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Hello everyone!

This is a quest based in the ASOIAF universe which follows a captain of a free company that has recently been given dominion over Stormgrave, an island near Dragonstone. Ser Aurion Shryke is a common-born man with a natural affinity for leading men and making friends. We are continuing where we left off in the opening month of the year 284 at the start of the new Baratheon Dynasty.

Quest resources including character sheets can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ot_VGz9iDVmO1neVhGQMOs9h2G9Hd7nb?usp=sharing

I try to update twitter on run times/important votes here: https://twitter.com/CormaicB

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=House%20Shryke

Now, let's get started!
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>>4341421
“Why do you reckon they’re bigger up north?” Septon Boremund throws another question your way, continuing the topic that has sporadically dominated the last hour of conversation.

“Haven’t given much thought to the ‘why’ of it all. That’s for your types. Everyone knows it’s true though. If I had to wager on it? Bigger fish, mayhaps? Or the cold does something to them. That might be it. They’ve giants up that high north and they’re as big as dragons were,” you say.

“Giants,” your wife mutters in disbelief while fanning herself with growing impatience.

“Oho so now you think yet another creature doesn’t exist? And I thought I wed a kind lady,” you shake your head in exaggerated disappointment. “What crueler fate for these poor creatures than to be willed out of existence by the close-minded?”

“There are some occasions in which I truly do regret insisting you practice your letters with me. You were dangerous enough without becoming poetic,” Cerelle retorts.

You ignore her and turn back to the more amiable Septon Boremund. “Any road, it’s the southron ones you want. Better looking, better singers… more pliable even…”

“Mermaids. Don’t. Exist,” your wife repeats.

“Not if I were around their waters they wouldn’t. They’d all be merladies then,” you smirk. Your loyal septon guffaws at her outraged expression while Lady Cassandra Bar Emmon looks on in confusion, missing the jest entirely. Your ward isn’t the sharpest lady you’ve met, but she doesn’t exactly need to be. Hells, a good many lads likely prefer her this way. Her lands and titles and beddableness will no doubt be enough to content some lucky suitor one day soon. Would that it wasn’t presently your rival of Massey…

“Come,” is all Cerelle says to Lady Bar Emmon, the most you think she’s spoken to your guest so far today, as she sets off to demand to be seated sooner.

“If they’re not real, then why’s it matter?” you ask your septon.

“Might be she tries to tell you that first,” he shrugs. “Can’t say I know the lady all that well, but I get the sense she enjoys these little banters with you. I’d say her mood’s of other things.”

You nod, conceding the point. It’s been a tedious day so far. Despite rising early, you had trouble enough even approaching the Sept of Baelor for the wedding ceremony itself. Masses in their thousands, both highborn and low, turned out for the momentous occasion. Had you not had a guard of armored knights forcing the sea of bodies to part, you might well have been stuck in the crowd trying to get the litter through even now. The ascent up the steps was taxing on your lady wife as well, then the interior was standing room only. By the end of the droning ceremony which you could barely hear, the sept was on the uncomfortable side of hot for just about everyone aside from you.
>>
>>4341425
Thankfully, the doors were left open to air out the holy cattle pens and you were able to slip out before it turned into a stampede to be the first to the Red Keep… where you now find yourselves waiting to be seated in the Great Hall. You weren’t the only ones who had the foresight to slip out, nor were you the only ones to keep enough steel on retainer to clear a path. Not by a long shot. It’s enough to make you envy your knights, who are assuredly off drinking now that their escorting duties are at an end until tonight. You could use a drink. It’s been hours. And you’re not the only one. Lady Cassandra Bar Emmon has withered under your wife’s icy silence throughout the day, the latter being well aware of the former’s willingness to watch an as of yet unresolved assassination plot unfold… and also spread her legs for you. Not that you took her up on it and not that she’s the first to try, but she does have the singularly dubious honor of both failing at seduction and failing at plotting against you, and Lady Cerelle Lydden’s cold, quiet stares are far worse than any impassioned yelling you might’ve resorted to.

Though even Cerelle looks dangerously close to raising her voice to the stewards and pages who should be seating you. There seems to be some sort of disagreement brewing between her and them as her pseudo-rival looks on helplessly. You take it that’s not a normal occurrence. Curious.

You turn to the septon. “Shall we?”

“I’m not your date, lad. I’m just here for the show. Lead on,” the septon says. He’s cleaned up for the event, if only slightly. He still wears his studded tunic and his beard is as unruly as ever, but he’s elected to leave his mace behind. Apparently, there are those who might take it as violating some old dragon king’s edict on the Faith being under arms. Seems stupid and you can see that being taken any number of ways, but then you haven’t exactly gotten around to reading the edict either.

“What’s this?” you demand, approaching with a natural swagger in your step, one hand on your gem-studded belt and dangerously close to the dragonbone hilt of your sword.
>>
>>4341427
You can almost feel bad for the three harried-looking courtiers who turn your way. You’re probably not the first to shit on their day, nor will you be the last. Whatever uncomfortableness unfolding with your pregnant wife is amplified on their faces at the sight of your approach. Even the two pages can see by your particular style that you are most certainly not their typical knight or lord. Sure, you may tone it down sometimes, but it still comes through regardless of your wear, which is presently your seafoam green Stormbringers formal regalia denoting your rank as captain. It’s not drastically different than that worn by many of the other assembled lords and knights, but it is certainly less puffy and more… lethal if you had to put a word on it. A captain’s wear. Top all that off with a rather ostentatious gem-studded belt from Qarth and a scabbard to match, and you think you might just be beginning to present yourself appropriately.

Not in the habit of repeating yourself, you look to the group for an answer. The oldest of the three, likely a steward, recovers first. “My lord, as I was just explaining to my lady, her party is to be seated in section---”

“In a wholly inadequate section amongst landed knights of forgettable status. It is either a particularly egregious mistake or a deliberate slight. Which would you say it is, steward?” Cerelle interrupts.

“My lady, Her Grace the Queen personally blessed these arrangements…” he starts.
>>
>>4341430
“Enough,” you say, thinking it over. You know the meaning behind your wife’s words plainly enough even if the others don’t. It’s something you’ve spoken of before, the jealous look the now-Queen Cersei gave Cerelle when she was shown favor by Lord Tywin at your own wedding. It’s entirely possible that you are being put in your place, as it were. Then again, you are technically just a landed knight, so it’s not as if you would be placed at the top of the dais to begin with… even if you’re pretty sure you’ve earned at least a little prestige between your marriage and at least the appearance that you’ve been hard at work against the rebels.

>Roll with it. Let them lead you to your assigned seats. You’ll let this play out for now.
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
>Something else.

Whew, it's the day I expected to continue on, but definitely not the right time. I'll leave this open overnight since it's an important vote and so everyone can filter back in after the break. Thanks for the patience!
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>>4341439
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
Welcome back Boggs
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>>4341439
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is
>>
>>4341439
>>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
high risk, high reward
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>>4341439
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
Our brand is pulling stupid suicidal shit
>>
Welcome back, Boggs!
>>4341439
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
Roll those Charm (Convince) dice, baby
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>>4341439
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
>>
>>4341439
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
No pain no gain
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>>4341439
>>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
>>
>>4341660
let's lay this charming thing on real thick. M'right boys?
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>>4341439
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.

Remember, her father hates us and rebuffed our request for military aid

It /will/ backfire if we try and reach too high
>>
>>4341439
>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
Yeah, not the best time to talk with our father-in-law.
>>
>>4341439
>>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
>>
>>4341439
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.
Go high or die trying
>>
Tie game so far. Still open for a few hours.
>>
Good to see you back Boggsy.

>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is

Is it an incredibly ballsy move? Maybe. Should Aurion be seated amongst landed knights? Absolutely. But Cerelle is the firstborn and only daughter of an important bannerman to the queens father. She deserves better even if we don't.
>>
>>4341439
>Ask to be seated with Cerelle’s parents. This will likely provide you with the best opportunity, but probably has the highest chance of blowing back on you.

No doing this halfway. Cerelles mom wanted her to come to this to spend more time with her.
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>>4341439
>>Push for a rearrangement. Somewhere that more accurately reflects what you think your standing is.
>>
>>4342257
>No doing this halfway.
this isn't a halfway measure. We are just making sure we sit where we deserve to be. Making sure we aren't stiffed. If we fuck the queen over. Expect bullshit. Let's chat with others around our station. We already have enough connections to high places. Like a direct fucking connection to the king with the booze deal, and Tywin even if our inlaw hates us.

Let's make some lateral connections. We can deal with people on our level and earn our keep and some friends where we can eat at the same table with. We could even push with those at the high end of our station. Friends in high places are nice but in certain moments so are friends in "middle" and even low places.
We knew coming into this we wouldn't be sitting with her parents. Now that we know the queen personally fucked us. Lets just to where we should be and charm EVERYONE there. No one to look down us with our station as well as wife around.
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>>4342432
Maybe we are looking at this differently because I saw the roll with it vote as being where we are supposed to be. Pretending to be more than a landed knight is reaching. It's a downgrade for Cerelle but that's what she married. Either way we are fucking with the seating plan and overriding the queen which is crazy presumptuous. If we are going to push it then I don't want to do it halfway. At least sitting with the in-laws is a halfway decent excuse as opposed to "I'm better than this." I don't care if Lord Lydden gets his panties in a twist for the thousandth time. He's not going to make a scene and even Cersei can't be dumb enough to openly insult her father's principle bannermen at dinner. To me it's the safe option by being ballsy instead of being lukewarm in defiance. Fuck half measures.
>>
8-7 in favor of the middle ground option. I'll have the first post up at 8 EST. Expecting to get through a decent amount of content tonight. In the meantime,

>Can I get 3 rolls of 7d6 for Convince?
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 5, 2, 4, 5, 3 = 28 (7d6)

>>4342650
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 3, 5, 5, 4, 3 = 27 (7d6)

>>4342650
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4, 3 = 35 (7d6)

>>4342650

Go 30
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>>4342660
should've gone all in. ah well
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>>4342660
good shit
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>>4342449
>I don't care if Lord Lydden gets his panties in
agreed.

>insult her father's principle bannermen at dinner
She wouldn't be. She would have an issue with us. Who at this junction arent bannermen to anyone but the crown. And even then, a special bannerman that he has to pay.

I just want to make sure we are sat where we should be. And not overreaching. For such a small issue, we can make sure we sit where we should be possibly a bit better with >>4342660
like, sit at the edge between low lords and high landed Knights kind of thing.

While yes we would be disrupting Cersei anyway. It's reasonable for us to be where we will be placed now. And Anyone who see's us there will say it's reasonable instead of being with lords and Bannerman who are well renowned. But who knows she's a crazy bitch anyhow. This might be enough to set her off, but I feel more comfortable with this.
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>>4342660
Based
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>>4342711
I also want to confirm even knowing that the queen could take this out on us. OOC we know shes a crazy bitch, that takes shit up the ass and retaliates. But IC Aurion doesn't know that, and him just learning that she screwed us he would want to give her the finger. But still, respect her husband enough to not upset things. Since we are after that trade deal. At least that's my take of Aurion.
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>>4342711
I don't think your reasoning is wrong at all. I just think we're not doing enough in general. We take the safe options for just about everything including dealing with assassination plots and now it looks to me like we are about to coast through this wedding event on more safe votes rather than trying for some high risk high reward. The only exception I can think of is the Bar Emmon attack and that was more from a misunderstanding of the best of 3 crutching not applying to npcs. The MC is supposed to be a lowborn literal sellsword and he's being played more like a highborn westerosi knight. I don't get the point of voting for something exciting like that in character creation and then flipping the script in game. But I guess that's not a majority opinion because here we are. Maybe when Cerelle gets killed from all the inaction things will flip again. The closest we got to bold was fucking Cleo after she called us a pussy for being so meek in negotiating. Crossing my fingers for another moment like that.
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>>4342872
I hear your point. We picked an interesting character.
>Goal: Family/Love
>Motivation: Fear (loneliness/failure)
And picking the safe option when we have essentially obtained our goals & motivation seem to be the best options. Especially if we want to see our kid grow up. But we have many loose ends to already get to, and plenty more we don't know about I am sure.
I would say >Vice: Reckless
works really well, cause we sometimes just give into our vice and go for the high risk high reward you've seen with some options. Just sometimes going full murderhobo is to edgy.
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>>4342887
Skipping over that just being a carbon copy of malroy and reynold for drives, more meek voting, that's what I don't get. We are at a wedding right now trying to rub shoulders with our "betters" when our family is at risk and I have this sinking feeling we are about to push through it taking no risks and getting nowhere significant.

>family man sellsword (weird) your pregnant wife is in imminent danger!
>uh, okay. I'm uh... gonna need you to look into that and get back to me. Hey, do you think this doublet brings out my eyes? Oh, or maybe I should downplay them because the king might not be my best friend if he thinks I'm valyrian? Gee what a sticky decision!
>>
>>4342872
But yeah, I do like the idea that we have such a unique character. But IC some of our >reckless vice is curved by our wife's
>"Fear: Loss of loved ones"
We know that much about her. She works hard and is an overachiever to overcome and solve problems so others(our self) don't have to risk it all.
I was more interested in a solve our problems slow and steady while taking mild risks, joining other lord's war's and going across the sea if need be. Gaining money the god old fashion way we know how.
>>4342911
I hear you.
>>
>>4342911
I mean idk about others, but this is my first quest actually starting and sticking to from the get. So this is the only one I feel connected to so far. I can't speak for other quests. I jump around Reynold's so I vote here and there. When I read the previous 1-3 posts before the vote.

I want to see Aurion experience what having a family is like. We are risking/gambeling with our wife's life that we can protect her, from the best assassins in the world so we can make these connections. If that isn't a bold assertion idk what is. But as I have said majority rules. I like hearing other people's point of view and I change my vote sometimes if I see a good enough reason to change. If I feel it fits my view of Aurion. Even if I don't believe it's the best choice but, if i feel it's something he would have thought about.
I like to play the "character" when possible. even if it some times means picking the bad option.
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>>4342911
Something to be said about being lowborn is understanding that feudalism is very much a thing. Aurion absolutely challenges the system, but I feel like hes also someone who knows you have to play by the rules sometimes in order to break them later. I agree that he's been played a bit safe but sellswords dont live long without at least a bit of caution. Him having the audacity to marry a wife so far out of his league is proof hes willing to be bold, but he also knows who he is and she may need reminding she married down considerably. That type of stuff matters in the type of world that Westeros is.
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>>4343019
Agreed completely. But that was the first option which no one chose. We went with breaking the queen's little seating jab but in a meek way. So we get noticed for reaching and defiance without embracing it. It's like the "compromise" option always gets prioritized and that's not always a good call.
>>
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“I’ll defer to my lady wife’s good sense on these things. You know she was a queen’s handmaiden before we met? We’ll take a seat somewhere a bit above wherever it is we’re to sit,” you tell the steward.

He at least attempts to look dignified in his annoyance, busily consulting some list or another. “Ser Shryke I presume? I assure you, the approved and official plans are perfectly adequate for a man of your station if you will look here---”

“Yeah?” you clap him on the shoulder in a genial manner and lean in closer for a more personal conversation. “Fuck all that. Me? I’d sooner be out drinking and dicing with the more entertaining lads in the yard, but my lady wife likes this shit. These are her types, see? She grew up playing around the queen you keep using as a shield, who attended our wedding by the by, and I won’t have her embarrassed with a shit seat. Now unfuck this before I liven this dull Westerosi feast up a bit and drag over some highborn off the high dais who owes me a favor or three.”

You lean back and let him drink in your self-assured face while your companions look to you with an assortment of confusion and suspicion. There’s a reason men die for you and women swoon for you and it isn’t because you’re comely. No, maybe you were ten years and ten scars ago, but now you just look the part of a man that won’t bend or break against all Seven Hells. You’ve bent merchant princes over negotiating tables from the Sea of Myrth to the Jade Gates and you’ll be damned if some upjumped coat handler gets the better of you now.

He meets your eyes and breaks, beginning to flip through the parchments with desperate vigor. “Yes, well of course. House Shryke of the Narrow Sea, how could I have missed that? Yes. It does seem we have at least one cancellation amongst your esteemed neighbors of House Rambton who were to be seated with the Lords Sunglass, Rosby… Stokeworth, ah and my Lord of Massey of course.”

>Perfect.
>You’ve had about enough of them of late and don’t want spill any blood on these fresh rushes. Someone of their status from the Stormlands or Riverlands can swap with you for the local table while you deal with friendlier folk.
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>>4343065
>>You’ve had about enough of them of late and don’t want spill any blood on these fresh rushes. Someone of their status from the Stormlands or Riverlands can swap with you for the local table while you deal with friendlier folk.
>>
>>4343065
>>Perfect.
This will be great.
Even if we haven't taken up the sunglass offer. he should be somewhat friendly towards us.
Now the Massey thing will be entertaining. And letting our lady wife have that conversation will be fucking hilarious. While she outwits the poor fucker at every turn.
>>
>>4343065
>Perfect
>>
>>4343065
>You’ve had about enough of them of late and don’t want spill any blood on these fresh rushes. Someone of their status from the Stormlands or Riverlands can swap with you for the local table while you deal with friendlier folk.
>>
>>4343065
>Perfect.
I mean what could be better. Showing up to a feast and sitting with a guy who tried to fuck us. And have his betrothed in tow. Splendid, indeed.
>>
>>4343065
>>Perfect.
>>
>>4343065
>>Perfect.
Don't the dothraki say that a wedding without a murder or three is considered a dull affair?
>>
Writing!
>>
“Perfect,” you grin at the steward. This time something of your look makes the man blanch and step back. “Did you hear that my ladies? We are going to dine with our great friends of Massey and Sunglass. I did always prefer the Dothraki take on these events. Well, what are you waiting on? Off we go.”

It hadn’t occurred to you until just now that you might get such an opportunity, but it does make a sort of sense. You only have so many neighbors that aren’t stubbornly holed up in the rocks around Dragonstone and even you can see it would be passing stupid to mix tables of houses of different regions given how recently the fighting ceased. The round table you’re led to is somewhat modestly placed as well, towards the middle of the hall rather than up close to the royals like Cerelle’s parents might be. It does make you wonder where they’d intended to place you. Probably near the back. Hoarse-voiced pages rattle off introductions as you approach.

You recognize Lord Guncer Sunglass immediately with his rich dress and calm bearing. He’s seated next to the Lord Gyles Rosby, an equally thin and well-dressed man who appears to be a few years older than your pseudo-rival and notably more pallid. They’re flanked on one side with Stokeworths, a sharp-nosed woman of about forty being the Lady Tanda Stokeworth with her daughters Falyse and Lollys. The former looks like a younger, skinnier version of her mother with plump lips that would’ve had you leering a year ago while the latter is a chubby moon-faced girl that looks truly confused as to where to place her hands about the table. Near opposite them are two of House Massey. A boy of perhaps eight or ten that can only be the son of Lord Dustin by appearance alone… you had heard he was a widower. His name is Lucas. Then there is the man himself, Lord Dustin Massey. He’s older than you by a few years, perhaps around thirty. It’s difficult to be sure with his fair features and shock of platinum hair. He’s probably won a maid or three’s affections in his years even if he’s right on the edge of losing that sort of look. His rosy cheeks only flush further as you’re introduced.

Septon Boremund, well aware of the conflict here, is quick to act by taking the seat next to Lucas Massey while you hold out chairs for Lady Cassandra Bar Emmon and Cerelle, leaving Lord Dustin stuck between his son and Lady Falyse and you stuck between ward and wife. So much for under the table knife fights. At least Cerelle can easily converse with Lord Guncer from her seat next to him. That should further reinforce the truth of your words.

