(514-06-20) Trouble in Sarum 1
Summary: Saxons invade Sarum! More than one person dies…
Date: 06-20-514
Related: Read More in Trouble in Sarum 1 Part 2
acwel braelynn caerwyn cyndeyrn huw lysanor maelgwyn malcolm martyn perin aeryn rose amalthea 

NPC:

earc 


West of Sarum

The last of the King's Road, of which Sarum is a stop, heads out of the city and southwesterly towards the county of Dorset. Two more stops lie along the end of the road here, Bradbury followed by the port city of Dorchester. A few homes and buildings line the road and a few side roads here, but this road quickly gives way to rolling farmland as one enters the hills hear on their way to the southern coast. Occasionally one might hear the noise of an errant seabird in this area, but otherwise this location is less populated and a quaint reminder of what this region looked like before Sarum was established.


Late in Spring, shy of the Equinox this year, the news of raids from Saxons certainly heared, Buckholt nearly a pile of ash and trying to rebuild. Saxons around the wilds near Tilshead, as far north as Marlboro. What comes isn't wholly expected. Warnings of a gathering certainly, but when the Saxons arrive, moving over night. Up the river Avon to Sarum and set at both gates, they lay an early siege. The East gate is holding as word goes out, coming from the few manors that lie in the path on their march here, words goes out to the manors to gather, near Wilton. To mount an effective counter from outside the gates. Some have gathered in the city with some fore warning, the remained left outside.
Earc forms up reserves of any man on foot capable, but takes the knights under his lead as the sun rises near its zenith. Thus, with those who follow, including those who can help outside the battle, the group leaves from Wilton to approach the gates by afternoon. When they come into side of the city, they will see already the army of Saxons has breached the gate here. The spearmen have poured into the city, smoke tendrils rise up in Sarum. One can only imagine what they are doing in there. Good news, the Marshall and other ranking officers have made it to the castle for defense there. Though outside the gate, other Saxons units wait. The ceorls are many (on foot with spears, those raiding out of honor/duty/), but they are backed by the heorthgeneat, those professionals who train to fight, some are mounted (the near equiviliant of the knight). None bigger than this, but as the ceorls and foot solders head in for the sity, the mounted heorthgeneat linger outside these, as if watching for reinforcements, or waiting for the gates and the ram to be cleared enough to take horse into the city.
Lord Knight Earc turns to those with him, direction given to those on foot to watch the ceorls, he means to make for the main body of the mounted herothgeneat. One can easily see at this point, the knights and fighters of Salisbury our outnumbered by two to 1. Even the mounted unit seems about double the size of the unit mustered in Wilton. As Earc finds himself near his standard once more, he turns to those knights with him. "If Sarum falls, we all do." It is one of those critical points for not only Salisbury but all of Logres. Then he will position himself as the heorthgeneat turn to face the advancing forces of Salisbury, ready to make charge.

It seems like Acwel's talents are best employed West, and not East, or so he was assigned. The Marlboro army his embassy has succeeded in attracting to help relieve Salisbury troops is soon to come but the Woodford's talents, per orders, lie with assisting this other side. Quietly, he holds his lance, but his grasp with it is not as steady as his with the sword. Nevertheless, it can be worth the effort.

Having a need to be In Sarum, Huw has offered what services he can to the muster, even if it is mostly just fetching and carrying in preparation for the healers, or talking with teh mena dn knights to bolster their spirits. Roman, British, Pagan, he cares not, his ear is open, and while he can not offer them confession or other priestly rites, he has prayed for or with many. Now that the charge is about to be met though he slips back away from those who are to fight, looking for those who's talents lie in the healing arts, to see if he can be of any use to them in the hours to come.

Knowing his cousin and others are likely inside with the Garrison, duty hath placed Sir Malcolm de Wylye here, that and he had been in Wilton when the summons for aid was given. He came as expected. Holding the reins his lance is held easily in his other hand and shifted to rest comfortable until the call for charge be given. "Jesu be with us." the former pagan mutters as the beast stirs beneath him. "God above." breathed out in quiet prayer. "Defend and aid us." a slight glance is passed to the knights around him. Good company if he is to die.

The moment the Saxons came over the horizon, leaving burned thatched cottages in their wake, the newly appointed Master of Couriers was readying the fastest rider she could to ride out the west gate to convey instructions - some kind of battle instructions. While Lyonesse de Cholderton may not be literate (or even very well-educated, being the bastard Beltaine daughter of a tumbled Cholderton girl twenty years past), she is somewhat of a savant at battle instructions. There would need to be coordination between the anvil and the hammer - the anvil being the castle's defenses upon which the Saxon sword and spears were approaching, and the hammer being the western Wilton forces readying its charge. Archers on the walls of Sarum would send fired arrows into the sky, indicating status - this code would be carried by the rider a few paces outside the city, ready to bring it to the charger's attentions. The code is simple enough, but even this simple code could give the outnumbered Sarum defenders an additional advantage.

Lyonesse herself, however, is readying the castle proper's defenses, in the motte and bailey. Though another knight may have been in charge, she quickly asserted herself in her hoarse Cholderton cry: "Spears! Shields! Ready! We will be the Morrigan's fecking fury on these forsaken Saxons! We will be the anvil! Ready!" Peering through the nose-guard on her helm, she towers over every other man there - she organizes two lines of spearmen, ready to break or hold any charge of Saxons long enough within the city for the rear charge to take effect.

As much time as he would of stayed in Steeple Langfort of late, Perin answes the call. Having gone to Wilton with his betrothed, he now sits amongst the group of knights under the command of Lord Knight Earc. Close to Aeryn if he can manage that of course. As they make preparations for the final battle, he gladly pauses to pray with Brother Huw. Signing the cross with him, and once more again when he is amongst the ranks of knights looking down on what they see before them. After some other prayers come out, he joins in, "Bnedic, Dmine." Then he prepares his lance to charge, giving a quick check of his sword and lanyard for when they engage. A look given to Sir Aeryn, he'll lift his shield hand to kiss the ring there.

Sir Maelgwyn de Burcombe sits upon his charger, lance in hand and directed towards the enemy. Saxons. Bloody damned saxons. A part of him hoped that he would get to take a couple survivors back home and keep them alive for a little while, maybe send one of them back to where they came after witnessing some things. Oh, then they would talk. Talk about Burcombe and let the name strike fear into their hearts. That would all come later. Hopefully. Now it was time to try and stay alive and take as many of the bastards down as he could.

If Sarum falls, we all do. Haunting words. Aeryn, with Perin, both side by side as well as they can manage in the confusion. Lance at the ready, nothing blunted this time. A joust for keeps. At the action of the kissing of the ring, Aeryn does the same. Her husband. So much to fight for, their future, the innocent people in Sarum, she prepares to charge and engage the enemy. "I love you," she murmurs to Perin, the words likely lost in the sounds around them, but they were mouthed at least. It was time to fight.

Others from Steeple Langford came along, Sir Perin did not wish some to remain behind with Saxons in Salisbury. Some to Wilton, others along with the group, such as his sister/cousin, Lady Rose, who is capable of administering first aid as needed. Surely all able bodies will be needed this day.

Braelynn heads toward the call for aid, looking concerned, though she remains out of the fray, and far enough from the knights in battle that she does not hinder their movements or get in their way. She is here to help deal with the aftermath of battle, as a healer, if needed.

"God bless!" Acwel exclaims, offering Huw a knightly salute as he passes by the line of knights, the pure white stallion of the Woodford knight seeming to feel the tension in the air, his head lowered a moment as he utters a quiet prayer to God, the sign of the cross being executed flawlessly with his shield hand. "We can turn this tide! Salisbury!"

Like many other families in the region, the Dintons were one of those garissoned within the safety of Wilton as it is the closest fortified location to their own manor. Not being a knight herself, the least Lady Lysanor de Dinton could do was offer up her own assistance in the healing arts. For a time, a shared prayer with Brother Huw is enough to grant her the tiny bit of calm which she needs, the spoken words giving her strength. Once that is done, all she can do is wait among the ranks of the other healers, her slender fingers fretting in nervous anticipation as the toy with one of the laces upon her sleeve.

