Please accept my condolences.
This thread is of course just for fun - do post whenever you have time.
The High Priestess says that entering events at the Rutland County Fayre tomorrow shows respect for the ceremonial day as well as giving peasants something to remember.
She herself has been runner-up in the Flower Arranging and seriously considered going in for Largest Vegetable (Carrot class) as well.
She continues “Our Rutland Clay soil is fertile, but needs regular digging for drainage…oh! perhaps that was too much detail… :o”
Crumlin agrees enthusiastically about taking part.
He is going in for the Morris Dancing (his Oakham troupe are defending champions ) and he lists all the events (with his opinions of them), saying the party will make many new friends if they enter some of them:
Morris Dancing (our troupe are the best in the County :D)
Jousting (everyone likes the clash of lance on shield )
Bird of Prey (those birds are amazing:))
Singing (brings a tear to my eye)
Music (really brings a tear to my eye)
Swordplay (I can’t watch in case there’s blood :eek:)
Archery (it’s hard to follow, but I cheer anyway)
Flower Arranging (Not my cup of tea, but popular with many)
Largest Vegetable (I like eating them afterwards )
One man and his dog (sheep herding - very skilful)
Sheep shearing (the wool goes to Northampton, a nearby town)
Ploughing (the only event that takes place outside Oakham)
There’s also things to see and do:
Gardener’s Question Time
Shire Horse Parade
Refreshment Stall (run by Mr. Dibbler)
Tombola (generously sponsored by Sir Guy himself: first prize is a guided tour of Oakham Castle)
Gislsson will consider entering in the Archery event and displaying his kestrel in the bird of prey event, (if the DM will allow a familiar to take part).
Gislsson knows he is a leading contender in the Archery event (and he is welcome to use his Magic Bow).
His main rivals are probably Willl Scarlett (Oakham Bowyer), Much the Miller (if recovered from injury) and Alan A’Dale (if he has time between rounds of the Music and Singing events).
The Kestrel familiar is also perfectly fine. (The only rule that applies is that spells cannot be cast during the competition, but Gislsson has already got his Familiar.)
Note that Marian (Senior Rutland Druid) has a Kestrel [COLOR=“Blue”]Animal Friend, and is the joint favourite with Gislsson.
Mr Dibbler runs a popular betting service on every Fayre event (odds on request ).[/COLOR]
Gislsson would like to know what the odds of him winning his events are and Boadicea in the jousting
He would also like to know if he and Hallstein can put on an act like, a talking kestrel, a skeleton dancing and telling jokes, maybe a kestrel ordering drinks (if there is a beer tent) and sing the Crumlin theme song.
Mr. Dibbler, the official Fayre bookmaker (usually found in the Marketplace, or in the Windmill) is delighted to quote for any County Fayre event at any time.
His motto is “We never close!”
He is also the Fayre Secretary for all the events and can take entries up till dawn of the day itself (which is tomorrow). The High Priestess is is already entered in the Flower Arrranging and Crumlin is in the Morris Dancing.
Dibbler quotes these prices for the events Gislsson asks about (provided all named people take part):
Jousting (N.B. not usually many entrants):
Sir Guy Gisbourne 1-3 on*
Boadicea 4-1
Lance Little 8-1
Farmer Giles 10-1
Archery (typically 15-20 entrants):
Will Scarlett 1-3 on*
Gislsson 3-1
Alan A’Dale 8-1
Much the Miller (doubtful due to injury) 10-1
all others 25-1
Bird of Prey (as with Jousting, rather specialised - so again few entries)
Marian / Gislsson (joint favourites) evens**
Farmer Giles 5-1
Hagrid the Hairy 1000-1
Dibbler states that he can take bets in gold (up to 500 gp) or even in Magic Items (but there will be a special price quoted, since such a large bet distorts the market).
He explains the odds:
*1-3 on means a bet of 3gp wins 1gp (plus your stake back; i.e. 4gp in all)
**evens means a bet of 3gp wins 3gp (plus your stake back; i.e. 6gp in all)
Dibbler is also the Entertainment Secretary for the Fayre.
He is wildly enthusiastic about all of Gislsson’s ideas and offers a fee of 5gp per ‘trick’ to each of Gislsson and Halstein, plus he will allow election campaigning with the song. He offers to supply a small band (tambourine, drum and crumhorn)to accompany the song for a mere 10gp.
Crumlin explains that the Tombola is a sort of lottery.
Prizes are advertised, then loads of tickets are sold. A copy of every ticket is put in a barrel (supplied by Colin Cooper “Barrel-maker to the Nobility”), which is then revolved a bit. Finally the winning tickets are drawn.
It costs 1 gp for 10 Tombola tickets (half-price to peasants) and the prizes are:
1st - guided tour of Oakham Castle
2nd - three large bottles of Heimdall’s Elderberry Wine (brewed by the High Priestess herself!)