How do you want to play this?
>Keep things courteous and civil as you’re expected to.
>Embrace your inner cheeky shit. You might be blocked from sparing with blades, but you’re just as deadly with some wordplay.
>Drop the act and the subtlety. This man is your enemy and you will make that clear.
>Something else/something to add?
>>
>>4343204
>>Embrace your inner cheeky shit. You might be blocked from sparing with blades, but you’re just as deadly with some wordplay.
>>
>>4343204
>>Embrace your inner cheeky shit. You might be blocked from sparing with blades, but you’re just as deadly with some wordplay.
>>
>>4343204
>Embrace your inner cheeky shit. You might be blocked from sparing with blades, but you’re just as deadly with some wordplay.
The man who loses his temper first is the true loser
>>
>>4343204
>>Embrace your inner cheeky shit. You might be blocked from sparing with blades, but you’re just as deadly with some wordplay.
Oh boy!
>>
The battle begins. I'm going to need 3 rolls of 6d6 for Persuasion (Incite). His intrigue defense is 14 and his composure is 9. Your "damage" here is based off of Cunning, so you're going to want a 24 here to knock that down to zero in 1 go.
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 1, 5, 3, 5 = 24 (6d6)

>>4343251
>>
Rolled 2, 6, 4, 5, 3, 5 = 25 (6d6)

>>4343251
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 3, 6, 6, 6 = 28 (6d6)

>>4343251
let's see what happens
>>
>>4343254
>>4343256
>>4343261
Pfft. Of course. Writing. Honestly, this was closer than you might think. You have an intrigue defense of 11 and he rolled a 16 with 4 cunning, putting you at 1/9 composure. Had this round gone with less than 3 degrees, then the next might've ended with mutual fisticuffs.
>>
If Lord Massey’s cheeks weren’t flushed at mere mention of your name, they certainly are when you turn to Lady Cassandra after helping Cerelle into her seat. Your hands brush her bared shoulders just so as you beckon her to sit and the girl likely couldn’t help the pleased smile that crosses her lips if she tried, which she didn’t.

“You are this Shryke I’ve heard such tale of? The sellsword captain?” Lady Falyse asks.

“Aye my lady, among other things. What tales have you heard? I wonder if they’re half as interesting as the ones I’ve heard of late,” you fix Lord Massey with a challenging look. “Ah, my lord you look flushed. Perhaps we can get a page to open another door for your health?”

“That won’t be necessary,” he grinds out while Lady Falyse speaks of a clearly embellished story of Sharp Point.

“Alas my lady, like any great tale that one has gained and lost bits in the retelling. I did walk in through the front door, but I had no part in sacking anything. Although there was indeed a sack. Some lowly filth made off with the castle’s coffers and many a maid’s virtue. I’m only responsible for Lady Bar Emmon’s… presence, as she might confirm” you smirk as your rival shifts uncomfortably at the possible implications while the two ladies converse more on the events.

“My lady, I had heard you were with child, but I must confess I believed your wedding to be a recent thing, was it not?” Lord Guncer asks your wife with a tone more of concern than reproach. Right, the stories he’s heard…

“It was, my lord. A pity you could not have attended. My child is blessed by the Mother and Maiden both. Ser Aurion and I grew quite close after he rescued me, enough so that even my lord father consented to our union. An unlikely match to be sure, but he could afford to let his daughter marry for love with his power so strengthened in his victories,” Cerelle tells him. Her dignified, eloquent approach lacks the vigor of your brand of persuasion, but it seems to satisfy the pious lord all the same.

“A touch improper, is it not? You speak of love but are bastards not born of such emotions?” Lord Massey presses, drawing small gasps from the Stokeworth ladies and causing you to clench your fist.

“No,” Septon Boremund cuts in.

“I beg your pardon? Who exactly are you to say?” Lord Massey asks, surprised by the bluntness.

“A Septon. You miss that part? There’s no sin as far as the Faith is concerned. They’re wed and the child is yet to be born. Have you not read the Seven-Pointed Star, lad?” your septon asks.
>>
>>4343380
“Our revered septon’s words ring true,” Lord Guncer confirms. Lord Rosby clears his throat, not for the first time… then says nothing.

“I suppose… ah, I heard tale you were raised by a septon were you not?” Lord Massey rounds on you again and smiles. “He was killed while you were off sailing, wasn’t he? Where were you again? A pleasure house in Lys? Or was it while you danced about at Dragonstone?”

Your blade is sharp and fast. You could open his throat before he clears the table. But instead you nod. “He was a blacksmith in truth, though he did die defending a sept. He was like a father to me, better than I deserved. He died well, fighting for what he believed in… I do wish I could say the same of your brother.”

“You---” he starts to lean, or perhaps lunge, forward. His wine glass tips over, red blotches staining his cloth-of-silver doublet. Would that it were blood. One day soon. He straightens himself, trying to salvage what’s left of his dignity in front of the shocked table, and turns to Lady Cassandra. “I find myself rather bored of this, would my lady like to accompany on a walk in the gardens?”

“No, I believe I am quite comfortable here, my lord. Please do enjoy yourself without me,” Lady Cassandra replies, earning a glare in return.

“Lucas. Come,” he beckons his confused son to stand and then promptly storms from the hall, setting those who noticed the outburst to their buzzing gossips. A hapless page cleans up the mess while Lady Tanda prompts Lord Gyles to speak of farming yields in a clumsy attempt of steering the conversation back into more civil territory.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 4d6 for Awareness (Empathy)?
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 4, 2 = 15 (4d6)

>>4343383
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 1, 3 = 9 (4d6)

>>4343383

Eloquent Social
You have an uncanny knack for wordplay and diplomacy.
Requires Language 4, Persuasion 4

When engaged in an intrigue using a Language in which you have rank
4 or greater, you automatically go first in the round.

I really want eloquent. Just seems like this shit sucks. If we picked it up, would you give us anything extra Boggs? Seems like something Aurion would pick during peace times chatting it up with nobles.
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 6, 6 = 19 (4d6)

>>4343383
>>
>>4343394
wew
>>
>>4343394
>Bottom
>>4343394
I really should stop rolling, this is getting ridiculous
>>
>>4343389
>>4343390
>>4343394
Well that 19 will cover it.

>>4343390
I might, I'd have to think about it. I do like to do what I can to incentivize benefits that don't get much love due to mechanics. Initiative can be really strong if we find ourselves getting into more complex intrigues. You get the word in first against someone formidable in playing the game and knock down their composure before their "turn" and that's that. That's how combat should work as well, but initiative is usually overlooked in these quests with simultaneous strikes the norm. I'd personally like to get away from that. Anyway, writing!
>>
This has been entertaining, well worth the choice. I am interested in who our table companions would have been if we had accepted our given seats in the back.
>>
You glance around while they drone on about counting coppers, more interested in the reactions to that little scene you managed to goad Lord Massey into causing. Cerelle does join in the copper talk with her knowledge of your own yields and a resolved look after that display. Truth be told, you haven’t the slightest clue as to the details of that mess, knowing only that your fields produce somewhere between a lot and more than needed. As for the others, Lady Lollys looks confused, maybe even a little frightened, but you’re beginning to suspect that’s her usual look. Lady Falyse only looks excited by it all, no more than a juicy little morsel of gossip as far as she’s concerned. Lord Guncer and Septon Boremund both look pensive, perhaps that’s to be expected of their sort… though you’d image at least the former has much to think on now that your earlier words have only been reinforced by his own observations.

Then there’s Lady Cassandra. She looks shaken. As in, she’s shaking ever so slightly. You’re not sure if she’s ever actually rejected a man of Lord Massey’s stature before. She was kept around by her fratricidal cunt of a brother to play the harp at his leisure until her body could be used to seal a pact with a widower with little use for more heirs. Perhaps she didn’t quite see it that way at first, but the evidence has been gradually mounting in front of her eyes until it culminated in her supposed betrothed quickly reduced to heavy-handedness in speech and mannerisms by a lowborn sellsword. She must feel… lost, like she has no true ally in all of this after the side she backed out of complacency has turned out to be a dead weight even by her naïve reckoning.

Not to mention… by the Seven, is that a genuine dwarf? And they dressed it up in little Lannister colors! Here you were sure Westerosi had no sense of humor, yet here it is waddling by towards the higher seats. Higher. Hah. You haven’t encountered one since taking on provisions in Volantis. Fine timing really, you’ve felt your luck waning on an occasion or two of late and yet here’s a fresh supply nearly in arms’ reach.

>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>Don’t. There might be more to this little stunt than you know.
>>
>>4343459
>>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
Bullying Tyrion (if that is him) will never be not fun
>>
>>4343459
>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
What luck!
>>
>>4343459
>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>>
>>4343459
>>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
We drink with Tyrion till he lets us rub him off
>>
>>4343459
>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>>
>>4343459
>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>>
>>4343459
>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>>
Oh we're actually going to do this?
>>
>>4343533
Yes, our wife's family liege's son, is gona be good boy'd.
And we won't even know what we did wrong. This is gona be epic. Good or bad we don't know yet.
>>
How old is he at this point?
>>
>>4343459
>>Rub the dwarf’s head. Everyone knows that’s good luck.
>>
>>4343543
oh shit, this may not be as funny anymore. I am starting to regret my decision.
Cersei is 7 years older than Tyrion. Meaning if she is 18, the boy is 11...This is fucked up. :/
No regerts
>>
Wiki says he was born in 273 so he'll be like 11, and already rejected by lords for their daughters
>>
>>4343552
nah man, this is the best opportunity that Boggs could've given us. It's in character, hilarious, and we'll win points with the queen if she notices (not that Aurion would know that). It might come back to bight us in the ass later (Tyrion isn't the type to forget), but fuck it, we don't know the difference. If confronted later we might even be able to talk our way out of it (foreign customs/i'm not from around here). Tyrions pretty reasonable, all things considered.
>>
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>mfw aurion gets on tywin's bad side so such a degree that we get our own faceless man to match our wife's
>>
>>4343565
>Tyrion isn't the type to forget)
In my mind I just didn't think it through. It would have been much more hilarious if it was an adult. And lets be honest, if it was an 18 year old Tyrion. We could charm and drink with him. 11 year old Tyrion is just a cute little boy. Who's dad hates him..
Still we committed to this.
>>
Tyrion is still a virgin who hasn't met Tysha yet, not the drunk jaded one we all know lol.
>>
Well we voted only to pay his head for luck. For follow up we can treat him like an adult and not mock him further, maybe even tell him an adventure or two we had.

Once we find out who he is, maybe we can roll some charm (convince) to convince him we were genuine.
>>
>>4343571
He's got much worse trauma to come. He wont be forced to lose his virginity for a few years now.
>>
“Little friend! Little friend, over here,” you call out to the amusing little creature. It’s hurried waddling slows to a halt and it looks to you with curious, mismatched eyes. You beckon it, him, closer and he cautiously obliges. What a truly unfortunate face. It looks squished in with how his overlarge forehead juts, a feature only exaggerated with his tiny body and stubby limbs. You’re not well-versed in dwarf lore, but you’d reckon this one is only on the cusp of the earlier stages of manhood.

Cerelle takes notice. “Aurion, what---”

You reach out and give his head a good hearty rub, tousling his strange-colored hair a touch as he lets out an outraged little cry. And you nearly cry out as well as your wife pinches your side and twists in an unprecedented display of physical prowess on her part, glaring daggers at you when you give her a hurt look. “What did I---”

“That is Tyrion Lannister, Lord Tywin’s youngest son, and you will apologize to him. This. Instant.” she tells you in a furious half-whisper.

You turn to the young dwarf. “Well I’m sorry, I suppose. Didn’t mean anything by it. Everyone knows it’s good luck to rub a dwarf’s head. Hells, you should use that line in a couple years in a tavern or three. Might be a wench won’t know which head to rub and decides to be thorough,” you grin.

He smooths out his hair, looking to you with mistrust with black and green eye both before reaching some sort of judgement of you. “You are not from here. Your accent is strange,” he states. You nod. “Then I suppose I must accept your apology, ser…?”

“Aurion. Aurion Shryke. There’re some other titles mixed in there somewhere, might be someone has a list. A pleasure, my young friend, truly. I haven’t come across a dwarf since Volantis and my lady wife will tell you I rely overmuch on my luck,” you tell him.

“Volantis? You’ve sailed that far?” he asks, eyes alight with curiosity.

“Further still,” you say, though you swear you hear Cerelle whisper a similar sounding word under her breath.

“Will you tell me of it?” he asks, beckoning for another chair to be brought forward.

>More tomorrow. Yeah, he’s still 11. Less in a whoring phase and more in an increasingly dejected yet extremely curious phase. I don’t really have a vote here, but if there’s anything you’d like talk with him about, then feel free to suggest things. Otherwise, you’re probably going to be presenting your “gift” to the king tomorrow night, so if there’s anything in particular you’re looking to do there, then drop it in below. Thanks for playing!
>>
>>4343580
Corrupt the dwarf.
>>
>>4343580
thanks for your time. Seemed pretty innocent enough, we will charm the boy. And keep him company and entertained while we chat with the house around us.
>>
>>4343580
Pluck a jewel off of our belt and give it to him.
"You see this? This is from Qarth, have you ever heard of it? Run along Tyrion, come see me tomorrow and i'll tell you all about the world"
If Cerelle gets pissed just say we're running damage control. If nothing adverse happens act smug and say "see...rubbing a dwarfs head is good luck. We're in with the royal family on both sides now"
>>
>>4343580
Thanks for running man, this was very entertaining.

As for suggestions, if we can get an in-character read on him (maybe an awareness check) perhaps we can suggest to him that he should get out of his father's boot and explore the world, maybe we'll take him ourselves as an escort on a contract (we were wondering about Essos adventures after this). If we can pick up on his reading habit, mention that we have just learned reading and he can suggest some books to us.

As for Robert we want to continue to serve him directly, not under some other lord, we have experience as a sellsword and would like to keep our title and our job, acting as the king's own force if needed (suggest that the King does not have a standing army like Tywin has his Red Cloaks, so we can be Robert's hammer of justice. Maybe he dislikes Tywin already so he'll like that comparison).

I'm forgetting if the trial is still happening or not, but we need some avenue to push for some concrete terms and compensation I suppose?
>>
>>4343608
Well Kings Landing has the goldcloaks. Sure they might not be as well trained, or as we know from the books particularily loyal, but it's still a standing force of men.

I think Robert is an easy mark for someone like Aurion. We just need to talk shop about adventures in Essos, fucking women from all over the world and what not. Use the smallest timeframe we get to charm him, similar to Jalabar Xho
>>
>>4343650
Yeah but the Gold cloaks generally don't venture beyond King's Landing, unlike the Red Cloaks. We're advertising as a personal enforcement squad throughout the King's domains and beyond.

Also brag about the Valyrian sword we acquired, because A)why the fuck not and B) It's a freaking huge achievement for someone as "low" as us. Maybe play up the Tywin angle again, like this guy has spent his life trying to get his hands on a Valyrian steel weapon, meanwhile we got it for a bargain, didn't even have to do anything! (What happened to that, btw? We never pursued the pirate angle again and Cleo just settled down in KL)
>>
Oddly ASOIAF quests rarely play courtly scenes and this one has been immensely entertaining. Thanks for running, Boggs!
>>
>>4343580
Oh no no no
I love how people voted for this
>>
>>4343580
Holy shit this entire scene is gold.

Aurion is going to end up with a dwarf child
>>
Remind me boys, do we KNOW that there's a faceless man stalking our wife or was that just us taking the fact we have an assassin from Braavos hot on us to mean the worst possible thing?
>>
>>4344168
I think it's an assumption? I dived the last thread in the archives yeaterday and remember Cleo seemed to think it could be any number of things.
>>
>>4344190
Oh, thank god. I don't think that the powers working against us could afford to call out a FM on a lady of one of the old noble houses of Westeros.
>>
>>4343599
Casually plucking off a gem with our dinner knife and give the boy as a gesture of good will I can get behind, not the rest though.

>>4343580
Tell him the story of how Aurion and Vaeron broke into a lord's menagerie in Volantis to steal a tiger to impress Janessa before they married- you still don't know which of the two bit harder.
>>
>>4344216
Idk what they're supposed to cost other than being very expensive. A fat dowry plus whatever Massey already had on hand might cover it? The bigger thing was the part where they're all muh code about killing so they won't gank a pregnant woman because that's 2 lives and they were paid for one. Assuming it's them. If it's not them then it's almost worse because she could get killed any day now or maybe lose the child in a botched attempt.
>>
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“So, we get the beast outside the drunken sot’s walls and into the city proper. Now that was the tricky part what with it being daylight still. Not sure it could’ve worked in most places, but every year is election year in Volantis and one of the two factions has a tiger as their sigil, so we improvised. A few sweet words and the women let down their dress straps and bared their breasts,” there’s a few shocked gasps from the highborn wo at this part so you add, “which was only proper, mind, who would take fully clothed campaigners seriously? That’d just show a lack of conviction, terrible disguising really. Any road, they get to strutting around us while Vaeron holds the leash and I keep shouting ‘Vote Malaquo’ to the heavens in my very best Valyrian. I wager I got the man himself a few votes that day, and not one word of thanks for it. We carried on like that right up the ramp and onto the galley. Malaq had some choice words over quartering the tiger. My fleetmaster, not the triarch. Incidentally, I think he was that triarch’s property at one point. See he didn’t know what we were on about because he was stuck on the ship while we took on provisions. He was wanted in Volantis over some entirely unreasonable smuggling charges. All in all, I’d call it a fine outing.”

“And what precisely became of this unfortunate creature?” Cerelle asks. The story was more for the young Tyrion’s sake and you’d say he’s been quite entertained so far, but naturally the rest of the table started listening in. If nothing else, your tales are a far cry from crop yields and copper clipping methods.

“Hmm. Dunno. As odd as it sounds, I don’t think Janesa thought we’d go through with it. I’d seen it around her family’s palace a time or two, so it might still be there if it lives. It’d be just like her to stick her mother with it. Course, we didn’t bring it with us back to Westeros. The galleys we were able to wrangle for the journey were packed enough without a man-eating beast tossed in the holds,” you say.

“So, you took the tiger back to Qarth. Could you tell me more of it? I have heard it is the world’s oldest city,” Tyrion says. Alas, dwarf or no, his status as a Lannister has a relieved courtier rushing over to him before you can continue. With the feast already begun and moving to its second course, you get the feeling you’ve only had this long with him because of how crowded the Great Hall has become. There must be a thousand highborn mingling about, jostling for favor or spinning their plots… or just getting right and proper drunk in many cases.
>>
>>4344924
“It seems I’ve been summoned,” Tyrion says, eyes downcast. He’s glanced towards the dais in trepidation a few times since sitting down. There’s little you can do to save him from his fate, but you can do the next best thing. You retrieve a small dirk from your boot and use it to pry a topaz from your belt while the wary young dwarf looks on.

“Here,” you place it in his little hand while the courtier waits. “It seems the stone’s come loose from my belt. If you had any notion of what I plan to be drinking tonight, you’d rightly assume I’d lose a loose gem like that gambling by night’s end, so I’m trusting it to you for safe keeping. I’ll trade you a story for it when next we cross paths. Sooner’s better as I’ll look right foolish walking about with a gem missing for too long.”

The dwarf gives you a surprisingly warm grin and nods to your offer. You notice Cerelle giving you what you know to be her bedroom eyes. She leans in and whispers, “you will make a great father.” You smile back, and begin forming a plan to get her off to one of the quieter gardens or perhaps an unoccupied bed chamber, but the moment is ruined when Tyrion trips on the rushes in his haste to match the courtier’s hurried pace. Highborn from some of the surrounding tables take notice and laugh at the dwarf’s latest misfortune, putting a frosty look back on your wife’s face.

