15 Nuzyeal 720

[GM]

Each of you awake from your slumber in much the same way as you have the last few days. Muscles aching from swing sword and axe, holding shields and drawing bows repeatedly.

There is much speculation about what today brings as you each go about your morning routines as usual, washing, dressing and breaking your morning fast.

They day is cool with just a few clouds in the sky with a steady wind blowing in from the north west.

The warriors spend the morning within the thran and when the time to train approaches the warriors gather to the training grounds, from there they are lead to the grassy hill upon which the gatehouse sits. There along with around 1200 other warriors you gather and wait. The wind keeps things cool and you stand and wait drawing your cloaks around your shoulders.

Many of the women and children have noticed the gathering and are standing around well to the rear of the assembled warriors.

There is alot of chatter and talk from the gathered crowd.

Soon the Jarl appears this time he is dressed not in the fine clothes and such that he is usually seen in, but a fine hauberk of mail, he holds a plate 3/4 helm in his left hand, a sword hangs from his left hip and an axe is tucked into his belt. His cloak plays in the wind whipping around his legs.

He stands atop the hill and as he stops the crowd turn to face him and soon the crowd falls into silence.

"Well met clansmen!" the Jarls voice booms. "As you all know Ibanvaal invaded Menglana and now prepares to lay seige to Froyaheim, our King stands idle and if we let the Storzars fall then we open the gate to the rest of Menglana" the Daas pauses allowing his words to be absorbed. "We are about to embark on a venture that will shock and awe the invaders from Ibanvaal." he pauses for a moment "our friends the Storzars are in need of our aid and I will not let them down"

"Tomorrow We March to Froyaheim!" the Jarl booms. The crowd erupts in a cheer and soon the chant "Daas, Daas, Daas" echoes across the thran but is soon replaced with "Storzar, Storzar, Storzar!"

Raising his hand the Jarl beckons the crowd to silence before saying "Today we rest, there will be no training today but no one is to leave the thran, I will also see all the clan Valhakars in the greathall before high sun"

After the Jarl has left and returned into the thran the rest of the warriors begin to disperse returning back to their camps. Now the thought of them marching off to war is beginning to sink in and while there is a quiet apprehesion everyone seems full of bravado.

[Barak Daas]

Barak listens to the rallying call, and thinks 'well there is no news or suprises there'.

He returns to the mead hall and carefully cleans and maintains his equipment, taking care to lightly oil his bow and sharpen his hatchet, dagger, keltan and spear. He'll also check the straps, belts and buckles to see if any are worn or have worked loose.

Barak collects what ever it has been agreed he can have in the way of provisions from the kitchen (hard cheese, well cured ham, dried fruit, nuts, double based biscuits?).

He will seek out his big sister around Ygesdram. If he finds her he'll say "Hunting was good yesterday, I have a little something for you" he'll pass her twelve pennies "Buy yourself some lace to decorate your dress, or something."

Barak retruns to the meadhall. Seeking Gelda out he'll pass her his gift and say "Something to remember me by whilst I am gone" before he rushes off. Barak knows the meadhall will be busy tonight, everyone will want one last ale before setting off, so he is ready to start work early. He will keep an eye out for Kugald during the evening - he has something for him.

[Algared]

Having heard Cunate's speech Algared heads home. He is brusied and sore for the numerous thumps he has recieved recently. he checks through his equipment, and pacjs his bags. While his mother watches from the sides. Algared asks his mother if there are are rations availbale he can take to suppliment the those those along recieved along the way, he thinks some dried or smoked meats, oats, cheese and fruits and vegetables would make a suitable.

Once packed and ready Algared sits and spends time eating a light mid-day meal, before heading off to the hill, where he mediates then, attempts to cast Chalsea's sponge (roll:91 Marginal fail), he sighs as he feels the fatigue of casting wash over over him and mutters knowing his failed the to successfully cast. He rests before recasting curses as he fails again (roll: 68 marginal fail). As he sits and rests, he runs through the spells various stages ensuring he has recalled each part correctly then once he has recovered from the attempt tries once more. This time he knows his has succeeded and sits back against the tree (roll 16, marginal success).

