The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 14
Year 487 - Summer
The Battle of Hallow Hill was a victory for King Adeon and the forces of Sochia. Although not a decisive victory, the Blesh King Osric has retreated from the field. Tremayne gathered his household knights at camp to celebrate the victory.
“A toast.” Tremayne raised the mug, sloshing some ale over the rim as he did so. The men, his men raised their mugs in response. “To Sir Uwain, valorous to the end.”
“Sir Uwain.” Came the chorused response as his knights drained their mugs.
“A good man, a good knight.” Sir Denol said as he slammed his mug onto the table.
“A good man, a good knight.” The others intoned as they followed suit and slammed their mugs down.
“That big, blue bastard needs to die.” One of the assembled knights remarked.
“What do you mean?” Tremayne asked sharply.
Sir Cullen refilled his mug, “The Blesh who killed him. Big bastard covered in blue woad, took him with a double headed axe.”
Tremayne grimaced, “I think he might be the same one who killed my horse.”
“Grunheld.”
“What?”
The knight stepped forward from the crowd of warriors. “He taunted me after he killed Sir Uwain and made sure I knew his name.”
Let’s test King Adeon’s temperate trait to see if he has been celebrating too heavily.
Roll 1D20(13): 8, a success.
“My lords, my loyal bannermen.” King Adeon smiled as he held his wine cup high.
“My lords, I name you all as Earl.”
The assembled nobles at the table shifted and exchanged glances.
“Your grace, you do all of us a high honor.” Lord now Earl Lytton said quickly.
He stood and raised his cup, “To another victory and a long reign.”
The other nobles quickly stood and joined in the toast. King Adeon smiled and looked at the members of his war council approvingly. They settled back into their seats and more wine was poured.
“Your grace, what of Lestana?” Earl Lytton ventured.
“That bastard ignored my calling the banners.” King Adeon snarled.
“He did your grace.” Lytton agreed.
The King leaned back, “He told my messengers that it was to dangerous to leave Hestus’ son in charge with most of the troops here with us.”
“That sounds like an excuse.” Earl Gallard replied.
“Selwyn needs to allow the boy to take his rightful title.” King Adeon mused. “If not, I will march up there and force the issue.”
“Your grace.” The grizzled old warrior stepped through the tent flap and bowed.
“Ah Gronwin, are the rats holed up in Amstead?”
The warrior smiled grimly, “They are not your grace, they are making for the border.”
With a huge grin the King jumped to his feet, “Ah ha, they are running, the bastards are running!”
Tremayne will gain 150 glory for leading his unit in the battle. (Glory: 2233 +150=2,383)
He gains 5L worth of loot.
With the Blesh retreating back over the border some troops are released from service and can return home.
Are Tremayne and his men released by Earl Lytton? Likely: yes.
King Adeon and the remaining troops secure the rest of the province and install the Lord’s son, Odos, as the new Earl of Stragoll.
As the weeks pass and summer rolls into fall, Tremayne and his knights settle back into their routine. One such afternoon, Tremayne is out in the fields partaking in his favorite pastime of hawking when Gwaelod the druid appears.
“Tremayne, I have dire news.” He gasped.
Oof that's a rough cliffhanger to end on. Also does that mean Tremayne is also an Earl? What does that change, either politically or gameplay wise?