Year 487 Summer Campaign

[Geoffrey]

Rodric wasn't surprised they were assigned to the rear guard, and despite the possible insult would it easily absolve them of not being in the Praetor's presence.  The knight had half wondered if the Praetor would have posted them where he could easily see them and use that as an excuse to send them on their way.

When the centurion gave them their orders on the second day Rodric took a deep breath.  Now began their opportunity to impress the Praetor, assuming they didn't fall in battle.  After having slogged through the marshes for two days, the knight did a quick check of his gear before he gave a simply nod to Cedywn, indicating his readiness.

[GM Craig]

You head out quickly, anxious to be out and in action.

You find your first ships within an hour. Cresting a low hill on the riverbank, you see a sandy beach where 3 Saxon warriors (on foot) are guarding the two ships beached there.

They do not appear to have seen you.

[Actions?]

I should have mentioned this earlier, but Cedwyn's horse is magnificent. It is huge and powerful, easily the largest horse any of you have ever seen, by a large margin.

I need a battle roll from Cedwyn, if he chooses to command the first attack. Five of you against three Saxons afoot is not much of a challenge, so there may be no need for an organized first charge.

Tell me who is attacking whom, and if anyone is acting as a squire. If Cedwyn orders a charge, you guys will attack in a unified front as a unit, then break into individual melee after that. You'll have time to ready a weapon and such before the charge. If Cedwyn does not order a charge, you'll declare individual actions.

OK, initiative. Fastest move goes first. If two characters are tied, the one with the highest Dex goes first. If they are still tied, GM chooses based on circumstances. I make Initiative to be as follows:

Arne
Valka
Cedwyn
Rodric
Artaign
Saxon #1
Saxon #2
Saxon #3

Each round you make take one (1) action, such as move (up to your base movement), attack, ready a shield, pick up a weapon, etc. You can run (double your base move), but then you do not defend yourself or dodge attacks. Drawing a weapon such as a sword is free, but readying a spear or a great weapon is an action.

So, over to you. Post actions, round by round. [It may be a couple of rounds before anyone is in range - you need to close 10 yards.]

Questions in the OOC thread please.

[Cedwyn]

[ooc: battle roll: 9 versus 13. success]

Cedwyn made silent motions with his hands for the five of them to line up. He arranged them in a strike pattern to take down the (hopefully) unsuspecting Saxons.

[arranging a charge!!!!!]

[Arne]

Arne quietly drew his sword and grinned wickedly at Valka.  More Saxon blood to spill to avenge his people would be good and a fitting gift to Freya.  Still, he would defer to Cedwyn's leadership and looked over to the knight to see what he had planned.


OOC:  Arne's readying sword and shield (if he can use a shield while riding a horse, that is), and following Cedwyn's battle plan.  Oh yeah, and keeping an eye out for more Saxons.  Just because we can only see 3 doesn't mean there isn't more around . . .

[GM Craig]

A charge requires a spear or lance.

Anyone participating in the charge give me a Spear (or Lance) roll. Add +5 to your effective skill level for advantageous terrain, and a further +5 to your skill level because you are fighting from horseback against opponents on foot. So, if your Spear skill is 7, it now becomes 17. Let me know what target you wish to take, but no more than two on any one target.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn levelled his spear and charged both the first and second saxon. He charged without a battle cry but still...he came on heavy.

[sax1: 16 vs. 20. Success. Dmg: 44. Sax 2. 8 vs. 15. Success. Dmg: 25]

[Artaigne]

Following Cedwyn's lead, the Irishman sets his spear and charges the Saxons.  Aiming for the second of the , he seeks to drive his weapon through the dirty heart of his foe.


Spear roll 20! Crit!  Damage 9x2 = 18

[Arne]

Seeing Cedwyn and Artaigne pick out their targets, Arne spurred his horse forward toward the remaining Saxon (# 3), his sword raised.

Sword "to hit" roll:  12+5 = 17 (effective skill 25) = success (no critical)
Sword damage roll:  13 (bleah!)

[Geoffrey]

Rodric was a little unsure of what he was seeing and had been pondering on paying closer attention to the field ahead, as well as the area around them.  It was unlikely the Saxons would have expected someone to find their ships, but they must have thought it could happen and would prepare for it.  That's what made it odd to the knight that there would only be 3 sentries, unless there was some other means of defense that could not be seen.

