Hell yeah we are.

We have wasted too much time on the tourney, we must construct the tower of goats.

>>25158316
Oh yeah.

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>>25158352
>>25158351
>>25158336
All right.

After the last session's success, I will using this rule again.
>Anyone who posts with a tripcode or a name will be ignored. If you wish for your contributions to the quest to be read, then you will post anonymously.
If this idea continues to be a successful part of the quest then I shall make it a permanent rule. If it does not, I might scrap it.

In addition, Page has started up his own Game of Thrones quest again. I suggest you read the adventures of Lord William Bordain for yourself. It predates the Quest of House Harrock and to be frank, if you like this quest, then you'll love Page's take on GoT. It takes place every Saturday, starting at roughly 9PM EST.
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Iron%20and%20Hate%20Quest

Fuck yea based Plasma, we're ready.

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>>25158407
A collection of important characters, for those who like the little details. This has recently been updated:
>http://pastebin.com/wbb0aWtG

Pray to your gods for good fortune tonight lads. We have been in a rough way.

I hate that I work whenever you're running this, but will read when I get home, this quest is great, just like yours always are.

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Westpass. This is your land, your territory, your home. It's a harsh and unforgiving place, sparsely populated by evergreens and hardy shrubs. It's a steep valley filled with sudden falls, treacherous cliffs and unexpected gutters and furrows. Anyone who lives in this part of the Vale of Arryn quickly learns to walk softly and with great care.

Splitting Westpass in half is a great river just as unimaginatively named, the Westflow. Born from a great sheet of water that descends from the mountains, the small stream quickly transforms into a great raging current, with many muddy little rills and brooks contributing to its size. Despite the dangerous pace at which it flows, there are a few safe places where the river can be forded.

Clinging to the mountains on either side of the Westflow, the road for which the region is named winds and bends, a well-worn path of gravel and dirt that it is your duty to protect and maintain. One of the few routes in and out of the Vale, many merchants use the Westpass for their trade routes for a certain fee. To the North, the road leads to Strongsong. To the East, the road leads to Crown Crag.

Finally, there are the great structures of Westpass. The hub of civilisation is High Harrock, a grim and foreboding structure that brings comfort to the inhabitants of the region as the sole provider of protection, boasting an iron mine and great solid stone walls. Then there are the two towers that guard it; Skycliff built amongst the peaks and Wetrock built upon a solid stone foundation beside the Westflow.

But what about the people who live here? There are a few thousand smallfolk scattered throughout the land, in huts and hovels that dot the rocky landscape. It's a hard life but honest life, where they harvest and farm what they can, whenever they can. Some keep herds of hardy mountain goats for their meat and milk, while others farm lettuces, berries and edible ferns.

This is your land and these are your people. Treat them well.

>>25158449
We have, though I hope that the week off might help our fortunes.

>>25158457
We'll try to make it good for you, dude.

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>>25158485
>>25158445
>>25158407
After receiving the news that Ser Lyn Corbray had been defeated by Ser Marwyn Belmore, you leave your sworn sword to the capable hands of the Maester and return to the great market square where the joust is unfolding. The crowds roil and churn and murmur amongst themselves, sharing bets and deals with one another. Even the nobles seem to be chattering amongst themselves, sharing coin and words. You spy Benedar Belmore and the other gambling lords huddled together, sharing unkind words and wagers. Thankfully, the fat mummer has lost his smile.

Where do you wish to sit before the great tournament commences?
>With the conniving gamblers and tricksters from before?
>Amongst the comfort of your family?
>Another option of your own invention, if you can think of one.

And do you wish to do or discuss, if anything, before the tilt begins?

>>25158488
Well Belmore fucked over his heir, so it's all gravy. Let's just hope Brock doesn't get his head caved in during the melee.

>>25158506
With family.

>>25158506

I would suggest family. We have left them woefully unattended during most of this.

>>25158506
I reckon we should sit with our family, because this is basically just a farce now. If Belmore beats Bronze Yohn, we know it's fixed.

>>25158506
Let's go enjoy the final tilt with the family.

>>25158506
>>25158316
Also, I'm surprised none of you guys noticed the Egen girl is a warg/greenseer before. She prefers the company of animals to any human, she has DREAMS, she could predict
the future in regards to Artys' match against the Belmore knight, when talking to Brock he says it's as if she has heard it all before, and the one thing that people notice about her, are her EYES.
On a related note, let's sit with our family, and we'll want the Lorenna double now, we should pay any prize Egen wants us to, and be a bro about it. Cowing him away towards the Belmores is a thing we can very, very sorely miss.

>>25158577
Fuck, she is! Holy shit, it makes so much sense now.

We need to get her married to Brock, she could prove INCREDIBLY useful to us.

>>25158577
Egen is in no real position to negotiate, we have his lands by the balls, and his only other option is Belmore, who is the biggest cunt south of the wall, and Egen knows it.

>>25158577

Aw man if she is a Warg I'm gonna face-palm so hard i'll leave my self two black eyes and broken nose. We can't really act on that suspicion in game though as we might only have fairly tale stores from our childhood long forgotten.

>>25158577

...

Well fuck me sideways. We're all idiots.

>>25158532
>>25158537
>>25158550
>>25158564
Preferring your family's company to that of vipers and mummers, you go over to sit beside Deyya and your child. You receive a smile from her although you can see concern hidden beneath it. The most loyal knight that belongs to your family has been rendered useless by this tournament and you have gained little from this contest. This visit to Grimarbour has been nothing but a disaster for the family but she doesn't say that, there's no need to words in an event like this.

Your boy Brock seems to be watching the jousting and the preparations quite intently, with a deep frown lining his face. You're unsure whether he is as puzzled by the events of the day as you are or whether he's upset by something else. One thing that you do notice is that he does not have Lorenna in his company for once. Instead, she is sat with the other Egens a dozen seats away with that same bored, uninterested expression staining her face as always. And your daughter carries an even brighter smile than your wife, although you can see in her eyes that she finds this whole tournament affair utterly dull; she has been raised for courtly matters, not to enjoy the carnage of the joust. Still, she's polite enough to try and conceal that, perfectly presented just in case anyone looks in the direction of your family. Deyya has shaped Katrin quite well.

>Anything you wish to discuss with the family before Marwyn and Yohn go at it?

>>25158577
Knowing Plasma, that could just be a red herring.

>>25158577
>any price

Not so much, she'd be a valuable part of our house, but we aren't that well off that we can pay ridiculous sums for a bride piece.

>>25158729
Fuck it, let's just watch. I want to see the Bronze Royce rape. Tell Brock to pay attention.

>>25158729

Our poor dear family.

Attempt to encourage our dear lady wife with talks of the Coldwater lad potentially squiring for us. Be sure to compliment her thoroughly on that as well. Also further ask her if she has any ideas about other potential peoples of note we should speak with or even attempt to hire, from hedge knights to teachers for our children.

>>25158681
Who he might just consider to be the lesser of two evils, since Belmore at least isn't planning on getting a hold on his lands, at least in his mind.
>>25158748
With all the emphasis he's been placing on her connection with animals? Perhaps, but the prophecy thing basically affirmed it. Either that, or she's really touched in the head.

Also, her mother is a suspicious figure also. The coincidence would be uncanny if she would be a warg too, rather I suspect she's the only one who knows of her daughter's condition(if partially), and is perhaps steering her husband away from marrying her to us.

>>25158729
Ask our wife how her discussions with the different lords and ladies went last night, since she was looking for potential husbands for Katrin.

>>25158787
This too, having a squire would be good.

>>25158807
And Belmore isn't an arrogant, ambitious asshole? I mean, I know Egen is an idiot, but he can't be this stupid.

>>25158889
He's probably worried about who has the most direct control over him now, and that's us. He might not like Belmore, but Egen won't be as scared of them as he is us, currently.

I can understand him being afraid of us at the moment, so we need to lay his fears to rest.

>>25158943
True, we could butter him up some more. If we put more pressure on him, we'll probably just drive him into Belmore's hands.

>>25158826
>>25158787
>>25158784
>Regarding the Coldwater boy...
"I think it's best that you discuss the matter with Lord Royce Coldwater yourself. My purpose here is to find a suitable husband for Katrin and I know little about the intricacies of squires and such. You know, Lord Royce reminds me of you. Quite a serious man, duty above all else... I think you shall either get along very well or you will come to despise one another."
>Regarding potential retainers...
"I can't think of anything else that is necessary, perhaps another stable master? I doubt that Ser Morys will be able to keep that role after his... injury but perhaps another one of our knights would be more suitable for the role, rather than a stranger employed by coin."
>Tell Brock to pay attention...
With a brief bob of his head, the bulky lad stares down at the scene below with that perpetual frown not moving an inch from his face. Either he's examining every detail with the utmost care or he's not paying attention to anything at all. It's hard to tell what the dull-witted boy is thinking at times.

