Harvest time is a busy time around your manor.  There is a short window in which to bring in and store many of the crops before the weather turns.  Your peasants spend from dawn to dusk in the fields, or transporting the harvest to storage.  The cooks, and the women who are not working in the fields, make preserves and cure meat for the long winter ahead.

Amidst the bustle of activity, a messenger arrives from Prince Mark.  You are each invited (that is the nice way of phrasing it) to join the Prince in helping to clear Dartmoor Forest.  Of late, monstrous versions of common animals have been seen and you are needed to make the area safe again.

It is less than a day's journey to the forest heading north and east, where you meet Prince Mark and his small retinue.

"Well met, honorable knights.  Thank you for heeding my summons.  There have been reports of giant animals emerging occasionally from the forest and harassing the inhabitants.  It is a bad time, right before the harvest.  After witnessing your performance in the spring, I thought that you would be a good fit for this mission.  We start in the morning," the Prince announces.

Unlike the previous hunt, which was more of a social occasion, this one is strictly business and a dangerous business.  Prince Mark and three of his knights will be in one party while the three four of you are in another.

EDIT: Four, not three. - Teller
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:37, Fri 21 Jan 2022.

Sir Daron was less than thrilled to be summoned from his lands at so important a time but the prince was the prince so he swallowed his annoyance and tried to look grateful.

"It is an honour sire," he said to Prince Mark, bowing before looking to his fellow knights. "We'll see an end to these dire creatures."

Happy to let Sir Daron speak on his behalf (for what horrors might come out if he tries to talk?), Sir Aeddan bows to Prince Mark as Sir Daron does.  In Sir Aeddan's estimation, the hunt will be terribly dangerous, but the opportunity to fight alongside the Prince can only help them become better--and better known--knights of Cornwall.

"Indeed." Sir Abloc joined in on Sir Daron's praise of Prince Mark. He had not been pleased to leave his land behind but duty called and he was dutybound to answer the Prince's call. "It is a most noble endavour of you, Your Highness, to rid these lands of such unnatural beasts, and it is indeed an honor for us all to be allowed to join the hunt."

Sir Abloc did not like this one bit. The hunt would be dangerous but at least he was with his Brothers. When he was certain they were alone, Sir Abloc whispered to his friends "We may be doomed, but can we please try and stay on our horses this time?" He tried to smile but it was clear to them that even the brave Sir Abloc was afraid.

"But on to other things then ..." he continued as the squires made preparations. "Have you found a fair maiden swept away by your charm, Sir Daron?"

Despite his annoyance Sir Daron cannot help but smile in amusement at Sir Abloc's question. "No, I have had no time to spend on such business. I have never been one to waste his time with maidens and lack both the interest and gift for wooing them."

"Nonsense, my friend. If you are to gain an heir you need to start looking. I am sure that Sir Aeddan is more eager to help you find a suitable woman.  I will assist you as well of course but Sir Aeddan is more experienced in this. Is that not so, my friend?" Sir Abloc says while trying to keep a straight face.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Thu 20 Jan 2022.

Rhydwyn also bows to Prince Mark, offering a warm greeting to the other man. "We will bring these creatures down. I believe we should all travel as one, if these creatures are as monstrous as you claim. Better to have one larger group than multiple smaller ones - while we might move more slowly, it can't hurt to be all together."

"An excellent notion," Sir Aeddan responds to Sir Rhydwyn.  Turning to Sir Abloc and Sir Daron, he adds, "If only we could hunt marriageable ladies by banding together, too!  Then I could accidentally offend each young lady on everyone's behalf."

"With friends like you who needs enemies then" Sir Abloc chuckles but keeps an eye on Prince Mark to see his reaction. Few princes like to be told what to do by simple knights.

Prince Mark replies to Sir Rhydwyn, "normally, you would be right.  However, Dartmoor forest is thick and difficult to travel through.  A single large group will end up getting in each others' way making it difficult to catch up with our quarry."  He looks around at each knight individually before adding, "if you come across an actual giant.  Run.  Do not think about bravery or valor.  Giants are far too dangerous to be attacked here.  They are not very fast though, so losing them is relatively easy."

Everyone is out early the following morning armed with a sword and shield, and mounted, a pack of dogs is assigned to each group.  Prince Mark's group heads to the east, while the four remaining knights head to the west.

I am going to rotate through so that each person leads two hunts each day. 

