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Bard in need of songs/jokes/spells
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<blockquote data-quote="Maerdwyn" data-source="post: 379357" data-attributes="member: 835"><p><strong>Really long..Will trim out poem on request <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite3" alt=":(" title="Frown :(" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":(" /></strong></p><p></p><p>I second the "praise your group's exploits" suggestion. I wrote a "song" for my players after they succeeded where I thought (and planned that they would) fail. I took a translation of an old Welsh poem and reworked it to fit. It's long, but the players really responded, with a few of them writing out their own heroic boasts for their characters, etc. Here 'tis; feel free to skip if long pseudo-poetry isn't your thing <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> </p><p></p><p>Y Gryd ym Cenarth Rhyd (The Battle at Cenarth Ford)</p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">1</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Silver coated, golden-haired terror, a wolf's fury, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A tall man's height, then half again, he stood. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For cups of Pedryfan's mead he pressed the attack, drenched the land in blood. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Though men of Owain came, as Ysgyrran's son counseled, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Shields were broken to bits.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">2</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Men of Owain went to Dyffryn Clwyd at dawn,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Three scores of tens, Caled at the fore.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Said Ysgarran's son, but three hundred followed the Blue Sword banner.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The men of Owain would crush them, Ealdstan's host.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A feast for the crows they woud be. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">3</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Men of Owain went to Dyffryn Clwyd at dawn,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">There they met the foe. Boasts were well-given, then silence</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Arrow, ignoble weapon, fit for grouse or squab, fletched purple and white,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Pierced white-robed Cathbad, proved Ealdstan's heart black.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Noble druid, mourned by gods and men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">4</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Men and chariots surged, trees and boulders shook,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Owain sought vengeance, that Cathbad's soul might rest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The blasphemers took sweet-voiced Cian, and Aldyn, beloved of Lleu,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Even then, the Men of Owain surged toward the foe,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Still certain of their victory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">5</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled, brave and young, led the charge,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Knowing two Owain charged for every orc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But Ysgarran Y Fendigaid's son had counted but three hundreds of Ealdstan's eleven. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Owain spears met Ealdstan's, then the mist uleashed its horde.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Good men died by axe and arrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">6</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled, brave and young, led the retreat,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Knowing three hundred Owain were bound for grim Annwn,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">While the crows followed closely with the rest</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Reclaim Thuringia's spoils, avenge those lost to black tricks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Accept no blood payment: a druid is murdered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">7</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Across the Brestig, north toward Cenarth, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">An appeal to honor denied. But in Crombe, Owain has found</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The greatest of the Fendigaid; small gnomes may have great hearts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Crombe, a haven. Ervan, beloved of Nudd, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Saved many Owain lives.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Brigit, her dwarven heart a stone,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For Ealdstan had made her a widow. Her axe claimed twenty,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Before the retreat. A dozen such Owain widows and the orcs would surely flee.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ever was she vigilant, for Ealdstan the Wolf would not let slip</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The stag that he had bloodied.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">9</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A hilltop, the afternoon, a strong breeze,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A mist that should not have been. In it, Brigit found</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Seven who had been thought lost. Together the eight would turn</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ealdstan's victory to rust, his men would be</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Small bits for crows upon the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">10</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">From Faerie they came, in the hour of Owain's need</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">White-Robed Serenaedh, his flame glows bright, even in the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Cenydd, beloved of Gofannon, stalwart and unwelcoming herald of Thuringia.