Cadwal with the coach and report back?
chris107: Sounds good to me.
Smon: GM: OK, Shade returns to the boat, heads downstairs and recounts his meeting with Dame Lysana and her loan of her coach.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
6,Smon: Are you waiting until dawn before setting off?
chris107: C sits on the driving seat admiring the fine pair before him.
Goonergeezer: no we are gonna set off straight away, under the cover of darkness
Smon: Cadwal notices that the mares are black, the coach was black but partly repainted in purple.
Goonergeezer: once everyone is awake garrick will awake the prisoners
Smon: GM: So, Garrick wakes Varuna & Beverly and Sir Hugh rouses Lana Greenvale. Are you keeping Varuna hooded & gagged?
Goonergeezer: Varuna yes
Smon: Beverly wakes groggily. From Lana's cabin you hear her voice: "Leave, Sir Hugh? I can't leave my barge! It is my life!"
Smon: She still sounds very weak.
Smon: Shade goes back to inform Cadwal that you are departing soon, and relieve him, so Cadwal can return to the barge to collect his gear etc.
chris107: "Thanks Shadey."
Smon: Sir Hugh: "I'm sorry ma'am. We will tell Earl George to recover it, if possible. But we must leave before we are discovered here by enemies."
chris107: C will offer to carry the ladies over the water too.
Smon: Up on deck, Lisa and Cheryle happily agree to Cadwal's proposal to carry them over the water. Cheryle: "Sure thing, hon!"
Smon: Lisa: "That would be wonderful, thank you Master - I mean Sir Knight."
chris107: "Haha brace yourselves girlies, it's a wee bit chilly!"
Goonergeezer: Garrick will aid Cadwel with the women across the water, taking Varuna after lisa and chryl are across leaving Hugh with lana and bev
Smon: Both of the slave girls are carrying blankets against the night's chill. Cadwal can carry them over hoisted high, so they remain dry.
chris107: When the ladies are safely over C will go get his armour and other gear, packing them and keeping them out of the water if poss.
Smon: Garrick carts over Varuna's nubile form. As Sir Hugh picks up Beverly, Cadwal & Garrick both notice her cast him a sultry look. She whispers in his ear; he nods, seeming to blush slightly - hard to tell in the dark & with his beard, though.
Smon: Hugh carries Beverly across and sets her down. As he returns for Lana, Garrick joins him. On deck, Lana is lying. She shakes her head. "No - leave me. I'm staying here."
chris107: "I say Cousin G, she's a saucy piece and no doubt!"
chris107: Stage whispers C
Smon:
Smon: Lana: "I have food and water. In a week I'll be healed, I'll..."
Smon: Hugh glances to Garrick. "Sounds like a bad idea to me."
Goonergeezer: "Lana, listen to me, our deal still stands, once we are back to kallent and you are healed we will suply you with a new boat and crew, we owe you at least that much, if we leave you here there may be more creatures from the grave that stalk these parts
Smon: On the riverbank, Beverly heard Cadwal's stage whisper, and blushes furiously.
Smon: Hugh: "Aye. You're in no condition, Lana..." he hoists her up.
Smon: "Garrick, stand in the water and I'll pass her down to you."
Smon: Lana falls silent, but with a dark look.
chris107: (OOC @ Simon - I've put C's age at 24, minimum for a half elf fighter in the DMG, as the fifth son I couldn't see him any older. Hope that's okay?)
Smon: (fine Chris) GM: Eventually all of you including the protesting Lana are assembled at the coach. Who are you putting inside? Lana would really need to lie down, taking up a whole couch, you could put Varuna on the floor, Lisa Cheryle & Beverly on the other couch?
Smon: Who's driving & who up top?
Smon: (supper, be 25-30 mins)
chris107: C is eagre to be on the driving bench
chris107: (He knows good horse flesh when he sees it, fancies himself a bit of a 'Prince Phillip' with the old carriage racing
Goonergeezer: Garrick is on top, same position as the last coach he was in on our firdst outing
Goonergeezer: (when he first set eyes on the love of his life Tabitha)
Amalric: Shade will sit beside Cadwal in the drivers seat, unless someone else insists, in which case he'll sit up top
chris107: "C'mon Sir Hugh! All aboard the Skylark!"
chris107: Beams C
chris107: (Has C had time to put his dry armour back on?)
Amalric: (LOL, I remember that cartoon!)
chris107:
chris107: "Hold on tight y'all"
chris107: (Shall I roll that % while Simon is dining Graham?)
Amalric: (go ahead)
chris107 rolls 1d100 and gets:
40,chris107: 40 thanks.
Amalric: ah well
Goonergeezer rolls 1d100 and gets:
31,Goonergeezer:
chris107:
Amalric: i should have rolled, i'd get 00 on my form. or 01
Goonergeezer: go for it
Amalric rolls 1d100 and gets:
58,Goonergeezer:
chris107: As Jeff is using wpn spec that still works out at +2, +5!
chris107: 3/2 rounds 6-15/8-23
Goonergeezer: AAiiieeeeeeee!!!! weap spec that vile thing from the unmentionable book
chris107: I agree. But when in Rome....
Goonergeezer: feed the christians to the lions?
chris107: That as well
chris107: Garrick surely would!
Amalric: Lee Mack joke
Goonergeezer: criminals certainly
chris107: Or should I now call him Herr Garrick?