She stands and strides over to the red-faced young Lannister as he tries to salvage what little dignity is left to him. “My lord Tyrion, it would seem we are due to present a gift to His Grace. If you would be so kind as to escort me to the dais? I would rather not do so alone being so heavy with child,” she says to him while offering her hand. He looks up to her with brief uncertainty and you note his mismatched eyes do rest on her ample cleavage for a moment before he takes her hand and begins walking with her to the dais. You don’t think he could refuse even if he wanted to. Even a stunted lad like him would’ve been taught all the lessons of courtesy and chivalry that other highborn are forced to learn.

You motion for Lady Cassandra Bar Emmon to come along with you as she’s the “gift.” Your bottle of rum was already collected along with the thousand other gifts for the new royal couple, but you could hardly place a lady amidst the mountain of trinkets… at least not on this side of the Narrow Sea.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 4d6 for Awareness (Empathy)?
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 1, 3 = 14 (4d6)

>>4344925
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 3, 4 = 13 (4d6)

>>4344925
Last time I rolled 4d6, I got quad 1s, so I literally cannot do worse.
Also, hell yeah for endearing Tyrion to us. I'm sure we can use it to our advantage, though I'd like for us to ally ourselves with people other than Westermen. I'm a northtard, myself.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>4344934
Can I reroll that 1 for 'Attractive'?
>>
>>4344944
nevermind. I realized this is self check not a convince check. sorry.
>>
>>4344944
Aurion doesn't have that benefit and it doesn't apply to Awareness. Maybe for your heir. Gods that would be broken. Aurion's charm with some of Cerelle's better features?
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 3, 6 = 18 (4d6)

>>4344925
>>
>>4344963
Damn, I was re-reading House Reynold's quest yesterday and somehow it didn't register that Aurion had a different character sheet. Hell I was about to tell you to roll that extra Lucky roll in the conversation with the king.
>>
>>4344963
They’d be king within two years
>>
>>4344977
You will need to rub a few more dwarf heads for that one.

Writing with the 18!
>>
You’d say your wife lends a fair bit of dignity to the young dwarf’s trek to his place at one of the tables at the foot of the high dais where several other Lannisters are gathered. His waddle even looks less pronounced as Cerelle’s state of dress and pregnancy cause her to tread carefully. You hang back a moment as they stop in front of the Lannister table and exchange a few words with those gathered. A few shoot curious looks your way at a word from your wife, so you shoot them a grin back. Aside from Ser Kevan you don’t think most of them were around for your wedding, especially not the extremely buxom one next to a reedy balding man at her side. You know you’d remember her.

You take Cerelle’s offered arm and continue the last few steps to the high dais just beneath the looming Iron Throne. Your eye feels drawn to the throne, remaining fixed upon it until a slight hesitation in Cerelle’s step draws you back down to the present. You follow her gaze to her parents at a nearby table… then she pointedly looks away. Her mother has a pained look on her face while her father only scowls and reaches for his cup. They’ve a little one with them, a boy of four or five with messy golden hair that can only be her brother Jason. That puts a brief frown on your face. Has Cerelle even met the lad? If so, it would’ve been when he was still swaddled. You’re not sure you give a fig about her lordly father at this point, but siblings should at least know each other.

Then you’re on past a motley band of what can only be advisors and in front of the dais. You recognize the new queen rightly enough, Lady Cersei of House Lannister. And as beautiful as ever. Well, she would be if she wasn’t so clearly displeased with your wife. Odd, that. It’s not as if your seating would’ve been noticed from here. You kneel before her and a giant of a man with a mane of black hair and bright blue eyes. This is the first you’ve laid eyes on him, but there’s no introduction needed to pick him out as the King Robert Baratheon, even in his obvious boredom. The same can’t quite be said of you. Yet.
>>
>>4345084
“Ser Aurion Shryke of Stormgrave, Captain of the Stormbringers Free Company and Proctor of the Faith. His lady wife, Lady Cerelle of House Lydden. And… Lady Cassandra Bar Emmon of… Sharp Point,” the herald announces, ending with far less certainty than he began.

“House Bar Emmon is in open rebellion against the Crown,” you hear the Hand, Lord Jon Arryn levelly state from the king’s side even as King Robert beckons you stand. You met the frowning, aging Valeman once before in what felt like a lifetime ago. Now he has a pretty auburn-haired lass at his side. His daughter, perhaps?

“Aye, my Lord Hand. My latest batch of rum might get lost amongst the other gifts, so I thought, ‘why not bring another house back into the King’s Peace for good measure?’ My ward, Lady Cassandra, is the Lady of Sharp Point now and has come to swear fealty,” you announce. She takes her cue and kneels once more.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 8d6 for Charm?
>>
Rolled 3, 6, 3, 1, 1, 5, 5, 6 = 30 (8d6)

>>4345087
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 6, 5, 3, 4, 4, 4 = 35 (8d6)

>>4345087
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 3, 5, 1, 4, 2, 4 = 27 (8d6)

>>4345087
please please please something good. This is the one we need
>>
>>4345088
>>4345093
>>4345096
A 32 vs an Intrigue Defense of 16 will net you a solid 4 degrees. Safe to say he's a fan, but you haven't truly asked anything of him yet.
>>
>>4345106
If you think he likes us now, just wait until Aurion invents the breastplate stretcher.
>>
>>4345106
I was reading the character sheet, btw and saw this -
>Magnetic: Increase target's disposition from successful Charm test by 1 extra step
How does this work exactly?
>>
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>>4345112
Now that's getting your money's worth out of your armorsmith.

>>4345121
Disposition is how much people like you and also functions as an intrigue test modifier. Here's the chart. I tend to keep a good amount of the specific numbers for everything behind the scenes so that you all don't have to wade through the same amount of rules bloat that I do, but I do factor these into DCs. Hitting the highest and lowest tiers on the chart is a little different in that the highest is basically your closest loved ones and the lowest is sworn nemesis-tier.
>>
>>4345136
>>4345121
...which doesn't answer your question. Basically, a successful charm test would normally bump the disposition up by 1 step (such as Indifferent to Amiable), but Magnetic lets you take it up 2 steps as long as you beat the DC by at least 5 (such as Indifferent to Friendly).
>>
>>4345149
Seems a little broken but if we get another bonus die in charming wouldn't it be a 3 step jump?
Where are we at now?
>>
You see some recognition on the king’s face. “Shryke? The one with the rum and the Free Company. I remember that much. And you would be my queen’s friend from the west?” he asks of Cerelle, continuing before she can respond. “A fine gift, wouldn’t you say, Jon? Not enough of my bannermen’ve been bringing these damned dragons to heel. Too busy sitting on their thumbs instead of fighting,” he shoots an annoyed look to a gaunt, brooding man a few chairs down and then looks down at your kneeling ward. Her eyes are fixed on the floor.

“You’ve no brothers or husband, girl?” King Robert asks of Lady Bar Emmon.

“My brothers were killed in the fighting, Your Grace. The last fell when Ser Aurion took the castle. I-I am unwed,” she timidly answers.

“Well you’ll do, then. Up you go. I’ve heard that bleeding oath too many times of late and I won’t sit through it now. Jon will sort it out on the morrow,” he waves her to her feet. She graciously bows and then steps back until she’s a few paces behind you.

“So, how’s the fighting out there? I’d finish this war up myself, but my advisors insist my bannermen prove themselves,” King Robert asks you.

“It’s a worse war than some and a better one than others I’ve fought, Your Grace. We’ve bled through the bulk of my regulars between storming castles and boarding actions. Costly victories, but I like the results. Any road, my elite Stormbringers are still itching to crack Dragonstone,” you report with confidence.

“And crack it you shall, Ser Shryke, that I swear. Just ‘Ser’ is it? I heard that right? Can’t say I’ve met your lord father,” the king asks.

“Aye, Your Grace. Can’t say I’ve met him either. I’m the first of my house, though I’ve been working on expanding,” you grin.

“Hah! I can see that well enough,” he nods to Cerelle. “Stormgrave. I’ve passed it a time or two. That’s off Massey’s Hook. That might just make you the only Narrow Sea House not itching to spear me,” he laughs, then looks pensive. You’re not sure what he’s thinking, but this might be your chance to speak to more. Should you ask him for something? Should you name the plotters around you like the supposedly loyal Massey? Or is it best to hold your tongue and count your blessings that this new king seems to like you well enough so far?

Will you:
>Ask him for something (what).
>See if he comes up with something on his own.
And:
>Bring up your suspicions of House Massey.
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.
>>
I'm going to stop here because this is a pretty big deal. Continuing tomorrow!

>>4345183
Nah. I don't want to break the game. I'm keeping it at 1 extra step. You just went from Indifferent to Friendly. Granted, that can decay over time or through your actions, but you're in about as good a place as you could be at present.
>>
>>4345205
I'm getting a feeling that he's thinking about making us the Lord of the area, or at the very least expand our lands. Not too certain though. Suggest something anons, I'm coming up empty here.

At the very least, build on his comment about the only one supporting him in our area, with a statement that
>'And I've had to pay a price for that your grace. I've been targeted by assassins and lost the sister of our 2nd in command and close friend and attacks on our pregnant wife'

Also about continuing our relationship and what I said here >>4343716 about being his own hammer of justice

Then see if he comes up with something, and if not then suggest whatever anons ask for
>>
>>4345205
>>Ask him for something (what).
Oh, the possibilities. I kinda want to save any potential goodwill until after the battle of Dragonstone, just in case we stop a certain ship from leaving the isle during a certain stormy night. Perhaps we just ask him for something he'd like us to do? I like the idea of ingratiating ourself to him like how >>4343716
proposed, minus the boasting. Maybe get the King's blessing to stamp out rebels in the Narrow Sea? We could ask for a bigger reward if we accomplish a task he sets.

In any case,
>>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.
>>
>>4345205
>See if he comes up with something on his own.
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.

Ok. I've been ranting about being bold and all that and I'm still not down to drop bombs on Bobby B's wedding feast with no evidence. I don't want to go asking for shit either because I feel like
>>4345230
is right in the lordship part. It makes sense to do that. I just don't want to look weak by acting like we're being shoahed too hard or ask for it and get called presumptuous by someone else before Bobby's gears finish turning.

Tl;dr: sit back and hope for lordship. That's what's best for the house and family.
>>
Hmmm not really sure what to ask other than reaffirm our claims to the land and perhaps even allowing us to expand further maybe nearby islands or land, maybe territory within the crownlands for a distillery or a manse in king's landing
>>
>>4345232
Agree on that. Also forgot to say
>Keep quiet for now, you don't have evidence

As far as I remember we were going to Braavos after this wedding business is done and before the Dragonstone expedition
>>
We could make quite the penny if we have a place producing and exporting on the main lands or house to stay if we have business in KL or more land
>>
>>4345205
>See if he comes up with something on his own.

>Bring up your suspicions of House Massey.

Tell him we are in the same boat. All of these houses aligned against us and were never truly loyal to the (new)crown. While we were protecting them from pirates they tried multiple assassinations.
Hint that we have no Lord in the area worth swearing fealty to
>>
Is there a diplomatic way to 'bank' our goodwill for now and ask for a bigger favor after Dragonstone? Presumably we'll solve the assassin mystery by then too and add that to our pile of things we have done for the crown.

I'd say let him finish his thought with just a reminder to keep us in his mind and enjoy our rum for now. It's Robert for Christ's sake, he may have some crazy idea that benefits us immensely that his council will try desperately to make him drop it later!
>>
>>4345250
>Hint that we have no Lord in the area worth swearing fealty to
Yeah this too. Support
>>
>>4345205
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence
>>
>>4345205
>>Ask him for something (what).
We should ask for soldiers to stamp out more rebels, if we can prove ourselves than maybe we can role that up into uniting with a real force to take Dragonstone. If he asks what makes us so confident about taking Dragonstone we can be honest about delivering his enemies there before we were bannermen for him, we got a good look at the place.
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.
But we should hint at something that should be discussed more privately, ("away from prying ears") he might not get it but Jon or Cersei probably will, that would be two enemies, plus selling him good booze.
If anyone objects just lean on the fact that we have never done this court thing before, too busy sailing the narrow sea and fighting battles, winning riches and glory and suchwhat, to be bothered with courtly affairs, but "well now i'm a knight, i should probably act, and do knightly things, would you not agree...my King"
>>
>>4345205
>See if he comes up with something on his own.

>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.

>Hint that we have no Lord in the area worth swearing fealty to
>>
>>4345205
>>See if he comes up with something on his own
Let him feel its his choice. See whats on the table, after we hit dragon stone we can come back for round 2, if we take good prisoners or do really well.

>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence
>>
>>4345205
>See if he comes up with something on his own.
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.
>>
Speaking of new lords. What's the over under on Redward being around here. Or a Reynold. Kinda surprised we haven't seen any
>>
I'm seeing
>See if he comes up with something on his own.
>Keep quiet for now, you don’t have evidence.

with a solid majority. I'll add in the bannerman hint as well. This should be fun.

>>4345909
Well, he would be a lord now and I'd think he'd still be in favor... but he's not my character, so I really can't say for sure. I've kind of danced around mentioning the Reynolds because I don't know where they'll end up with the plots at play in that quest. Their lands should be just about butting up against Lydden lands if they're not outright connected, so I'm itching to at least drop a mention when the right opportunity presents itself. I'm interested to see how they get along with the Lyddens. At least from this quest's canon, you might've seen Banefort and Lydden both weren't big Reyne fans to say the least, but who knows how that's evolved? In any case, I'll defer to Joe's take on it all since its his quest's house.
>>
>>4346156
I've always had the Lyddens as being the Reynold's neightbour to the west. I hadn't fluffed them out much aside form a potential marriage candidate for Tygon earlier on but then he married Andrea and we focused on the Brax's to the north instead. So for Lydden being strong Lannister men works for me.

I think Tygon and Andrea would be in the city regardless of the outcomes of Duty and Spite, similar to what happened with Cormaic. If you want, message me on twitter. I personally love doing the crossovers and tying the quests of /qst/ and /tg/ together.
>>
>>4345290
Agreed with this dude
>>
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“I’d say Your Grace has the right of it. If it’s any consolation, my rebel neighbors might want to spear me more, but at least the Seven saw fit to make them poor fighters. They’ll have to content themselves with sending me angry letters demanding I bend the knee,” you say with an easy smile, watching him closely as he nods along.

You’re sorely tempted to ask him for some compensation, but you’ve been in this boat a time or two before in negotiating with the wealthier magisters and this is much the same only writ larger. Some men just don’t think on the same scale as the rest of the world, and how could they with their eyes set on so much? The concept of their subjects living and toiling without ever venturing past the next copse of wood must be utterly alien to them. Why think of coppers when all you see is gold? Why should you suggest rewards of silver when he can’t think lower than gold?

“Hm. My lords of the Narrow Sea think they’re better than my loyal men, eh? Can’t be helped then, you’ll be Lord Shryke now. That’ll boil them seeing you raised higher. Let’s see if they come begging my Peace when they catch word of it,” King Robert decides.

“Robert---” Lord Arryn begins.

“I know what you’re going to say. Same as that lot over there,” he waves dismissively at the table of councilors. “I won’t have it. I’ve sealed a good many parchments dolling out pardons and high rewards to those I’d sooner see dangling from a noose. ‘It’s for the King’s Peace. It’s for the King’s Peace.’ I damned well hear the words in my bloody sleep. Well it’s my Peace. Lord Shryke is a good man and true who’s beating lords in the field. He’s earned it as much as I’ve earned this bloody crown. Besides it will boil those dragons and picturing their shitting faces upon word pleases your king greatly.”

Whatever argument that might’ve been given for or against the impromptu proclamation dies then and there. The older hand looks mildly put off, opting to turn to a nearby Kingsguard rather than argue further. For her part, the new Queen Cersei just buries herself behind a goblet while the royal advisors offer cordial congratulations like trained parrots. Sensing your audience is at an end, you thank the king heartily and take Cerelle’s cue to sketch a bow in departing. As he waves you off, you hear him call for the rum to be fished out of the gifts.
>>
>>4346865
“My lord and ladies. A moment,” the same Kingsguard approaches after you step away from the dais with Cerelle in arm and Lady Cassandra trailing. A veteran if you’ve ever seen one with his blonde hair beginning to fade to silver. “There is no cause for concern, but you should be aware Lady Bar Emmon will be expected to remain within the Keep for the night. My lady, you will be afforded all comforts as befits your station. As you’ve heard, the Lord Hand will render full judgement on the morrow in the presence of the Small Council. If you will?” he lends his arm to her with courtesy, looking a little apologetic if anything. She shoots you a fearful look, but you’re not sure how much comfort to offer her given recent events.

“Will you be there tomorrow?” she asks you. You turn to Cerelle who only offers your ward a chilly look. Your wife plainly doesn’t care for the notion and you could think of a number of other engaging activities you’d like to be up to tomorrow. A few don’t even involve a bed. Namely, putting this trial nonsense to rest, getting a better measure of this war planning, reconciling your wife with her family, or even just getting on a ship and sailing to Braavos with no further delays… but there might be opportunity in Lady Cassandra’s suggestion as well. Massey comes to mind. He might’ve stormed off to go cry into his soiled doublet, but he could regain some leverage if he catches wind of his presumedly still-betrothed’s predicament. Last you checked, he’s still favored by the crown.

>You’ll be there.
>You have other engagements.
>>
>>4346875
>You’ll be there
Can't risk Massey undermining us after we just gained that lordship.

Cerelle should be humping Aurion's brains out tonight
>>
>>4346875
>>You’ll be there.
We don't have to spend the whole day in the keep, I'd hope. And this shit with the narrow sea houses has gone on for long enough.
>>
>>4346875
>You'll be there
All those other plans can wait a single day

Called it on Robert making us a lord! What does it mean though, exactly? Is it just a change in title or does this mean that we have been granted some vassals now (or in the future)?
>>
Plus they will probably be looking for a suitable betrothal for her. It's best to be a part of that conversation
>>
>>4346925
Lord's can pass judgement in their lands. Landed knights technically would need to take some judgements to their perspective lord.

Other than that it's a prestige thing.
>>
>>4346925
A number of things. To start with, it's a hereditary title rather than hereditary land, so your children and their children can inherit regardless of whether or not they're knights. Daughters too. You also have the right to Pit and Gallows now (even if you've already abused that a little) and can "land" other knights. Past that, lords are at least in theory equals. In practice, not so much, but you don't have to contend with the "just a knight" label or nearly as much pressure to be a vassal of a vassal.

Oh, and it's a Historical Event for your house, so we'll have to do some rolling for that. Specifically, Ascent. There are a couple of other similar ones like Favor and Glory, but this one makes the most sense to me since your marriage did have an impact on the decision. Actually, let's get that out of the way, shall we?

>Can I get 4 rolls of 1d6? Influence, Lands, Power, Wealth in that order.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4346960
>>
Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>4346960
>>
Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>4346960
>>
Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4346960
>>
>>4346960
Thanks for clarifying!
>>
Not bad. House Resources are updated in the drive.
>>4346974
I bumped this to 2 for the sake of Cerelle's Head for Numbers.
>>
>>4346988
Bless you, Boggs
>>
“Wouldn’t miss it,” you assure her. She looks relieved, but Cerelle tugs on your arm to get you moving before she can say more. Whatever displeasure your wife feels over it is overshadowed by her obvious joy at your sudden ascent to lordship. She’s not one to display too much emotion, typically just adopting a sort of cold and dignified air, but she has a smile fixed to her face and looks her age for a change. It’s infectious.

Even with the unexpected nature of the whole affair, word travels nearly at the speed of your walk in this heart of courtly gossip. You see it reach Cerelle’s parents. They look befuddled, disbelieving even, and look to their daughter for confirmation. Her smile falters somewhat at their attention before returning again. She makes no move to detour for their sake and continues looking straight ahead until you reach your seats.