[Kugald Daas]

After the Daas’ speech, Kugald hangs back, talking to the other members of the clan. He is definitely keen to go after the Ibanvaalese. The sting of not finding Reike grates on his nerves and conscience. The young weaponcrafter will not rest until he has redeemed himself in the eyes of the Daas.

After the last of the group has broken up to go prepare, he returns to the clanhouse. He has dinner with his mother, brother and sister. After dinner, he and his brother prepare for the next day’s march. Kugald gathers sausages, cheese and hard tack (double baked bread, freshly prepared by his mother). He takes out every single piece of clothing and equipment. Each piece is carefully inspected, repaired (if necessary) and repacked into his backpack. He adds his fine new cloak to the pack. “It is waxed, so it is rainproof. It will be good on those nights we don’t have a chance to set up tents.”

After his gear is ready, he spends an hour checking and cleaning his mail byrnie. He carefully oils it and lays it out for the morning. Lastly, he goes over each weapon, touching up the edges and polishing off any hints of rust. Finally, he gives each item a coat of fine whale oil.

Kugald and his brother Einar take turns double checking each other’s equipment until they are both satisfied that they are as ready as can be.

“Will I be able to bring my horse, Gauk?” he asks Einar. “I have packed everything for a march on foot, but I will bring him if I can.”

Finally satisfied that everything is as ready as it can be, he heads down to the meadhall for one last drink before they march.

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

He returns to the mead hall and carefully cleans and maintains his equipment, taking care to lightly oil his bow and sharpen his hatchet, dagger, keltan and spear. He'll also check the straps, belts and buckles to see if any are worn or have worked loose.

All appears fine and in working order

Barak collects what ever it has been agreed he can have in the way of provisions from the kitchen (hard cheese, well cured ham, dried fruit, nuts, double based biscuits?).

None all the provisions are being readied to distribute to all the warriors. Nothing special for you

He presumes that the traders will still have stall opens, trying to wring the last few pennies from the warriors before they head east. He'll also look round to see if there is any inexpensive gift (<6d) he can buy for Gelda - a copper trinket, sweetmeats, or piece of ribbon or somesuch.

No, the market only operates during the 10th, 20th and 30th day of each month, the merchants and traders have all packed up and moved on to the next market. You could always visit the metalsmith.

Algared asks his mother if there are are rations availbale he can take to suppliment the those those along recieved along the way, he thinks some dried or smoked meats, oats, cheese and fruits and vegetables would make a suitable.

You are able to grab about 1/2lb of spare food. Your mother smacks your wrist reminding you that the rest of your family still need to eat while you are gone.

Kugald gathers sausages, cheese and hard tack (double baked bread, freshly prepared by his mother).

You are only able to gather about 1lbs worth of food, like Algared you are informed that there are others staying behind that will need to eat too.

[Barak Daas]

he heads down to the meadhall for one last drink before they march.

Catching sight of him, Barak will make his way over to his table "You know that venison I promised you in repayment... " seeing Kugald start to react he continues "I'm only joking" He then places (precounted) twelve pennies in front of Kugald "Thanks for that loan, and now I have paid you back. Hunting was good yesterday". He then starts to sit down "I think Jabor will let me have one drink with you [all]. It might be the last decent one for some days." Barak then gestures one of the serving staff over...

[Borygg Raal]

After the Daas' sppech, Borygg returns to the Orbaason clanhouse where he sleeps and goes over all his equipment and makes sure it is ready. He sharpens his spear and dagger and oils his bow. He checks his shield for cracks and also checks over his trusty club. He inspects his leather vest, quilt tunic, and kurbul halfhelm to make sure all are in good repair. Once satisfied with that, he packs his other gear into his pouches and knapsack. Feeling that he has imposed enough on the goodwill of the Orbaason clan in accepting shelter from them, he doesn't try to get any food from the kitchen but will pack up the extra rations he purchased in the previous days (sausages, cheese, hard tack, apples or other fruit). He heads to the temple, where he prays to Sarajin for strength and courage. If Bjarri Orbaason, the main cleric, is around, Borygg will ask him for a blessing.

[GM]

Later that day all the clan warriors are summoned. One of the Jarls messengers wander the thran calling all Daas warriors together. The same seems to be happening for all the other clans but they are all meeting in different areas.

The Daas with the most warriors are marshalling on the rise near the gatehouse.

