Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Kendrik" data-source="post: 1225" data-attributes="member: 123">Well after a 2 week break in roleplaying (boy do I hate going cold turkey!) we had the latest session in our little game. Well as usual it was a pretty full on session, our DM just keeps coming up with great challenges and plot twists.Well here are the latest adventures of the Legendary Sir Kendrik and his equally legendary chums.Joshuaday 3rd Greening 1353The scene opened with everyone who is anyone in Greater Borderlund gathered in the great hall of Clyster Keep for a celebratory feast to make the end of the tourney. At the high table was Baron Aldred, his daughter Lady Sharra along side her, Lady Elanor and the Baron’s sons Sirs Almerac and Artor. Also at the high table were Baron Montombre’s son, the surly Sir Bron, Sir Trendel’s lady, Lady Allena, Sir Brand the winner of the grand melee, the winner of the archery, Callin Toper and the winner of the joust and sword and shield, Sir Kendrik. Most of other knights and ladies were seated in front of the Baron in rows of tables. The rest of our heroes were sitting together on one of the lower tables. Harpers were playing their instruments and adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the great hall. A seemingly endless array of food and drink was brought out for the guests to enjoy with each serving platter presented to the Baron for his approval. There was deer, pork, chicken, lamb and even goat for the hungry guests.The new and old tourney champions, Sir Kendrik and his mentor and friend Sir Brand were seated next to each other. The two knights were doing their best to hide the pain from their bruised and battered bodies, as it had only been 2 hours since the grand melee. Kendrik commented on what a great day it had been to which Sir Brand agreed adding that it would be day that would be long remembered by all. Little did Brand know how prophetic his statement was going to be. He slapped his young friend on the back and Sir Kendrik smiled through gritted teeth. They continued to eat their meals and chatted with their ladies, Lady Elanor, who looked beautiful with the gift that her beau had given to her and Lady Sharra, the Baron’s daughter and the love of Sir Brand’s life. Kendrik occasionally patted one of the Baron’s Penlysh Hounds throwing it bones as he finished. During his meal Sir Kendrik was keeping a wary eye on Sir Beorn but not wary enough as the treacherous knight disappeared for a while during the feast. When Kendrik noticed Sir Beorn’s absence he was concerned but couldn’t do anything about it. There were gasps and applause as the final dish was brought out to the Baron. It was a magnificent dessert made out of sugar and almond paste in the shape of two knights jousting at the moment their lances stuck the other knight. Each knight was painted in the livery and colours of the jousting finalists, Sir Kendrik and Sir Tristam. Many moans of pleasure came from the diners as they ate the tasty dessert. At this point the Baron pushed his plate away from him signifying the end of feasting part of the evening. Tables were moved and a big space was made in the middle of the great hall to allowing dancing. As the tables cleared Ladies Elanor and Sharra hopped up as one, their beloved knights rose to their feet also, and the Ladies grabbed their hands and led them to the dance floor. The two couples took up their places in the dancing circle with Sir Kendrik while holding Lady Elanor’s hand and bowed, dropping to one knee in front of her. Lady Elanor just smiled and giggled at her lumbering beau who must have appeared quite comical. Callin grabbed one of the chambermaids, Igraine to dance with and joined the others. The harpers picked up the pace of the music and the dancing commenced. The dancers weaved in and out and the men picked up their partners at times high in the air. Sir Kendrik feeling better as the night wore on was still a bit stiff in his movements while Callin was receiving many fine comments from the ladies he danced with. At around this time Br Arton noticed that Sir Beorn had returned to the great hall and appeared to nod to someone that Br Arton couldn’t locate.About 20 minutes into the dancing when Sir Kendrik and Lady Elanor had been re-united and dancing an intricate number, that involved holding both hands, alternating between facing each other and being back to back, with bows and lifts at the chorus. Sir Kendrik asked Lady Elanor, “My Lady it has been remiss of me not to had asked this before but what is your favourite dance?” To which she replied, “Well My Lord, that would be Arionrod’s Ride.”Kendrik then said, “An excellent choice My Lady, it is a song I enjoy and have danced to on many occasions”They continued dancing