Goonergeezer: thank you for the idea, that will be one of the law reforms i bring in
Amalric: when my firstt ever character gained 18 STR i rolled 58 for the %
chris107:
chris107: spooky
Amalric: happy days
chris107: I'll go grab a drink while Simon's eating...brb
Goonergeezer: Wanna see the design for Garricks personal guard insignia?
Goonergeezer:http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b494/goonergeezer1/Grolfagnazi_zpsf4724e08.jpg
Amalric: please
Amalric: LOL class!
Goonergeezer: i would like to point out i am not in the least bit right wing by the way
Amalric: of course not
Amalric: have you see Father Ted?
Goonergeezer: seen a few episodes
Amalric: the one where he inherits the Nazi memoribilia from a fellow priest?
Goonergeezer: nope, not seen that one
chris107: Haha Classic!
chris107: Do you intend to wipe out the Earl and all the other family members before you bring in your 'reforms'?
chris107: Kallantgrad?
Amalric:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Are_You_Right_There,_Father_Ted?
chris107: FT is just brilliant. A great talent taken too young
Goonergeezer: no, i am quite happy with my position now, if i can impr5ess them all with my ideas i might get a nice piece of land to call my own, however with the baby boom in 20 years he will be leading a large force somewhere
chris107: Ah dreams of Empire?
Amalric: (quite agree, chris)
chris107: In 20 years Cadwal will only just be mature
Goonergeezer: with our armoured divisions we shall blitz our way across the counties taking city after city
Amalric: LIghtning War
chris107: Nice idea
Goonergeezer: im sure i have heard of it so,mewhere brfore though
chris107: C just wants to lance Blackfang up the arras.
Smon: back, much child trouble at dinner
Should be ok to 9.30pm now.chris107: Oh dear, is the little treasure alright?
Smon: (he initially wouldn't eat anything)
Amalric: (Ken, are those your painted figures on photobucket? had a quick look after seeing the insignia)
chris107: (That's why they invented the cattle prod, right?)
Goonergeezer: yea, there all mine
Smon: GM: OK so Cadwal is driving, with Shade beside him, Garrick up top. Sir Hugh suggests that he go in the coach, which means one of the girls go topside with Garrick. "I want to keep an eye on Varuna and Beverly, just in case. Lana, too."
Amalric: (nice work!)
Smon: Lisa: "I can go up top with Garrick."
Smon: You all have time to redon armour.
Goonergeezer: G will invite Lisa to ride up top with him
Amalric: Shade looks the other way
Smon: Lisa smiles happily at Garrick and he helps her up on top of the coach. She has a blanket wrapped around her as a sort of dress. Once arrayed, Shade points Cadwal in the right direction and you can set off.
Smon: It's around 4.30am, around an hour and a half to sunrise.
chris107: "Tally Ho!"
Smon: You take the track to the ferry road, following it south awhile towards Hareboro. Do you want to follow it in to Hareboro and join the Dunfalcon Pike there?
chris107: (C is loving it!)
Goonergeezer: "lets put as much distance between us and the boats as possible before sun-up"
chris107: Which road is fastest!
Smon: The quick way is straight into the village & join the main road. Or you can try to work around the village via side tracks, will take awhile.
Goonergeezer: (if we can get past hareboro before light then we go the main road, otherwise we stay on the smaller)
Smon: Yes, still dark. Your wheels rumble on the cobblestones as you enter the litle village.
chris107: (C had visions of flying through the town, manes flaring and wheels sparking!)
Smon: The people of Hareboro are well used to strange goings on under cover of darkness, and nothing stirs as Cadwal drives quickly through town.
Goonergeezer: (if you wanna do that garrick can do a manacal laugh at the same time for effect)
Smon: Soon you reach the mighty Dunfalcon Pike where Garrick's adventures began atop a coach, so long ago...
chris107:
Smon: You turn left and head north-east, towards Kallent and home.
Goonergeezer: "let us hope this time there are no bandits on the road!"
chris107: (Does the coach have one of those horns?)
Smon: (there's a horn, yup)
chris107: "Oh Cousin G! Can we?!"
Goonergeezer: "wait until we hit the kallent border, then feel free"
Smon: You drive out of the village along fields and meadows, passing a few grazing cows unmolested by brigands. A little before dawn you clatter over a bridge across Cold Lake Stream, the Witching Woods visible to your right in the distance.
chris107: "Onwards then my beauties!"
Smon: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCeUC58hCydTu0XZ6jCBbshIRm-prYBsA_NYsLAJq499sqiz22MEVML66B4BcHvfcNuNqKXGEwTgA3KbtukwIOmVGyg5JbbkYs1IEyCtNTnYKUkcvHA-5FdiOxtP5NsLey2K6RvSiaMhe/s1600/Herdley.bmp
Goonergeezer: "Be alert all, last time i was here there was trouble"
Smon: Two miles further on, as the sun is glinting over the treetops to the east, you see mighty Castle Rock ahead on its rock, the Nemo to your left - and an armed camp around the fortress.
Smon: It looks to be under siege.
Smon: /roll 1d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets:
3,Goonergeezer: can we see any banners flying?
Smon: You don't seem to have been spotted yet, but it looks like a small army blocks the trail ahead. As you get closer you can make out the red dragon banners of Kallent.
Smon: They must have moved immediately they got Edward's signal, to be here so fast.
chris107: "Hurrah!"