>If nothing else, we'll progress.

>>25159006
Let's move on. I hate you guys for not betting on Royce. Always bet on Bronze Royce.

>>25158983
Basically, yea.

>>25159006
>>25159032
Shout across to the other lords, loud enough that Royce can hear us, "100 Gold Dragons on Bronze Yohn Royce, Castellan of the Eyrie."

>>25159006

Move on I suppose. We'll have to be sure to keep within Lord Coldwater's good graces. That might prove to be the most valuable thing we gain this entire trip.

>>25159006
Progress, please. There's nothing left to be done here. Hopefully, we can salvage this mess.

Karban never had these problems! That man could snap his left fingers and gold and women simply appeared!

>>25159106
All agree on the bet?

>>25158729

Tell Brock to keep a watchful eye on Bronze. He might learn a rhinf or two from watching the castellan

>>25159106
>>25159140
Yea, 100 seems a decent bet, and if Royce hears us making it, it'll get us into his good books.

>>25159106
>>25159140
>>25159162

Really? Our wife is doing everything but screaming at us how terrible coming here was and now we want to rusk more money in our family's eyes?

>>25159185
I guess so then - I don't want her to be too pissed off with us, given we've been working hard to better our relationship with her.

Yea, no to the bet.

>>25159106
>>25159162
>>25159185
Nah, no bet.

>>25159185

Seconding this. Let's not put further risk out there.

>>25159140
>>25159006
>Note to self, stop posting in other threads so often.
>>25159221
>>25159185
>>25159162
>>25159106
>>25159235
>2 for, 3 against. No bet.
>>25159032
>>25159116
Without further ado, the wheels of progress start turning and the preparations for the last tilt begins. The two knights don their armour offer each other deep and sincere bows and other gestures of formality, as much as the heavy suits of metal allow them.

On one side rides Lord Yohn Royce, more commonly known as 'Bronze Yohn.' One of the greatest lords of the Vale, he stands like a great gnarled oak tree refusing to give any ground or any sign of weakness. Wrapped in rune-covered bronze, some say that the signature armour of House Royce renders their wearer invincible, immune to harm. You have yet to see any evidence that suggests otherwise. Some argue that the Vale has no finer warrior to offer.

On the other side rides Marwyn Belmore, the square-jawed and grim-faced brother of Benedar Belmore and the ruthless fist of Strongsong. He is a smallest man than Bronze Yohn yet everything you saw of him suggested a hardened veteran, not only a skilled tourney knight but a methodical killing machine as well. Yet it is difficult to take such a man seriously, with armour coated with glittering silver and ornamental bells.

Throwing aside any further ceremony, the two riders prepare themselves for the tilt.

>>25159254
Applaud Bronze Yohn should he do well.

Wow we got into the intense shit right off the bat.

Put the Belmore on his arse Bronze!

>>25159254

Applaud for Bronze Yohn and remind our son to watch the castellan carefully. His skillsare worth admiration and study, given the opportunity.

>>25159301
>>25159304
>>25159356
>>25159370

Bronze-ception!

>>25159370
>>25159304
>>25159301
>>25159388
Once all of the final preparations have been made, once all of the armour has been polished and cleaned, all of the lances have been checked for flaw or error, the show begins. Bronze Yohn and Silver Marwyn charge towards one another in the first round of the tilt, galloping straight towards one another. Lord Royce rides with his eyes fixed straight ahead, aiming his lance straight and true whereas the Belmore knight rides more defensively, hunched against his horse and attempting to minimise the amount of his body that is exposed. Opposite styles, for certain.

The two knights clash in a shower of wooden fragment as the lances break, each one striking the other clean and true. Yet neither seems to reel away or sway from the blow, each one simply soaking the impact of the strikes. At this point, they seem equal with neither giving any ground. They circle about and prepare themselves for the second round, having servants knock the dents out of their armour and fetch new lances.

>Bronze Yohn: 1 Degree Hit (1 Point)
>Marwyn Belmore: 1 Degree Hit (1 Point)

>>25159428
Damn, this is gonna be closer than we thought!

Plasma, did you do the rolls for this ahead of time? If so, good idea, means that you can have it written up ahead of time.

>>25159428

Close, but this is just the first pass.

>>25159428

Oh man. I'm actually at a state of nervous excitement.

>>25159539
I know, right? I don't know how Plasma does it, but he manages to make me actually give a damn about the characters. Not many people manage that.

>>25159605
>>25159539
Please stop worshipping the quest runner.

>>25159621

Being appreciative of solid GMing /= worshipping.

>>25159621
I see no reason why not to.

>>25159478
>>25159510
>>25159539
>>25159605
Grasping new lances and with the armour beaten back into shape, the two knights circle about to prepare for a second charge. The crowd is full of roars and cheers, every man amongst the lowborn masses screaming for the victory of their favourite. Bronze Yohn and Marwyn Belmore both build up and begin their rush towards one another, with the lord of Runestone riding high in his saddle for better offensive ability while the Belmore knight maintains his defensive posture, making his body as small a target as possible.

Yohn Royce has made a mistake with his choice of stance. As soon as they strike one another, you can see the bronze-clad giant rise from his saddle and slam into the soil. A small crater forms where his body lands, a shower of dirt flying into the air about his fallen form. Turning towards Marwyn Belmore, you spot the knight swaying in his saddle from where he was struck but he remains in there, barely hanging on to his reins. He remained atop his horse where Lord Royce did not. Pushing himself to his feet, Bronze Yohn shows that he isn't out of the fight yet and goes to prepare for the third – and likely final – round of the tilt.

>Bronze Yohn: 1 Degree Hit and 2 Degree Hit (3 Points)
>Marwyn Belmore: 1 Degree Hit and 1 Degree Hit, Dismounting Opponent (6 Points)

>>25159692

SHIT JUST GOT REAL.

>>25159692

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

>>25159677
Damn straight.

>>25159692
Oh fuck no, Belmore can't win this, none of us will ever hear the end of it.

Come on, Royce, fucking have him!

>>25159692
Pray to the Warrior, let the Belmore cur lose.

>>25159692
By the Seven, bless the Castellan of our liege, Lord Yohn Royce, and let his lance strike true, smiting Ser Belmore as a lightning bolt smites the ground.

>>25159723
>>25159724
>>25159729
>>25159743
>>25159844
This time, both of the knights seem to be dedicated to aggression. Clambering on to his horse and fetching a new lance, Bronze Yohn gazes towards his opponent with eyes fixed. Marwyn Belmore returns the stare, the two finalists locking one another in a deadly glare with no sign of either backing down. Both are proud and mighty warriors both seeking victory in this most honourable of competitions, no matter how it was tempted by Lord Benedar Belmore. You glance towards the red-headed mummer, who is watching the display almost as intently as your son. It is difficult to either think over the cacophony of the smallfolk.

In a blur of speed, the mounted warriors blaze towards on another leaving only trampled dirt in their wake. For the third time, each knight strikes the other's chest and to the shock of everyone, both knights go soaring from their saddles and slamming into the dirt, each one a ruined wreck. A chaotic burst of splinters and sound sent both of them crashing into the ground and a moment, the bronze lord and the silver knight alike do not move.

>Bronze Yohn: 1 Degree Hit and 2 Degree Hit and 2 Degree Hit, Dismounting Opponent (8 Points)
>Marwyn Belmore: 1 Degree Hit and 1 Degree Hit, Dismounting Opponent and 2 Degree Hit, Dismounting Opponent (11 Points)

>>25159875
Fuck.

Someone actually beat Bronze Yohn?

>>25159875
Oh shit me!

If it wouldn't make us look weak, we've got to get down there to make sure Lord Royce is alright. Holy shit, I was not expecting this.

>>25159899
Depends - if Royce gets up and Belmore doesn't, Royce wins.

>>25159875
>>25159899

Not if the bastard's dead. Get up from our seat for a better view, try and see if either of them are still breathing.

>>25159919
Nah, I don't think that's necessary.

Isn't Royce pretty much in charge of the whole region?

Most all the lords present are his subordinates.

>>25159936
It'll be hard to tell with their armour on.

Still, fuck me, this is tense.