till they swapped to the next partner. Sir Kendrik continued to dance with a couple of other ladies before excusing himself and heading for where the harpers were playing. He spoke to Harper Pwyll and requested that the next dance would be his beloved’s favourite and after arranging that, he returned to the dancing with a smile on his face. Sir Kendrik arranged himself so that he would be paired up with Lady Elanor for the majority of the dance. After a short break, the harpers began playing the opening strains of ‘Arionrod’s Ride’ which certainly pleased Lady Elanor. This song/dance is an epic that describes the ride of Queen Arionrod who after the death of High King Vallendar, slain by his evil half brother, rode through the Misty Isles searching for knights loyal to the dead King in an effort to try and rebuild the Great Kingdom. All of a sudden Sir Bron hopped up from his seat at the high table and made sure he would be paired up with Lady Sharra. The dance was moving along nicely with Sir Kendrik and Lady Elanor dancing as if they were one, oblivious to those around them whenever they met. During the dance Sir Bron spoke to Lady Sharra and was being very forward, much to Lady Sharra’s disgust. Eventually Bron went too far and Lady Sharra stormed off out of the Great Hall toward the living quarters. Callin saw what happened and followed Lady Sharra, keeping from sight by hiding in shadows.Lady Elanor spied this altercation and excused herself from Sir Kendrik and chased after Lady Sharra. Sir Kendrik found this strange and broke away from the dance and followed Elanor out the great hall. He wondered why she would run away from her favourite song as he walked briskly, keeping his distance at first. Surely Elanor had something that was concerning her and he wanted to help her. As she started to climb the staircase towards the sleeping quarters Sir Kendrik called out to her and she stopped and walked back to Kendrik. Sir Kendrik asked her what was the matter and she told him that Lady Sharra had been upset and she was going to see what she could do to help her. Kendrik then offered to walk her back to the woman’s solar, as there were no guards stationed in the keep this evening. He feared she might come to harm but Elanor told Kendrik that it would be improper to escort her without a chaperone and told him to return to the great hall. Sir Kendrik was not happy to leave her alone but he agreed to do as she wished and returned to the feast. Little did Sir Kendrik know that his best friend Callin was discreetly keeping watch outside the Women’s Solar.Sir Kendrik quickly walked over to where his companions were chatting and informed them that something was amiss. Kendrik hinted without saying it that the others should go do what he couldn’t, make sure his beloved was safe. Unfortunately none of his friends picked up the hint. Sir Kendrik then headed over to Sir Brand who was talking to Sir Airun and Sir Declan. Kendrik interrupted and Sir Brand told Kendrik to grab an ale and join them in their discussion. Any other time he would have as the three knights present had bonded well with Sir Kendrik, however Sir Kendrik knew that he had to tell his mentor of what was happening with Sir Brand’s lady. Sir Kendrik told Sir Brand that Lady Sharra had left the feast and retired to the women’s solar apparently upset. Sir Brand obviously put two and two together and headed straight for the high table were Sir Bron had now returned to, Sir Kendrik striding behind Sir Brand in support. Sir Brand was about to confront the cunning Sir Bron when a scream came from upstairs.Everyone turned around and looked up to where the scream had come from. It was Lady Elanor, shaking, holding on tightly to the railing on the gallery. She then exclaimed “Lady Sharra has been kidnapped” as soon as she said that she collapsed backwards. Baron Aldred demanded Sir Kendrik find out what exactly was happening. Even before the Baron had laid down his orders Sir Kendrik already had instantly sprinted towards the stairs that lead to the part of the gallery that Lady Elanor was, Br Arton followed. Sir Kendrik feared that his beloved had been attacked and rushed to her aid. When he got there he dropped to his knees and cradled Elanor, she realised that it was Sir Kendrik and clutched close to his chest sobbing uncontrollably. Kendrik held her tenderly and brushed her hair and tried to console her. Kendrik asked Elanor did she see who kidnapped Lady Sharra. Elanor told Kendrik and Br Arton that it was a foul looking dwarf. Immediately Sir Kendrik asked if the dwarf had tattoos to which Lady Elanor said it did. Sir Kendrik instantly suspected that it was Deckard who had kidnapped Lady Sharra but how could he have escaped?Lady Elanor was completely distraught at what had