As the knights make final preparations, Lord Knight Earc gives a final look over them, then he proceeds to raise his lance. The heorthgeneat are lining up the same, these are professional with lances rising to the ready, axes at their side. If one looks over the mounted ones, they do carry rounded shields and there is the glint of chain links showing these are armored troops the same. With his tip raised skyward, Earc lifts the hand with it just a little and spurs his horse, giving lead to the knights that ride with him. As he starts over an open field to where the mounted saxons await, they follow suit. A thunder of hooves from either side set in motion, a low rumble turned crescendo as lances slowly start to lower, soldiers on both sides lower in their saddles prepared for impact.

Success
Acwel checked his lance of 12, he rolled 3.

A look is given to Acwel then over to the Burcombe at his side and there is a better if not more confident set to his visage than when hurried prayer left Malcolm's lips. His voice rough like a wolf's growl. "Saint Michael! Saint Brigid!" saints invoked before he coughs, roughly. "Fucking hate saxons." he mutters. "Salisbury can turn em. By God we can." And there to the knights aside. "If y fall lads, I will protect as I can." Shield brethren invoked. Before with howling yell he spurs alomg with Earc and the rest of the line.

Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Acwel at 15, he rolled 1.

Tourneys and similar things are all well and good, but if it wasn't for times and situations like this, knights would probably be similar to minstrels and bards, right? Martyn is gathered with the rest of the knights. Expression serious, he seems to be focusing on what's about to happen, and nothing else for now. No shouts or howls or anything, just a quiet kind of focus.

Acwel rolls 6d6 and gets (1 4 4 1 5 4) for a total of: (19)
Success
SirKay makes a check for Dex of Heorthgeneat at 14, he rolled 1.

The signal is given, and Acwel's horse launches himself forward in a wild gallop, dust cloud trailing behind as the lance is projected forwards, in order to hit the Saxon opposite him. "Lord, guide my lance!" The Woodford calls, the weapon sent to the Saxon's chest and piercing through their defense. Unfortunately, it is not enough to tip the Saxon off his horse and so the knight discards his land, unsheathing his sword in a metallic ring as he prepares to engage in close combat. "SALISBURY!"

Success
You check your lance at 15, you rolled 8.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Aeryn at 15, he rolled 16.
Aeryn rolls 6d6 and gets (2 3 5 1 6 2) for a total of: (19)
Success
SirKay makes a check for Dex of Heorthgeneat at 14, he rolled 1.

With prayers rising skyward as the battle lines meet Huw has little difficulty in finding those in the rear preparing to heal. The ladies, for ladies they are mostly it sems, get reverential bows as befits their station and then he's rolling up his sleeves as he ask, "where can I help most? I have a little skill in the patching of injury, although I will confess plain that none of it is in circumstances such as these."

Love of family, loyalty to Robert, Aeryn rides for all of it, her lance out, the foe in sight, she spurs her horse on. With a mighty crash against the Saxon, she manages to do.. something, but still, he remains on his horse and she draws her sword, shield in place, preparing for some more up close and personal combat.

It's dark red hair that marks atleast one of the Healers who have setup a small grouping to the rear of the battle. Rose is frowning out as she watches the charge and then glances over as Huw steps closer. "Right now I believe we are simply waiting. But gathering of supplies so they are at the ready would be of most help.." She dips her chin towards the Brother and takes her eyes from the battle to show Hue what she normally has on the battle field. She will glance up as others arrive and give a tight but welcoming smile. The reason she is tense is clear.

Success
Cyndeyrn checked his lance of 15, he rolled 5.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Cyndeyrn at 15, he rolled 8.
SirKay rolls 6d6 and gets (6 2 6 1 4 3) for a total of: (22)
Failed.
Cyndeyrn checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 16.
Cyndeyrn rolls 1d6 and gets (5) for a total of: (5)
Failed.
Maelgwyn checked his Lance of 10, he rolled 15.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Maelgwyn at 15, he rolled 17.
Success
Malcolm checked his Lance of 15, he rolled 1.

Lysanor, herself, is in the process of setting up several cots for the injured, though silently she can only hope that they won't be needed. Hearing Huw's inquiry, she turns to him and offers, if not a smile, at the very least, a look of reassurance. "For now all we can do is toil over all of the preparations we've already made and then toil again if only to keep our minds busy." Some sound off in the distance where the battle commences catches her attention, making her pause in her work, but after a few seconds have passed, she continues on, "As patients come in quickly, we'll need all the help we can get, so your presence here alone is already a boon, Brother Huw."

Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Malcom at 15, he rolled 11.
SirKay rolls 6d6 and gets (2 5 3 6 6 1) for a total of: (23)
Success
Malcolm checked his Horsemanship of 10, he rolled 4.
Success
Martyn checked his Lance of 13, he rolled 11.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Martyn at 15, he rolled 16.

Braelynn reaches up to rub her nose, smearing a dot of ink that had landed there during her training in records keeping inside the castle. She moves closer to the gathering of healers and says quietly, "I'm here to help if necessary, though I pray that we are not needed."

Martyn rolls 4d6 and gets (3 1 3 5) for a total of: (12)
Martyn rolls 6d6 and gets (6 6 2 2 5 4) for a total of: (25)
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Horsemanship at 14, he rolled 15.
Success
Perin checked his lance of 15, he rolled 13.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Perin at 15, he rolled 18.
Perin rolls 6d6 and gets (3 1 4 4 6 1) for a total of: (19)

As Dinton is not far from Wilton, the approaching army quickly sees their number moving there, not just the fighting-men, but the whole of the family and village as well, to take refuge in the city in case the battles go badly and the approaching host splits up to ravages the nearby lands. Still, the swiftness of the saxon arrival means more goods may be left behind for pillage than would be prefered, the focus on securing life and limb behind the walls The knights of the family quickly join the gathering force, the heir of the vassal there among them, armed and ready, lance held up await the charge, shield bearing cross and dragon on the blue and red of their family. On top of this, some long pennant flies on his lance-tip, bearing not his symbol but that of the Pendragon himself, a gift from Arthur that now sees its first appearance on a real battlefield.

The charge against the saxon Heorthgeneat is a new experience when it is called, as like many of the younger knights, while he has fought some small raiding parties, or even followed his master knight during his time as a squire, Cyndeyrn has never been at the fore of a full charge against a mounted saxon host, let alone one that outnumbers their own army. Perhaps it is this inexperience, or just ill chance, for as the thundering approach of their charge finally conludes, the two sides meeting lance-to-shield, he gets the worse of the exchange. The blow is not overly hard, enough to rattle him through his armor if not cause grave injury, but his seating on the steed is not quite secure, or well-balanced, and knocked off-center to one side, he slips from his saddle, all his great mass landing heavily below.

Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Horsemanship at 15, he rolled 5.

Both the Wylye and his Saxon counterpart, though where as his lance is knocked away with shield, Malcolm braces himself using his shield to absorb the hit, where as his years in the saddle, keeps him in place. Thanks is breathed out as lance is dropped and sword loosed. Malcolm wheels to re-engage.

Success
Caerwyn checked his amor for Heulwen of 16, he rolled 10.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Lance vs Caerywn at 15, he rolled 8.
Success
Caerwyn checked his lance of 15, he rolled 1.

Charging forward, Martyn takes a few deep breaths as he readies his lance. Some quiet words are muttered under his breath, and he shifts the lance slightly to the side, hitting his enemy managing to send the man off the horseback. Head turning every now and then to see where the others are.

SirKay rolls 6d6 and gets (2 3 5 4 6 6) for a total of: (26)
Success
Caerwyn checked his dex of 12, he rolled 5.
Success
Caerwyn checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 5.

Maelgwyn gallops forth, lance in hand and his teeth gritted as he sights his lance at a particular Saxon bastard. There were so many targets after all, any number of them would make good targets. And so he tried to find the smallest one that he could. It would be nice to injure one of them right at the start by knocking them off their horse. He tenses as he prepares himself for the collision… and nope. His aim is off and he misses. Luckily, he is able to dodge the man's return strike. Well this was about to get close and bloody.

She is close at hand, Perin rides strong and true. He collides with his opponent, his shield pushing the tip of a lance aside as his lance finds the saxon across from him. It hits but the other remains seated. Even after the lance is felt hitting him, Perin lets go, reaching for his sword and swinging at which ever Saxons end up with him as the horses search for their own positions in teh aftermath of the armies meeting.

