During Griffith's imprisonment, the remaining Band of the Hawk survived as fugitives. Casca became the acting leader and held the remnants together under extreme pressure. The Band lost status, safety, resources, and public legitimacy.
This period matters because it shows the Band was already being stripped of the world before the Eclipse stripped them from reality. They were hunted, tired, and uncertain. Loyalty became harder. Their dream had become survival.
For the campaign, this year leaves many loose ends. Some former allies abandoned them. Some villagers hid them. Some officials hunted them. Some mercenaries sold information. Some rank-and-file members died before the Eclipse. Any of these connections can become NPCs, debts, grudges, or mysteries.
Possible campaign uses: a village once sheltered the Hawks and now fears punishment; a noble profited by betraying their route; a former informant seeks forgiveness; a hidden supply cache remains in the hills; a child remembers Casca's kindness; a deserter falsely claims to be a Hawk survivor.
The AI should understand that by the time the Eclipse happens, the Band is not marching in triumph. They are emotionally exhausted fugitives trying to rescue the leader who once embodied their future.