The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 4
Year 486 - Spring
Gwaelod the Druid
House Harwis has successfully petitioned King Adeon for the manor of Thornbriar that was due to be returned to the possession of Lord Roderick Lytton. Tremayne has welcomed the birth of a bastard baby girl, courtesy of one of the serving girls at Laverstock manor. The warning bells toll as raiders are sighted.
A plume of thickening smoke confirmed Tremayne’s worst fears as the riders crested the low hill.
He frowned as he scanned the village for the source of the smoke, “Did they fire the mill?”
“I don’t know, my Lord.” Came Sir Colan’s muffled reply from within the ornate helmet he wore.
We’ll make an awareness roll for Tremayne, (7): Roll 1 D20: 5, a success.
We’ll also make a vengeful roll to see if he can control his emotions, (9). Roll 1D20: 11, a failure. Let’s test forgiving to see if he holds rank, (11). Roll 1D20: 14. Also a failure.
We’ll say his training kicks in and he holds rank with the others.
“There!” Tremayne pointed. Several figures emerged from the grain store carrying bulging sacks.
“With me.” Sir Colan spurred his horse forward in a spray of dirt. The four knights plunged down the hill towards the village of Dunford. Twelve men at arms followed them at a jog.
So we’ll roll 1D3 for the number of ships that landed. Roll 1D3: 3.
With a D6 raiders per ship: Roll 3D6: 9 raiders.
A D3 remain with the ships. Roll 1D3: 1 raider is on guard duty.
The knights charge into the village and try to maneuver through the narrow dirt roads between the shacks and hovels. Three of the fur clad raiders ran to meet them, axes ready to do battle.
A horsemanship roll for the knights to be able to maneuver their horses to be able to strike at the raiders.
Tremayne roll 1D20 (15): 5, a success.
Sir Colan roll 1D20 (17): 4, a success.
Sir Denol roll 1D20 (17): 3, a success.
Sir Gustin roll 1D20 (17): 18, a failure.
The first three knights are funneled to the front of the group due to the narrowing of the dirt road between some buildings.
So, Tremayne, Sir Colan and one of the knights are able to attack a raider each.
The raiders carry a javelin and have a skill of 12.
Tremayne will make an opposed roll, (Sword: 16+5 being mounted) v the raider (Javelin 12)
Tremayne , roll 1D20: 11, a success.
The raider rolls 1 D20: 20, a crit fumble!
Tremayne urged his horse forward, and he raised his blade high above his head as he bore down on the closest raider.
The sword flashed down as the man raised his javelin to try and deflect the stroke.
With a crack the blade bit clean through the shaft of the weapon and sliced deep into the raider’s chest.
We’ll roll for the damage, Roll 4D6: 12, not great. Let’s see what happens. With an armor rating of 6, that’s only 6 damage. Hp down from 30 to 24.
The raider now unarmed tries to dodge and back away from danger.
Now for Sir Colan.
He will make an opposed roll, (Sword: 20+5 being mounted) v the raider (Javelin 12)
Sir Colan, rolls 1D20: 4, a success.
The raider rolls 1D20: 7, a success and wins the opposed roll.
So, Sir Colan is wearing chainmail for 10 points of armor plus 6 for his shield since he succeeded in his combat roll.
The raider rolls 5D6 for damage (ouch). Rolls 5D6: 17 but against an armor rating of 16 is just 1 hp of damage.
Sir Colan can now roll his damage as he counter attacks. Roll 5D6: 14, bleh crappy roll. Against the armor of 6 that’s 8hp of damage.
Raider#2 is down from 30 to 22hp.
Sir Colan exchanged several blows with his opponent as the raider tried to duck under the horse and upend the knight from his saddle. A solid blow from Sir Colan’s sword forced the raider away with a grunt of pain.
Now Sir Denol takes his turn. He will make an opposed roll, (Sword: 19+5 being mounted) v the raider (Javelin 12)
Sir Denol, rolls 1D20: 12, a success.
The raider rolls 1D20: 19, a failure.
Sir Denol now rolls his damage. Roll 5D6: 20. Against the armor of 6 that’s 14 hp of damage. That’s a major wound. He needs to roll under his current hp to remain conscious. So, rolls 1D20 (16): 3, a success so he staggers backwards but doesn’t collapse. He goes down to 16hp.
Sir Denol rode around his fellow knights and forced the raider backwards against the wall of the nearest house. Taking advantage of the raider’s predicament Sir Denol thrust his blade deep into the man’s body, eliciting an agonized scream and a fountain of blood as he drew the blade out and prepared to strike again.
The raiding party leader sees that the knights are upon them and makes a valorous check to see if he calls for a retreat to the boats immediately.
Roll 1D20 (14): 12, a success. He hurries his companions to grab more loot.
Does he grab a raider or two and join the battle in the street?
Roll 1D20(14): 9, a success. Yes, he does. He gathers two of the raiders and they run towards the battling knights screaming a blood curdling war cry.
The last two raiders continue to go from building to building.
We’ll have one more round of combat before the raid leader and his men can join the fray.
The men at arms following the knights will reach the fight in 3 rounds.
Let’s make an awareness check for the raid leader to spot the incoming men at arms.
Roll 1D20 (15): 12, a success. He sees the oncoming soldiers and has a change of heart.
Three raiders began running towards Tremayne and the others screamed and waved their weapons. As they catch sight of the men at arms rapidly approaching, they turn tail and run.
Let’s make some merciful / cruel checks to see if they strike at the retreating raiders.
Tremayne checks merciful, Roll 1D20 (7): 2, a success.
Sir Colan checks, Roll 1D20 (4): 10, a failure. A roll on cruel. Roll 1D20 (16): 16, a crit.
Sir Denol, checks as well, Roll 1D20 (15): 4, a success.
Sir Colan rode down his quarry and dispatched the raider with several vicious strokes of his blade. He reined up, turned in his saddle and gestured to the fast approaching men at arms, “This way men, follow me.”
He wheeled his charger and set off after the retreating raiders in a cloud of dust and dirt.
Sir Denol dismounted and walked towards the wounded raider, his blade held out in front of him. “Stop there.” He commanded the man as he crawled away, leaving a red streak on the stony ground.
“What are you going to do with him?” Tremayne asked as he watched the raider he had disarmed disappear towards the Gungarry river and the waiting boats.
“A prisoner is always a useful. They looked like Blesh.” Sir Denol replied, not taking his eyes off the wounded man.
“Aye.” Tremayne walked up next to the knight as he sheathed his blade. “And what are they doing?”
“That, my lord is why we need our captive here.” He gestured at the captive with his blade.
We’ll make a battle roll for Sir Colan and the men at arms for their skirmish with the fleeing raiders.
Roll 1D20 (15): 13, a success.
The raiders leader has 12 battle. Roll 1D20: 1, a success.
We’ll say 3 raiders were killed and 5 were able to push a boat into the water and make their escape back across the Gungarry.
Great story so far and nice action sequence.
I'm lost. It looked like you were hosting an RPG via story.