Typically, Caerwyn de Burcombe would not show up until much later, when the brunt of the battle has been fought and he only needs to mop up the remaining Saxons with a tidy poke of his lance. But if Dinton Manor is considered close to Sarum, Burcombe totally is like, throwing a rock, and hitting a Sarum farmer over the river by sheer accident. And Caerwyn already -knows- that the Dintons are showing up in force. Though normally, not in the mood to impress a -Dinton-, of all people, with potentially lethal side effects to his health, Caerwyn steels himself with love in his heart of the sweet girl in his mind. Atop his furious black stallion, he rides alongside Cyndeyrn - perhaps a little too close, probably prompting the heir to move away out of suspicion. But when the charge begins in earnest, Caerwyn thinks nothing of the Morrigan or Brigid or anyone else - merely, he charges straight towards the waiting lance of a massive Saxon.

The force of Lord Knight Earc charged into a force of nearly double its size and through it all, most remain in the saddle. Suffering similar falls during the charge, more Saxons by count are now unmounted than when started. Incremental, if the battle continues on, they can even out and gain an advantage. Lord Knight Earc remains in his saddle and the banner is there for all to rally around. Swords and axes alike are drawn. As the forces collide, one can see that many of the homes outside the gate have been set fire. In the hovels nearby, folks cower from Saxons, or attempt to flee in the chaos. The only good thing for their benefit is the arrival of Lord Earc to meet the saxons here, taking their focus from raiding, or waiting their turn to get into the city.

Success
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 2.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat axe vs Acwel at 19, he rolled 10.
<OOC> Acwel says, "Oh jesus"
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (1 3 4 4 4) for a total of: (16)
Amalthea has connected.
Success
Acwel checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 13.

The first pass between Acwel and the Heorthgeneat he faces is a failure for the Woodford. His swing strikes the air while the Saxon's axe bears down on him, but thankfully he holds his shield in time to take the brunt of the attack, even though it strikes him on the chest. He remains steady on his horse, wheeling around to attack again.

Success
You check your sword at 15, you rolled 1.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat axe vs Aeryn at 19, he rolled 12.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (2 1 2 4 4) for a total of: (13)
Success
You check your horsemanship at 15, you rolled 11.

A nasty swordfight ensues between Aeryn and the foe she is engaged with, a clash of blades and blocks, permeated by the screams in the air, the sounds of the battle surrounding, the acrid smell of smoke. Life or death. Taking a hit, she manages to mostly block and remain on her horse at the same time, but it wasn't looking good. They were outnumbered.

Success
Caerwyn checked his hate for Saxons of 13, he rolled 5.
Success
Caerwyn checked his lance of 15, he rolled 10.
Success
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 2.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat axe vs Caerwyn at 19, he rolled 11.

As the charge ends and the ranks close into more chaotic warfare, the cries of those commoners of Sarum caught out in the open draw Huw's attention away from the healer's preparations. He's torn, for a good while, but inthe end he offers a quick bow to the ladies and notes by way of explaination, "I will see what sould amongst the innocents I can save from the periferies. May God guide your hands, and have mercy upon those who we must care for." He crosses himself, not having the time for a proper prayer, before moving towards the fired hovels, going wide so as not to get too close to the fighting. "Come," he calls when he judges himself close enough, "there is safety this way, come!"

SirKay rolls 6d6 and gets (2 1 4 1 6 6) for a total of: (20)
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (4 1 3 1 3) for a total of: (12)
Cyndeyrn rolls 3d6 and gets (3 2 6) for a total of: (11)
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his battle of 10, he rolled 3.
Failed.
Cyndeyrn checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 18.
Failed.
Maelgwyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 19.
Critical Success!
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat axe vs Maelgwyn at 19, he rolled 19.
SirKay rolls 10d6 and gets (2 4 6 5 4 6 2 2 3 3) for a total of: (37)
Maelgwyn rolls 1d6 and gets (4) for a total of: (4)
Maelgwyn rolls 1d6 and gets (5) for a total of: (5)
Success
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 14.
Critical Fail!
SirKay makes a check for heothgeneat axe vs Malcom at 19, he rolled 20.
Malcolm rolls 5d6 and gets (2 1 6 1 5) for a total of: (15)

Separated and lost afoot, Cyndeyrn does as best as he can now merely to navigate the chaos of the battlefield. Almost immediately separated from his own horse, he looks about, maybe for his squire, maybe for any opportunity to seize an errant mount, although unlike in the tourney melee, the thought of doing so is a tad grimmer: those mounts might way well belong to fallen brothers-in-arms. Heck, someone is probably going to end up on his horse! Avoiding the charge of a small unit of saxons on foot, he does spot a passing gray charger and attepts to leap onto it, but the animal is terrified and pulls away too quickly for the knight to pull up his heavy frame. At least, for the moment, he is alive in this whole mess.

Critical Success!
Martyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 15.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heothgeneat axe vs Malcom at 19, he rolled 2.
Martyn rolls 8d6 and gets (3 6 6 6 4 2 1 3) for a total of: (31)
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heothgeneat Dex for Martyn at 14, he rolled 19.
Success
Perin checked his sword of 12, he rolled 7.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heothgeneat Axe vs Perin at 19, he rolled 10.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (1 4 5 1 3) for a total of: (14)
Success
Perin checked his Horsemanship of 15, he rolled 11.

Sword drawn and Malcolm wheels the horse as he and the poor bastard opposite him square off. The Saxon raises his axe, And Malcolm with a cry brings his sword in with a hacking slash into the haft of the man's axe causing that to break before the man's fist. the blade cutting through chain and sending a line of blood in the air. It leaves the saxon knight bloodied and unarmed, and the Wolf of Wylye howling for another go.

His lance dropped, Perin has sword at the ready, and shield is up. Swinging away at the nearest Saxon, he finds the man bares his axe at him. The knight of Steeple Langford does his best to deflect blows, having to hold back his sword to put his shield up to stay the blade of that Saxon's axe. Sir Aeryn is lost in the combat, he now fights to survive and find her again.

Drawing out his sword, Maelgwyn snarls out something at the Saxon before bringing his blade down. His opponent though… he's not where he hoped he would be and instead, Maelgwyn's strike misses, and his foe's ends up hitting him a solid blow. Solid enough to knock him off his horse and drive him to the ground to stare at the sky a moment before blackness takes him.

And now it's time to bring the sword into the battle. Moving in closer so he can strike one of the nearest Saxons, Martyn swings a solid swing, striking true against the enemy and sending the man tumbling off his horse. Not stopping his movement, his instincts telling him to keep on moving.

Failed.
Caerwyn checked his battle of 10, he rolled 19.

By the time Caerwyn takes a smash by a Saxon lance charge, he's through on the other side, barely noticing - the adrenaline is too much to notice the puncture through the mesh weave of his chainmail hauberk in his shoulder. Adrenaline. It can do silly things to a man's head and body. These days, though, they call it the battle lust. When he glances back, Caerwyn notices briefly two things: that his rival, Cyndeyrn, has gone down hard, and that his cousin Maelgwyn might be in trouble. When he whips his horse around to repeat his attack, he draws his blade this time, ready to charge to his cousin's rescue - however, a mounted Saxon with a war-axe blocks his way. He charges onwards, regardless of the danger, and straight into the war axe. His armor saves him this time, the brunt of the blow hitting shield.

Success
Huw checked his oratory of 15, he rolled 7.
Success
Lysanor checked her stewardship of 15, she rolled 10.

Despite the odds, even as Sir Maelgwyn de Burcbomb falls down, Lord Knight Earc suffers little more losses this round, while the knights continue to pluck away at the saxons. As the chaos unfolds, they were not expecting this level of resistance. There is some confusion as saxons continue to drop and the knights stay strong. Leading against this advantage, Lord Earc calls, "To Sarum, to the Gates!'" Lifting his sword and striking at the saxon before him without regard. (Knights +5 for enemy confusion to weapons for this round).
As Huw moves to the huddled folks, the hear a voice of reason in the chaos, perhaps see a man of the cloth. Religion aside, he means to help and they take his heed, starting to come towards his voice, looking to where he points they start to go. One young boy turns to him, "Help, my father, he's trapped in the cellar." Not a personal one, probably a shared cellar by some of the locals here. He points to where the fire is, and one can see a few boards collapsed over a cellar.
Lysanor leads towards dealing with those fires (just for outcome, specifics for Lysanor and her success).

Failed.
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 19.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Acwel at 19, he rolled 12.
Acwel rolls 5d6 and gets (2 4 1 4 4) for a total of: (15)
Success
You check your sword at 15, you rolled 4.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Aeryn at 19, he rolled 2.