Goonergeezer: "We are safe, let us carry on, Blow your horn Cadwell, and blow it loud"
Smon: Two outriders leave the camp and gallop towards you, you see more men stiring in the tents.
chris107: C gives a rare old fanfare on the horn!!!
Amalric: "hope they're not flying flase colours..."
Amalric: *false
Goonergeezer: (shhh)
Smon: The soldiers raise lances, blocking the road ahead. "Halt!" yells a grizzled man at arms, glaring at Cadwal.
chris107: "Nah Shadey, those are Kallant Dragons!"
Smon: You stop?
chris107: C draws the carriage to a halt, stands and bows with a flourish
Goonergeezer: "Hail, identify yourselves"
chris107: "Cadwal Fortescue old boy. At your service."
Smon: You stop, the soldiers advance, then break into a grin. "Hey! It's Cadwal Fortescue! And look yon - Sir Garrick!"
Smon: The soldiers salutes Garrick. "Corporal Middens of the Kallent Guard, Sir. We didn't expect to see you here."
Goonergeezer: "Lisa, you might want to make sure you stay covered up now, the men can get very frisky if they know death could be immenant
Smon: Middens: "We only just got 'ere last night..." Lisa nods to Garrick.
Goonergeezer: "Middens, good man, is Sir George here?"
Smon: Middens: "The Earl is here, Sirs! You want to see him?"
Goonergeezer: "yes straight away, lead on Middens"
Smon: Middens leads your coach into the camp, but the road is blocked by logs. "You'll need to leave yer coach sirs. I'll take you to the Earl's tent."
Amalric: "See that your men guard that with their lives, Corporal."
chris107: C looks on ruefully at the departing blacks. A fine pair indeed...
Goonergeezer: Garrick gets off the coach and enters the inside and prepares the Women for a short walk"
chris107: And makes mental note to self to purchase a fine black charger one day.
Smon: It takes a few minutes to get everyone out of the coach. Two soldiers bring a stretcher for Lana Greenvale.
Goonergeezer: after which he calls out to Middens "Send for a strecher and healer, we have an injured party here"
Goonergeezer: ~"Ah, already done it, good man Middens"
Smon: Eventually the whole coterie are escorted to a large tent in the middle of the camp, where Earl George is breakfasting with his barons and battle-captains. They look up at your approach. George sees Garrick and Cadwal and beams happily. "You're back! Good show, men! And who are all these lovely ladies?"
Goonergeezer: Garrick indicates Lisa and Cheryl "these are the 2 ladies who were working for us secretly, while i was incarcerated.......
chris107: "Morning Uncle George, chaps. How's Aunt Tabitha?" c helps himself to kidneys and a fried slice or what ever's on offer.
Amalric: "Who is he calling a lady?" mutters Shade
Smon: George: "Oh yes, do sit down!" Servants bring chairs and plates for you.
Goonergeezer: "The prize of our mission, Sir george may i present the Countess Varuna......
chris107: "She's a spirited old thing Uncle G!"
Goonergeezer: "and as a bonus and very lucky for us, may i also introduce you to, Miss Beverley Arleigh-Wright"
chris107: "Darn near had Cousin G's eye out!"
Smon: Sir Hugh removes Varuna's hood, to a smattering of applause from the assembled knights.
Smon: Lisa pushes Beverly forward. George: "I say! A double! Fantastic!"
Smon: Beverly and Varuna look fearfully at the Beast of Kallent.
chris107: "Rather!"
Amalric: Shade grins despite himself
Smon: George: "Do have some tea, all of you!" He waves, indicating Shade, Lisa, Cheryle, and Sir Hugh.
Smon: George nods to Lisa and Cheryle: "We're most grateful for your aid - I'll have Sir Garrick take good care of you, what what! This is all quite splendid!"
Smon: Lisa: "Thank you, my lord."
chris107: "And try the kidney's. DE-LISH!"
Goonergeezer: "what news then Soir George, who holds this castle, and how many men are defending?"
Smon: George indicates the castle with a kipper-fork. "We just got here last night. Thought I'd invest the castle while our next lot of troops come up. Any Herdleymen between here and Earlshurst, by the way?"
Smon: "We think they have fifty or so in there."
chris107: "Well after Brekkers shall we chivvy them out?"
Smon: George looks at Cadwal. "Steady on there, nephew. That's a big castle!"
Amalric: "There are...ways."
Goonergeezer: "there is fighting ranging all over Herdley, Dunfalcons troops are stronger the further south, have you had any further word from Edward?"
chris107: "The Herdley scum can't stand against the Beast of Kallant Uncs!"
Smon: Sir Hugh looks at Cadwal and sighs.
chris107: "You could take that little fort all by yourself!"
Smon: George: "Beast of Kallent, that's what they call me, eh? Splendid!"
Goonergeezer: g to George "Our young Knight here has aquitted himself admirably"
chris107: "Nay you're too kind Cous. 'tws you saved us all from that smelly fellow with the long fingernails..."
Smon: George: "Admirably, of course! Cadwal's brave as a lion, eh! As to the situation - we got Edward's message yesterday, and moved south immediately as planned. I've left my sister Dame Gertrude Steward at Kallent Castle... Reminds me - Sir Hugh, you have a letter for me?" Hugh nods and hands over a letter, which George scans: "Splendid!"
