From: robertson@delphi.intel.com Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996 13:43:31 -0800 To: pcorless@cisco.com "Cyng Eosa of Diera" is copyright (c) Roderick Robertson 1996. Excerpt from the work in progress "The Courts of King Arthur", Peter Corless, Editor. (Written for future publication by the Chaosium) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cyning Eosa of Deira (as of 480 AD) Son of Hengist, Eosa was given the northern coast to protect it against Pictish sea-raiders. He does so out of a wish to keep his own lands, not for any desire to protect the British. He has expanded inland, fighting a long war against Malahaut. Eosa and his brother, Octa, caused much destruction in Britain, leading major raids in 479, 484, 490,and 493-5. He and his brother are captured several times, and swear fealty to both Aurelius and Uther. However, they break their word many times. Uther captures them at the Battle of Windsor, and send them to London in chains, but they escape and raise an army of Continental saxons and lead the greatest raid yet. Uther finally has enough of their foolishness, and kills them at the Battle of St. Albans, leading his own men from a horse-litter. Eosa is a medium-tall man, with powerful arms and a barrel-chest. He is a natural horse-man, and can fight as well mounted as he does on foot. He is passionate about hunting, and often leads expeditions into the forests and marshes in search of monsters. Glory: 24,000 SIZ 17 Move 3 Major Wound 15 DEX 13 Damage 6d6+1d6 Unconscious 8 STR 18 Heal Rate 3 Knock Down 17 CON 15 Hit Points 32 Armor 10+Shield APP 13 Age 48 Attacks: Sword 23, Spear 25, Javelin 18, Axe 17, Dagger 17, Battle 18 Significant Traits: Energetic 24, Generous 17, Deceitful 12, Proud 16, Worldly 18, Reckless 19, Indulgent 18 Valorous 20 Significant Passions: Loyalty (vassals) 15, Love (Family) 17, Love (Hunting) 16, Honor 15, Hospitality 18 Significant Skills: Awareness 15, Boating 16, Hunting 23, Horsemanship 20, Intrigue 17, Orate 15 Horse: Rouncy Equipment: Saxon Chain, Decorated helmet and weapons, numerous arm- and finger-rings. Clothes worth 2L Magic: His helmet has iron "spectacles", and is enchanted to allow the wearer to see as well in the darkness as he does in the light. Dates of Note 432 Born 455 Made king of Deira 456 Defends lands against British tribes during Vortimer's Rebellion 463 Takes part in the "Long Knives" 469 Helps his father and the southern Saxons, but is defeated at the Battles of Maisbeli and Conigsbrough. Swears fealty to Aurelius Ambrosius. 479 Aids Paschent in his bid to regain the Over-lordship of the island. The allied army is defeated and Paschent flees to Ireland 484 Eosa and Octa raid the Northlands. They besiege Eburacum, but are defeated by Uther. Swears fealty to Uther 490 Eosa defies Uther and leads another raid with his brother. They burn their way south through the heartland of Britain. Captured at the Battle of Windsor, Eosa is sent to London along with his brother and many Saxon hostages 493-4 Using the confusion resulting from Uther's illness, Eosa and Octa escape from London and sail to the Continent, where they raise an army of Saxons. They invade Lothian, and repeating their earlier raid, march the length of Britain. 495 Overconfident, the Saxon army is defeated at the Battle of St. Albans. Eosa is killed.