| Thus Fell Tall Oaks |
| Summary: | The final effort of the besieged Camdens to break through the Blacktyde encirclement. |
| Date: | 02/01/289 |
| Related Logs: | Of Truth And Trees, Vairy Vert And Sable: Tall Oaks |
| Players: |
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| Town Square - Tall Oaks |
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| The town is nothing impressive to the eye or built up like many of those to the south, but the square is edged by placed rocks and the central area is a large pavilion for what looks like announcements. The scent of smithies and tanning fills the area and more often than not a line of freshly drying yew bows can be seen. Smalls houses and a few shops are set up, but most are for basic crafts and convenience rather than for things of leisure or finery. Everyrhing is overshadowed by the tall pines and hardwoods that loom as ever present guardians overhead. Light streams down through and only Oaks Hall stands in a clearing large enough to allow enough sunlight through. |
| 02 January, 289 A.L. |
Even though eighty Ironborn surround the Tall Oaks Keep, they kept just outside of longbow range, leaving quite a large gap between the walls of the keep and themselves. It's for this reason that when dusk took hold of the lands, Sarojyn made his way over the eastern wall, blending amongst the tree's and shadows as he began a counter clockwise circle, taking in the small Ironborn camps and any weaknesses that may be present. He's forced to stop at the southwestern corner where a large contingent of Ironborn have chopped down the Heart Tree and fastened it to a wagon. The branches have all been cut off, bundled and tied together with tar poured over them. Twenty minutes pass before the Treelord is able to move again and when he does, it's to return to the keep and proceed back over the wall, completely unnoticed on his excersion
Back within the walls, Dafydd and the others had seen to preparing horses and their riders. Ten people in all. 6 Family members, 3 guards and 1 retainer. It was all they could afford to send. Some had made the choice to remain behind to weather the storm while others had been given no choice, their duty to the Keep paramount for the rider's success. Once Sarojyn had made it back over the wall, he'd been quick to inform the others of the Weirwood and the bundles, along with his place to return to light them ablaze in the hopes of drawing the Ironborn in that direction, giving the distraction that was needed for the gates to be opened and the riders set off. So, once the riders were in position and Saro had claimed the necessary materials for his flaming arrows, he'd made his way back to the wall and then began to climb, seeking to return to that point in the southwest so as to set their plan in motion.
<FS3> Opposed Roll — Sarojyn=Stealth Vs Ironborn=Alertness
< Sarojyn: Failure Ironborn: Success
< Net Result: Ironborn wins - Marginal Victory
Once he'd made it over the wall, Sarojyn had paused for a moment, eyes playing out amongst the darkness and the tree's that linger around around the keep. He'd secured his supplies and in one hand, a bow was held, while the other held a small lantern covered with a sack to conceal the light within, a necessary evil for quickly lighting the arrows for his task at hand. Secure in his thought that no one had seen his initial descent from the wall, the Treelord then began the slow process of moving from tree to tree and shadow to shadow, making his way counter clockwise around the keep to avoid the township and work his way back towards the Godswood and where he'd seen the Ironborn decimating the weirwood.
The Treelord's approach is going rather smoothly, closely mimicking his prior foray beyond the walls of his embattled hall. Yet as he passes the point at which one of the bands is preparing a firepit, the eye of one man is drawn to a fold in the sack which permits a brief flicker of lamp light in Sarojyn's hand. "Come on then, Aksel- bring us a taper!" is called at the Camden, before being answered by another man from another direction, "Working on it, damnit." There is a pregnant moment of silence before the first man wonders aloud, "Then who the fuck's that? Arms!"
As someone calls out in his direction, it takes but a moment for Sarojyn to realize that he'd been spotted. His movements pause, his head turning slowly in the direction of the voice as he considers a reply. Unfortunately, another voice sounds off before the Treelord has a chance and there's a silent curse given before he's turning to look westward. It's a different direction then he was moving in and he's quickly beginning to move off in that direction, trying to conceal himself away from his current position, in the hopes he's overlooked by the scouts.
<FS3> Opposed Roll — Sarojyn=Stealth Vs Ironborn=Alertness
< Sarojyn: Good Success Ironborn: Good Success
< Net Result: DRAW
The call for arms is not the sort of thing which passes lazily among the Ironborn camps. Shields and axes come to hand, spears are taken up and the call passes from one camp to the next, until the door to the Old Oaks tavern opens and an Ironlord in an exquisite sable cloak stalks out, with his household swords about him.
<FS3> Sarojyn rolls Alertness: Failure.
"Dammit.." Daffyd swears quietly, something he doesn't usually do. He hears the shouting and the sound of arms.. and sets his expression to impassive. "Hold.." he warns the horses.. "We'll get a shout…" He's more talking to hear himself, to give himself something to hang to, and give those astride some measure of calm, if not comfort.
It took a moment of slipping westward before Sarojyn was able to reclaim that element of stealth. Unfortunately, the result of this is the fact that the Ironborn camps are now up in arms, knowing that someone is lingering in the woods. With no visible path in sight, the Treelord lowers to his haunches, waiting and watching for a moment or three to see if things begin to settle back down.
Kathryna has stuck in the camp nearest to the Keep. Front lines it is, she has no fear! Or perhaps she's just eager to be immediately on hand should something happen. Gethin's tied up near as well, of course, in a place she can watch and be certain none of her 'comrades' hurt her horse or her ability to get away. She's been as social as her heart will permit, but over all one might call her a brooding bitch, really. When the call to arms comes, she's on her feet immediately, sword at her side, never having removed her maile so she doesn't need to get ready otherwise. She stares into the night, hopeful and wary.
Whether the Ironborn truly got a clear look, or are simply unwilling to admit they may have gotten spooked at a shadow, the word is passed to Lord Blacktyde that Treefolk scouts had creeped up on the camp before being chased back to the timber hall. The sable cloaked reaver captain nods once, and narrows his eyes on the keep which fades into shadow with the onset of night. "Let's light the squirrels path home, eh lads?" he decides with a scowl. "Ready the catapult."
