The Tourney at Ashford

Marqus came to the sparring square in his armour today. He had his Ironwood shield and longsword as well. It was at least a fair bit cooler doing this in the early morning before the day could heat up.

It looked like he was the first to arrive, so he started off with some warm up drills. It didn't take long before he had a light sweat and that feeling of peace that came to him when he was training for battle.

He made sure not to drink too much to wake up this morning. Just enough to help him rest, really. Wine always helped with that nowadays.

He was wearing the basics of his armor, around the feat and legs, but left the breastplate behind him, but with a entourage in tow He really should have brought some lighter armor with him, in retrospect. May not be too late if he's going to keep up with these things. As he approached, he nodded to the young man as he looked on. "Good morning, Marqus. Seems you're already up and ready to go. Just be a few minutes for myself. He motioned for assistance as he put on the armor around his chest. "I hope you're as excited about the coming events as I am. Should be a interesting day today."

He puts on his gloves as the straps are attached to his body. "You planning on joining the Squire's Joust today?"

"Good morning Ser Ulrich, yes to all your questions." He chuckled lightly. "I'm hoping to get good seats for the main event, and to do well enough at the Squire's joust today. I've a ways to go, but I'm keen to give it my best shot."

He looked over at the Knight's equipment. Today he was just sporting his own mail, but he was keen to see what the Westerlander favoured.

As he finished up putting his breastplate, tightening up the leather straps to secure it. "I'll keep that mind so I don't go too hard on you." He reaches for his ball and chain and his shield as the rest of the breastplate is strapped on.

"Otherwise, you'll do fine, I think. Already have a good attitude towards it. The rest just takes some luck and skill." After putting on his helmet he breathes in, standing loose and stretching his arms. Was good to get back into it, in a way.

"Well then, you ready?"

"Nice set of gear." A more traditional opponent than the Braavosi. He strapped his shield more tightly tightly and tried to let go of his nervous energy.

"Aye, I'm ready. Let's see what you can teach me Ser!" He walked with his sword and took up a ready stance.

He nods and clanks his mace against his shield in a clink.

It was go time.

((Initiative: 12))

The Northman assessed his opponent's stance and moved with impressive speed. Perhaps he was trying to make up for the previous day's match against the cocky , but cute, Braavosi duelist.

He could tell the other man was more experienced and so he was resolved to take a beating, he just hoped that he would give a decent account of himself first.

Marqus looked for an opening in Ser Ulrich's defenses that hopefully wouldn't leave himself too open to the counter attack.
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D2. EM. Initiative: 3d6 15

D2. EM. Sparring. Lesser action: Aim (+1B). Lesser action: cautious attack (+3 CD, -1D).: 8d6k4 16 (Dealing 5 damage per degree)

He would be lying if he didn't admit that was a pretty good hit. It managed to bypass his shield and go directly into his stomach, giving the older soldier a little bit of wind on it ((5 dmg)).

He decided to match wits about it, throwing himself into a bit more of a stance himself. It was better to keep conscious of his abilities. "Quite the hit there, boy; you've got a good swing on you."

He matched equally as hard and threw a hit on him, aiming and leaning back a little to focus on defense,
but it was still a good hit. ((20)) [[4 damage per suxx]]

((Combat Defense is 14 till next turn.))

[Round 2 Init Roll ((18))]

He barely flinched as the mace got past him and struck his side, as much of the impact was absorbed by his mail ((3 damage)). "Not so bad yourself Ser."

Although Marqus was fast today he didn't have the years of experience that old man Ulrich possessed, and this time his opponent was quicker off the mark. Still, his stance remained guarded.

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D2. EM. Initiative round 2: 3d6 14

Not letting himself take the lead, he immediately went for the next move. It was a risky move, but he wanted to push for the advantage. His motion to the swing hit hard against the shield itself, attempting to use the impact to knock the man on the ground. However, it seemed as if the young Northerner would keep his stance up during the attempt. ((8))

"Excellent block!" He shouts. The momentum made him a bit staggered, losing the defense he had before. Hopefully he could move to block the next strike.

((Round 3 Init: [10]))

Ulrich's attempt at knocking him down might have been a game changer, but Marqus was able to resist successfully even though his armour made it trickier. ((Resists even if armour penalty applies))

"Thanks, you almost had me!" The Knight had left himself open, and there was no way that a young man with these fighting skills was going to miss his mark. The strike was expertly placed to go straight through the weakest point of Ser Ulrich's defense. ((3 degrees = 15 damage before AR))

By his account that was probably the bout won, but he kept his guard just in case. His senses appeared to be fully focused on the task, and he was ready to make another strike quickly if Ser Ulrich still had some fight left in him.



D2. EM. Sparring Round 2. Lesser action: Aim (+1B). Lesser action: regular attack.: 8d6k5 23 vs 11 = 3 degrees ((15 damage))

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((If needed))

D2. EM. Initiative round 3: 3d6 14

Ulrich takes a knee after the blow and breathes in. "Well then, I think that settles that. He looks up at him. "Suppose I'll concede the match to you. Excellent work, Marqus."

[[Yielding]]

The Northerner saluted and then sheathed his sword before offering a hand to the man with a smile. "My thanks Ser Ulrich. We'll have to do this again, I'm finding there's always something new to learn."

He unstrapped his shield and offered it to Ulrich for a closer inspection. "I thought you might like to take a closer look at some genuine Forrester Ironwood."

He clings to his hand and stands himself up afterwards, smiling along the way. "It was enjoyable. A risky move for me in the end, but I had hoped to connect it better." Looking over at the shield, he composes himself and drops his shield before collecting the young Forresters.

"Feels very sturdy." He grabs his mace and taps it against the shield. "Hmm...it can take a beating."