3rd - riding lesson with Marian the Druid
4th - free meal (including two pints of Old Peculiar) at ‘The Old Plough’
5th - signed portrait of Sir Guy Gisbourne (Knight of the Realm, Lord of the Manor, Lord of Oakham Castle and Champion of the Joust at the County Fayre…)
6th - 1 bag fertiliser (extra strong; supplied by Freeman Dibbler)
Swordfighting (usually as popular as the Archery):
Sir Guy Gisbourne 2-1
Boadicea 3-1
Hallstein 5-1
John Smith (Upper Hambleton Weaponsmith) 8-1
Gislsson 12-1
all others 100-1
Crumlin also confirms (to Gislsson) that there will indeed be a beer tent as part of the Refreshment Stall.
“The reason that Freeman Dibbler wears so many hats at the Fayre is that he’s really good at such organising!”
Crumlin thinks a bit then adds “But don’t eat his ‘special’ sausage-inna-bun. In fact, it’s best to stay several feet away from it. Preferably upwind.”
Hallstein will of course enter the Sword competition, and will be delighted to squire for Bodecia…unless the joust would be the best time to poke around the castle.
Seems like winning the tour of the castle might be a rather fortuitous event, if it can be arranged (just between us, of course!). Barring one of us winning the tour, Hallstein will confer with his companions about when the best time to enter the castle may be. It would be most useful if Hallstein could win the tour pretending to be a fellow from a little-known village. That way he could accept the prize in Change Self guise, and take the tour in Change Self guise. And if he has to be naughty during the tour, that fellow from the other village will be to blame!
Once inside, the main thing he’ll have to worry about is being seen. They’re shutters and such don’t appear to be much of a problem.
And if, while juggling all of this, there is time to team up with Gislssn for some trickery, he’ll do what he can as well.
Crumlin tactfully comments that the Temple lets almost all Acolytes enjoy the Fayre, with just a minimum staff on duty at any one time.
He is sure the Castle will do the same - it would be very bad for morale if guards were not allowed to attend the biggest entertainment of the year.
Crumlin thinks some more and adds that Sir Guy always mentions his Jousting victory along with his Noble titles. So it really matters to him. If he really is evil, perhaps losing would bring out his true nature.
Also, given almost all of Rutland will be at the Fayre, a defeat of Sir Guy would be a real boost to the Crumlin campaign…
Sensing an business opportunity to do well, Freeman Dibbler turns up at the Temple, ready to accept entries for the morrow and also confirm extra entertainment.
Largest Vegetable - High Priestess Edith Weston (carrot class)
One man and his dog
Sheep shearing
Ploughing
He looks hopefully around for more entries, saying how wonderful it is to have the Temple supporting local life and culture…
Dibbler also takes the extra entertainment seriously:
a) Gardener’s Question Time - expert panel chaired by High Priestess Edith Weston
b) Shire Horse Parade
c) Refreshment Stall
d) Tombola - 10 tickets for only 1gp
e) Sheriff’s debate* - between Crumlin and Curly
e) special entertainment** featuring Gislsson and Hallstein
*Dibbler asks for advice on the format; he can get Baron Thorgunby Wheldrake himself to act as Moderator , but how precisely should the candidates answer questions (and who should supply the questions?)
**Dibbler wants to know the name of this fine ‘double-act’; whether they want to hire his band for the singing of the Crumlin campaign song; what advertising he can do i.e. what tricks will be done?
Hallstein asks Gislsson, "Given that the castle should be lightly guarded during the festivities I’ll need the use of yer bird for lookout and spy duties. Seems like some time after yer archery event we should be able to sneak away for a short while. We’ll be there and back before anyone knows the wiser!
If I’m misjudging the distance/time involved, we may need a different plan…
Whilst taking entries, Freeman Dibbler has given the Fayre timetable (all done by sundial!):
0900-0930 Morris Dancing
0930-1000 Jousting
1000-1030 Bird of Prey
1030-1100 Singing
1100-1130 Music
1130-1200 Swordplay
1200-1230 Archery
1230-1330 Lunch
The afternoon events run alongside the entertainment:
1330-1400 Flower Arranging and Special Entertainment (by Hallstein and Gislsson)
1400-1430 Largest Vegetable and Shire Horse Parade
1430-1500 One man and his dog and Gardener’s Question Time
1500-1530 Sheep shearing and Tombola
1530-1600 Ploughing and Sheriff’s Debate
N.B. Nobles are expected to attend throughout - after all the Fayre is the biggest event of the year!
The Castle is just a few minutes walk from the Marketplace and Temple. (Oakham is a town with about 1000 inhabitants.)
Boadicea suggests that the Baron might come up with a few questions of his own, and then open the floor for questions from the audience. As for more general formatting, perhaps the candidates take turns answering first, and then rebuttal.
If that’s not clear, I mean that X asks a question. Crumlin answers; Curly counters; then Crumlin rebuts. Then Y asks a question; Curly answers; Crumlin counters; Curly rebuts. Which, upon reflection, is probably less clear than what I said before. Heh.
