Simonton Tourney
The Kingmaker's journey comes to an end in the capital city of the Barony of Simonton. Their Captain brings them smoothly into dock and they are met by the the Port Master. Like many Caithnessian bureaucrats he is brusk, but efficient and they quickly pass through customs and are guided to the caravan park. Where over a hundreds wagons and sprawl across the fields. Dotted with Pavllions, Tents, and Wagon homes. There are Caravans from almost every major Trading House and Guild on Yrth.
As they passed the City Walls they saw the banners and pennants flying of dozens of Noble Houses, Knights, and Guilds. It is three days before the beginning of the Tourney of Flowers and the opening of the Tourney Season. Beside the Banners and Pennants of the Baron of Simonton flies the Baron of Carrick. His Majesty, Lord Conal IV of Carrick is present along with the royal court, but attends as Baron of Carrick to lessen the import of his visit. After they set up camp, the Kingmaker's pair up and head into the city to shop and gauk at the festival air of the city.
The Simonton Watch advises Seeoff's to remain in camp to avoid confrontations with Blythe's Refugees and sympathizers. The Reptile Men caravan guards of the House of the White Star were attacked, but driven off. He then posts three guardsmen to protect their property. As they travel through the city and take in the sights.
The Feast is a wild affair of entertainment, company, and politics. They are introduced to My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton and My Lord Baron Conal of Carrick. Walton is in high spirits and a gregarious companion. He is a juggernaut in the Joust and expects victory.
The Kingmaker's mingle and learn about current events in Caithness.
* His Highness King Conal IV of Caithness, Baron of Carrick is attending the Tournament of Flowers. He is attending as Baron of Carrick in order to avoid too much fuss.
* The Royal Court is awash with rumours that the King is finally seeking a bride.
* The Barony of Blythe was attacked by Jann Soldiers, Orc Januaries, and Reptile Men Tribes. It was devastating, its Lords, Knights, and Soldiers have fallen, refugees have fled north into Harkwood and Simonton. Caravan Masters are being advised against travelling to the Djinn Lands.
* My Lord Baron Cabble of Denton and My Lord Baron Walton of Simonton continue to feud. Their Knights and Armsmen attending the Tournament have already fought several brawls even before the Tourney begins.
* The Royal Court is in a frenzy as Nobles and Knights maneuver for the positions of Baron in Mershal, Redhall, and Blythe. There is also increasing tensions regarding the ennoblement of Dame Bronwyn of Fordham.
* A scandal involving the murder of a young Noblewoman in Photius.
* Taxation Disputes
* The straightening of the Abolitionist movement in Caithness.
* The increasing presence of Elves and Dwarves at Court.
* The ever increasing number of Agents, Spies, and Diplomats from foreign nations.
* There is also a strong contingent of Knights of the Order of the Stone present.My Lord Baron
Conal IV of Carrick approaches them and engages them in conversation. Most of his inquires seem to be about there recent advancements and what they know of Sir Cat. It appears that there Companion has caused quite a stir among the Nobles and Knights of the realm.
Their conversation is briefly interrupted when one of his retainers takes him aside and he is quickly joined by Lord Walton. They both return to the Kingmakers and His Highness asks them if they know of Sir Cat's arrival with a small army of 400 Armsmen at his back.
They clam the King and Baron's fears. The retainer returns and informs them that Sir Cat's Army seems to be heading north. Word is they are new vassals for his fief. The King mutters about having a private conversation with Sir Cat sometime soon with an amused look on his face. Despite the Kingmakers assurances.
The only shadow over the feast in Master Rene's challenges by not one, but four Knights, to a Joust the next day.
The next morning, with half the Kingmakers suffering from hangovers they see a Knight's Pavilion being erected by several retainers wearing the arms of Sir Cat of Red Hall. He moved in last night and found the Armsmen sent by his wife Dame Kenzie to prepare for his participation in the Tournament.
Rene manages to ask Cat's help preparing to meet his challengers in the Joust later that day. He agrees and tries his best to teach him enough to avoid getting killed. Dain adapts a suit of Heavy Plate Armour for him. Causing much suffering among the hungover.
Dain asks Imric to fetch the Enchanted Maul he purchased from Master Deryus in Tredroy. Imric agrees, for a price.
Rene's challenges surprise them all. He wins his first match, but loses the next three. Honour is satisfied.
Sir/Caravan Master Ismael is approached by several Merchants who want him to transport their goods to clients in the Djinn Lands. One of then wants hims to transport a Tank/War Wagon designed by Master Leonardo of Tredroy. The Kingmakers take a great deal of undo interest in the Tank, but finally they decide against it.
Later Ismael seeks out the Lord of the Centaurs and inquires about an male Elf and female Centaur traveling togther and in possession of a particular book and other items. The Centaur said he did not know of them, but he made such a good impression he said he would keep an eye out for them and send word to him when and if he did.