This time, Acwel finds it in himself to seize the opportunity this confusion to the enemy ranks provides, his sword striking the man on the shoulder as he wheels his horse around, getting ready to seize on that advantage. "FOR SALISBURY!" He shouts, seething in hatred for those who seek to invade his homeland.

Aeryn rolls 4d6 and gets (2 4 2 3) for a total of: (11)

With the shouts of frightened and hurt commoners ringing in the distance, Lysanor is tempted to aid Brother Huw when he sets off to rescue some of them in the confusion. Even still, her gaze continues to flit over the harsh scenario, so desparate to find her family in this chaos, she falters in her steps when she believes she catches sight of her brother, larger than life. But it's still all too difficult to tell and with a rush of frightened people heading in her direction, she fights to continue forward to see what more she can do to help. With the fires looming before her now and quickly spreading, the Dinton maiden gestures for those to follow her as she takes up a bucket to seek out water, "We'll need to hurry and prevent it from spreading." She calls out to the gathered, "I need several people to fill these buckets and then to pass them along. This will make the process go about much more quickly."

Success
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 3.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Caerwyn at 19, he rolled 15.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (3 6 3 2 2) for a total of: (16)
Success
Caerwyn checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 7.

Aeryn had lost track of Perin in the confusion, but there were cries from others who were hurt and that was enough to spur her on. Swinging her sword, she keeps trying to slash through the enemy fighting with her, clashing swords and banging against shields, it's long, tiresome, but neither seem to be giving up.

Critical Success!
Lysanor checked her valorous of 10, she rolled 10.
Cyndeyrn rolls 3d6 and gets (2 4 1) for a total of: (7)
Critical Success!
Cyndeyrn checked his battle of 10, he rolled 10.

Huw turns towards where the boy points and considers for a moemnt, before crouching down a little to more on an equal pegging as far as eye lines go. "I will go to him," he replies earnestly, "and God will see him safe. Go now though, be safe, and I will deliever your father unto you presently." Noting the arrival of Lysanor and the start of organisation he gestures to her, then towards the cellar. "There is a man trapped within, send some buckets there to dampen it so we can move the timbers without fear of the lighting in our hands." That said he moves forward, beckoning other able bodied men to help him as he can.

Success
Huw checked his valorous of 10, he rolled 5.
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his love for family of 15, he rolled 14.

Braelynn runs toward the battle slightly as she sees the Sarum knights begin to fall, but she stops, screaming for someone to bring the injured to her. "In here! Bring the injured to us!" She, however, is not quite brave enough to make it onto the battlefield herself. Her eyes rest on Mael, and she gasps, screaming to the squires, "Bring him off the battlefield!"

Success
Cyndeyrn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 8.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs. Cyndeyrn at 19, he rolled 5.
Cyndeyrn rolls 6d6 and gets (6 3 2 3 2 4) for a total of: (20)
Success
SirKay makes a check for Dex vs cyndeyrn at 14, he rolled 6.
Success
Huw checked his str of 11, he rolled 4.
Critical Success!
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 15.

A group of folks turned to the help arrived by Huw and Lysanor as she comes to help them. Now with a focus, get to safety, help each other out, they nod. Some move to follow her, to get buckets, to lead to the water troughs and the river if needed, but buckets yes. Others move to the back. The boy moves to help Huw with the trapped man, another comes along to assist. Maelgwyn is pulled out by a squire this round towards Braelyn and Rose.

Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs Malcom at 19, he rolled 12.
Malcolm rolls 5d6 and gets (1 4 5 4 5) for a total of: (19)
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Horsemanship at 15, he rolled 16.
Success
Martyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 10.

Braelynn rushes toward Maelgwyn as he is pulled free of the battlefield. She sinks onto her knees next to him, and rests two pale fingers on his throat, while pulling at the armor in an attempt to find the wound so she can try to stop the bleeding.

Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs. Martyn at 19, he rolled 10.
Success
Perin checked his sword of 12, he rolled 3.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs. Perin at 19, he rolled 11.
SirKay rolls 6d6 and gets (6 1 2 2 3 5) for a total of: (19)

Malcolm finds another knight engaged and as the axe comes raising up, Malcolm is quick to Parry before hacking the man in the chest with enough strength to send him down to the ground with a cry and the spill of blood. Urging his horse forward he exhoes Earc's call: "The Gates! Blood and Sarum!" well…somewhat

Failed.
Perin checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 17.
Perin rolls 1d6 and gets (6) for a total of: (6)

Still on the offense, Martyn moves to swing his own sword against the man, only managing to strike the weapon that comes up to block it. Quick glance around to see nobody's sneaking up on him before his attention is fully on that nearest enemy again.

Perin continues his exchange with the enemy, feeling his sword is trusted, until a Saxon blade bites at him. With a cut into his arm, the knight falls over and clangs in a heap before turning to move and find where he is as the battle rages around him.

Caerwyn circles around once more, trying to look for his cousin again - he could have sworn that he saw his cousin go done. Regardless of ideas of chivalry, of bravery, it is not Caerwyn's fight anymore. It is up to him to make some sense out of this mad carnage. This time, Caerwyn eases his horse into a spiraling trance, trying to get it to rally out of its fear. He manages to do so, and when he charges towards where his cousin was, last, and when once more, he faces a Saxon. Distractedly, Caerwyn raises his shield and tries his best to hack out at the giant mounted man-from-Shadow, while he tries once more to find where his cousin went. It is here where Caerwyn blunders through, Saxon axes notwithstanding. But here, he raises his voice in a mad shout: "BURCOMBE MEN, TO ME." Though there likely are no fighting men there, he searches for his cousin once more.

After getting everyone to cooperate and work together to put a huge damper on these treacherous flames, Huw gains Lysanor's attention, quickly turning to the man as she hands off a heavily filled bucket to the next person in their line. The front of her tunic is soaked, the braid which bounds her thick mass of auburn curls already starts to become done with all of the effort it takes to ensure that their line of able bodies get the water which they need. "Understood, Brother." She calls out just as she hands off the last bucket which she feels, before idly tucking a loose strand of hair behind an ear. "Come with me, I need some of you to tend to the fire at that building there. Follow the Brother," She starts, before adding, " And do not halt the progress of our buckets. If you need rest, the next person in line can help to replace you." And with that, she trails behind the priest to offer her assistance in that area.

The chaos doesn't seem to go well for the Dinton, who is quickly engaged by a small group of Saxons, or at least, encounters a few of their number along with a few other dismounted Salisbury men, the whole of them being slightly outnumbered. There is no chance to go running for a steed now, only to fight these men. It is surely a grim moment, made moreso by the larger danger it implies: falling here amidst the dirt and chaos, he will know nothing of what transpires beyond, have no chance to do anything. There is a glance up over his shoulder toward the walls of Wilton where, unknown to him, his sister is aiding in her own way, and with that thought in mind, he turns to meet the charge of the larger group. Here, at least, his brute strength comes to bear, the Dinton rare among the Cymri number for standing on even or greater footing with the average Saxon. Catching its axe with the lip of his shield so that it does not rend the body of it, he strikes a blow across the other way, not enough to fell the man, but a wound all the same.

Braelynn rips at the leather ties holding the armor onto the knight, and finally manages to unfasten them and jerk the armour off, revealing a spring of blood from an open wound. She reaches up to rip the piece of fabric hanging from her bun, taking quite a few tendrils of flaming red hair, root and all, with it. She balls it up into her fist and shoves it into the wound, pressing with all of her might. When the bleeding does not stop she shifts her weight, driving her knee into the wound, soaking her skirt with Maelgwyn's blood. A frantic look crosses her face as she realizes the flow of blood is not stopping, or even slowing.

The battle continues, both sides sustaining minimal losses for the moment. Lord Earc rallied his troops, a success for the knights, though still with the numbers favoring the saxons, they remain embroiled in combat at present. The confusion of the enemy wears off, their leaders realising the same and a drive is mounted by them to press the fight. Both sides are locked in combat and gain no advantage.

Failed.
Caerwyn checked his awareness of 5, he rolled 13.
Success
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 8.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Acwel at 19, he rolled 2.
Acwel rolls 5d6 and gets (1 4 2 5 6) for a total of: (18)
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Horsemansip at 15, he rolled 1.

