# Roleplaying: Merrie England - the game **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 9, 2008, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757 "2008-09-09T09:18:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea5d25/32.png) [@kurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/21 "2008-09-13T13:05:54Z")
Boadicea says, “I would find this task less pleasant if I did not know you to be a good man, Acolyte Crumlin. But I will see your campaign safely done and, Heimdall willing, successful. What is the purpose of the meeting? I wish not to meddle in your business, but the purpose may affect the precautions we should take.” And, on the assumption that the meeting will be held in this room, she’ll rise and check windows and such for potential threat areas. (For example, if there’s a tree not too far from one with a line of sight to the table, she’ll shutter that window.) ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/22 "2008-09-13T13:12:57Z")
**Gislsson** says, “Crumlin I will be happy to help you and happy to vote for you. I trust the High Priestess Edith without hesitation. I hope we can keep you safe.” ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/23 "2008-09-13T17:34:53Z")
Crumlin thanks Boadicea and Gislsson. He adds “I had to put myself forward for Mayor, because people were scared after what happened to Much the Miller. The meeting is to discuss the election. The High Priestess will run it, and Curly and I are officially invited - together with any close supporters.” The room is easy to defend against threats, as the whole Temple has been well-designed. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/24 "2008-09-13T18:32:08Z")
Gislsson , “For what it is worth, I have little liking for Sir Guy, he seems to care more for himself then the people is it suppose to protect and I have even heard rumors he might be evil.” ---
**Author:** ![tpkurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/50afbb/32.png) [@tpkurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tpkurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/25 "2008-09-13T19:41:50Z")
Hallstein: “If any of Curly’s lot get out of line, I’ll drop 'em! We have rules for a reason, and if any of 'em don’t follow the rules, they’ll pay the price.” Hallstein casts Phantom Armor on himself. _He then proceeds to closely analyze the area of the meeting, looking for the best place to be during the proceedings._ To Crumlin while he’s checking the room: “Say buddy, what was that fancy dancing thing you were doing? Looked like you were pretty good at it. Looked kinda girly-like. You ain’t a poofta, are ye?” ---
**Author:** ![kurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea5d25/32.png) [@kurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/26 "2008-09-13T19:51:34Z")
Boadicea to Gislsson, “If he is, rest assured we will soon know it.” When the sounds of the party approaching outside the room are heard, she will raise her shield toward the door and Detect Evil. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/27 "2008-09-13T21:05:29Z")
> [@tpkurilla](#): > > Hallstein: “If any of Curly’s lot get out of line, I’ll drop 'em! We have rules for a reason, and if any of 'em don’t follow the rules, they’ll pay the price.” Crumlin looks anxious. “Sire, this is a Temple of Heimdall! There must be no unnecessary violence or bloodshed.” > [@tpkurilla](#): > > Hallstein casts Phantom Armor on himself. > > _He then proceeds to closely analyze the area of the meeting, looking for the best place to be during the proceedings._ His spell gives Hallstein invisible, weightless and noiseless armour as strong as Plate Mail. There are shadowy areas of the room if Hallstein wants to hide (including a corner where no-one can get behind him.) Crumlin indicates that he will sit on on side of the long table and that Curly + supporters will sit opposite. Edith will sit at the head of the table. To Crumlin while he’s checking the room: “Say buddy, what was that fancy dancing thing you were doing? Looked like you were pretty good at it. Looked kinda girly-like. You ain’t a poofta, are ye?” [/QUOTE] Crumlin looks puzzled. “You’re not from around here, are you, Sire? I have the pleasure of heading the Oakham [Morris Dancing](http://www.morrismen.org.uk/pictures_recent.html) troupe. As it happens, that dance is for men, but the ladies can always join in [the branle or the farandole](http://www.norwichearlydance.org.uk/dances/dances.htm). And I have not heard the word ‘poofta’ before. 😕” ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/28 "2008-09-13T21:11:20Z")