Sir Abloc is the first to search for tracks, after riding for a little while, he locates some but they are just a Red Deer.

Sir Abloc, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Prey

Sir Aeddan is next and he spots the trail of a Fallow Deer.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Prey.

Like Sir Aeddan before him, Sir Daron spots the tracks of a Fallow Deer.

Sir Daron, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Prey.

Sir Rhydwyn also locates deer tracks.  Red Deer, like those spotted earlier by Sir Abloc.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Prey.

The group returns to the camp for lunch.

Prince Mark's group located and killed a Giant Pine Martin.  The thing is huge!  It looks much like a weasel, a 4' high weasel (it is the same size as your Sumpter, a light horse).

Speaking of weasels, after lunch Sir Abloc sights the prints of a weasel, a giant one!

The weasel successfully rolled its avoidance with a 1.  Everyone needs to roll their hunting skill (after adding any points listed above in PM) modified by -3 thick forest and +5 for dogs, equaling +2 total.  If you roll a "2" or higher up to your modified Hunting Skill, roll a sword attack.  If you roll above your modified Hunting Skill or a "1", roll on the Obstacle Table and then attempt to overcome the Obstacle.

Obstacle Table
1-2 Oops! wrong animal! Roll again on Prey Table with a +5 modifier.
3-4 Jump a fallen tree; roll Horsemanship.
5-6 Jump a stream; roll Horsemanship.
7-8 Birds flushed underfoot; roll Horsemanship.
9-10 Strange noise scares horse; roll Horsemanship
11-12 Thick brush; roll Horse's DEX (17).
13-14 Men shouting somewhere; roll Awareness
15-16 Hidden ditch; roll Awareness.
17-18 Dogs baying; roll Awareness.
19-20 A horn blast; roll Awareness.

Sir Daron rides on after his quarry.

---

OOC: 02:28, Today: Sir Daron rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword 16.

02:28, Today: Sir Daron rolled 13 using 1d20.  Hunting 14 (12+2 modifier)

Sir Abloc try and keep up with the good Sir Daron.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 12+2
Sir Abloc rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword @ 16

Sir Aeddan got lost, was probably distracted by a butterfly, and then encountered a bear.


Sir Aeddan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting @12 (10 + 2).
Sir Aeddan rolled 2 using 1d20.  Obstacle (instruction: roll again on prey table +5)
Sir Aeddan rolled 1 using 1d20.  Prey (modify +5) = bear.

Sir Abloc, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn continue after the giant weasel while Sir Aeddan mistakenly follows some bear tracks.

Sir Daron rolled 13 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Aeddan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Prey, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Avoidance.

Sir Abloc, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Hunting.

Sir Daron and Sir Abloc manage to strike the weasel, killing it easily.  Seems these giant beasts are not so scary afterall.  This will be a breeze!!

Sir Abloc rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Abloc, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Daron, rolled 12 using 6d6.  Damage.

Sir Abloc and Sir Daron each take a check in Sword.

After carting the carcass back to camp, the group heads off again in search of more prey.  Sir Aeddan finds more Red Deer tracks but Sir Daron finds the tracks of another giant weasel.  The weasel fails to make its avoidance roll.

Everyone needs to roll their hunting skill modified by -3 thick forest and (still) +5 for dogs, equaling +2 total.  If you roll equal to or less than your modified Hunting Skill, roll a sword attack.  If you roll above your modified Hunting Skill, roll on the Obstacle Table and then attempt to overcome the Obstacle.

Sir Abloc rides off full of confidence but soon find that hunting is surprisingly difficult ...

---

Sir Abloc rolled 18 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 12+2 (Failure)

Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Obstacles (Dogs baying, roll Awareness)

Sir Abloc rolled 7 using 1d20.  Awareness @ 9 (Success)

Amused that his greatest success thus far on this quest was slaying an admittedly big weasel Sir Daron rides on, sword at the ready...

---

OOC:

11:00, Today: Sir Daron rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword 16.

10:59, Today: Sir Daron rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting 14.

Sir Aeddan, having figured out the tracks thing, has problems with the sword thing.


Sir Aeddan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting @12 (10 + 2).
Sir Aeddan rolled 18 using 1d20.  Sword @17.

While Sir Abloc is distracted by dogs barking, the others manage to corner the large weasel.  Sir Aeddan and Sir Rhydwyn fail to connect with the beast but Sir Daron manages to knock it unconscious with a single blow!  Another weasel down.

