The Tournament: Round 2

 Referee

The grand stand begins to fill again, the servants leave the field and the guards take their position raising their horns. The next pairing is announced: Sir Heldris the Dove Knight versus Ser Perilake the Gilded Knight!

Heldris the Dove Knight

The Dove Knight emerges from the pavilion as the next round is announced. “Wretched herald,” he mumbles, as he walks his horse towards the stand sombrely, waiting for the Gilded Knight

Perilake the Gilded Knight

As the sun glitters through the clouds, its rays catch on the shining breastplate and helm of the gilded knight, reflecting flashes across the onlooking crowd. His mighty black steed carries him forth into the stands. "May the best knight lose my friend! For I have hopes of winning this tourney myself!" Perilake bellows across at his companion, lance raised in salute

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris nods to his friend over the field, raising his lance in response. For a moment, he thinks of holding back, letting on the brave Gilded Knight the burden of fighting Anastaz, but suddenly realises that that would be just as much as an insult to Perilake, who always gives his best no matter what. So he lower his lance, and signals that he's ready to joust

As Heldris sets his lance ready, Colmán snorts loudly. "Don't worry my friend," he pats his horse's head "you look majestic too." He lifts his eyes to watch over the tiltyard, the royal steed waving its mane in the wind, and the golden armour shining under the bashful sunbeams. "Let's hope it'll be quick, at least." he spurs his horse and charges forward, the wind blowing through the wings of his armour.

The two friends rush to meet at the center of the field, their lances set. Clouds of dust lift under the steady pace of their steeds. As their weapons are about to reach their target, an eerie silence falls among those present. Someone clutches a wolfish pendent, someone else gasps as the Dove Knight's lance brushes against Perilake's shoulder, as the latter dodge the lunge leaning backwards and to the right of his saddle, and with a formidable effort thrusts his weapon against Heldris' chest.

From the stand, hundreds of eyes watches the Dove Knight fall to the ground, hitting his elbow upon his weapon in a painful and almost wolfish owl. They all seem to relax before they realise the bout is far from over, as they watch the Gilded Knight struggle to recover from his elegant movement upon his saddle, and fall to the ground next to Heldris, and a cloud of shining dust lifts into the air.

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Two stewards run forwards and grab the reins of the horses, leading them from the field. Through the dust, the gleaming armour of the gilded knight is the first thing the crowd sees as Perilake rolls to his feet. Dropping the lance, he unslings the mighty warmace across his back. "Well struck Heldris!" he breathes heavily as he speaks, forcing air into his winded lungs as he waits for his friend to gather their feet beneath them. "For a moment I thought I had you." He grins beneath the helm. "But I'm glad this is no fleeting exchange of blows from the saddle. The realm deserves to see the skill of our brotherhood in all its valour." Perilake raises his mace into a fighting stance, and advances

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris stands up, unsteady on his feet, and through the sudden noise of the crowd he can hardly breath. Then Perilake's words cut like a gust of wind through the heavy dust of the tiltyard. "Yes," answer the Dove Knight, "let's give them the show they came here for!" and with great pain from his sore arm, he unsheathes his sword, and advances.

 

We're all friends here

Perilake the Gilded Knight

The two knights close the distance, and the crowd cheers. Even the King lifts ever so lightly from his seat as their weapons raise and clash. Heldris's first swing comes in hard and true, but with his arm stiff from the fall it has lost its typical alacrity. His friend leans out of the blade's arc, and then Perilake steps in to the second swing, taking the blow on his armoured shoulder as the steel flashes harmlessly off the golden pauldron. With a yell, the gilded knight twists his body and brings his great mace down and around in a low sweep that connects with his opponent's legs. With a loud crash, the Dove Knight flies - but ever so briefly, his body driving heavily into the floor. Before he can gather his breath, Perilake steps forward and places one foot on to their sword arm and gently rests the mace upon his chest

There is a moment of silence, before applause rings out from the crowd. Some cheer with all their hearts, whilst others merely give the appearance demanded of their presence; more than one purse was wagered on this fight, and more than one was lost with the Dove Knight's defeat.

As the noise washes over them, the golden helm is raised and Perilake smiles down. He steps back, proferring a hand. "A fair battle my friend. I am sorry to have clipped the wings of the Dove Knight, but honoured to have the glory of doing so."

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris, still dazed by the mace's blow, catches Perilake's hand and let himself be hoisted up. Still much unsteady on his feet, he catches his breath and smiles in return. "Honour's all mine, dear friend" he manages to say in a whisper, "honour's all mine." And he leans on the Gilded Knight's arm, as his friend helps him out of the field.

Referee

The next two bouts are over quickly: Sir Johann of Szalai dismounts Lady Katarzina at their first meeting as does Sir Vladislav with the Marshall of Szalai. All eyes are on the final joust of round 2: Lady Dagmar the Snare Knight and Marshall of Karpat vs Sir Anastaz the Salt Knight

Lady Dagmar enters the arena on a tattered steed, wearing a bruised and battered gambeson, a roped handaxe on her belt. She slowly approaches the stand and raises her lance in an almost lazy gesture lacking the respect one would normally show. Disapproving hisses are heard around the field.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Sir Anastaz rides in on his scaled mount. Where her disrespect is clear from her lazy gestures, he performs the usual rites rigidly, almost sarcastically. "Let the knight favored by fate win this bout, my dear Lady," he shouts

Referee

The crowd cheers loudly after your salute. "Pray to the Sun, it's not the better fighter who wins" she says over her shoulder while she rides back. Then as the shouts of "Salt Knight!" and "Anastaz, Anastaz!" die down, she yells: "For the glory of Karpat!", spurs her steed and gallops towards you, lowering her lance slowly!