Stationed on the wall with her bow, the silence is a blessing so when it is broken, Damara exhales and begins to eye the area. She is pulling an arrow and waiting. She narrows her gaze and shifts where she stands as she looks to those she waits with. Fingers flex to get used to the feel and keep them warmed in readiness. A soft whisper is lifted to the gods.
Tiaryn is mounted, ready to go. Harp left behind, falcon left behind or already loosed. She's got only what is necessary for a quick getaway. Dafydd and Damara having helped see to packing the horses, they're all set and good to go. Tia says where she is, ready to go, on tenterhooks, and quiet. Oh so quiet. Dafydd's words draw a sharp look and then she murmurs a prayer, thinking of the bleeding weirwood and all that symbolizes for a moment. Please keep Sarojyn safe out there. Not believing it, but still needing to hope.
With the plan having failed by having been spotted, Sarojyn had hoped to wait out and have the camps go back about their business. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen and it leaves the Treelord in a rather precarious position. Eyes look to the darkness as he gives a shake of his head. Then, his voice is lifting, calling out into the darkness, loud enough to be heard by those in the camps, "It is over for you, Lord Blacktyde. My archers and I are already outside the walls of the keep with our arrows trained on you. Submit and you shall not meet the same fate as your son." As the last of the words are offered, he's beginning to move, darting from tree to tree, trying to remain hidden for the next phase of whatever idea it is that he has.
"Hold.." Dafydd's words are for all, the archers and horses. His voice is low, and he waits and listens. There isn't the sound of combat, so there is still hope. Blue eyes rise at the sound of Sarojyn's raised voice, and he nods his head to throw open the gates. "Ride!" he hisses. "Go!! West, then north!!!"
<FS3> Opposed Roll — Sarojyn=Stealth-2 Vs Ironborn=Alertness
< Sarojyn: Good Success Ironborn: Great Success
< Net Result: Ironborn wins - Marginal Victory
The Treelord's shout does draw the Ironlord's attention, though rather than a surrender, he roars in answer, "A longship to the man that brings me the Treelord's head!" At the same time that Ironmen are loading the tar soaked bundles of wierwood kindling into the bowl of the catapult, Tall Oaks' gates open and the desperate defenders issue forth, by foot and by steed. And so it begins.
Dafydd's hold has Tia's muscles bunch, a sharp breath coming out of her. This whole thing is a mess. Totally. She is ready to go, though, they all are. And when Dafydd says go, Tia quietly leans forward, ducking down low to the horse, and holding on as tight as she can. "Let's go, sweetie. There's extra carrots for you at the end of this." She hopes. The ten horses start out building speed, as they break for the west.
Sarojyn could see the Ironborn. They could see him. As such, he knew that he'd have only one chance to make a difference before a swarm of men were upon him. The lantern is dropped to the ground, the glass shattered and the fire spreading before him. A specially made arrow is pulled from his quiver and dipped into the flaming mess that grows at his feet and once the tip, which had been prepared to burn, is light, he's lifting it to his bow. The arrow is nocked and the string drawn back and it takes him but a moment to find the tar covered bundles of branches and when the arrow is released, he's simply offering a silent prayer that it strikes true.
As the Ironborn arm themselves and begin to head towards the walls of the keep, Damara is nocking her arrow and drawing back. She takes a moment to focus, finding a target and sticking with him as she follows. The bow creaks against the weight that is held there. She exhales slowly and releases, trying to forget the chaos and choose a target at a time, the next arrow already brushed with fingers along the fletching as the mistress readies for her next target.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Sarojyn with Thrown Axe and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Thrown Axe and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Sarojyn with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Munitions with Longbow - Target is afire!
<COMBAT> Kathryna passes.
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 01 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 02 with Longbow - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 01 with Longbow but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 02 has been KO'd!
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Guard with Thrown Axe but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 06's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Seryl attacks Reaver 01 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Baylor with Thrown Spear - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Reaver 09's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Reaver 03 attacks Seryl with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Reaver 03's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Wren attacks Reaver 04 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Guard attacks Reaver 03 with Hunting Bow - Serious wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Ailith passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Baylor passes.
<COMBAT> Ava attacks Reaver 02 with Hunting Bow - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Amylie passes.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 03 has been KO'd!
As it all begins, Dafydd has his bow, and he's at the gate, ready for defense. It is, however, towards his brother that his bow is drawn, even as he catches movement.. a horse and rider on their way after the group just left. A curse, and the target will be gained.. next.
As Kate realizes the plan of attack and she sees the horses breaking away from the gate, her eyes shoot wide as it registers just what the Camdens are doing. Riding hard to get away, sending the young, the female and the innocent. Perhaps there are guards, but there are so few on horse. She reacts on instinct alone — protect whom she can, maybe help give them a fighting chance. Not that Blacktyde can know that. So she yells out across the Ironborn, as the fray begins, "Damned tree men are getting away on horse! I've got them, hold the gate!" Even as she tosses a leg over Gethin, the horse given to her by the Camdens, and prepares to ride hard.
When the arrows start flying, the dusk erupts into chaos. The intended volley of flaming shot at the hall goes off rather too early- as in before the catapult is prepared to fire, from Sarojyn's flaming arrow. Several of the Ironborn artillerists stagger back from the sudden conflagration, drawing weapons and abandoning the machine. The trio with aspirations of earning their own longship draw blades and charge after Sarojyn, while a mass of the other Ironmen start a roaring charge on the keep.
Meanwhile the sudden volley of arrows launched from horseback take their toll on the surprised Ironborn camp, who never the less stand ready to welcome the fleeing Treefolk with axe, spear, and sword alike.