Sir Abloc rolled 18 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Aeddan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Bite @ 10.
Sir Daron, rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.

Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn each take a check in Hunting and Sir Daron also takes a check in Sword.  Sir Abloc takes a check in Awareness.

After returning their second carcass, the knights make one last attempt to find another giant creature before nightfall, but Sir Rhydwyn finds only Fallow Deer tracks.

Returning once more to camp, they find the Prince and his men have killed another pine martin as well as their own weasel.  It seems that there is not much variety among giant creatures.

You each get 5 Glory for Giant Weasel slaying.

Anything anyone wants to do this evening?  Food will be served, you can play a game of something, chat with other knights about goings on, etc.

Sir Abloc decides to be a rather silent knight that night. He listens to gossip and (tall) tales of adventure. He is still intimidated by the company but is glad to see his brothers are present as well. At least he is not the only young knight present.

---

OOC: He attempts Intrigue @ 3

Rhydwyn will listen to gossip from the other knights, and will enjoy both the company of other knights, and plenty of food and drink.

Sir Daron gossips with the other knights and partakes of the meal, later offering a friendly game of chess if any of the others are interested.

---

OOC:
20:38, Today: Sir Daron rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming 12.

Sir Aeddan tries to mingle with the older knights, hoping to hear interesting news or gossip.  Later on, he tells a story to the group about his failures at hunting that day, going for an amusing and self-deprecating angle.

The knights eat and drink and chat.  Sir Daron plays some chess, the first game being a draw but he handily beats his opponent in the second game.  Sir Abloc learns that Prince Mark is planning on returning to Salisbury in the Spring to make one last attempt to woo Countess Ellen and gain an alliance with Salisbury.

Sir Daron rolled 17 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Sir Daron, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Gaming.
Knight, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Gaming.

Sir Daron takes a point in Gaming (critical).

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Abloc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Abloc takes a check in Intrigue.

Little else of interest is learned, although Sir Aeddan mistakenly believes that the Saxons are attacking Cornwall, when in fact the knights in question were discussing the Saxon attack on Salisbury last year.  His embarrassment may have contributed to his less-than stellar oration.  Fortunately, as the night was getting on and drink had been flowing, no one seemed to care.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Orate.

Sir Aeddan takes a point in Intrigue (Fumble).

As the knights head off to bed, Sir Rhydwyn find that he is too tired to fool around.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Lustful.

---

Morning comes and with it, another day of hunting giant beasts.  After a hearty breakfast, the groups set off as before.  Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan fail to find any giant animal tracks but Sir Daron comes across a large number of Giant Rat tracks!

The rats successfully rolled their avoidance with a "2."  Everyone needs to roll hunting, succeed, and beat a 2.  If you do, then roll Sword.  Otherwise, roll on the Obstacle table.

Sir Daron found it faintly ridiculous to be chasing rats, no matter how grand. Nevertheless Prince Mark demanded it so the young knight reluctantly drew his sword and went hunting.

---

OOC:
17:19, Today: Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword 16.

17:17, Today: Sir Daron rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hunting.

In reply to Sir Daron (msg # 24):

Rhydwyn also doesn't exactly enjoy going hunting for rats, but the prince had demanded it.


15:22, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 12 using 1d20 ((12)).
15:23, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 20 using 1d20.  Obstacle table.

Sir Aeddan is deeply, deeply relieved at finding any quarry at all, whether it be a Giant Rat or a diminutive mouse.  He can therefore be forgiven for the enthusiasm with which he swings his sword at the beast, as well as his little chirrup of triumph when he connects with the horrible thing.

OOC:

Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.
Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword @17.

As the chase began Sir Abloc and his horse suddenly seemed to disappear into the woods. Noone knew what had happened but at some point Sir Abloc's voice could be heard calling out in triumph from deep in the woods "I did it! I did it! I staid on the bloody horse!"

---

Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 12 (Failure)

Sir Abloc rolled 5 using 1d20.  Obstacle (Jump a stream; roll Horsemanship)

Sir Abloc rolled 4 using 1d20.  Horsemanship @ 15 (Success)
This message was last edited by the player at 08:56, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

While Sir Abloc takes a wrong turn at a stream, the others have little trouble following the trail.  The reason for this could be the number of rats, eleven!

Sir Abloc rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting
Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Hunting
Sir Daron rolled 4 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.  *Hunting score is +2 for dogs still, forgot to mention.

Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn each take a check in Hunting.