“Something happen up there?” Septon Boremund asks.

“Aye, seems I’m a lord now,” you tell him and the rest of the table.

“Bugger that lad, you were gone for but one course. What happened?” the septon asks Cerelle instead, but he sees the truth on her face readily enough and falls into a deep laughing fit.

“It seems congratulations are in order,” Lady Tanda Stokeworth offers. Her daughters and Lord Rosby follow suit. As does Lord Sunglass, albeit hesitantly. You’re no barrister, but you’d happily argue he has fuck all for a case with this development. That Rambton boy might still trouble you yet, but his family hasn’t a leg to stand on at present… and if they do, then you’ll be glad to kick it out from under them.

>Discuss things with Lord Sunglass now.
>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
>Something else.
>>
>>4347056
>>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
>>
>>4347056
>>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
I initially wanted to chat with sunglass. But we came to make friends. Now that we are on our way up being shown favor. We capitalize it.
>>
>>4347056
>Discuss things with Lord Sunglass now.
I want to smug it up. Give him the "Look forward to a prosperous relationship blah blah blah"
>>
>>4347056
>>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
>>
>>4347076
Even then I wouldn't want to be smug. He has been nothing but courteous with us for the most part I can't remember him being a dick.
He is our neighbor, and we should try and keep a good relationship with him if possible. Who knows we could trade food with him if house rambton somehow loses its ability to produce food, or anything else...
>>
>>4347056
>>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
Time to schmooze and booze. Perhaps not in that order. And then stumble upon an old vault full of dragon eggs and valyrian steel while trying to find a quiet place to shag.
>>
>>4347056
>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
>>
>>4347056
>>Nah. You’d rather steal away and “celebrate”
>>
Another dish comes out. Looks like a roast pigeon with a berry sauce over top. That everyone gets their own does bring back Septon Boremund’s earlier words of famine in the Stormlands. It might’ve been enough to hurt your appetite had you not been distracted trailing your hand up and down Cerelle’s thighs beneath the table. It doesn’t take long before she gives up trying to focus on her meal and just lets you work your magic. She crosses and uncrosses her legs, no doubt frustrated with whichever god is the patron of courtly dresses.

She abruptly gives in and stands. “My lords and ladies will excuse us. We must step away for a moment. A call of nature.”

“We?” your septon mutters with arched brow. She’s a terrible liar.

“You look quite flushed. Are you well, my lady?” Lady Tanda asks.

“Yes, it seems my child doesn’t agree with the food. Perhaps it’s best we retire. A pleasure, to be sure. Aurion?” she offers her hand as the words tumble out.

“Oh, go on then. I’ll find my own way back,” Septon Boremund scoffs through his bushy beard.

“Yes, well. Please tell Lenore to find me in my old chambers. She’ll know. On the morrow, not now,” Cerelle hastily instructs while you snag the wine in parting.

She leads the way, knowing these grounds far better than you from her time quartered here as a handmaiden. You’ve undone about half the laces of her bodice by the time you reach what are apparently her old chambers in some tiny keep past the sept. You can’t help but laugh when she offhandedly calls it the Maidenvault, a queer name.

The chambers you enter are unoccupied but have a faint smell of perfumes and a lady’s effects throughout. “Oh. One of my replacements?” Cerelle ventures. Not your problem. You push a great heavy chest over until the door is well blocked and then get to work on the dress. To your surprise, she frees you first and gets down on her knees. She’s never done that before---
>>
>>4347244
You’re well and truly content when you wake to pounding on the wooden door. Cerelle is still sprawled out naked on the bed in a blissful sleep. She was never an early riser from what you know. Must’ve made a terrible handmaiden, really. You grumble out a reply that likely goes unheard and reach for the wine. Empty. A true reason to rise. You pull on your breeches and slide the chest over to be greeted by Ser Edger and his sister Lenore along with some other girl distraught looking girl of an age with your wife’s cousin. They all collectively gasp at the state of the room… or is it a clothing thing? You glance back to the beautiful sight of the early morning light on a nice full, porcelain-colored arse.

“Don’t make it weird, mate. She’s your cousin,” you clap Ser Edger on the shoulder as you exit the room and give Cerelle some privacy. He only turns redder at your words, at a loss.

“Your shirt, ser,” he manages to deflect. You start to notice the two ladies present are very much torn between pretending to look away and counting the scars and company marks on your lithe frame.

“You’re welcome to go look for it. Ah, and it’s ‘lord’ now. Hadn’t you heard?” you give him a smug look that has him stammering out an apology that you wave off. You could get used to this.

“I still don’t get why no one saw fit to bring me something a touch more breathable. Why’s it only ladies get handmaidens,” you complain later after Cerelle has dressed in a new outfit that Lenore brought for her. A blue that brings out her eyes rather than the green of last night. She owns several green dresses and has complained half-heartedly that bother her maiden house and current house favor colors that she insists don’t bring out her best features.

“You are more than welcome to take a squire. If anything, you are expected to,” Cerelle says as you break your fast on blood oranges and freshly baked bread in the small hall of the Maidenvault. Her cousins joined you as expected while the other girl, some handmaiden from the west, set to righting her chambers. Your wife was a bit embarrassed over leaving the poor girl out of her room and insisted she’ll make it up to her at some point, which was accepted with good grace.
>>
>>4347247
“A thought,” you shrug. “At least you didn’t damage the buttons,” you say while smoothing out the doublet for this… judgement? Trial? Whatever it is they call these little events where highborn are formally slapped on their wrists.

“May we have a moment?” Cerelle asks her cousins. She waits until they’re out of earshot to continue. “What are you planning to do with Lady Cassandra, Aurion?”

“I hadn’t gotten much further than my presence, really. I wasn’t about to let Massey show up and swing this his way in my absence,” you say.

“Wise. However, we should decide on an approach,” she starts.

“You’re coming?”

“I would really rather not… there is only so much I am willing to tolerate those after my life. That is why I would rather discuss it now. They will almost certainly set the fines and punishments they so like to levy against houses nearest to the crown. Never mind the matter of assassins, House Massey has absolutely acted against us. The betrothal, the muster. It is exceedingly obvious, and I trust you could convince the Hand of it… or at least give him pause to consider it. Further, whether I like it or not, Lady Cassandra is infatuated with you to some degree. Perhaps she will speak truth as well,” Cerelle says.

“You suggest supporting Bar Emmon and damning Massey?” you venture.

“A possibility. Or damn them both if need be. Or… perhaps I’m being hasty. Outside of letters which could be forged, we haven’t any true proof on hand regardless of how many witnesses we may bring forth. It’s entirely possible that Lord Massey would get off with a stern talking to even if he was found to be guilty of conspiring with Bar Emmon. He hasn’t gone through with an act against us and there are worse things than betrothals between enemies. It would be a shame to lose favor so recently gained over a seemingly petty accusation... what do you think?”

>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon without mentioning Massey
>Speak against Bar Emmon and Massey
>Speak against Bar Emmon alone

That’s it for tonight! Thanks for playing!
>>
>>4347249
>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>>
>>4347249
>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
I really want to get some hard evidence on Massey, potentially on Rambton and the third house too, before we take it to a power higher than ourselves. Publicly, at least. But I also like the idea of convincing Jon of the plot and letting us rain merry hell upon them afterwards as King Robert's own black-ops fighting force on the pretense of finding evidence, which we still very well could do. Also, he might give us some men.
>>
>>4347249
>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon without mentioning Massey
Massey could easily downplay the betrothal as part of Bar Emmons surrender. Make it sound like they did their job and we butted in.

I think the best play is to try to steer a betrothal to someone else without outright accusing Massey of anything
>>
>>4347249
>>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>>4347314
>Massey could easily downplay the betrothal as part of Bar Emmons surrender. Make it sound like they did their job and we butted in
Except we got the information from an assassin is how we we tell them. That they were in cahoots. Id rather house Massey falls out of favor, and has some prying eyes put on them. Since they will be looking to hit us somehow.
About their treasonous act. They actively plotted with the enemy to kill an allied force that weakens the crown. It was very much a power grab acting directly against the crown.
Fairly certain we could convince most people. Even if its not enough to prove it. We will have convinced enough people that they are shit house to ally with. Fucking with the future of that house.
The lady likes us, we use that to our advantage. Shame we couldn't coordinate with the girl prior. But she should believe we want the best for her, how she views us and should implicate house Massey anyhow to lessen her own damages. Since she was still an enemy of the crown it makes sense to do what her house did but house massey is pure treasonous.
Her speaking if it, us as a newfound lord, and letters. And our silver tongue.
>>
>>4347249
>>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
As much as I want to get Cassandra I don't think we'll be able to do enough damage to both of them at once for that to be a viable option. Cassandra is infatuated with us and so we can probably use that to our advantage here. Massey is the bigger threat and I feel like we have to pick our battles here. Now that we're a lord we can probably pull her card at a later date.
>>
>>4347249
>Speak against Bar Emmon and Massey
>>
>>4347335
I wonder if we could taunt house into acting to prove their guilt more than we could. A convince/taunt, calling a house who would hire an assassin feeble and an insult to any noble blood blah blah any who allied with her brother to kill our wife are the lowest of the low. And then let her mention the ties she knows of between her departed brother and house massey and how she was sold as an ally against her will to a sniveling cunt of a man. blah blah
Really lay it on thick. Have Vaeron at the ready to be our champion just in case we get called out for "slander".
Sucks he doesn't have 10 more exp to put into endurance.

Taunting is risky. You goad another character into action based on your barbs and insults. You can use Taunt to provoke a character to do something you want at the cost of worsening his or her disposition toward you.
Consequences of Defeat: Taunting pushes your opponent to act. An opponent who has an Amiable or better disposition does what you want, but when he has completed the task, his disposition falls by one step. An opponent whose disposition is Neutral or Dislike may or may not perform the task based on the danger posed to him. Again, his disposition worsens by one step. Finally, opponents with dispositions worse than Dislike attack you or flee if attacking is not an option.

I really don't expect to to win much here. But we might even be seen as an extremely trust worthy house to the king if all of our stars align. And keep a friendly disposition rating with the king while shitting/bringing out the lies to light on his allies.
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>>4347249
> in favor of Bar Emmon against Massey
we're house Shryke goddamn it, not house "let's deal with our enemies later". Also, Cassandra does not need her house weakened more, it's weak enough, she's an orbiter already, she can be an ally or vassal later
>>
>>4347249
>Speak against Bar Emmon and Massey
Maybe we'll be allowed to lord over if we can get them both utterly disgraced.
>>
>>4347249
>>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>>
>>4347249

>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>>
>>4347249

>Speak against Bar Emmon and Massey

The Bar Emmon court was trying to fuck us too, let's not forget.

We just don't have to badmouth Cassandra necessarily, due to her "helpfulness." As an organization though Bar Emmon deserves to eat shit for this too.

Maybe throw in how we believe Lord Guncer to not have known about the plotting, score some points with him. I like the guy.
>>
>>4347688
Supporting this approach.
>>
Yeah this is a tricky one. We were acting as protectors to Cassandra lately, but her House did do wrong. Anyway, I hope she realizes that we're going out of our way to protect her from the consequences and she should be extremely grateful in the future. or have an arrangement like the previous Boggs quest where she has our baby and raises it as her heir, not wanting any possible husband to usurp her power

>Speak in favor of Bar Emmon and against Massey
>>
>>4347838
I really don't want to go through that again
>>
>>4347857
It doesn't really make sense here given the personalities of the characters involved and their higher profiles (lordly houses vs minor landed knights).
>>
>>4347688
Supporting

>>4347838
If Vaeron's son was much older we could've betrothed them.
>>
If we're asked for an opinion on her marriage we should suggest someone non-threatening, not interested in politics and not powerful, who'll take her name instead (like Mervyn in rhe Reynold quest) and who's loyal to the crown. I don't know who this person is, though. That way we'll be able to keep our influence with her without fear of her surpassing us in the future.
>>
>>4348494
Ser Ilyn Payne
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>>4348494
Unironically Ser Edger. Their kids and ours would be cousins of some sort
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>>4347688
+1
>>
I should have a post up in the morning with a full run tomorrow night.

>>4348531
They would be second cousins since Edger/Lenore are Cerelle's first cousins as Lewys' brother's children.
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>>4348445
How old is Vaerons son? We could take him as a squire.
>>
>Lord in 8 threads
>Mervyn is still only a Ser

the virgin eagle vs The Chad Shryke
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>>4349398
The chad master bullshiter vs the virgin murder knight
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>>4349500
>>4349398
You leave people to do what they do best. Aurion is a leader. Merv is a killer. It's hard for people to want to elevate a guy that they want out there swinging his hammer.
>>
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“I’d say it’d be easiest to paint Lady Cassandra as a victim in all this with Massey and her brother the aggressors. Hells, it’s what I’d most sympathize with,” you say.

“Would you,” Cerelle flatly comments, staring at you with a slight frown. Her deep blue eyes don’t reveal the extent of her thoughts on the matter, but you know she is far from forgiving when it comes to your ward. Not for the first time, you’re left wondering just how deep her thoughts and plans go.

“Aye,” you commit. “What sort of man wouldn’t? She’s a timid, simple-minded girl while the others are anything but. It’s not like these copper clippers will let her walk without payment even if I declare her the Maiden reborn. I’d sooner see her look cheated out of her dowry, so Massey has to pay it back. That’ll have him sweating.”

“Unless she simply agrees to wed him, which would undoubtedly solve many of her problems,” Cerelle points out.

“I could speak with her---”

“You could. After judgement is rendered. The simple fact of the matter is that this betrothal still stands. Regardless of whatever childish fancies she may harbor, you never truly seduced her, and she has no reason to believe you ever will… unless she’s lighting candles in the sept for my untimely death. What reason does she have to break faith with Lord Dustin aside from his rather uncouth table manners? No other option has presented itself and his returning of her dowry is an uncertainty. And, as much as I dislike uttering these words of any lady, this one in particular could do with a strong husband and I believe even she is well aware of it,” Cerelle says.

“Hmm. Might be we’ll have to have a little faith?” you venture. She doesn’t seem to share your enthusiasm, so you change the subject. “What will you be doing while I’m stuck playing the courtly type?”

“I hadn’t given it much thought,” she passively replies.

“You know if you’d said, well… anything else, then I might’ve just believed you,” you tell her.

“If you must know… I simply intended to catch up with old friends and neighbors of the west…” she relents.

“Why not just say so?”

She fidgets. “I’ve yet to decide what to do… about my family and their relationship with our house. There may be other opportunities worth considering. We can discuss it when I know more, Aurion.”
>>
>>4349869
“Sounds like your sort of matter. Well, best of luck I suppose. Shall we?” you walk with her and her cousins to Maidenvault’s entrance where the rest of your knights are gathered. You note they’re all fully armored, although some wear less than others. Per your instructions, Marq had prepared suits for each in advance, but needed to work on adjustments to your knights’ particular builds. Especially Ser Pate, who looks nearly comically massive in half-plate. Most of the others stuck with breastplates, which makes sense for their fighting styles. The only exception is Ser Jorry Bywater in his full plate and… Vaeron, who has apparently finally given in and filled out his half-plate.

They’ve gathered in strength rather than taking shifts to show their hearty support for your new lordship. A fine gesture and much appreciated. Well, at least by you. “I don’t need seven knights following me around like some mockery of the Kingsguard, Aurion,” Cerelle whispers.

“Fine. Vaeron, you’re with me. And… Sers Osmund and Warren,” you nod to the two Clawmen friends. If you need to turn things bloody today, then they’re the least likely to have any qualms over it. “There, four should get you around nicely,” you say with a parting kiss.

“We off to kill someone, milord brother?” Vaeron half-jests.

“I haven’t decided yet. First we’ve to see if anyone else is in the mood to do that for us…”

It takes some asking to get your bearings. Upon entering, you find it apparent that this little meeting isn’t in the main body of the Great Hall as it is still being cleaned and emptied of all the tables from last night’s festivities by a veritable army of servants. As expected, the servants themselves are more current on the goings on than even the guards and a couple are willing to whisper to you of the Hand’s presence in the smaller hall of Maegor’s Holdfast.

A few heads turn your way as you enter the hall. Your knights take position along the back wall while you stride forward with purpose. Lady Cassandra is kneeling before the dais, finishing reciting some oath of loyalty to the Lord Hand and some of the advisors you recognize from the feast, including the Kingsguard knight and the gaunt looking man. Other knights and courtiers look on from the sidelines, but Lord Massey is conspicuously absent. Perhaps leaving in a fit wasn’t in his best interest? It’s not as if he’d have informants in the Red Keep to tell him of this hearing… at least not until it’s too late, you hope.

One clears his throat as Lady Cassandra finishes. “Now if we may move onto the matter of restitution for House Bar Emmon’s treasons?”

“With what coin?” you call out as you approach the dais.

>Break it all down logically (Convince)
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
Full Demagogue
>>
>>4349874
>>Break it all down logically (Convince)
Facts and logic, baby.
>>
>>4349874
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
Fuck shit I did it again

>>4349874
>Break it all down logically (Convince)
>>
>>4349874
>Break it all down logically (Convince)
>>
>>4349874
>>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
>>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
>>Break it all down logically (Convince)

Isn't this our better stat?
>>
>>4350124
>rollplaying
>>
>>4349874
>>Break it all down logically (Convince)

Aurion Shryke J.D.
>>
>>4349874
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
>>Break it all down logically (Convince)
>>
Changing >>4349905 to
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
>Full demagogue (Incite)
>>
>>4349874
Full demagogue (Incite)
I just like the option, but who are we trying to incite?
>Lord Massey is conspicuously absent
I imagine it being we are inciting everyone here about the treason he committed, to have scorn for the lord?
>>
>>4350226
Yep. Filling them with rage/outrage over the way it's all played out. More appealing to their codes of honor and emotions than an "exhibit A, exhibit B" sort of approach. Riskier in a sense, but more rewarding. And it looks like that's what we're going with. I'll resume in a few hours with the results of the roll.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 6d6 for Persuasion (Incite)?
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 6, 2, 5, 1 = 16 (6d6)

>>4350238
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 5, 4, 5, 3 = 22 (6d6)

>>4350238
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 1, 5, 2, 6 = 18 (6d6)

>>4350238
>>
>>4350252
This was a pretty underwhelming roll. Still pretty fucking solid. But just underwhelming with what could have happened.
Heroic level shit is a roll of 21 and we beat that, but still.
>>
Your sudden appearance and words seemingly in a traitor’s favor have the onlookers and hangers-on buzzing. Lady Cassandra’s relief at your presence is plain even at the brief glance you spare her.

“The crown recognizes Lord Aurion Shryke…” Lord Arryn sighs. “There had better be a good reason for this, my lord.”

“A good reason, my Lord Hand? Why stop with one? My lords should know, there is no gold to be found in Sharp Point. Her coffers are emptied, and her town sacked,” you start.

“Your doing, I assume?” Lord Arryn suggests. Well, perhaps if you had the time and the means…

“Perish the thought, my lord, not under such circumstances. You see my aim may have been punitive, to see these dragon’s men brought low for their many treacheries, but my actions at Sharp Point turned more towards rescue when the truth was laid bare before me. Aside from Lady Bar Emmon’s safety, I gained naught but letters. Letters that just might be worth more than gold for they were proof of the basest treacheries. And justice, my friends, is priceless,” you explain, causing more of a buzz about you.

“Then who sacked Sharp Point?” Lord Arryn demands, looking perturbed.

“Why, House Massey of course, my lord. After all, they were mustering together with House Bar Emmon to raid the good King Robert’s loyal subjects. Treachery comes naturally to those thrice-cursed dogs, so they acted to their baser natures when I thwarted their plans,” you answer, heralding a roar of outcry. It takes the combined shouting of several of the lords and knights of the dais to quiet them.