It's a banner day, for certain, as far as the Captain of the Guard's cursing as another rises into the air. The shot.. Dafydd has no idea whether it's struck its target, but he doesn't have a great feeling about it. Now, however, it's time for a change of target. There's a horseman, and they're out and riding hard for their group, setting up the alarm that they're out. The bow is brought up, and aim is taken for that rider; this is what he's supposed to do— see to the riders' safety as far as he can.
The first target goes sprawling and Damara catches a breath, taking note of those closing in on Sarojyn's position. She draws back, steadying a moment and attempting to catch one of them mid-stride in order as they close in. She grits her teeth and whispers something to the air about her before release. The fletching pulls free, scraping against her face before she is grabbing for another, hoping this one is as true as her first.
The Old Gods are lending their aid this night and for that, Sarojyn gives another silent pray, for his arrow struck true, causing the sudden conflagration. Unfortunately, his joy in such things is short lived, for he's forced to drop his bow as three raiders approach him and with a lowering of his hand, he's pulling his sword from it's sheath. But even as this is done, his voice is lifting, "Close the gates, brother! Close the gates!"
Elinor lowered her bow momentarily while standing near Damara. Eyes a touch widened as she reached for another arrow before resuming her stance. What ever prayers she offers they are silent while focusing on the raiders near Sarojyn.
Ride. That's what she's supposed to do, just ride. Yes, of course, that's going to work. She hears an intake of breath, or a little thunk, as a couple of her fellow riders are hit, and Tia pales. Old Gods, protect us! Tiaryn has a bow with her, and as she nears the line, she nocks an arrow and lets it fly, seeing if she can hit one of those horrible Ironborn. She's got every intention of surviving this, if she can. Breathe, and then she looses her arrow, letting it fly.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Neck.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 01 with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Kathryna passes.
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 01 with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 04 with Longbow - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Kathryna with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 01 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 04 has been KO'd!
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Guard with Sword & Shield - Critical wound to Neck.
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 attacks Baylor with Bludgeon & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 attacks Amylie with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 attacks Ailith with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Wren attacks Reaver 04 with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 attacks Guard with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 attacks Tiaryn with Bludgeon & Shield but Tiaryn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Guard attacks Reaver 10 with Hunting Bow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Baylor attacks Reaver 04 with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ava attacks Reaver 02 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Seryl attacks Reaver 01 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Wren with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 07 attacks Seryl with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 attacks Ava with Spear & Shield but Ava DODGES!
<COMBAT> Amylie passes.
<COMBAT> Ailith passes.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn attacks Reaver 07 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ailith has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Amylie has been KO'd!
Dafydd catches the yell, and calls back, "Closing them, Brother!!" In those words, so many things that could be said are hopefully understood.. Gods protect you. With those words, Dafydd has to take the time to close them quickly.. and take another position above the gate. It's not ideal, but it's what has to be done.
Kathryna rides hard after the escaping Camdens, taking the few moments she can between the group of Ironborn at the gate and the group dashing after the riders to pull her hood up over her head and conceal herself. She only slightly blinks at the Arrow that flies past her shoulder, but doesn't let it hold her back. Now she's just a dark woman on a dark horse. Perhaps it means she will not be tried for treason should she escape back to her people. Cloak up, horse riding hard, and sword drawn, she slashes at the nearest Reaver she can find.
Sarojyn is most certainly not an expert swordsman and it shows in the way that he tries to defend himself against the trio of Ironborn that try to carve him into stick-size pieces. The first is entirely avoided, but it brings him directly into the path of the second's sword, the blade stinging against the hardened leather that protects his chest. A wheezing breath is taken and as he strikes out with a slash at the first of his attackers, he feels the bite of a blade that scratches his neck. A half inch more and it might very well have cleaved him two. Hearing Dafydd's call, he knows he's left alone to the mercy of those Ironborn in melee range and he's taking a step back, his blade lifting up before he's lashing out, once more, in a simple strike at one of the reavers that approach
A half dozen of the Ironborn see the gates beginning to close, and skid their steps to a stop, backing away with shields kept high to ward off arrows as they backpedal again toward arrow range, and the wierwood ram beyond it. Arrows cut down a pair of Sarojyn's tormentors, but the lure of longship is enough to draw another pair toward the Treelord.
The horsemen (and horsewomen) are diminished by two as an axe takes Ailith full in the stomach, dead before the young woman hits the ground. Amylie is thrown from her horse when the animal is spooked by a spear thrust, but the others try to struggle through the Ironborn to escape.
Looking to Elinor for a brief moment, the mistress is too focused. Damara breathes inward and pulls back, taking aim on the next man near Sarojyn. Though there are others closing and encircling him. She curses below her breath and her brows furrow. One arrow, three men, but she takes her choice and steadies. The arrow flies, releasing as she means to take him down before he gets another blow. "The gods will punish these men, for tearing down the weirwood, let us be their weapon tonight." It is said evenly, even as her chest thrums with the quick beat of her heart.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 attacks Sarojyn with Spear & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 11 with Broadsword - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 03 with Longbow but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Dafydd passes.
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 07 attacks Seryl with Spear & Shield but Seryl DODGES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Guard with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 subdues Seryl!
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 attacks Guard with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Wren with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 attacks Baylor with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Wren attacks Reaver 04 with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 attacks Tiaryn with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 attacks Ava with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Guard attacks Reaver 10 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Baylor attacks Reaver 04 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Ava attacks Reaver 02 with Hunting Bow - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Seryl passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 tries to subdue Tiaryn but fails.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn attacks Reaver 07 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Kathryna attacks Reaver 09 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Ava has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Guard has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Reaver 07 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Tiaryn has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Tiaryn spends a luck point to keep fighting!
