The Great Pendragon Campaign

[Toonces]

Sir Elad: "Now, now, young Maelgwyn, although your heart is in the right place I would not trust a mythical being to the care of your sword just yet!  I am sure this beast is nothing more than some pesky forest animal up to no good!  Now then, good hunting!"

With that, Godric leads you all on your first adventure!

Godric takes the lead on his rouncy, with nervous Maelgwyn bringing up the rear.  You have all of your normal traveling gear with you, your weapons and armor and some light gear on your rouncy, the rest on your sumpter.  The sun has just past its zenith as you turn northeast out of Vagon Castle, leaving the gate behind as you travel along Salisbury Main.  The track leads you among gentle, rolling hills lush with green foliage and full of birds and small animals.  Very shortly after leaving you see the old hill fort of Hambury on your right, little more than ruins overgrown with thorns and wild flowers now.  An hour later sees you at a crossroads, a poor dirt track crossing your current path running southeast to northwest.

You pause at the crossroads, gazing eastward from the crest of the hill towards ancient Stonehenge.  The structure stands tall and stately, dedicated by the giants many years past as a monument to the sun, stars, and ancestors.  It consists of five concentric rings and horseshoes of standing stones surrounded by a mounded ditch.  It is also the burial site for the first Pendragon, Aurelius Ambrosius, brother of Uther, your King, and you pause reverently to pay your respects.  Maelgwyn feels particularly moved by the old magic that still pervades this site.

Godric leads your party off of Salisbury Main northwest along the dirt path.  The road is rough and clearly infrequently travelled, but your healthy rouncies have no difficulty finding their way.  Several hours later you see the walled city of Tilshead ahead of you, a market for the local farmers, but quiet as dusk approaches.  Working your way around the city you continue northwest until finally you see the dense Blakemoor forest on the horizon, the sun setting gloomily behind it.  Your party continues slowly down the ridge into a valley at the bottom of which lies the small village of Imber, your destination.

You note that the village is large but obviously quite poor.  The fields around it are small and judging by the hides stretched to dry much of the income of the village is from hunting.  A small spring pond with an ox-driven mill lies to your right.  On your left you see an old but stately man watching you curiously but without fear from the doorway of a small cottage as you enter the village.  At your approach he begins walking towards you, seemingly unconcerned and perhaps even a bit amiable. 

Old Garr:  "Hail young knights!  Welcome to the humble village of Imber!  I am Garr, the priest of this fine community.  Alas, we don't get many visitors...maybe you are here to attend my services in the morning?" 

Mistress Alana:  "Don't be silly you old fool!"

A old, very plump woman in a dirty brown dress approaches from the same cottage in which Old Garr was previously standing.   

Mistress Alana:  "Do you think these fine knights would come all this way to hear your babbling?  You can't even read!  They're probably here at the service of the Earl.  Don't you remember, you sent a messenger to the Earl some nights ago after that damn bear ate old Robinson's finest sheep!  Fine it was, and so full of wool I'll be warm this winter just thinking about him!"

Old Garr:  "Alana, watch your mouth.  God have mercy...Forgive my, um...lady friend young knights.  She's quite excitable in her old age.  Could it be you are here from the Earl to help with our bear problem?"

[Barthheart]

Godric and the others dismount and approach the old couple.

"Hail and well met Pastor Garr. Yes we are sent by the Earl to help your village with this bear problem.
I am Godirc de Piton and these are Dalan of Stapleford and Maelgwyn son of Cadgwyn at your service."

All three give slight bows from the neck as he is announced.

"We have traveled all this day though and would like to eat and rest the night so as to tackle this creature fresh in the morning.
Is there food avaiable? And maybe a place to refresh our mounts?"

[Arctic Blast]

"Yes, something for us and the horses would do nicely. We would also like to talk to this man Robinson, or any other who may be able to tell us more about this bear. Perhaps our dear Maelgwyn can determine whether or not this monstrous creature is a God of some sort before we have to deal with it..."