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Dagmar's boasts and threats seem to Anastaz to conceal weakness and fear. He does not care for this Knight, and whispers in Tibor's ear, "Do your worst," and aims his lance at her heart. As before, in moments he has reached an incredible speed, tilting at the Snare Knight as he sees her lance suddenly fly up from his chest to his head. He rolls to the side to avoid the hit, making contact with his lance, but also sliding down Tibor's side and towards the ground, unbalanced from the quick maneuver. "Damn!" he mumbles, as he scrambles to his feet, though he breathes a sigh of relief when he looks across the field and sees his own strike has unseated the Lady as well

Anastaz and the Snare Knight brawling

Referee

Lady Dagmar raises her lance in the split second before the contact to strike at Anastaz head but misses. Anastaz' lance strikes true and she tumbles off her steed. She lands hard but gets up quickly and uncoils the rope that is attached to her axe in one motion starting to circle Anastaz. With her left she draws a dagger while footmen run onto the field and lead the horses from the arena

Suddenly she releases her roped axe that flies in a strange curve towards Anastaz threatening to ensnare his legs, while she rushes towards him trying to find a vulnerable spot for her dagger.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz swings his spiked mace as she approaches, but the nimble Snare Knight ducks out of the way and continues her advance. He evades a flurry of devastating swipes with her dagger but falls to the ground, and she is upon him. She thrusts down her dagger, missing Anastaz's eye by a hair, and sticking her knife into the mud. Now, with the Snare Knight finally helpless for a brief moment, the dagger in Anastaz's left hand claims its due as he cuts along her side.

Referee

Blood gushes out of the wound and she withdraws holding her side. She breathes heavily but looks at you with newfound respect: "Maybe fate has favoured you today, Salt Knight, and the better Knight lost ... but you fought well!" She extends her other hand to help you up.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

He accepts, his breath ragged and heavy, trembling from his brush with half-blindness. "I was wrong about you, Snare Knight... You are a worthy opponent."

Referee

The Snare Knight bows and leaves the tiltyard. The applause from the stands is wild and there are cheers for the Salt Knight. Then the trumpets sound again to indicate the end of round two and the long break before the tournament is resumed in the afternoon

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz acknowledges the cheers with a nod, sighs, and leaves the arena in search of wine

The Tournament: First Interlude

Referee

The canvas of the tent flaps violently in the gusty wind as the Salt Knight enters the healer's marquee. It smells of strange herbs. When your eyes adjust to the dim light, Sir Anastaz, you see between two healers standing over him the Free Knight broken and bloodied on a cot, while Sir Vladislav pushes away a servant with spiced tea and demands with a deep melodic voice: “Not these leaves, you fool! More wine!” In the back lies Sir Ludmer his naked torso bandaged. As you approach his eyes flutter and he regains consciousness

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz stands over Ludmer, the candlelight illuminating the pallor of his face. "I... hope you are not in too much pain."

Ludmer the Trail Knight

Ludmer looks up, squinting his eyes. He furrows his brows as if he has trouble understanding Sir Anastaz' words. Finally, he gives a crooked smile: "I feel like somebody impaled me with a lance. Not too bad, all things considered. I'm just glad that I lost to one of us. It seems like I've got one in too. Please do not hold it against me."

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz's hand goes to his jaw. "Yes, you broke my jaw, you bastard." A wry smile breaks across his face, and then is gone a second later. "I'll consider us even, and leave you to rest." And he disappears back outside.

Referee

As Sir Heldris approaches the tent, he hears music from Lady Hedwig's pavilion, drums and flutes. Through the open entrance you smell sweet incense.

Heldris the Dove Knight

Apprehensively, Heldris steps into the tent, "Lady Hedwig, may I... I don't mean to be disrespectful, I was wondering how were you holding up after your fall"

Referee

The Tankard Knight lying on a divan looks up almost apologetically. She claps her hands ushering the musicians to leave. She offers you wine and figs and roasted nuts. “I beg you to forgive my strange behaviour before. Tonda says it has to do with the humors – black bile I think? In any case I'm fine now"

scientifically sound: Humorism

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris takes place on a seat on her side "Yes, I couldn't help but be tormented by the thought that you might have been unwell before our bout…" Heldris stutters "Tonda seemed to be much worried about you. Black bile you say?" Heldris accepts the food and wine gratefully

Referee

"...or it may be yellow bile, I'm terrible with these matters." She laughs."But tell me my dapper knight, I heard so much of your heroics. Killing a terrible beast I hear. Meeting the Lord of Szalai. What do you think of him?" You feel strange - not in a bad way - but as if you can trust her fully

Heldris the Dove Knight

"Sir Adalbert" a faint sneer on Heldris' face, "we didn't get a good impression from him, nor from his courtiers for that matter" the Dove Knight takes a thoughtful sip from his wine "he tried to lure us into fight this border dispute for him, but after meeting Tonda on the road and hearing such wise and detached words from a healer, I grew curious of the house of Karpat," Heldris sighs "but yes, a curse befell us, and we had to leave politics aside."

"But no my lady, you're not looking at a slayer of beasts" Heldris holds the wolf pendant in his hand "Twas Sir Ludmer, the Trail Knight, that we all have to thank" the Dove Knight regains his smile at the thought of his friend

Referee

"Ah yes, this vicious tyrant and his needless aggressions ... But you are too humble my sweet Dove Knight, your tale has reached every holding even as far as my beloved Karpat Fortress. You should visit us, maybe stay for the winter? But tell me, have you seen anything strange at Szalai Keep?"