Somehow, Tia's shot manages to hit, though it likely doesn't do much damage really. But she is paying enough attention to move her horse just a little to the left, or it's accidental more like, and she manages to somehow escape the bludgeon that was aimed for her. She whimpers softly, but gets another arrow, nocks, takes a breath to steady herself, and then shoots at the same fellow.
As the reaver stays up, despite her hit, Damara curses below her breath and draws another arrow. "We need to lessen the men on Sarojyn…" the mistress says and focuses on the man she had before. She looks to the riders and there is a furrowing of her brow before she retrns to her target. Waiting til she has less chance of hitting Sarojyn, she draws back and releases as steadily as she can. Things are starting to get too chaotic, some riders who were fleeing are down, but she can not make out who.
Dafydd runs towards the top of the gate, his bow out, arrow pulled from his quiver. The movement of the Ironborn back away from the gate gets a grimaced smile from the Captain of the Guard, "You bastards!" He's not great with a slapshot like that, but even if it hits a leg, or an arm… But now that the horses are away, where's his brother? He can't take the time to search, however.. there is too much going on..
The knot of half dozen Ironmen reach the mutilated wierwood-turned-battering ram, shields up and bristling with arrows. Meanwhile the melee around the Treelord continues, as beyond- not yet within bowshot, a solid knot of twenty men around Lord Blacktyde watch to see whether the gate falls, to complete the assault.
As the riders look about to break through, an Ironborn blade cuts down Ava, while Seryl is grabbed and bodily hauled out of the saddle as his horse runs on, the guard who sought to go to the heir's aid killed with a brutal axe blow. Tiaryn- within sight of the empty black of the woods ahead- is struck with a spear haft and knocked from the saddle.
Sarojyn's initial attack strikes true with the steel of his blade biting through armor and into the chest of the Ironborn before him. Unfortunately, it's just not strong enough to take the man down and with a quick back peddle, his avoiding the counterattack that comes. Even as this happens, the Ironborn to the side dances forward, struck by an arrow from the keep, which is exactly why Treelord was able to lift his sword in time to deflect the blow of his blade. The last of the Ironborn's blade strikes true, though, the steel biting into his free hand and drawing a wince and a whoof of pain from his lips. He turns then, bringing his weapon to lash out at the one who strike the last blow.
Tiaryn's second shot hits the same reaver and he goes down. Which is all good until that spear knocks her down off the horse. Uhm, that is just not what she's looking for, but it does take a breath for her to get her bearings before she tries to get back on the horse. If she can escape the bloody Ironborn, that is.
As Kate sees Seryl go down, she swears rather loudly and pulls back on her horse, just a bit, turning the beast in the direction of the fallen heir. All she can do is hope she can get to him in enough time before he's killed or trampled and haul him up. She keeps her hood low, praying to whatever gods their might be that Gethin is enough to mark her as a friend to him, not just another kidnapping reaver.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 attacks Sarojyn with Spear & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 12 with Broadsword - Light wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 03 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Longbow - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 11 with Longbow - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Seryl escapes from Reaver 01.
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Seryl with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 tries to subdue Seryl but fails.
<COMBAT> Baylor attacks Reaver 04 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 attacks Wren with Thrown Axe - Critical wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Reaver 10's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 attacks Wren with Thrown Spear - Moderate wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Wren attacks Reaver 04 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Kathryna with Sword & Shield - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 attacks Kathryna with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 subdues Tiaryn!
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 attacks Kathryna with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn has passed.
<COMBAT> Kathryna passes.
<COMBAT> Wren has been KO'd!
Dafydd nocks the next arrow, his utterances now whispered. The rest of the keep is firing, finding their targets and letting fly.. so there is no need for orders for finding targets. It's the keep's stand, and any target is a good one. The youngest of the Camden brothers finds his target yet again, and looses another arrow. "Die."
Again, the man takes her arrow and remains up, threatening Sarojyn. Damara makes a soft sound in the back of her throat. Frustration starting to mix with desperation. She is already restringing an arrow, drawing back and when he gives the room, releasing it as quick as she can. "The riders…" She draws a breath, looking to the north as she seems a bit worried now that all is lost. Her gaze draws back to the distant form of the lord.
The battering ram begins its ominous roll toward the gates of Tall Oaks keep, driven on by the muscle and outrage of the half dozen Ironborn behind it. The most decisive moment comes amongst those who are fleeing on horseback- two figures finally break through the line and are into the freedom of open night. But one- poor Wren- takes a thrown axe to the back of the head, while the other, Ser Baylor finds himself in the clear, and hazards a look over his shoulder to see the fate of his fellows. The knight pauses before cursing, and reining in his horse, before turning to gallop back to the aid of the two surviving Camdens.
Slowing in her riding was an unwise and, probably, fatal mistake. While Kate is leaning down to scoop Seryl up off the ground, barely clinging to little Gethin in the slowed steps, she yells hard to him, "Come on boy, hold on TIGHT!" But the leaning over, the slower horse, and the exposing of her side means she takes some vicious blows from the various Reavers who are either determined to kill Camdens, or kill a traitor in their midst. Either way, she's dragging Seryl onto her horse and riding hard through the blinding pain. Seryl might have to steer soon. She'll be lucky if she's conscious. Blood cannot be seen on the side of her chest, but a splatter of it has splashed up onto her throat and cheek, as well as her right hand which was left vulnerable as she scooped up the boy. Within moments, though, her blood is coating Seryl as well as herself.
Once more, Sarojyn's attack strikes true, but it's a deflecting blow, causing little in the way of harm to the Ironborn who he assaulted. And for his efforts, that same Ironborn cleaves a line in the Treelord's armor. Now, beads of sweat form on Saro's forehead and he's tiring from both his attacks and the attacks against him, yet he somehow manages to avoid the two blows from the other two Ironborn. A low growl begins to rumble in the back of his throat and with a shake of his head, he's lunging at the one who had struck true, trying to cleave some part of reaver's body.