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Adela verch Tobben, who has given a wyvern its deathblow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Vog ap Hwyll, not a slave, but a rider of Alawons and Manticores.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Drenam ap Ceidio, weaver of spells that counter Thuringian tricks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Young heroes of Cunneda, in the hour of Owain's need</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">11</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">With them, the proud Elf, from far Armagh,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ty-No-Ray, his bow deadlier than any orc's,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And his fey-touched gnome - There has never been a nobler bondsman</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Than Elijah, son of lost Kerniw. All cheer, for in that hour,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers returned to Pedryfan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">12</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers had come to Crombe, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Three hundred Owain, with only Ervan to shoo the crows.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A hundred farmers from Crombe, unacquianted with sword or spear, but with heart</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Enough for Maerdwyn himself. Though overmatched,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers rallied them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">13</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers had come to Crombe,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Avars came soon after, more than three score, cruel axes all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Dogs, Ealdstan the Wolf called them; three score now dead, but there are more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Why were Avars here? Perhaps Fendigaids know</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">How Cunnedas and Owains might crush them!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">14</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers had come to Crombe,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And scattered the crows that circled the Owains, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But White-Robed Serenaedh, on eagle's wings, saw Ealdstan The Wolf </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Approaching the bloodied stag in Crombe,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">and the still-hungry crows returned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">15</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">All quit Crombe, but do not believe that they fled - </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">It only appeared so to Ealdstan. The Travellers would not flee;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They sought a place for battle, and found it there at Dubric's threshold.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Across Cenarth Ford, they waited,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">As the wolf appraoched.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">16 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">With a score of tens following the Blue Sword Banner he came,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">To claim the Men of Owain as his spoils.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Brigit Stoneheart and Drenam ap Ceidio parleyed with Ealdstan of the Blue Sword.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They offered gold, but there is no shame - </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">It was but a delay.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">17</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Told to submit, Brigit would not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">She earned her cup of mead that day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ealdstan envied the widow's honor, for he had none,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">May his sons be crippled and</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">His soul wander the land forever. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">18</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The two Travellers went to parley again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They gave more gold, but not submission, and received only insult.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Black-Hearted Ealdstan would trade all the Owain lives for three in white robes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">An outrage, but Drenam relayed the damand, and </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Brave Brigit remained as hostage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers did not give up Owain honor</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">In trade For Owain lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">It was but a delay.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">19</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For friendship had been promised by brave men, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Who would arrive quickly in golden chariots</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And whose swords would carve through the Blue Sword Banner.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They would have come, but they were slaughtered</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">By men of Fendigaid</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">More Owains might have been been saved.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">20</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Of three hundred Owain, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But three score could hold a spear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The farmers of Crombe had never before lifted sharp javelins,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And the Travellers were ill-prepared for war.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Many would have fled.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">21</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But the Men of Owain would retreat no more.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled, brave and young, gave them cheer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They would avenge White-Robed Cathbad, and reclaim Thuringia's spoils.