Heldris the Dove Knight

“It will be a great pleasure to visit the Karpat Fortress, my Lady.” The Dove Knight lowers his cup. “But your inquiry makes me think that you're already aware of what I’ve seen. We came upon Szalai Keep the day after the Feast of the Sun, the whole place was in a despicable state. We were ushered into the throne room were the Lord was already (or still) drinking his sweet wine, and I noticed strange banners hanging from the walls: a beehive and a sickle. Never seen the like of it before.”

The Beekeepers

Referee

For a brief second she looks utterly perplexed then smiles broadly and says almost to herself: "The Feast of the Sun you say ... old loyalties renewed..." She stands up and declares with a wide welcoming gesture: "In the name of her Highness, Lady Lamberta of Karpat, I formally invite you to spend the winter months on the mountain fortress. You will be given a seat at court and as much mead and meat as you desire. But for now, please don't let me disturb your preparations: I have already occupied too much of your time." She winks, "You have a duel to win after all."

Heldris the Dove Knight

The mention of the fight due takes all cheerfulness away from Heldris’ face. He excuses himself, thanks his host, and leave to prepare for the next round of the tournament

Referee

Sir Anastaz, as you leave the healers tent you see the back of two knights at the rope watching servants with wheelbarrows applying more straw to the muddy field. You recognize Lady Dagmar from the strange snare at her belt. She surreptitiously hands something over to the other knight, who palms it, puts it in her pouch and leaves. The unknown knight has a great blade at her side sitting in an ornate scabbard that shows three plinths. She takes no notice of you as she leaves and you see no crest. Lady Dagmar sighs as she turns around but when she sees you she tries to compose herself: "Salt Knight, your luck has run out", she says in a smooth voice.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

"Have you spoken with a Seer lately, to know such secrets of fate?

Referee

"I've watched you fight, that's enough to know the outcome of our joust"

Anastaz the Salt Knight

"Indeed? Well I suppose I'll discover the outcome for myself, dear mistress of prophecy." Anastaz takes his leave, trying to spot where the unknown knight has gotten off to.

Referee

The unknown knight moves across the field her boots sinking into the mud. On the other side she takes her seat on the stand next to Gunter of Kranach who had been beaten in the most thrilling bout of last round by the king's brother. Gunter has a black eye, bruised face and his right arm bandaged.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz attempts to sidle up next to the unknown knight and perhaps even take a seat near her to eavesdrop.

Referee

There are several empty seats near them. Both are talking in low voices, if you lean in you can make out what they say.

Gunter: “I don't know what you have on her, Iron Knight, but it seems to bother her and makes you rather happy.”

Iron Knight hissing: “I don't know what you are talking about, also keep your voice down.” 

Gunter: ”There were rumours that during the war …"

Iron Knight: "Quiet!" She abruptly turns around and musters you with cold eyes:"You, Salt Knight, you are part of the black dogs aren't you? Keep your snout out of my matters, or you will regret it!"

Anastaz the Salt Knight

"Taking bets for Lady Dagmar, are we? Or do you have some other surreptitious business with her, Iron Knight?"

Referee

She gets up and instinctively puts her hand on the pummel of her blade :"Are you accusing me of cheating? Do you know who I am?"

Anastaz

"I know only that you have dealings with Lady Dagmar that you seem to wish kept in the dark."

Referee

While the first words were spoken loudly, she now looks around and hisses: "I don't know what you are talking about. Either speak your mind and we settle things at dawn or you keep your muzzle shut!"

Anastaz

"I would not besmirch my own honor by making false accusations, and I hope you have not besmirched yours by telling lies. Good day to you." The Salt Knight exits the stands

Referee

There are some looks from other nobles both at you and the Iron Knight and courtiers begin to whisper to each other. The Iron Knight looks around uncomfortably and leaves in the other direction.

The Tournament: Round 1

ROUND 1

Referee

Suddenly knights and squires rush towards the rope while three guards approach the grand stand and raise their horns. Expectant silence falls over the field. Only the neighing and snorting of the horses is heard over the gusty wind. On the throne King Andrasz lazily motions the guards to proceed. The horns are blown and a knight enters the tiltyard. He wears no armour and no helmet to hide his long fair hair. His tunic is embroidered with pearls and silver threads. His left arm holds a hexagonal shield that shows a crest you haven't seen before: A double headed eagle holding an apple. He waits on the other side of the field for Sir Perilake to enter.

Perilake the Gilded Knight

A majestic black horse canters to the opposite side of the tiltyard, carrying Ser Perilake. Resplendent in his shining armour, the Gilded Knight salutes his opponent before lowering his helm and bringing his lance to position. "Courage old friend" he whispers to his steed "This will be but brief, and we have faced worse together." When the charge begins, Perilake spurs Blacwyn on to greater speed, hoping to smite his rival into the dirt and avoid getting his armour dirty with a foot battle.

Referee

The Free Knight spurs his steed yells "Liberty!" in a surprisingly high voice and gallops towards you aiming - as predicted by Sir Ludmer - at your shoulder. But immediately before you both meet he seems to hesitate for a heartbeat and ducks under his shield vaguely pointing his lance in your direction instead.

Sir Gieselfried's aim is too high and his lance glances of your shoulder plate. Your lance strikes true though and pierces his side. The Free Knight tumbles off his horse and lies bleeding in the mud.

There is a hushed murmur in the crowd while servants run towards Gieselfried to pick him up. But when the King starts clapping, first the courtiers and then the other spectators chime in for a thunderous if slightly forced applause.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

The faintest hint of a smile creeps across Anastaz's face as he watches from afar.

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Perilake wheels his steed around, and salutes the king and the audience. He raises his helm and smiles at the applause, basking in his early victory. But the smile falters as his gaze falls across the slumped form of his opponent, a low moan barely audible beneath the cheering. Handing the splintered lance to a footman, he brings Blacwyn alongside and climbs down from the saddle.

