Page 165: Vairy Vert And Sable: Dafydd
Vairy Vert And Sable: Dafydd
Summary: Dafydd leads a band of hunters in two ambushes of an oncoming Ironborn column.
Date: 29/12/288
Related Logs: Concurrant to and continued inVairy Vert And Sable: Tall Oaks
Players:
Dafydd Horde 
Woods West of Tall Oaks Town
Trees and plenty of them.
29 December, 288 A.L.

<FS3> Hunter 01 rolls Stealth: Good Success.
<FS3> Hunter 02 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Hunter 03 rolls Stealth: Success.
<FS3> Hunter 04 rolls Stealth: Success.
<FS3> Hunter 05 rolls Stealth: Good Success.
<FS3> Hunter 06 rolls Stealth: Good Success.
<FS3> Hunter 07 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Hunter 08 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Hunter 09 rolls Stealth: Success.
<FS3> Hunter 10 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Dafydd rolls Stealth: Success.

The mobilization has begun. The movement of women and children through the woods ushered by the hunters that have their set paths goes smoothly enough, which allows those set to defend the keep from without a little more liberty of movement without concern of coming across peasantry. Now, the word from the Captain of the Guard is that should anything move in the woods, take the shot when able.

What moves in the woods can be heard before it is seen. The columns of iron clad reavers have sent up several columns of smoke above the treeline, the remains of whichever homesteads were misfortunate enough to fall under their oncoming tread as the the men under a curious black and green banner have advanced. Game flee before them, and for once, the woodsmen of Tall Oaks restrain their easy shots at fleeing deer, in favor of remaining hidden. Soon enough, one column of Ironmen come within range.
ooc roll heraldry for me?

<FS3> Dafydd rolls Heraldry: Failure.

As the Ironborn come into range, the youngest of the Brothers Camden holds his hand up, eyes are on him. As his hand rises, bows are lifted and strings pulled, the deadly arrows nocked and ready. It's only a second before he drops his hand, and there goes a first volley of arrows sailing through the afternoon's sun towards their targets— the invading force. Some catch leaves, a subtle sound that may hint at something other than a breeze blowing through…

<COMBAT> Triggering new turn.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 09 attacks Raider 10 with Hunting Bow - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Hunter 08 attacks Raider 08 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 10 attacks Raider 12 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 03 attacks Raider 02 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 01 attacks Chieftan with Hunting Bow but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Chieftan passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 04 attacks Raider 03 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 attacks Chieftan with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Chieftan with Longbow - Light wound to Chest.

The opening volley has a pronounced effect, two of the raiders reel and double over, roaring in pain. While the woodsmen quickly nock and loose a second time the more sharp eyed among the Ironborn hurl weapons or charge into the trees after whichever incautious archers they can spot.

Those arrows that miss are dead giveaways that there are defenders of the land within the forest. So are, of course, those that landed square hits in the chest. There's something of a heartbeat of rejoicing that the fight has been entered, though tempered with a good dose of healthy fear. Fear felt as the Ironborn begin to give chase to those unfortunate enough to have their position compromised. Dafydd, however, gave orders that should that happen, retreat is in order. There will be no standing and fighting the Ironborn— it is far better to retreat and regroup later than to stand and be slaughtered. Even the Captain has a healthy respect for his enemy's ability of swordplay. As a result, those that are discovered do begin their retreat.. a couple of steps backwards first to judge the speed of the oncoming, then turn to flee down the paths that are so very familiar to them.. and their parents..

<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Hunter 02 with Thrown Axe and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 05's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Hunter 03 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Hunter 04 with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 01's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Hunter 03 with Thrown Spear - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 09's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 attacks Hunter 02 with Spear & Shield - COVER stops the attack.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 10 attacks Raider 12 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 08 attacks Raider 08 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 attacks Raider 05 with Hunting Bow - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Hunter 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Chieftan passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Hunter 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Hunter 09 attacks Raider 10 with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Hunter 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Chieftan with Longbow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Raider 05 has been KO'd!

The second volley sees one of the ironborn drop, with a gurgling grunt, though this time the hunters do not escape unblooded. One man takes a mild wound in flight, another sees the axe of a raider bite into the tree which had sheltered the riverman, but a third is less fortunate, and takes a spear clear through his body, slumping to the ground with a shocked and puzzled expression on his face.

As Dafydd's second arrow is stopped by the maile of the Blacktyde chieftan, the Ironman finally catches sight of his tormentor, and charges the Camden with a roared invocation to the Drowned God. Meanwhile, three more of the hunters are spotted and turn to flee the ambush site.

"Go! Go! Move! Get moving!" Dafydd barks, just in case the hunters begin to hesitate for a second. His gaze moves to the man that drops; Barris.. his mother will have to be informed. He can't help but see the Ironborn Chieftan barreling down towards him— and the bow is eschewed for his sword. If he can give his hunters the last shots before they all retreat back into the woods, perfect. That's the plan… anyway.