> [@kurilla](#): > > Boadicea to Gislsson, “If he is, rest assured we will soon know it.” > > When the sounds of the party approaching outside the room are heard, she will raise her shield toward the door and Detect Evil. **Hallstein makes a Hear Noise roll.** He hears an approaching group, some clearly clad in metal armour and signals Boadicea. She uses the Holy Symbol on her Shield to Detect Evil in the direction of the clanking and wrinkles her nose as she finds strong Evil. Before the doors open, Boadicea can lower her Shield and Hallstein has time to decide where he will be within the room… ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/29 "2008-09-13T21:18:05Z")
Gislsson stands ready but tries to look not directly threatening. I also fade into the darkest corner there is in the room. How high are the ceiling and what are the dimensions of the room? ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/30 "2008-09-14T01:38:46Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Gislsson stands ready but tries to look not directly threatening. I also fade into the darkest corner there is in the room. How high are the ceiling and what are the dimensions of the room? Only Thieves can **Hide in Shadows**. If Gislsson stands in one of the dark corners, he can conceal his identity, but will still be noticed as a ‘shadowy figure’. Crumlin comments that his supporters are welcome to sit alongside him if they want (or stand behind him). No doubt some (or all) of Curly’s group will do the same. Crumlin is quite relaxed about the meeting, since it is on his ‘home turf’ and he feels secure. I’m not going to use diagrams during the adventure (and maybe not maps :eek:) because I find them tricky to do (and, when I’m a player, somewhat awkward to use). This room is a rectangle about 50 feet long by 15 feet wide with a large rectangular table in the middle (filling most of the room). The ceiling is 12 feet high. There are plenty of chairs, one door and two (shuttered) windows. It’s used for meetings and meals. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/31 "2008-09-14T01:46:42Z")
> [@glee](#): > > Only Thieves can **Hide in Shadows**. > If Gislsson stands in one of the dark corners, he can conceal his identity, but will still be noticed as a ‘shadowy figure’. That is fine and all I was going for. Just SOP for a Ranger after all. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/32 "2008-09-14T01:55:28Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > That is fine and all I was going for. Just SOP for a Ranger after all. You should be smoking a curiously carved long-stemmed pipe! ---
**Author:** ![kurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea5d25/32.png) [@kurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/33 "2008-09-14T19:02:03Z")
Boadicea will take her place behind and to Crumlin’s right (the better to draw her sword if needed). Note that she is not in a battle-ready stance, just a “retainer” or "supporter"stance. She does say, quietly to her companions, “Be alert. Evil approaches.” ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/34 "2008-09-14T22:59:03Z")
> [@kurilla](#): > > Boadicea will take her place behind and to Crumlin’s right (the better to draw her sword if needed). > > Note that she is not in a battle-ready stance, just a “retainer” or "supporter"stance. > > She does say, quietly to her companions, “Be alert. Evil approaches.” Boadicea knows that Detecting Evil **strongly** can only come from: - Cleric of Evil God - powerful worshipper of Evil God - Being from Evil Plane - Assassin - use of the Illusionist spell Misdirection … Gislsson has mentioned rumours that Sir Guy is evil. Boadicea makes an **Etiquette** roll. She realises that accusing a Knight of the Realm of a crime can only be done by someone with equivalent social status (e.g. High Priestess, Baron, Lord of the Manor). Boadicea herself has enough status to accuse e.g. a Captain of a crime. … Crumlin looks nervous. “This shouldn’t happen in the Temple. Please be careful.” ---
**Author:** ![sarahwilloughby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@sarahwilloughby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sarahwilloughby)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/35 "2008-09-15T00:57:52Z")
Berg to Crumlin (before the other’s enter room): " I will also vote for you as I agree with the other’s. We will protect you as Her Grace has asked of us, in this Temple if neccesary" Once Boadicea mentions Evil Berg will move to stand to Crumlin’s left as a supporter. ---
