Bannerless Knight

An unfortunate aspect of my having an interest in playing several FRP systems, both old and new, is that I never have enough players who share in ALL of my varied game system passions. Fortunately I do have a number of friends who enjoy gaming and therefore I am able to play frequently - generally face-to-face again these days. The FRP game of choice (decided by consensus) is currently the most modern take on the world's most popular role-playing game. I do occasionally persuade a sub-set of my friends to indulge my interests in a less popular game title, but even so, there are a few on my list of favorites that seldom get any takers. 

The role-playing game King Arthur Pendragon (or simply called Pendragon) is one such system. Written by the late Greg Stafford using a variation on the Basic Role-Playing house engine, and first published by Chaosium, Pendragon is back in the hands of Chaosium where it is currently undergoing preparation for release of its 6th edition. Not surprisingly, each of the published editions seems to have its relative advantages and disadvantages and adherents who claim their favorite. I like them all, but seem to find myself drawn back again and again to the first edition.

Over a recent weekend I sat down with the first edition Pendragon rules and a kernel of an idea for a solo adventure, rolled some dice, consulted various useful tomes, and applied ample doses of imagination - making some notes along the way. What follows is my recollection of that solo foray into the days of King Arthur.

A Tale of King Arthur's Camelot

An austere youth of Saxon decent and a ward of King Arthur's court, Cenwulf (known as "the Cold") is often seen as somewhat distant and aloof except while in the company of a certain visiting Danish Prince.

As our story begins, a new priest appears in the capitol - one spreading the Christian gospel and saving souls. For a time he is the talk of Camelot. Money goes missing at the church and our young Saxon knight, Cenwulf, is suspected. Avoiding the accusing stares that seem to follow him both at court and in places of lower social status, and hoping to gain some needed glory to his credit, when word comes to court of bandit troubles, Cenwulf volunteers to assist the distressed village. 

Traveling henceforth from Camelot, he encounters a damsel - haughty and obviously in need of rescue. It occurs to Cenwulf that there is a shared attraction between himself and the fair maiden. A brief fight follows wherein the ribald band are thrashed and take flight. Cenwulf offers to escort the damsel to said village where she is to meet-up with her relatives. She speaks against Arthur, but Cenwulf finds her attractive and makes a display of his best courtesy.

Upon their arrival, the farmers of the village greet Cenwulf and his charge with hospitality. Trouble points to a dark place in the wood where Cenwulf finds a "hungry man". The wild man tells a tale of an old "tunnel", a sleeping dragon within, and of a brass key.

Overcoming his dread, and with the wild man as witness, Cenwulf seeks glory entering the tunnel where he soon discovers a dark cavern. A lit flame reveals it is empty except for some old bones and a small box of coins among which he finds an untarnished triple ring (that grants the wearer "witch sight").

Exiting the cave, Cenwulf wonders about the absence of any "dragon". 

Returning to the village, Wulf is confronted by the damsel's kin. A brief "disagreement" leads to a tense exchange of words. After proving himself by noble Word and Deed, the kin-folk offer Cenwulf their assistance. Searching together for the troublesome "bandits", they find their lair and defeat them.

In thanks the village priest gifts Cenwulf with a small rusty blade that he says once drew the blood of a saint. He adds, "It may have a healing power - if you believe." Cenwulf accepts the gift with the unstated intention of presenting the relic to the church at Camelot upon his return.

During the return journey, Cenwulf  meets an impoverished traveler on the road - one under a vow of vengeance. 

What lock - if any - does the key of brass open? What is the origin of the triple ring? Who is the poor traveler and is their cause just? What further adventure awaits the two as they enter Camelot?

Pendragon works quite well as a vehicle for solo RPG adventure. The game's personality traits and passions - both aspects of character development - allow for my rolling for Cenwulf's reaction rather than just deciding how I think he would act and the uncertainty in outcome adds to my sense of discovery during play. The two "useful tomes" that I consulted were Table Fables and Table Fables II both by Madeline Hale.