happened and started to blame herself claiming that she had failed in her duties to Lady Elanor. Sir Kendrik tried to ease her pain and promised to Elanor that he and his friends would make sure they would bring Lady Sharra back safely to the Baron. She slowly started to settle but wouldn’t let go of Kendrik burying her face into his chest. Kendrik tried to get her to raise her head so he could look into her eyes to re-assure her more but she resisted clinging even tighter so Kendrik decided to not fight it and just held her.Meanwhile up at the solar Callin, Jon and Cain had stumbled across the mess that the Kidnapper had left behind. There were signs of a huge struggle with cushions scattered everywhere and furniture tipped over. Callin noticed that the heavy drapes near the window had been torn. Callin and Jon looked out the window and they noticed a small trail of blood leading down the wall. On closer inspection they found a broken nail. Clearly the dwarf had used the torn drape to scale down the wall. The three heroes left the solar and headed down to the inner bailey to look for tracks.At the gallery Sir Kendrik continued comforting his beloved as Br Arton asked some questions of Lady Elanor that she answered. Sir Kendrik, mindful of what the Baron had said, told Lady Elanor that he needed to leave her with Br Arton for one moment. Sir Kendrik then stood up, leaned over the balcony to yell that Lady Elanor needed some help and to be made safe. (I stuffed up here I meant to say she was in need of assistance). Instantly the ladies in the great hall started to run up to the gallery to lend assistance. As soon as Sir Kendrik had finished speaking he returned to comforting Lady Elanor. The ladies finally arrived led by the county gossip Lady Cassandra. Lady Cassandra firmly told Sir Kendrik that his services were no longer required so Kendrik quietly told Elanor that he promised to return soon with Lady Sharra, the whole time Lady Elanor never showing her face.Back down in the Great Hall Sir Brand had confronted Sir Bron, demanding where Bron had taken Lady Sharra. A scuffle broke out and Sir Bron brazenly demanded Baron Aldred reprimand his charge. Aldred bellowed to everyone to be quiet and told Sir Brand to leave the great hall. The Baron then told the guards and the guests that no one was to leave the keep or it’s grounds till he said so.Outside, in the inner bailey, Jon and the two rogues were tracking the steps of the Dwarf, it was hard going as the bailey was pretty churned up. Of Course Jon is an excellent tracker and skilfully followed the tracks to the wall of the keep. They had worked out that the Dwarf had climbed over the wall so the two rogues did the same. When they got to the top of the wall they found the body of a guard that had been patrolling the battlements.Sir Kendrik headed down to talk to Baron Aldred and informed the Baron of what Lady Elanor had told him, that Deckard the Dwarf had kidnapped Lady Sharra and that he had taken her out the solar window. The Baron was now quite worked up and told Kendrik to go and find out exactly what happened and then return to him. Sir Kendrik did as he was told and set about finding the rest of his party. He knew that Callin and Co had headed for the women’s solar so Kendrik decided to start there.Lady Elanor had been taken to the chapel by the ladies and was doted over however she was still shielding her face from view. Br Arton arrived at the chapel and spoke to Lady Cassandra who had the unpleasant news that Lady Elanor had blacked out during the kidnapping, thus bringing her dowry into jeopardy. She told Br Arton that an examination would be needed. Br Arton then turned to leave the chapel and nearly bumped into Sir Brand who was heading in. The paladin and the cleric chatted, Sir Brand was still livid at what had happened in the Great Hall and Br Arton told Sir brand that he might have played right into Sir Bron’s hands by reacting as he had. Sir Brand was at first reluctant to hear about his actions causing more grief, then thanked Br Arton for his candour and appreciated the fact that it had calmed him down.Sir Kendrik had made it to the solar and found that the others had left. He looked around the solar himself and the sight of this place of peace ransacked filled him with conviction to capture the dwarf. He then noticed the torn drapes and walked over to the window. Kendrik could see his friend Callin who was still on the battlements and left the solar to meet his friends. Sir Kendrik finally caught up with the others and told Br Arton, who had met up with the others a few moments before Sir Kendrik arrived. Kendrik said that he was going to go to the cells to see if it was definitely Deckard and to look for clues, Br Arton and Callin joined him. The air around