“Have you any proof of these accusations, my Lord Shryke?” Lord Arryn coldly asks.

“Aside from letters of correspondence and scores of witnesses, well… my lady please remind me, what did you say happened to the gold?” you ask. All eyes turn to the fearful young lady.

“It… it was given to House Massey by my brother. As dowry for my hand,” she admits.

“When?” Lord Arryn demands.

“A fortnight before, my lord. When my brother ascended…” she answers. Good enough.

“She means Lord Maldon, if ever there was one less deserving of title. Three brothers they were and Maldon the youngest. The eldest fell on The Trident and the second… Noble Lord Baldric. He was a peaceful soul by all accounts, saw the wisdom in King Robert’s cause, but he was cut down before his time. An ambush? An accident? By all means take your pick my lords, whichever story sounds more believable! Nay, I name it kinslaying.” That really gets the onlookers shouting.
>>
>>4350631
“WE WILL HAVE ORDER!” Lord Arryn shouts. “Continue.”

“Kinslaying indeed, my friends,” you continue as you pace about the floor. “There is nothing more accursed in the eyes of the gods, but what is that to a godless wretch such as Maldon Bar Emmon? Why, he had already tried to poison me in my very seat. Surely, some of you have heard this tale at least in part? A manticore. I know of the vile monsters from my exploits in Essos, but I must admit this one got the best of me still with it so cleverly and blasphemously disguised in the desecrated tome of The Seven-Pointed Star.” You have to shout to continue. “BUT I WAS SAVED! By the Maiden herself! In the form of my dear friend Ser Vaeron’s maiden sister, the Fair Lady Aella. She fearlessly swatted the fell beast from the table,” you swat the air for emphasis before lowering your voice so that the onlookers lean in to better hear. “Alas, she was stung by the beast in her valor. No man has survived such a sting… it kills the instant the poison reaches the heart, but Fair Aella prevailed for two weeks before succumbing… a miracle!”

Many others take up the cry of “miracle” until you continue. “The assassin was caught, and he gave names before he took his own life. He named House Bar Emmon! He named House Rambton! HE NAMED HOUSE MASSEY!” You continue when you can. “Lord Guncer Sunglass, an honorable and pious man, may attest to this. Together, we obtained Rambton’s confessions and he worked even now to restore honor to his wayward bannermen. As for the rest, why their actions speak for themselves. Lord Dustin Massey’s brother, Ser Lorton Massey, was amongst those felled in my raid. He had been supping comfortably with his friend and coconspirator, Lord Maldon Bar Emmon. I personally dueled Lord Maldon in the high halls of Sharp Point. I say this without pride for what glory is there to be won in defeating a man so womanly and craven to twice resort to poisons? He yielded at the first taste of my Valyrian Steel,” you pat your sword for emphasis. “And then tried to strike at me with a poisoned dagger to my back. But I was saved again! This time by Ser Vaeron, who smote the craven as he struck and avenged his dear departed sister, the Maid Aella.”
>>
>>4350633
The crowd is right and properly worked up, but a few on the dais look at least somewhat conflicted at your fantastical telling of events. To the more composed, your words may seem a little too good. “Words are wind,” states the gaunt man at Lord Arryn’s side. He looks vaguely familiar. “Who witnessed this aside from your own sworn men?”

“Lady Bar Emmon was present, of course. Her craven brother kept her around to play the harp at his fancy while waiting for Lord Massey to collect and defile her,” you say.

“Lord Aurion speaks truly,” she quietly confirms.

“There you have it. From the mouth of an innocent maid. One may only imagine what it was like to be a maid kept prisoner in that den of vipers, fearful of further kinslaying with only her harp to keep the snakes at bay. The promise to be pimped to a turncoat looming… restitution? Aye, to be sure. Our good King Robert, the bane of incestuous fiends, long may he reign, is owed his due from the dogs of dragons. That is justice. But does justice not also demand Lady Cassandra’s precious dowry, the last lifeblood of her house, be returned to her? Is that not what you desire, my lady?” you ask, looking deep in her stormy grey eyes.

“It is. I would like it back,” she agrees.

“Well? Must the lady ask twice? Are we not men? Who amongst you will see justice done?” you call out.

The bulk of the knights and lordlings in the hall take up the cry for justice. For wrongs done and for the maiden Lady of Sharp Point still kneeling at your side. It’s to the point where you have a fleeting thought that you perhaps may have made Lady Cassandra a little too popular… but for now you’re more concerned with the veteran lords on the dais. Several appear just as worked up as the younger men, but a few are grim including Lord Arryn and the other gaunt lord. Either they’re not so easily swayed by your style of oratory or they simply better understand the gravity of the charges laid bare before them. Or both. Finally, Lord Arryn stands, and the hall falls silent.
>>
>>4350637
“Lord Horton Redfort. Ser Vardis Egen,” the Hand calls, and two veterans step forward. He hesitates a moment before calling a third name, a slight boy, “Lord Petyr Baelish. You will take my host with Lord Shryke and restore order upon Massey’s Hook. You will do this at once.”

“My Lord Hand,” the Kingsguard interrupts. “By your leave, I would see this through as well.”

“Granted, Ser Barristan. You shall have command as befits your station,” Lord Arryn nods and then addresses the entire hall with steel in his voice and bearing.

“I, Lord Jon Arryn, Hand of the King and Warden of the West declare Dustin of House Massey guilty of breaching the King’s Peace, dower fraud… and high treason. I denounce him as a false friend and attaint him and his line. I hereby strip him of all land and title and declare him an outlaw. All loyal subjects of the realm are bound to hunt him, to harm him, and to take his life in the name of Robert of House Baratheon, First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Long may he reign.”

“LONG MAY HE REIGN,” the hall loudly echoes. Their approval of the verdict is palpable.

“This session is at an end,” the Hand announces and then sinks back into his chair, looking weary. A few of the council are still fidgety even as the knights start pouring out of the hall with vigor. No doubt many are Valemen like Lord Arryn keen on stretching their legs as a part of this host. Ah, he did name you as part of it as well. Tricky, that. As tempting as it might be to have some measure of vengeance and glory, you do have other pressing matters at hand. Braavos certainly comes to mind.

>Stay a moment longer to explain you’ve pressing matters elsewhere.
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>Something else.
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
>>4350641
>>Stay a moment longer to explain you’ve pressing matters elsewhere.
What was the dc?
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance

>>4350668
Quite high probably
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.

There's no reason to go to Braavos right away, if we find Massey then we should be able to get a clue before we storm a populous trading city filled with assassins in a city known for assassins
>>
>>4350641
>>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
We should get Aurion a daytime talkshow.
"King Robert, in the case of Joffre, Myrcella, and Tommen Baratheon, YOU ARE NOT THE SIRE"
>>
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>>4350690
>WHOOOORE!
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance

Wouldn't Jon Arryn or anyone else at least want to hear out Dustin Massey, given he is in the city? I'm cheering the result but as a lawyer it doesn't sit right with me that he was in the city but wasn't given an opportunity to present his side.. even now if he's captured in the city there will be no need for fighting in Massey's Hook.
>>
>>4350688
We should specifically let Based Barry know about Massey hiring the assassin from Braavos, if we let him do what he does best Massey won't make it out alive before we question him, and Barristan is honorable enough if we ask him to keep Massey alive to find the assassin im sure he'll help. Maybe push Littlefinger overboard when know one is looking
>>
>>4350701
he could have left already, perhaps that's why Jon was gung ho about outlawing him
>>
>>4350641
>>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
>>4350641
>>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
>>4350668
Very varied given your audience. You didn't fail with anyone, it was just a matter of degrees of success being needed as well. Stannis and Jon were only partially incited for example. The bulk of the knights ate it up. You certainly could've rolled higher, but we take the number, not the number compared to the maximum. A 22 is still a very high roll.

>>4350701
Yeah, I've imagined it as more of a trial sort of deal myself, even had some ideas for trial by combat stuff, but I do try to go with realism over mustache twirling "gotchas" for villains unless that's perfectly warranted. In this case, I couldn't justify Massey somehow finding out in time that all of this was going down right now after he stormed off from the feast early.

From there... a matter of feudal justice. Yeah, Jon's fair, or tries to be, and he would've gone with a trial had you done convince, but you riled up the entire hall and had them ready to pull out swords and wave them around in the air. That with corroborating witnesses and the unlikelihood of Sunglass denying his cleaning house at Rambton makes Massey look guilty as hell. A trial would be nice and fair, but making and example out of a deceitful bannerman and giving the mob of bored knights a taste of glory is better for the Realm than one man getting his fair day in court.
>>
>>4350724
I should add, I did heavily lean on that scene from the first book where Ned Stark condemns Gregor.
>>
>>4350724
Yeah I get you. Still there could have been a mention of 'Is he present among us to defend himself?' kind of comment from Stannis or Jon. Beyond that, if we manage to capture him in the city there would be no need for fighting at his castle because he can just call on them to stand down.

So now that his whole line has been attainted, what happens to the land?
>>
>>4350735
It's his direct line, so probably a more loyal cousin will get the bulk of it. His nephew is a page or squire for the king, for example.
>>
>>4350641
>Braavos

We dont need to be here. They have it covered.

>>4350735
If he was then why sit on his thumb and let us rant.
>>
>>4350641
>>Stay a moment longer to explain you’ve pressing matters elsewhere.
>>
>>4350641
>It can wait until after you have your vengeance.
>>
No sense in risking shaking up your gains here by begging leave at the last moment... besides, it might be that Cleo is right? The coin could've been for more swords or a Faceless problem to be dealt with months from now. The alternative... well, best not to dwell on that too much with vengeance in your palm.

“He’s still in the city, yeah?” Vaeron falls into step with you along with Sers Osmund and Warren.

“Should be. You know when you think back on all the shit you should’ve said in an argument?” you ask him.

“Aye, you’ve met Janesa,” he says.

“Can’t say I do much. I’m just that good,” you lightly jab his armored side. “But I do wish I’d asked where he was lodged now. Might be one of those copper clipping inns that cater to highborn and get all antsy when you walk in off the streets with a tavern wench or two and perfectly good silver… or does he have a manse?”

“Dunno. Goldcloaks’d be all over a manse. We could check the docks?” he suggests.

“Look around brother, half the city’s ringed with docks. This time of day, there’s got to be a score of ships casting off right about now,” you point out.

“… ask Cleo? Doubt we'll catch him, but we could at least find out where he's going. Guess we can deal with him later if he’s keen enough to give the goldcloaks the slip… I hope he does. I’d prefer to kill him myself all the same,” he says.

“Fair enough... the host’d be going over land wouldn’t they? They be too large to risk at sea without the warships they don’t have. What a bother. Most of the lads are back on Stormgrave too… we could sail the Harvest there and scoop them up first. Elsewise this lot’ll try to take all the glory and loot,” you muse. “Begs the question of what to do about my lady wife. She could sail back with us or it might be she’s safer here…”

“In this city? No one’s safe here, not even kings. I heard some’ve gotten killed by that throne even. Rejects them if they’re not worthy,” Vaeron says.

“Huh. How does it know?” you ask.

“Dunno mate, I’m not a maegi,” he shrugs.

“Well you might be right, but she does have friends and such here. Or she could stay in the keep even?”

Two things:

>Travel with the host over land
>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave

And:

>Have Cerelle returned to Stormgrave
>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
>>
More tomorrow, thanks for playing!
>>
>>4350839
>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave
Hammer and anvil

>>4350839
>Have Cerelle returned to Stormgrave
Unless she's made headway on some matters then she probably wants to get away from her parents and Cersei
>>
>>4350839
>>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave
Prove ourselves to those who have yet to see our boys in action.
>>Ask Cerelle where she'd like to be.
But add that all of our knights and her handmaidens stay with her. Let's not leave her alone.
>>
>>4350839
>>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave
>>Have Cerelle returned to Stormgrave
>>
>>4350839
>Travel with the host over land
>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
>>
>>4350839
>>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave
Leave our new knights to wait on our lady wife.
>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
A nice pillage will do us wonders. Hopefully we may even pick up some from the new branch and hold em hostage. After seeing their lands go down in flames.
God this trip to KL has been fruitful. Shame we haven't been able to deal with Massey's hired help. But if we can take him alive we might be able to beat the truth out of him. And threaten him with killing his while line to give us the truth.
>>
>>4350839
>Go by sea and grab some more men from Stormgrave
>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
>>
>>4350839
>Travel with the host over land

They have a fleet. Fuck that. We will look like the biggest jobbers in history if they surrender on land and we lose ships at sea because of poor communication.

>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here

I'm convinced the goal is to get her killed at this point. I do like this write-in too.

>Ask Cerelle where she'd like to be

For asking where she wants to stay in the city or maybe she wants to go back west until this blows over?
>>
>>4350839
>Travel with the host over land
>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
>>
>>4350917
>fleet
Bulky = slower to prep & organize. If we went to get our men and head there directly. But more importantly we're banking that he will resist to some extent. We need at least a unit if we plan to pillage and loot. Can't do that with a handful of men. Or at least there won't be much to earn there.

We could still choose to pillage with 1 unit and hit the castle with the other. I hope he has more dragon troops in open rebellion with him. So we could sweep the floor with them, and gain more glory.
>>
>>4350937
If he has any sense then he's not going to be there at all. Why flee to where he knows an army is going? I'd look for him in essos or on dragonstone. My point is, we show up with our small fleet and fight his and ships are lost on EITHER SIDE and we just fucked the crown out of loyal ships. I don't see how we don't fight his fleet if we show up with ours because it's not like we can communicate with them easily and they can't easily communicate with the land forces. I don't want to be the retarded version of andrew jackson.

Now we go there alone and we are with idk? A thousand men? Ten thousand? Somewhere in between. Enough without ours. So our guys don't get to pillage. Big deal. As much as everyone wants to ignore it and play chicken with plot armor assumptions, we know Massey just dumped a bunch of gold into assassins. How much loot is there left to gain? Glory we can get on our own by being first in the castle with Vaeron at our side. Maybe Barristan too if he's down. Take a hostage or two and then come back demanding reparations of our own. Let's be smart about this.
>>
>>4350955
I hear you. We won't charge head first into an enemy fleet when we know reinforcements are coming. I kinda just want to make sure we incite an attack if possible/a pillage even if surrendering. Which we can't do as well with out any troops of our own. But You do make a solid point. I am not arguing with that, I even like it.

I would think that he would go home if he can slip out to pick up his family. He has a kid I believe and I would imagine more family like his mother or something.
And he should still have some money on hand. The more we can hurt his house the better. The survivors likely the Massey branch that the king's squire comes from will get it. Will still have to pay back Bar Emmons dowry. And if we wreck their shit, that whole house will be just as bad as a loyalist house with reparations. Owing money and fixing their lands.
>>
>>4350839
>Travel with the host over land
Interacting with these guys should be fun

>See if you can come to other arrangements to keep her here
>>
I'm going to close the Cerelle vote so I can get some planning done, but I'll keep the land/sea part open since there are some interesting arguments both ways.
>>
Can't we go ourselves over land and send Vaeron to fetch the lads?
>>
>>4351828
Sure, why not? I'm fine with write-ins. If it gets the votes, then we can do that. You'd have less control over your men on the sea approach, but they'd at least be present and you'd still get to mingle with the Valemen. Up to you guys if that's a fair trade off or not.

I'm going to pick this up tomorrow so this all goes smoothly from my end. I don't like having large delays between posts for combat runs. If you guys want to strategize on your approach in the meantime, then by all means come up with stuff.
>>
Alright then,
>Write-in
>Go over land and send Vaeron to pick up the troops

Although I'm less confident about this getting votes this late.
>>
>>4350839
>>4351911
this
>>
>>4351911
Ah whatever, I'll vote for this too
>>
>>4351880>>4351911
I assume our reinforcements from Stormgrave aren't going to do a naval assault on the castle by themselves, given that, can't we just meet up on the way (given how naval travel speed is better than on land). Given that the overland forces will have to go around the blackwater rush and through the Kingswood, can't we just have a rendezvous at the mouth of the Wendwater river? Safest route for our ships too, if the ships go around the Hook and hug the coast.
>>
>>4351880
>>Go over land and send Vaeron to pick up the troops
I dig it. Gives us time to engineer a tragic destrier accident for Petyr.
>>
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>>4351936
Yeah, that would be very doable, and thanks for suggesting it. The road cuts south, so the host is going to have to divert off of it and slow even further. It would be easy to meet at the Wendwater. Here's a map for everyone for context. House Massey is at Stonedance. I would've put that as an option before, but I hadn't thought of it. Since there's no reason why you can't do this, let's have a vote open until tomorrow on this more refined take.

>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Take your fleet and assault Stonedance by sea

Yes, these are mutually exclusive. IC you'd know from your last battle that your fleet is well outclassed by Massey's without your ground troops bulking out the decks of your ships.While we're at it, one more thing: you can transport 2 units. The 1st Heavies seem a given, so which other will you take?

>Veteran Cavalry
>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Veteran Cavalry
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Trained Crossbowmen

Something to cover us when we grapple up the walls.
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>>Trained Crossbowmen
I'm not sure how or why Massey's forces would ever leave their castle, given how outnumbered they're gonna wind up being, so I don't think we'll get the chance to whip them with our cavalry. Crossbows are a smarter bet, maybe they'll even rank up.
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Trained Crossbowmen

Thanks for accepting that write-in
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>>4352043

>>4352043 #
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River

>Trained Crossbowmen

Gotta love a good write-in.

Is there anyone else to pick up back home who might be useful in this situation? I can't think of someone off the top of my head but maybe anon knows.
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Veteran Cavalry
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River

>Veteran Cavalry

Maybe even ask Set Edger to ride with them. He was keen on calvary
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>>Veteran Cavalry
>>
>>4352043
>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River

>Veteran Cavalry
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>>4352043
>>Go by land, rendezvous with your men at the Wendwater River
>>Trained Crossbowmen

They need the experience and their is probably a shit ton of calvary in this host already
>>
>>4352043
>Trained Crossbowmen
>>
>Posting this early while I work on stuff for later.

“Thinking on it, I suppose I should ride with this host. I’m the one who got them so worked up. Sides, it’d be good to gain a measure of these Valemen. Can’t say I’ve ever seen them fight,” you say.

“We’ll be short on men,” Vaeron points out.

“Why? You can go wrangle the lads. We’ll link up at the mouth of the Wendwater. That should be close enough to our path. Take the First and Ser Byron’s bows. The horse’ll be wasted beneath castle wall… doubt it’ll stop these Valemen from bringing hundreds along. Westerosi love their horse in all weather. Ours won’t be missed,” you tell him.

“Fair enough. And your wife? Is she coming with me?” he asks.

“Nah. I’ve got a feeling… might be something better’ll present itself. Oy! You, lads!” you call out to some of the feast’s cleaning crew. “A stag to the one that shows me to the childbearing lady with golden hair. There’d be a giant and some others shadowing her.”

One nearly drops a table in his haste. He’s seen her about with an entourage and runs along ahead to go talk to a washerwoman who points him along further. You follow the servant down to a red stone passageway, talking to Vaeron as you go. The first sounds of war horns begin to echo, sending flocks of birds to flight. You’d bet at least some are ravens.

“I’ll need a runner to bring me my shield and mail. And my pack… careful with that, there’s a bottle stuffed in between the clothes,” you say.

“This is why you need a squire, mate,” Vaeron says.