The crowd gathers slowly as most seem to be preparing their gear for war. Putting your preparations on hold you each make your way towards the hill. You are not the first to arrive as there are other clansman already gathered. As you wait the numbers of warriors increases until it seems that some five hundred warriors have gathered on the rise.

As the crowd gathers the chamberlain appears from the gatehouse and takes a place high on the rise - when the warriors have all assembled he says "Well met warriors of Daas!" looking to his feet and then returning his gaze to the warriors he says "The Jarl has indicated that you shall be divided into three groups, the first shall remain here in Ygesdram as our reserve and protection, the second group shall move to Abderheim to defend the road from any Ibavaal attempt to seize Daaslund and the third group shall advance towards Froyby and attempt to drive the Ibavaal invaders from our lands" he pauses to let this informaiton sink in then he continues

You each find that you have been assigned to the third group - you have been selected to march on Froyby.

"Everyone shall make their way through the gatehouse there they will collect one quiver of arrows, two throwing spears and then they can draw their rations" the chamberlain holds his arm up towards the gatehouse indicating the direction he wants everyone to go.

With that the assembled warriors are allowed to leave and they begin to wander in through the gatehouse, before long you have all recieved one quiver of arrows, two throwing spears and around 15lbs of food containing smoked/dried meats, cheese, dried fruits, hard tack and biscuits.

[Kugald Daas]

After receiving his allocation of food, javelins and arrows, Kugald seeks out Thaldirs. "I was wondering if I should bring my horse, or will he be in the way?"

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

After receiving his allocation of food, javelins and arrows, Kugald seeks out Thaldirs. "I was wondering if I should bring my horse, or will he be in the way?"

TTYL

- Kerry

Thaldirs smiles and replies "Don't think you will be needing him, you know where our path takes us!"

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald smiles wolfishly..."Enough said. I will leave him home and tell my friends to prepare for a good march."

TTYL

- Kerry

[GM]

Kugald smiles wolfishly..."Enough said. I will leave him home and tell my friends to prepare for a good march."

You are not sure but you think you hear the aging warrior say "no such thing" as he continues walking past you...

[Algared]

Hearing the summons, Algared rises from his mediations and attends. He hears the allocations and smiles. He has a a blight on his honour and the honour of the Daas to remove for his previous failure. The Froyby group has the chance for the greater honour, and the chance to cause the most harm the invaders supply lines. Algared draws his supplies and wonders whether he should aquire a short bow. He asks though is equally happy if it is merely sharing the load so that there are enough arrows for the archers.

shame we dont have a mule. Algared thinks to himself, as he waits for his companions and any others who have been allocated to their band.

[GM]

Late in the afternoon with the sun sitting atop the treeline to the west all the warriors gather.

You are formed up into your three different groups.

The first - the group remaining in Ygesdram numbering around two hundred consists of around fifty warriors from clan Daas the others come from all the other minor clans. Three huscarls remain behind Hasmaarl and Einar are among them.

The second - the group defending the road into Ygesdram from Abderheim numbers some three hundred warriors. This group consists of about one hundred Daas warriors and a large proportion of clan Kelsi as well, the rest of the warband are made up of minor clans. There are five huscarls in this group.

The third - this group will attack the Ibavaal invaders at Froyby and number around seven hundred warriors. Around three hundred and fifty of those warriors are from clan Daas. The remainder are made up from the minor clans, of the seven hundred between fifty and seventyfive are skirmishers. Twelve huscarls will make the journey to protect the Jarl including Thaldirs.

This is the first time you have seen the warbands as they will be depolyed. The sight of so many warriors preparing for battle is awe inspiring....

Just after the warbands have assembled a boat, a 24' nivik arrives from the east along the Leim River, it soon docks and five men disembark from the vessel.

One of the men clearly a priest carries a parchment while the other four men all carry spears and armour make their way directly to the gatehouse their mood is sombre. They pass through the gatehouse and disappear inside the thran.

[Barak Daas]

before long you have all recieved one quiver of arrows, two throwing spears and around 15lbs of food containing smoked/dried meats, cheese, dried fruits, hard tack and biscuits.