>>25159949
>>25159936
>>25159919
>>25159899
There is a brief lull in the noise before one of the contestants shoves himself to his feet; Bronze Yohn. Ser Marwyn Belmore doesn't stir, apparently rendered unconscious by the last blow. Ripping his helmet from his head the mighty lord of Runestone lets out a victorious roar, thrusting his fist into the air. Eccentric actions, but they certainly earn the praise of the crowd, whose cheering is loud enough to make Deyya flinch beside you, offering an uncertain glance in your direction.

>Bronze Yohn reduces Marwyn Belmore to 0 Health and wins by default.

Many lords are politely applauding from the stands where they are sat, some of them openly cheering. The common masses are quickly calmed and dismissed by the guard and the market square is prepared for another great feast, where the lords and ladies may celebrate the honourable victory of Lord Yohn Royce, pay the appropriate ransoms for armour that was lost and prepare themselves for the coming melee.

>Is there anything that you wish to focus on first?

>>25160027
And Maesters come to assist and carry away Ser Marwyn, in order to tend to any wounds that he might have accumulated and return him to consciousness.

>A little detail I forgot.

>>25160027
Clap exuberantly, congratulate him in person after. Cast a quick look at Belmore to see his expression.

>>25160027
Study Lord Belmore's reaction.

Maybe try talking to Brock, and ask what he saw, considering he was focusing so intently.

>>25160027
Cheer for Bronze Yohn, champion of Grimarbour!

Fuck yes, nice one Royce! Fuck you Belmore, you pansy ass sack of shit!

>>25160084
>>25160088
Definitely these - we want to see how Lord Belmore is looking, since he didn't really want his brother to win, and he no doubt wanted to hurt Royce for how he left his son in their tilt. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd fixed the lances for this to happen.

But yea, we should talk to Brock and the family about it, especially Brock, just as >>25160088 said.

>>25160084
>>25160088


These two.

>>25160135
>>25160132
>>25160088
>>25160084
>Roll 3d6. Accepting the third roll.

Rolled 2, 4, 4 = 10

>>25160156
Perception, ho!

Rolled 3, 5, 3 = 11

>>25160156

Rolled 4, 1, 5 = 10

>>25160156
Rollan'!

>>25160213
Good 'nuff.

>>25160180
>>25160202
>>25160213
Consistent.

>>25160213
>>25160180
>>25160202
Not bad at all guys, dead average - it's better than we've had recently!

>>25160213
Lord Benedar Belmore is stood, like many other lords, smashing his meaty hands together in loud and thunderous applause, with a broad smile on his face - but you can see that it is strained. For one reason or another, this victory seems bitter-sweet to the Mummer of Strongsong. Perhaps he wanted his brother to win or intended for him to win? Or perhaps he wanted the victory of Lord Yohn Royce, despite what the man inflicted upon his son. The only thing for certain is that Lord Benedar is not in the best of moods, no matter what he may try to conceal it.
>>25160132
>>25160088
After a moment of thought, your thick-headed son utters a grunt of distaste. "I'll never get used to jousting. Takes skill but it's not real fighting. Not good for anything but show. In the end though, brawn wins over talent. Bronze Yohn didn't win because he was the better rider. He won because he was stronger and tougher. Can't imagine why any bloody knight would dedicate themselves to something like this..."

The lad trails off into muttering and glances about, ensuring that there is no knight about that might take offence from such words.

>>25160381
The boy's got a good mind for combat, but that much we knew already.

>>25160381
Technically he's not wrong.

Jousting won't really prepare someone for war, it's pretty much just for fame and attention.

>>25160381
Damn, the boy has some brains. I don't disagree with him, to be honest, since it is just all playfighting, not like the real thing, not even like the melee.

We should pat him on the back, he's not as stupid as we sometimes think he is. Tell him we'll have a good night tonight, and the melee awaits him, and that's proper fighting.

>>25160381

"Perhaps. Jousting is hardly a practical skill, save for how to properly handle a horse. But a coordinated lance charge can break even the most stubborn line of men-at-arms. Battle isn't all about fighting just as a kingdom isn't all about ruling."

>>25160381
Can't say I'm surprised Brock doesn't appreciate jousting. He'd rather just punch someone to death. Good thing we put him in the melee.

I was thinking about this a few days ago.
If our castle is High Harrock and we have a village growing below us, can we call it Low Harrock?

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>>25158577
I swore she was just autistic, a real human bean.
But holy shit that makes a fuckload of sense. I just assumed we wouldn't be dabbling in magic.

>>25160572
Or Lower Harrock, might sound better.

>>25160612
I still think we should continue with our original plan to marry her to Brock, though we need to get Egen to agree to a fair bride-price.

>>25160484
>>25160474
>>25160469
>>25160431
>>25160421
Offering a grunt and a nod in return to your words and your thoughts, Brock begins to amble away from the square as the others prepare themselves for the feast.

"I'm here to fight properly and so far, I've done nothing but waste my time and effort sitting around watching jousts and entertaining a girl for no good damn reason. I'm going to train for melee."

Meanwhile, the feast tables and being prepared and quite a few of the lords are already busying themselves with social interaction.
>Bronze Yohn is surrounded with allies and sycophants congratulating him and drinking with him, cheering him on and laughing at his jokes. Lord Coldwater, Lord Saul, Lord Egen and the lord with the serpent-covered doublet, whose name you are yet to learn.
>Lord Palfrey Badics seems to be engaging in a hushed conversation with Lord Lyonel Corbray, both of them sitting off to the side and lacking interest in the current affairs.
>Lord Benedar Belmore seems to be taking quite the interest in the available hedge knights, speaking to Ser Banton, Ser Crabnot and Lady Delayis. Five hedge knights seem to have dropped down to three, what with the death of Ser Naptys and the swift exit of Ser Maladras on the first night; he didn't even pay ransom for his armour.
>Various sworn swords and knights wandering between each other and the various lords, discussing the matter of armour and horses that have been taken for ransom, brokering deals with one another.

>>25160696
We should go over to offer our congratulations to Bronze Yohn, and chat with Lord Coldwater about his son squiring for us. We should also actually get ourselves introduced to the serpent-lord.

>>25160696
Finally meet the serpent lord, it's good to know our neighbors. Talk to Banton some more, try to get a gauge on him.

>>25160696

Whatever we do. Bring our dear Lady Wife with us. She is the good luck charm, and has social skills we... Lack.

Go congratulate Bronze, drink to his name and victory and ask audience with Lord Coldwater.

>>25160696
We should deal with the new retainers.

>>25160776
>Whatever we do. Bring our dear Lady Wife with us. She is the good luck charm, and has social skills we... Lack.

This.

>>25160776
>>25160804


Agreed.

>>25160739
Seconding this.

>>25160816
And this.

So as a tally, we want to:
>Bring our wife for good luck
>Talk to Coldwater about his son
>Introduce ourselves to the Snake Lord
Shouldn't get get Lord Saul to help us with this?
And I hate to samefag, but didn't our wife talk about a new master-of-horse? Lady Delayis might be able to do help, which means we should talk with the Hedge Knights.

>>25160804
>>25160802
>>25160776
>>25160764
>>25160739
Bringing along your good wife, you join the laughing and the cheering and the joy and the drinking; the only person who seems quite as out of place as you is Lord Coldwater, who at the most offers an awkward, tight-lipped smile when he isn't quaffing of wine. It doesn't take long until the eccentric Lord Saul introduces you to the snake lord.

"Lord Artys! Might I introduce you to Jon Lynderly, Lord of the Snakewoods? It's one of the most magnificent forests in Westeros, let alone the Vale and we have the excellent stewardship of Lord Jon to thank for that. Might I also introduce you to his son, Timmen Lynderly? You won't find a finer squire in all of Westeros; a rare example of a young man on the cusp of knighthood."

You are unsure how much of Alesandor's words are flattery and foolishness and how much of it is honesty; it's difficult to trust the words of the man when in the company of others, if you trust the man at all. Offering a bow to the now named snake lord and his son, you spend a moment to eye them. Like you and Lord Coldwater, this Lord Jon seems to have quite the hard edge. Although the hazel-eyed lord might try to hide it with pleasant smiles and warm greetings, he seems like quite the cold fellow. You doubt he would be quite so welcoming and accomodating outside of the circumstances of the tournament.

>Is there anything you'd like to discuss with him or find out, before moving on to Coldwater?

>>25160923
Yea, we could definitely do with an extra knight or two now, though the hedge knights did say they would talk to us after the melee.

But yea, that's the jist of it.

>>25161026
Offer him greetings, and say that we understand what it's like having to tame the wilds, though at least things grow in the forest - with the mountains, you've got to make them bleed to give up their wealth.

He seems more our type, to be honest - fairly cold and stern, but clever. We should try to talk to him more in the future, he could be a decent ally.

