A lady in Vagon Castle (The Year 507)
Playing the Great Pendragon Campaign solo, following the tides of the House of Laverstock.
In the year 507, Countess Ellen once more sent her knights to the service of King Nanteleod and the muster began in Sarum.
At the feast, held at court, Perin sought to win favor with Lady Christen, daring to ask her for a dance. Yet a certain Sir Hugh insulted his dance style. Drunk and belligerent, Sir Hugh challenged Perin to a fight. Perin, refusing to dishonor himself by fighting a drunken knight, accepted the challenge for the following day.
Meanwhile, Arnold used the feast to converse with Sir Alain of Carlion, the son of King Nanteleod. Sir Alain confided in him that he distrusted mercenaries, such as Sir Bevis, among his father army. He warned that these men would likely be the first to loot a city like Wells once it fell. To prevent this, Alain sought to strengthen his sheriff, Sir Odgar, with capable knights. Arnold humbly accepted this duty on behalf of Laverstock.
The next day, Perin faced Sir Hugh for the duel. "To the first blood" challenged Hugh. Perin sensed something was off. Wasting no time, Perin lunged forward and hacked an ugly wound in Hugh's arm, forcing him to his knees. "Are you mad?" shouted Hugh, pale and clutching his arm. Perin spat at the man, but Arnold pulled him away, saying, "That is enough. What has come over you?" Perin admitted, "It is Lady Christen—I wish to impress her. Do you know who she is?" Arnold replied with an odd smile, "Too well. You just fought her brother! That is why Sir Hugh mocked you, finding you unworthy to woe his younger sister. Lady Christen is the second daughter of Sir Elad. Did you not see their colors?"
The army on their way to the Selwood, marched first to Vagon Castle, the seat of Sir Elad. The Salisbury knights were received in his hall for a feast. the brothers managed to discovered Lady Christen’s whereabouts that evening. This time, Perin made a better, courteous impression and his squire even arranged a little picnic, earning Perin the lady’s favor.
The siege of Wells was a simple affair. The Laverstock knights joined the fight, the worst injury being a broken lance for Perin. Part of the garrison attempted a sortie but was quickly overwhelmed. The city surrendered back to Somerset and King Cadwy, who had withdrawn to the marshes. Yet the city itself, having already endured a siege in 504, was in ruin. Empty houses, rubble, and makeshift camps filled the city.
Now the Laverstocks' true task began. Alongside Sir Odgar, they patrolled the city’s streets day and night to maintain order. Odgar sent groups to shadow the mercenaries, warning that trouble was brewing. Disguised with heavy cloaks and in leather armor, the Laverstocks remained vigilant - though on foot, as the small streets were unsuited for the Knight’s large horses.
One night, the brothers spotted Sir Bevis and followed him quietly into a narrow alley where he met another man and a small bodyguard of bandits. Bevis’s men prepared to raid a nearby alehouse, handing out pikes and swords. At this, Arnold signaled an ambush. Emerging from their hiding spot, Arnold, Perin and a couple of Odgar’s men sprinted towards the rabble, but by the time the Laverstocks arrived, the bandits were ready, spears in hand. A fierce fight ensued. Perin was wounded badly, but the brothers prevailed, forcing Bevis to his knees. "Only last year, we rode side by side," Arnold said sternly. "What has brought you to this… disgrace?" Bevis begged for mercy and was handed over to Sir Odgar. Grateful for their service, Odgar tended to Perin’s wounds and commended their bravery.
After the campaign, the knights spent more time with Sir Alain, who admired Arnold’s leadership. While Perin recovered from his injuries, Alain joined the Laverstocks on a hunt, and a strong friendship was forged. "My father needs more men like you," Alain said. "As long as you have the countess’s ear and can vouch for our good intentions, consider us your allies. I hear you struggle to patrol your own manors. In return for your friendship, I will send some of Sir Odgar’s best men to clear out your lands from any bandits."
That winter, Perin married Lady Christen, cementing the bond between their families. Yet the season was harsh and the harvest poor. Uncle Oswyn, the constable’s pursuer and father to the knight Eberhard, did not return from a journey to France. Meanwhile, Alberick remained in his cursed sleep, his fate still bound to the mysterious prophecy of the true king.
Over in this post I share in detail how I run King Arthur Pendragon 5.2 RPG and the Great Pendragon Campaign solo! To seed the adventure I use ‘The Adventure Crafter’, and whenever unsure I use One Page Mythic GME. I have some additional tables at the ready, like the Solo events and Kin events.
In italic, I go out of character to give info on what is happening in terms of game mechanics. If these are short, they are primarily ment as personal reminders. But feel free to ask for clarifications.