Barak takes what is given to him and returns to the meadhall. He'll take the arrows out of the quiver, check them for trueness (appraisal 75%) rejecting any that are unusable, and then put the good arrows in to his quiver along side his own. The new quiver he'll hang up on the wall next to his gear. He then appraises the throwing spears (appraisal 119%), unless there are remarkably better than the ones he already owns (which he is used to the balance and weight off) he'll take two of his own, proping the new ones where his old ones were stored. He takes the best of the food (say 3lb of meat/fruit/cheese) and puts it in his ration bag in his knapsack, the rest he will carry in the sack he was given it in. If it doesn't have a strap, he'll improvise a way of carrying it hands free out of thin rope or leather thonging (both of which he has). He'll also fill his water flask with fresh spring water.

[Barak Daas]

the other four men all carry spears and armour

Barak turns to Kugald, who he should be mustered with, and says "I wonder if those are the four warrior you said escorted Hovik to Froyaheim?"

[Kugald Daas]

OOC: To GM, do I recognize the four warriors? Are they the same men who escorted Hovik to Froyaheim?

[GM]

OOC: To GM, do I recognize the four warriors? Are they the same men who escorted Hovik to Froyaheim?

No all five of these men are unknown to any of you....

[Algared]

Turning to Kugald, Algared says in a low voice. "I do not recognise these men Cousin, from your look I'd wager you do not either. The question is what tidings do they bring our Jarl. One can only pray the tidings they bring are favourable". Have Ibanvaal marched? Has the king finally decided to act for the good of the kingdom? From their look they bring not good news but as always looks do not make the man. Algared ponders like the rest the watch the sombre troop arrive.

[GM]

Before everyone disappears you are all informed to be ready to march before first light tomorrow morning. While you stand around discussing this new group of arrivals, the rest of the warriors begin to disperse most seem to be heading towards the meadhall.

Not long after being admitted into the thran you see the same group of five men exit from the gatehouse.

[Guest]

The shortest of the five new arrivals begins to talk to some of the warriors nearest to him. He has dirty-blonde hair that falls past his shoulders and is braided at the temples. His mouth remains hidden behind a bushy but clean mustache and beard. He is of medium build and looks strong for his size.

There is some laughter and claps on the back as he speaks with the warriors around him. Within minutes, a circle has formed around him, and although you're not yet near enough to hear exactly what he is saying, you notice all in the circle around him are silently and intently listening. His voice has captivated them, and some of you believe you might hear words such as "opportunity," "honor," "valor," and "Ljarl." Heads begin to nod, and it might be said that the spirits of those listening are lifting.

If nothing else, listeners aren't leaving.

[Barak Daas]

Barak is not particularly interested in what the warrior priest has to say, he has heard it all before: heroic deeds on the battlefield to defend the honour of the clan and lord, and to be choosen by the Elkyri from among the dead. He carefully skirts the group and makes his way to the meadhall along with everyone else. He hopes that people head off to bed early, he wouldn't mind getting in some sleep before the pre-dawn start tomorrow.

Looking ahead: Before sleeping he lays out the equipment he is going to take; his knapsack, foodsack, water flask, belt, helmet, two throwing spears, thrusting spear, roundshield, hatchet, bow and quiver. He decides to leave his keltan behind: it may be the weapon he was trained to use, but he prefers his shield or to dodge. In the morning he will awaken early, tidy up his area and put all loose stuff (that fits) in to his check and lock it. He'll get a good breakfast and follow everyone else to wherever they are congregating.

[Jurri Grebel]

Jurri will try to join the crowd around the newcomer. He likes listening to others' oratorical style, if nothing else. Plus, there might be stories involved that he hasn't heard yet, or news worth knowing.

[Algared]

Turning to Kuglad once one of the new comers is identified as a priest of Sarajin, Algared says. "You know Kugald a priest in our band would would signifiacantly assist in raising our prestige. And if we ever hold a thran...' Algared laughs. "A preist in our ranks, will indicate, I would hope, to Cunate and others that we seek to follow the Ljarl, what do you think?'

[Kugald Daas]

Kugald nods. "I agree. Why don't we listen to what this new priest has to say? If he is interested, we can invite him to join our band."

The two of them move closer and listen to what he is saying.

When there is an opportunity, Kugald introduces himself, "My name is Kugald Daas. I am happy to meet you."

TTYL

- Kerry

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