Arteasian sought out the Centaur healer, seeking to learn more about Centaur Healing Herbs and Magic for use on Horses and Men. The Centaur was accomendating and the afternoon passed swiftly.
Later that evening several of the Kingmaker's enter the Lists.
* Grand Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Melee Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Joust Champion is Baron Walton of Simonton.
* Pas D' Arms Champion is Master Dain of Grinnel.
* Archery Ring Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* Archery Target Champion is Rayn Half Elven of Telperion.
* Archery Champion is Mistress Arteasian of Whitehood.
* Wrestling Champion is Wulfgang of Blythe.
* Arcane Illusion Champion is Journeyman Liam of Wallace.
* Arcane Duelist Champion is ???
* Arcane Battle Magic Champion is Baron Kraypike of Megalos.
* Arts Champion is Mistress Talissana of Simonton (Jeweled, articulate Hawk)
* Bardic Champion is Lord Angus of Wallace (Lament - "Fall of Red Hall")
* Crafts Champion is ???
* Caravan Champion is Caravan Master Ysstakii of Yibyorak of the House of the White Star.
* Tournament Champion is Sir Cat of Red Hall.
* The Queen of Flowers is Lady Caitlain, daughter of Baron Michael of Photius. Championed by Sir Cat of Redhall.
The Archery Ring competition was fierce and narrowed down to 4 contenders. It took 3 rounds to determine the outcome. All three ended up Champions.
At the Feast that night Sir Cat danced with Lady Caitlain, causing a bit of a scandal.
Arteasian continued her search the next morning for the other half of the Ring given to her by Queen Laurlyn of Telperion, but had little success.
As a side note, Sir Cat gave the Archery Ring prize of an Orichalum Ring to Imric in exchange for a favour. Sir Cat ransomed back many a Lords and Knights arms and armour in exchange for the services of one of their retainers for a year and a day. They next afternoon, the Kingmakers and Sir Cat separated and went their separate ways, but they did receive an invitation to visit when they returned from the Djinn Lands.
Cheers
QM
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ambush on the River Smoke - 2008-03-07
2008-03-07 - Ambush on the River Smoke
The Kingmakers and River Pirates make their ambush plans for the Slave Caravan.
Kraypike's Ally Shastastak scouts ahead for the Slave Caravan Barges and reports back. They have been reinforced by Mercenaries. 20 Iron Wolves lead by Captain Martin DeVries and the Caravan Master has a new bodyguard.
Sir Cat appears in their midst a few hours ahead of the Slave Caravan in Panther form. He transforms and informs them that the Iron Wolves are secretly still in his employ and that it would be a bad idea to use Magic against the Slave Master's new bodyguard. He is a Suhudese Sword Saint.
Disguised as River Pirates they spring their ambush.
Sir Cat leaps across the river onto one of the barges and knocks the Caravan Guards one after the other into the water.
Rene rise up from the river and pulls himself onto the barge, He and his Rapier make short work Caravan Guards. His victims lay down face up staring at the sky with only one eye for eternity.
Ismael uses Illusion and Movement Magics to project the image of himself dressed as a Pirate, swinging on a rope over the river, with a Scimitar in his teeth. The then lands on the barge, overawes the Caravan Guards and offer their surrender. Then he leaps to the next barge and ends up confronting an old companion. After a few passes he surrender when he find their barge overwhelmed by the River Pirates.
Camouflaged as shrubberies, Dain carries Kraypike over the water, seemingly running on air. They are struck by an Explosive Fireball and burst into flames. Kraypike counters with Resist Fire and when they arrive at the Caravan Master's barge smash through his Caravan Guards. Dain destroys the brain of the Fire Wizard, but meets a challenge from the Caravan Guard Captain.
Seeoffs drags himself onto a barge and using his claws, cuts down the Caravan Guards, knocking them into the river.
Arteasian fires her bow from shore and picks her targets carefully. She drops the Caravan Sergeant and Wizard before the battle ends
Cirmi (aka Imric) levitates out of the water and jumps into a barge. Then using sword and sorcery makes short work of the Caravan Guards.
In the end the Caravan Guards and Wizards surrender, but the Suhudese bodyguard does not. He accepts a challenge from Rene. He introduces himself a Kenji Ombekimo. It quickly becomes obvious that the two are Masters.
Finally Kenji stumbles and finds Rene's Rapier point on his Great Helmets eye shield. He stand bows acknowledges his defeat, sheaths his sword and step aside. "I owe you a debt/ransom Master Rene."
The Kingmakers and River Pirates hear a gurgling sound from behind them to find Sir Cat cleaning his sword and to see the Caravan Master bleeding out on the deck.
After that it was all over, but for the dickering. Sir Ismael interrogated his old comrade Sandi ibn Mik'ael about the Djinn Lands and current events in Tredroy. When given the option of being sold as a slave or being entombed until a later date. He chooses to be entombed.
