What's behind Madoc's decision to abandon the Praetor after the siege of Bayeux? Did Uther really promise more substantial military support and then Madoc overrode him?

Or was Uther just saying whatever the Praetor wanted to hear and the idea all along was just to get some military experience for the army and as much loot as possible?

I assumed it was Madoc thinking on his feet. Having suffered losses at Bayeux, contemplated the scale of the task ahead in getting to Rouen, through enemy country, plus the near futility of holding back the Franks, he decided to cut his losses and save what men he had by returning home. Perhaps when Syagrius came to England and struck the deal with Uther, he gave a rather watered down account of the situation back home, which Madoc soon realised once he got there.

I assumed it was Madoc thinking on his feet. Having suffered losses at Bayeux, contemplated the scale of the task ahead in getting to Rouen, through enemy country, plus the near futility of holding back the Franks, he decided to cut his losses and save what men he had by returning home. Perhaps when Syagrius came to England and struck the deal with Uther, he gave a rather watered down account of the situation back home, which Madoc soon realised once he got there.


Madoc's made his mind up before Bayeux, you've got the "four weeks or one city" comment that the Player Knights are clearly meant to hear. I can't quite remember off of the top of my head when he says that but it's before Bayeux and possibly before they leave Logres.

So it's not just Madoc reassessing the situation after a bloody battle at Bayeux but something he's already set upon.

Perhaps he did not share his father's enthusiasm for the task.

I can't find anything which reveals more of the politics behind the decision to invade, however, the possibility that it was not a widely popular campaign can be inferred by several factors; Madoc's willingness to come home, and Roderick's uncertainty about sending troops in the first place (he effectively cedes the decision to the PKs).

That works for me.

Uther's often driven by his lusts beyond reason, in this case for plunder and later for Igraine, and is happy to send his troops looting while he starts to put his vassals in order.

Madoc's more sensible and pragmatic and doesn't completely agree with his father so starts to put limits on what he's prepared to do across the sea.

That difference is brought up again after Cornwall's flight from London when Uther wants to send his army after them.

It perhaps makes it a touch more tragic when Madoc looses his life because of his father's flaws.

That's a very interesting view Oly. I'll use that interpretation of Madoc and Uther's relationship next time I run an early period game.