Curses and Prophecies (The Year 506)
Playing the Great Pendragon Campaign solo, following the tides of the House of Laverstock.
In the year 506AD, the Laverstock brothers had a little more success in their search for knights to join the noble houses of Laverstock and Pitton. At the court in Sarum, Perin spoke with Sir Alain, son of King Nantheleod, who told of knights from his father’s ranks, seeking indeed a new lord to serve. Meanwhile, Arnold met Sir Llyr, a seasoned Household knight, who directed them to Sir Bevis, a mercenary of some renown.
Eager to bolster their house, they journeyed to the muster of King Nantheleod’s army. There, Sir Llyr instructed them in the art of jousting. After the muster, however, the army wandered without encountering any significant battles with King Idres, leaving the campaign largely uneventful. Arnold attempted to establish a connection with Sir Bevis, but his efforts were clumsy. Arnold, in introducing himself, faltered when he could not recall the name of his late wife. Ashamed, he disappeared from the campaign for eleven days.
In the absence of his Lord, Perin made a second attempt. He spoke of their battles from the previous year, and invited Bevis to visit Laverstock, to see the lands and join them for a hunt. Yet, despite these efforts, Perin remained unconvinced that Bevis was entirely trustworthy.
After the campaign of forty days, the knights set rode to Aquae Sulis, a city now under the control of King Idres. There, they sought the druid Aledus, who was fortunately found without much difficulty. Aledus was interested in the curse of Alberick, who had been in an inexplicable sleep ever since being struck by mysterious Saxon arrows. Aledus revealed that he had already heard of this magic, which the druids called “The Saxon Rot.” According to prophecy, Alberick's curse would only be lifted when the true king of Britain revealed himself.
“Who is this king?” Arnold asked, astonished.
“I do not know,” Aledus replied, “but he will make himself known to you as a boy.”
“How do you know of this?” Arnold pressed, “Is it written somewhere?”
The druid shrieked and laughed mockingly. “As if you can read, you fool!” he cackled. Perin asked if there was no faster solution to awaken Alberick. Perhaps some sort of church service? “It is said,” the druid continued while looking disapproving of Perin’s remark, “that the sound of battle might awaken your brother-in-law… But only if he is a true fierce warrior. And not every battle will do, and the details of the correct circumstances are unknown, even to me.”
Winter came. Harsh winds and bitter cold swept through the lands of Laverstock. Sir Bevis gave no word, and a poor harvest left the people wanting, worsened by tribute owed to the Saxons. The winter was hardest on the newborn children. Tragically, all the children in the family perished, including Arnold's newborn daughter, Aerona.
As the year turned to 507, the brothers pondered their uncertain future. Would their new allies send knights to Pitton to protect their lands? Would the prophesied battle occur, allowing Alberick the Brave to awaken from his cursed sleep? Or would the true king of Britain finally reveal himself?
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.