the keep prison cell was dank and musty as the heroes walked through the corridor leading to the cell. The cell was in keeping with the fairness of Baron Aldred, it was comfortably appointed with a neat straw pellet, rushes on the floor, two clean bowls apparently for food and water and a small brazier. The scene that greeted Sir Kendrik and Co disturbed them, in the cell was the contorted body of the guard that was on duty and was clearly dead. Br Arton examined the body and a stab wound to the chest was found, it had discoloured blood hinting at poison as the stab wound wouldn’t have killed the unfortunate guard. Sir Kendrik moved the body over and it revealed a clue. The guard in his death throws had tried to spell something in his own blood but only got 3 letters out, those being B-E-O. Kendrik turned to the others and mentioned that he must have been trying to spell out the person who killed him, also asking Br Arton that the talk with dead ritual may back that up.Now having the evidence he needed to relay to the Baron, Kendrik rushed to the Great Hall. Sir Kendrik approached the Baron who was sitting at the high table and told him he had news and wished to speak to the Baron in private. The Baron was still livid and told Sir Kendrik to sit beside him and relay the news quietly; the Baron said he didn’t want to take his eyes off certain individuals. Kendrik in a quiet voice then told the Baron that he had inspected various areas and he confirmed it was Deckard, and that he had disturbing news about the guard and the message he left. He told the Baron that his companions had tracked the trail Deckard had left. The Baron stopped Sir Kendrik, stood up and announced to all the knights present to ride out of the keep and scour the barony for his dwarf and bring back Lady Sharra. Baron Aldred then sat back next to Kendrik and told him,“Quickly get your gear and companions together, follow those tracks and return my daughter. Use the chaos that the knights will create to leave without being detected”Sir Kendrik replied “Yes My Lord, I promise you that we will return your daughter safely to you!”Baron Aldred then said “Sir Bron, Sir Beorn come with me I have to speak to the both of you”Sir Kendrik strode out of the Great Hall got suited up. Everyone met up with Jon, Wynn Tyr and Cain who had been looking for the tracks. Sir Kendrik told his friends that the Baron had told us to follow the tracks and return his daughter. He then told them to get their gear and meet back that this same spot. Unfortunately Baron Aldred sending out the knights certainly caused the chaos he hoped but there was an unfortunate byproduct of that, they had made many more new tracks that would make Jon’s job all that more difficult over the tourney fields.Now the difficult task of making out the dwarf tracks began. The tracks seemed to lead to the pavilions on the tourney field. Callin suspecting that the dwarf had taken Lady Sharra to Sir Bron’s pavilion headed over there, Sir Kendrik and Br Arton rushed ahead with Callin to help. Callin and Kendrik could hear a moaning coming from the tent and Callin spied in from under the flap to see who it was. It was a young squire in Sir Bron’s colours and he appeared to have been struck from behind. Sir Kendrik just strode in and Callin decided to take the lead and convinced the confused squire that the heroes were actually Sir Bron’s friends and wanted to know about the Dwarf. He confessed all he knew which wasn’t much and the heroes had found out that Deckard had stolen one of Bron’s riding horses. Sir Kendrik was none too pleased at the deceptive behaviour his best friend was using to get the information. Sir Kendrik was rightly worried that the action they were taking would be considered condones by Kendrik. Sir Kendrik took Callin aside at the end to never ever use those methods in his presence again and Callin promised not to.Wynn Tyr and Jon had to collect their gear so the others waited at Sir Kendrik’s pavilion. Kendrik prepared his trusty warhorse Valiant, giving him a sweet snack and fitting his saddle to him. Sir Kendrik then went into his pavilion and collected his great axe, a weapon he hadn’t used in quite sometime, feeling he needed to be prepared for anything. He also collected the food that was in the pavilion thinking it would make a good breakfast for his party. Once Jon and Wynn Tyr appeared the party assumed a tracking order, Jon and Wynn Tyr on foot tracking, Sir Kendrik and Br Arton side by side with Callin and Cain taking up the rear. The weather was fine but for a biting wind that chilled the travellers, the moon was but a slender crescent and only shed limited light.Lonnaday 4th Greening 1353Our heroes travelled slowly but made good progress following the tracks of the horse that Deckard