[Staggerwing]

*raisies an eyebrow at Dalan*
We would be honored by your hospitality Pastor and... Good-lady. Yon folk of Imber may place their trust in those who stand before you. Dalan is correct- We would do well to glean any bits of helpfull retelling from those unfortunates who have lived to tell of their encounters with the bear. This will aid our preparations for the coming task. "

[Toonces]

Old Garr:  "Aye, we were just getting ready to sit down to a bit of soup.  You all are welcome to join me and my friend as we sup.  Please, please, follow me!"

With that, Old Garr turns and leads you back to his cottage.  Mistress Alana takes her leave to finish her supper preparations while Old Garr leads your party around back where a small stable sits. 

Old Garr:  "You may tie your horses up over yonder tree.  The grass is fat and green.  The stable's small, but it's clean and dry; no horses in there nor anywhere in this here village anymore.  You all should be comfortable enough in there for a spell."

You tie your horses up to the trees adjacent to the stable and then follow Old Garr into his cottage.  It is small, quite humble but clean and well-kept.  You all squeeze in at the table- it's a tight fit but you can all sit- and Mistress Alana serves you a thin porridge of barley and onions with water to drink.  Mistress Alana apologizes at the lack of wine, but you are all grateful for the hospitality, and say so, and Mistress Alana seems pleased.  As you eat, Old Garr questions you about the latest gossip in the city, as he hasn't been out of Imber in quite a long time or so it seems to you.  He explains that he has been the priest of the small village for several years, ministering to the two hundred or so local residents.  He can't read nor write, not unusual in these parts, but has memorized the latin verses he requires for his services and his community seems happy enough.  Over the course of the conversation you perceive that he has some nobility in him on his father's side, that his father was a rather forgettable knight whose name is not familiar to you.  The conversation winds down and you make your way to the stable where you sleep peacefully on dry straw and hay and await the coming morning.

Shortly after sunrise you are awakened by Lady Alana who invites you in to the house to break your fast on a lumpy oatmeal that tastes faintly of berries.  Old Garr enters the small room, stretching his arms over his head and yawning hugely.  Then he breaks into a grin.

Old Garr:  "I say, young sirs, but I guess today is the day!  No sign of ole Robinson but no matter.  I hope you have enjoyed your rest and our hospitality which we give freely, thanks be to God.  Now, if I may be so bold, may you grant your servant a request?

Back long ago, before you were born I would say, I was renowned across the countryside as the finest hunter this side of Salisbury.  Alas, I can't hunt anymore, what with these old bones of mine!  Still I surely wouldn't mind tagging along if you have a mind.  I know my way about these parts like the back of me hand, and I know a thing or two about the healing arts if that old bear takes a nibble out your backside!  What say you, can you spare a mount for an old man?"

Old Garr looks at you expectantly, hopefully...

[Barthheart]

Godric considers then says
"Yes we would welcome you as a guide as our own knowledge of this area is rather slim. You may use my sumpter as a mount fot this small hunt. Let us get started at once and maybe we can catch this "monster" still slumbering."

[Staggerwing]

"Lead on, Godric. I am ready to hunt. I think it will be useful to have along Old Gar's woodlore, even if his eyes, ears, and bones are much gone now.

'Father' Gar, be advised, though, that we would have ye keep out of the way of the coming hunt as best ye can for we do not wish to deprive your hamlet of it's priest or your, err, lady friend of your company. "

[Barthheart]

"Maelgwyn, I am thinking that your fine lance may be the best weapon for this hunt. What if you were to stay mounted while Dalan and I dismount and attempt to flush the creature out for your sharp point?"

[Staggerwing]

"As you wish it, Godric. I have prepared myself for the kill. Father Garr, I have hunted boar and wolf with my father's huntsmen but have not encountered bear. Have you any hunting lore to pass on that may be helpful in the final close?"

[Arctic Blast]

To Maelgwyn (with a grin on Dalan's face the whole time): "I suspect it might be a good idea to try to strike it in the heart, Maelgwyn. I know that I would appreciate you putting the beast down before Godric and I have to try to fight it on foot."