As the knights enter a small clearing, the rats attack their horses.  All three knights manage to hit and kill a rat but the three sets of three rats attack their horses.  Sir Aeddan's horse takes 11 points of damage.  Sir Daron's horse takes 3 points of damage.  Sir Rhydwyn's horse takes 4 points of damage.  Meanwhile, Sir Abloc gets his horse moving in the right direction once more.

Sir Aeddan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 22 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 22 using 6d6.  Damage.  Should have been 12d6 but 6d6 killed it.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.

Rats, rolled 3d20 with rolls of 5, 2, 16.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 9, 8, 9 using 2d6, 2d6, 2d6.  Damage.
Rats, rolled 3d20 with rolls of 16, 3, 19.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 8, 2 using 2d6, 2d6.  Damage.
Rats, rolled 3d20 with rolls of 12, 2, 19.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 7, 7 using 2d6,2d6.  Damage.

Sir Abloc rolled 4 using 1d20.  Horsemanship

Sir Aeddan and Sir Ryhdwyn each take a check in Sword, Sir Daron takes a point in Sword (Critical).  Sir Abloc takes a check in Horsemanship.

Sir Abloc picks up the trail, as the others continue to engage the large rats.  Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron each hit one of their rats, Sir Aeddan only having two opponents, and Sir Daron manages to kills his while Sir Aeddan's is only wounded.

Sir Aeddan's horse takes another 13 points of damage.  Sir Daron's horse takes 15 points of damage.  Sir Rhydwyn's horse takes 3 points of damage.

Sir Abloc, rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Hunting.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 17 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 23 using 6d6.  Damage.

Rats, rolled 2d20 with rolls of 17, 4.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 17, 6 using 4d6,2d6.  Damage.
Rats, rolled 3d20 with rolls of 6, 7, 14.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 9, 9, 12 using 2d6,2d6,2d6.  Damage.
Rats, rolled 3d20 with rolls of 20, 19, 10.  Bite.
Rats, rolled 8 using 2d6.  Damage.

Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron each take a check in Sword.  Sir Abloc takes a check in Hunting.

---

Sir Abloc arrives at the scene of the melee and one of Sir Rhydwyn's rats, who fumbled and wandered a little aimlessly, attacks Sir Abloc's horse.  Sir Aeddan, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn each have two rats on their horses, Sir Abloc has one.  One of Sir Aeddan's is badly wounded.

Please roll Sword and if successful, damage.

As Sir Abloc entered the clearing he was shocked by the size of the animals. Dire weasels was terrifying but giant rats were even worse. He swung his sword with all his might hoping to finish the beast attacking his horse.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword @ 16 (Success)
Sir Abloc rolled 21 using 5d6. Damage

(Hell yeah!)

Rhydwyn was incredibly surprised when the rat attacked his horse.


12:51, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 20 using 1d20.  vs sword 10.

To Sir Daron's horror he fees his sword start to slip from his hand as he swings it at the rat, missing it by a mile.

---

OOC:
19:43, Today: Sir Daron rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword 17.

Feeling frantic at the blood suddenly gushing from his horse, Sir Aeddan keeps battling the Giant Rats while also attempting to keep his horse steady.

OOC:
Sir Aeddan rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword @17.
Sir Aeddan rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage @5d6.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan each kill one of their rats, leaving Sir Aeddan with one badly-wounded rat and Sir Abloc free of rats.  Meanwhile, both Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn seem a bit unnerved by the large, biting rodents and lose their grip on their swords.  The good news: there is a strap on their swords.  The bad news: it will take a turn to be able to attack with it again.

The rat on Sir Abloc bites his horse before dying but is unable to puncture the horse's hide.  The two on Sir Aeddan both bite his horse but only one successfully does damage, 2 points worth.  Sir Daron's rats do 6 points of damage to his horse, while Sir Rhydwyn's rats both manage to miss.

Sir Abloc rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc rolled 21 using 5d6. Damage.
Sir Aeddan rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan take a check in Sword, Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn take a point in Sword (Fumble).

Sir Abloc moves to attack one of Sir Rhydwyn's rats (as he has the lower Sword/Damage).  Although he hits the rat, he only manages to wound it.  Sir Aeddan kills his remaining rat with a swift blow.  Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn recover their swords.

