From: robertson@delphi.intel.com Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 08:37:29 -0800 To: pcorless@cisco.com "Cyning Hengist of Kent" is Copyright (c) Roderick Robertson 1996-1997. Excerpted from the work in progress "The Courts of King Arthur", Peter Corless, Editor. (Written for future publication by the Chaosium) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cyning Hengist of Kent (as of c. 460 AD) While not the first Saxon to lead men to Britain, Hengist had impeccable timing, arriving at Thanet just when Vortigern needed a core of professional fighters in his army. Hengist is a Jute from the Danish penninsula, and served a Saxon lord named Hnaef. Hnaef visited King Finn of Frisia, and was killed in a surprise attack by Finn's men. Hengist led Hnaef's Heorthwerod, and barricaded Finn's hall, holding out for two days against the Frisians. Finn called a truce, and offered the Saxons a place in his own heorthwerod. The Saxons agreed, but in less than a year they killed Finn and burned Finnsburg to the ground, in vengeance for Hnaef's death. Hengist was famous for his deeds, and men flocked to follow him. He led raids against the Danes, and was finally forced to flee Denmark. He and his brother Horsa lead three warboats full of experienced warriors to Britain. There they are approached by Vortigern, the Overlord of the Island. He is attacked on three sides by the Picts and the Irish, and his soldiers are not able to stem the tide. He promises the island of Thanet to Hengist if he will lead his saxons against the Picts. Hengist agrees, and leads his own men, plus the saxons that had already settled in Britain, north. At the battle of Lincoln, he defeats the Pictish army and a grateful Vortigern gives him the lands of the recently-deceased subking of the land east of Lincoln. Hengist appoints his cousin Beohteric to be his regent in Lindsey, as the new land is called. Hengist and Vortigern become fast companions, and when Vortigern meets Hengist's daughter, Rowena, they become Father and Son-in-Law, with the entire kingdom of Kent as the Bride-price. Hengist uses this new position to advise Vortigern in a number of risky moves. Vortigern takes his advice, moving entire tribes to try and stem the Irish and Pictish invasions. Hengist's sons, Octa and Eosa, are given kingdoms in the north, in place of the transferred Votadini tribe. Hengist follows the Jutish tradition of co- rulership, first with his brother Horsa, and after Horsa's death with Aesc. The co- kingship allows one king to go off on militar6y expeditions while the other rules the country. It also allows a younger king to gain experience during his predecessor's lifetime. Hengist is the acknowledged leader of the Saxons during his lifetime, though he does not bear any special title. He was able to influence Vortigern, and the Saxons gained thereby. For a while, he stayed true to Vortigern's idea of paid mercenary, but numerous events forced him to look after his own people to the detriment of those he was hired to guard. Glory 60,000 SIZ 18 Move 3 Major Wound 18 DEX 13 Damage 6d6 Unconscious 8 STR 16 Heal Rate 3 Knock Down 18 CON 18 Hit Points 36 Armor 10+shield APP 11 Age 57 Attacks: Sword 25, Spear 23, Javelin 22, Axe 19, Great Axe 16 Significant Traits: Energetic 19, Generous 25, Honest 17, Arbitrary 15, Proud 21, Worldly 16, Reckless 13, Indulgent 15 Significant Passions: Loyalty (Vassals) 21, Love (Family) 23, Hate (Frisians) 13 Significant Skills: Awareness 17, Boating 22, Horsemanship 18, Hunting 15, Orate 22, Swimming 18 Horse: Rouncy Equipment: Saxon Chain, decorated helmet and weapons, Clothing worth 1L, numerous rings. Magic: None Dates of Note 423 Born 444 The Fight at Finnsburgh. Hengist leads Hnaef's Heorthwerod, and holds the hall for five days before agreeing to join Finn's bodyguard. 445 During the winter Hengist and the Saxons kill Finn and burn Finnsburg 446 Hengist and Horsa lead mercenaries to Britain. They defeat the Picts at the Battle of Lincoln 450 Vortigern marries Rowena, and gives Hegist Kent as a bride-price. 455 Hengist advises Vortigern to give Nohaut and Deitra to Octa and Eosa. 456 The sons of Vortigern rebel, but are defeated by the Saxons. Horsa is killed at the Battle of Ayelsthrep (Bluebell Hill). Aesc is made co-king of Kent. 457 Vortigern re-affirms Hengist's ownership of Kent after the Battle of Creganford (Crayford) 462 Hengist and the southern Saxons defeated by Vortimer at the Battle of Reculver. They flee the island, but return when Rowena poisons Vortimer. 463 Hengist kills the assembled British leaders at the "Long Knives" 465 The remaining lords of the Cantiacii tribe attempt to oust the Saxons and are destroyed at the battle of Wippedsfleot. 466 Hengist helps Vortigern try to repel Aurelius and his invading army, but is abandoned by the British King at the Battle of Exeter 469 Aurelius turns his attentions towards the Saxons. He forces the Southern saxons to flee north to Octa and Eosa. The Saxon army is defeated at the battles of Maisbeli and Conigsborough. Hengist is captured by Eldol of Gloucester, and beheaded after the battle.