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The farmer of Crombe, too, gave a great cry, and</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The orcs could be seen to shake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">22</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ealdstan, Scourge of Avarum, Destroyer of Giants,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Slayer of the Dragon of Fingard Peak, war-Chief of the Blue Sword, met</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled, Friend of the Blaidd-Dynion, Hero of thhe Battle of Twnnyn,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Son of Brochmael ap Rhayad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Boasts were well-given.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">23</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Those who followed the Blue Sword Banner</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Bravely fired their bows from across the river, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">but fear entered their eyes, as Brigit, surrounded, hefted her bright axe. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Afon Cenarth ran red with the blood </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Of her foes that day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">24</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The battle joined, many Owains fell</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">to a rain of ignoble arrows, but</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The farmers of Crombe claimed many lives with their sharp javelins</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">They earned their right to drink mead</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">and shall be called warriors always.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">25</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Vog ap Hwyll, his courage audacious,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">his sword full of challenges that drew no replies,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Crossed the ford first, knee deep, first in water, then in blood</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">How many Thuringian wives were made widows </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">by Vog that day?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">26</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled, Brave and Young, and Adela verch Tobben</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Their sword flashing, were next across the ford.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">May Owain and Cunneda always face common foes together thus.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">He struck down Mynta, Breaker of Skulls, and</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Sceafa, the Unyielding, yielded to her sword.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">27 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Then from the gloaming, a burst of flame.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Who are these foes, that would destroy the wagons of the wounded,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">That would deliver cruelly unto Annwn Ervan, life-loving, bitter in battle, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">blessed servant of Nudd of the Silver Arm?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">May they fester under clods of earth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">28</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Travellers were quick to revenge him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">White-Robed Serenaedh grimly offended, marked the blasphemer</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And sent his own ball of flame to torment the black wizard,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">While Cenydd, Beloved of Gofannon ascended to the sky and decended with his hammer,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Upon the unfortunate wizard.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">29</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Drenam ap Ceidio, used tricks, 'tis true.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But not black like Thuringia's, for his spells</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Did nothing except force Ealdstan to fight as if he had honor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Great nets trapped the bowmen, kept their arrows in quivers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Ealdstan, stiff with fear, his advantage slipping.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">30</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">As each of Ealdstan's tricks were countered,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Another was revealed. Dark whisperer in the tree,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">He spoke soothing words to Vog ap Hwyll, awoke in him memories of his brutish past.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For a moment, his world was reversed, and his sword found Caled's bare chest, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Spilled his comrade's lifeblood.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">31</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But Vog ap Hwyll is Cunneda now,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">No longer a brute from across the sea, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A brute's spell could not cloud his vision for long.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">He could not help his fallen comrade, and so</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Turned his thoughts to vengeance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">32</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Do not believe that Ealdstan profited </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">by his priest's black trick,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For Cenydd, Beloved of Gofannon, had seen Caled fall,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And flew to him, with words and draughts of healing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Caled rose from the ground and both he and Cenydd</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">slayed many more that night.