"Get this man to the healers" he barks at the footmen. "He will need a stretcher and clean water. And bring him wine!" Briefly, the light of the gilded knight is dimmed by concern, by the dark red soaking the tabard of Gieselfried, dripping between the silver pearls. But with the man removed from his sight, the dark thoughts are quickly banished to the horizon, replaced by the well wishes of the court (and perhaps, the smiles of certain fair maidens). For surely the knight of liberty will recover, and be the stronger for it. Surely ...

Before taking his place in the stands, Perilake seeks out Heldris. "I look forward to our bout, my friend." His good cheer flickers for a second. "Please do keep your shield up."

Sir Anastaz dismounts the Trail Knight

Referee

The horns sound again and the next bout is announced. The wind drives shadows of dark clouds over the tiltyard. Heldris, you spot Lady Hedwig on the other side of the field with Tonda on her side. They seem to be in a disagreement that the Knight cuts short by having her steed rear up. Tonda throws her arms up in disgust while the Tankard Knight rides towards the grand stand in a trot. She seems to sway slightly in the saddle.

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris starts at Perilake’s voice, but he quickly recovers his composure. “Impressive lunge my friend," he smiles, then he gulps nervously “I look forward to our bout too.” Heldris looks at the pendant that Perilake has left in his hand. An eerie memory of his late curse creeping into his mind. “Well,” he whispers, “if anything beastly still lingers in me, I shall need it today…” and he proudly dons the pendant.

His gaze flies to the Tankard Knight and he wonders about her odd behaviour. He starts walking towards, but a gust of wind seems to steer him back on the right procedure. He walks his horse in front of the king and his retinue, then bows graciously letting his flowery tunic touch the floor

Referee

Lady Hedwig looks straight ahead, you see an ugly jagged scar on the side of her neck. Her warhorse prances nervously trying to snap at you but she keeps the reigns tight. " Ah dear Dove Knight, such grace when bowing, such innocence ... Do you feel the excitement of the crowd, the lust for blood?" She turns towards you, mustering you sombrely. She looks paler than before. "Well, I do! We should give them what they want!"

Heldris the Dove Knight

“My Lady, I hope Tonda wasn't the bearer of ill news, just before. Yes, I do hear the excitement of the crowd, the eyes of the court upon us. But it is a game we play for them, let our oaths not be clouded by it. May the best knight win!” Heldris gently strokes his horse’s head, as to reassure it “just a game, my little dove…”

Referee

The Tankard Knight adjusts her round shield with the crest of Crown and Flame and shakes her head. She turns her charger and and rides back to her side of the field. Over the wind you can barely make out her last words. "That is where you are wrong my, sweet Knight. Life is just a game and I'm ready to wager mine." Then she spurs her steed, raises lance and shield and yells: "DEATH!"

Heldris the Dove Knight

The Dove Knight sets his lance in position, and as a last gust of wind hits his back, his winged scale armour spreads in a show of sparkling glory, making him blush (or smile?) under his helmet. And he charges forward!

Referee

You meet in the middle, the Tankard Knight raises her lance, clearly aiming for your heart, readying her shield to bash you off the horse. But her lance is unsteady and doesn't land.

Heldris the Dove Knight

As the Dove Knight catches the sudden movement of Lady Hedwig's left arm, he almost stands on his horse's stirrups to thrusts his lance forwards to hit her shield, throwing the Tankard Knight, who was expecting a blow to the chest, off balance.

Referee

She raises herself up in her saddle about to use her shield to hack at you when your lance catches her shield and thrusts her off the steed. She crushes onto the ground all air leaving her lungs. She looks down at her body and blinks in astonishment that she is still alive, your lance hitting her shield instead of her. She looks up at you her eyes clear again and without sorrow and says: "What are doing, you fool, help me get up!"

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris dismounts quickly and lends her a hand, the shadow of a smirk under his helmet. “Just a game, Lady Hedwig…” he helps her up.

Referee

She seems completely changed: unlike the sombre angel of death she had been just moments ago she smiles and invites you to her pavilion after round one is finished.

Just two NPCs having the most thrilling bout in Round 1

Referee

The next two jousts are quickly over. Lady Katarzina and Sir Johann expertly dismounting their respective opponents.

In the most anticipated bout between Vladislav, the king's brother, and Sir Benedikt, the Sheriff of Szalai Keep, the two riders pass each other twice, hitting and dodging until in the third meeting they both dismount each other. They continue fighting on foot Vladislav with his spiked hammer, Benedikt with a crook-blade, both land terrible strikes but Vladislav is the last man standing although with a deep wound in his side.

In the next two bouts Sir Johann beats Lady Wahntraud and Lady Dagmar makes short work with Lady Gundhold. There is a little bit of time before the last joust between Sir Ludmer and Sir Anastaz.  

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz takes his time saddling his scaled steed, Tibor. He does it somberly but with devotion, patting and stroking the creature's ridged hide.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

Ludmer brushes Věrný's coat, taking solace from the serenity of his trusty steed "I apologize for putting you through this, little one. You deserve better than that. That clamor must be so intimidating for you. It is all so senseless too. I wonder how you can bear all that with such inner peace". Věrný snorts, shakes her head and lazily swats a fly with her tail "You're right. We are supposed to be knights." Ludmer chuckles "At least I'm supposed to be one. You are already as noble a steed as I could ever want. Let's go and try not to die out there."

He saddles Věrný, puts on his gambeson, fastens his beak hammer at the saddle and takes the lance " I am a knight. I am Sir Ludmer Šedý, only son of Drahoslav Šedý. My duty calls me to do my best and by the Seers, I will" He rides into the arena.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz canters out to the center of the field astride his horse. He gives a curt nod to the assembled nobles before looking across at Ludmer. "Fight well, Trail Knight!" he yells, before returning to his side of the field

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"Best of luck to you, Sir Anastaz".