Oh crap, oh crap, this is not good. Fu-u-uck… Not giving up though, she has to try to get away, and she manages to catch the gelding before it gets away, trying desperately to get away. Tia has her horse's reins, and she's almost mounted up, hopping, hopping, and then she's grabbed by one of the reavers! "AAACCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK!" she screams. Caught and struggling to get free, however she can.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 11 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 attacks Sarojyn with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 12 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 03 with Longbow but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Sarojyn has been KO'd!
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 subdues Kathryna!
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Seryl with Sword & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 tries to attack but is out of ammo!
<COMBAT> Seryl attempts to escape but is no longer subdued!
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Kathryna with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 attacks Kathryna with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 attacks Seryl with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Baylor attacks Reaver 05 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 continues to subdue Tiaryn.
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 subdues Seryl!
<COMBAT> Tiaryn escapes from Reaver 05.
<COMBAT> Kathryna passes.
<COMBAT> Kathryna has been KO'd!
Dafydd catches the battering ram, and blue eyes widen as he sees the weirwood.. the face drawn to the sky. He stares for a long moment, and.. there's simply.. no words. And beyond, his brother looks as if he goes down under swords. There's a moment when he fully believes he'll crack, but.. no. He can't. The keep still stands, and that is exactly what needs to continue. The Keep. "Eat my arrows, you bloody bastards."
For the two Ironmen still standing in the bloody knot about Sarojyn, the promise of a longship has been forgotten, it is purely for the battle that they yet lay on. Despite a grotesque wound that sends blood sloughing freely from his shield arm, one hulking raider simply roars wordlessly and swings anew at the Treelord.
Although Baylor's sword blow knocks an Ironman to the ground, it does not kill him, and the swords and axes of the reavers find bloodier purchase in the turncloak Harlaw, and once more the errant heir is hauled off the back of the gifted horse.
Her shot misses and Damara is quickly nocking an arrow. She catches her breath and gives a moment longer to steady her shot than before. As Sarojyn falls slightly, she narrwos her gaze and doesn't give up. Her bow strains and she pulls back just a little further, meaning to give it some extra striking power. She wets her lips and exhales, releasing the arrow. "Please…"
Whether it was the attack to either of her shoulders, or the viciously bleeding wound on her chest, a traitor is not to be tolerated and Kathryna Harlaw's body tumbles down from the now wild, runaway horse, Gethin probably utterly spooked by the chaos all around. She doesn't even manage to get Seryl all the way on the beast's back before she's careening off. Not a twitch from her body, probably dead before she hit the ground, the pale woman's blood begins to soak into the aboreal ground below. With a death like this? Chances are she won't even be given to the sea.
Scramble, kick, knee, elbow, scream, breathe, and somehow, Tia's panick, or maybe it's Beylor's arrow, manages to give the Camden noblewoman some purchase, and she actually gets onto the back of the horse again. Panting for breath, she ducks down and urges the mount to flee, running for the edge where Baylor is waiting. "C'mon, I promised you carrots," she manages to mumble, as the horse willingly runs away from the scary reavers with weapons.
Sarojyn's blow cleaves into the form of Raider 12, but the bloody Ironborn is still standing. Intent on taking him down and he does, in a fashion. The return swing cleaves into the Treelord's leg, sending him to one knee admist a screaming cry of pain. It's a struggle now, blood teaming from some minor ones and some more serious ones. His left leg is rendered almost useless, but he manages to grit his teeth against the burning pain so as to draw him himself to his feet. "The Oaks .. will never fall ..," is grunted to the two Ironborn before him and it's then that he's launching himself at the one had almost cleaved his leg from his body.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 12 with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 12 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 12 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 08 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 attacks Baylor with Bludgeon & Shield but Baylor DODGES!
<COMBAT> Baylor attacks Reaver 05 with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 attacks Baylor with Sword & Shield - Serious wound to Neck.
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Seryl with Sword & Shield but Seryl DODGES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 continues to subdue Seryl.
<COMBAT> Seryl tries to escape but fails.
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 attacks Baylor with Spear & Shield but Baylor DODGES!
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 attacks Tiaryn with Thrown Spear - Moderate wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Reaver 05's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 attacks Seryl with Dagger - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 attacks Seryl with Bludgeon & Shield - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn has passed.
<COMBAT> Baylor has been KO'd!
It's as if the reaver were too stubborn to realized he's been pincushioned and the Damara is dismayed. She draws yet another arrow on the man and sites down it. She exhales and releases as the Ironborn begin to move in closer with the ram for the keep walls. Its as if the cutting of the wierwood had caused the old gods to actually flee.
Dafydd curses and nocks the next arrow, blue eyes moving from the wierwood that had once protected them and is now a battering ram to Saro.. and back.. his mind warring. If he frees up Saro, there's another out there to help, but then again? The bow is brought back, and his target remains… one that is attacking his brother.
It's as if the Old Gods smiled down on Sarojyn for one final time, for neither of the two Ironborn sought to attack. This afforded Sarojyn a chance to try and cleave one in two, unfortunately his wound causes him to stumble, his swing going wide and coming nowhere near the reaver. So, he simply turns a little more and swings again, looking more like a child playing with a sword thatn someone actually fighting for their life.
With a building roar, the Ironborn on the battering ram are driving it on with ever-building force to crash with a tremendous screaming and cracking of timbers and planks at the front gates of the keep reel and rend with the shock. Pushing it now backward, the ironborn exert themselves for a second run, as the duel in the dark continues, under the looming eyes of Blacktyde and his twenty.
Among the horses, Seryl Camden is pinned to the ground and stabbed over and over, but still his boots feebly kick, struggling for freedom even as the life bleeds out. Tiaryn's tormentor pulls a fallen spear and hurls it with a scream after the lady as she flees. Behind her, the brave Ser Baylor who had cut open the Tiaryn's path to escape, it struck deeply and slumps in the saddle as the sword slips from his gauntleted hand, before he too is hauled from the saddle.