The other healer gets to Maelgwyn first, but that does not stop Rose for kneeling down on the other side of the Knight and quickly taking over from where Braelynn was checking for a pulse. Rose does not frown but she does raise her eyes to Braelynn as she tries to stop the blending, a moment passes and then she pulls supplies from the pack on her hip and hands it to the other lady. She tries to find the other wounds and just see how this fight of life and death will play out. Sometimes the healer on the battlefield need to fight just as hard as the Knights, a test of battles in a small space has begun.

Critical Success!
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Acwel at 19, he rolled 19.
Failed.
Caerwyn checked his cowardly of 5, he rolled 10.
Success
Caerwyn checked his valorous of 15, he rolled 2.

Braelynn lifts most of her weight onto the knee driven into the wound in an attempt to stop, or even slow the bleeding, before she looks up at Rose and says frantically, "I can't stop the bleeding!" Pale green eyes well up as she says, a second time, "The bleeding just won't stop."

Success
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 1.

Valiantly engaging the enemy in single combat, Acwel's wheeling around allows him to slash at the Saxon's side, shouting angrily some choice words in Cymric. The Woodford's cool and composed demeanor changes entirely with the heat of battle, the rim of the shield used to deflect the enemy axe in the pass.

Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Caerwyn at 19, he rolled 5.
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 5.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Heorthgeneat Axe vs Cyndeyrn at 19, he rolled 6.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (2 1 5 6 5) for a total of: (19)

Rose looks up at the slightly younger healer that is Braelynn, those eyes studies her and she reaches over with a touch to her shoulder. "There are others who need help, I will continue here.." It seems the battlefield healer is a little more used to these things. If Braelynn moves, Rose takes over as she tries to stop the bleeding of Maelgwyn into the wilted grasses of the ground. She reaches into her bag again and finds a ball of fabric that is pre coated with herbs and sets to work once more.

Failed.
You check your aeryn at , you rolled 12.
Success
You check your sword at 15, you rolled 8.
Cyndeyrn rolls 6d6 and gets (2 2 3 1 5 3) for a total of: (16)
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat dex vs. Cyndeyrn at 14, he rolled 1.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs Aeryn at 19, he rolled 16.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (6 5 6 5 4) for a total of: (26)

Braelynn hears Rose's words, and nods, rising on unsteady feet. She backs away slightly, and her eyes rest on the battlefield and the carnage that is taking place with horror.

With aid coming in from Lysanor and any she can muster, Huw rolls up his sleeves to keep them from the edges of any flames and starts lifting. It's hard work, hot work, but between them the timbers are shifted and the doors hauled open. "Come," he beckons to the man trapped within, "your son is safe, and God has seen fit to ensure that you are too. Come, come quickly," and he reaches his arm down to aid the man out. Then, turning to the lady he asks, "where do you need me most m'Lady?"

Aeryn rolls 1d6 and gets (6) for a total of: (6)

The battle was intense, the newly pronounced Steeple Langford is fighting as hard as she can, but there is a moment where Aeryn is struck with the axe of her opponent and she falls hard to the ground, all scorpion-like. Someone alert Rob Dyrdek, get that shit on film! (sorry) It takes her a moment to recoup enough to get to her feet, but she has her shield and sword! She's seeking a horse. Her's was just right there.

Success
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 11.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs Malcom at 19, he rolled 18.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (6 4 4 5 4) for a total of: (23)
Failed.
Malcolm checked his Horsemanship of 10, he rolled 15.

There's a moment when Caerwyn - having been battered here and there by the slings, arrows and axes of fate and misfortune - cannot see his cousin any longer. He can see nothing but the blood dripping down his forehead, getting in his eyes - where'd he injure his head? Fear. Fear touches his Burcombe heart and gently applies its squeeze, massaging it into both action, then inaction. Fear - the mind killer - paralyzes Caerwyn as he lolls about on his horse, trying to find his strength in arms once more. This time, another pressure exerts itself: the love of family. Burcombe would never live down the shame if its heir decided to flee at this moment in the fight. So once more, he steels himself - he may not have to slay Saxons by the score to prove the Burcombe family's honor and skill, but he does have to fight. When this revelation hits him—

Oh snap. A Saxon comes riding in with a wicked war axe, come to take the Burcombe scion's head off. Charcoal-blazoned chainmail dully glinting in the blood sun reflecting on gasping corpses all over the battlefield, Caerwyn rears his horse up, riding forth to meet the man with a sword. He fights like he always does against his father and sister - defensively. Though the axe clanks heartily on his splintering kite shield, made of Faefyre oak to ward off death and bloodshed, Caerwyn manages to stay a few steps ahead of his mounted enemy.

Malcolm rolls 1d6 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)
Success
Martyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 9.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Martyn at 19, he rolled 18.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (2 5 3 5 1) for a total of: (16)

Cyndeyrn remains locked in combat on the ground, not his preference certainly, as every thundering pair of hoovebeats threatens some mounted foe riding by and clipping his head from his shoulders with one of their cruel axes. It is a vulnerable place, there on the ground. Still, with a desire to live through the fight and do whatever he can to see to the safety of his family locked within the nearby walls, he presses his prior advantage against the man before him, and deals him another blow, albeit only ringing atop the man's shield. A grunt, and he presses forward, trying to leverage the man back and over, to press his size advantage further still. At least, in all the chaos, it seems perhaps the advantage of the far side has lessened somewhat.

Success
Martyn checked his horsemanship of 14, he rolled 13.
Perin rolls 3d6 and gets (4 1 3) for a total of: (8)
Failed.
Caerwyn checked his deceitful of 7, he rolled 18.
Critical Fail!
Caerwyn checked his honest of 13, he rolled 20.
Success
Perin checked his battle of 13, he rolled 9.
Success
Perin checked his sword of 12, he rolled 1.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs Perin at 19, he rolled 10.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (3 1 1 3 1) for a total of: (9)

Swinging and swinging, that seems to be what one does in these battles. This time Martyn takes a hit, causing him to wince quite a bit, but he stays in the saddle.

Perin gets to his feet to gain his bearing, but is quickly confronted by a saxon on foot. He's just enough time to get sword to the read and shield up. For the moment he defends as best he can, unable to return any good blows with his sword, but thankful for armor and shield as the larger man has the current advantage.

Trying to remain close to Earc and the charge for the gates, Malcolm finds himself pressed by a Saxon on horseback. His sword is batted asay before he is knocked from his saddle, and lands fairly well, as he lands on his side and none the worst for wear.

The battle continues, despite the eforts of the Saxons, they suffer heavy losses in combat. Even as some fo the dust settles, those on the outside who watch may notice that the knights have a numerical advantage now. Lord Earc senses this turn of events as his knights press on. "The field is ours, knights! Let's end this here!" Those around him rally on that cry and there is a surge to victory. (+10 for the round to those mounted … the foot folks need to roll their own circumstance).

Failed.
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 16.
Acwel has partially disconnected.

On closer inspection of this collapsed house, Lysanor takes all the more care when she directs those with the buckets to quench the fires preventing the rescuers from saving the man. Once the heat of those flames are diminished, there is very little that she can do to assist. She very well may have tried to help the Brother remove the debris in their path, despite being of diminutive size, the young woman is pleased to know that her aid is not needed for that particular task, but she once the slightly battered man is out, her healer's attention automatically looks him over to see if he is in dire need of medical attention here and now or whether that can wait until they return the safety of the walls. To Huw, she considers, "There are some fires which still rage on, but the teams are working well enough, I believe. For now, we just need to do what we can to usher the wounded and frightened to safety and try our best to help them cope with everything that they had just been through."

With the efforts of Lysanor, not only is the fire confronted, but efforts are made to pull some of the thatch down on nearby homes, to prevent the spread of the fire outside as the battle rages on. Huw's man is thankful, coughing and taking what assistance he can get.

Failed.
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat dex vs. Acwel at 14, he rolled 17.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Acwel at 19, he rolled 16.
Acwel rolls 10d6 and gets (4 3 2 2 5 6 2 4 6 3) for a total of: (37)
Aeryn rolls 3d6 and gets (6 4 6) for a total of: (16)

Rose is still working over Maelgwyn's, delicate hands moving as quickly as possible to find the true wound that is causing all the blood. Once she does find it, there is a little shiver of her body and her head bows, so words are spoken, "May the Gods accept your honor and bravery for the next step on the wheel.." A heartfelt sigh and then the Healer gets back to work. She does everything she can to fight the death that is hovering just over her shoulder, and she makes Him wait, making Maelgwyn's death mean as much as possible, showing the Gods just what type of a man he was worth. But finally it will come to an end and Rose has to bow over the body, muttering something to soft to hear before she goes about cleaning up the Knight as best as she can. She will work, till she is again needed elsewhere.