With Cedwyn, Arne and Artaigne each lining up on a target, the knight decided to keep an eye on the terrain as they closed.  He readied his sword and shield regardless, he'd be a fool to ride into any combat situation unprepared.

[OOC: Rodric awareness roll result 4 vs skill 13, success.]

[Cedwyn]

[cwdwyn recised charge: 17 versus 20. Success. Dmg=27.

[Valka]

Valka nodded to Rodric; he appeared to have the same thoughts she did, that a mere three Saxons was rather convenient. Besides, if the spearmaster charged a foot soldier it would be a slaughter, and worse, probably make Arne look weak in comparison. He was more suited to close combat.

No, he could have this one. Rodric would scout and Valka would watch his back.

{He is yours, my love.}

She gestured to the last Saxon.

Ooc: Assuming Arne does as told, she'll join Rodric.
Awareness 1d20 <= 4 v 7 ... failure

[GM Craig]

Rodric and Valka hang back as Cedwyn, Arne and Artaigne spur their horses forward. Cedwyn has to keep a tight rein on his mount, as the great horse pushes to draw ahead of the smaller horses.

The warriors down by the boats, squatting around a fire, hear the rumble of the earth and look around. One of them spots the three charging knights, and he and his companions scramble to their nearby spears. They quickly form a line, a task made more difficult by their constant glances at the oncoming knights. They barely get their spears in place, when the charge hits home.

None of the Saxons are really able to get a handle on their spears - not really a factor of time, more of fear and lack of discipline. The charging line rips through them.

Sir Cedwyn runs his completely through, running the hapless Saxon almost up to the grip of the spear. Unfortunately, Cedwyn is forced to leave the spear behind when the shaft breaks. The Saxon staggers, the spear shaft sticking out of his abdomen, then falls to the ground. Artaigne catches his in the shoulder, and manages to tear the spear out of the Saxon, keeping it free and whole. His target clutches at his shoulder, but keeps both his feet and his grip on the spear. Arne, still not used to the Cymric spear, instead decides to use his sword. He manages to land a not bad blow, but the Saxon takes the hit and stays on his feet, pivoting as Arne rides past, and keeping his spear up.

Now that you are closer, all three of you recognize from their gear and manner that are common warriors. They will offer little plunder and no ransom. Arne and Cedwyn may not be very concerned, but Artaigne might feel the sting of his poverty - these warriors are kitted out in simple leather (4) and carry great spears, far too unwieldy to use from horseback.

Up on the bank, Valka spots nothing of note. Rodric, a little more focused, sees no immediate threats. However, he does spot a faint column of smoke about a mile farther down the river.

Opponent	Weapon	Armour	Major Wound (HP)	Glory
3x Spearmen	Great Spear 10 (5d6)	Leather (4)	16 (24)	10

Character	Roll	Opponent Roll	Opponent	Result
Arne	17	fail	Saxon Spearman	(13-4) 9/24 damage
Artaigne	20 (crit)	fail	Saxon Spearman	(18-4) 12/24 Damage
Cedwyn	17	fail	Saxon Spearman	(27-4) 23/24 damage, major wound

[GM Craig]

The knights rein on and turn their mounts. There's not enough running room for another charge here, so it is spur-to-jowl against the remaining spearmen.


[OOC: Culturally speaking, Cedwyn has the option to let Arne and Artaign finish off their opponents or take one or both of them himself. Cedwyn would get no glory, but neither would Artaign nor Arne. As the knight with the highest Glory, he is in effective command, so Arne and Artaigne would be expected to follow his lead. Up to you guys if you hold with that. Also culturally speaking, those who get the death blow are entitled to the plunder, if any, so Cedwyn may claim the kills for whatever loot the Saxons have on them.]

Anyone attacking, please give me an attack roll, with +5 to your effective skill due to fighting mounted against an opponent afoot. Unless you decide to get off your horses, then rolls at par.]

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn hung back and gave a nod to Arne and Artaigne. They had the right to finish their enemies and while Cedwyn longed for the thrill of battle, they deserved their honor and glory as well.

While they fought, Cedwyn took a look around to assess for any threats.

[awarenes roll: 13 vs. 12. Failure. Dang it...missed it by that much...]

[Arne]

Arne nodded his thanks to Sir Cedwyn, then pointed his sword directly at his opponent like a pronouncement of doom and attacked.


Arne's attack roll:  1d20+5 = 11 (no critical)
Damage:  5d6 = 16 pts.