“Aye. You too if you’re going to be lugging round that plate. Just haven’t given it much priority, really. Trouble is, we don’t exactly have the best casualty record,” you comment. An understatement if you’ve ever made one. You’re aware your company has a reputation for attrition even in Essos. The strong thrive and the weak die, unable to keep up with your pace on the occasions you deem it worth committing to pitched battle. In truth, it’s a little disconcerting… so you mostly pay it no mind. You’ve a reputation for high pay as well, so it’s never greatly impacted your ability to field men. It’s just made them leaner with less drag and you’re quite sure the veterans that’ve thrived love it that way. But still, a squire, especially a pampered highborn? Coin would change hands on the minutes of his first fight.
>>
>>4353720
You come out into an idyllic garden and spot your wife on a bench with her cousin Lenore. Across sit an attractive young couple. A well-dressed man with a lean build and tied back blonde hair shoots glances over to a little girl with his coloring trying to creep up closer to some garden birds. Next to him is what you’d assume to be his wife. The man has good taste in women if he had any say in the matter. She’s a pretty one, her amber eyes only brought out by her darker hair, remarkable enough that you’re able to pick it out on your approach. On the pleasant side of curvy too, but that might be the child she carries. Something in common with your wife, then.

You also note Ser Edger is conversing with what can only be a Lydden cousin, his heraldry a reverse of Lord Lewys’s. The man is of a stockier build than Edger with darker hair, but they’re both of about the same height… which isn’t saying much, really. That threatens to bring a frown to your face. Is their male line cursed with such height? Lord Lewys is a short man as well and Lenore is a slight thing all around. Is that what has their men so bloody prickly? Best not to dwell on it.

With your destination reached, you clasp Vaeron’s arm with a parting, “see you on the beach,” as he breaks off with purpose. Sers Warren and Osmund halt their own conversation to fill in their other knightly companions on the latest development while you join Cerelle on the bench, her cousin quick to vacate her seat.

“This is my husband, Lord Aurion. Husband, this is Lord Tygon and Lady Andrea of House Reynold. We were just catching up on old times. House Reynold’s Ember Peak borders my lord father’s Deep Den to the west,” Cerelle introduces.

“Pleased,” you smile, somewhat distracted. Lady Andrea favors you with an amused smile, though Lord Tygon seems a little off put at either your sudden appearance or something else about you. “I’ve some news love.”

“Oh? How was the hearing? And where is Ser Vaeron off to?” Cerelle asks.

“The hearing? Right, not sure we ever got around to Lady Cassandra now that you mention it. Some other time, perhaps. Vaeron’s off to Stormgrave. Busy times, you see,” you answer.

Your wife narrows her eyes. “I don’t suppose this would have anything to do with those dreadful horns, would it?”

“As it happens… the Lord Hand’s commanded me and some others to march on Massey’s Hook and restore order. I’ll need to be away for a while,” you tell her.

“Which castles?” Lord Tygon asks, suddenly seeming interested.
>>
>>4353725
“Why, all of them if I have my way, my lord. Stonedance has to go of course, but Rambton has a hall on the approach. Sharp Point is lightly garrisoned… decent chance they’d surrender at the sight of me, but I know a few lads that’d be of the rare mood for me to hang back a touch. We’ll have to see,” you say.

“A rather bold undertaking is it not, my lord? How many men do you command?” he asks.

“Thousands? I’ve little notion of the extent of the host, my lord. Ser Barristan, the Kingsguard fellow, he has overall command. Lord Redfort and I were handpicked for subcommand, as was a Ser Egen. Bunch of Valemen. I haven’t seen that lot fight yet, so it should be good fun. I hadn’t given a campaign much thought until this morning, so I’ve only a handful of knights in the city, but my best shock troops’ll link up with me on the Wendwater with some ranged support for the walls. The knights will stay here with my lady wife,” you explain. Tygon nods. He’s clearly interested in talk of strategy, but you can’t shake the feeling he’s a little perturbed by your mannerisms or the like.

Cerelle squeezes your hand tightly, her hand cold and clammy. You look up and see she looks a little pale. Right, she’s not a fan of your fighting and warring. You sort of got caught up in the moment. “Not to worry love, this might be the least dangerous scrap I’ve had on this side of the Narrow Sea. These rebels are horribly outnumbered.”

Lady Andrea, perhaps noticing your wife’s distress, gets her attention in a voice that sounds more like the younger Lenore’s. Some sort of unspoken communication passes between them that’s absolutely lost on you. It’s almost unnerving how womenfolk can speak with their eyes and the slightest gestures. Whatever it is, Cerelle nods.
>>
>>4353732
“Lord Aurion, before you arrived, we were discussing the possibility of hosting Lady Cerelle at Ember Peak. It’s been entirely too long since your lady wife has seen the west and the valleys should be in bloom this early in the season. A pleasant break from these dreadful storms of the east,” Lady Andrea suggests.

“I believe it would be a good opportunity for both of our houses. I had thought to make the trip after the birth, but current events do make an earlier visit all the more tempting,” Cerelle says with a pointed look. “I find myself in agreement with Lady Andrea unless you have other preferences?”

Is this what she meant earlier by other opportunities in the west? The suddenness of the proposal is less than ideal, but you did just drop a war in her lap, so perhaps it’s fair play. Current events. You’re not one for all of the double-speak, but it does bring to mind the issue of the assassination plots. Anyone sent from Braavos would have their efforts delayed at the very least if not outright frustrated by a sudden trek to the Westerlands. But the timing would also mean you’d miss the birth of your heir. Not that you’d ever be present in the room during the event. You’d made that mistake once already when Janesa was pushing out her son in a tent and a very nervous Vaeron goaded you into checking on her at the last moment. He still owes you for that. The point is, by the time she arrives west, she’d be approaching the point where it’d be dangerous to travel back, so she’d have the child there. Odds are there’s something to be said in favor of the safety of the whole thing, but you’d be without her for several months.

>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>Disagree, you want to keep her closer to you (short term benefits to house management)
>>
>>4353738
>>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
>>4353738
>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
>>4353738
>Disagree, you want to keep her closer to you (short term benefits to house management)
>>
>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
>>4353738
>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)

Finally we can find out what happened to Mervyn's children even before the House Reynold quest updates! I'm supposing we'll find out what exactly happened to Cassandra later on.
>>
>>4353738
>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
Better safe than sorry
>>
>>4353738
>>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
>>4353817
Yeah, she's going to be kept at the Red Keep pending the outcome of the campaign and what the Valemen report back.
>>
>>4353738
>>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
>>4353738
>>Agree to Cerelle traveling west to Ember Peak (safer, new alliance opportunities)
>>
“Seems like a fine notion to me. If you’re all comfortable with it, then so am I. The knights here will go with you of course. That’s why I took them on in the first place. I trust Ember Peak has a few fighting of its own to keep back bandits and the like?” you glance at Lord Tygon.

“Whatever you may keep about you, my lord, I assure you Ember Peak has its fair share of dangerous men as well,” Lord Tygon comments with a touch of reproach. You can respect some pride in one’s men, but you’re not sure the west has warranted it from their showing so far in this war. Unless there’s something you don’t know? Either way, you haven’t the time for a hearty pissing contest. Maybe next time. Holdfasts don’t burn themselves, especially not in rainy weather.

“Right. Well you have my thanks for my lady wife’s comfort. A pleasure to meet you both as well. Perhaps next time we’ll have more time?” you offer an easy smile to the couple and take Cerelle’s hand for a slightly more private goodbye off to the side. You’re stopped from going past a few questionably chaste kisses when the little girl runs by and causes Cerelle to push you back a step.

“This is all so much more than I expected. What did you do?” she whispers.

“I gave an accounting of the recent goings on is all. It’s just that sometimes I get carried away in my eloquence. These Valemen do like their honor. You’d think a few were about to fall on their swords for Lady Cassandra. She was cooperative enough if a bit simple about it. Backed up my vision of things with her dead brother the villain and Massey a thief and traitor both,” you say.

“And they have yet to decide her fate?” she presses.

“Aye, the Hand read the room plainly enough and deemed to let the lot of them have their satisfaction on the Hook. We all sort of rushed away after that,” you say.

“Typical,” she mutters. “Lord Arryn is shrewd. It would have been an ill look to punish her and acknowledge her a victim in one sitting, at least in front of the simple-minded. I suspect that will come later, but until then… Ser Edger,” she calls.
>>
>>4353947
He breaks off from words with the other Lydden knight and hurries over. Cerelle studies him closely. “You have a comely face,” she remarks. The young knight blushes and you just smirk. Too much for the lad after seeing a full moon earlier. “I want you to stay here as Lady Cassandra’s guard.”

“My lady, my place is---” he starts, surprised and a little flustered.

“Precisely where I need you the most,” Cerelle cuts him off. “This is important. The Hand may hold her as he pleases, but Lady Bar Emmon is a ward of House Shryke until specifically ruled otherwise, as you will remind any who protest. You will stay close to her, very close. Do you understand? Do this well and you may find yourself better rewarded than you could ever hope for otherwise.”

“As you will it, my lady,” Ser Edger acknowledges, puffing up a bit until she shoos him back to his cousin.

“Devious,” you remark.

“If I’m to have an ambitious young lordling at that vapid girl’s side a stone’s throw from my home, then I would prefer it to be one whose loyalty I don’t question,” Cerelle says.

“Yeah, but does that lad even know where to put it?”

“Manners. She is in a vulnerable state. She needs comfort and a sense she is protected. I would assume Edger can at least do that much considering he now has the best excuse to be around her,” she says. You give a noncommittal grunt, not convinced. Any road, this scheming isn’t much of a concern for you. If Edger fails, then he can go on being a household knight and a more problematic Lord Bar Emmon can die in the field like the rest.

“Have you thought of names?” your wife asks as she looks up to you. Right, your child. Your firstborn. Better talk of it now than by raven…

>Any ideas or suggestions?

I’m going to leave it here for tonight and resume tomorrow. Very short run, I know, but I didn’t have the time I wanted earlier to fine tune this campaign we’re about to go on. As you might’ve gathered, it’s going to be a big event with a few different battlegrounds and a lot of names involved. I’m excited for it. Also, big shoutout and thank you to Joe from House Reynold Quest for collaborating with me on Twitter the past few days. House Lydden and House Reynold have history (as you might’ve gathered if you’ve read his house history doc in the OP there), so it was fitting to give an opportunity to interact more.
>>
>>4353951
I would prefer a Valyrian name, as a nod to our heritage. Daemon or Daeron for a son and Elaena or Naerys for a girl.

Btw there was talk of meeting with Cleo to see where Dustin Massey went. Will we see that scene?

Also, damn we have a big campaign coming up which we could have skipped multiple times each time the option to go to Braavos came up. It feels good that we arrived here of our own choice and weren't railroaded into it. I have a sense that by the end of this campaign, we may not even have to go to Braavos.
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>>4353951
Thanks, Boggs.
Tell us Joe's secrets.
>>
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>>4353974
Yeah I see no mention of
>'Ember's peak is actually inauspicious for childbirth, my sister just died giving birth and both her children died too. Also her husband went mad with grief and went on a rape and pillage spree in King's Landing. Turns out it was Mervyn and not the Mountain who raped and killed Elia Martell. He was a good friend'

Come on Boggs, are you even trying?
>>
>>4353967
Vaeron is going to pass that on to her and then we'll have a scene with her a bit later on what she finds out.

>>4353974
I don't think I know much more than anyone else does. Sometimes we shoot ideas around, but the spoilers are fairly minimal. Same with Malroy. I participate in the other quests so as cool as it is to chat with them, I wouldn't want to flip to the back of the book, so to speak.

>>4353978
>Crashing my DMs. With no survivors!
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>>4353951
if female then 'Chloe'
if male then 'Andreas'
We shouldn't go with a Valyrian name, that will piss off Robert/Stannis in the long run.
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>>4353988
Furthermore, we should know that Robert has a thing against Targaryens, at least implicitly. Aurion understands social situations well enough to know that if he's ever going to properly sell rum to this mothfucker he wouldn't piss him off with the name of his child.
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>>4354002
*our child
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>>4353951
I did a lot of digging for this. Idk how this happened but I came up with Valyrian girl names and Andal boy names.

Girl:
>Aella
because she died for us and I think we just inadvertantly made her a saint or something.
>Elenei or Ealenei or Eleana
Something like that. The first spelling is a nod to the mermaid goddess that was the first queen of storms end. The second is a bastardized Valyrian version of the first. The third was close enough and a Targ princess name.

Boy:
>Cerion
Cerelle's dead brother. Plus it is half of both parents names.
>Togarion
Ok this one is just cool. Call him Tog or something for short. Cheeky as all fuck too.

https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Togarion_Bar_Emmon
>>
>>4354012
>Cerion
Definitely support that for a boy
>>
>>4353951
Pleasure as always Boggs!

>>4353978
Ah but Elleanor gave birth to six healthy children. So obviously it cancels out. :^)

>>4354012
I'll throw my support 110% behind Aella and Cerion. Aella makes sense for a girl because of Aurion's feelings about family. Cerion being Cerelle and Aurion combined, and being Cerelles family, is just the icing on the cake. Well done Anon, well done!
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>>4353986
>Confirmed!!
Is Reynold quest coming back tomorrow? I seem to remember Monday as the return date.
>>
>>4354144
Oops. Meant to quote >>4354130
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>>4354012
Throwing support for those names
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>>4354012
Supporting Cerion and Aella
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>>4354012
Cerion and Aella sounds perfect! Supporting
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>>4354012
+1 for Cerion and Aella
Maybe run Aella by Vaeron before though, ask for his blessing.
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>>4353947
>Holdfasts don’t burn themselves, especially not in rainy weather.

Funniest thing I read all day
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>>4354695
>>4354685
>>4354361
>>4354326
How about we talk with her about naming her her dead brothers name...I mean I like it, but if you had a dead sibling I would imagine you'd have trouble being reminded every day about it.
But I like the sentiment. I'm down with us picking one and our wife picking one. She seems like the kind who would would be like you pick one I pick one. Based on how we've set up the power dynamic.
>>
“Well I like Cerion for a boy. You know, for your brother,” you suggest. Cerelle’s eyes well up with tears almost immediately and she wraps her arms around you in a fierce hug. You feel some wetness on your chest where she’s buried her head. She eventually pulls away with a sniff.

“That was unbecoming. I don’t know what came over me. The child does this---” she tries to brush off her rare emotional display.

“Nothing wrong with it,” you shrug.

“Yes, well. Cerion. It would mean a lot to me… but I would remind you I have said I am having a girl,” she says with one of her slight smiles.

“Assuming we live in some backwards world where you’re right and I’m wrong… Aella? For Vaeron’s sister. She did save me after all. Think I should run it by him first?” you suggest.

“It is a pretty name… ask him if you must, but he should be honored. I accept, we will name her Aella,” Cerelle agrees.

“Good,” letting her have the argument for a change. “Just don’t go betrothing her while you’re away.”

“I assure you that is the very last thing on my mind. There has been entirely too much betrothal talk of late and I would rather not spend the next several years ravaging my body to make good on flippant matchmaking of hypothetical children. In fact, I would go as far as to suggest you come up with another way to reward your friends… perhaps with land now that we have that right. Although Father always said bannermen can be more trouble than they’re worth,” she says.

“Well I did give Janesa my word…” you say, a little wary of the topic.

“You did. I suspect she knew you would and seized the opportunity before it became too obvious that you were bound to outclass her. Please don’t misunderstand, I respect Lady Janesa’s abilities, but I believe she is reaching and scheming much like that other woman,” she says. You’ve noticed your wife doesn’t often use Cleo’s name directly.

“Some other time, yeah? These are our last few moments together for the next good while,” you tell her.

“Perhaps I’m distracting myself over just that… some other time,” she repeats. “Just keep it in mind, Aurion. You’re sweet and caring and perhaps a little too generous at times. I would hate for that to be taken advantage of, especially where our children are concerned.”
>>
>>4355405
You talk of smaller things for a short time. She plans to pass by Deep Den without staying for whatever reason. More scheming or posturing perhaps. Not your problem. You’re going to miss her sorely and are more than a little tempted to try to get her out of that dress one last time, but you see a rider from the manse approaching with your horse and pack in tow. You start your descent towards the western gates and the mustering host after a few quick desperate kisses and a promise from Cerelle to write upon her safe arrival.

Even with the early summer rain beginning to fall again, you can easily make out the blocks of men forming up on the tourney grounds and marching to the river in orderly columns. Altogether, you reckon they’ll number at around three thousand strong. Vast enough to put an end to any one house’s ambitions, but not so vast as to raze the entire countryside with the right commanders at the helm. The vanguard, larger than it needs to be with the sheer number of heavy horse riding with the host, is already well into the process of ferrying across the temperamental Blackwater Rush. You have to give it to them, it’s impressive these Valemen were able to pull together a host of this size on such short notice. Doubly so after all the drinking and toasting to the new royal couple’s health that the majority must’ve partaken in. Thinking on it, it’s a touch odd the Hand was so insistent on his men’s immediate muster when some are still puking up their guts or drinking cheap wine off the teats of their camp followers…

>Can I get 3 rolls of 3d6 for Cunning?
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 4 = 13 (3d6)

>>4355413
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 2 = 5 (3d6)

>>4355413
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 4 = 9 (3d6)

>>4355413
>>
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>Success, 1 degree

Might it have something to do with the king? You suspect so. King Robert had spoken of wanting to lead in the field and how his advisors were trying to curb his impulses with words of giving his bannermen a chance to prove loyalties. It’s now obvious that was a crock of shit with the Hand sending Valemen of proven loyalty. Just Valemen too. You’ve a feeling the king will rage at the Hand stealing a march on him while he’s off breaking in his marriage bed.

Past that amusing picture, you’re beginning to suspect the king’s grasp on power is more tenuous than the Stags boast. Why else keep him cooped up in his seat of power? Why else let the less trustworthy banners of the Crownlands and Westerlands trickle back to their holdfasts while a strong backbone of Valemen curb what might just be the first overt act of treason in the young king’s reign? Curious. You might prove to be of more worth than any have thought if you can leverage that insight with the aging string puller of Arryn. The question now is how? Until then…

You catch the next crowded ferry across, keeping a steady grip on the nervous young courser’s reins and elsewise going unrecognized beneath your otter fur poncho. You’re a veteran campaigner and if there’s one thing you’ve learned it’s to invest in boots and poncho proofed against water. Some of these greener lads, the ones that aren’t busy heaving up ale over the swaying ferry, are going to learn that soon enough. You’d expect the storms to be a constant companion this close to the bay and forest at this point of the season.
>>
>>4355484
In truth, you’re all for a good long march. Even in the rain. Hells, especially in the rain. Something exhilarating about it, like it brings your senses alive. It helps that you’re still plenty comfortable mounted and under your poncho even if a few drops dribble down and inwards from time to time. You’d say there’s something right bloody peaceful about being on campaign with naught but a pack to concern yourself with. No worry for coin and expenses. No nagging womenfolk. At least not the sort you’d have to pretend listen to. No caring over decorum. No fretting over the woes of your people and holdings. Feels like freedom.

You spur your horse to a trot until you’re up near the front of the main host. Aside from Ser Egen who directs the fording, you’re able to make out the other knights and lords dispatched by name, riding at the head as befits their ranks. Lord Redfort is obvious by his banner… a red fort… riveting. Then there’s Ser Barristan standing out in his stark white and riding tall in his armor without a care for the rain. Lastly, you can pick out the young Baelish lord by his slightness if nothing else. Of all the Hand’s picks, that one strikes you as the oddest. He has no men of his own at his back and you’ve your doubts about his ability to keep a strong grip on a sword, let alone swing one. There should be other noteworthies in the host either still pulling their boots on or riding on ahead in the van that you may meet when the host makes camp, but it might be best to gain a measure of one of your fellows while things are calm.