Success
You check your battle at 10, you rolled 5.

Acwel is not a man of half measures. Inspired by Earc's rally, he unleasbes a flurry of brutal blows on the Saxon, the sword drawing blood wherever it hit and staining the Woodford's face. Finally, the enemy falls from his horse as the vassal knight raises his sword, ready to charge the next enemy.

Aeryn rolls 1d6 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)
Failed.
You check your horsemanship at 15, you rolled 18.

Aeryn was still sore from the fall, but that's not going to stop her any. There's a war to be fought, a war the Saxons had brought to their front door. A horse! It wasn't hers, but it was riderless. Trying to get to it, she almost reaches it when someone else manages to hop up and take it from just within her grasp, leaving her searching for another, trying not to get trampled or cut down in the process. And where was Perin?

With the work of the teams seemignly bringing the fires under control Huw moves to round up a few more of the wounded. Taking the arm of the rescued man he leads the little party round the long way back to the knight's camp where the healers wait. Encouraging words are spoken, prayers offered as requested, and basic triage done on-route.

Critical Success!
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 15.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Caerwyn at 19, he rolled 6.
Caerwyn rolls 10d6 and gets (2 2 4 4 2 4 5 3 1 5) for a total of: (32)
Cyndeyrn rolls 3d6 and gets (2 3 2) for a total of: (7)
Critical Fail!
Cyndeyrn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 20.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Cyndeyrn at 19, he rolled 9.
Cyndeyrn rolls 12d6 and gets (4 6 5 3 3 5 1 3 1 4 2 1) for a total of: (38)
Malcolm rolls 3d6 and gets (6 1 1) for a total of: (8)
Success
Martyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 14.

In the midst of exchanging blows with a hoary Saxon in chainmail, Caerwyn closes his eyes at the end and rides a bit out of the way , hoping to avoid - his skittish stallion, Donas, frothing at the mouth as it bucks in terror. Suddenly, the horse rears to the left - the opposite direction on which the Saxon was, and Caerwyn, expecting a blade lodged in his back… but when Sir Earc roars out a charge refrain, the tinny sound hits Caerwyn's ears from across the thunderous battlefield. He wheels his horse around to look at the Saxons, trying to regroup at the gate. It's here where Caerwyn lets out a roar of approval. He had been thinking of slinking away from the battle and keeping a good distance from it until maybe reinforcements arrive (the Marlboro army was due anyday now, wasn't it?) before he eggs his horse into a charge. It is easy to be brave when one is winning.

Riding atop that black stallion, Caerwyn thunders away, the lone figure breaking from his unit, for a charge into the Saxon rear. His sword arcs up and then sweeps down with a reckless slash, the polished iron finding flesh and blood in its wicked path, carving heartsblood and life from a Saxon who had thought it a good idea to invade Salisbury.

Success
Malcolm checked his Battle of 13, he rolled 7.
Success
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Martyn at 19, he rolled 1.
Martyn rolls 4d6 and gets (4 5 6 1) for a total of: (16)
Success
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 9.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for heorthgeneat axe vs. Malcom at 14, he rolled 16.

Again, several saxons press in together on a smaller number of Salisbury men who have been trapped there on the field, not outnumbered so greatly that they are fighting two to one, but enough to hinder them as axes rain in from every side and shields struggle to hold back the assault. Cyndeyrn still fights at their fore, locked with the large (but not so large as him) saxon, one who has harassed him now for the better part of the melee. Finally, even though the tide is against him, the Dinton knight finds a moment as his foe strikes forward just a little too boldly, overextending his reach as he deals with the odd experience of matching a taller foe. The Salisbury knight steps back just enough to let the axe come short, and then brings his sword down hard over the edge of the man's shield and down onto his shoulder. It cuts through the mail in a bloody spout, and whether his foe lies dead or merely dying after that is hard to say, but of little consequence.

Failed.
SirKay checked his horsemanship vs Martyn=15 of , he rolled 2.
Success
SirKay makes a check for horsemanship vs Martyn at 15, he rolled 14.
Malcolm rolls 5d6 and gets (4 5 5 2 4) for a total of: (20)
Success
SirKay makes a check for dex vs Martyn at 14, he rolled 12.
Perin rolls 3d6 and gets (3 1 5) for a total of: (9)
Success
Perin checked his sword of 12, he rolled 2.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Saxon Axe vs Perin at 19, he rolled 5.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (3 3 5 6 3) for a total of: (20)
Success
Perin checked his dex of 13, he rolled 4.

After that brief moment of being forced on the defensive, Martyn strikes his opponent. Managing to drive the enemy back a little amd getting back on the offensive, he keeps on trying to press the advantage.

Making contact with his sword, it does littel to stay the saxon he faces, and again, the axe continues to swing for the now. Another bite against his chain, he winces and lowers a moment, thankful his shield is currently up at least.

As the battle continues, Lord Earc and his knights gain an advantage this round. Currnelty the enemy is outnumbered almost 2:1 at this point. Despite some of the young knights taking injuries, the unit as a whole remains effective and in charge now on the field. Confusion spreads amongst the enemy knights amongst the mounted heorthgeneat and they suffer from that (+5 to mounted folks this round). The enemy looks ready to withdraw and the gate is nearly clear for them to see what is happening in the city itself.

Success
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 4.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Saxon Axe vs. Acwel at 19, he rolled 2.
Acwel rolls 5d6 and gets (6 5 6 5 2) for a total of: (24)
Failed.
SirKay checked his Saxon Dex=14 of , he rolled 6.
Failed.
SirKay makes a check for Saxon Dex at 14, he rolled 15.

Though unhorsed it seems the maddened Wylye is still a knight to be reckoned with. amongst the kerns and saxons on foot, Malcolm finds himself engaged as soon as he rises. Using his shield he catches the axe with the rim at the tooth, and pulls the man's arm aside to hack at his chest. Though standing, he is bloodied and Malcolm shoves forward.

Aeryn rolls 3d6 and gets (2 2 1) for a total of: (5)
Failed.
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 17.

Success
SirKay makes a check for Saxon Axe vs. Caerwyn at 19, he rolled 12.
Caerwyn rolls 5d6 and gets (3 1 3 1 3) for a total of: (11)
Failed.
You check your battle at 10, you rolled 16.
Critical Fail!
You check your sword at 15, you rolled 20.
Critical Success!
SirKay makes a check for Saxon Axe vs. Aeryn at 19, he rolled 19.
SirKay rolls 10d6 and gets (2 3 3 3 6 4 4 4 6 4) for a total of: (39)
Success
Rose checked her love for family of 15, she rolled 1.
Cyndeyrn rolls 3d6 and gets (2 2 2) for a total of: (6)
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his battle of 10, he rolled 3.
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 12.

The Saxon had her on both size and brute strength. The axe that comes crashing down on her gives her no chance to get her shield into position before she takes the hit and it slices into her, ripping through her armor and leaving a large gash in her side. Aeryn hits the ground, sword falling aside, shield arm limp at her side. For all intents and purposes, she's down for the count right where she falls.

With gentle coaxing and an arm to lean on, Huw gets the man get to a joyful reunion with his son, then finds a more qualified physic to check over his chest given that cough. That duty discharged he turns briefly towards the battle, to see how the knights fare, then back to the wounded, rolling up his sleives again to get stuck in with applying bandages and poultices as required.
Malcolm rolls 3d6 and gets (4 4 1) for a total of: (9)

Critical Success!
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 15.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Malcom at 19, he rolled 2.
Success
Huw checked his firstaid of 10, he rolled 6.
Cyndeyrn rolls 1d6 and gets (4) for a total of: (4)

Caerwyn rides on the flanks of the cavalry, wailing away at the enemy. His blows are mostly ineffective, but the good news is, he doesn't get hurt.

Success
Martyn checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 1.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Martyn at 19, he rolled 2.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (3 3 5 2 6) for a total of: (19)
Failed.
Martyn checked his horsemanship of 14, he rolled 15.

Rose has had to return to the field of play as it were, helping those that can make it to the side for healing. So it is in that moment of break that those indigo eyes are watching the Battle and see when Aeryn goes down. Her breath catches and there is a moment where she searches those near and finally calls out. "Get her out of there!" Her voice carries and hopefully to the squire of the Knight as Rose moves to get to Aeryn as quickly as possible, dropping down to kneel next to her sister in law. "Lady Braelynn!" She calls to the other healer as she mutters to the Gods once more. "For Perin and family.." It's whispered but the passion is there, you will do anything you can for family after all.

