Dear all,

while playing through 510, it occurred to me that the events in that year could easily be split between 510 (the first tournament, sword in the stone, coronation in London) and 511 (Caerleon, high king, meeting Margawse). The advantage would be shorter years and less railroading. The only disadvantage I could think of is that this would distance the campaign further from Mallory.

I would appreciate your opinions on this subject. Is this a route worth following?

Cheers,
Fred

In short: if it works for your story, go for it!

As you say, 510 is extremely busy already. Also I personally dislike having big events and travel during winter, which is why in our campaign the tournament was in Easter and the battles were pushed later too. I also reordered 511-513 events a lot, making Margawse's mission happen in 512 in response to Malahaut being knocked out of the fight and 513 battle was a reaction to the May Babies event, with Lot going all out in a rage.

As Morien said, it's your story and the pacing for it needs to bend to your objectives in the telling. Each batch of players is different and will focus on different elements. Roll with that--the GPC should be a sandbox guide and not a straightjacket.

Also, let's acknowledge that Mallory crafted his material mindfully: he focused on things he wanted to emphasize and moved the plot along rapidly in placed without regard to accuracy in little things like seasons, peasant planting cycles, and the like. He knew what he was doing and purposefully bent the tone in many places to ensure that his telling or re-telling conveyed the emphasis he found important (looking at you Lancelot and Quen!). When we play in KAP, we're doing a translation and interpretation of the source material--which may be limited to Mallory, or hoover up other elements of Arthuriana developed before and after him.

Just have fun with it.

--Khanwulf