**Author:** ![kurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea5d25/32.png) [@kurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/36 "2008-09-15T00:59:54Z")
> [@glee](#): > > Boadicea knows that Detecting Evil **strongly** can only come from: > > - Cleric of Evil God > - powerful worshipper of Evil God > - Being from Evil Plane > - Assassin > - use of the Illusionist spell Misdirection > > … > > Gislsson has mentioned rumours that Sir Guy is evil. > > Boadicea makes an **Etiquette** roll. > > She realises that accusing a Knight of the Realm of a crime can only be done by someone with equivalent social status (e.g. High Priestess, Baron, Lord of the Manor). > Boadicea herself has enough status to accuse e.g. a Captain of a crime. > > … > > Crumlin looks nervous. “This shouldn’t happen in the Temple. Please be careful.” There has been no evidence of a crime yet, and therefore Boadicea has no need of such information at the moment. She does, however, file that away for future reference. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/37 "2008-09-15T06:13:17Z")
Crumlin thanks everyone for their support and looks determined. He stands up, muttering that both the High Priestess and Sir Guy are expected for the meeting. > [@kurilla](#): > > There has been no evidence of a crime yet, and therefore Boadicea has no need of such information at the moment. She does, however, file that away for future reference. It is true that no crime has been observed. However being strongly Evil in a Temple of Heimdall (or Thor) would normally result in being ejected at least… ---
**Author:** ![kurilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ea5d25/32.png) [@kurilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kurilla)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/38 "2008-09-15T15:08:33Z")
> [@glee](#): > > Crumlin thanks everyone for their support and looks determined. > He stands up, muttering that both the High Priestess and Sir Guy are expected for the meeting. > > It is true that no crime has been observed. > However being strongly Evil in a Temple of Heimdall (or Thor) would normally result in being ejected at least… In which case, Boadicea assumes that the Lady Weston will take appropriate action. Should she not, then Boadicea will inform her as appropriate – i.e., with some discretion. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/39 "2008-09-16T14:22:03Z")
Boadicea and Bergthor take up guard positions either side of Crumlin. Hallstein and Gislsson move into a couple of shadowy corners behind Crumlin. **Hallstein makes a Hide in Shadows roll. Hallstein makes a Move Silently roll.** Crumlin smiles proudly at Boadicea and Bergthor, winks at Gislsson and does a double-take as he realises that Hallstein has disappeared. The door opens and an Acolyte announces “Be upstanding for the Knight of the Realm, the Lord of the Manor, the Lord of Oakham Castle and Champion of the Joust at the County Fayre … Sir Guy Gisbourne!” A tough-looking man (Sir Guy) with curly black hair, beard and moustache, strides in confidently. He is wearing Plate Mail and carrying a Shield emblazoned with a dragon on a red and black background\*. He has a Long Sword in his scabbard. He is followed by a close cropped grey-haired man with a military bearing (Lieutenant Grey) - who also has Chain, Shield (plain) and Longsword. Next is an elderly peasant (Cuthbert ‘Curly’ Brown) wearing a slightly grubby tunic. Finally come four troopers wearing Leather Armour with a dragon inscription. Three hold Halberds and has a Heavy Crossbow. The hairs on the back of Bergthor’s neck rise. The newcomers all look in ceremonial mode (as opposed to combat), and move to face the party. Sir Guy stands in the centre and glares at Crumlin and his escorts. Lieutenant Grey stands just behind Sir Guy, looks round the room and carefully examines what he can see of Gislsson. Curly stands nervously next to Sir Guy. The troopers stand at attention along the wall, gazing into space. Lieutenant Grey leans forward and mutters in Sir Guy’s ear. **Hallstein fails a Hear Noise roll. Hallstein makes a Read Lips roll.** He realises that Grey is saying “As I said, Sire. Couple of fighting types, could be from Nottingham. Chap in corner probably a local Ranger. The gnome is missing.” (\*‘Per Cross Gules and Sable a Saltire Argent Dragon’ is the technical description. 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757/40 "2008-09-16T14:27:09Z")
Gis stands by waiting. I am here to listen and defend. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roleplaying-merrie-england-the-game/462757.md?page=3)