[126/3] The gauntlet in the sand

[Loreia]

Any of the months after the retaliation against House Wyl, prior to 126/7
[*Decided on a solid date: `126/3]

Ale flows amber, wine flows red in the Dancing Adder's Resthouse at the city Wyl's harbor district on the shore of the Dornish Marches, bordering the Sea of Dorne to the east. The grey eastern sky imparts no light through the open windows, but light from lanterns glows from within. The sweet coolness of Dornish evenings does not affect the need for a warm fire for those more accustomed to warmth, which the innkeeper has lit out of necessity to combat the spring chill of the sea air, unfettered after the passing of the midday sun. Thankfully, the bodies of lively patrons warm each other by proximity at a popular hour.

Loreia shares drink with some of these patrons, new friends she made over the last couple days discussing Dornish culture. Bastards are not frowned upon - indeed, most Dornishmen are wanton and open with their lustful impulses, and with known perversions. She chooses not to dwell much on this, for most of it goes unspoken, partially owing to her steer away from it. What she does pay attention to: reverence toward a godess who owes her namesake to a large river in Essos that nearly splits the continent, along with a giant turtle and a king crab. There are no kings, princes and princesses rule Dorne equally. Women may inherit ahead of men. Women may take their place fighting alongside men as equals in battle. Robes are the fashion favored by men, made with soft fabrics, and jeweled belts - more gems, bigger gems, set in along fancy embroidery. I wish Jorah could be here. Mayhaps I could get a belt for him.

They in turn have been warm to the visitor touring their city;
a maid from an island guarded by women, who impressed a knight of fish and rivers enough to knight her as he would a man. They drink toasts to her blessings, her future - though it may mostly be pleasantries and merriment - and briefly express condolences for the absent Ser Eoric Tully's reputation, and take an air of superiority over the customs owing to his political faux pas, thicker with the onset of inebriation. A couple even pass at her - flustered, she declines. They laugh it off, effecting what is merely teasing humor(perhaps).

Sometime during her stay, she notices a few warriors enter for a drink at the Dancing Adder. What got her attention were the trees, in relation to the yellow livery they wore. They have been here for most of her mingling, and overhear her telling stories: Riverrun, the Thenns, the various events playing a part in damping the feud between House Blackwood and House Bracken, her defeat of a renowned knight in a wedding tourney. Before long, she stops when she notices them staring.

"
You're th' one they call th' Seven's Shieldmaiden?"
one asked.

"
That's 'Warrior,' not Seven,"
said another.

"
Seven, One, merman's teats, d'ya think I care?"


"
I know that sigil,"
she embitters. "
Raiders carried that sigil ten years ago when they came to Bear Island. They thought they could take it for their new home."


One of the Orkwood men scoffs, "
Do ya now? What of it? I knows all greenlander knights of the Reach're itchin' ta knock ya on yer back where ya belong."


She looks around her. The Ironmen's presence imposes on the mood of the tavern, tension emanating from their turgid gazes. Garret's eyes manage to find their way out of a Sand girl's bosom. Badger, curled up on the floor, growls softly at these salty men. Master didn't like them, so neither did he. The cacophony of conversation continues much further away, closer to the corners where no one is aware of the exchange, but dimmer for the hush of silence and polite murmur of those who are closer. A few patrons watch with clear scorn for the Ironborn sailors.

"
Those knights aren't here. This is Dornish land."


The first stares her down, his arrogance palpable on his breath a few feet away. "
You 'fraid I's gonna take ya, woman? Or maybe you'd like that. I'll bet ya never worn a gown in yer life. Maybe ya like to be me saltwife."


Her eyes narrow. "
You should be afraid of what I'd do to you."


They laugh, and he throws his gauntlet on the ground. "
Tomorra', midday. Our ships'll be flyin' our colors: trees on a yella field. We got plenty time to wait on ya, but we be settin' sail by afternoon. Ya wouldn't want no one ta think ya tucked tail, that ya may sent yer pup to fight for ya. Is it you follows yer beast, I wonder?"


They don't bother to wait and see if she picks it up before they leave. Garret gives his girl a kiss to promise his return shortly, and grabs an ale and a seat by Loreia. "
Are you going to meet the challenge?"


"
Of course I will,"
she answers after tipping her mug up. "
I'm just not doing him the courtesy of picking up his glove. He wants it back, he can fetch it himself."
Truthfully, she'd been spoiling for a fight with them the moment they walked in. She wants to hurt them, she wants to hurt them all. She knows she can't. I can have this much.

The following day...

The sun beats down on the people gathered around the Orkwood trading vessel. Arriving in her immaculate full plate, Loreia sees the Ironborn challenger sitting a box of spices. His friends take to jeering and the locals voice some encouragement for her - of those who bet against the Ironborn contender, that is.

"
When I came for me gauntlet, I didn't think you'd show."
He hefts his weapon and looks her up and down as he readies his stance. "
That be some heavy armor. Must be slow to move in."