The rat attacking Sir Abloc does 6 damage to his horse in retaliation.  Sir Aeddan's rat does 1 point to his horse before expiring.  Sir Daron's rats go to town, doing 14 points of damage, as one got the horse's neck.  Sir Daron's horse goes unconscious (but will eventually recover).  Sir Rhydwyn's rat does 6 points of damage.  Sir Daron manages to jump to safety, and stands between the giant rat and his downed horse.

Sir Abloc, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc, rolled 16 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 19 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.

Sir Abloc and Sir Aeddan each take a check in Sword.  Sir Daron takes a cehck in Horsemanship.

---

Sir Aeddan moves to attack one of Sir Daron's rats, leaving everyone with one rat.  Please roll Sword and (if a hit) damage.  Don't forget to use updated Sword skills, Sir Daron and Sir Rhydwyn.

Sir Abloc went for the last rat trying to cleave the abomination and cleanse the forest of the unnatural wickedness that infected it.

---

Abloc rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword @ 16.

Sir Abloc rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Fri 04 Feb 2022.

Sir Aeddan, hearing Sir Abloc's cries and trying to remember what "cleave" means, swings his sword but misses his filthy opponent.

OOC:
Sir Aeddan rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword @17.

With a curse Sir Daron lay about himself with his blade, trying to stop the rats from reaching his stricken steed. Gods teeth was there no end to these vermin?

---

OOC:
22:57, Today: Sir Daron rolled 23 using 6d6.  Damage.

22:57, Today: Sir Daron rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword @18.

Everyone but Sir Aeddan hits and kills their rat, Sir Aeddan seemingly unnerved by his rat biting his horse for yet another 2 points of damage.  Sir Rhydwyn's horse is also bitten but its thick hide prevents penetration by the rat's teeth.

Sir Abloc rolled 15 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Abloc rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Aeddan rolled 19 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Daron rolled 23 using 6d6.  Damage.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 20 using 5d6.  Damage.

Sir Abloc, Sir Daron, and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Sword.

Sir Aeddan is able to finish off the last rat, but not before his horse takes a final 3 points of damage, bringing it close to unconsciousness.  Sir Daron administers First Aid to his horse, bringing it back to consciousness.  Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron lead their badly injured mounts back to camp, while the others ride.

Sir Aeddan, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 18 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Daron, rolled 9 using 1d20.  First Aid.
Sir Daron, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Sword.  Sir Daron takes a check in First Aid.

The group decides to forego further hunting for the morning and an hour later, the other group of knights arrives with their own wounded horses and dead rats, although they only faced six.  They are quite impressed that the quartet were able to kill 11 of the nasty vermin.

---

During lunch, a rider appears bearing a message for the Prince.  Reading it, he announces that a giant Wild Cat has been sighted to the north.  After lunch all eight of you will try to take care of it.  If things go well, this will be the end of the hunt.  Sir Aeddan and Sir Daron may wish to use their backup horses.  Anything you would like to do during lunch?

Rhydwyn will listen in to any rumors going on before the herald arrives with news of the giant cat.

Sir Abloc sits quietly on a log trying to compose a small song about the adventures he has shared with his friends and Brother-Knights.

If he ever allowed people to hear his piece of "art" their ears would bleed, peasants would show up with torches and pitchforks and birds would drop dead from the skies.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 20 using 1d20.  Compose @ 1 (Critical Failure)

At lunch Sir Daron begins the delicate matter of asking around the other knights whether any of them has an unwed sister or daughter. As disagreeable a business as it is he does have to find a wife.

When the call comes for yet another hunt he groans and saddles up his spare steed.

Curious to see what Sir Abloc is writing, with that look of intense concentration on his face, Sir Aeddan heads to his friend and glances over his shoulder at the paper.  Sir Aeddan does his best to control his resulting grimace, then puts a supportive hand on Sir Abloc's shoulder for a moment.

Chilled to the bone, and contemplating mortality more than usual, Sir Aeddan decides that Sir Daron's quest for a bride has now become the most interesting development of the lunch.  Sir Aeddan finds a small group of the Prince's knights, who are chatting amiably about nothing in particular, and asks them for details of their morning's hunt.  He asks whether they were as surprised as he at the viciousness of the giant rats.

If the conversation proceeds well enough, Sir Aeddan will let them know that his brother knight, in whom he has every confidence, has begun searching for an honorable young lady with whom to share his life.

Once the hunt resumes, Sir Aeddan will use an alternate horse, while his squire attends to the wounds of the injured one.