I assume by that, then, that Timmen is already a squire, Plasma? Shame, that'd have been a good match with us, if he'd been in need of squiring.

But yes, we should tell him we should talk again, then move on to Coldwater.

>>25161026
Honestly, No one's discussed what we want to do with Lord Lynderly.
Ask him about his opinion of the tourney. Maybe we can transition to his opinion of Lord Belmore based off his reaction.

>>25161124
>the hedge knights did say they would talk to us after the melee.
Fuck. I forgot about that. Well, that was a waste of time.

>>25161137
Good plan, seconded.

>>25161163
No worries man, it has been a week. We can talk to them once the melee is done.

Maybe it's because this is my first time participating in Harrock threads (I'm usually late and end up just reading it), but are they always so slow?

>>25161137
Sounds like a good starting point to me. We should also bring up the possibility of trade deals between our two holdings.

>>25161305
What does Lord Lynderly have to offer, though? Since he's the lord of SnakeWOOD, I assume he has ample amounts of wood.
But doesn't Lord Egen have lumber? Regardless, it'd be good to start a business relationship with him.
Does he have anymore family?

>>25161305
What would we offer Lord Lynderly? All of our iron is currently being traded.

>>25161277
Might be because there wasn't one on Monday, but when there's a lot of talking, it is sometimes slow, because Plasma takes his time to write it well.

We still tend to get through a fair bit though, so don't worry - I reckon it'll get quicker once we get to the melee.

>>25161277
>Not usually this bad. Partially my fault. Mondays seem to be more popular therefore seem faster.
>>25161210
>>25161163
>>25161137
>>25161124
"There is little in the way of mountains in my territory, Lord Artys but I understand your words. Every part of this world can be tamed and taken advantage of, it just needs the right mind and the right hands to squeeze water from the stone, so to speak. As for the tournament, it's been a most enjoyable experience to watch and even to take part in. Unfortunately, I was eliminated shortly after you were. A shame but we cannot always be victorious; although I enjoy jousting, it is hardly where my talents lie. But what of you? I have seen you and Lord Saul gamble and drink beside Lord Benedar Belmore. What secrets did you manage to coax from the host of this magnificent event?"

Was that sarcasm? It's hardly to tell with this man. Although his words seem to be kind and complimentary, every sentence has a cynical bite to it.

>>25161346
I have no idea what he has, hence why we should ask. We might potentially gain wood cheaper from him than we are from Egen.

As to what we could trade him, we don't have to actually establish trade now, knowing that the possibility exists is good however. Furthermore, we can always rent out our soldiers.

>>25161420
I already like him. He's bitter and cynical, time to show him our hangman side.
>The excessively bell-adorned host has seen an opportunity to squeeze water from a stone himself. Namely this tournament, where he hoped to profit from Bronze Yohn's defeat. As it turns out, his hands were not strong enough. Not even close.

>>25161465
Bah, forgot my name, apologies.

To respond to his words, we should subtly imply that we discovered that Belmore had the competition in his favour.

>>25161420
"And where would you say your talents lie, Lord Jon?

Only that he is such a fan of mummery that he aspires to be a great one himself."

>>25161420
"Where would you say your talents lie then, Lord Lynderly? Mine is certainly not in gambling and drinking with a host such as Belmore. Wine turns sour and bets become skewed, one might say.

>>25161420
"Well, I'm sure you know about his sword sword basically conceding the tilt to his son, so his heir would go up against Lord Royce here. Dreadful sportsmanship, in my opinion - if something is to be won, it must be taken through strength of arms, wit of the tongue or intellect of the mind. Still, Lord Royce showed that it didn't pay to cheat, now, and again today, given the look the Mummer of Strongsong was making once Bronze Yohn pulled himself from the ground. Hosting all of this, and yet none of his House won... it must surely sting.

Still, it has been quite an illuminating few days, I must admit, but it doesn't pay to talk whispers in public now, does it Lord Lynderly?"

>>25161420
Lord Saul seems to associate with him and they seem rather similar. We can speak honestly, I think, but we should be cautious.
Maybe we can mention Lord Belmore's cheating as a way to get him to open up about Lord Benedar.
>>25161465
>We might potentially gain wood cheaper from him than we are from Egen.
But that could damage our relationship with Egen. We're already pushy enough since we hold martial power over his lands through Ser Tenry and our troops. He might start actively working against us if we push any further.
>We don't have to actually establish trade now.
You're right.
Oh, and drop your name. Plasma's going to ignore you, seeing as much people don't see a difference between tripfags and namefags.

>>25161549
Too direct, if he's >implying things, we should too.

>>25161494
I know, I like him too. He'd make a good ally, if we do it right.

>>25161549
>>25161545
Seconding these.

>>25161549
>>25161545
>>25161537
I second all of these, even though subtlety is completely absent.

>>25161589
I agree with him - it's not subtle, but given his cynicism for all of this, he might appreciate that sort of tone.

>>25161494
>>The excessively bell-adorned host has seen an opportunity to squeeze water from a stone himself. Namely this tournament, where he hoped to profit from Bronze Yohn's defeat. As it turns out, his hands were not strong enough. Not even close.


Seconding this.

>>25161589
>>25161636
Let's go with these.

>>25161537
>>25161545
I like these.

>>25161556
>>25161549
>>25161545
>>25161537
>>25161524
>>25161494
>>25161465
"That's quite the accusation, Lord Artys. You truly believe that Lord Benedar has attempted to skew the competition in his favour? Forgive me if I do not assume anything or believe your words blindly but I shall certainly watch for any signs of corruption or manipulation. I appreciate your warning and I only hope that he shan't interfere with the melee. Although I won't take part, my son and his tutor shall be fighting for the glory of our house. As for talent, well. Some lords pride themselves on being glorified warriors, merchants or spies. I believe that a lord should be a lord and that their talent should reside in ruling, above all other things. Especially in the Vale, one must maintain an iron grip on one's serfs and servants. Now if there's nothing else, I have a few knights to speak to..."

And speaking of knights, you are approached by the unorthodox spearman that Ser Morys had defeated, Ser Banton. Offering a stiff bow, the frowning warrior speaks while Lord Jon stalks off and and Lord Alesandor quietly listens, as he always does.

"Might I speak with you, Lord Harrock? I carry terms from Lord Benedar Belmore, relating to the armour and the steed that you lost in your tilt against Ser Marwyn Belmore."

>>25161781
Damn, looks like we won't be getting this guy as a hedgeknight.

Let's hope the terms aren't too ridiculous.

>>25161781
>I am listening, though I wonder why has he sent you?

>>25161781
Oh well this will be good. we might as well get it over with now though. Not sure if we should have our wife to stay or ask her to spend some time with another group of individuals (Maybe Egen?) while we deal with business.

Also, I have a question: Previous threads it seemed like Egen couldn't wait to get his daughter married off to Brock, but the last one he seemed like he was trying to do everything he could to make sure that didn't happen, suggesting even that our daughter take his son instead. Should we worry that maybe he's found another suitor?

>>25161781
>I carry terms from Lord Benedar Belmore, relating to the armour and the steed that you lost in your tilt against Ser Marwyn Belmore."
Fuck that landless, lowborn cunt. Belmore must have sucked his dick to join him. We were nothing but kind to him.
But, yeah, we should go.

>>25161852
Egen was always keen on marrying off his son to our daughter, but with regards to his own daughter he did his best to talk her down.

>>25161812
We pay whatever he wants us to pay. No bargaining, no bluffing. We need to play it ice cold, this is as much a test as any jousting is.
And P.S, we still have to get that lecture from Bronze Yohn with Egen, with Maahria of Qohor and her unknown shipment.

>>25161867
Well we still have the other hedgeknights. The lady seemed a pretty good fighter.

We were going to try to get some sworn swords after melee but it looks like Belmore isn't waiting. Should we start now?

>>25161781
"Why did he send you, Ser? I was still hoping that you might decide to join me, after the melee of course. Anyway, what terms are Lord Belmore offering?"

>>25161867
We can still get him, if we make a better offer. He possibly sent the hedge knight over because he saw us talking the night before, and it means he doesn't have to come talk to us himself.

>>25161880
Basically this. Not sure why he's worried about Brock marrying her, since he didn't seem to think much of her, but if he thinks we'll use her to take his land, or she's a greenseer, it starts making more sense.

>>25161781
Can we deal with Lord Coldwater first? I feel like we could lose a chance at a good squire if we go to Lord Belmore first. Adding, making him wait would be a nice way to stick it to him.
And it's rather obvious that this will go beyond ransoming our horse and armor.
>>25161852
>Should we worry that maybe he's found another suitor?
No. If anything, getting our daughter to sire the next Lord of Crown Crag would be more profitable than marrying Brock to his Warg/Sperglady daughter.