"
I'm quick enough."


[url=Initiative - Offseason 2, duel at Wyl docks][/url]: 4d6k3-2 12

[A name for my opponent, please.]

[Reader]

Loreia was quick but Gunvor was even quicker - you had to be when fighting in naval engagements.

Her scarred blond foe feints as arcing sideswing, adjusting it in to an upwards cut as he tests his foe's defences.

Yet what his attack possessed in speed it lacked in placement, his powerful swing failing to wreak the desired havoc.

"
RAAARGH!"
screams Gunvor with a mixture of ferocity and frustration.

He'll knock the bitch down soon and split her in half.

[OOC:
Gunvor the Reaver (secondary character)
Fighting 4 Polearms 2B Brawling 2B
Athletics 3 Strength 2B
Agility 4 Quickness 1B
Endurance 4
Awareness 3
Will 3

Quality: Blood of the Ironborn
Equipment: Breastplate, Halberd
CD: 8
AR: 5
Health: 12/12

[url=Fighting (blood of the ironborn)][/url]: 6d6k5 15 - 8 Damage per DoS.]

[Loreia]

Quick warriors, these Ironborn. When was last she had the pleasure of defeating one? She remembers when she came at Yoren's half brother. She'd been spoiling then too, spoiling and stupid, looking to "
win"
. It was no surprise she didn't get what she wanted. She hadn't even seen a squid in over half a decade at the time, and this was no practice fight.

Her armor's protection affords her the luxury of biding time, so she waits on Gunvor.

Greater: Pass
Fatigue: ignore armor penalty when attacked

Equip: sup. bastard sword, sup. shield, extraordinary full plate
CD 10(minus penalty: 12)
AR 13
Health 12

[Reader]

Gunvor again feinted, faking an overhead blow before attempting to sweep Loreia from her feet and make good on his threats. He almost has her, but the newly made knight's footwork is solid.

Still, the ironborn follows up with a flurry of attacks, driving his foe back several yards.

[OOC:
Gunvor the Reaver (secondary character)
Fighting 4 Polearms 2B Brawling 2B
Athletics 3 Strength 2B
Agility 4 Quickness 1B
Endurance 4
Awareness 3
Will 3

Quality: Blood of the Ironborn
Equipment: Breastplate, Halberd
CD: 8
AR: 5
Health: 12/12

Lesser action: [url=Knockdown][/url]: 3d6 11
Lesser action: [url=maneuver][/url]: 4d6 19 - 1D to Loreia's actions for one round, drive her back a yard.

- I think Gunvor hits 2 DoS on his first attack = 16 damage - 13AR = 3 - a gentle reminder to everyone that you need to declare fatigue use before your opponent attack, sorry.]

[Yoren longshore]

- I think Gunvor hits 2 DoS on his first attack = 16 damage - 13AR = 3 - a gentle reminder to everyone that you need to declare fatigue use before your opponent attack, sorry.]

Loreia started out with 15 hp, so she has taken those 3 damage.

[Reader]

- I think Gunvor hits 2 DoS on his first attack = 16 damage - 13AR = 3 - a gentle reminder to everyone that you need to declare fatigue use before your opponent attack, sorry.]

Loreia started out with 15 hp, so she has taken those 3 damage.

[OOC: ah, cheers.

Glorious success for my NPC, albeit now I regret not attacking with that good maneuver roll!]

[Loreia]

[Not to worry. My first stat list, being posted after my foe landed damage, should have shown my health as a fraction. Maneuver penalty noted.]

Loreia grits at knowledge of this enemy's tact in a fight. He will be a worthy match, but she knows she's been pushed out of reach. Still here, come get me.

Greater: Counterattack melee

CD 10
AR 13
Health 12
Fatigue this round: no
CD was not targeted.

[Reader]

Gunvor paused for breath, sizing up his foe. She was proving a tougher crab to crack that he'd expected, but she'd fall soon enough. Bear Islanders don't have the stamina for a prolonged fight in heavy armour.

The woman's style was unorthodox, but her defences seemed sound - few obvious weaknesses presented themselves. Perhaps a strike with the blade then a quick thrust with the spike, see if she's fast enough to deflect it...

[OOC:
Gunvor the Reaver (secondary character)
Fighting 4 Polearms 2B Brawling 2B
Athletics 3 Strength 2B
Agility 4 Quickness 1B
Endurance 4
Awareness 3
Will 3

Quality: Blood of the Ironborn
Equipment: Breastplate, Halberd
CD: 8
AR: 5
Health: 12/12

Greater action: pass, +2B to next roll]

[Loreia]

[Penalty gone]

Had her fill for patience, Loreia moves to get under Gunvor's guard and slice, and to parry on her way out and force distance between them.

Lesser: Move
Lesser: [url=Standard attack Gunvor (Pass +2B)][/url]: 8d6k4+1 22
10 Dmg after AR

Fatigue: Spend if attacked

CD 10(12 if attacked)
AR 13
Health 12

[Reader]

He'd waited long enough - this was not a foe that could be worn down and chipped away at - at least not before she found a way through his defences.

