Spoiler Alert: based on The Duel at Dangerford scenario
Duel at Dangerford
The Moon Men are marching, mighty enemies approach
Pharandros, Lord of Tarsh, leads a might host
his Herald precedes, proclaiming sure victory
ten thousand foot, six thousand horse
and powerful Red Priestesses numbering ten times three
At Runegate, the blessed of the Air await their attack
Nameless doubts their claims of numbers and strength
a sure stout defense of Old Top will show them away
Kallyr grimly sneers, then collapses in coughing
her wounds sore and sickening, her voice a silent croak
Lagertha is silent, no laughter today, her face a pale mask
Then strode forth Asborn, wise through many lives
warning of grave danger to the east, a dangerous ford
if Shelpelkirk crosses, Jonstown and Boldhome lay open to sack
sadly no forces can be spared to stop such attack
still hope remains, if some heroes hold true
Hastur had knowledge, a battle in ages long past
The Son of Death fought the Lord of Light, great clash of heroes
God Cleaver clashed with the Great Curse, neither could prevail
Today stands a great barrow to honor the slain
guarded by ancient spirit guardian, Skal his name
A desperate force could hold off a great enemy for some time
the heroes of Apples will take this great honor
Into the night Bronwyn gets courses on ceremony and sanctity.
Favored Daughter pulls purple Nardis, bunches a bouquet
Soon Dragonmen arrive, Sarna Ya'qal honors his oaths of aid
In Greenstone, Orlaront Dragonfriend fills further facts
Hearth Protector regretfully declines their magics.
Bronwyn asks council, no healers can help, save the strange half-troll
Death Dealer is willing, No pain, no gain, but Avenger declines the aid.
Open for Business, says signs outside Dangerford
Two thousand militia across the river may soon close it down
Led by famed Fazzur Wideread, bane of barbarians
who crushed the Starbrow and received her surrender
Bronwyn strode forward, boldly demanding audience
Even cowardly ducks could not deny her just demands
Their coracles and canoes swiftly bore heroes to Dangerous land
A sword dance, cast Truth Runes, solemnly sworn oath
Fair Bronwyn called on her Honor God, the Oath Guardian
her clear voice called forth His weaponthane,
skillful Skal of the short sword, imbued with Death
floating dispassionately over us all
The first challenger came, casually crossing the currents
a huge tall man, broad of frame, mighty muscles and thews
Robustus his name, bringer of cheers, beloved of the crowds
Heavy bronze plate, a horsehair helmet, a picture of might
Red Moon on his shield, holding a Great Kopis, sharp and gleaning
He strode to the circle, and called out his brave challenge,
who would dare match his power and strength?
Lagertha stepped forward, barely tall as his belly,
and nodded acceptance. He then boldly boasted, all rebels were weak
her doom was certain, soon fallen at his feet she would lie
Red-Headed Daughter smiled and replied "you can try".
With many great clashes, great cuts and great smashes
Great Kopis slashed deadly, but her sword flashed more swiftly
Orlanth's Breath protected his Daughter, Robustus overbore
Quick as the wind, Grief struck, and his arm was no more,
his blood she wiped down chin and neck to tally the score.
Next came a fair Scimitar Lord, armored in blue metal,
High born in breeding, noble in manner, handsome and dashing
he leapt and flipped and slashed flower from air
"I am Prince Orontes of Tarsh -- who is to be my opponent?"
Brave Bronwyn strode forward, bold to battle she spoke
"Yours was a most impressive display. As was that of your guy
the wee lass just put down.
Shame they never make up for the small codpiece".
Great Magics were cast, red, blue, green and black
Forward, then circling, both moved to attack
maneuvers mighty, parries, cuts and thrusts
Unexpectedly, the Prince fell and begged quarter
this nephew of Pharandros was delighted to be defeated
Translator's Note: For an alternative verse attributed to Jaranik the Eurmali, see below
Across the river, a red ritual of rising chaos
Seven were sacrificed to summon a demon spawn
Krjalki, twice a man's height, twice a man's arms
each bearing a kopesh with Shepelkirk's hell-light
it strode to the circle, chittering with foul magics
who could stand against such fell evil and madness?
Robbie then roared, calling the Desert Storm
"Chaos is here, Storm Bull -- I call upon your power!"
with scowl he strode into the circle, Grimblade and shield in his hands
"You face Robbi Two-Braid, appointed to destroy Chaos!"
Four times the monster slashed, four times it missed
The Maimed God impeded, defending his servant
Squealing in anger, the monster unleashed a hellish fire,
our hero stood wounded, but was not defeated
Baugi rushed forward, defending his loyal Thane
Took three blows, one telling, but managed to heal
Robbie struck again, down to three arms was the monster
His kopi so useless, it flung them away
the fiery breath struck yet again, much singed was Robbie
Much longer and his two braids would be none
With raw strength and courage he struck yet again
Hewing through hamstring, the demon fell howling
it shrieked, foul ichors erupted, befouling the Earth
the creature writhed and died, disappearing into dark smoke.
Next came a boat, under flag of Harmony
Great Wideread himself to honor the heroes
one last chance to withdraw would he offer
"No one man can stop an army; wars are won by many.
You have fought well, and have won today, but you cannot win."
Suddenly, Separator sensed danger, foul assassins near
Bronwyn roared danger, Baugi much quieter
Lagertha leapt on guest to protect, two fell awkwardly
But Skal struck the quickest, base boatmen bisected
Fazzur unharmed, nodding at our heroes
"Now is the time for a strategic retreat. My thanks and apologies."
He returned cross the creek, forces soon departed
Dire danger to Jonstown was defended at Dangerford
The heroes celebrated solemnly with Skal who yearned for his death
then shared a brief joke and learned more of his ways
Lagertha to Porcala, again hissed her displeasure
"I would say that it was a pleasure to meet you, but it never is."
Buttercup soon arrived, victory at the Battle of the Queens
led by Leika, Ballista, the Colymar triumphant
but sad news, losses grievous, Prince Starbrow slain.
The Alternative Verse for Bronwyn's Duel
As Sword-sister stepped inside the circle,
She envisioned scimitar clashing with sword,
Many moments of martial skill and valor,
Doing honor to her god and mentors,
Ending with an unstoppable thrust,
Leaving the Lunar leader lying licked,
And all filling the Air with applause.
But this vision was broken,
A mere daydream of a martial lass,
For the Lunar warrior took a fall,
And threw himself onto his ass.
A touch, a hit, I do declare,
cried the craven foe,
I am vanquished, you prevail,
And to you my life I owe.
Stunned fair Bronwyn stood,
Her sword-blade free of blood,
Her comrades gave a groan,
Sword-maiden turned away,
The sacred duel was thrown.
Index
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