The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 8
Year 486 - Summer
High King Adeon Beaumont
Lord Titus Flaccus has been taken prisoner by the forces who usurped his lands. The Sochian forces accompanying him retreated despite the protests of his son, Sir Marcellus.
Lord Tremayne Harwis has spent the summer patrolling the banks of the Gungarry, throwing back Blesh raids. As they welcome fall, he finds himself back at Laverstock manor.
So let’s check how Tremayne’s patrolling went through the summer.
Roll 1D6 for the number of raids he intercepted: 6, hmm that was a busy time.
We’ll roll 3 times per raid. Battle, sword and valor. Depending on the results we’ll decide what happens during the raid.
Battle: 13, Sword: 16 and valorous: 14.
Raid 1: 19, a failure. 10, a success. 9, a success. 2 successes v 1 failure.
The Blesh were driven off with light losses.
Was the raid on Harwis land? (50/50) Yes.
Light losses will negate the usual 1 libram profit for the year.
Raid 2: 10, a success. 1, a success. 3, a success. All 3 successes.
The Blesh were ambushed as they landed and forced to flee back onto the Gungarry river with no spoils.
Was the raid on Harwis land? (50/50) No.
The local lord will be grateful to Tremayne for his efforts.
Raid 3: 4, a success. 8, another success and 17, a failure.
Was this raid on Harwis land? (50/50) Yes.
That will burn the 1 libram from that land.
Raid 4: 19, a failure, 9, a success and 15, another failure,
Is this Harwis land? (5/50): Extreme yes. This the main manor Laverstock which suffers damage. A roll on the property damage table coming up.
Roll 1D20: 12, a cluster of houses have been destroyed, +1 on landlord hate. Plus another libram will be lost.
Raid 5: 1, a success, 17, a failure and 1, a success.
Is this Harwis land? (50/50): Yes, again. This a rough summer.
Again lose a libram from the damage inflicted during the raid
Finally Raid 6: 10, a success, 18, a failure and 14, a crit!
Is it on Harwis land? (50/50): Yes.
With the success and the crit, the raiders were driven off as soon as they landed.
Tremayne loses 4 libram from this year’s income from to damage lands that were raided.
Tremayne will earn 10 glory for each raid that scored more successes, so 40. Plus 20 glory for the raid he scored all three successes, so 60 glory all told.
Glory is now 1888.
Now back at Laverstock manor and overseeing the repairs to the houses damaged in the Blesh raid, Tremayne is watching workmen lower a roof spar into place as he hears footsteps behind him.
Is it someone he knows? (Very likely): No.
Are they a noble? (Unlikely): No.
Is it a male? (50/50): No.
Is she a servant of some kind? (Very likely): Extreme yes.
So a high ranking servant, a lady in waiting perhaps.
“My Lord?”
Tremayne turned to see a slight, brown-haired girl looking up at him fearfully.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Ella, my Lord.” She performed a quick bow and looked around.
“And what do you want?” He asked, his interest piqued in spite of himself.
“I have something for you.” She replied shyly and held out a shiny, round object.
Tremayne’s hand went instinctively to the hilt of his sword.
“I only have this my lord.” Ella said quickly, her eyes wide at the sight of his hand around the hilt of the blade.
She held a large, silver coin.
“What is that?” The young lord asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“It’s a coin.”
Tremayne rolled his eyes, “I can see that girl. Why are you giving it to me?”
“I’ve been instructed to give it to you.” She replied quietly.
“By whom?”
“I am not permitted to say.” She said, not meeting his gaze.
With a grunt Tremayne slid his sword back into its scabbard. Ella darted forward and pressed the coin into his hand and before he could react or say anything turned and hurried, almost ran back down the path, into the trees and disappeared from sight.
Sir Marcellus, the son of Lord Titus Flaccus strode angrily into the throne room.
King Adeon sat high up on the dais, taking a long drink of wine. “Welcome Sir Marcellus.” He called out as the knight approached.
We’ll make a prudent check for Sir Marcellus.
Roll 1D20(17): 19, a failure.
“The same welcome my father got after your men abandoned him?” The knight spat.
“What your tongue boy, or I’ll have it removed.” King Adeon said quietly, his face darkening with anger.
Let’s have Marcellus see if he can save himself with another prudent check.
Roll 1D20(17): 3, a success.
After dropping to one knee and taking a deep breath, Marcellus replied, “Forgive me your grace, I am worried about my father’s safety.”
The king nodded, “As am I. I have received word that he is indeed alive but a captive.”
Sir Marcellus jumped to his feet, “Alive? Praise be to the gods.”
“Indeed, although if he hadn’t acted like some green boy, he would be here with us now.”
Marcellus shifted uncomfortably, “His hatred for the usurpers got the better of him, it is true.”
“And almost got himself killed.” Came a voice behind him.
Marcellus turned to see Lord Gronwin striding in with a scowl on his face and a sack in his hand.
“Ah, my Lord Gronwin, welcome.” Adeon called. “You have news from Stragoll ?”
The grizzled old warrior stomped forward, casting a dismissive glance at Marcellus as he passed him. “I do your grace.”
“Lord Stragoll has thrown back the Blesh I hope?”
Gronwin pulled a face. “I’m afraid not your grace.” He fished into the sack and lifted out the contents.
Gasps and muffled curses filled the hall as Gronwin held the bloodied head high for all to see. “We took this from a Blesh messenger.”
“Is that Lord Stragoll?” Adeon asked with a growl.
“It is your grace.”
The inarticulate howl of rage echoed around the great hall.
“Out, out, everyone get out!” The king screamed, spittle flying out of his mouth.
Ooof a rough a year on Harwis land, despite all the victories. I’m interested in this coin though! Another intriguing episode!
Damn that was a tough year. What's with that coin?