Gunvor trusted in the Drowned God and struck a mighty blow, the sort that would have felled a less sturdy foe, or one more poorly armoured.

[OOC:
Gunvor the Reaver (secondary character)
Fighting 4 Polearms 2B Brawling 2B
Athletics 3 Strength 2B
Agility 4 Quickness 1B
Endurance 4
Awareness 3
Will 3

Quality: Blood of the Ironborn
Equipment: Breastplate, Halberd
CD: 8
AR: 5
Health: 2/12

Greater action: [url=Reckless attack][/url]: 8d6k5 26 = 3 DoS = 24 Damage - 13 AR = 11 damage
- I demand a special narrator edition of Orokos so I can fudge attack rolls up.]

[Loreia]

The weight behind the Ironborn's strike knocks Loreia's breath out. Her opponent undercompensated earlier, and now overcompensates. He leans too much into his assault, allowing her to gain reach just behind him for a moment. Before he can adjust, her blade comes around behind him and slices into the back of his leg.

[url=Aim+attack Gunvor][/url]: 7d6k4 17
2 DoS. Gunvor takes 1 Injury and reduces his health by 1.

CD 10
AR 13
Health 1
F/I/W 1/0/0

[Reader]

Gunvor had little fight left in him, but perhaps it was enough.

Once more he trusted in the Drowned God to grant him victory and that fabulous suit of armour. That, or a glorious death - surely losing to this bitch would lead to fame and a fine place in the Drowned God's halls rather than infamy?

[OOC:
Loreia's attack = 3 DoS due to Gunvor's reckless attack = 15 damage - 5AR = 10 damage, = takes 3 injuries to avoid defeat

Gunvor the Reaver (secondary character)
Fighting 4 Polearms 2B Brawling 2B
Athletics 3 Strength 2B
Agility 4 Quickness 1B
Endurance 4
Awareness 3
Will 3

Quality: Blood of the Ironborn
Equipment: Breastplate, Halberd
CD: 8
AR: 5
Health: 2/12
I/W/F: 3/0/1

Fatigue to ignore injury penalty
Greater action: [url=Reckless attack][/url]: 6d6k5-1 20 - 3 DoS = 24 Damage - 13 AR = 11 damage

[Loreia]

As the pike on Gunvor's weapon sinks into her thigh, Loreia ponders the ferocity in his bearing - clearly giving his whole effort to be finished off with dignity. Did he really expect to be killed, did he prefer death over a humiliating defeat? Outside the castle walls of Wyl, she was just another warrior, and he did not partake...

[url=Will(Dedication) TN16 - resist compulsion][/url]: 6d6k4 24

Any other day, this would have been enough. She would have been grateful for the exemption from the gods' laws provided by the circumstances. But she has a code to live by now. Irksome as she may deem it, there would be no better moment for her to show restraint as a knight than this. At the very least, she could leave him something to remember his loss...no, not even that. As a knight, she has to be above willingly causing permanent harm in a "
harmless"
duel. Will he be humiliated, or see this as an opportunity to rise harder and stronger?

This battle rages internally all during the external fight;
as her enemy dislodges his weapon, taking full advantage of the opening he leaves, her sword slices at his other foot. As he attempts to keep his footing and remain standing upright on both legs, she comes back up gracefully and brings her pommel down on his head. Tired and harmed passed what he can bear, Gunvor falls to his knees and slumps over to the side, spurned the blessing of her steel.

Fatigue: ignore wound
[url=Aim+standard vs Gunvor][/url]: 7d6k4-1 19
4 DoS

Loreia
CD 10
AR 13
Health 1
F/I/W 2/0/1

[Consequences: Unconscious)]

[Reader]

One of Gunvor's companion's rises, his hand going to an axe, but an older sailor pushing him back to a seated position, shaking his head.

"
Best be off with you woman, you've proved your point. Gunvor needs an 'ealer, but his rock wife would rather that than he need a priest, whatever 'is own valour demands."


"
Best see to your own injuries - Gunvor was the best of us, but the other lads and I are good enough to take advantage of that cut 'e gave ya."
The rest of their crew murmur their ascent, the posturing a balm to their wounded Ironborn masculinity. Tellingly, none join the first man in moving for a weapon yet - they are intimidated by Loreia's prowess but not yet cowed.

The latter is offered as much to assuage the pride of his own men and prevent immediate further violence, but there's a threatening undercurrent to it if the advice is not immediately acted on.

[Loreia]

[url=Catch breath - post-combat w/ Gunvor][/url]: 5d6+2 13
Health 4

The pain in her leg finally wakes up, but Loreia won't suffer their judgment to respond to it. Between labored breaths, she spares him only this. "
I came to duel one man. We're done here."


She leaves without sheathing or wiping her blade.

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