A horse, a horse, Cyndeyrn's not particularly large village of Dinton for a horse! Well, ok, maybe he'd not go quite that far. Still, in the wake of cutting down the last Saxon, Cyndeyrn once more attempts to extricate himself from the dangerous press that is the grounded melee, knowing that his chances are ever improved when he is not about to be overrun or mobbed and dragged into the dirt, to die some ignominious end far from the sight of his countrymen. There are men pressing in, and the combat chaotic, but before they are able to trap him again, he does spot an un-mounted charger trotting past. As ever, there is a moment's thought to the poor knight who might once have ridden it, a thought of where they now lay, but not an overly long one. This time, the beast is moving slow enough for him to catch on, and the Dinton vaults up and settles himself, kicking up speed quickly to avoid the small band of footmen pursuing him and seek out Lord Earc's formation, to aid in the battle he was summoned to fight, not some scramble in the dirt.

Perin rolls 3d6 and gets (2 5 6) for a total of: (13)
Martyn rolls 1d6 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)
Failed.
Perin checked his love for Aeryn of , he rolled 19.
Failed.
Perin checked his amor for Aeryn of 13, he rolled 18.
Success
Rose checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 1.
Success
Rose checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 5.

Rose rolls 1d3 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)
Rose rolls 1d3 and gets (3) for a total of: (3)
Failed.
Perin checked his sword of 12, he rolled 15.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Perin at 19, he rolled 12.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (4 6 3 6 3) for a total of: (22)

His love goes down, he tries to muster strength to fight his way to her, but he can't seem. Seeing her go down is too much for him, he has failed her. He can barely muster a defense. He falls down from his current wound, unconcsious himself now.

But how long did that being on the offense last for Martyn? Not too long before he was sent tumbling off his horse again. He doesn't seem too bad off so far, though.
Rose pages Aeryn and Perin: Are yall just trying to get to stay in bed together for a month??

The shield presses the attack, slamming it into the injured Saxon, knocking him ajar. As he stumbles, Malcolm presses the attack, slashing the man open at tue chest then stabbing him in the gullet, thus ending him in rapid succession. Howling, Malcolm turns catching where the battle turns.

Despite the depsarate battles of the young knights, Lord Knight Earc and those mounted remain strong. More fall, injured, dead even. As drama plays amongst some of the knights, the main body loses few others. The numbers are closer to 5:1 now as the tides have swung for the battle. Those engaged attemp to withdraw. Those engaged may not let their foes try to retreat from the gate, or they may turn to gather again this day. (Can engage normally this turn, next turn, can use hunting to track down the remaning saxons if folks wish. There are 10 saxons left from the heorthgeneat)

Critical Fail!
Acwel checked his sword of 15, he rolled 20.
SirKay rolls 3d6 and gets (3 3 4) for a total of: (10)
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Acwel at 19, he rolled 9.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (6 1 6 1 2) for a total of: (16)
Success
Acwel checked his horsemanship of 15, he rolled 2.

With a good selection of scrapes and burns dressed as well as he can, Huw turns to see what there is to be done next. Noting the saxons starting to break he tilts his head in consideration for a moment, then starts to move carefully towards the gates, there will be dead and dying within and without. Souls requiring comfort in pain or death.

His sword was getting slippery, with all that blood. Acwel surges forward, to attack the man, but the enemy axeman is too quick, and his strike not only cleanly knocks Acwel's sword off of his hand, it also descends upon his shoulder and draws blood. The knight grits his teeth, riding away and shouting for his squire. He's going to need another sword.

Success
Caerwyn checked his cruel of 10, he rolled 5.
Success
Caerwyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 10.
Rose pages: What is your hit points?
Critical Fail!
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Caerwyn at 18, he rolled 20.

Braelynn hears Rose's words, and they seem to shake her out of the state of horror she has been in at the site of the battle. She follows the other healer, and kneels near Rose, assisting in her healing.

Caerwyn rolls 5d6 and gets (6 4 3 6 1) for a total of: (20)
Success
Cyndeyrn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 8.

When the Black Burcombe rallies - the Saxons are routing, the Saxons are routing! - he gives a thunderous cry to some pagan elder god before bringing the wrath of the Morrigan down on these poor wretches. Though the idea of 'poor wretches' is a Christian sentiment, Caerwyn feels no such Christian sentiment, as he gallops along, merrily swiping this way and that, bringing his sword blade slicing across the Saxon slow enough to come within range of his FEARSOME PAGAN SWORD. The Saxon that Caerwyn engages lifts up an axe to try to hack back - typical Saxon aggression - when he should be defending, but Caerwyn's blade not only cleaves into the man's arm, but also removes the sharp axe-head from its wooden handle, sending it flying uselessly with a *THWOP* on the bloodied mud below. This time, both on horse, the two men are locked step by step, and Caerwyn gives the man a kick in the side of his horse, trying to uproot him from his seat atop his horse. He tries his best not not to injure the horse. Booty, right?

Success
SirKay makes a check for Horsmanship vs Caerwyn at 15, he rolled 12.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Cyndeyrn at 19, he rolled 9.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (2 3 5 3 1) for a total of: (14)

Success
Malcolm checked his Sword of 15, he rolled 5.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Malcolm at 19, he rolled 16.
SirKay rolls 5d6 and gets (2 2 5 2 5) for a total of: (16)
Success
Malcolm checked his dex of 14, he rolled 1.

As the fight moves Huw spots the small gathering around the fallen Aeryn, Heading over he spots the ladies Rose and Braelynn already attending to the wounds and so drops in by their side to offer what prayer and comforts he can.

Failed.
Martyn checked his swords of , he rolled 7.
Success
Martyn checked his sword of 15, he rolled 7.
Success
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Martyn at 19, he rolled 6.
Martyn rolls 4d6 and gets (6 6 4 6) for a total of: (22)

Alongside the other healers, Lysanor tries her best to bring comfort to the ailing — soothing burns, cleaning open wounds and bandaging and splinting everthing that needs one. However, even as she works, her eyes do not miss the heavy expression found on the faces of the two healers who tend another of the grieviously wounded. Knowing that they had just lost a patient prior, she can understand just how desparate they are to keep this one alive. When she rises from to stand, having just bandaged up another of the many wounded, she takes slow steps to to assess the damages that the wounded had taken and see if there is anything more that can be done for her. It is when she recognizes the woman, Aeryn's face, knowing her from the prestige which she had gained in the challenges and at the tournament does a slim frown cross her lips. It goes to remind her that everyone, even their most courageous can fall. Lowering herself beside the gathered, she speaks in a quiet tone, "May she know comfort in these trying times as both her body and soul continue to work quietly to heal itself and give her strength once more."

Remounted, Cyndeyrn is just in time to join the final surge against the now-retreating Saxons. The surge, of course, still finds them fighting back harshly as they flee, not giving in too quickly. He trades blows with an enemy rider from alongside, the two keeping a pace, although the saxon holds his own. Luckily, the one strike he makes is just a tap against the Dinton's shield, though it means that the rider may live to see another day, to return for another raid, as he will soon kick his horse into a heavier gallop and pull ahead, off into the wilderness. With at least that man free, the Dinton turns to veer into formation alongside Lord Earc, "Many of us know these lands well, Lord Knight. Shall we pursue the ones that have scattered or rally back to Sarum?"

Failed.
SirKay checked his Dex vs Martyn=14 of , he rolled 5.
Success
SirKay makes a check for dex vs Martyn at 14, he rolled 1.

On his feet from the tumble from the horse, Martyn still goes after one of the closest enemies, shaking his head a little to himself. He manages to strike the man, but enough to do as much damage as he was trying to.

Malcolm is engaged as quickly as he kills one the saxon dogs. Though his own sword misses, his shield is up to knock away the axe.

There saxons in route. The fires are burning but control is being reigned over them at least. Brother Huw is helping people get to safety. Only a small number of Saxons remain. It is up to the pursuers to follow them off away from Sarum and into the woods. Earc gather's his forces to muster them together, to make for the gate and see how the castle has faired this day. With the battle over, the folks moved away start to come back to help, fire lines, moving flamable objects away before embers try to spread the fire. There are fires in the city one can see from this point as well.