Smon: George: "We have two hundred men behind us securing Tamit and the Dunfalcon Pike, three hundred more here, five hundred more on the way. Very little resistance, it seems."
Smon: GM: You breakfast, and take half an hour or so to give George a full account of your adventures.
Goonergeezer: "their troops are all further south, i do not know how many Dunfalcon have in the field, we have seen many fires burning in the distance, although today has been quiet"
Smon: George: "Garrick, Cadwal,Mr Shade, I'm afraid I have bad news for you. No war for you today."
chris107: C looks crestfallen
Goonergeezer: "what would you have us do Sir George?"
Smon: George: "You're to take ten men as escort and get your prisoners safe back to Castle Kallent. There, Garrick you are appointed Steward in my absence, replacing Gertrude. Cadwal, you shall assist."
chris107: He's been honing both edges of his BIG sword between mouthfuls of Kippers and Kedgerie.
chris107: (C smirks internally, thinking about fierce Auntie Gerti needing replacing by any one to guard Castle K. Safer than having a dragon there he thinks to himself)
Goonergeezer: "May we take Hugh with us? there are some things i need to tell you of in private george"
Goonergeezer: (tbh she still scares garrick)
chris107:
Smon: George nods. "Yes, Sir Hugh will go with you. Private, eh? Walk with me."
Smon: George stands and has Garrick walk with him a short way through the tents, towards the horse-paddock.
chris107: "Oops sounds like some one's in the soup!"
Goonergeezer: during the walk Garrick will tell geoirge what has happebned between Hugh nad Bev
Smon: George listens, then grins. "Hugh got his end away, eh? Sly old dog! I knew he'd made a fair few bastards in his day!"
Goonergeezer: "I was thinking that i will order him to marry her, they seem vgery close and the joining will give us a foothold in arleigh"
Smon: "He didn't force himself on her, did he? That's not the Hugh I know."
Goonergeezer: "i fear he made his advances without first asking her but she did not shy away from him either"
Smon: George nods. "Quite a goer, eh? Seems tough on Hugh. But, such a marriage does sound politically useful, as well as restoring the lady's tarnished virtue. Hm... it's a good idea, but what does Hugh think?"
Goonergeezer: "Hugh will be thankful that his punishment is so lean, i will charge him with Funding some youth camps, its an idea i have that we can go into upon your glorious retrn though George"
Smon: Back at breakfast, an elderly knight joins the gathering - Cadwal recognises his father, Sir Audley Fortescue. Sir Audley beams at Cadwal. "Morning, son! Heard you had a few adventures!"
chris107: "Pater! How glorious!"
Smon: George nods to Garrick: "Well, I'd not want to force the poor chap, but if he's happy, then fair enough. Seems we have a lot of marriages coming up, eh! You know Cassie Starling is marrying Sir Gregor Caskeham, soon as he's back?"
chris107: "Nay Sir, nothing more than a jaunt in the country."
chris107: C looks a little shocked. He always thought he may have a bash at young Cassie.
Smon: Audley shakes Cadwal's hand (a rare event): "Good show sir, good show! Herdley will soon be ours, not least thanks to you and your friends!"
chris107: Perhaps if I knock his block off......?
Goonergeezer: "aye, it seems a shame to marry such a nice lady to such a beast, he would be better suited to the crueklty of Varuna than a sweet thing as miss Starling
chris107: (C is moved by his father gesture)
Goonergeezer: "young cadwal here now, couldnt ask for a nicer young chap"
chris107: "I Cassie and I have been chums a long time. Rub along well enough.... A lovely pair...
chris107: of matched bays I believe?"
Smon: George nods and smiles. "Yes... Edward did actually mention that possibility in his letter! But who to marry Cassie to? I know the poor thing's beside herself, she knows Father Sweetrede's gone... Cadwal, you say?"
chris107: "Just need a good gallop."
Smon: You make your way back to the main group, where Cadwal can plausibly interject.
chris107: C brightens at the prospect.
chris107: "Well it would mean a good marriage for both of us."
Smon: George looks at Cadwal thoughtfully. "A lovely pair? Yes, indeed she does, as I recall! He smiles."
chris107: "And she's an apsalute peach!"
chris107: "Oh yes Uncle G, I've had my eye on them for a while now..."
chris107: "Once trained and brought under the whip...."
chris107: "I think they would do very nicely."
chris107: "They just need hitching to the rright wagon of course..."
chris107: He goes on blathering enthuisiasticly
Smon: George nods to Cadwal: "And who would not, they're stunners!" He nods again. "Just need a firm hand, crack of the whip, yes indeed. Well, that's excellent, settled then! Hugh shall marry Beverly Arleigh, Gregor to Countess Varuna, Cadwal to Cassie Starling. Splendid!"
chris107: "So that's settled then? The lovely Cassie and I to be hitched. Splendid!"
Amalric: "Friends in high places, eh Cadwal?"
Smon: George nods: "You best all get on back to Kallent, soon as the priests have a look at you. Frankly you look like you need a bit of R&R!"
chris107: (C winks at Shadey, maybe he's not as daft as he looks afterall?)
Goonergeezer: "Baron Melchett will be pleased"
Smon: George raises an eyebrow. "Melchet? Oh yes. Lose one son in law, gain another."
chris107: "Sound the advance! Look out Cassie!"
Smon: The assembled knights grin at Cadwal's infectious enthusiasm, several even cheer.