>>25161903
Seconded. It's to the point, but shows we still respect him, and are interested in him joining us, which we still are, I think.

>>25161916
We aren't going to talk to Belmore, the hedge knight has the terms. If we don't like them, then we'd have to go to Belmore, but let's talk to the guy first, Ser Banton seems like a good knight if we can give him a better offer.

>>25161903
>"Why did he send you, Ser? I was still hoping that you might decide to join me, after the melee of course. Anyway, what terms are Lord Belmore offering?"
This. It's respectful, but confronting.

>>25161953
Good point.

>>25161839
>>25161812
>>25161903
>>25161916
"After your sworn sword defeated me in our tilt, my armour and my horse have both come into your possession, just as your horse and your armour has come into the possession of Lord Belmore."

His frown grows and he takes in a breath to speak.

"Lord Belmore wants to exchange your armour for mine. If you agree to this, you will have to pay no additional ransom. If you refuse this deal, then Lord Belmore said that he will be forced to demand a hundred gold dragons in exchange for your plate-mail and your horse."

Does our wife stay with us while we negotiate the ransom?

>>25161891
Best not mention it now though, in his hour of victory. And congratulating him is the first thing we should do after this unpleasant business.

>>25161901
There's too much connection between her and the Belemore's there for me to feel comfortable. Unless her latest bout has actually made her very bitter. That would be an opportunity then.

Regardless we NEED a knight or two to take the place of Ser Morys. If not a position of command than an escort, walking around Grimarbour with our family lacking any portection was in hindsight very dumb.

>>25161984
That's...kind of weird.

Any of you guys spot an ulterior motive?

>>25161984
Oohhhhhh shit.

Fucking hell Plasma, why you gotta be like that?

I love it.

>>25161984
"I take this as meaning that you have decided to swear yourself to Lord Belmore? Otherwise, why would he agree to exchange our armour for yours? Forgive my curiosity, but given how you had said you would not decide whether to swear to any House until after the melee, this seems quite the change of heart."

>>25162005
>>25161984
We need to probe him a little more. For 1 Wealth we could get this guy into our service.

The question is, why did Belmore send us such an opportunity?

>>25161984
>>25162005
All I have is that he's trying to get us to give any hold we have on the hedge knight we've shown interest in away.
I say don't bother with him any more. There will be other hedge knights, he's Belmore trash, leave them to pick it up, and accept the offer to exchange.

>>25162032
Polite and to the point, with a small stab. Good.

>>25162005
I think Benedar wants to give Banton his armor and horse in exchange for his service as a sworn sword. However, we have his armor and horse, Belmore doesn't. So he'll try and extort it out of us.

>>25162032
This here. Ser Banton doesn't strike me as the sort for intruige and he's clearly uncomfortable.

I believe Belmore sent him with terms to get his claws into Ser Banton first.

>>25162032
Very nicely put again, I second this.

>>25161984
So then Belmore wants to force Ser Banton into his service by holding his armor and horse. Which means if we want Ser Banton in our service, we have to pay a hundred gold dragons to get our armor back.

>>25161984
So We own Ser Banton's armor and if we give it to Belmore we're good?
I say we give up the 100 Gold Dragons and keep both sets of armor and horse. We all want a new knight to replace Ser Morys, so this is the perfect chance to do that. If we give up Banton's armor, then he's guaranteed to be in Belmore's control. If we pay for him, he might show some loyalty and be wooed by our altruism.
tl;dr pay the gold (1 Wealth, if I remember correctly)
>>25161985
That'd be a waste. Maybe she can talk to Egen or Lynderly. No more Coldwater, though. She said that we need to personally seal the deal on the Squire thing.

>>25162063
Well, seeing as they're a pretty wealthy house, they could probably afford a set of armor and a horse for ten hedge knights without straining their finances. If there IS an ulterior motive, it doesn't directly have to do with the horse and armour.

>>25162063
>>25162042
Ser Banton is clearly uncomfortable, and hardly a master schemer. He's being manipulated here, not an accessory.

>>25161984
"Hmm. Interesting but I'll have to decline. How about instead I give Belmore say...what would you think, seventy five dragons? And I will give you your arms and armor and in exchange you will give me a promise to be discussed at a later, more private, date."

>>25162037
>>25162071
>>25162063
Yea, I think Belmore's trying to take him, but with a little nudging, we could still nab him.

>>25162085
I reckon we pay for our armour, and offer Banton back his armour, if he'll sign on with us, at least until we leave Grimarbour. We need someone to help ensure our family is safe, and if we treat him right, I reckon he'll stay with us for the long-haul.

>>25162085
Ok, ask her to talk to Egen while we sort out the nitty gritty.

>>25162085
I agree with having her talk to Lord Egen.

Perhaps not his wife though, they don't seem to like each other too much.

>>25162108
Oh no, don't bargain, it'll make us appear like we sorely need the money.

>>25162032
This, plus the general jist of
>>25162085
>>25162108
>>25162110

Probe him a bit on it, but try to swing it so we can try to get Banton to join our House. We can promise him a home, respect, and a good purpose - it's more than many Hedge Knights get.

So yea, we pay the 100 gold instead.

>>25162108
Yea, no bargaining with Belmore. Just refuse him, we won't play his games.

>>25162140
Let him answer >>25162032
first, then we can see what to say on the offer.

>>25162108
He's bringing terms, and it behooves us to haggle.

Either we pay up the 1 Wealth and potentially secure ourselves a (loyal) knight, or we give up the armour and watch him walk into Belmore hands.

Personally, I think we should wait for Bantons response to >>25162032 first. But if he seems genuine, perhaps another 1 Wealth won't be such a bad investment.

>>25162153
I agree.

>>25162149
Sounds good to me!

>>25162153
Yea, 1 Wealth for a new and loyal knight? That's a fucking bargain.

>>25162085

The problem is that he probably is already on Belmore's service since he brought this offer in his name. I say take the deal we lose nothing and this one is probably belmore's creature.

>>25162140
>swing it so we can try to get Banton to join our House.
If we pay the gold and let him keep his armor, then he'll have no reason to side with Lord Belmore and he'll be indebted to his literally.
So he'll want all of the:
>home, respect, and a good purpose - it's more than many Hedge Knights get.

>>25162170
>If we pay the gold and let him keep his armor, then he'll have no reason to side with Lord Belmore and he'll be indebted to his literally.
As far as we're aware of.

>>25162110
This is actually perfect. With our knight out of commission, depending on his discomfort with the Belmores, we could admit that we do not feel that our family is safe in these lands. Ser Banton is hardly a paladin, but he's not as material as some hedge knights we've seen.

>>25162169
He's just coming because he's one of the three people involved. Like us, he's been fucked and he has to pay somehow. There's no indication from him that he's loyal to Belmore now. He's just involved in this as much as we are.

>>25162032
>>25162021
>>25162037
"I haven't sworn service to anyone, Lord Harrock. But the armour defines a knight, so does a horse. I admit I am not the best horseman but without plates and steed to call my own, I'm just a common sellsword. Lord Belmore promised to return my property to me once it belongs to him, in exchange for an oath of fealty to him and his house. I value my honour more than my freedom; I'd rather be a knight of any house than just another mercenary."
>>25161985
>>25162085
Deyya quickly disappears from your side to chatter with the nearby Lord Egen after you share a short, hushed conversation with - in which she expresses her doubts about Lynderly. The man doesn't only seem cynical but to her, he seems sinister. Trouble, to say the least. An ambitious fellow with little interest in anything but the progress of his own house. In her eyes, the only different between Jon Lynderly and Benedar Belmore is that the latter doesn't hide his disdain for you - but that's just her first impression. Something has really rubbed her the wrong way about the snake lord.

>>25162163
It could be that he's a belmore plant

>>25162169
Yes, a real risk. Which is why we'll wait for his reaction.

If we do get him in our service though, I don't think we need to worry about secret loyalties to Belmore. As I've said before he is a straightforward man for all appearance.

>>25162201
Deyya doesn't trust it, we should be more careful, she's got a nose for these things.

>>25162201
how much does it usually cost to retain a hedge knight?

>>25162201
>>25162231
I agree, it's better to defer to our wife in the social sphere. Plus...Snakelord doesn't exactly sound like an honorable stand up name to me tbh

>>25162201
I vote we should propose our own offer, basically the same thing. Something along the lines of:

"If you had a choice in which Lord you served, Belmore or I, who would you prefer?"