Tiaryn is sobbing, but she sticks to her horse. The spear in the back pushes her forward, but it doesn't knock her off, just gets another scream out of her. And then she's into the woods, out of range, and riding just as fast as she can. She can still hear the horrid sounds of the reavers yelling, the thunk of weapons hitting bodies, ands he may have nightmares for the rest of her life, assuming she survives. For now though, she's out and free! And oh gods it hurts!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 12 with Broadsword but Raider 12 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 08 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 12 with Longbow and MISSES!
Meanwhile…
<COMBAT> Reaver 08 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Reaver 04 attacks Seryl with Dagger - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 10 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Reaver 06 attacks Seryl with Sword & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Reaver 01 continues to subdue Seryl.
<COMBAT> Reaver 09 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Reaver 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Reaver 02 attacks Seryl with Bludgeon & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Seryl passes.
<COMBAT> Tiaryn passes.
<COMBAT> Kathryna passes.
<COMBAT> Seryl has been KO'd!
The contest between two gore dripping raiders and the Treelord has begun to earn the cheers of the onlooking bodyguard of The Blacktyde, as they shout on behalf of their countrymen, even as multiple arrows stand from both their bodies.
Meanwhile, the men at the ram, while arrow fire is focused over their heads, prepare for a second run at the gate.
The battering ram, now, isn't to be ignored any longer. Dafydd changes his target, and he focuses his attention there. "You will not enter!" He's just above the gate, bow cast, though there's the distinct feeling that he'll be using his sword very, very.. soon.
This is slowly becoming an excerise in futility, for the Ironborn and Sarojyn all take swings and not a single one of them manage to land a blow. With a heaving chest as laboured breaths escape his lips, the Treelord is giving a slight shake of his head, trying to clear his vision and regain his concentration. It's but a passing second and with with a low grunt of pain, he's lifting his sword and moving towards the pincushioned raider before taking a swing at the man.
The man will not fall and its beginning to be more than desperation that takes her as Damara can see that battering ram. There is a glitter of fear that doesn't register anywhere else but her gaze as she draws her bow and aims again, flexing her fingers against the fletching before releasing into the mix of thet wo fighters. "Fall…you must fall!" She calls to the two ironborn that harry Sarojyn.
Elinor has been unsuccessful in landing a bow which has done little to lessen her determination to see to it that those Ironborn engaged with Sarojyn will fall.
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield but Sarojyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Sarojyn with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Sarojyn attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 08 with Longbow - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 12 with Longbow - Light wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Longbow - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Sarojyn has been KO'd!
Amidst arrows that fall fast and heavy, the red rage that has kept the ironborn swordsman on his feet carries him through one more swing as his broadsword takes the Treelord in the stomach. The united roar of acclaim from the onlooking Blacktydes briefly deafens the ear to the sound of a battering ram, or screaming horses.
Dafydd claims a hit on one of the bastards on battering ram detail, but his minor claim is darkened by the whoop that goes up… and there is only one thing that could signal something like that. "Sarojyn!!" is yelled, and he listens for a response.. and waits for the last minute before he looses his arrow, hoping..
Dafydd's call is not echoed, instead the Mistress catches her breath and closes her eyes a moment. "Lady Elinor…there is not much we can do for the Lord now..we must see to the gates, for the people. Focus on those about the ram…" She states. There is a heaviness to her voice and she nocks another arrow and moves closer to the side of the wall to aim down towards the men carrying the ram. Nothing is said, no prayer, no willing sentiment - then release.
The Ironborn's attack catches Sarojyn mid swing with his sword, leaving the Lord no chance to defend against it and the blade easily slices through hardened leather, skin and tissue beneath. For a moment, Saro's sword remains in the air and when it begins to descend, it's a weak swing that see's the blade falling from his fingers before it's finally completed. A staggering step is taken towards his attacker as a hand lifts to the wound at his stomach, feeling the blood that begins to flow freely now. That bloodied hand then reaches towards his attacker in some feeble attempt to hold on to life, but his body is rapidly failing him and with another single step forward, a gurgling sound escapes his lips and then his body begins to slump to the ground, the last of his life ebbing out amongst the very ground that he called home.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 03 with Longbow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 05 with Longbow - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Longbow and MISSES!
The Ironlord's promise was for Sarojyn's head, and thus, in the moment after the Camden patriarch slumps to the ruddy dirt and dried leaves below, the battle rager rears back and strikes off the forest lord's head, dropping his shield to brandish it and his broadsword out form his sides, in a long wordless yell that is once again echoed by the ranks of Ironborn behind him. The arrows continue to fall on the battering ram, but undeterred, the dead wierwood visits its force against the hall of its erstwhile worshippers.
It is all he can do to keep to his post at the sound of the roar. Dafydd knows what it means, and he shouts a curse to the sky in his anger and grief. If he knew the fate of those who had taken to horse? "You bastards!" Hasn't been the first time, but he knows that it won't be the last. "Any that I kill you'll be ground into pieces and buried in this dirt, miles from your sea and your fucking watery tart you call a god!"
Tears sting her eyes, but Damara blinks them away. The ram is still coming hard at the gates and the smallfolk are just waiting for them to break. Steadying herself, she aims at the same man at the ram, letting loose another arrow towards him. It has become automatic, nock, release, nock release. There were so many, and so many lost now. The white wood of the tree they had carved for the ram is enough to staunch her emotions, hardening the mistress with resolve.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Elinor attacks Raider 03 with Longbow - Serious wound to Right Leg.
