Simonton Tourney - 2008-03-21

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