Goonergeezer: "No holidays during a war George, unless the Populace needs a little morale boost that is"
chris107: (A 5th son is hardly a great catch after all)
Goonergeezer: "Nothing like a royal wedding for the masses entertainment eh?"
chris107: (And Starling Manor is a lovely place. Good old Cassie!)
Smon: George: "Oh, you'll be kept very busy, Garrick. We only have a minimal guard left at Castle Kallent, and I need you to secure the country and make sure Redfort don't advance on our rear while we're down here. Also, if you can get Yggsburgh onside... work with Ulrich Hawkes."
Goonergeezer: "the time for cheering is when Dunfalcon are scurrying back to theit little rat holes"
chris107: "Well let's get the priest hurrying with old Cassie and your's truly. Then I can come back and ride the villains off our land!"
Smon: George nods to Garrick: "Aye - soon as I reach Edward we'll see what to do about Dunfalcon...."
Goonergeezer: "Let us see the priest then and be on our way, i long for a hot bath and the silk sheets of my bed
Smon: GM: You are attended by Clerics, Garrick first:
Smon: /roll 3d8
Smon rolls 3d8 and gets:
8, 8, 3, = 19 Smon: 19 hp back.
chris107: ( C slyly looks to see if daddy is shocked by this sudden coup his 'idiot son' has pulled off)
Goonergeezer: (on 24 now)
Smon: Sir Fortescue does look a bit surprised at how Cadwal seems to be going up in the world. He nudges Cadwal. "That man Garrick certainly likes you, eh? Marrying the Starling girl is quite a prize!"
Smon: Cadwal doesn't look badly injured, so Lana gets the remaining healing:
Smon: /roll 2d8
Smon rolls 2d8 and gets:
4, 7, = 11 chris107: "Fortescue is a name to be proud of Pater."
Smon: at full, but still incapacitated.
chris107: (Could C suggest healing Miss Greenvale first?)
chris107: (As his wounds are piffling by comparrison and she's alady after all)
chris107: (Just the second roll has him to full)
Smon: (Yes, I said they healed Lana)
Smon: Hugh and Cadwal get kind words and some bandages.
chris107: (Must have missed that in the Cassie Uphoria
)Smon: Lana: "My boat...."
Smon: (I'm breaking at 9.30pm to put son to bed, I can be back ca 10pm if you like?)
Goonergeezer: g to lana "if your boat is still there then you shall have it back, if not then we shall have a new one built for you
Goonergeezer: (fine by me)
Smon: "Fortescue is a name to be proud of Pater." - Sir Audley wipes a tear from his eye and embraces Cadwal. "That's my boy. You done us proud, son."
chris107: (Gives me time to write the Sir and Lady Audley Fortescue are pleased to announce speach
)Amalric: (fine with me, just putting mine to bed now!)
chris107: I'll go make a sandwich and top up my glass then
chris107: A toast to the happy couple!
Smon: Lana: "I'll stay here with the army... I think that's my best chance to get my boat back, and I can tell the Earl what we saw of the land. I'll call on you at Castle Kallent, gentlemen." She grins.
chris107:
Goonergeezer: "remember Lana, there is a job for you should you want it, now or in the future"
Smon: Lana nods and grins. "I'll most likely take you up on that - soon as I get an armoured jerkin!" Earl George glances over at Sir Hugh, tucking into his breakfast. He whispers to Garrick & Cadwal: "Who's going to break the news to him?"
Smon: GM: The road is now cleared for your coach to proceed.
Goonergeezer: "ui think you should do it George, Scare the willies out of him and be all stern, then tell him"
Goonergeezer: "let him think the worst"
Goonergeezer: "i am sure he will see the funny side"
Smon: George nods. "Scary, eh? I can do that... They don't call me the Beast of Kallent for nothing, what what!"
chris107: "Cad nods wisely
chris107: "Splendid!"
Smon: Earl George barks: "Sir Hugh Orde! Walk with me!" Hugh looks up apprehensively. "Yes, my lord!" He rises and they walk towards the paddocks.
Goonergeezer: Garrick turns to Cadwal "Humour is good for Morale boy, remember that and one day you may be leading a large army of men who respect you but do not fear you"
chris107: "Oh Cousin G, You are so right. "
Goonergeezer: "they will know you are a man's man and not some lofty highborne who cares not for them"
chris107: "Lead from the front what oh?!"
Smon: Five minutes later, they return with th Earl's hand on Sir Hugh's shoulders. Hugh looks slightly dazed, but as he glances at Beverly Arleigh she returns a smouldering look, and Hugh seems to acquire a spring in his step. Indeed, he seems to be suppressing a happy grin.
chris107: (v quietly to Cousin G) "And with the Starling Darling and her lovely lolly who knows?"
Smon: Corporal Middens strides up and salutes the assembled knights. "Coach is ready for departure, Sirs!" George nods: "Good show. Middens, you command the escort. Drop them off and hurry back here - can't afford to do without you, I'm afraid!"
chris107: "Well done Hugh old boy! Capital! Splendid! First to congratulate and all that!"
Goonergeezer: "you can drive young cadwal, but on one condition..............
Smon: Hugh looks over at Cadwal. "Er, thanks..." As George turns away, Hugh straightens his back. "You know, Cadwal, I think married life might agree with me, after all..."
chris107: C will blow the horn loudly upon departure. a 'hunting' refrain!