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">33</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Nor must you believe the dark whisperer escaped,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For Serenaedh marked him, and the bows</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Of Ty-No-Ray, the elf, and Elijah of Kerniw brought him from the tree.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But they did not kill him - even to avenge murders in kind,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Men of honor would not kill a priest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">34</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Dust of the Fey gave Vog flight, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">He snatched Ealdstan from the ground.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">High over Afon Cenarth they rose, until Vog drew his dark knife</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And gave Ealdstan, master of archers, murderer of druids, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The death he deserved.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">35</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Dark blood rained from the sky,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The grim visage of their leader's head raised aloft,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Giving the proof to the taunts Vog threw in his old tongue,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The first of those following the Blue Sword Banner</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Took to flight, heedless of their comrades.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">36</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Three score spearmen crossed the ford, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Dealing cruel vengeance for brothers lost</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">On the shore of Afon Brestig to Ealdstan's black tricks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Owains would turn the Thuringian laughter </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">To screams of terror and humiliation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">37</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Yet the Blue Sword of Ealdstan had been sheathed,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The banner yet flew. His captains were capable -</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Had they lived, the battle still might have gone badly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But the Travellers were more than their match.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Long may they live.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">38</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Beohha The Dark, Ricel The Protector,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Graeme The Famed, Dogod Thunorsson, Badanoth the Cruel,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Osred the Pug-Nosed, all died that night under the rising moon</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">At the hands of the Travellers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Yet still, two captains remained.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">39</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Stalwart gnomes of Crombe: warriors, true, but farmers most,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Still, five of their number crossed the ford, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">girded swords and lifted shield for battle, and killed Domneva the Strong.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Conoc, Ingonger, Gennys, Massen, and Ythel, These are names to be praised, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">May their marriages be fruitful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">40</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Those who have honor pay their debts,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Even in the face of hardship. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Thus did Ceredigion repay Thuringia for Cathbad's death,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And thus did Gryffudd ap Nudd, lord in the land of the Faerie,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Seek out Adela verch Tobben.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">41</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">In far off Faerie, the Travellers,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Had done him service, for which they had not been rewarded.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The noble ruler's honor could not allow the injustice to stand,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And sent his trusted servants, a faerie host,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">To give his well-earned thanks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">42</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The Fey approached, and allowed no orc </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">to interfere with their mission. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Many who tried fell to their enchantments, snoring amidst the battle,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">And at last, but one impediment remained.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Leofyrd The Grim, slayer of dozens.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">43</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">A song went up among the Fey</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">For all the orcs to hear. It told of the ruin </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">That had befallen the Travellers' foes, when they had gone to Faerie.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The song was pleasing to the ear, and Leofyrd the Grim,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Could not help but dance. His body has now fallen,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But his black spirit dances still.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">44</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">At last, The Fey reached Adela,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">All heard Gryffudd's thanks, of his invitations, and his gifts.