Who will you ride with?
>Lord Horton Redfort
>Ser Barristan Selmy
>Lord Petyr Baelish
>None, you’ll ride ahead. With any luck, you’ll catch up with the van.
>>
>>4355486
>Lord Petyr Baelish
Because why not. He's the one with the most chances of helping us in the future. (Also of backstabbing us)
>>
>>4355486
>>Lord Petyr Baelish
I would rather be with Selmy, but if we want more contracts, charming this man will have plenty of perks. Aurion would pick the guy in charge of the kingdoms money.
>>
>>4355496
+1
>>
>>4355486
>Lord Petyr Baelish
Maybe he can get Aurion a bed-warmer
>>
>>4355486
>>Lord Petyr Baelish
Gives us ample time to engineer an unfortunate riding accident.
pls boggs, give us a reason ic to kill this manlet fuck
>>
I'll remind, Baelish is a 16 year old stripling at this point. His greatest accomplishments in life thus far have been losing an honor duel and somehow managing to gain a clerkship appointment beneath the Master of Coin instead of a gelding after knocking up a lord paramount's daughter.
>>
>>4355486
>Lord Petyr Baelish

I want to know why he's here at all
>>
>>4355514
So... He should be Aurion's best friend?
>>
>>4355486
>>Lord Petyr Baelish
>>
>>4355514
Well, at least it's not the canon where he stayed in Gulltown for like 5-6 more years as an official. He'll have more influence in King's Landing. I'll take it. Jon Arryn definitely sent him out to get killed.
>>
>>4355532
He'll have that one as well later. A Lord Gilmont Redwyne (uncle to Lord Paxter) will be the actual master of coin soon. Some minor details I worked out with The Father from Malroy nearly a year ago now.

>>4355526
Honestly missed the parallels until you pointed it out. Hah.
>>
>>4355486
>>Ser Barristan Selmy
>>
Shall we cheer up the miserable little lordling?

>Can I get 3 rolls of 8d6 for Charm?
>>
Rolled 1, 4, 1, 1, 6, 5, 2, 1 = 21 (8d6)

>>4355558

>>4355510
Seconding a bed warmer at some point
>>
>>4355560
And here's to hoping our kid manages to pick up attractive...
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 6, 4 = 22 (8d6)

>>4355558
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 1, 6 = 36 (8d6)

>>4355558
>>
>>4355561
hope he does too. But more importantly that we train our kid to be as talented using speech as well as our self to get good use of it.
>>4355565
35..I would say we likely hit all 4 degree's.
>>
We almost always succeed in our charm rolls. I wonder what a failed charm roll looks like. Does Petyr get even more depressed and lash out at us? Does a lady we're trying to charm rebuff us publicly and we get a reputation as a lecher? Does a lord see through our facade and call us out as an upjumped sellsword?
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>>4355575
>Does a lord see through our facade and call us out as an upjumped sellsword?
That's pretty much what happened on our first attempt with Cerelle's father
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>>4355578
Ohh right, I remember now.
>>
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>>4355569
Yup. You did.

>>4355575
Outside of simple intrigues with those of lower status than you, you could succeed a persuasion test and not do enough "damage" to truly sway them. That leads to another round of talks provided they don't succeed hard enough on their own tests. It doesn't come up much, but I do use this chart for "damage" when engaging with more important NPCs and compare it to their Intrigue Defense and Composure (intrigue HP based on Will). As you can see, Aurion is a Charm/Seduce powerhouse right now.

Writing!
>>
>>4355582
>>4355578
we also rolled a pretty "average" roll last time, at the trial. Had it been this good. We would have likely gained something better. Possibly gotten the lady off Scott free or likely a slap on the wrist.
Still it is going to look good for her next time she is set to be at trail. We may even speak for her again, if she can provide us with enough benefit. Since she already owe's us for her ransom it should be interesting.
>>4355602
I am not getting this chart really. I guess i'll read more into it.
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>>4355630
Think of it like combat, only the rules would rarely ever apply to Status 3 and under NPCs. You roll a 20 for Persuasion (Incite) vs a lord with an intrigue defense of 15 and a composure of 12. Assuming no modifiers like a positive/negative disposition and you're trying to get something that isn't completely unrealistic out of him, the DC would effectively be 15. You get 2 degrees of success. You were rolling to Incite, so your damage is (cunning rank) 3 x 2 for 6, leaving him with 6/12 composure left. You need that to get down to 0 to have him well and fully Incited. He then rolls against you (unless he went first) and incites/convinces/whatevers you back. You go another round unless things get cut off due to a vote to break away and end the conversation or the NPC deciding not to talk to you anymore. I have a feeling it sounds more complicated than it is, but then I'm very used to handling the crunch and keeping the format simple for the sake of everyone's enjoyment.
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You guide your horse over to the lone little lord, hopefully not looking too foolish as you do so. You have to begrudgingly admit your wife’s nagging over the importance of horsemanship might’ve had some merits. You’re really not used to riding anymore.

“Lovely weather,” you call in greeting to the young lordling. He looks miserable on his own mount as he grows increasingly soaked. Definitely falls into the category of greenlings without good weather gear.

He gives you a suspicious look as if you were mocking him. Well, perhaps you were just a little. He spits a piece of mint off to the side. “To be sure, my lord. As lovely as the Hand’s teeth,” he replies.

Your easy smile turns to a grin. “Why my lord, I thought you and he were old mates with him naming you to this little walk in the woods of mine.”

He snorts. “I will admit, you did give quite the performance. It’s a pity you hadn’t thought to remind our gallant knights of the ‘lovely’ weather while you were inciting them to battle.”

“Then I’d have all the smaller host to work with, or worse yet, I might’ve had to drink my way though a trial and content with watching my company champion crack a skull. No, this is far more entertaining,” you say.

“My lord speaks of this as if it were a game. Numbers or not, we could very well die in this fighting. That could well be what some want,” he sullenly comments.

“You want in on a secret? War is just a big bloody game. Most the time at least,” you bluntly comment to the lordling’s surprise. “Aye, it’s hard losing friends and your own men. Been there. Aside from that, it’s when you’ll feel most alive. That or with a woman squealing in your lap. Hells, I’d do both at once if I could. Perhaps with a chariot…”

“I believe I would settle for the woman alone if it’s all the same to you,” Baelish smirks.

“Yeah? Nothing wrong with that. Just doesn’t feel like enough, you know? A woman alone won’t make you feel like a god… if it’s all the same, don’t tell my lady wife or my septon that. No, a man needs something more… I find that on these campaigns. Every time I walk out alive to the cheers of my men it’s all the more proof to them I can’t be killed and the gods love me. And if they stop loving me for some unfathomable reason, then I get to go and ask them why.”
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>>4355695
“That’s a… unique take,” he comments with a slight smile. He has a look about him. You can’t place it, but it does remind you of Cerelle at times.

“Is it? We’re surrounded by honorable knights that’d say much the same if they’d had the good fortune of fighting somewhere that lets them be honest of such things... what was that of some preferring us dead?” you ask.

“Pay it no mind, my lord,” he shakes his head slightly. “Just a fleeting thought of our Lord Hand.”

“You dislike him?”

“That’s… well, I suppose on general principle, but he’s not wronged me in any way. It’s more a matter of my wronging him, or at least he may see it that way,” he half-explains.

“What could you have done to him? You bed his daughter?” you jest. He gets awfully silent.

“He has no daughter,” Baelish finally answers.

“No? Not the one at the feast?” you ask.

“That would be his wife, Lady Lysa. Formerly of House Tully where I was fostered. So no, I didn’t bed his daughter,” he replies.

You try to keep the grin from your face as you wait for him to call it a jest. He doesn’t. You can’t help but laugh. Of all the unlikely…

“You’d do well to keep that to yourself, my lord. There are those who would ill like the rumors beginning again,” he warns.

“I’ve no need to go squawking about it, not to worry. Hells, I’ve narrowly missed my own scandals, so it’d more than likely come back on me just as hard as you,” you assure him. “One more question that’s been on my mind… and I mean no offense with this, but why are you here?”

“Why to count coins, my lord. What else?” he smirks.

>More tomorrow. Most likely with actual fighting. See you then!
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>>4355630
Hell, if she does marry Cerelle's cousin we should do whatever we can to get the blame placed 100% on Massey. It'd suck for him to marry into a crippling debt, when instead we could have a friendly trade partner

>>4355654
Boggs, is our island far south of Sharp's point? I'm trying to figure out where exactly Stormgrave is in relation to the mainland. I remember an option from prior to us becoming a lord that would have us argue that we should be sworn to the future lord paramount of the Stormlands, but that seems so far away from where I thought the island is
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>>4355699
>friendly trade partner
We could likely have that trade set up anyway.
That is a huge jump for Edger. house Lydden would also likely put in a good word in the Lady's name. Or just outright give his nephew a loan to Cover the debt at a lower interest rate.
We get our lady's ransom. Or play it politically for her hand with Ser Edger. And the fucker owe's us that much more.
Id like to know more if they hit it off, and have Cerelle think about the benefits. She could think of their assets better than Aurion could. And how to capitalize on this.
Like a 10 year trade deal, or something like that. Should be interesting. But we've many more immediate things to worry about.
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>>4355699
>>4355714
Hell if both of them owe us that much, they could be vassals in everything but name.
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>>4355699
See that island just to the east of Sharp Point? That's Stormgrave. Sweetport Sound (House Sunglass's island) is the one on the west wide of the peninsula touching the "Stonedance" label. Stonedance is Massey's seat and your ultimate destination on this trek, but you'll be able to do some convincing to attack/recapture Sharp Point and also an unlabeled hall belonging to House Rambton.

As for the Stormlands, you're about the same sailing distance from Storm's End or King's Landing. The actual Stormlands starts just below Massey's Hook, so you're right up on their border. Dragonstone is a stone's throw though, making it your default unless you can convince someone(s) important otherwise.
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>>4355726
Looked back on the end of thread 6, the idea was to swear fealty to Estermont instead of Sunglass. Since it is assumed that Stannis will be the lord paramont of stormlands and dragonstone, we could've joined the stormlands during the political unrest. Personally I'd prefer Renly over Stannis for us, less likely to lose fingers. We'd have to get some inside information from Bobby B to do it though, and it's a hard sell

>>4355718
Without a debt to the crown, they'll on par or better than us economically. I doubt we could subjugate them that much, but we'd have plenty of room to exploit them. Maybe "encourage" them to build up herb fields or apiaries and provide us with inexpensive components for our rum
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>>4355752
Agreed, if anything we may be able to pinch them for some lands if possible, for their part on the assault on our person. And as well as say not charging her for the ransom. Depending on how many domains she has. And looks like she has got a shit ton of 'em.
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>>4355857
Eh, I'm happy enough with our current lands. If we try to take their ancestral land, we'll lose a lot of favor. We'd have to split our forces between the island and the Point, for a small increase in our resources. She doesn't have that much anyway, I'm picturing the narrow point of the peninsula between Sharp Point and Stonedance would be her border. Better to let them keep and develop their land as an ally

Looking at the map in >>4355726, it looks like Sharp Point either has an island off of it or the lighthouse isn't being depicted at the tip of the peninsula. I might go for taking an island off their hands, but it'd have to have something like a mine or fishery to be worth it.
>>
We don't have the gold to buy all the stuff we want for our island so adding more land isn't the greatest option.
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I'm going to be busy tonight, but I'll have a fairly big update up later on with an important strategy vote.
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>>4356439
>>4355602

Question: you mentioned npcs using intrigue techniques against us? Does that mean you're playing it straight for a change and giving them a chance to seduce or intimidate us?
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>>4356472
Yes. I've never done it any other way. Lady Cassandra tried to use seduce and failed. Janesa or Cleo would've had a chance of succeeding if they were trying for more than testing boundaries. Well, Janesa would've had to roll a lot higher than her average, but it was at least possible. You saw Lord Massey give it a go with incite and nearly succeed. I personally like the majority of the core intrigue rules. There's this dumb meme that they're bad or overcomplicated, but I think they're one of the more balanced aspects. Better than the fighting rules. Skipping out on them and making an MC immune from influences is either lazy QMing or straight anime protagonist powergaming. At least that's my take. It should be done within reason of course, but that comes back to QMing again. It would be stupid if I were throwing intrigue powerhouse lascivious women in your quarters after every feast just like it would be stupid if I was constantly one-upping you with opponents at a joust for a knightly character, but that doesn't mean the scenario is outside the realm of possibility either.

It's tricky because I wouldn't be surprised if there's at least one person that looks at any loss of control outside of a vote as railroading, but that's the character you've built. Want to shrug off a temptress or a wittier inciter? Invest in Will for higher composure or build up your intrigue defense stats. Or keep building your Language up and maybe pick up Eloquent so you go first in these verbal spars. Aurion is moving up in the world now and the flip side of that is being around more people who know how to play the game.

Same goes for other rules. For example, I use the spy/saboteur/assassin rules from OOSP. Any holdings you can purchase can also be purchased by rival houses and I do flesh out the relevant houses on my end.
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Depending on how the Dragonstone raid goes, we might qualify for the Famous quality. We'd be able to add up to 4 Charm bonus dice directly into the test, so we'd be rolling up to 10d6 on every charm test. We'd swindle our way into anything we want with it.

Only downside is we effectively can never disguise ourself, taking -4d6 to the stealth role. I think it'd be worth it
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>>4356892
I would personally rather see the trait eloquent. With an interesting addition w.e OP could add to balance it out. Since if we always get the first word. We are likely to destroy their composure, with in 1-2 rounds. Netting us our best result. We are a highly specialized player. We werds gud boii?!
And charm we likely have enough to get a minimum of 1 success anyhow likely in most cases 2.
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>>4356892
>>4356903
Fellas, I just want our boy to be able to read.
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>>4356906
But he can, anon. #lrn2read was in full force at the end of the last thread
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I also want to add. People do not go the noble route. I can see some asshat challenging us to a duel. Pass hard, call him a traitor to the crown and double team any noble with Vaeron. We haven't used that +2 cd any time recently.
Capture as many nobles.
>>4356906
but anon we can read.. That was literally our last vote. We can't ride a horse for shit. Barely as good as a commoner's skill in it.
Common 3 - You have a good grasp of the language and have a basic ability to read.
Only thing that sucks is for eloquent we need language 4. I don't see it ever getting that high, but I could be wrong.
I would rather see awareness at 5 and cunning at 4 before that happens.
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>>4356915
We definitely need to up Cunning, we've missed them by a few points way too many times
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>>4356915
I would be fine going for Eloquent and tripling down on intrigue. Or Pious. Not a pray 10 times a day type but a "the gods love me and I can't be killed" type. Absolute smug, cocky bastard. I'm liking that angle more and more.
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>>4356911
>>4356915
Shit, my bad. Must not have been around for that.
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>>4356938
I really do like eloquent, and can see Aurion going that way. And honestly if i was 100% sure of Cerelle surviving, I would say he picks that up in the time skip, dealing with his equals and betters so much. Learning from her and Janesa. Get our common up to 4 valyrian to 2, and another stats like warfare or cunning up a level during the "peaceful" time skip. But character development wise, I want to see what makes sense for Aurion to fall into. Does he fall into his rage, and just pick up every fight we can, and never marry again? Work like crazy to undermine the whole massey & Rambton house with underground connections? Letting rage fuel every fiber of his being with the one goal, to end each line? Meaning only cunning would be the big jump to push for.
He learns the to play the courts game. With plenty of fights/gigs here and there. Even if we have to cross the sea for them.
We could hunt down our mutiny pals
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>>4356966
Boggs said that they're living in the Kingswood as bandits, I'm not sure there's anything we can do about them legally. Either it's directly under the King's authority, or controlled by loyalist houses.

Maybe after Dragonstone, we can convince Bobby B to go bandit hunting with us in the Kingswood. We'd have to kill them to a man and ensure that only our men destroy the bodies so no one notices the lightning tattoos
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>>4356966
Yeah I don't have a lot of hope for her if Boggs is using the OOSP rules and we've ignored almost every opportunity to go on the offensive with the assassins. I get it. We got a lot of stuff. Still doesn't change that's what happened. I'm glad the kid has some hope with her going west. Remarrying... for a fat sack of gold maybe. Someone he can throw a bone to sometimes but not love. Or maybe not at all if cerelle has a girl. I can't see sidelining her kid with competing true borns.
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>>4356966
Anything that lets us run the westeros mafia without getting hanged
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>>4357026
>we keep BobbyB /fit/ by taking him out with us to fix our messes
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>>4357476
He always did want to conquer the Summer Islands

Thinking on that, I wonder if we could smuggle/schmooze a hold of goldenheart wood to make extra strength crossbows. If they can make longbows that pierce plate with them, imagine what they could do for elite crossbowmen
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>>4357977
Building on this idea, what if we got ironwood or teak to make massive turtle ships. Our infantry would be completely protected from missiles while in battle. Our crossbowmen could strafe the open decks of ironborn longboats, and the spikes would prevent them from boarding. Place a ram and corvus at the bow to fuck up anything larger with our heavy infantry
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>>4357027
You're talking about Aurion remarrying if the assassins are successful correct? And who's kid are you talking about sidelining? Because Aurion and Cerelles kid is trueborn. It may have been conceived out of wedlock but it will be born in the marriage bed.

But if the worst should happen, I think Aurion will likely be the type to remarry, if only because he's a lord now and a single child for an heir is a fragile thing in a dangerous world.
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>>4358092
there's also this. No idea what it says, but having a massive flagship would be cool
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>>4358092
Turning that dromond into some kind of siege ship for the heavies would be really cool.

>>4358101
Oh I know her kid will be truborn. I was saying I can't see sideling cerelle's daughter with a second wife's truborn kids. It's a lot less of an issue if she has a son.

If it's a question of just having a spare around then why not take a paramour?
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>>4358118
We did say in our vows to be true to Cerelle and were telling the truth. If she does get killed by assassins, I think going full scorched earth would be in character. Maybe after a year or two look into getting another wife, might do pretty well dowry-wise by marrying some rich lord's third daughter

It'd be a major loss though, her 6 cunning is amazing for managing our household. Getting someone on par with that isn't likely
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Sorry for the delays everyone. Just more stuff piling up than I'd expected. Next full run will be Friday, but I'm chipping away at an update to post before then when I have the time.

As for Cerelle, I'll open roll for the plot when the time comes. The coin flip for the heir's gender will be in the open too.
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>>4358282
How does the rolls work for Assassins/ assassinations?
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>>4358336
Here it is from Out of Strife, Prosperity. Rolls are Best of One because it's a house action.
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>>4358495
Ok, that doesn't seem very difficult.
Don't know if you'll answer but do our Knights add difficulty?
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>>4358495
Is Cerelle considered a primary or secondary character? Hopefully the Reynolds have high law and the cadre can fall on the assassin's blade

This is a good incentive to increase our law while she's at the Reynolds' and invest in the secret police holding
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>>4358616
>primary
Im pretty sure. Considering her stats, and how important she is.
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>>4358604
Yeah, the opposing DC will be raised by 3. It's not in their rules, but it makes sense to me. The odds still aren't great, but it's better than nothing.