Referee

As the two knights of the black fleece - bound by oath and fate - return to their starting position the sky opens up and the tiltyard is bathed in the golden light of autumn.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"Alright, girl", Ludmer thinks. "We will attack. Like lions. If we strike first, we won't get hurt. But I'm sure Anastaz will have the same idea. Maybe we should be more cautious". Before Ludmer has made a decision, the trumpets blow and Věrný is gallopping towards Anastaz. In a split second, Ludmer decides to stay safe and concentrate on dodging Anastaz' attack. His own lance glances off Anastaz' armor, barely making a scratch, but at least he's still alive..

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz wonders how best to proceed, hoping not to hurt Ludmer too badly, but also not wanting to disgrace himself or insult Ludmer by taking it easy on him. He resolves to aim firmly at Ludmer's left breast: a solid strike if it hits, but perhaps Ludmer will have time to evade it. In seconds, however, Tibor has accelerated to a breakneck speed, the wind cutting at Anastaz's face. But the lance does not connect, and Anastaz witnesses Ludmer lunging out of its path just in time to avoid the blow. Anastaz hardly notices Ludmer's lance drag along the Salt Knight's coraline mail. As he reaches the other end of the arena, he lets out a laugh. The boy is learning. He rears around, preparing for the next tilt.

Anastaz tries to calm Tibor before the next tilt, but the beast huffs and drags its hooves through the ground, seemingly enraged at Ludmer or his serene steed. Anastaz tries to take aim at Ludmer's left breast again but the furious pace makes it difficult to stay steady. Before he knows it, he hears the crunch of bones as his lance crashes into Ludmer's collarbone. For a couple of seconds, Anastaz sees Ludmer held aloft on the tip of his lance, before he slips off and plummets to the ground. Mortified, Anastaz brings Tibor to a grinding halt before dismounting and running over to Ludmer. Only as he kneels down before his friend does the Salt Knight register the burning pain from where Ludmer's own lance broke his jaw.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

Winded and tired, Ludmer turns around. "Anastaz doesn't look tired in the slightest", he thinks. "No way through it but through it, I guess", he thinks as he rides on, training the lance straight at Sir Anastaz' right shoulder. As the lance connects, Ludmer feels a sensation of pride and elation. His Father would have been proud of him. As he passes Sir Anastaz, he feels the Salt Knight's blood on his face, salty on his lips. He sees a tooth flying through his field of vision. It is only after Sir Anastaz has passed by him that he notices that Věrný's hoofbeat has stopped and that she has turned around, after having ridden on without him for a few meters. Before the pain sets in and the world goes black, he sees the nostrils of his trusty steed, noble as ever, and the worried face of his friend and erstwhile opponent Anastaz, growing dim, replaced by pain and burning shame.

Referee

Another murmur from the stands for the ferocity of the bout. Servants run onto the field now turned red by autumn sun and blood. They carry the unconscious Sir Ludmer away. Tonda tends to Sir Anastaz broken jaw while the stands slowly empty out.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

Anastaz spits out another tooth. "Why couldn't it have been Perilake?" he mutters, as Tonda continues her ministrations

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Perilake turns to Heldris. "Damn the fates, looks like I bet on the wrong knight! I was sure Ludmer would be the victor. A brave performance from both though" he looks Heldris up and down. "I suppose only one question remains over this tourney. Is it you or I who will face Anastaz at the end?

Heldris the Dove Knight

Heldris nods pensively. “Indeed, there is always more to the Salt Knight than meets the eye, but they both have honoured their title and their friendship.” A warm smile draws upon his face, “let's follow their example then, I know you wouldn’t want me to hold back, and neither do I."

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Perilake returns the smile, then stares over the field to the surgeon's tent where both Ludmer and the unlucky knight of liberty were taken. Perhaps for the first time, he considers the strange concept of 'holding back'.

The Tournament: Prologue

Morning of the 1st Rainsday of Bales: An impromptu tiltyard in the bog outside Barow Castle

Referee

The smell of horses is in the air, the murmur of the crowd in anticipation of the first joust is barely audible over the gusts of wind. On the other side of the tiltyard is a wooden grand stand with the King and his Council, banners flap noisily in the wind. The pairings for round one have just been announced. You have a couple of minutes before the first fight.

Anastaz the Salt Knight

What little color is left in Anastaz's face drains when he sees he must fight Ludmer. He tries to spot Ludmer amid the throng of other knights preparing for their matches.

Referee

You spot Perilake already in armour standing beside his steed in full caparison and chanfron and Heldris emerging from the pavilion. In the bustle of knights and squires Ludmer is nowhere to be seen.

Heldris the Dove Knight

A sudden gust of wind hits Heldris as he emerges from the pavilion, throwing him off balance for a moment. "No rain on Rainsday, only this cursed wind...", he whispers, as he glances over to his friends. "Unlucky day, for some ..."

He makes his way towards his fellow knights as he scans the yard looking for the heraldry of Lady Hedwig, attempting to mask his feeling of wonder for the grandeur of the event, the shining armours, the murmuring crowd, the royal banners.

Referee

Lady Hedwigs banner - the Crown and Flame of house Karpat with her personal symbol, the tankard in one corner - flies proudly over a pavilion not far from you. The knight herself, a tall imposing figure in traditional uniform, is in talks with her squire. When she glances around, she catches your gaze and gives you a small almost imperceptible nod.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

Ludmer studies the listings "Huh... Sir Anastaz is my first opponent it seems. That sure takes the sting out of losing in the first round", he thinks, determined to not dishonor himself by throwing the match, but aware of his shortcomings and not particularly keen on participating in needless violence.