Goonergeezer: "you blow the horn long and loud"
chris107: "Look out Cassie! The hounds are on your scent my old sausage!"
Smon: GM: You all (minus Lana) remount the coach, now with a ten-man cavalry escort, and blow the horn loudly as you set off for the green fields of home...
Smon: (:D)
Smon:
Goonergeezer: on the journey back g will talk with lisa about what she may like to do once we get back to Kallent, he will suggest a handmaiden for Tabitha, or if she wishes and does not mind the advances as a serving girl for Sir Ulrich In Yggs
Smon: You ride swiftly through occupied countryside, occasionally passing small bands of Kallent soldiers marching to join the war. 16 miles later you pass the now-Kallent-ocupied Herdley Tor, and are back in Kallent.
Amalric: "There's a lot of stuff being blown out here..."
chris107: Sir & Lady Audley Fortescue of Holdcut are pleased to announce the forthcoming nuptuals of their youngest son Cadwal to Lady Cassandra Starling.... Has a ring to it what Cousin G?"
chris107: C blows the horn wildly as they pass each group of Kallant soldiers.
Smon: As the coach trundles on, Garrick talks with Lisa. She looks thoughtful: "The night we met, you said you would come back and rescue me... Thank you for keeping your promise." She smiles. "I think handmaiden sounds better than serving maid!"
Goonergeezer: "Very Nice Cadwal, a Noble wedding, lots of food for the Commmon man and celebrations, might take their minds off the war, even if only for a few hours"
chris107: Offering martial encouragment to the troops.
Goonergeezer: "my Tabitha will be lucky to have you" garrick smiles broadly
Smon: Lisa looks out over the green fields of Kallent. "I hope so, Sir Garrick. I really hope so."
Goonergeezer: "as for you Cheryl, i wish to talk long with you on the laws of your land, i am sure there is much we can learn from your teachings"
Smon: (OOC poor Shade, only one left without a girlfriend)
8:28pm 2013-8-21 _Jester_ Has entered the room
chris107: Evening Jester
_Jester_: (ignore me please, if you are playing)
_Jester_: (Evening Bud)
Smon: Garrick has to lean down to speak to Cheryle through the window. He sees she has her foot on the small of Varuna's back. She looks up, grins and waves. "Sure thing hon! I'll write you a whole new law code!"
chris107: (Don't worry Shadey I'm sure there's some one out there for a handsome young assassin!)
Smon:
Amalric: (no girlfriend, and no luck either!)
chris107: (You got us the carriage, couldn't have got done without that)
chris107: We re-convening at 10 then? I could do with a sandwich
_Jester_: (cool, have fun all. Peace
chris107: Bye J
8:32pm 2013-8-21 _Jester_ Has exited the room
Smon: Another 24 miles pass through Kallent, and as the afternoon sun is lowering in the west, Cadwal steers the carriage up the steep track to the gates of Castle Kallent... home.
Smon: (I'll resume w your arrival ca 10pm-10.15pm hopefully)
chris107: Super
Cash - Sir Hugh split Beverly Arleigh-Etting's jewelry 4 ways giving Garrick, Cadwal, Shade & Hugh 600gp of jewelry each - though looks like Beverly ends up getting Hugh's share back again. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Kallent treasurer also pays Shade 400gp for his services, giving Shade +1000gp total, and the potions listed on his PC sheet that he took from the Herdley vault.
(How do we communicate with Yggsburgh and do we have an agent there to act on our behalf?)
ReplyDelete(How far is Aole's Land, how many people in her fathers kingdom and how many could they put in the field if they could be called to arms?)
(Does Garrick have any suspicions about the true nature of Sweetrede's former mentor the Druid who could be the White lady)
Also Garrick will call a council meeting and outline his ideas mentioned in the post, he will listen to what the advisors say before commiting to any of them
Yggsburgh is 75 miles away; when the roads are good and daylight long a rider with a change of horse can make it in a day. Your main agent in Yggsburgh is a certain Sir Ulrich Hawkes. :) Hawkes is a long-time close friend of the Earl George Kallent, since saving his life in the Holy Land many years ago.
ReplyDeleteAole's land of Neria is over a thousand miles away to the south/south-east, beyond Tilea and the Inner Sea. Neria is a vast kingdom, likely millions of people and can probably field tens of thousands of soldiers, but they've only ever sent crusaders and missionaries over the sea to the Realm.
I have no idea whether Garrick has suspicions concerning Dame Heather of Flowerbrook. :)
Garrick will send word to Yggs we will be seeking the employment of 5 Bowyers and 5 Fletchers who would be willign to take on apprentices, Garrick will undertake the the costs of this from his personal fund.
ReplyDeleteAt some point Garrick will also have a quiet word with Catherine and ask who the Midwife was who delivered Edward Jr, Garrick is getting quite concerned about the lack of any pregnancy signs in Tabitha.
The midwife gives Sir Garrick an amused look.
Delete"So, beginning some ten days ago, you were with your wife for a week, following a year's captivity. And you are concerned she is not now showing signs of pregnancy. If I were you I'd be concerned if she WERE showing signs of pregnancy!"
(from S'mon)
DeleteI'll take it this is the day after your arrival.
