Adventure #01 - A Duke in Distress

[Mathew Steel 151]

"Well, it seems everybody has arrived. Shall we set forth?" Sir Lloyd turns to Goodman "You are very wise sir, allow me to show my purpose through aiding you all on this quest"

[Crusader1307 298]

"Good", Goodman says to Dewi. "You can serve some part in our quest for his Lordship". After a pause...."My Friends," Goodman announces as he points to the collection of clothing and props The Duke has provided. "Let us start with our deception, we are sellers of wares". Picking up a loose robe and rope belt, Goodman begins to don his disguise. "Be wary of fleas".

[Mathew Steel 151]

Sir Lloyd walks over to the pile of disguises, upon picking up a disguise he smirks "my father always use to tell stories of Robin Hood" he pauses and thinks to himself. Noticing a silence, he continues "my bow should fit well with this, don't you think Goodman?" Sir Lloyd laughs.

[Crusader1307 298]

"A bandit, yes".......Brother Goodman had goo cause to think of this plan of disguise. The Order had used a very similar trick in Syria. Pretending to be desert Merchants, they were able to get an advance force into the Muslim Citadel. Once inside, they struck - killing the Gate Guards and opening the Gates for the main Templar army. Much blood was spilled onto the sand that day. No doubt it would again. Goodman was adorned as a Arab Merchant....again!

[Mathew Steel 151]

"Or a travelling fare, my friend" Sir Lloyd chuckled to himself. "What about the rest of you? Think it's time to choose your disguise"

Edited April 7, 2015 by Mathew Steel

[Lord_Chris 251]

"Sorry for the hostile greeting, Sir Lloyd. The enemy now has many spies in this county, I assumed you were one of them."

[Mathew Steel 151]

"Not at all Sire, distrust and caution are the parents of security, you will do well to be cautious" Sir Lloyd thought to himself for a few moments. "You there, with the bow, in Saxon clothing, we have not yet been introduced. Seems you and I will be close together once we get inside. Care to have a word with me?"

[Nigel 71]

Charles Loring finally manages to untangle himself out of a large piece of garnment, which had kept him away from the conversation.

 

"Apologies, good Sir - it must have seemed rude of me to ignore you for such a while.

I am Charles Loring, son of Sir Roger Loring, may he rest in peace, and a knight of the King's realm. I was born of Twynham Castle, but as you may be able to tell from the blazon on my shield, I did not inherit my fathers title and deeds. In fact, my brother Nigel rightly succeeded my father as keeper of the family castle. He too is a knight in King Richards service and is accompanying him on the cruasade to the holy land. I hope for his health, although, knowing that his character does not go well under an authoriterial leadership, I am not sure if he and the King will get on well with each other. I would not be surprised if he has gotten himself into trouble and is now sitting in a besieged castle somewhere in the desert.

 

Knowing our temperaments, our father had made it a condition, that not both of us should go on a crusade at the same time. So I am traveling through England in search for fame and adventure in this fair land of ours.

 

But it appears that Duke Christopher know you. So perhaps, while we don our disguises and get to move towards Riverbourne Castle, you may tell us your story and how you came into his aquaintance."

[Mathew Steel 151]

"It seems we have more than one thing in common. I too lost my father due to war. In fact that's how Duke Christopher and I were acquainted. Shall we walk?"

 

The group set forth for the inn. It had become dark. The wind whistled through the cracked leaves. The only light available, were the stars.

 

"I was just a boy at the time. My father, had always been a traveller. He asked me to walk with him to the market a few villages away from our own. The path was an uncommon path, a simple dirt track leading from one end of a forest, to another. Along the way...we were attacked...an arrow, straight into the back of...my apologies. Regardless, the bandits didn't harm me, not soon enough that is. Before I knew it, a band of iron armoured soldiers were marching towards us. I could hear the noise of the chain mail rattling. The bandits attempted to flee after seeing the army size. Only a few survived.

 

Duke Christopher and his men, turned around the other way, and escorted me back home safe. My father was given a proper ceremony in the Duke's castle."

 

Sir Lloyd's eyes started to water as he stared at the damp ground. "My apologies. Shall we continue?"

[Crusader1307 298]

"So long as he keeps his wits about him..." Brother Goodman interrupts "He will survive. King Richard is a good and valiant commander, as well I know. His band of men are noble and brotherly and will fight to the death to defend one another...so much as cowardice or betrayal does not rear it's head." Goodman motions to the scar on his face. "Again, I should know a thing of betrayal......." Goodman adjusts his robes and ties them off with a bit of rope. Looking every part of a "Bedouin", he chuckles to himself - "I never thought I would have to do this again!"

[Aleks S. I 4]

Julian sat at the rear of the wagon after having swapped out his worn traveling robes for a long silk chiton mostly covered by an ornate dalmatic in the Byzantine style. His mule followed reluctantly behind the cart, once or twice braying at the elderly man, who responded softly in a language unknown to the party save, perhaps, brother Goodman.

As they draw within sight of the bridge to town, Julian climbs down and walked up to the front of the wagon. "Gentlemen," he says, in an accent noticeably thicker than when he previously spoke, "might I suggest you leave any talking to me until we are safely in town? Well costumed as you all are, your local accents might betray the Eastern origin suggested by your dress." The others nod or murmur in agreement, and they continue towards town...

 

[OoC: In case no one recognized the last name, my character is Greek, and unless I specify otherwise that's the language I speak to myself and my mule. Since Goodman spent time in the holy lands, I'd assume before the Kingdom of Jerusalem fell, it is likely he had experience with Greek merchants or the Byzantine army and might recognize the language.]

