The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 11
Year 487 - Spring
Elin, mother of Tremayne’s children.
House Harwis is struck by tragedy as Cybil dies in childbirth, although her daughter survives. The circle of life is completed as Tremayne gains another child by Elin, his peasant companion, this time a son just a few weeks later. Important news breaks as fresh snow covers the ground.
The swords clacked together and Tremayne spun in a low circle, shield held high as the downward blow bounced off it.
“Good, good.” Sir Colan called out as he stepped back breathing heavily.
Tremayne wiped the sweat from his brow and lowered his wooden practice blade.
“What do you think will happen?”
Colan cocked his head, “In Lestana?”
“Aye, with Lord Hestus dead what is going to happen?”
The old warrior shrugged, “A good question my young lord, a good question indeed.”
“Do you think the marshal will relinquish control and let his son take the title?”
Sir Colan leaned against a barrel, putting the practice sword down. “If he is loyal he will. But the chance of power does strange things to men.”
Tremayne grunted, “Indeed.”
Let’s see what’s going to happen with the situation in Lestana.
A test against Marshal Selwyn’s deceitful trait. Roll 1D20 (18): 2, a success.
A check against his cruel. Roll 1D20 (14): 19, a failure.
So Selwyn will not have Lord Hestus’ heir, Awstin, killed.
Marshal Selwyn will have Awstin, kept as a prisoner while officially supporting his claim.
“What are Osric’s terms?” King Adeon growled from his throne as he looked down at the four Blesh warriors standing before him.
“King Osric, demands.” Began the tall, muscular man swathed in furs, standing at the front of the group.
“Demands?” Adeon scoffed, “He has stolen my lands, he will demand nothing of me!” He shouted.
The tall warrior studied the king in silence. “King Osric offers peace terms.”
We’ll test Adeon’s reckless trait
Roll 1D20 (16): 2, a success.
“So, Osric intends to keep my lands?!” Adeon shouted, his face red with rage. “You can take this message back to you jumped up tribal chief.” The king came halfway down the dais, knuckles white around his wine goblet. “We will meet you on the field of battle this summer and I will regain my lands!”
Now to test Adeon’s cruel and see if he has the Blesh executed.
Roll 1D20 (12): 19, a failure.
So, he won’t have them killed but he is still angry.
With that he heaved the heavy wine goblet. The tall Blesh warrior swayed gracefully out of the way and the man behind him took the goblet full in the face and dropped to one knee with a grunt, blood pouring from his gashed nose.
“Out, get out before I have your heads, you bastard savages!”
I rolled that Harwis lands are raided. Who are the raiders?
Blesh raiders from across the Gungarry river? Likely: Yes.
Do they attack Laverstock, the main manor of House Harwis? 50/50: Extreme no.
They will land on the Harwis side of the river and raid the villages closest to them.
Is Tremayne able to react to the raid in time? 50/50: Extreme no.
So, I rolled a random event with the raid, let’s find out what that is.
Action: Find Theme: Time.
Hmm ok, FIND TIME is the prompt for the random event.
I’m thinking the time issue plays into the extreme no of being able to react to the raid.
A heavy knock came at the door of the cottage. Tremayne looked at Elin as she cradled their child, “Are you expecting anyone?” She shook her head, and glanced down in concern as raspy coughs racked the little baby in her arms.
“My Lord!” Came the shout through the door.
Tremayne sighed, patted Elin’s swollen belly, gave her an apologetic look as he strode over and threw the door open.
“What is it?” He demanded as the abashed guard took a step backwards in spite of himself as Tremayne loomed over him.
“Raiders my lord.”
“Where?”
“Surrfire, my Lord. Smoke has been seen.”
Tremayne gritted his teeth in anger, “Did you send anyone?”
The guard nodded,” Yes, My lord. Sir Colan took some of the guards and rode out. He asked me to come find you.”
The young lord nodded, “Very well.” He glanced back inside the cottage at Elin, “I’ll be back to check on you and Alice as soon as I can.”
The smell of smoke greeted Tremayne as he rode up to the banks of the Gungarry. Three longships were rapidly disappearing into the fog that hung over the fetid water.
Sir Colan stood watching a group of his men dragging two bodies out of the water.
“Are they raiders?” Tremayne called out as he rode up to his marshal.
“Aye, my lord. They were too slow to get back to their ships.”
“What did the bastards take?” The young lord asked as he slid from his horse.
“They took some women and animals, goats mostly. They ran as soon as they saw us approach.” Sir Colan spat with disgust.
“I need to rid us of these barbarians.” Tremayne said evenly as he watched the ships be swallowed up in the fog banks.
“Aye, my lord and I am with you.” The old soldier said.
They both turned as a rider galloped up and slid to the ground before them.
“Kynan?” Tremayne said surprised as his younger brother ran up to them.
The young boy was giddy with excitement, “The king.” He gasped hardly able to get the words out.
“What about the king?” Tremayne asked, suddenly worried.
Kynan looked up at both the warriors, “The King has called his banners.”
Another excellent entry. I find myself excited to read the next one!
I don't like the sound of that cough.