The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 1
Year 485 - Winter
Tremayne Harwis
The cold winter wind whipped the cloak around his legs as the newly knighted Sir Tremayne Harwis walked across the castle courtyard and away from the lights and noise of the feasting in the main hall.
He stopped and blew into his hands, rubbing them vigorously.
“Tremayne?”
He turned to see his mother, Ava wrapped tightly in a fur lined cloak, hurrying towards him.
“Mother? It is too cold for you to be out here.”
“As it is for you.” She chided him, a playful smile on her face.
“Do you still plan on asking the king to allow us to keep Thornbriar?” Tremayne watched his mother’s reaction carefully.
Thornbriar is the estate awarded to Tremayne’s father (Sir Gussig) for heroics during the Battle of Consborg, where he participated in the capture of the Priad Besh king Hengast. It is due to revert back to the possession of Lord Roderick Lytton upon Sir Gussig’s death.
Is King Adeon going to be at Ironguarde? Unlikely
Roll 2D6: (5/1) Yes, but. He is making a flying visit to as many of his important nobles as he can.
He be present for the first course and then depart for his next stop.
Is his stop expected? 50/50
Roll 2D6: (4/4) Yes.
Ava Harwis has been debating on asking King Adeon to allow House Harwis to retain control of the valuable estate land.
We will roll against her prudent score (11): Roll 1D20: 15, a failure so let’s roll against her reaction trait: Roll 1D20: 1, Ava decides on a reckless course of action.
What does Tremayne think of the idea? His prudent score is 13: Roll 1D20: 19, also a failure. He checks against his reckless: Roll 1D20: 9, he also fails reckless, so its players choice.
“I do.” Ava Harwis replied quietly, glancing around in case anyone had strayed within earshot.
Tremayne nodded and smiled, “Good, I thought you may have had second thoughts."
“Oh, I did” His mother confessed, “Lord Roderick will be vexed when he hears of our request.”
“But if the King grants it then he can do nothing do.” The young knight replied.
Ava sighed and fixed her son with a piercing stare. “It is no small matter to vex your liege lord, even if you get the agreement and protection of the king.”
“If the King agrees, Roderick won’t be able to do anything.” Tremayne said with a grin.
“If he agrees.” His mother agreed offhandedly.
A commotion at the gatehouse took their attention as several horsemen cantered into the bailey and pulled up in front of several surprised men at arms.
“The king, the king. Make way for the king came the shout as more riders flooded through under the portcullis and milled around the courtyard.
The sea of riders parted as a small knot of knights made their way into the castle. In their midst a large figure swathed in furs sat hunched over on a magnificent dapple grey charger.
Lady Ava Harwis nudged her son and gestured to the rider. “The King.” She whispered.
Will Lady Ava be able to get close enough to the King to speak before he he hustled away and into the castle? (Unlikely) Roll2D6: 1,5. No.
“Your Grace!” Lady Ava called out as she began pushing through the throng of servants, men at arms and dismounting knights.
“He’s busy.” A gruff voice said as she was forced backwards by the press of bodies.
We’ll check to see if Tremayne reacts to this perceived insult.
Roll against proud (11). Roll 1D20: 18, a failure.
Let’s check modest (9). Roll 1D20: 5, a success.
Tremayne stepped forward and looked the startled man at arms in the eyes, “I’m sure you didn’t mean to insult Lady Harwis like that ?”
The man’s eyes went wide and he opened and closed his mouth several times doing his best goldfish impersonation. “Lady, lady Harwis?” He looked first at him and then her, gulped and composed himself. He stepped back and loudly called out to anyone close enough to hear, “Make way for the Lady Harwis.” He stood back and beckoned them forward mumbling as they strode past, “Please forgive me my Lady, and Lord.” He added giving Tremayne a half hearted smile.
The King has been spirited away by the time Lady Ava gets past the throng and she and Tremayne are carried along with the crowd and into the main hall for the feast.
Offering his arm Tremayne escorted his mother through the doors of the great hall and into the raucous celebration within.
Great start! I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds!