1. Have rumous spread in Altaregia and Arbovent of the southern army retiring north to the Capital to secure the succession and rein in any would be coups [Espionage I].
2. Gather supplies and hide with the army in the woods near Arbovent and Altaregia. Use my spy networks in both cities and deploy mounted couriers to ensure that, should Parnoth bite the lure, I will be informed as swiftly as possible [Espionage I].
3. Also try and organize a chain of smoke signals in the event of a raid, for maximum efficiency.
4. Should I be informed, through courier, agent or signal, of Parnoth's position, set out with the army immediatly, intent on intercepting him.
[4] The rumors are quite successful, and the population soon believes that the army has moved to the capital. Your army goes into hiding, [3] and you install a somewhat efficient system of couriers, though it has not improved upon the previous system. [2] Your smoke signals, however, are a failure and your scouts soon abandon the idea. [4+1] The spy networks, however, are installed more smoothly, granting you an advantage in reaction time - should Parnoth decide to attack the southern coast. [+1 army movements if that happens]
Go around the camp looking for people to duel. For knighthood!
[6] At the center of the camp, you find a small band of knights apparently organizing small duels between themselves. When you offer to join their little tournament, they accept with strange smiles, and point out the man you'll have to fight once the deal has been made.
The man goes by the name of Thunder; he is an expert duelist and one of the members of Richard's personal guard. He offers you a simple knightly duel; blunted longsword and heavy armor, no horse, no shield. Since refusing would make you look like a coward, you accept his challenge without any hesitation.
Duel: The fighters are evenly matched. Ascalon is a professional swordsman (+1) while Thunder is an expert swordsman (+2). Thunder is specifically trained for duels (+1)[3 vs 1+2] In the beginning, the two of you simply circle one another, judging each other's stance. Finally, your opponent dashes forward with uncanny speed, and you get one strike in (making him wince, you believe) before he forces you to go on the defensive after an attack on your leg, nearly making you fall. [-1 HP for both parties, 2 HP remaining]
[1 vs 1+2] Following his initial attack with a series of short feints, Thunder pierces your defense and strikes you again with the same uncanny speed. This time, his sword strikes you at the head, and you stumble back by a few steps, completely disorientated with a ringing in your ear.
[3 vs 5+2] With a nasty smile, the duelist jumps forward and strikes you in the throat with his sword before violently kicking your stomach. Now, your leg hurts, your ears a ringing, you have trouble breathing and an intense pain has settled in your chest. You fall over without a sound.
The fight lasted less than ten seconds.
Examine the camp, and send several scouts from the Band out to check the surrounding land. They are to report back within two hours.
[2] You find the camp's exploration boring and you accidentally run into someone, making him angry and making your armor dirty as you fall into the dirt. Apart from that, it seems the Haegars aren't coming back. [I already rolled for that earlier]
Return with my units to Stormstead
Transfer the command over the troops to Harald temporary, until I return.
[/] You return to Stormstead after a short travel.
"Uncouth lout." Renart said as his eyes followed Adrien's shadow before returning to more important matters, facing the Prince while giving Trent a reassuring nod. "I heard I was...promoted to Marshal, my Prince? Why is that so? Has Edgard taken the throne and sent you a message?"
[Renart was already informed earlier of Albert's death and Richard's plans
]
Renart is promoted to Marshal of the Kingdom, and receives command of the army.
Richard returns to Stormstead.In Stormstead's palace...Richard had arrived a few hours ago, making a good time from Northwatch to the capital. He wasted no time in the city, riding with speed to the palace and
immediately demanding a meeting with Edgard and all the other nobles present.