The Knight of Woodford looks on as the Saxons start to retreat, saluting the Lord Knight of Wilton as he retrieves his sword, sheathing it while looking on at the mass of the injured, dying and the dead on the floor. His expression is solemn, almost as though he is in reverence to what just transpired here, or perhaps the sacrifice of his fellow Cymru. For now, and as he is no hunter, he turns back to join the Lord Knight into the city, his Woodford tabard stained with blood, his, and that of his enemies, today. He closes his eyes as he utters a prayer, doing the sign of the cross.

Huw nods solumnly to Lysanor. "The Lord watches over her," he replies back in what he hopes is a reassuring voice, then, to Rose, "if my hands can be of more use than tongue then they are yours to command." Failing that though he slips back into prayer for the departing souls, both infront of him and infront of the gates.

As Earc turns back, Cyndeyrn turns back with him, tugging on (and fighting with) the reins of the unfamiliar charger, ultimately holding in formation beside the Lord Knight of Wilton, as much a bodyguard as anything else with so many dead and the situation elsewhere yet unknown. In the chaos, he does scan the field to see what is left of their forces and in what condition, and with his shield visible, may eventually be spotted by his squire, who will rejoin their small unit as it begins to pick up other stragglers. "Lord Knight, we will relieve any further chaos in Wilton then, before giving reinforcement to Sarum?"

Success
Caerwyn checked his hunting of 10, he rolled 4.
SirKay makes a check for Axe vs Hunting at 19, he rolled 6.

Failed.
Huw checked his firstaid of 10, he rolled 14.

Still atop Donas, the black stallion, Caerwyn drives a hard gallop as his squire tosses him another lance. The Black Burcombe does not know yet his cousin lies dead or near-dead, with wounds festering or already run their course - there is a long, hard hate to him, a cruelty bred from the madness of bloodlust. Still helmeted and bleeding lightly from the one puncture wound he took from a full-on charge into a Saxon great-spear, the bloodied Burcombe - despite orders from Sir Earc to regroup upon Sarum gate - charges off alone after the fleeing Saxon axemen. He drives a lance into the back of one, letting the force of the impact lodge itself into the man's fleshy torso - before the body is down and cold, he races towards the sparse treeline outside of the city proper, catching another Saxon and cutting them down by sword. Like a common thief, Caerwyn rifles through their bodies briefly - probably finding nothing of worth (why would the Saxons raid if they -had- anything of worth?) - before riding back. His riding had re-opened his side wound, and he allows himself to be administered aid by a Christian priest, of all men. He should have chosen wiser - with gruff rumblings and suspicious looks, Caerwyn does not get terribly effective treatment. It staunches the wound but repairs nothing.

Success
Rose checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 2.
Success
Rose checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 6.
Success
Rose checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 9.
Success
Rose rolls 1d3 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)
Rose rolls 1d3 and gets (2) for a total of: (2)
Rose rolls 1d3 and gets (2) for a total of: (2)
Success
Braelynn checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 9.
Critical Fail!
Braelynn checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 20.
Success
Braelynn checked her firstaid of 15, she rolled 10.

Really this is why being a battlefield medic means more stress than some might think. Rose has worked to stop the bleeding on Maelgwyn, the Gods had other ideas, she worked and worked to stabilize Aeryn, again the Gods had other ideas. So it is with eyes that have gone wide that she sees her brother Perin laid out next to his wife.. For the last of the battle she has done nothing be bandage, clean, pack and now she sits between Aeryn and Perin, trying to shelter him from the view of his wife as she works on atleast saving one today..

Panting Malcolm stays on his knees after killing a downed Saxon. One could call it mercy, though for the Cymru and their knights, it is but little insuranxe to make sure such dont return to the battlefield. Grimacing the Wylye knight does look to see if he can find something of worth on a downed Saxon knight, before he is sliting the man's throat or rather stabbing down. A twist of the blade and he is rising up to see to the next, since rhe general retreat and rout of their enemy.

Huw isn't entirely sure how he's aquitting hismelf on his first ever field of battle. The cuts, scrapes, and burns of the populace seemed simple compared to the deeper wounds of the knights. He does he best, but to be frank, it's all a little overwhelming, and he's out of his depth, but praise be to God he doesn't lose any. Although it's a sorry look he gives to those that Rose tends.

Braelynn kneels quietly near Perin, though her hands are shaking much too to be effective. Her eyes are blank as she watches Rose treat the wounds that is skilled enough to treat, but is unable to. The young woman rests her hands in her blood soaked lap, looking and feeling quite helpless. Pale green eyes lift and she begins to survey the scene of such distruction and they well with tears. She stands slowly, takes a deep breath, and turns away from the corpse of Aeryn. She begins looking for others who need healing, stopping to give them what she can.

Success
Lysanor checked her firstaid at 14, she rolled 4.
Failed.
Lysanor checked her firstaid at 14, she rolled 15.
Lysanor rolls 1d3 and gets (1) for a total of: (1)

Finally, while the injured have been trickling in slowly throughout the whole of the battle, it is towards the very end that brings the brunt of the wounded in for healing. With her head lowered, eyes shut, Lysanor whispers a silent prayer for Aeryn, before offering a word of gentle support to both Rose and Braellyn, knowing that the influx of patients could only threaten to overwhelm physically and emotionally. Her heart nearly stops when her eyes spy Cyndeyrn's large and looming form joining the ranks of the injured here. Helping her brother's squire to remove the Dinton knight's armor, she works quickly to stop the bleeding. While she may not be bloodied and bruised like the many knights who are being brought in now for care, Lysanor looks somewhat bedraggled from the fight with the fire, her tunic smeared with mud and also with the blood of her patients. "I was worried for you." Her concern can clearly be heard within her tone, "But I'm glad that you are here and safe now."

"I am awaiting orders, Sir," Acwel mentions to Earc, riding beside the man along with the Dinton. Wilton, after all, is right on the way to Woodford, and if it falls, so would his manor. The knight's green eyes scan his surroundings slowly, before stopping as Earc dismounts, removing his helmet as his squire comes alongside and makes a brief inquiry. Matted with sweat, the Woodford's hair sticks wetly against his skin, giving him a bit of a savage's look. He dismounts, and heads over to where Lysanor de Dinton is tending to Cyndeyrn, apparently waiting for his turn in the queue.

Seeing the few Saxons still out there running off, Martyn is caught between trying to chase them and staying back. In the end, his brains win that argument, and he steps back, turning around to look for where his horse might have ended up when he was sent from the horseback.

Perin comes too, slowly as his wounds are treated. Blinking and looking around, "Aeryn?" He asks, moving to his feet, forgetting all the other stuff that was going on, or who even helped him. He only had one concern in the moment.

Rose is the one having to deal with Perin and as he wakes she gently keeps a hand on his shoulder as if to keep him in one spot, her small body doing what it can to shield him from seeing to soon. "I am.. sorry Perin, her wounds…" She takes a shaking breath, a few small tears running down her cheeks as she kneels there, still covered in the blood of the many wounded.

As Acwel mentions waiting for orders, he continues the thought he had offered to Sir Cyndeyrn, "We regroup, let us send someone to see what lies ahead of us in the city, and some ride back to check on Wilton. We hold this spot until we are ready to advance. Should more Saxons be on their way." A pause, then a nod, "A patrol should go to the east gate, to see that it has not fallen. Sarum may be in worse trouble if that has happened. No man woman or child should leave alone until we know the scope of this situation."

Cyndeyrn confirms Earc's words with a nod. "Aye, Lord Knight." If there is no immediate press onward, the whole pace of things will slow somwhat, and like Acwel, the Dinton knight takes a moment to catch his breath, doff his helmet, confirm that his squire is still alive, and indeed to find his sister, as she, like several others, has now come to help tend to the wounded. Her appearance does concern him when he first spots her, though, as bedraggled as it is: "Sister, are you well?" But when closer, he will see that she is only dirty, not blood-stained, and relax a little. "I am alright," the man will confirm, for her own worry. "A bit of a bad bruise from a fall, but otherwise largely whole. I was unlucky and dehorsed in the charge, but managed to slay some man afoot and rejoin the Lord Knight." He is grateful for what little she can do for him, though it may not be much, given that the bruises are largely that. "If you need a party to stray ahead, Sir Acwel and I might join some others who are not badly wounded, less you think our number is better needed here." He will not presume to speak on strategy, knowing he is rather new to it all!

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License