I just ran my first session of Pendragon a week and a half ago, going through the starting adventures in the book.

One of my players got a Gift of a substantial amount of money. I strongly hinted that keeping it lying around might be a bad idea if he's ever raided. After looking at the Book of the Estate, he realized he could afford a motte fortress.

Now, as it happens, that knight's holding is Idmiston, which I interpret as being near the spot where the King's Road from Sarum to Levcomagus crosses the Bourne. It's almost exactly the site where I'd think the earl would want a fortress.

My interpretation: The Earl will have him swear fealty again - just to be on the safe side - and will offer some security for his construction in exchange for being able to garrison the motte with some of his own men. This will be seen as problematic by Sir Blains, who will no doubt try to harass the workers (and give the PC knights something to do).

I'm probably going to do this anyway, but I was curious as to people's thoughts.

My interpretation: The Earl will have him swear fealty again - just to be on the safe side - and will offer some security for his construction in exchange for being able to garrison the motte with some of his own men. This will be seen as problematic by Sir Blains, who will no doubt try to harass the workers (and give the PC knights something to do).


Technically, you'd need permission from the king to build a castle. However, you can easily dismiss that in your campaign or assume that the Count takes care of that for you. Having the Count get a renewal of the fealty again makes sense, and since it takes usually some extra men to garrison a motte (I think 5 professionals is the minimum), having some extra men from the Count makes sense on both sides: the Count has some extra security of knowing that the castle won't be used against him (as easily, at least). And like you said, it is on a very strategic location.

In short, I don't really see a problem with it and sounds like something you and your players will have fun with.