William the Conqueror: 1061 to 1066
Most of your crews are too exhausted to fight their way across by oar power alone. The wind and tides defeat them and they return to the Somme. The few ships with competent oarsmen in sufficient numbers to make the crossing do not constitute an army of any practical size. The coast where you landed at Pevensey is not guarded, and you can fortify the camp there, but in a few days you learn of king Harold's mighty victory in the north at Stamford bridge: he has vanquished and killed Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, the most renowned warrior in all Christendom: and he is now coming south at speed like a vengeful whirlwind to dispose of you.
You don't even get to toss a coin to find out: if you stay here, you will be defeated, and most likely killed. You can return easily to the mainland by ship. At least you have Normandy, but forget about any future plans of invasion. Harold's reputation is too powerful for you.