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 05 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Longbow - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
With arrows missing more than they should, Damara is feeling the moral fall and she lifts her voice suddenly - partly for herself. "FOR TALL OAKS! FOR CAMDEN!" She growls the last and quickly releases her arrow with a twang of her string. The fletching catches her cheek enough to leave a scrape before she is going for another. She makes a motion with her hand, which sends a boy running towards the mews for the falcons and in moments, the avians are given flight, pushed out, set free. If no one else was going to make it out alive, at least the falcons would find wing.
The ram crashes into the gate a second time, this time the ancient corpse of the wierwood breaks the timbers that had bound the gates to their hinges. Damara's desperate effort to rally the courage of the defenders receives a similar crack, as with the gate filled with splinters and a battering ram rather than a stout timber portal banded with iron, the waiting horde of Ironborn surge forward with the shout of their Chieftan: "I WANT ASHES!"
Dafydd can't find his voice; here, he's the last Camden standing, and his home is being attacked.. and threatened to be burned to the ground. At the sound of the crack, Dafydd puts his bow down, undoubtedly for the last time, and draws his sword. He's right there, near the gate, and sees all. "I want your fucking HEAD! Tall Oaks will not fall to you, son of a whore!"
Elinor's tear swelled eyes target the gate, the damage weakening it's hold. The worst of her fears has came and past while the Ironborn were moments away from storming the keep. Tall Oaks will fall, contrary to Dafydd's vocal proclamation. With no sword to defend herself, just the bow, Elinor once more loads up an arrow to take aim again.
As the Ironmen on the battering ram swarm up over the timber ruin, they set about assaulting the increasingly frantic defenders with a merciless vengeance. Howls and battlecries mingle with screams of panic.
The gates give as her arrow flies and she looks to Elinor. "GO! Inside now!"
<COMBAT> Raider 15 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 13 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Peasant 04 with Spear & Shield but Peasant 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Peasant 01 with Sword & Shield but Peasant 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 16 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 14 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Peasant 03 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Peasant 02 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 05 with Longbow - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
With the Ironborn quickly invading, Damara is moving to try to get Elinor inside the keep and off the wall. "Go, go!" She is yelling and than moving to a position to grab for her sword. The bow is dropped without a memory of sound to it, lost in the sheer cry of battle. She whispers and draws out her sword as one moves to approach her and the various arrows sticking out from him marks him for one of the beasts that took down Sarojyn. She narrows her gaze and with a clumsy but meaningful effort to take a slice at him.
Dafydd has his better weapon in hand, and while he has no shield, he's good enough, at least for the moment. With three opponents on him, he has to keep an eye on each; and remarkably, he is successful. It's anger that motivates him, that pushes him forward. His sword makes first contact, and the blade is stopped by the armour that adorns the damnable reaver. Another attack, then.. and he's certain that he'll make it. "Take on a man.." He can see Damara's battle in his periphery.. and he yells, "Take on a man!" and it's to the one that he'd engaged that he takes another shot, striking quickly.. and hoping against hope he manages to catch the other blades before they catch him.
<COMBAT> Raider 15 attacks Peasant 03 with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 16 attacks Peasant 04 with Bludgeon & Shield but Peasant 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Peasant 04 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Peasant 03 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Peasant 01 with Sword & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 14 attacks Peasant 01 with Bludgeon & Shield - COVER stops the attack.
<COMBAT> Raider 13 attacks Peasant 02 with Bludgeon & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 has been KO'd!
There is no end to the misery, the call from Dafydd is drowned out and she grits her teeth, her right hand not used to the weight of a sword, the string of bow is a memory coiled in the muscles of her arm. She flexes her fingers, looking back to make sure the lady has fled as the reaver's strike misses her. She gasps and looks up, gritting her teeth as she swings another blow, coming down crosswise at his chest.
Dafydd does make it in with a stab to the chest of the damnable reaver, but still there isn't any indication that the Ironborn will go down. He pushes the sword and pulls it out again, the time taken giving the other two reavers time to actually strike while he's stopped and attending else. "You'll have to do better than that! I'm Camden!" He pushes his attack again on the reaver again, his voice a growl, "And you'll hear my laughter in your ears as your life trickles out in my halls, feeding my weirwood, giving it life in your death."
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 16 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 15 attacks Peasant 03 with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Raider 14 attacks Peasant 01 with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Peasant 02 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Peasant 03 with Spear & Shield - Moderate wound to Neck.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield - Critical wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Raider 13 attacks Peasant 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Peasant 01 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 has been KO'd!
Within the keep there is panic all around Elinor where cowering bodies huddle together and those kneeling in prayer. She only takes the smallest glance around the ground floors of the keep until darting for the stairs, to the guest chambers that have been her quarters for the length of her time here. Once inside two of her handmaidens are sitting on the bed, hands locked within one another. A small comfort in this dark hour. Thalia and Elise's head raises, "M'lady!" Tears meet tears as Elinor quickly closes the door and presses down the lock. "I bear no news of hope Mistresses." She tells them, her voice cracking on every other word. "Do you have the wolfsbane Thalia?"
The man is a stubborn one, all those arrows and now a wound to his hand from her sword. Damara is flushed a little, the shadows seeming like enemies from the corner of her eye. But when Dafydd is struck, she takes a moments notice and grits her teeth. She rushes in to strike at her opponent again, jade eyes darkening as she can see the smallfolk fall about her. She takes a heavy step forward, and then an overly aggressive swing that may be her undoing. Yet no wounds assail her as of yet, even her leathers remain untouched.
Dafydd's attention is on his one reaver, but there are certainly other distractions.. though he simply doesn't have eyes everywhere, as much as he tries. As he moves to keep himself from being hit, he shifts such that he takes a blow to the head, and blood begins to pour from the wound onto the ground, threatening to blind him in his fight. He's.. woozy, and his balance threatens to fail, but he manages to stay on his feet. It's during this stumble, too, that as he raises his hand to defend against a shadow, spinning around, that he catches another blow to his sword arm, and his strength may very well begin to fail with the blood that begins to seep from the wound. Still, the Captain has tunnel-vision, and the bastard reaver that stands before him is the one that will fall before he does.