Boadicea regards the schedule. “Given that no plan survives first contact with reality, it appears that sometime around 1445 Hallstein should be able to get over to the castle. My sorrow that I cannot join you. But I can perhaps delay Sir Guy if I see him starting back toward the castle at that time. Surely he’d not refuse a conversation about the jousting match.”
Other than that, I think there’s not much else to do other than perhaps discuss possible debate questions with Crumlin.
As an aside – tpkurilla and I will be out of pocket Friday through Sunday for a family event. I’ll try to check back Sunday afternoon/evening, but no guarantees.
Dibbler thanks Boadicea. He doesn’t know anything about debate, since he prefers to do all the talking (and selling!) himself.
After checking with the Baron (who is staying at the Temple with his retinue and guards), Dibbler announces the debate format:
the Baron will toss a gold coin to decide who answers the initial question first, then alternate
the initial speaker may rebut (e.g. Curly/Crumlin/Curly; Crumlin/Curly/Crumlin; Curly/Crumlin/Curly etc)
the Baron will ask the first few questions himself
anyone may approach the Baron beforehand to suggest another question. He will choose 'sensible 'ones.
Like the other Nobles (Baron Wheldrake, High Priestess Weston), Sir Guy is expected to be present throughout.
In particular, Dibbler mentions proudly that Sir Guy will be drawing the Tombola tickets in person (1500-1530).
Crumlin mutters that if Sir Guy wins the jousting, he will be boasting to all and sundry for sometime afterwards. If Sir Guy loses, he will not speak to anyone (and nearby dogs will have kicks aimed at them ).
The afternoon passes quietly with throngs of cheerful peasants shopping in the Oakham Marketplace and admiring the architecture of the Castle and Temple.
Occasionally the sound of Crumlin’s campaign song is heard (although the quality of the singing leaves a lot to be desired).
Gradually the crowds disperse, with only a few drunken idlers left to irritate the stallholders packing away.
Judging by the broad smile on Freeman Dibbler’s face, it has been a profitable day.
In the evening, Boadicea is making a check on her Mount in the Temple stables when she spots two of the ‘drunken idlers’ hanging around the stable. The Temple stable-hand shrugs his shoulders at Boadicea, indicating they have no business here, so she asks politely “Can I help you?”. Instead of replying, the two suddenly scarper away as fast as their legs will carry them - apparently they were not drunk at all…
Meanwhile Hallstein (who was ready to back Boadicea up if needed) is approached by a Temple Acolyte. “Sire, there was a man asking to see you. He said he needed to meet ‘the Squire of the lady who had entered the jousting’ in a few minutes in the alley-way by the Stocks (in the Marketplace). He didn’t give his name and I didn’t recognise him as he was wearing a cloak and hood.”
Hallstein replies, “Heh, do I look like a flamin’ idiot? <pause> I’m not a noble, I work fer a livin! Don’t call me sire! I’m just a fellow, same as you, lad. Anyway, thanks for the message. And remember, I’m just Hallstein.”
Hallstein will nip off to see who is “summoning” him. He will make sure to approach the area with all stealth, and appraise the area well before entering. If he manages to see whomever he’s supposed to meet, he’ll make a point of surprising/startling them if possible. Let the area determine the best way to achieve the result.
When he does speak, he’ll proceed thusly:
“I hear yer lookin’ fer me. What’s yer purpose? Be quick, I’m a busy fellow…”
The Acolyte is surprised by Hallstein’s cheerful statement and says he will try to remember not to call him ‘Squire’.
As the Acolyte hurries off, Hallstein hears him murmuring to himself “But … he’s the Squire to a Warder!”
Hallstein then stealthily sets off to the alleyway, where he sees the cloaked figure waiting out of sight of the Marketplace.
Hallstein makes a **Hide in Shadows **roll.
Hallstein fails a Move Silently roll. :eek:
The figure flinches at the noise of footsteps and spins round. His hood falls away revealing it is Corporal White*. He hisses nervously “Who’s there? Show yourself!”
Hallstein smoothly steps out of hiding. “I hear yer lookin’ fer me. What’s yer purpose? Be quick, I’m a busy fellow…”
The Corporal apologises. “I didn’t know what to do, but I had to tell someone.
Look, you are Warder Boadicea’s Squire and she’s entered for the jousting tomorrow. Well I’ve just been appointed Squire to Sir Guy - the defending Champion. I got the job because the previous chap messed up buckling Sir Guy’s Greaves - and the unfortunate fellow has not been seen since.
OK, I can do the job - but then I overheard Captain Black tell two troopers to go to the Temple stables and ‘sort out’ Boadicea’s Mount.
I would have come earlier, but Sir Guy has kept me busy practising all this time.
I’d better go now, before they miss me.”
(*Oakham Castle Guard and Heimdall worshipper)
) and he lists all the events (with his opinions of them), saying the party will make many new friends if they enter some of them:
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