To everyone : "So, where shall we begin, Pastor? Perhaps Robinson's lands, as that was where it was seen the last?"

[Toonces]

Old Garr:  "Thank you very much young squires for inviting me on your hunt.  I'm sure you will keep me quite safe!  You have made a wise choice as you clearly don't know the first thing about the hunt!  Aye, didn't your master teach you the proper way to hunt bear?  I say!  Have you ever seen a startled bear?  I say!  Those two legs of yours are no match for his four!  Aye, you'll never catch the beast that way.  We'll all ride mounts, if you don't mind me saying so and you have a mind to, and I kindly appreciate your sumpter young Godric.

I saw some bear spoor over yonder woods and like as not that's where the old bear has got himself off to.  Let me gather me dogs and we can get started!"

Old Garr wanders off down the road a bit while the rest of you remove your armor and other gear, and strip down to simple hunting clothing and your weapons.  As you finish mounting your horses, laughing at your foolishness of hunting on foot, Old Garr strides up with a handful of local peasants and a small pack of muttley looking dogs.

Old Garr:  "These here dogs don't look like much, but they can catch a scent like no others in the kingdom.  These humble members of my flock will lead the dogs so that we may be free to chase this lumbering beast.  Now, before we go, ole Robinson said that this here bear is a wary one, with unusually large claws, so we'll need to be careful on our approach.  Might be best we split up.  I'll follow young Godric, you other two can work west of us.  Those there dogs will show you the way."

With that, you move off in a group to the woods.  Old Garr points out some likely starting points for Maelgwin and Dalan who move off in the company of several peasants and perhaps a half dozen dogs.  Old Garr and Godric, along with 2 peasants and 3 dogs, start a bit further down.  Garr points out some bear spoor on the ground and a faint trail through the brush can be barely made out.  All groups move into the woods.

0700

Godric:  Immediately after entering the woods the trail seemingly disappears.  Garr seems confused..."I know that trail was right around here!"  The dogs seem to have multiple trails, all 3 going off in different directions.  Godric rolls his eyes and follows the least ugly dog, having no better idea...

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn has much better luck, finding a clear trail through the brush almost immediately.  The dogs go together as a pack, straight as an arrow down the path.  Maelqwyn's horse trots behind the dogs and peasants, seeming to be happy about this turn of events and taking Maelgwyn into the deep woods.

Dalan:  "Bloody simple dogs!"  Dalan's hunt starts off as a joke.  One dog immediately sits on its haunches and starts licking its butt while the other two discover their mutual attraction and start an aggressive round of sniff the other dog's butt, followed by multiple attempts at mounting one another.  The peasant masters seem embarrassed by their behavior although, in truth, neither seems quite surprised.  Something tells you this isn't the first time this has happened!

0800

Godric:  Godric and Old Garr work in ever increasing circles, trying to pick up the trail.  After an hour of working through ever more confusing woods you see a tree that you are SURE you've seen before...

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn is making good time until coming to a ditch well-hidden in the underbrush.  Luckily, just before falling headlong into the ditch, perhaps hurting your horse or worse, you notice a shadow in front of you and are able to pull up short.  Although you can probably jump across it is clear the dogs and peasants can't and it takes the rest of the hour to find a safe way over.

Dalan:  The dogs, tired of chasing each other's butts, fall asleep in the shade of a tree.  The peasants, seeing the futility of trying to hunt with tired dogs, join them.  Dalan sighs and allows his horse to quietly graze.  As your horse grazes, though, you see a large pile of dung...bear dung.  You trot over to the peasants and dogs, give them a few kicks and get them to their feet.  The dogs get a good scent from the dung pile and just like that you are off into the woods on a very clear trail.

0900

Godric:  Old Garr:  "Over here!  Over here!"  Godric hurries over to where Garr stands and a clear trail leads into the woods.  You're sure you crossed this area several times and you can't understand how you missed such an obvious path!