Sir Cat offers the former slaves a new life as Freemen on his lands. All, but a few Araterians accept his offer. He arranged for his new vassals to be escorted by the Iron Wolves to his lands. (Reaction Roll "17" and +6 modifiers.)
The 40 Araterrians accept Master Cirmi's aid in removing their Slave Brands, but suffer under under his care.
Lord Kraypike and Master Dain offer the River Pirates work as Mercenaries. After careful consideration he accepts and Master Dain pays them a large sum of gold in advance. When they start discussing travelling arrangements, Sir Cat offers them a solution.
He will guide the former River Pirates to his lands and house them their until Master Dain's return. He also offers them a supplementary contract as Mercenary Escorts for his new vassals. Captain Thrane eagerly agrees.
Then Sir Cat changes his orders for the Iron Wolves and has them escort the Araterrians to Tredroy and into the care of his friends among the Abolitionists to get them the rest of the way home.
The Kingmakers leave the former slave caravan behind and continue on to Simonton. Sir Cat says they will catch up in a day and a half and join them for the Crown Tournament.
<<>>
Thanks
QM
The Kingmakers and River Pirates make their ambush plans for the Slave Caravan.
Kraypike's Ally Shastastak scouts ahead for the Slave Caravan Barges and reports back. They have been reinforced by Mercenaries. 20 Iron Wolves lead by Captain Martin DeVries and the Caravan Master has a new bodyguard.
Sir Cat appears in their midst a few hours ahead of the Slave Caravan in Panther form. He transforms and informs them that the Iron Wolves are secretly still in his employ and that it would be a bad idea to use Magic against the Slave Master's new bodyguard. He is a Suhudese Sword Saint.
Disguised as River Pirates they spring their ambush.
Sir Cat leaps across the river onto one of the barges and knocks the Caravan Guards one after the other into the water.
Rene rise up from the river and pulls himself onto the barge, He and his Rapier make short work Caravan Guards. His victims lay down face up staring at the sky with only one eye for eternity.
Ismael uses Illusion and Movement Magics to project the image of himself dressed as a Pirate, swinging on a rope over the river, with a Scimitar in his teeth. The then lands on the barge, overawes the Caravan Guards and offer their surrender. Then he leaps to the next barge and ends up confronting an old companion. After a few passes he surrender when he find their barge overwhelmed by the River Pirates.
Camouflaged as shrubberies, Dain carries Kraypike over the water, seemingly running on air. They are struck by an Explosive Fireball and burst into flames. Kraypike counters with Resist Fire and when they arrive at the Caravan Master's barge smash through his Caravan Guards. Dain destroys the brain of the Fire Wizard, but meets a challenge from the Caravan Guard Captain.
Seeoffs drags himself onto a barge and using his claws, cuts down the Caravan Guards, knocking them into the river.
Arteasian fires her bow from shore and picks her targets carefully. She drops the Caravan Sergeant and Wizard before the battle ends
Cirmi (aka Imric) levitates out of the water and jumps into a barge. Then using sword and sorcery makes short work of the Caravan Guards.
In the end the Caravan Guards and Wizards surrender, but the Suhudese bodyguard does not. He accepts a challenge from Rene. He introduces himself a Kenji Ombekimo. It quickly becomes obvious that the two are Masters.
Finally Kenji stumbles and finds Rene's Rapier point on his Great Helmets eye shield. He stand bows acknowledges his defeat, sheaths his sword and step aside. "I owe you a debt/ransom Master Rene."
The Kingmakers and River Pirates hear a gurgling sound from behind them to find Sir Cat cleaning his sword and to see the Caravan Master bleeding out on the deck.
After that it was all over, but for the dickering. Sir Ismael interrogated his old comrade Sandi ibn Mik'ael about the Djinn Lands and current events in Tredroy. When given the option of being sold as a slave or being entombed until a later date. He chooses to be entombed.
Sir Cat offers the former slaves a new life as Freemen on his lands. All, but a few Araterians accept his offer. He arranged for his new vassals to be escorted by the Iron Wolves to his lands. (Reaction Roll "17" and +6 modifiers.)
The 40 Araterrians accept Master Cirmi's aid in removing their Slave Brands, but suffer under under his care.
Lord Kraypike and Master Dain offer the River Pirates work as Mercenaries. After careful consideration he accepts and Master Dain pays them a large sum of gold in advance. When they start discussing travelling arrangements, Sir Cat offers them a solution.
He will guide the former River Pirates to his lands and house them their until Master Dain's return. He also offers them a supplementary contract as Mercenary Escorts for his new vassals. Captain Thrane eagerly agrees.
Then Sir Cat changes his orders for the Iron Wolves and has them escort the Araterrians to Tredroy and into the care of his friends among the Abolitionists to get them the rest of the way home.
The Kingmakers leave the former slave caravan behind and continue on to Simonton. Sir Cat says they will catch up in a day and a half and join them for the Crown Tournament.
<<
Thanks
QM
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