<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Dafydd with Polearm - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Hunter 05 with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Hunter 06 with Sword & Shield but Hunter 06 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Hunter 06 with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Hunter 10 attacks Raider 12 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 08 attacks Raider 08 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Hunter 07 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Cover).
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 09 attacks Raider 10 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Hunter 07 with Bludgeon & Shield but Hunter 07 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 02 attacks Hunter 05 with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Hunter 03 with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Chieftan with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).

An unfortunate side effect of the retreat is that several of the hunters who had concealed themselves with more skill find close at hand the same ironborn who had pursued their less obfuscated comrades. Though no men fall, the skirmish is turning bloody for the men of Tall Oaks, as the Blacktyde and Camden trade blows at the center of the ambush site, as the last of Dafydd's woodsmen turn and run, in keeping with their orders.

Dafydd is in combat now with the chieftan, the one whom he sees as the most capable of the Ironborn. He's got his sword, and fights a defensive battle. Defense, obviously, isn't quite enough, and in the chieftan's strike, takes a hit to the abdomen. It could have been much worse, certainly— but he's taken worse by his brother's own hand. With armour and something of a move, he's able to mitigate most of the damage. In a return strike, a touch to the Ironborn's hand is given.. a curse exiting from his lips. But.. even with the touch, Dafydd has his own orders to follow, and it'd be folly to remain locked in combat. So.. time to go!! A step back.. and another.. and he, too, is ready to tactically retreat to that next ordered rendezvous point.

<COMBAT> Hunter 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Dafydd with Polearm but Dafydd DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Hunter 08 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Hunter 09 with Spear & Shield - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 attacks Hunter 09 with Spear & Shield - Moderate wound to Right Leg.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Hunter 08 with Sword & Shield but Hunter 08 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Hunter 10 with Bludgeon & Shield - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Hunter 10 with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Dafydd passes.

<COMBAT> Hunter 08 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Hunter 09 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Hunter 10 has been KO'd!

As the full weight of the Ironborn column is brought to bear charging after the peasant archers, the fleeing hunters might have a moment to be grateful for the lack of armor to weigh them down, as they find themselves more fleet of foot that the mailed reavers. All, save the final unfortunate three who had been best concealed before breaking cover- all three of the men are cut down before they can make it clear.

<FS3> Dafydd rolls Stealth: Success.
<FS3> Hunter 02 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Hunter 05 rolls Stealth: Failure.
<FS3> Hunter 06 rolls Stealth: Success.
<FS3> Hunter 07 rolls Stealth: Failure.

The rendezvous point is reached, and those hunters that remain and are still heartened with thoughts of being that last defense before the keep have their bows and arrows readied. Arrows are on the strings but not yet pulled, waiting on the command of their Captain. Again, Dafydd waits, knowing the path the Ironborn will be taking. The hand rises.. and falls the moment they crest.. time to take the shot! Once again, though not with as many in flight, arrows take their path towards the oncoming enemy.

<COMBAT> Hunter 04 attacks Raider 04 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 attacks Raider 12 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 attacks Raider 09 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Chieftan passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 attacks Raider 07 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 attacks Chieftan with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Dafydd attacks Chieftan with Longbow and MISSES!

Already moving at a jog, with shields raised, the reavers break into a run as the arrows begin to fall among them, raising a blood curdling chorus of battle cries that break the resolve of the remaining archers as surely as the missed volley of arrows. All the survivors turn to run for their lives.

"Back to the keep!" Dafydd calls out his order. He's done what he can with what he's got, and now it's time to regroup and reform. Intelligence to the keep is just as important as harrying. Damage has been inflicted, and as far as the Captain is concerned, he's dealt the first blows.. and the Ironborn know there's going to be a fight. The bow, again, is replaced by his broadsword in order to give him a modicum of defense in the retreat, but now, the entire idea is to get back behind locked doors.. and quickly. Thankfully, the light armour will help a great deal in these woods.

<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Hunter 06 with Bludgeon & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 attacks Hunter 07 with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Hunter 05 with Spear & Shield but Hunter 05 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 03 attacks Hunter 04 with Sword & Shield but Hunter 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Hunter 06 with Sword & Shield but Hunter 06 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Hunter 05 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Hunter 04 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 attacks Hunter 02 with Spear & Shield but Hunter 02 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Hunter 02 with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Hunter 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Hunter 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Hunter 07 with Bludgeon & Shield but Hunter 07 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Hunter 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Dafydd with Polearm and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Dafydd passes.

<COMBAT> Hunter 04 has been KO'd!

Dafydd has left.

The fleet footed hunted lose another of their number to the pursuing pirates, though all the others escape through the woods of their home to flee as fast as they can to the safety of Tall Oaks Keep.