Sir Rhydwyn does not learn anything new.  However, Sir Aeddan has a nice conversation with the Prince's knights, who recount tales of their hunt, including a few false trails and eventually a pile of rats.  Sir Rabel is especially upset about the rats' attacks on his horse, although it did not take quite as much damage as Sir Daron's or Sir Aeddan's.  Bringing the talk to one about eligible daughters, Sir Daron joins in (+3 to Intrigue) and learns that Sir Gaidon has a daughter, Flore (APP: 14) who is of age and unwed.

Meanwhile, Sir Abloc's song goes unsung.

In Dartmoor Forest we went hunting,
In the bushes boars were grunting.
We saw tracks of many deer,
We hoped it meant giants were near.

At last we spotted weasel tracks,
We jumped upon our horses' backs.
Rode we off in search of glory,
Found our prey and it got gory.

Brother knights, true at heart,
In this hunt we all took part.
A day of hunting giant things,
And now this song on clear voice sings.

Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Intrigue.
Sir Aeddan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Courtesy.
Sir Daron, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Intrigue.

Sir Aeddan takes a check in Courtesy, Sir Daron takes a check in Intrigue, and Sir Abloc takes a point in Compose (Fumble).

---

After lunch, the group heads out to the farm near which the Giant Wild Cat was spotted.

Searching around for tracks, most of the party finds normal animal tracks except Sir Aeddan who finds Giant Pine Martin tracks and Sir Daron who finds Giant Mouse tracks, but Sir Abloc finds Giant Wild Cat tracks!  The hunt is on.

The Wild Cat makes its Avoidance roll with an 8.  Roll your Hunting and try to beat an 8.   If successful, roll Valorous at -4, if successful again, roll Sword.

Though he had at first been interested to hear about Sir Gaidon's daughter Sir Daron struggled to conceal his disappointment at her description: dismally plain! Though he distrusts womenfolk and is not looking forward to marrying Sir Daron does want some standards if only to reflect on him.

His bad mood doesn't improve when he manages to get lost tracking the wretched cat. Will this damnable hunt never end?

---

OOC:
17:09, Today: Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Hunting vs 12.

Mistakingly thinking that Sir Aeddan's comforting hand is a sign of praise Sir Abloc finish his song and cheerfully sing it as the knights leave camp and continue on. Feeling quite proud of his work he fails to see the birds dropping dead from the trees, poor peasants rolling on the ground screaming with bleeding ears and church bells ring out across the land as they proclaim that Armageddon is surely near.

And while Sir Abloc does indeed pick up the tracks of a Giant Wild Cat then he fails to pursue the beast. Perhaps his composition is of such epic proportions that it turn away evil creatures that can not bear to hear his heavenly voice?

---

Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 12 (Failure)

Despite his best efforts, Sir Aeddan cannot track the animal.

OOC:
Sir Aeddan rolled 14 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.

Rhydwyn does his best to track the animal.


16:56, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 8 using 1d20.  vs hunting 11.

17:19, Today: Sir Rhydwyn rolled 13 using 1d20.  vs Valorous 6(10-4).

While Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Daron head down a false trail, Sir Rhydwyn, Prince Mark, and his knights all close in on the beast.  Unlike the weasels and rats, however, this thing is the size of a small horse and a serious predator.  Sir Rhydwyn and the knights fall back in fear, leaving Prince Mark to face the thing alone.  Splitting his attacks, the Prince manages to hit twice, however, one of the cat's attacks is faster.  Prince Mark is knocked from the saddle and lies on the ground slightly stunned, deep wounds along his right side bleeding freely.  The cat is also wounded but seems to take it in stride.

Prince Mark, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Sword.
NPC Prey, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Claws.
Prey, rolled 35 using 7d6.  Damage.
Prince Mark, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Claws.
Prince Mark, rolled 19 using 6d6.  Damage.

Prince Mark takes 35 - 12 - 6 = 17 points of damage and is knocked off his horse.
The Giant Wild Cat takes 19 - 7 = 12 points of damage.

Sir Rhydwyn takes a check in Hunting.

Prince Mark's horse is between the cat and its fallen rider . . . for the moment.  Prince Mark will be back up in a round.

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Because the cat is in combat, it is not avoiding anyone, so just roll Hunting.  If successful, roll Valorous -4, if successful, roll Sword.  No pressure, just the Prince's life in your hands. :)

Hearing the sound of combat and cries Sir Abloc immediately force his horse to ride with all haste towards danger. The Prince is in danger!