Maelgwyn:  On the other side of the ditch now, Maelgwyn continues along the path.  Suddenly in front of you you hear a rustling.  The dogs are barking like crazy and straining their leashes.  You see something brown and hairy dash off through the woods and you quickly give chase.

Dalan:  Continuing along the trail you hear a rustling off to your right, as if something has been startled.  From the crashing and barking off that way, you are fairly certain that Maelgwyn's party is off that way.  Suddenly something large, brown and hairy darts through the woods in that direction and you get a good look at what appears to be a four legged animal of quite large size...

1000

Godric:  Godric hears the commotion off to his left but can't find a clear way through the tangle of woods either in front or off to his left.  Old Garr seems unconcerned, but unclear about where to go next.

Maelgwyn:  The brown animal is seen again, more clearly this time and it appears to be a bear!  Maelgwyn spurs his horse to a rapid trot, dashing through the woods along the path.  You pull out your hunting horn and sound it loud and clear- prey found!  At the sound of your horn the bear dashes off at a flat out run.

Dalan:  Maelgqyn's horn is clearly heard off to Dalan's right.  You spur your horse in that direction.  As you rapidly close on Maelgwyn's party, you break into a clearing in the woods.  From your right you suddenly see a bear break through the brush, Maelgwyn's noisy party not quite visible but clearly pursuing rapidly. 

Melee round

Dalan is 2 yards from the bear.  The bear is hasn't seen Dalan yet and you feel you can probably get in a good, strong surprise attack before the bear can face you...
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Mechanics: 
Round 1: G 2+5=7 (8 )=L; M 2+5=7(4)=S; D 10 (19)=L
Round 2: G 2+5=7 (18 )=L; M 2+5=7 (14)=L (roll for result (13)=hidden ditch); D 10+5 (14)=S
Round 3: G 2+5=7 (7)=CS; M 2+5=7 (5)=S (Bear opposed roll: Advoidance =10 (20)=L, =S, bear spotted); 10+5=15 (8 )=S (bear opp: 10 (19)=L=S, bear spotted)
Round 4: G 2+5=7 (9)=L; M 2+5=7 (1- GM roll)=S (B opp roll: Adv=10 (18)=L, bear spotted); D 10+5=15 (15)=CS (bear caught)
Melee round: 1d6=2+10 advoidance-10 hunting skill=2 yards

[Toonces]

For the melee round: Dalan gets first attack, Maelgwyn/Dalan may attack in round 2, everyone can attack in round 3.

[Arctic Blast]

I'll take a swipe at it, then try to keep it from noticing Maelgwyn's approach by maneuvering away from his approach.

As I'm attacking : "Maelgwyn! I regret that if you do not get here quickly, I will be forced to slay the bear myself!"

Muttered underneath my breath : That is, if I survive long enough to do so...

[Toonces]

Melee

Round 1:
Dalan charges the bear, but the bear sees Dalan coming and suddenly dodges out of the way at the last second.  Surprised by the bear's lightning move, you fail to pull your horse around quickly enough and drive your lance into a nearby tree, shattering it!  You disgustedly toss the remnant of your lance from your hand and pull your sword from its sheath.

Round 2:
Dalan:  Dalan swing his sword at the bear, aiming for its head.  Again your aim is poor, whiffing close to the bear's head but clearly missing.

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn emerges for the woods 10 yards away from the bear.  You lower your lance and charge but the bear sees your charge and dodges out of your way.

Bear:  The bear rears to its full height and strikes Dalan on his torso.  His right claw stuns you, drawing a deep gouge across your shoulder.   You begin to bleed profusely from your wounds, and in fact are a bit shocked at the amount of blood suddenly staining your clothes.

Round 3:
Dalan:  Bleeding profusely from deep cuts, Dalan spurs his horse away from the bear and quickly moves out of the bear's range.

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn rears his horse around and jabs the bear in the arm.  The bear shrugs the piercing off, but begins to bleed.