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The panic under the Blue Sword banner was great,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Their lines were quick to break. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Shields were battered to bits.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">45</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">The fourteenth day of Mehefin,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Shall always be bitter in the minds of Owain,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">But let them, and all Pedryfan, find joy in remembrance of the battle that followed,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">When Owain and Cunneda, Human and Elf and Dwarf and Gnome and Fey,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">Turned Thuringia's spoils to dust, and their laughter to shrieks</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 9px">In the Battle at Cenarth Ford.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Maerdwyn, post: 379357, member: 835"] [b]Really long..Will trim out poem on request :([/b] I second the "praise your group's exploits" suggestion. I wrote a "song" for my players after they succeeded where I thought (and planned that they would) fail. I took a translation of an old Welsh poem and reworked it to fit. It's long, but the players really responded, with a few of them writing out their own heroic boasts for their characters, etc. Here 'tis; feel free to skip if long pseudo-poetry isn't your thing ;) Y Gryd ym Cenarth Rhyd (The Battle at Cenarth Ford) [SIZE=1] 1 Silver coated, golden-haired terror, a wolf's fury, A tall man's height, then half again, he stood. For cups of Pedryfan's mead he pressed the attack, drenched the land in blood. Though men of Owain came, as Ysgyrran's son counseled, Shields were broken to bits. 2 Men of Owain went to Dyffryn Clwyd at dawn, Three scores of tens, Caled at the fore. Said Ysgarran's son, but three hundred followed the Blue Sword banner. The men of Owain would crush them, Ealdstan's host. A feast for the crows they woud be. 3 Men of Owain went to Dyffryn Clwyd at dawn, There they met the foe. Boasts were well-given, then silence Arrow, ignoble weapon, fit for grouse or squab, fletched purple and white, Pierced white-robed Cathbad, proved Ealdstan's heart black. Noble druid, mourned by gods and men. 4 Men and chariots surged, trees and boulders shook, Owain sought vengeance, that Cathbad's soul might rest. The blasphemers took sweet-voiced Cian, and Aldyn, beloved of Lleu, Even then, the Men of Owain surged toward the foe, Still certain of their victory. 5 Caled, brave and young, led the charge, Knowing two Owain charged for every orc. But Ysgarran Y Fendigaid's son had counted but three hundreds of Ealdstan's eleven. Owain spears met Ealdstan's, then the mist uleashed its horde. Good men died by axe and arrow. 6 Caled, brave and young, led the retreat, Knowing three hundred Owain were bound for grim Annwn, While the crows followed closely with the rest Reclaim Thuringia's spoils, avenge those lost to black tricks. Accept no blood payment: a druid is murdered. 7 Across the Brestig, north toward Cenarth, An appeal to honor denied. But in Crombe, Owain has found The greatest of the Fendigaid; small gnomes may have great hearts. Crombe, a haven. Ervan, beloved of Nudd, Saved many Owain lives. 8 Brigit, her dwarven heart a stone, For Ealdstan had made her a widow. Her axe claimed twenty, Before the retreat. A dozen such Owain widows and the orcs would surely flee. Ever was she vigilant, for Ealdstan the Wolf would not let slip The stag that he had bloodied. 9 A hilltop, the afternoon, a strong breeze, A mist that should not have been. In it, Brigit found Seven who had been thought lost. Together the eight would turn Ealdstan's victory to rust, his men would be Small bits for crows upon the field. 10 From Faerie they came, in the hour of Owain's need White-Robed Serenaedh, his flame glows bright, even in the day. Cenydd, beloved of Gofannon, stalwart and unwelcoming herald of Thuringia. Adela verch Tobben, who has given a wyvern its deathblow. Vog ap Hwyll, not a slave, but a rider of Alawons and Manticores. Drenam ap Ceidio, weaver of spells that counter Thuringian tricks. Young heroes of Cunneda, in the hour of Owain's need 11 With them, the proud Elf, from far Armagh, Ty-No-Ray, his bow deadlier than any orc's, And his fey-touched gnome - There has never been a nobler bondsman Than Elijah, son of lost Kerniw. All cheer, for in that hour, The Travellers returned to Pedryfan. 12 The Travellers had come to Crombe, Three hundred Owain, with only Ervan to shoo the crows. A hundred farmers from Crombe, unacquianted with sword or spear, but with heart Enough for Maerdwyn himself. Though overmatched, The Travellers rallied them. 13 The Travellers had come to Crombe, The Avars came soon after, more than three score, cruel axes all. Dogs, Ealdstan the Wolf called them; three score now dead, but there are more. Why were Avars here? Perhaps Fendigaids know How Cunnedas and Owains might crush them! 14 The Travellers had come to Crombe, And scattered the crows that circled the Owains, But White-Robed Serenaedh, on eagle's wings, saw Ealdstan The Wolf Approaching the bloodied stag in Crombe, and the still-hungry crows returned. 15 All quit Crombe, but do not believe that they fled - It only appeared so to Ealdstan. The Travellers would not flee; They sought a place for battle, and found it there at Dubric's threshold. Across Cenarth Ford, they waited, As the wolf appraoched. 16 With a score of tens following the Blue Sword Banner he came, To claim the Men of Owain as his spoils. Brigit Stoneheart and Drenam ap Ceidio parleyed with Ealdstan of the Blue Sword. They offered gold, but there is no shame - It was but a delay. 17 Told to submit, Brigit would not. She earned her cup of mead that day. Ealdstan envied the widow's honor, for he had none, May his sons be crippled and His soul wander the land forever. 18 The two Travellers went to parley again. They gave more gold, but not submission, and received only insult. Black-Hearted Ealdstan would trade all the Owain lives for three in white robes. An outrage, but Drenam relayed the damand, and Brave Brigit remained as hostage. The Travellers did not give up Owain honor In trade For Owain lives. It was but a delay. 19 For friendship had been promised by brave men, Who would arrive quickly in golden chariots And whose swords would carve through the Blue Sword Banner. They would have come, but they were slaughtered By men of Fendigaid More Owains might have been been saved. 