Sir Abloc burst through the underbrush and into the clearing only to be met with the sight of the fallen prince and a monster of a cat the size of a horse. The sight is too much for the young knight. Fear gribs his heart (and shame will follow him forever) and he seems like frozen unable to act.

---

Sir Abloc rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting @ 12 (Success)
Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Valorous @ 16-4 (Failure)

Turning his steed in the direction of the cries and snarls Sir Daron gallops towards the prince, his sword in hand as he bursts upon the wild cat and attacks.

"Die you monster!" he thunders at the oversized feline.

---

OOC:
13:24, Today: Sir Daron rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.

13:21, Today: Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword @18. (Success)

13:19, Today: Sir Daron rolled 8 using 1d20.  Valorous @13. (Success)

13:18, Today: Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting @12. (Critical!)

Stunned at the severity of the Prince's injuries, Sir Aeddan cannot even focus on the enormous cat.

OOC:
Sir Aeddan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting @10.

Sir Aeddan continues to wander aimlessly in the woods, while one of the Prince's knights appears to have headed back to camp.  Sir Abloc and Sir Rhydwyn make it to the fight but decide to . . . wain until there is an opening, wait over here, out of sight.  Not scared mind, just . . cautious.

Sir Abloc rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Abloc rolled 17 using 1d20.  Valorous.
Sir Aeddan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron rolled 12 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Daron rolled 8 using 1d20.  Valorous.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Rhydwyn, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Valorous.

Sir Abloc and Sir Rhydwyn take a check in Hunting.
Sir Daron takes a point in Hunting.
Sir Daron takes a check in Valorous.

The Prince is back on his feet but his horse lies unconscious with two sets of claw marks marring its hide as Sir Daron charges in, along with Prince Mark's two other knights.  The cat leaps at Sir Daron and one of the knights, a claw at each.  Sir Daron scores a mighty hit, as does one of the knights.  However, the other knight is knocked from his horse.

Sir Daron rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword
Sir Daron rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.
Prey, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Claws.
Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Claws.
Prey, rolled 27 using 7d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Sword.
Knight, rolled 16 using 5d6.  Damage.

Wild Cat takes 20 - 7 = 13 damage.
Wild Cat takes 16 - 7 = 9 damage.
Knight takes 27 - 10 - 6 = 11 damage and is knocked off his horse.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.

With one knight down, the cat continues its assault on Sir Daron and targets the other knight as well as the Prince steps up in the fallen knight's place.  Sir Daron scores another hit, as does the Prince.  However, the wild cat knocks the other knight from his horse.  The two blows kill the cat, which slumps to the ground.  The Prince looks relieved.

Sir Daron, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Claws.
Sir Daron, rolled 22 using 6d6.  Damage.
Knight, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prey, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Claws.
Prey, rolled 30 using 7d6.  Damage.
Prince Mark, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Prince Mark, rolled 18 using 6d6.  Damage.

Wild Cat takes 22 - 7 = 15
Knight takes 30 - 10 - 6 = 14 and is knocked from his horse.
Wild Cat takes 18 - 7 = 11 and is killed.  Note: Sir Daron and Sir Mark hit the beast at the same time, either blow would have sent it unconscious alone.

Sir Daron takes a check in Sword.

Clapping Sir Daron on the shoulder, Prince Mark says, "well done, Sir Daron.  I was right to think you a great hunter and worthy swordsman during our last hunt."

The other knights pick themselves up and soon Sir Abloc, Sir Aeddan, and Sir Rhydwyn arrive.  The last knight seems hopelessly lost and takes some time to find.  Like Sir Daron's horse earlier, the Prince's horse is brought back to consciousness and limps back to camp.  The Prince riding one of his knights' horses.

Everyone gets 20 Glory for the Rats, 10 Glory for hunting with Prince Mark, and Sir Daron gets an additional 10 Glory for participating in the kill of the Wild Cat.

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Anything anyone wants to accomplish before heading back to your manors and the Winter Phase?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:43, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Nothing ... Sir Abloc is so ashamed of how he failed to act that he returns to his manor in deep thoughts.

"Thank you Sire," Sir Daron thanks Prince Mark, before smiling and adding. "She'll make a fine rug for your castle floor my lord, and one that will frighten the life out of any mice that dare enter your hall!"

After checking on his friends and giving them some encouraging words he too returns to his manor on his spare steed, giving his injured horse a chance of recovery.

RHydwyn will simply return to his manor for the winter.