The Dragon Rising: A Pendragon Solo campaign. Episode 6
Year 486 - Summer
Lord Oswalt Merdith
Laverstock manor suffered a surprise waterborne raid from Blesh fighters. Thanks to a raider who was captured, the worrying news of a potential Belsh settlement has been established on the northern side of the Gungarry river. Lord Lytton has received the troubling news at the Equinox feast.
”What do you think of him?”
Lord Oswalt Merdith looked at Lord Roderick Lytton over the rim of his wine cup, “The boy? Not much.”
Lytton grunted. “It is worrying if the Blesh have landed the other side of the Gungarry.”
“As long as they stay on that side, there is nothing to worry about.” Oswalt said with a shrug.
“You think they will stay there?”
“I care not. If they come this side of the river, we will kill them.” Lord Oswalt replied with a sly smile. He took a gulp of wine, “The boy concerns you?”
“He is the seed of Gussig and likely become a fierce warrior like his father.” Lord Lytton said quietly.
“He will die just as his father did if need be.” Oswalt countered.
“And Houses Harwis and Gwynne would rise up in rebellion.”
“And we would crush them as easily as a beetle under our boots.” Lord Oswalt said harshly.
Lytton swirled his wine around slowly, deep in thought, “What would you do about him?”
Almost two weeks later, Tremayne crested the low hill that overlooked Ironguarde
The camp stretched away almost as far as the eye could see.
“There must be a thousand men.” Sir Denol declared as he surveyed the scene.
“Aye, an impressive host to be sure.” Tremayne looked at his household knight, “Stay with the men, I will find Lord Roderick.”
Lord Roderick is in council with some of his commanders. We’ll make a courtesy roll to see how Tremayne is received.
Roll 1D20 (7): 4, a success.
As Tremayne approached the huge tent, a soldier came forward. “Lord Lytton asked to see you as soon as you arrived.”
The tent flap was pulled back and he ducked inside.
“Ah Tremayne, welcome.” Lytton stepped away from the table in the middle of the tent and poured himself some wine. “I’m glad you are here.”
The young knight bowed, “I, and my men are at your service as always my lord.”
“Good, good.” Lytton took a gulp of wine. “I have an important task for you. I desire you to guard the river flank of my host as it marches north to join the main army.”
Tremayne couldn’t keep the puzzled look from his face, “My lord?”
“I wish you to guard our flank along the bank of the Gungarry.”
Let’s make a loyalty to lord check against reckless.
Roll1D20 (17): 12, a success.
Now a check against reckless
ROll1D20 (7): 2, a success, but not high enough to beat the loyalty roll.
“You are putting me on garrison duty?” Tremayne asked carefully, keeping the anger out of his voice.
“It is not garrison duty. You are protecting our flank and my lands. If you agree to this task I will invest you as Lord of Laverstock to show my appreciation. Not only that, if you are successful in keeping any threats at bay, be they Blesh or any other foes. I will grant you the title Warden of the Riverlands and award you the manors of Brackenbrook and Riverwood.” Lord Lytton smiled and gauged the young man’s response.
Tremayne dropped to one knee, “I will do as my Lord commands.” He replied grudgingly.
Lytton smiled, “As I knew you would, you my rise Lord Tremyane of Laverstock.
“But he will give you a title and two manors? Why is that a bad thing?” Sir Denol asked in confusion as they rode away from the encampment.
Tremayne shot him a look of disgust, “The battles and the glory will be to the north, far away from the river.”
“Where Lords will toil and die while you gain lands.” Denol replied evenly.
Tremayne turned his horse, “We need to take up the position on the flank.” He trotted off without a backwards glance.
They will ride the flank of the Lytton host as it marches north to join the main army.
On a 1 on a D6 they will encounter something.
Roll 4D6: 6,3,2,2. So after four dusty days they bade farewell to the Lytton force and turned back along the head of the Gungarry river where it emerged from the Colston Highlands in Lestana lands.
Let’s make a prudent roll to see if Tremayne decides to investigate along the opposite bank.
Roll 1D20(13): 12, a success. He decides to lead his men back onto the southern bank and back towards his lands.
On a 1-2 on a D6 Tremayne will discover the Blesh have raided his lands while he was away.
Roll 1D6: 2. So there has indeed been a raid.
Blesh tribesmen have come across the river again and attacked one of the manors.
There will be a 25% change that Tremayne will be close enough or receive word of the raid.
Roll 1D100: 57, he does not get back in time.
The plume of smoke drifted lazily up into the blue sky. Ebonwood manor bore the scars of the recent raid. Gritting his teeth so hard his jaw ached, Tremayne picked his way through what was left of a peasant hovel. The young girl cried out in terror as she saw him and turned to run.
“Wait, I won’t hurt you.” Tremayne called out. The girl paused, “I am your lord girl, come here.” Slowly, timidly, the girl approached him. He slid down from his horse and went down on one knee, “Do you recognize me?”
The girl nodded slowly. Tremayne nodded and smiled, “Come here child, who did this?”
The girl walked up still unsure, “The furry men came from the river.”
Tremayne frowned, “Furry men?”
“The raiders wore furs my Lord, they were Blesh” The voice came from the doorway of a hovel.
The woman sported a makeshift blood stained sling as she limped towards him. “Come here Alla.” She held her hand out as the child ran to her.
“What is your name?” Tremayne called out as he walked over to the woman.
“Ellwys, my lord.”
The knight paused, “You know who I am?”
The woman nodded, “Of course Lord Tremayne. I know you, why would I not?”
“No reason.” He replied with a smile. “Please can you tell me what happened?”
Ellwys regaled the young lord with a tale of horror and murder.
Once she was done Tremayne shook with rage, “I promise you this, I will have my revenge for you and the rest of my people. This I swear.”
Roll 1D20 for a new passion, hatred of the Blesh: 16.
Now Tremayne is driven by a lust for revenge.
Very cool write up. Mechanics question: now Tremayne has a lust for revenge: are there good and bad possible outcomes that come along with that or is it more for flavour?
Things were going too well in the first half for Treymane. Excited to see how he deals with the Blesh moving forward!