>Coldwater
Trust our wife, she's been on the ball here more than we have.

>>25162231
>>25162250
She distrusts Lynderly. This is Banton.

>>25162269
Yes, I know, we should be more careful towards Lynderly, I meant.

>>25162201
"Well, I currently own your armor and steed. I'll give you your armor and pay the ransom for mine if you swear fealty to me and my House."

>>25162234
>Housing and feeding a single man costs almost nothing in the grand scheme of things.

>>25162201
Boom goes the dynamite.

"If that is the case, Ser Banton, I decline the exchange. I see no reason why you should be used as a pawn by Lord Belmore in a game between him and I. I respect you, Ser, and for that, I say nay. I will pay Lord Belmore his 100 Gold Dragons for my armour and steed, and I shall grant yours to you myself, in exchange for your service. With the injuries Ser Morys has sustained, I am in need of a loyal sword, especially to ensure the safety of my family until we return to Westpass, where you will be granted the respect due any knight, a warm home to call your own, and an honourable purpose, helping protect the Vale from the barbarian mountain clans. Do we have an accord?"

Then we extend our hand to him, and keep a straight face, no bullshit.

>>25162234
We have a few in our service as it is, I don't think it's a noticeable impact on our estate.

Landing them, as we suggested with our poor Ser Morys once we rebuilt the Belmore tower on our border, is a different matter.

>>25162266
Seconded.
Make him an offer. His choice. We can give his armour back or trade it with Belmore.

>>25162198
>>25162201
>>25162223

OK the real question is: Do we want him in our service enough to try to steal him from Belmore? If yes, them offer him a place in our house and his armor and horse and tell him we will negotiate with Belmore directly. If don't care enough for him to further antagonize Belmore I say we take the deal.

Seriously guys if their is no real purpose behind it we shouldn't antagonize Belmore so directly.

>>25162284
As with the previous choices, I second this.

>>25162266
With a bit of this thrown in.

>>25162280
Oh, I thought you were talking about this guy.

Yes, trust our wife about Lynderly.

>>25162284
Second this.

Though, he may very well still decline our offer.

File: 1370044334523.png-(331 KB, 400x525, 1307752633855.png)

331 KB PNG

>>25162284
Very well put, anon. It has my full agreement bar the end.

Just replace "Do we have an accord?" with "What say you?". It's less presumptuous of us and gives him the illusion of having more say in the matter. Otherwise 10/10 post.

>>25162297
I say we leave it to him. We can give him his armor back if he wants to serve us, or we can give his armor to belmore.

>>25162284
>That noble speech

I think we should go with this.

>>25162284
Very nicely worded, this has a definite yes from me.
Also, not to open a can of worms, but in lengthier discussions such as these, trips or names could be quite handy to keep track of who's saying what. Just a feeling that struck me earlier.

>>25162334
>>25162344
>>25162331
>>25162310
Damn, thanks guys. I just throw it together, guess it comes from quite a few IRC and PbP games in my time.

>>25162297
First, we /do/ want to antagonize Belmore.
We want him to send his men into our ambush.

Second, we need a new knight and he seems to be a skilled footman. He'll do the job and the Belmore thing is just a bonus.

>>25162297
I disagree, we should antagonize Belmore as much as we like. It means he will be more likely to act overtly and expose himself. It will be hard to get allies against him if the other lords think he has us cowed.
Besides, we've already made too much of a concession just by coming to his tourney. The more antagonistic we are the better.

And that letter a couple of threads ago about the tower was just TOO GOOD.

What are the deals with the other amours we have?

I seem to remember Yohn saying we could get Morys back for free as a way of apology for nearly killing the man. We also have Corbrys gear that we still to make a deal for. We might as well pay 1 wealth for our own gear, we'll make the same or more giving Corbrys' back to him.

I vote to buy our gear back. Also did Morys beat 2 people? So we should have another set to ransom back.

>>25162369
He should also get along fine with our Dornish knight, both being spearmen.

>>25162355
I think the rule has actually done much to increase the amount of people posting.

>>25162385
No, it's only courteous that Corbrys should be half price. Belmore is just being a dick for asking the full price.

Will one hundred gold dragons set us back anything or is that an insignificant amount to us?

>>25162355
why do you feel a need to keep track of who says what? Each post should be judged individually, not on the merit of it's poster

>>25162284
>>25162266
There's a brief bit of hesitation and almost a bit of shame in his expression as he continues.

"I thank you for willing to sacrifice this for me and I admit that it is touching; but try as I might to honour the principles of a knight, I find myself swayed by the wealth and splendour that House Belmore displays, something that House Harrock appears to lack if you'll forgive me saying so. I'd prefer the freedom to serve a house of my own choosing but if I had to pick between two, I would select the greater of the two houses; Belmore. But you? You show great honour in willing to sacrifice such funds in order to bring me into your service. Forgive me but I would ask one more thing of you; that my service is not permanent so that I might seize the chance to find my own master.

"If you provide me with my plates and my horse then I shall swear allegiance to your house for the next five years. I pray that you find this acceptable, Lord Harrock."

>>25162433
It's 1 Wealth, which isn't nothing, but we can gain that back should our House do well in the melee, and we'll definitely make it back at the end of the month.

>>25162398
Well, that's also difficult to keep track of without trips/names.
>>25162433
Woah, yes, I agree, it should be, but that is completely not the point I was trying to make. When a lot of people are participating, it can be difficult to keep track of what way the majority's going, and who's arguing against who.

>>25162443


Ooh, I like this guy, straight up honesty is hard to come by in this land. He needs to stop doing that, for his own good.

>>25162443
Hmm. I would accept it, with the stipulation that he would not swear service to those who would be our enemies after the five years are up

>>25162443
"As long as you might allow yourself to be swayed by your experiences during your service, with the hope that you stay with my House, I agree. I respect that a man wishes to find his own future, and I would rather the service of a knight that has shown honour for but a short time, than to force your hand and have no knight at all."

We should shake his hand, he seems a good guy, and personally I can understand why he thinks us the lesser to Belmore currently, because we are.

In 5 years though, that might have changed entirely.

>>25162443
We've no need for temporary alliances, thank him kindly. We have no idea where he's going to end up after those five years, and he's awfully swayed by money for a honorable knight.

>>25162385
Your other ransom deals:
>You have the armour and steed of Lord Lyonel Corbray. He has requested a standard market price in exchange for his horse and plates.
>You have the armour and steed of Ser Boyn, Sworn to House Coldwater. No deal has been made with this man as of yet.
>Lord Yohn Royce has the armour and steed of Ser Morys, but has promised to return them to your house for no cost, after the injuries he inflicted on your sworn sword.

>>25162476
>>25162494
Seconded.

>>25162443
"I'm not the most pious man in Westeros, but seven years sounds more fortuitous. Besides, in 7 years, I can assure you that things will have changed. With your help, I hope to make the change in House Harrocks favour."

>>25162497
We should give the coldwater steeds and armour back, if we're sure they're not offended by it. Otherwise 50% market value will do.

>>25162497
We should give Lord Corbray his armour and steed back at market rate - he didn't want us to gift it back, and it shows a certain amount of respect.

As for Coldwater, we could talk this over with him while we talk about the potential squire.

>>25162509
Since most seem to be in favour to hire him anyhow, seven years would be the best, very clever thinking.

>>25162443

5 years is more than enough time to make him our man, but i worry that because his time is limited he'll never earn the trust of the rest of our men, who are all loyal as hell. But in 5 years i would like to see us land all of the knights that were with us before the quest began and this guy as well. If we land him it'll be unlikely that he'll leave us and if he we'll make sure the land is away from our borders so that if he intends to sell it would have to be to us. Then we can offer him a fraction of it's worth and send him packing.

I think it's worth it to tweak the nose of our host. But i can't help but think that the mummer doesn't really care about this knight and if fucking with us.

I vote we buy our own gear and return this knights to him for 5 years service.

>>25162494 here, and damn, I like >>25162509, well thought of!

We should suggest 7, but if he won't budge from 5, let's not push him, let's go with 5 years.

>>25162496
Realistically speaking, 5 years is a long, long time gamewise. I think in 5 years we can see us in a favorable enough position to change his mind about leaving.

>>25162482
This is a good term.

>>25162497
If we sell them both at the standard, polite price to Corbray and Boyn we should make up the difference from here.

>>25162494
This with
>>25162509
Tacked on.

>>25162526
If we try to haggle Corbray to 50% out of honor, and take 50% for Coldwater, we don't lose anything on our 100% to belmore.