[Crusader1307 298]

(OoC) ?? ???????? ??? ????? ??????? ("My Greek is Terrible" translated for those of you) so Brother Goodman will mutter through (his Latin is much better- Bene!)

Glad your character is back! :)

Edited April 9, 2015 by Crusader1307

[Mathew Steel 151]

"Not far now gentlemen" Sir Lloyd turns towards Duke Christopher "My legs are most grateful for this wagon" the group laughs. Upon remembering Goodman's suggestion, Sir Lloyd asks him "will we run into any trouble at the inn? Or should we be safe for a while?"

[Crusader1307 298]

(OoC) Stupid question, is the conversation directed to me (Brother Goodman) or The Duke?

Edited April 12, 2015 by Crusader1307

[Lord_Chris 251]

[OOC] I somehow seem to have missed @Mathew Steel's post. I think he was referring to either of us.

 

"I believe we should be safe there only for a short while" remarked the Duke. "What say you, Goodman?"

[Crusader1307 298]

Pondering The Duke's question Brother Goodman remarks, "It depends on the "truth" of our disguises and the Bandits thurst for Ale, My Lord". Goodman elaborated. "Hopefully, our ruse of free Ale as a way to gain entry may help us. I must get a feel of your Subjects. No doubt they are not pleased with their new Masters. At best, if the "Ale Ruse" fails, perhaps enough of them will serve us still - a Peasant Army is better than no army, My Liege."

[Mathew Steel 151]

"As a distraction maybe goodman, but to fight, it would be bedlam" after a brief moment of silence "I suggest we keep are wits about and don't hesitate to do what you think is best"

[Crusader1307 298]

"Good then,.....lets us get our background the same. First, I feel that we should be "Far Eastern" merchants. Selling good and trinkets and whatnot. We have a suitable amount of Ale to aid in our deception. That will be our bride for entrance into Our Lord's castle. Upon securing a meeting with the Bandit "King", we will earn his trust. " Goodman pauses....."The rest of our plan depends on what we find at The local Inn." Goodman notes the position of the Moon. "If we are all agreed and ready, let us away and begin and head there."

[Nigel 71]

Charles Loring is hiding his bow and a few arrows under the huge oriental robe he is wearing. His face is almost completey concealed by a big turban.

 

"For all intents and purposes, I shall pretend not to speak English. If I manage to make them believe it, I may get a chance to overhear a conversation, which I otherwise would not. I should be able to put on an Eastern accent when I speak to anyone and my Latin is bad enough as it is anyway.

 

An yes, for the more complex conversations we should rely on our learned friend Mr. Palaiologos here, whose communication is all Greek to me.

 

So as for me, I am ready to go."

Edited April 13, 2015 by Nigel

[Crusader1307 298]

(OoC) Just some thoughts, my fellow warriors......Without altering Charles of Tours storyline, I have some suggestions (always open for debate).

 

1. The "Pros" of a Peasant Army is numbers. We can only assume that "they" are not happy with The Bandit Lord having usurped The Duke.

2. We can train them in very basic tactics (ala Special Forces). They only need their Scythes and Pitchforks (maybe a Quarterstaff or two), anyway.

3. The Peasants (their faces at least), are known to The Bandits. Some of them may even be "slaving" for them.

4. Our disguises would not cause too much disturbance at an Inn or even Marketplace (even for a couple of weeks in Story Time).

5. We can still attempt out initial plan. The fallback is our Peasant Army (broken down into a 4 to 5 way command), for assault if need be.

6. REMEMBER....we have no idea of the Bandit strength - suffice to say it must have been larger enough to overtake The Duke.

7. As much as we are "bad Mammer Jammers", there is still only 4 or 5 of us (just saying...)

What say you all?............ :D

[Mathew Steel 151]

[OoC] I was thinking about this, I thought we'd go for the type of underestimating the difficulty of the task and when we attempt it, we end up being unsuccessful. Or something similar :P

 

After a short journey in the cart, the group arrive at the Inn. It is an old inn. The stonework is commonly seen in most village buildings, the inn is nothing special, but it is a safe haven, for now at least...

 

"Here it is, the beginning. Shall we discuss the plan once more?" Sir Lloyd said almost nervously.

[Crusader1307 298]

Brother Goodman looks around. On their approach, many of the Villagers stared at them (partly out of curiosity, partly concern). No one approached them. That was fine...for now. "Let us enter this place as travelers and seek refreshments".

[Lord_Chris 251]

[OOC] I'd say that's a fairly good plan @Crusader1307, I can see it working well - or not working :D

[Crusader1307 298]

(OoC) Well, it's worth a shot (or two). Worst case scenario, we end up like General Custer at The Little Big Horn! :D

 

The Group of intrepid warriors (looking all the part as scraggly Merchant men on a long and hard journey), open the rude wooden door. Entering, they take in the scene. Smoke hovers in the air thick as what smelled like pork sausages could be detected. The smell of tobacco smoke is just as thick. A few haggard looking men sit at one of the several small wooden tables, strewn around the modest (but sparse Inn). The "Merchants" amble over to a table and sit. A few of the local men stare (not uncommon) at the "strangers". "I've been in worse", said Brother Goodman as he adjusts his robes. "Perhaps a little bread and drinks, my friends".......

Edited April 17, 2015 by Crusader1307

[Mathew Steel 151]

"Wouldn't want to stand out now would we?" Sir Lloyd agreed. Scouting the Inn while sitting in wooden oak chair. Trying to remain discrete during it.