The midwife, Charlotte, looks thoughtful, then speaks:
"Sir Garrick, perhaps you could do me a favour. Catherine's labour was very difficult. Only the healing power of Father Thadeus kept her alive, by the Son's Grace. If she should survive her second delivery, I ask you to beseech Sir Edward: No more children."
Charlotte looks pale, knowing this could be taken as insolence.
"If necessary, for his dear wife's life Sir Edward should seek solace elsewhere."
Garrick looks shocked at this news but replies
Delete"I am honored by you entrusting this information with me, Rest assured i will speak with Sir Edward, i know the love he has for his wife is so great that he would rather die himself than to see harm befall her"
Old Charlotte nods, looking relieved.
Delete"My thanks, good Sir Knight. I have said nothing of this to Catherine - the less worry she has in labour, the better are her chances."
She looks out the high arched window.
"I know that Sir Edward loves his wife dearly, and that he is a good and faithful man. The news will grieve him. It can wait until after the second delivery. Hopefully by Son's Grace he will then have two bonny children and a living wife to console him. Otherwise...nothing need be said."
3/10/97 - Night - the Nobles' Dining Room at Castle Kallent
ReplyDeleteSeparate from the older Great Hall where the Earl of Kallent can feast alongside his assembled servants and retainers, the dining room is for private dining by the nobles only, and features a single long table with separate chairs for each diner.
Dame Gertrude Kallent has taken her place at the head of the table, clearly not willing to relinquish her brief Stewardship just yet. To her left sits Countess Tabitha Kallent-Fortescue, to Gertrude's right Sir Garrick and his wife the young Tabitha. To some surprise, Mr Shade is invited to the dinner and given a seat beside the fair Lady Helen Kallent, who seems interested in talking to him. Opposite Helen and Shade are sat Squire Cadwal Fortescue and his betrothed, Cassandra Starling. And further down the table, Sir Hugh Orde and his own betrothed, Beverly Etting-Arleigh, she unlike Varuna being treated as a guest rather than a prisoner. Beverly is wearing a sheer strapless cream dress that leaves little to the imagination, alongside the pearl choker and jewelry she was wearing when first encountered - clearly Hugh has bedecked her in his share of the loot. She still has a slightly dazed expression as Sir Hugh escorts her to her chair, his hand on her rump. Also present are Sir Edward's heavily pregnant wife Lady Catherine Kallent-deLacy, young Maria Kallent, Father Thadeus and his fellow Cleric the Princess Aole of Neria, both clad in white robes. Aole greets Sir Garrick warmly.
Princess Aole: "It is good to see you again, Sir Garrick. I had heard that Kallent had need of crusaders against the darkness. I have travelled here to offer you my services as a Cleric, and thus to repay the great debts I owe you."
Dame Gertrude casts an eye over Princess Aole's shapely form, and sniffs slightly disapprovingly, but speaks politely:
"Well, it is always good to have the service of good Crisan priests..."
At the start of dinner Lisa of Swansea and Cheryle of Boston are briefly presented to Sir Garrick and his wife Tabitha in their new garb, short servants' dresses of unbleached linen that fall to mid-thigh. They curtsey to Tabitha (rather clumsily) then are ushered away to dine with the other servants in the great hall. The great hall is overseen by Master Serjeant Osseus Pike the Master-at-Arms, a doughty old veteran who commands the small detachment of elderly Kallent soldiery who have remained to guard the castle and protect Kallent while the bulk of the Kallent Guard campaign in Herdley (the castle currently has a grand total of 13 yeomen-at-arms, including Serjeant Pike, plus Garrick, Cadwal & Hugh).
DeleteThe full dining arrangement is as follows.
__________Dame Gertrude_____
Sir Garrick------------------------Countess Tabitha Kallent-Fortescue
Tabitha jnr-------------------------Catherine Kallent-deLacy
Squire Cadwal-------------------Helen Kallent
Cassandra Starling------------Mr Shade
Maria Kallent--------------------Sir Hugh Orde
Father Thadeus----------------Beverly Etting-Arleigh
Princess Aole------------------
"My dear Aole, you have no debt to us, we did our duty to protect those in need of protection, and free those shackled by the bonds of slavery, your aid is greatly appreciated, let it be known that you and your family will ever have a place at my table, Is that not so Dame Gertrude?"
ReplyDeleteGarrick stands and raises his Glass of water
"Please, if i could have your attention, let us raise our glasses, To the safe return of Sir George and Edward, and to the forthcoming marriage Of Sir Hugh and the Lady Etting-Arleigh"
Once dinner has been served Garrick will lean in close to Dame Gertrude and whisper
"Your seat must be very comfortable Dame Gertrude, you seem unwilling to move from it"
Princess Aole bows gracefully at Garrick's words. Dame Gertrude nods.
ReplyDeleteAole: "You are most gracious Sir Garrick, I thank you. I hope perhaps one day my father Prince Zahv will be able to visit these northern lands. Like the Earl Kallent he is a great warrior, with many knights."
Then everyone stands as Garrick toasts George, Edward and Sir Hugh/Beverly.
"Hear, hear!"
Later, Garrick whispers to fat Dame Gertrude, esconced on the high seat. She shoots him a glance and seems about to make a cutting remark, but thinks better of it (3 on Garrick's CHA check). :)
Gertrude:
"I am sorry Sir Garrick, what was I thinking. Of course as our new Steward, you must have the head of table..."
She rises heavily, gesturing for Garrick to take the high seat.
