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13_1626_Fire2

Page history last edited by Morgan Conrad 3 years, 8 months ago

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  

Back to 12_1626_Fire1

Ahead to the Pyre of Kallyr

 

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