>>25162443
"House Harrock may lack wealth and splendour at this current moment in time; yet in its place you will find honour and honesty. Sometime in the near future, House Harrock may potentially gain a great deal of wealth; I doubt that the Mummer of Strongsong will ever become an honest the honourable man.

Should you still wish your service to be temporary, I will have to think on this offer and will seek you out after the melee tomorrow."

>>25162494
>>25162509
Let's go with these. Well written guys.

>>25162548
I agree, the more essential term is that he doesn't abandon us for the Belmores of all people when his time is up.

Remember still, there are Hedge knights among The Woodsmen, anointed men, who may not have armor of their own.

This guy is good, But, why bother with him, when we have men back home who'll scramble over eachother for a fresh suit of plate. Not to mention we're getting Full Price for the plate and horse of Corbray, and a suit of plate cost only around Fourteen Dragons (3000 silver stags)! A Rounsey we rode? Only around 50 Stags! (though Corbray's Destrier is around 1000 stags)

We can make do by giving up the old suit of plate of ours, and hold onto the Hedge knights. And give it to men who have Already sworn their swords to us.

>>25162497
>>You have the armour and steed of Lord Lyonel Corbray. He has requested a standard market price in exchange for his horse and plates.
I say we go standard. We already said he was good fighter, which he thought was very condescending. We'll just piss him off more if we go half price.
>>You have the armour and steed of Ser Boyn, Sworn to House Coldwater. No deal has been made with this man as of yet.
Maybe we could tie this in with getting his son as a squire.

>>25162573


I love it.

>>25162588
Well, we can look at that after we've dealt with all of this.

>>25162573
He's out and out said that he's concerned with material matters to some extent. I don't think honour and honesty is going to appeal to him more than it already has.


But you raise a good point about the melee. We're not participating are we? I thought we were letting Brock have his time to shine.
Regardless that might be the perfect first test for Ser Banton, have him keep an eye out for our son in the melee. Not lose to him or anything, but just make sure a Belmore lackey doesn't try to shove a dirk in his face when no one is looking.

>>25162542
We don't have to agree to his terms straight away, we're in a stronger position than he is here. I say we push for him to become our sworn sword permanently before we accept anything less!

>>25162573
>I will have to think on this offer and will seek you out after the melee tomorrow.
He'd turn us down then.

He wants to compete in the melee, that's why he's trying to get his armour back now.

We kind of need to choose now.

>>25162588
>>25162619
I agree, the Woodsmen aren't going anywhere just yet.

>>25162630
I don't think we're participating because of our injuries from the joust. If we do take part, we might get more badly hurt.

>>25162601
Eh, the wifey doesn't seem to keen on the idea.

>>25162494
Good response, with the 7 year suggestion from >>25162509

>>25162640
Ah right, good point.

Well I still say we should push for him to join us permanently. If he rebuffs that, go for >>25162509 said and take the seven years.

>>25162573
>>25162566
>>25162542
>>25162529
>>25162526
>>25162509
>>25162496
>>25162494
>>25162482
>>25162476
"I would be able to serve seven years beneath your house, Lord Harrock. The decision can wait, however. I shall allow you to think about this before you make a decision. I am sure that Lord Belmore will be able to wait and I would be more than able to fight in the melee in less than plate. Truth be told, such armour is of little practical use but it is a symbol of knighthood, a tradition. What's Westeros without its traditions?"

With one last bow, Ser Banton departs. You can make your final decision at a later point but the details have been discussed. Do you wish to speak with Lord Royce Coldwater now and if so, on what topics?

>>25162693
No, excuse ourselves and head over to congratulate Bronze Yohn.

We should give him his plate back tonight, seal the deal before the melee. I'd want to get him to watch out for Brock as I said in >>25162630 if possible.

>>25162693
>Do you wish to speak with Lord Royce Coldwater now and if so, on what topics?
His son as our possible squire is the most important topic.
But has anyone considered his son a match for our daughter?
Also, general business (what his house is known for), his opinion on Lord Yohn Royce.

>>25162693
How are Egen and Deyya getting along?

>>25162693
Fair play to him. At the end of the night, we should find him and agree to the 7 years.

Yea, let's go to Lord Coldwater, and we can initially talk about what he thought of the final joust, and bring up the point of his knight's armour and steed, with a view to potentially get his son (I believe it is) as a squire. If he just plain won't go for that, go for standard market rate.

>>25162716
Second. Maybe we can do a little digging about the hedgeknights, see who's favored in the melee, where they come from, etc.

>>25162732
>>25162726
Seconding these.

>>25162726
>>25162732
Third these.

>>25162796
>>25162832
Seconding these since they glorify my post.

>>25162796
>>25162832
>>25162926
Calm down, mate, it's a an agreement not a blowjob.

seconding

>>25162943
>>25162796 was me, the other two were different anons.

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>>25162943
>Using mate unironically.
Calm down, m8, it's a joke.

>>25162727
Lord Egen seems hesitant and avoidant, for once. He seems to have noticed that your family is only interested in Lorenna rather than Alber and at least at the moment, he has no interest in marrying her off to Brock. As such, he's smiling and laughing along with her comments nervously but he seems to be most interested in getting away from anyone who is a Harrock, much to the quiet chagrin of your wife.
>>25162726
>>25162732
The grim, unsmiling Lord Royce Coldwater turns to face you as you approach, bowing towards you with only as much formality as is appropriate. He certainly is a blunt and boorish individual. You quickly skip past the pleasantries into actual, solid conversation.
>Opinion on Lord Yohn Royce.
"He is my liege lord, who I directly serve. A good and honourable man who earned his victory here today. The Seven couldn't have chosen a better warrior to represent them this day. I do not pretend to understand some of his eccentricities such as the armour that he chooses to wear, but Lord Yohn is as good a lord as any could hope to serve. There is little else to say about him; he is a good man. Nothing more, nothing less."
>Match for Katrin
"How old is she? From the look of her I would say ten, eleven. Luther is six years old while Branston is five; far too young to warrant betrothal. I would wish to marry my boys to women of an equal or younger age. Consider it a personal decision, an opinion of mine Lord Artys. I mean no offence to your daughter"
>House business
"We're warriors, shipwrights and sailors, Lord Harrock. The holy sword of Lord Yohn, Lord Jon and King Robert. Our part of the Vale has little trouble with mountain folk which allows me to move my men to assist others who have trouble with such vile, wild creatures. The hill tribes deserve nothing but death, by the will of the Seven."

>>25162970
Calm down, mate, so was I.

Also, ausfag.

>>25163005
>Son as squire
"In truth, I am hoping that my eldest, Luther, might be able to squire for Lord Yohn or his son; forgive me but he is too valuable to offer to a lord such as yourself, who I barely know. However, we could learn more about one another and strengthen the bond between our houses by offering young Branston as a ward. In exchange, I ask for the child born of your house to be offered to mine as a ward. What do you think of this, Lord Artys?"

>>25163005

Well that's easy to play off. Make jest of your supposed "hangman" status in regards to the hillfolk and agree with the general distaste and hatred for them.

Then move along to the other things, ransoms and squiring.

>>25163005
>Egen
Bugger, this alliance of ours is getting shakier by the minute. Does anyone have any thoughts on agreeing to a match between Katrin and Alber?

>The hill tribes deserve nothing but death
Well, that we can agree on.

>>25163005
"You said you are a family of warriors. If you trust me with your eldest son, Luther, I will do my best to make him a warrior that you will be proud of. Young Luther will earn his knighthood Mountain Clans with me and knights who fight beside me."

>>25163074
Didn't read this post ( >>25163051 ) Switch Luther with Branston. Same shit either way

>>25163051
Politely decline, I just love our kids too much. Besides they're much more safe and useful to us when not tied down in a wardship.

>>25163056
Yes this, don't be insulted by the nickname but embrace it.

>>25163051

I mean it is a reasonable deal. Let's be honest, we aren't exactly next level like Yohn right now. And the younger mind would be easier to meld, and we could teach him things from numbers and stewardship, to battle and war tactics.

We would of course have to have another child for such though. I assume Lord Coldwater is willing to wait the 4-5 some years.

>>25163096
Branston is far too young to be a squire, hence the offer of wardship. But it is something we can follow up in the future.

>>25163114
He'd be young enough to be a Paige, though.

>>25163111
I agree.

>>25163051
Hmm... not an awful idea, but currently that would mean either Brock or Katrin, both of whom are very valuable. Would he want one of them, or would a future child suffice? Having a ward might be good though.

>>25163005
I'm getting real tired of Egen's shit. It's about time he accepted his house is our bitch.

>>25163051
>My apologies, keep making key mistakes.