20 Of three hundred Owain, But three score could hold a spear. The farmers of Crombe had never before lifted sharp javelins, And the Travellers were ill-prepared for war. Many would have fled. 21 But the Men of Owain would retreat no more. Caled, brave and young, gave them cheer. They would avenge White-Robed Cathbad, and reclaim Thuringia's spoils. The farmer of Crombe, too, gave a great cry, and The orcs could be seen to shake. 22 Ealdstan, Scourge of Avarum, Destroyer of Giants, Slayer of the Dragon of Fingard Peak, war-Chief of the Blue Sword, met Caled, Friend of the Blaidd-Dynion, Hero of thhe Battle of Twnnyn, Son of Brochmael ap Rhayad. Boasts were well-given. 23 Those who followed the Blue Sword Banner Bravely fired their bows from across the river, but fear entered their eyes, as Brigit, surrounded, hefted her bright axe. Afon Cenarth ran red with the blood Of her foes that day. 24 The battle joined, many Owains fell to a rain of ignoble arrows, but The farmers of Crombe claimed many lives with their sharp javelins They earned their right to drink mead and shall be called warriors always. 25 Vog ap Hwyll, his courage audacious, his sword full of challenges that drew no replies, Crossed the ford first, knee deep, first in water, then in blood How many Thuringian wives were made widows by Vog that day? 26 Caled, Brave and Young, and Adela verch Tobben Their sword flashing, were next across the ford. May Owain and Cunneda always face common foes together thus. He struck down Mynta, Breaker of Skulls, and Sceafa, the Unyielding, yielded to her sword. 27 Then from the gloaming, a burst of flame. Who are these foes, that would destroy the wagons of the wounded, That would deliver cruelly unto Annwn Ervan, life-loving, bitter in battle, blessed servant of Nudd of the Silver Arm? May they fester under clods of earth. 28 The Travellers were quick to revenge him. White-Robed Serenaedh grimly offended, marked the blasphemer And sent his own ball of flame to torment the black wizard, While Cenydd, Beloved of Gofannon ascended to the sky and decended with his hammer, Upon the unfortunate wizard. 29 Drenam ap Ceidio, used tricks, 'tis true. But not black like Thuringia's, for his spells Did nothing except force Ealdstan to fight as if he had honor. Great nets trapped the bowmen, kept their arrows in quivers. Ealdstan, stiff with fear, his advantage slipping. 30 As each of Ealdstan's tricks were countered, Another was revealed. Dark whisperer in the tree, He spoke soothing words to Vog ap Hwyll, awoke in him memories of his brutish past. For a moment, his world was reversed, and his sword found Caled's bare chest, Spilled his comrade's lifeblood. 31 But Vog ap Hwyll is Cunneda now, No longer a brute from across the sea, A brute's spell could not cloud his vision for long. He could not help his fallen comrade, and so Turned his thoughts to vengeance. 32 Do not believe that Ealdstan profited by his priest's black trick, For Cenydd, Beloved of Gofannon, had seen Caled fall, And flew to him, with words and draughts of healing. Caled rose from the ground and both he and Cenydd slayed many more that night. 33 Nor must you believe the dark whisperer escaped, For Serenaedh marked him, and the bows Of Ty-No-Ray, the elf, and Elijah of Kerniw brought him from the tree. But they did not kill him - even to avenge murders in kind, Men of honor would not kill a priest. 34 Dust of the Fey gave Vog flight, He snatched Ealdstan from the ground. High over Afon Cenarth they rose, until Vog drew his dark knife And gave Ealdstan, master of archers, murderer of druids, The death he deserved. 35 Dark blood rained from the sky, The grim visage of their leader's head raised aloft, Giving the proof to the taunts Vog threw in his old tongue, The first of those following the Blue Sword Banner Took to flight, heedless of their comrades. 36 Three score spearmen crossed the ford, Dealing cruel vengeance for brothers lost On the shore of Afon Brestig to Ealdstan's black tricks. The Owains would turn the Thuringian laughter To screams of terror and humiliation. 37 Yet the Blue Sword of Ealdstan had been sheathed, The banner yet flew. His captains were capable - Had they lived, the battle still might have gone badly. But the Travellers were more than their match. Long may they live. 38 Beohha The Dark, Ricel The Protector, Graeme The Famed, Dogod Thunorsson, Badanoth the Cruel, Osred the Pug-Nosed, all died that night under the rising moon At the hands of the Travellers. Yet still, two captains remained. 39 Stalwart gnomes of Crombe: warriors, true, but farmers most, Still, five of their number crossed the ford, girded swords and lifted shield for battle, and killed Domneva the Strong. Conoc, Ingonger, Gennys, Massen, and Ythel, These are names to be praised, May their marriages be fruitful. 40 Those who have honor pay their debts, Even in the face of hardship. Thus did Ceredigion repay Thuringia for Cathbad's death, And thus did Gryffudd ap Nudd, lord in the land of the Faerie, Seek out Adela verch Tobben. 41 In far off Faerie, the Travellers, Had done him service, for which they had not been rewarded. The noble ruler's honor could not allow the injustice to stand, And sent his trusted servants, a faerie host, To give his well-earned thanks. 42 The Fey approached, and allowed no orc to interfere with their mission. Many who tried fell to their enchantments, snoring amidst the battle, And at last, but one impediment remained. Leofyrd The Grim, slayer of dozens. 43 A song went up among the Fey For all the orcs to hear. It told of the ruin That had befallen the Travellers' foes, when they had gone to Faerie. The song was pleasing to the ear, and Leofyrd the Grim, Could not help but dance. His body has now fallen, But his black spirit dances still. 44 At last, The Fey reached Adela, All heard Gryffudd's thanks, of his invitations, and his gifts. The panic under the Blue Sword banner was great, Their lines were quick to break. Shields were battered to bits. 45 The fourteenth day of Mehefin, Shall always be bitter in the minds of Owain, But let them, and all Pedryfan, find joy in remembrance of the battle that followed, When Owain and Cunneda, Human and Elf and Dwarf and Gnome and Fey, Turned Thuringia's spoils to dust, and their laughter to shrieks In the Battle at Cenarth Ford.[/SIZE] [/QUOTE]
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