Referee

Around you a small crowd of squires and courtiers loudly discuss the pairings. Somebody tries to squeeze past you to get to the pavilions. There is a strong smell of sweat and horse on the person. You hear her hoarse voice call:” Has anyone seen Sir Anastaz? I have a message for the Salt Knight!”

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"You seem to have had a hard ride, good Lady", Ludmer says. Pointing at the tourney card he goes on "my name is Ludmer and I travel with Sir Anastaz. Let me lead you to our pavilion. If Sir Anastaz is not there presently, I am sure he will return before long". And he gestures her to follow.

Referee

Her patched up grey guard jacket reminds you of the colours the guards at Szalai Keep wore. Her eyes widen when you introduce yourself. ”I am not a lady your highness ... Jakub told me about you, Sir Ludmer, you are the Wolfslayer who cured his sickness" she says while following you to your tent. She curtsies in front of Sir Anastaz and hands him a bundle. Inside are 4 iron wolf pendants with black fur. "Jakub and Janka made these, they shall bring you luck in the tournament."

Heldris the Dove Knight

Taking her nod as a cue, Heldris steps towards Lady Hedwig's pavilion. He bows ever so slightly averting the knight's gaze.“It is an honour to joust with you my Lady,” he says, “I had the pleasure of meeting your house’s healer on the road to the Prey Seer, and if I shall judge your house’s bravery by the spirit of its courtiers, I stand no chance.” And he bows slightly again, this time looking her in the eye.

Referee

Lady Hedwig lowers her head slightly as if to meet your gaze on your level. She looks at you with prying eyes and smiles slightly. “Sir Heldris, good morrow and well met. Your humility, is it sweet or cunning? We will see. I'm looking forward to observe your manners when matters have been settled at the tilt.” She pauses for a second, frowns then smiles again: "Ah you've met Tonda how curious. She has a knack of ... knowing the right people."

Perilake the Gilded Knight

Ser Perilake moves his way through the bustle of the square, and clasps Ludmers shoulder in greeting. He reaches over and takes one of the pendants from the Szalai courier."A fine gift indeed! Luck is as vital as a sword or shield in these affairs. My thanks to you and your people." He turns and smiles at Ludmer"Of course, one of our number has already suffered the sting of ill fortune."Perilake shakes his head."Poor Anastaz, to face the trail knight in the first bout of the tourney! We had best ensure he receives his token for this to be a fair contest."Oblivious to Ludmer's estimation of his chances against their brother, the gilded knight dons his pendant.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"As you say, Sir Perilake", Ludmer says, trying to subtly rotate his shoulders in reaction to Perilake's friendly clasp, doing his best to not show his pain and discomfort."I shall do my very best. One word of advice, Sir Perilake. Your first opponent, Sir Gieselfried, tends to over aim to the top right, I've noticed watching his training jousts. If you take this into consideration, I am sure he will be no match for your prowess".

Anastaz the Salt Knight

"Tell Jakub and Janka they have my eternal thanks,"the Salt Knight says. He takes a pendant, stares at it for a moment, and looks at Ludmer before stowing it.

"Sir Ludmer, I wish you luck in the coming bout, though I'm sure you shall not need it." His expression betrays nothing.

Ludmer the Trail Knight

"As I do you, Sir Anastaz. I am sure fate will favor the more worthy knight".

The Tournament: Set up and Play-By-Post

In the last session we advanced the season to autumn. The players wanted their characters to reconvene at Barow Castle to celebrate the Feast of the Stars. As it is “a night of honours, unions and contests” I decided that Barow Castle would host a Grand Jousting Tournament and the players wanted their characters to take part in it. For scheduling reasons we decided to play the fourth session of the campaign as play-by-post (pbp). 

"I use Focus to dismount."

Play-By-Post

I set up a discord server with three channels: In-game, out-of character and the dice roller (dice maiden, which seems to be the most popular one on discord). We established some ground rules about posting frequency, etiquette and formatting: Post at least once a day or communicate in advance if on a given day you won't be able to. Allow other players to chime in before you post again, unless you are alone in a scene. Put what your character does in italics and “direct speech” between quotations. Out of character questions should preferably be handled in the ooc channel, although sometimes we would post them in the in-game channel to save time but we would put them between brackets or blacken them out through the spoiler formatting.

To prepare the tournament I made a list of 12 other knights with names, their houses and rolled on the Knights table for each of them to get unique types (there shouldn't be another Salt Knight or 2 different Iron Knights). I decided that half of them would be Knight Errants and the other half Gallant Knights (who roll their GD with 2d6). Gallant Knights would have a seat on the Council of a Holding, which allowed me to to impart setting information in a diegetic way. I then put all the names through an online random bracket generator and got the following pairings.

Oh-oh: pvp in the first round!

The Rules of the Joust

The knights are given a tournament lance (d10 long / hefty when mounted), they have armour and shields as established (if it is not on their character sheet they don't have it). They can take any other weapon from their possession into the fight if they wish to. Everyone has at least an additional dagger (d6).

The Knights ride towards each other trying to dismount the opponent. Whoever is dismounted loses. If both knights fall in the same meeting the fight continues on foot until first blood is drawn. Whoever harms their opponent first wins. If both are harmed at the same time the fight continues until one knight is incapacitated. It is deemed unchivalrous to kill or gravely wound the opponent ... but shit happens!

The price for this tournament (on top of the Glory of course) is a Longsword (2d8) and a Round Shield (d4, A1) with the crest of house Barow (a buck head and star).

They rolled 1 and 9: Betrayal (Family)

The Drama

Although the focus of the session was supposed to be the jousting I wanted the players to have enough opportunities to interact meaningful with the setting outside of combat. I didn't prep anything in advance but would roll on the drama table for the NPCs they chose to - or were (in the case of their jousting opponent ) forced to - engage with. I also wanted the drama to be relevant to the ongoing power struggle so I interpreted a lot of the results in the context of the war that had been taken place to topple the old king.