"In exchange, I ask for the next child born of your house to be offered to mine as a ward. What do you think of this, Lord Artys?"

>tl;dr The next child you give birth to will be offered to House Coldwater when old enough.

>>25163070
Maybe it would be better if we sweetened the deal with financial incentives.

Also maybe we should ask Deyya if she wants to dance.

There is dancing right?

>We do know how to dance right?

>>25163154
In that case, hell yea, seems fair to me.

>>25163154

Ah very good to know. It could mean we would get a paige/squire in exchange for him fostering a daughter, which let's be honest doesn't have the best chance in the world to end up like our dear Katrin. Though a boy is also possible. f

I don't know. I kind of like the deal.

>>25163051
Say that we shall consider it, but give the subtle impression that we are not keen on the idea.

>>25163132
Same here Anon; why did he have such a sudden change of heart during this tournament?

Anyway, I think we should have a chat to Lord Saul, as he always has something interesting to say, and then call it a night. This tournament has almost been a complete waste for us dammit.

>>25163154
I think we should do it. And if it's a girl, we could marry her off to Luther or Branston, since he said he wants a younger girl to marry.

Plasma do you intend for this story to span a years? Promising a kid not even born yet made me think: we could even fight in the Greyjoy Rebellion, which takes place a decade after Robert's Rebellion.

>>25163217
Seems good to me.

>>25163217
>intend for this story to span a years
*intend for this story to span a few years or up until the War of the Five Kings?

Man good thing we've started making love to our wife again. I can only assume she would hate this deal if we were not intimate with her presently as we have come to be.

>>25163157
> 3d6, accepting the lowest
Let's not.

>>25163154
How old is that? I'm assuming around 5, Branston?

I say no for, this could actually work better if we make the same offer to Lord Egen. A ward of ours in exchange for marriage?

Of course, we need Deyya to get us another lovely lad/lass. All the more reason to keep tapping that.

>>25163248
>promising to send off unborn children
Yeah, let's not agree to anything just yet. I can't imagine our Lady Wife would be too keen on the idea.

>>25163283

I see your point. We should discuss this with our dear wife beforehand. I imagine she will be okay with it, because for the good of the house, but also possibly not.

>>25163283
Well, say we will need to talk to our wife, but agree in theory.

If we do agree to this, I think it might be in our best interest to find the lads interests and likes so we may provide at least one comfort that he can enjoy since he will be so young and away from his family.

>>25163345
That's a great point.
Maybe he has a friend that came with Lord Coldwater's party. Maybe he likes dogs, cats, horses, music. If we go out of his way to be kind to him, Lord Coldwater will pays us back in equal kindness.

>>25163217
>>25163216
>>25163196
>>25163171
"Excellent. However, we shouldn't solidify this at an event like this.. We can discuss the details of this once the tournament is done with, perhaps by raven if the Seven will it."

With that, the night is interrupted by Lord Benedar Belmore and Lord Yohn Royce together. The pair have been chattering for quite a while now and while Bronze Yohn wears a gregarious grin on his face, Benedar certain seems far more hesitant and apprehensive.

"Lords and ladies and proud knights in service of the Seven! The joust has come an end but this tournament is not yet done! The honourable and generous Lord Benedar Belmore has arranged a grand melee for knights, squires and even smallfolk possessing their lords' endorsement! In this contest, we shall be able to test each others' martial might in true combat!
"There shall be four groups of seven, wearing tabards of red, blue, green and yellow! Those who don the red shall face the blue and those who don the green shall face the yellow. The winning group of the first pairing shall face the winning group of the second pairing. Those who survive until the very end of this grand melee and best all opponents shall earn the respect and the honour of their peers for years to come!
"Lord Benedar and I have ensured that the contestants have been randomly placed into these separate groups and without further delay, I shall inform you of the group compositions!"

With that, he begins to read out the list while scribes jot down each team.

>>25163470

WHAT A TWIST.

I have a bad feeling about it though.

>>25163470
Hang on, Plasma I think concensus was to consider it not agree to it.

>>25163510
Aye.

>>25163470
Why do I get the feeling Brock will either end up with all the Belmore guys, or against them...

>>25163522

I believe Plasma's wording made it so we do not have to agree to it presently. But something to be spoken of via raven post Tourney.

>>25163522
>You're not forced to immediately agree with it.

>>25163522
Well, that is what we've done. We will continue to discuss it via raven, we can still decline

>>25163470
Here's to hoping Brock gets put in Lord Royce's group (if Bronze Yohn is fighting)

>>25163470
>>25163510
>>25163538
>Donning the Red
Ser Banton of No House
Lord Yohn of House Royce
Ser Andar of House Royce
Ser Boyn, Sworn to House Coldwater
Pommit, Endorsed by Ser Boyn, Sworn to House Coldwater
Ser Elys, Sworn to House Saul
Laamir of Qohor, Endorsed by Lord Palfrey of House Badics

>Donning the Blue
Martyn, Squire to Ser Lalyn, Sworn to House Hardyng
Lady Kaya, Sworn to House Hardyng
Paxter Hersy, Squire to Ser Yondragryn, Sworn to House Hersy
Pafio of Braavos, Endorsed by Lord Palfrey of House Badics
Ser Marwyn of House Belmore
Terrance Lynderly, Squire to Ser Dalyn, Sworn to House Lynderly
Ser Ronys, Sworn to House Belmore

>Donning the Green
Denpar of Tyrosh, Endorsed by Lord Palfrey of House Badics
Ser Jalraeys, Sworn to House Badics
Lord Palfrey of House Badics
Ser Dalyn, Sworn to House Lynderly
Ser Symond, Sworn to House Sunderland
Bredder, Squire to Ser Osney, Sworn to House Pryor
Nogg, Endorsed by Ser Symond, Sworn to House Sunderland

>Donning the Yellow
Mabbin, Squire to Ser Naptys of No House
Brock Harrock, Squire to Ser Morys, Sworn to House Harrock
Lord Royce of House Coldwater
Ser Ilmond of House Grafton, Sworn to House Belmore
Ser Lyn of House Corbray
Bosrick, Endorsed by Ser Andar of House Royce
Lady Delayis, Sworn to House Belmore

>>25163611

... We could have done worse I guess?

>>25163611
If Brock does well, he could be knighted, right? Maybe by his father, but that could spread rumors of nepotism.

>>25163611
Not bad, good to see that psycho Ser Lyn won't be swinging a sword at our son.

Interesting to see Lady Delayis finally in Belmore clutches now. I sense missed opportunities. No need to fear sabotage from her though, she's hardly subtle.

>>25163683

I never could see her working out with us. Our men just wouldn't see the need of her and might be outright insulted. I think we're fine without.

>>25163624
Really could have done worse.

>>25163683
Didn't Belmore have her armor?

I bet you donughts to dragons that he played the same game with her that he did with our own guy.

Also wasn't he supposed to wait AFTER the melee before making moves on the hedgeknights?

>>25163683
And Banton might be swinging a sword for us, before the melee is through.

>>25163678
I'll you what, regardless of how well Brock actually does in the melee, we should take him to a prestigious brothel some time afterwards.

1) He's not at all sure-footed around women-folk, him having some experience will mean he's better off and have more confidence. It's silly, but that's exactly how it works for boys his age.

2) It would be rewarding, nothing like a woman after a fight.

3) We only need make sure we don't spend too much time there ourselves, just arrange for him to have a good time and say we'll meet him outside.

>>25163747
I like that plan.

Man the Blue team is fucked. Just straight up, they have zero chance.

Interesting to see Ser Banton on the red though, we'll get to watch him a bit better.

>>25163683
>>25163678
>>25163624
After the announcement, the crowds go back to murmuring excitedly and planning for the next day.

Is there anything else you wish to do before you rest for the night?

>The next day - and the melee - will take place next episode. Once Lord Artys Harrock goes to sleep, we';ll bring tonight's episode to a close.

>>25163738
True, but early bird gets the worm and all that.

But I think Lady Delayis was a lost cause from the beginning. Belmore already provided her with arms and armour at the beginning of the tourney, which she lost in a bout against them. Odds are she was already in his clutches.

I wouldn't be surprised if Plasma put her interesting story there just to tempt us.

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>>25163747
I agree, he needs some pussy. He needs to know where whores go.
But remember about the remaining faithful to Deyya part. I don't know why, but she's just kuwaii as fuck and I don't want to hurt her feelings by cheating on her.

>>25163747

Eh... I'm sketchy on the idea. Introducing him to brothels might cause a chain reaction of him frequenting them and eventually a bastard could come of it.

And House Harrock has problems with bastards.