Gertrude:
"I should go check on the witch Varuna, make sure she is properly restrained and subdued..."
At these words there's a rare gleam in Dame Gertrude's eye. Garrick's wife Tabitha looks up quickly and pales slightly, perhaps remembering how Gertrude once whipped her for her indiscretions with her future husband.
(from S'mon)
DeleteAs Dame Gertrude leaves, Sir Hugh Orde, who has already drunk a good deal of wine, speaks to Beverly, but loud enough that Garrick, Shade and Cadwal can all hear:
"Methinks that the Countess Varuna will be glad when Sir Gregor Caskeham comes to save her from the true Beast Of Kallent!"
Sir Hugh's words elicit some tittering from the Kallent ladies, though the Countess Tabitha tucks into her fish quietly, studiously 'not hearing' this impropriety.
DeleteHelen Kallent grins slightly wickedly, and responds:
"You know Sir Hugh, growing up all we Kallent girls have felt the sting of Aunt Gertrude's riding crop at the least... my Aunt is a strong believer in the firmest discipline."
She delicately takes a mouthful of fish, then looks at Sir Garrick.
"With the servants, she is not so lenient... You had best ward the buttocks of your new serving-girls closely, lest they soon be too sore to sit upon!"
There is some laughter, especially from Sir Hugh and Maria Kallent. But young Tabitha glares at her sister across the table:
"Your words are uncouth, sister. Dinner time is not the place for discussion of buttocks and beatings!"
It's not quite clear whether Tabitha is joking.
Garrick wait a few moments for polite conversation to start up again then leans in towards his wife
Delete"Tabitha my love i know you have felt the sting of a lash wielded by your aunt, please do not let her cruelty affect you now, never again will you feel her wrath that way, smile and be happy for i am with you and you me, such admonishments are best kept for the privacy of family and not for the entertainment of all and sundry"
GM: Garrick relocates to the High Seat, Tabitha also moves a place to sit beside him. As conversation resumes, she nods at his quiet words.
Delete"Yes, dear husband. You are right. I'm sorry I over-reacted to Helen... She wears many things lightly."
Tabitha tucks into her fish, glancing at Helen as she talks with Shade.
"Growing up, Aunt Gertrude would beat her the hardest - she knew that Helen mocked her. She could not stand that Helen was brighter and better than her in every way. Gertrude beat her red, until even Father told her to stop. But Helen never seemed to care. She never even cried. She is so brave, so strong, smart... like one of the Saints in the old stories..."
Tabitha sighs, putting down her fork.
"...I wish I could be like her."
" Nay my sweet, If you were like her, then we would not be here together now, it is you that ensnared my heart, and it is you that i will love for as long as i have a breath in my body, I would die for you my love"
DeleteTabitha looks up into Garrick's eyes and smiles, her own eyes brim-full of love for him.
Delete"Dear one..."
She places a small hand upon her husband's large hand.
"...I love you so much. I pray we can be together always."
During the serving of the first course - fish from the Nemo - Helen Kallent turns to Shade.
ReplyDeleteHelen:
"Mr Shade, you must know we are most grateful for your services, from the rescue of my friend Cassandra last year to your aid in the capture of Castle Herdley and the Countess Varuna..."
She sips her Tilean wine.
"Kallent has never had the spy - the intelligence - network to match Redfort, Talworth or the Royal Domain. I fear this puts us at a disadvantage. I was wondering if you might consider remaining in our service, to work on the creation of such an organisation, headed by yourself? I would be happy to assist in any way possible. Of course my own talents are meagre..."
She looks down and smiles self-deprecatingly, but it's well known that the Lady Helen Kallent is likely the smartest person in the room, if not in all of Kallent.
(tag Shade)
Pausing between small mouthfuls of fish and wine, Shade turns to Lady Helen with a courteous smile and a nod.
Delete"You are most welcome, milday - it was all in the line of duty. One does what one can...
As to the...intelligence network...why of course I would consider such a position. I can provide the structure, the detail, the...methodology. But such an organisation works best only with someone of the utmost intelligence at the very top. My talents are perhaps best utilised in the field, I must admit. It would require...someone such as yourself, to hold it all together. Perhaps we could combine our respective talents? Such a team could prove doubly powerful."
Shade returns to his wine, but he looks encouragingly over the top of his goblet at Helen.
Lady Helen blushes slightly, and looks down for a moment.
Delete"I... You would need to be the nominal leader, Mr Shade. To delve among the muck is not something a noble lady can legitimately do. But yes I would be very happy to work with you, as I said. In particular when it comes to the higher social classes I may perhaps be of service, just as you may move un-noted amongst the small folk."
"But of course, milady. Chief Blametaker and Scapegoat shall be my title, should anything go awry - as should be the case. Seriously, the further you are apparently distanced from such activity the better, for all our sakes.
DeleteNow, what is for pudding?"
Squire Cadwal has been placed between young Tabitha and his own betrothed, Cassandra Starling, the latter clad in a close-fitting white dress that accentuates her rather stunning figure. Cassandra is clearly still nervous of Cadwal, occasionally twining a lock of blonde hair around her fingers, but attempts to engage him in conversation.
ReplyDeleteCassandra:
"I hear the Copse Wood is an enchanted place, so lovely.... But some say the Old Gods are still close there, among the Weirwood trees... Have you seen any Faeries, or such things in the forest?"