The text in the next couple of posts is taken verbatim from the in-game channel. There were a lot of questions and clarifications in the out-of-character channel that are omitted as are all the mechanical bits.

Session 3

A storm rages and the four knights hunched over their steeds are travelling over a desolate bog while lightning illuminates the dark mountains to the north.

SKYDAY, week 1 of the Month of Sprouts K3

We pledge to travel to the Prey Seer to seek a way to rid Heldris of his affliction. We travel through J4 and Ludmer takes us through the stairs, hoping to follow a path that may be related to the beast. Harsh thunder and rain beset us, dire weather spelling an ill omen. We travel onwards and make camp on the other side of the ford we crossed several days ago.

RAINSDAY week 2 of the Month of Sprouts. I4

We travel to south-east (hex HI5/6) and meet Janka, an elderly tanner, making a campfire. She says she cannot go back to Kozamost. She dreamt that the Prey Seer is an impostor, who has stolen the identity of the true seer. A grave accusation that saw her cast out of her village. We agree to investigate on the basis she accompanies us.

A mossy ravine

STILLDAY, The Prey Seer

We make camp and search for the seer in the morning. There is a fleeting morning mist over the heath. We find a fissure with smoke coming out of the ravine, with lichen growing over natural steps. Wildflowers have been laid across the floor as a sign of appreciation. Janka remains outside. This place is special but is the seer? She knows that Heldris hungers for revenge. The Seer seems to be what she says. We need to take a holy sacrament to the shadow of the arches, sacrifice the sacrament and your curse will be lifted. To the North of where we fought The Hound. The Eye is Coming. She screams. She claims Janka is afflicted by her unhappiness, fallen under the sway of the Eye. It will come for all of us.

The Prey Seer 

BETWEEN SEASONS

Perilake heads to Barow Castle to warn the Lord of the land about the threat to the seers, accompanied by Ludmer. Sheriff Margaret of Shalai hears us out. She has a warm aura. She is ambitious. She take us seriously and pledges to send messengers to the other holdings and warn them. She tells us of The Cured Seer who resides to the South East. The Entangled Seer on an island in the Ryba Lake to the South, near Kranach Castle.

Ludmer uncovers that tourneys between knights and the bets upon them were rigged with the collusion of a merchant, Zoltan. Lady Ida of the Masur family is old nobility and is entangled in this. Exposing this earns a favour with Sheriff Margaret.

Heldris makes his pilgrimage to fulfil his sacrament, retracing our steps. As he travels his curse takes greater hold, dark clouds. Colmán, his trusty mountain steed carries him, now he is more hound than man. Finally Heldris is leaning exhausted against a wall that is revealed to be part of an ancient majestic arch. He burns his sacrifice, feeling the great weight of vengeance rise from him with the smoke.

Anastaz finds a home for Janka with Jakub the smith at Szalai Keep.

We reunite at Barow Castle. There is a reliquary that is a bone of contention with the Lady of Kranach. Neither she or the lord knows where it is. After the tournament, King Andrasz says that anyone who brings it would earn his favour. The Reliquary of the Needle Seer, somewhere to the South.

Session 2

The morning sun sends thin rays of light on a copse on the edge of a great bog. Four Knights raise their weapons to swear an oath …

RIVERDAY, Week 1 of the Month of Sprouts

We agree to pursue the beast into hex J4 then seek out the Prey Seer. It is a threat to the realm. In the morning, the sun rises and we see the boggy landscape is covered in a harsh and dense mist. Heldris has regained his voice but his jaw has changed into a fearsome bite. We swear to stand by him as long as he wields this in the name of the Realm. We meet a gatherer from Lamberta’s realm [Tonda, healer and courtier] who talks of bandits and beasts. We also find the trail of the beast.

Tonda, a leech collector

As we make camp, the shadows draw near. A beast of darkness. We use Heldris' herbs to coat our weapons and sally forth against it. Heldris has lost his ability to speak again. Together we take it down, Heldris ripping its throat out with his teeth. It looks at Heldris as though betrayed. A howl from the East indicates more of these creatures roam the realm.

SILVERDAY, week 1 of the Month of Sprouts J3

To the North there lies mountain ranges. To the east (hex JK4) there are jagged rocks and forest. Hex J3 holds an old and gnarly forest. We move into J3, the NE, where the howls originated. Gnarly trees, clearings. The beast appears to have moved on… to the East. (Hex K3)

We settle for the night. But another beast attacks us lightning fast - luckily we are quick to react and smite it once more, Ludmer striking the final blow. More howls as a cold wind blows from the north. We rest.

KINSDAY, week 1 of the Month of Sprouts K3

The land rises into the hills into a strange set of oddly even plateaus. A dark pine forest on these tiered hills. Between trees, there is a mound of flesh scraps and bone. A greater beast stands and we charge it and together we bring it down, Ludmer beating it despite it shrugging off the others. In its dying breath, the sun shines and the winds break. Heldris approaches closer. “The revenge is yours brother” and it dies. Later, Ludmer bathes. Perilake carves a jagged tooth from the creature. Anastaz and Heldris discuss about whether the curse has now been lifted. Heldris doubts it. And he cannot speak at night still.

Session 1

Three knights travelling through a misty morning along a river, a grim faced fourth one on a scaled horse trailing behind.

What follows are notes from Ser Perilake's diary ...

STONEDAY Week 1 of the Month of Sprouts

The first day of Spring, cold. We follow the river. Anastaz holds the map. We travel all day, and make camp together despite Ludmer’s concerns.