had stolen. They had been travelling for a few hours before they came across a copse of trees with thin skeletal like branches that seemed to be trying to grab the heroes as they rode by. The lights made by the moon playing tricks on the heroes making them think they were being followed. Jon stopped in the middle of the copse when the tracks appeared to become muddled as if the horse had been startled and had stomped around in the one spot. The party rested here while Jon and Wynn Tyr tried to pick up the trail again. Little did they know that 4 huge cats had followed them with tentacles on their backs. These strange cats attacked the nearest hero doing considerable damage to them. The heroes fought back but were concerned that only a few of their attacks were connecting including Br Arton’s strong clerical spells and Kendrik’s spirited charges with his lance. Eventually after slaying one of the beasts the cats realised that the heroes were starting to win so they fled into the darkness.The protagonists dusted themselves off and Br Arton healed those who needed it. Sir Kendrik decided that they needed to keep moving regardless of their tiredness. He asked Br Arton if he could cast the spell that gave the party the endurance to travel without tiring. Br Arton said he had to pray for that Spell and it would take an hour. Sir Kendrik then told Jon to thoroughly search the area for the horse tracks while Br Arton prayed, the rest of the party rested whichever way they could.After an hour only one track was found the horse trail, now galloping, and the heroes followed it. After over an hour of tracking the heroes found the now riderless horse grazing. Wynn Tyr tried to approach it but he spooked it and it galloped away. An inspection of the area proved fruitless, clearly Deckard had gotten off the horse in the copse and made it ride off alone. Sir Kendrik was feeling very frustrated and ordered the party to head back to the copse. Another wasted hour heading back past and the party returned to the copse where they were ambushed. Sir Kendrik told Jon to widen the search and after some time another well disguised set of tracks were found heading due south. The tracks started off as just one large human track to be joined by small human feet, clearly Deckard was now forcing Lady Sharra to walk now. Sir Kendrik had decided that they should rest as they had made a mistake through their tiredness and he didn’t want to make another, Lady Sharra’s safety depended on Sir Kendrik’s wise actions. It was suggested by Jon not to rest at the copse as the cats may return. Sir Kendrik said that the party would travel for half and hour and then rest. When the half-hour had past dawn was well and truly past. The heroes had been tracking all night. Camp was set up and the party got some well-earned rest.After 8 hours the party was all awake now and Sir Kendrik fetched out of his backpack the food he had brought and the party ate it. It was now approaching dusk and the now refreshed party started to the hunt for the dwarf and Lady Sharra. The party continued till they reached a large river. The tracks lead up to the bank and an inspection of that area showed the tell tale signs of barge scuffmarks. Callin using his bullseye lantern searched the other side for the boat and found it hidden in the rushes. Sir Kendrik being the strongest swimmer of the group decided to be the one to swim and get the barge. Jon shot a silk rope over to the other bank to guide Kendrik, Wynn Tyr casts levitate, and Br Arton bull Strength to make sure he succeeds. Callin let Kendrik his ring of climbing as well and Sir Kendrik stripped off his clothing tied a rope around his waist and started inching his large hairy body along the rope above the cold water. He carefully worked his way across and made it to the other bank. Sir Kendrik a bit embarrassed in his birthday suit started to rig up the barge, firstly tying the rope to a tree and then feeding the rope through the eyes on the barge. Once it was rigged up he brought the barge back to his companions. It was big enough for 4 adults or 2 adults and a horse, so they did several trips to get everyone across. Sir Kendrik got re dressed and travelled over the river with Callin and Valiant.Jon started to search the other side of the river for Deckard and Lady Sharra’s tracks. To his dismay he found that there wasn’t just 2 sets of tracks, there were tracks for a dozen humans. It was now clear that this kidnapping was well thought out. Who was working with Deckard and why?End SessionWhat you think everyone. This was one of the best session I have ever played in. The tension our DM built was palpable, it was so cool.What do you think is install for our heroes?What did you think of Sir Kendrik’s actions?</blockquote>

Verification