Godric:  Godric finally emerges from the woods, lowers his lance and charges the bear.  The bear, seeing the charge, swats the lance aside and then attempts to claw you as you pass by, but just barely misses.

Round 4:
Dalan:  Dalan spurs his horse behind the bear, attempting to sneak behind him for an attack.

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn again attempts to spear the bear, but the bear blocks the attack.

Godric:  Godric continues past the bear from his lance run, spins his horse around, and runs at the bear again, striking true.  The bear staggers from the blow and begins to bleed deeply from his chest where the lance has passed cleanly through.  As you pass the bear, you pull your lance free and gallop away, preparing to charge again.

Bear:  The bear seems dazed, and swings half-heartedly at Maelgwyn's spear, blocking his attack but doing no damage in return.

Round 5
Dalan:  Dalan, seeing the bear's attention fixed on Maelgwyn, charges the bear from behind and swipes mightily with his sword, striking the bear across his neck and back.  The bear staggers, and drops to one knee.

Maelgwyn:  Maelgwyn again stabs at the bear, finally striking the bear cleanly in the head.  Pieces of the bear's brains leak from the wound.

Godric:  With a shout, Godric charges yet again, and again strikes the bear through it chest, piecing its heart.

Bear:  With a ferocious roar, the bear swipes at Maelgwyn but comes away with a clawful of tunic, barely missing taking off his head.

Round 6
Bear:  Unbelievably, the bear gathers itself and stands againt to its full height.  Blood pours from his multiple wounds, while bits of blood, brain and bone leak from the back of his head from Dalan's severe sword strike.  One final time he swings at Maelgwyn, his tormentor, with all his might.  One after another his claws rip into your body, leaving deep gouges across your arm and chest. 

Dalan:  Dalan, seeing his friend desperately wounded, grips the hilt of his sword with two hands.  Aiming at the base of the bear's neck, you strike with all your might.  The blade cuts cleanly through and the bear's head falls from its shoulders.  With a shudder the bear slowly collapses to the ground, dead.

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Mechanics:

Round 1 (surprise): Bear adv 10(16)=L; D spear (due to proximity to bear) 6(20)=fumble (broken lance)

Round 2 (melee): Bear claws 15(5)=S; D sword 15(3)=S(loser); M lance 10+5=15(16)=L
dmg: claws 3d6=7 (-1 armor)=6; Dalan HP: 26-6=20

Round 3:  Bear 15(10)=S (tie w/Godric); M 15(4)=S; G lance 12+5=17(10)=S (tie); Dalan Valorous check 15(19)=L
dmg: ties cancel; Maelgwyn 5d6=16 (-6 bear's armor)=10; bear's HP: 43-10=33

Round 4:  Bear 15(16)=L; D (movement only); M 15(19)=L; G lance 12+5=17(9)=S
dmg: G 6d6 (charger, lance charge)=22 (-6 armor)=16; bear's HP: 33-16=17

Round 5:  Bear 15(3)=S (loser to Dalan); D sword 15(5)=S (winner); G 12+5=17(11)=S; M 15(8 )=S (winner)
dmg: D 5d6=13-6=7; G 6d6=21-6=15; M 5d6=20-6=14; bear's HP: 17-7-15-14=-19 (dead)

Round 6:  Bear (ferocity, 1 extra combat round after death) 15(13)=S (winner vs Maelgwyn); M 15(16)=L; D 15(11)=S
dmg: Bear 3d6=7 (maul=2 attacks) 3d6=7 total =14; Maelgwyn's HP: 26-14 (+2 armor)=14; bear dies.

Whew!

[Barthheart]

Leaping from his horse, Godric runs to the aid of Maelgwyn while tearing a strip from his tunic.

"Maelgwyn! Are you still with us?!? Garr! Where is that old fool? Garr! We have a man in dire need of medicine!"

Trying to staunch the flow of blood from Maelgwyn's chest, Godric says

"Well this will be quite the story to tell your grand-children! I'm sure by then the bear will be at least 20 ft tall!"

and barks a harsh laugh at his own feeble joke.

"GARR!"