The Ryba at dawn

WOODSDAY Week 1 of the Month of Sprouts

In the morning we arrive at the holding and are led to the castle by a slightly suspicious fellow [Jakub, the blacksmith]. There appears to have been some great revelry recently. The steward of the castle - Lady Lydia of Szalai - greets us; this is Lord Adalbert's holding. We are brought to the throne room full of banners. Some show a rearing red horse on a blue field - the coat of arms of house Szalai - but also large banners depicting a beehive and a sickle as if to honour an important guest. The party was the Feast of the Sun and there are still sleeping musicians lying on the floor. Sir Adalbert claims that there has been betrayal by the filthy Karpatians to the South who dispute his claim to the territory. The ruler of the Realm is King Andrasz. Lady Lamberta of Karpat is the enemy of Adalbert who - he claims - is encroaching on their territory: The disputed area is hex I5.. She holds lands to the east (hex K5). At Sceptremass the king would make a ruling but Adalbert wants resolution immediately. The Entombed Seer is nearby - in hills to the north-west (hex D3). The Prey Seer is to the south in a wild heath near a swamp (hex HI5). 

Adalbert apparently likes to ... party?

ARMSDAY, Week 1 of the Month of Sprouts

We meet villagers from Kozamost (or Goatbridge), to the South and West of here. They seek an old lady to the north and possibly east, a herb gatherer named Vera. We search for signs of where she is. There is a geyser to the east (H4/I4) of there that is erratic and odd. With the villagers we head to hex H4/I4 and find the brutally torn remains of Vera, lying in the open. Track of a single wolf, that sometimes walks on two legs. The villagers take the remains and we pursue the beast into hex I4. At night, Heldris finds a corpse of a deer, torn much like Vera. Heldris is consumed by an unnatural urge to paw and sniff the carcass of the deer; we are all aghast at the fell sorcery that has affected our companion. Perhaps we should seek the Prey Seer for guidance before continuing our hunt…

The Characters

For the online sessions I created a google sheet with a safety tab with lines and veils and the "romance matrix", where players can indicate if they are interested in romantic interactions with PCs, NPCs or not at all. Given that at later stage they might want to marry and have kids, it makes sense to clarify beforehand if they are interested in romantic complications. Maybe they fall in love with someone but have to marry into a loveless relationship? 

Unlike most online character sheets I've seen all the characters are on one tab, which I vastly prefer as it gives players and the referee a total picture of the company. Then a tab for the map, the excellent calendar by Tony Vasinda and a tab for NPC portraits. The map was placed within a grid of A – L horizontally and 1 – 12 vertically. These coordinates are sometimes referenced in the session reports. Here are the four player characters of session 1 - 3 and the play-by-post.

On the search for truth: Sir Ludmer

Sir Ludmer the Trail Knight: Not blessed with physical or mental qualities, but holds fast to the virtues of truth. Had to flee when he exposed a cruel lord who stole from his people to the detriment of the land.

Steed: Věrný - serene steed (VIG 10, CLA 13, SPI 5, 3GD)

Ability: Strands of Past: By studying the ground for a whole Phase you can ask a single yes or no question about what happened here in the past few days.

Property: Crow-beak axe (d8 hefty), beaten gambeson (A1), Sanguine Lens (traces of blood appear obvious when viewed through this)

Personal Code: Value: Truth. Forged by: Killing a Tyrant

Passion: Fear Restore SPI when refusing to go into the dark.

What a corker: Ser Perilake

Ser Perilake the Gilded Knight: A vision of knighthood in his glorious gold cloaked armour. When his teacher drowned he could have helped but was tempted to go for the armour instead. It's what Cyrion would have wanted.

Steed: Blacwyn, majestic onyx charger (VIG 12, CLA 9, SPI 12, 4GD, d6 trample)

Ability: Martyr-in-Waiting. Use as a reaction to being Mortally Wounded. Allies fighting with you regain d6 GD and get +d12 against your attacker for the combat.

Property: Great mace (d10 long), gambeson (A1), gold cloaked plate (A1), gold-masked helm (A1, opponents who know the value of gold have their first ever Attack against you Impaired)

The Cost of the Armour: Where did the armour find you? The beach. What was left behind? A teacher, Cyrion.

Passion: Pride: Restore SPI when you take personal credit for a great victory.

Beneath the rough exterior ... Sir Anastaz

Anastaz the Salt Knight: Scowling and taciturn, but has a heart for the plight of the vassals.

Steed: Tibor, scaled steed (VIG 12, CLA 8, SPI 5, 3GD)

Ability: Inspire Ire: Activate at the end of your turn. Until the next turn, any enemies that Attack targets other than you lose d10 SPI after the Attack.

Property: Spined mace (d8 hefty), javelin (d6), coraline mail (A1)

Everflask (contains an endless supply of fresh water as long as its thirst is sated with each use)

Design: Mottled stone. Thirst: Music.

Passion: Mettle: Restore SPI when accepting a non-combat challenge with the odds set against you.

Still waters run deep: Sir Heldris

Heldris the Dove Knight: Calm and serene demeanour, floral tunic, prays to the Lady of the Lake.

Steed: Colmán - Mountain steed (VIG 14, CLA 5, SPI 5, 2GD, sure-footed on rocky ground)

Ability: Strike of Serenity: Make a melee Attack against a wounded target. Get +d8 to the Attack. If this defeats the target then all allies restore SPI.

Property: Stout blade (2d6 hefty), gambeson (A1), and winged scale

Winged Armour: Animals won't attack you unprovoked. Limitation: Only protects under daylight.

Passion: Vengeance Restore SPI when achieving a worthy revenge.

Well, the stage is set and the cast is ready. Time to raise the curtain and watch the drama unfold.