<COMBAT> Raider 15 attacks Peasant 03 with Bludgeon & Shield - COVER stops the attack.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Peasant 03 with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield but Damara DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 13 attacks Peasant 03 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 16 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Critical wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 14 attacks Damara with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Peasant 03 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Raider 06 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 has been KO'd!
The strikes comes unexpectedly from another foe to her head, but she dips, making it a glancing one as she grits her teeth and soldiers on. She strikes again, but only on his arm. Damara growls and feels the press of a strike to her lower torso. Her hand flexes on the sword and she reaches outward for another strike, pressing the ironborn that has so many wounds to him already. She has no banter for him, just continues to press. Her sword reaches out, not as trained as it should be for an encounter like this.
Dafydd is still standing, his sword hanging. Blood gushes from his headwounds, and his ribs are undoubtedly crushed; breathing is difficult. Now, this is simply a case of will power, and a need to keep standing. He can find no words, the blood in his mouth would keep anything from coming anyway.. and with a great-deal weakened blow to the one that stands before, he'll keep going until his body simply can't take any more and find the strength needed.
<COMBAT> Raider 16 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 13 attacks Damara with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Damara with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Dafydd with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield but Damara DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 15 attacks Dafydd with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 14 attacks Damara with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Dafydd has been KO'd!
Thalia nods gravely, "I do my lady." She slowly withdraws from Elise's embrace then moving to a wooden box containing the poisonous plant from the Maester earlier. Elise fell into tears, Thalia wore the mask of sadness as Elinor watched, forcing her breathing to remain even but heavy. "Good…" She says while making her way towards the bed, joining to sit beside Elise. The noblewoman is instantly embraced by her maidservant. "I can only pray those who have left on horse will live on, to carry the word of what has happened to the Tall Oaks and their people." Elinor is offering what comfort she can to Elise as Thalia approaches with the box, coming to sit on the opposite side of Elinor. When it is opened all three stare at the box. "It has been a privilege my lady Elinor to be in your company at the very end." Elise had no words to say but she nodded. Elinor, a deep frown on her face nods once. Accepting and ready for the direction she is steering her fate. "I am, sorry Thalia and Elise." Both maidservants shake their heads, Thalia speaks, "Do not be.. I should have prepared this in a tea." She smiles faintly, as the box is urged towards the noblewoman who retrieves the recommended amount of the plant to ensure a swift departure. Elise does the same with a shaky hand, followed by Thalia who leaves the box on the bed. With their eyes on each other all three women shove the plant into their mouths.
There simply is no way the youngest of the Camden brothers can remain standing. As it is, there is simply no defense left. A spear to the chest runs him through while the other two reavers on him do little more than scratches. It's the last push, though.. before he dies, that he gets a hit.. undoubtedly reflexive as the man goes down.. all in defense of his home.
Each strike lands on her, but one misses yet. She swallows as she can see the Captain fall, but can not reach him. There is an anguished cry as Damara turns, blood flowing suddenly from the break in her leathers of her chest. The pain takes a minute to register but then it is there and she drags a breath as she hacks again at her foe that will not fall. She has to make time for the lady if no one else. The cries of the smallfolk are deafening and for a moment the ironborn are Targaryen loyals. She nearly freezes but the blow is already being sent, though her legs lock up in an effort even as her right leg is not shifting with her correctly now. The mistress hears the call of the falcons that have lingered in the air and trees near and it brings a faint smile to her lips as this last strike is most likely her last.
As within the keep, the ladies see to their last herbs, and final sentiments, the clatter of boots and weapons mingles with the screams of slaughter as the defense of the hall collapses. The first effort to hack apart the door to the inner hall strikes, just as Lord Blacktyde strides through the gates, surveying the carnage.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Damara with Spear & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 13 attacks Damara with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield but Damara DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 14 attacks Damara with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Damara with Sword & Shield but Damara DODGES!
<COMBAT> Damara attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Damara has been KO'd!
With two solid strikes to her chest again, the leathers open up and makes the mistress vulnerable. Damara grits her teeth and can't seem to find enough breath oddly, as if it will not come. Her foe, the one with so many arrows, a few slices of her sword remains standing as her right leg finally gives beneath her and the mistress goes does. The dirt of Tall Oaks' courtyard greets her cheek as she slumps to the ground. She is still weezing for air as the sword is released by numb fingers. Blood begins to seep outward from the falconer, pooling and soaking the earth beneath her. Sighing softly, she twitches a few times and than exhales finally, going still as her jade eyes glaze over.
Poison had acted quick where all three of the woman sat, hands clinging onto one another as the burning sensation wrecked their insides. Elise was the first to fall, gasping for air when none would enter her lungs. Thalia and Elinor was soon doing same while the sounds of slaughter deafly carried on beyond their doors. Elise's body had slumped, falling from the bed and to the floor while Thalia held onto Elinor until she too fell back, against the bed. Struggling for breath and finding none. Elinor slowly laid herself against the bed, a hand clutching onto the golden pendant, the token of his affection. There was nothing beautiful in the way the three women sat or laid choking, the body naturally fighting for air when their hearts were already welcoming death.
As the reavers rampage throughout the broken hall, standing still and motionless among the chaos of the foyer is the sable cloaked form of Lord Blacktyde, watching the massacre of the Camden smallfolk with a black scowl. He looks aside unblinking as the body of a woman falls to the ground with green eyes glazing. He looks back up with a drawn breath and tells his nearest bodyguard, "Bring my son's body. Gather tinder, and torches. Baelor will have such a pyre that there will be naught but ash to grow here for a generation."
In the annals of the Greyjoy Rebellion, this is the day on which it would be writ: thus fell Tall Oaks.