>>4358616
She's a primary character. Secret police gives the biggest bonus with a +6 to the DCs. Criminal Syndicate adds +3. So does Black Market with the Ear in the Underworld upgrade.
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>>4359038
So since she has a destiny point would there be a chance that would save her or would that end up going to something else? How do DPs even work for side characters
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>>4359097
I'm not going to give out cheat death cards to npcs. DPs are only on the sheet on the off-chance that we end up playing as one of the other primary characters.
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>>4359103
I may not like it but that's understandable... Ooon a completely unrelated note any chance we could have a point of view shift conveniently right before she gets assassinated (・_・;)
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>>4359126
Any Assassins, Spies, Saboteurs, or other enemy agents operating in your house’s territory have the difficulty of any Cunning tests increased by +6. Members

of your House are considered to have Connections every where in the House’s domains. Any penalty to House Fortune rolls due to low or high Population is reduced by 1.
This is nice due to our low population.
Also because we aren't a small town boggs let us reduce the cost upfront. I forget about the power, but wealth was 5 wealth till and if we get to a small town which we would have to pay the other 5 wealth to let it be active again.
we currently have 2 power and 2 wealth. with 1 glory. Id say see if we can have Janessa get on that while we are away. We also just have food a solid surplus of food we could get rid of. Considering plenty of people are starving, we should be able to find a house happy to buy some food from us. Especially if we bargain ourselves.
It likely won't help for Cerelle, since setting up the secret police could take as long as 24 months. But that is for a full small town..idk
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Yeah all the city planning is great, but let's get back to how Aurion has been to Bayasabhad and needs to get back there as soon as possible to grab an amazon and make sure the next captain of the company ends up with the massive quality.
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>>4360020
We should make our own Potsdam Giants. We've already got Janessa, Vaeron, and Pate who are all close to or have the Massive quality. As we slowly go insane with lead poisoning from making rum with lead piping, we can become more obsessed with breeding a group of super soldiers. Go full Wise Master with it so we can get guys in full plate, tower shield, and greatsword/ax
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The next several days are rather uneventful. You exchange a few words with the other commanders, but the rain has kept all of the commanders busy or sullen for various reasons. Even you’re getting a touch fed up with riding. You’re just not used to it and have found yourself waking to increasing soreness. Doesn’t help that these Westerosi roads are still dirt and gravel, a far cry from the ancient Valyrian roadways you’ve used in the past. Right now, the great “Kingsroad” is no more than mud and your baggage train has suffered for it. After a half days’ frustration over mishaps, what little siege equipment the Valemen had the foresight to procure is left behind along with some of the finer belongings of some of the plump little lordlings that’ve attached themselves to this expedition.

One, as it happens, is Ser Wylis Manderly. Well, you’re not sure you’d quite call him plump and he’s certainly not little. Even so, the powerfully built knight does look to have gained a stone since your wedding. All that waiting around the city with little else to do. He brought along a score of knights to make good on the alliance between your houses. Or at least that’s the excuse he’d used to stretch his legs. In truth, it hadn’t occurred to invite him, but you’re glad he’s here just the same. Makes you look more legitimate and he’s pleasant company when he’s not talking of his new pretty wife more than what you’d deem to be natural out on campaign. She’s given him a daughter already, born before the war, but he’s sure he’ll get a son on her as soon as he sails home with glory.

A notion you can toast to. You hadn’t had the time before departing to work out Cerelle’s homecoming. She and your child will need to rest before they can travel, you think. You’re not sure how all that works over land, but even sailors see it as passing stupid to take a newborn aboard a ship. Or you could come to her. You’ve never been further west than, well, King’s Landing. It’d be nice to see where your wife was raised, and it would be even better to break in an old bed there for another baby. If she’s ready for it. For a woman of her age, she’s awfully prickly about bearing children. But then you’re not sure what the highborn etiquette is for gaps between making lordlings.

You also share a few more words with Lord Petyr on the subject of counting coins. This Lord Arryn is a shrewd one indeed. He wants a full accounting of the coffers of the houses of Massey’s Hook. Either he’s not completely sold on your story, or he’s looking to doll out more fitting punishment. You’re not sure if the Hand’s scheme is in your favor or not, but it’s a comfort to at least know the coin counter seems to favor you. In any case, you’ve a more pressing matter at present.
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>>4360268
You’ve just made camp at the Wendwater River and are making ready to discuss the next leg of the approach in Ser Barristan’s command pavilion, the bright white of the Kingsguard displayed prominently albeit a touch sullied by the mud at this point. Along with the usual suspects, Ser Vardis Egen has joined from the rearguard and your vanguard commander has doubled back to make an appearance.

“When I heard we were set off on the word of some bloke named after a crazed Valyrian who lead a host to their doom, I knew I’d need to see this for myself,” a tall, powerfully built man with dyed blood red hair and ornate armor of Lysene make steps into the pavilion, gaining a wide berth from the assembled nobles at his words and presence.

You recover from your surprise first and give him a level look in return. “Better’n being named after a bloody horse.”

A few tense moments pass before you both break out into laughter and clasp arms in a soldier’s greeting. “Palfrey fucking Badics. Last one I’d expect in a Valeman camp. What’d they have to pay you to cross the sea again?”

“Not a penny. Humbling the Mad King was payment enough. Course a lordship and lands of my own sweetened the deal. You? Last I heard in Lys, Captain Aurion was dead. Trampled by an elephant or such other,” he asks.

The pounding of drums “You should know I don’t die as easy as that. Aye, one or two might’ve tried to stomp on me the wrong side of the Bone Mountains and I did wake up beside one in Volantis once. Ah and it’s much the same for me after a little legwork, the lordship and all,” you grin.

“You two know each other? Guess that should be expected of sellsword lords,” Lord Redfort comments.

“Aye, we fought in the Disputed Lands,” you say, ignoring the lord’s grumpy tone.

“Good. I assume you will fight better in concert?” Ser Barristan asks.

“We fought against each other, he means to say,” Captain—Lord Badics adds.

“Who won?” the young Lord Baelish quips.

“I did,” you both say at once.

“No—”

“Some other time, perhaps,” Ser Barristan interrupts. “On to strategy now that my lords are all present. Ser Vardis?”
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>>4360270
The knight of Egen, a leader of the Hand’s guard from what you’ve gathered, gestures to the unfurled map of the region spread out over the wooden table dominating the center of the pavilion. “We will travel north up the Wendwater’s banks until we reach the port of the same name. We will take on fresh provisions from House Wendwater’s stocks and Lord Shrkye’s men will meet us. From there, we will travel east over the plains to Stonedance,” Ser Vardis summarizes.

“Any resistance as of yet?” Ser Barristan asks Lord Palfrey Badics.

“Not in the strictest sense. We’ve been watched plenty, but that might be the local lordlings keeping an eye out. They’ve been keen enough at slipping off where I’d wager they’re not common bandits. None of the lads’ve been feathered, so I’m not concerned,” Lord Badics replies.

“All the same, they will stay vigilant,” Ser Barristan replies to the sellsword lord’s frown, then turns to you. “How many men do you bring, Lord Aurion?”

“One hundred blessedly dry crossbows, half a hundred plated foot. With grapples,” you pointedly add. You might not have the numbers, but you reckon most of this host is ill equipped to take a castle by force. They’d roll over anything in open plains, but they’d take the taste out of victory for some if too many fell throwing themselves at the walls.

The Lord Commander nods. “We’ll resume the march at first light… and keep off the river’s banks. That goes for camps and the march. I’ll not be left explaining to the Lord Hand of how his host was swept away by a rising river. If there is nothing else?”

Actually… Ser Vardis’s mention of crossing the plains means they’re not intent on sacking the Rambton hall on the coast. You could press them on that as it isn’t truly out of the way and Rambton was near as guilty as Massey in all this. The only reason you can see why they weren’t stamped with the same label is that Lord Sunglass has already punished one or two of them. The house rules a town of the same name on Sweetport Sound, so a punitive strike on their mainland holdings would hardly spell their doom, but it would be satisfying all the same. The only trouble is how Lord Sunglass might react. You’ve made a good show of mending fences with the pious lord, and he’s done you no direct harm that you can see. The question is, how much is that relationship worth to you? Nothing? Everything? About a league’s worth of cattle?

>Push for Rambton’s mainland holdings to be sacked on the route to Stonedance
>Don’t, you don’t want to jeopardize your relations with House Sunglass
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>>4360273
>Don’t, you don’t want to jeopardize your relations with House Sunglass
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>>4360273
>Push for Rambton’s mainland holdings to be sacked on the route to Stonedance
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>>4360273
>Write-in
>Explain Rambton's role in the conspiracy and their confession, and ask that the army stops and resupplies at Rambton to see that the King's peace is being followed there. Lord Petyr has orders to count the coffers of their house anyway, so we'll kill two birds with one stone. If they have reformed their ways, the army will be allowed in, otherwise they'll be sacked.
Basically putting the ball in Rambton's court. If they allow the army in, we can convince Petyr to overstate their treasury so they'll be charged more for punishment. If not, we can sack them without too much repercussions from House Sunglass.
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>>4360273
>Push for Rambton’s mainland holdings to be sacked on the route to Stonedance
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>>4360308
+1
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>>4360273
>Push for Rambton’s mainland holdings to be sacked on the route to Stonedance
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>>4360308
Supporting, though I'm hesitant to try and doctor the results of Baelish's tally. Better to avoid giving Baelish any dirt to use against us later on
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>>4360328
We can call that for a vote later if we take this approach. Even an honest accounting will go far in ensuring their punishment.
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>>4360273
>Push for Rambton’s mainland holdings to be sacked on the route to Stonedance
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>>4360308
+1
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>>4360308
Support
Either pay and live or get ready to get sieged
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We should prioritize on getting land from all this, maybe a holding or two
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>>4360308
this sounds sound, supporting
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>>4360273
>Don’t, you don’t want to jeopardize your relations with House Sunglass
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>>4360308
This
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>>4360308
Supporting
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>>4359126
Nah. But if it's any consolation, I really do hope it works out. Their interactions together are some of my favorite parts to write. Way past my expectations. They're so incredibly different that it just sort of clicks.

>>4360020
>>4360065
Well that'd settle his friends' periodic idle speculation over his parentage quickly enough (crazy Targ blood wins the pot). I actually tossed in a Great Father reference a few threads ago. Follow your dreams.

>>4360308
And I'm happy to work with this. I think it flows better in a persuasion conversation anyway. Safe to say it has the most support, so we'll pick up with that later. Until then...

>Can I get 3 rolls of 7d6 for Persuasion (Convince)?
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 1, 1, 1, 1, 6 = 17 (7d6)

>>4360778
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 2, 2, 4, 5, 2 = 20 (7d6)

>>4360778
>>
Rolled 4, 4, 2, 2, 6, 2, 3 = 23 (7d6)

>>4360778
lol
>>
>>4360786
kinda impressive
>>
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>>4360786
>>
>>4360786
Gotta love when you pass a check despite rolling almost all ones
>>
“A moment,” you call before the lords can start filtering out. They turn to regard you. “This route would have us march past a potentially hostile holdfast and leave it unmolested to our rear,” you say, pointing to about where you know the Rambton hall to be. It’s not their primary seat and apparently doesn’t warrant a name on the map.

“Rambton lands… my lord should know they are within the King’s Peace,” Ser Barristan frowns.

“Are they, ser? I don’t recall seeing a Ser Rambton about King’s Landing. Ah, but I do recall a Lady Rambton stripped of title and packed off to the Silent Sisters for treason and murder. Lord Sunglass had yet to deal with Ser Rambton at the time of our muster,” you say to the unease of most of the pavilion.

“That’s a problem for Sunglass,” Lord Redfort dismissively grunts.

“Aye, and a right problem it’ll be for my Lord of Sunglass when his bannerman decides to steal one last glorious charge on the baggage train. Pray tell me my lord, will you be the one to explain to our Lord Hand why we lost more good men than we brought to justice?” you retort.

The Valeman’s cheeks redden at your words. “We know well of your vendetta, my Lord of Shryke. Your views are clouded by vengeance and are far from a certainty.”

“Even so, the possibility remains,” Ser Vardis Egen cuts in. He’s the one most likely to report losses to Lord Arryn as his captain of the guard.

“Ser Vardis has it,” you say. “A possibility. I point out the risk, it’s not my call to act on it. Any road, it won’t be my men doing the dying in the rear.”

“What do you propose?” Ser Barristan allows.

“Follow the coast til it’s time to cross the spine onto Stonedance. That’ll bring us through the heart of the Rambton pastures. If the disgraced Ser Rambton’s knee won’t bend, then we bend it for him. If he’s a reasonable fellow, then we lose little time and get one more hot meal on the march. We’ve nothing to lose,” you suggest.

“It would better ensure the Crown’s task of taking accounts as well. Men of my profession do seem to find more open doors with a host at their backs,” Lord Baelish adds.

Ser Barristan mulls it over. “We will divert to the Rambton hall after the Wendwater,” he decides before adding, “I will hear no word of rapine before we gain a measure of Ser Rambton. Dismissed.”
>>
>>4361492
After another two days, you reach a small port town with a holdfast at the mouth of the Wendwater. A small, modest castle perhaps of a size with your own, but with an impressive moat from a small diversion of its namesake river. You’re relieved to find a familiar sight safely docked at the end of the port, your flagship, the galleass dubbed Golden Harvest by its former owners of the Reach. Given the preemptive reception the punitive host is given, you’d say your men forewarned them of your approach. The majority of the men will have to make camp on the outskirts of the town by a tourney field, but provisions and foodstuffs are already being carted out to them. With any luck, some god saw fit to stick some heartier brews in a cart or two. The men could use it. As could your hosts, from what you are able to gather. Nervous lot. You wouldn’t even expect this much handwringing from a Pentoshi haggling for a war galley.

The lords and landed knights are afforded better accommodations within the holdfast’s walls as befits their stations. As it happens, that includes you. And apparently your knight lieutenants. Sers Vaeron, Trios, and Byron Yew are already present in the great hall as you’re received by Lord Wendwater and his courtiers. Lord Wendal Wendwater sits the high seat alongside a Lady Selena Darry and a couple of knightly looking sons.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 3d6 for Cunning?
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 4 = 15 (3d6)

>>4361496
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 5 = 8 (3d6)

>>4361496
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13 (3d6)

>>4361496
>>
Darry eh? Might explain the handwringing. Even you know that house is famously, or infamously, loyal to the dragons. You’d also seen a couple on Dragonstone. One was the Master of Arms if you recall correctly. Watched over the little princeling the whole time so you’d never gotten a word with him. The other… Lyra was it? A pretty thing that spent most of her time with the girl from Goodbrook. You hadn’t exchanged many words with her owing to your focus on your now-wife and your peeping friend of Celtigar. Both Darrys are most likely still holed up on the island fortress. You have to wonder how Lady Wendwater and the rest would react to such talk. Could be a real mood killer or it could be profitable if she’s keen on their safety. Or simply amusing.

You could join them on the dais. You probably rate that right now as a leading figure of the host. Or you could sit with your men and catch up. Hells, Badics could join you as well if you’re keen on reminiscing on old times. Failing all that, a private word with the Lady Darry might be the best way to inquire into her family situation if you’re truly interested in conducting a little business without prying ears and the delicate sensibilities that come with them. You’ve at least one man that you know could pass word to her with some subtlety.

>Join the lords on the dais
>Sit with your men and catch up
>Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business
>>
>>4361542
>Sit with your men and catch up
While we are a Lord now, we're a general first. Ensure that everything is right on our island and with our men, let Selmy and the lordlings sit on the dais
>>
>>4361542
>Sit with your men and catch up
>>
>>4361542
>Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business

Gib coin. Or whatever else she wants to pay with.
>>
>>4361542

>Sit with your men and catch up
>>
>>4361542
Sit with your men and catch up

I know this is probably the worst out of the three choices but I don't want our people to think we threw them to the curb
>>
>>4361542
>>Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business
>>
>>4361569
It is. We'll be marching with them tomorrow and slinking off isn't snubbing them on the dais.
>>
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>>4361542
Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business

>>4361566
>Or whatever else she wants to pay with
Hehe

I do hope we can catch up with the lads anyway after this, or whenever we head out of here, at the camp maybe.
>>
>>4361597
My reasoning is that we have all the time to catch up with the lads, as soon as the next day, but this looks like a unique opportunity.
>>
>>4361602
Agreed.
>>4361542
>>Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business
>>
>>4361542
>Excuse yourself to wash up while Ser Byron passes word to Lady Darry, then see about some business
>>
5-4 for conducting some business.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 8d6 for Charm?
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 3, 1, 3, 6, 2, 6 = 27 (8d6)

>>4361635
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 4 = 28 (8d6)

>>4361635
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 5, 6, 2, 4, 4, 6 = 33 (8d6)

>>4361640

Bones activate
>>
Rolled 4, 3, 1, 5, 3, 5, 1, 5 = 27 (8d6)

>>4361635
Ohh whats the dc?
>>
>>4361640
>>4361642
>>4361643
31. Writing.
>>4361649
Base 18, so 3 degrees of success.
>>
You walk over and greet your knights, stopping just long enough to hear report that there’s no trouble to concern over. Malaq is lounging about the ship, likely gambling again. You do wonder at times if the man has a genuine aversion to dry land. Perhaps it’s a habit formed due to how many ports he is unwelcome in by name.

“We’ll catch up on the morrow. I’ve spent the past week or so experiencing the joys of these mud roads. Ah, did you know Badics is about? Lord Badics now if you can believe it,” you tell your men. Vaeron and Trios at least would know him. “Ser Byron? A quick word,” you say before asking your master archer to pass request for private word of ‘family matters’ to Lady Darry. For her ears only. The quiet, dour knight slinks off with a nod. You’ve found through dealing with disloyalty upon Stormgrave that you can depend on his discretion. He handled himself well with your troublesome ex-garrison commander without causing a fuss.

A call to a passing servant has you hurried along to your quarters for the evening. Another nervous one… and here you thought you’d asked rather nicely. It’s not like you’re here to sack this particular holdfast. Hopefully this woman is the family-loving sort. It wouldn’t do to miss a rare warm meal over wasted words. If she even shows…

You eventually get your answer when the lady of the castle slips into the room while you’re slipping into more comfortable attire. Your better silks were best saved for drier weather, which the castle has blessedly provided along with a washing basin. You note she’s opted for a black dress rather than the brighter colors of the rest of the house. Some sort of message?

“You are the Lord Shryke?” she asks, cutting right to it. She’s a fairly attractive woman somewhere in her thirties or so with hair of that ambiguous shade of lighter brown that makes you wonder if she was a blonde in her youth.

“Aye, my lady may call me Aurion if she prefers,” you say, taking a seat upon your war chest and giving a wave for her to take the more comfortable bed.

“Very well, Lord Aurion. I presume you are aware of how… unusual this meeting is?” she asks, not bothering to hide her suspicion of you.

“Perhaps for you, my lady,” you shrug. “Any road, I’d heard you were of House Darry upon entering your hall, a surprise of sorts for me. I do love surprises, so I thought to repay you in kind. I’d seen some kin of yours of late, did you know this?”

“Who? Jonothor?” Lady Selena demands, beginning to look wroth.
>>
>>4361759
“Jono--- no, that wasn’t it. Willem, I think it was. Truth be told, Lady Lyra was more captivating… I see that is a family trait. I’d almost gotten around to asking her for a dance, but I’d more pressing matters to attend,” you say, watching her anger melt away. “You know, you could’ve at least brought some wine,” you add before rummaging through your chest for a bottle. Best to save the rum for the road, you think. You go to the trouble of looking about for something to pour it into, but the lady surprises you by grabbing the bottle from your hand.

“Glass?” she mutters, examining the bottle before yanking the cork free and taking a deep swig.

“Aye,” you say with some amusement. “Never could understand the wood casks other than for flavor. Sand is more plentiful.”

She paces at your words. “Why are you telling me this, my lord?”

“Simple, my lady. Dragonstone is my next stop after I’ve dealt with Stonedance. I’d expect the new Royal Fleet will be ready in the coming weeks and my own fleet has been ready for quite some time. I can say with, well, perhaps at least some conceit that my men will be the first through those walls. They’re simply better fighters than the press gangs used on this side of the sea and I’ve the advantage of knowing the layout of the castle. And what your kin looks like,” you explain. “So, unless your lord husband intends to join us…”

“He will do nothing of the sort,” she interrupts, looking heated again and quaffing it with more wine. “He will cower behind his walls and turn his back on his true friends as he has these past moons.”

“Then it seems to me I might just be your best hope of salvaging something of this mess,” you say, looking her over again. “Either Darry colors are bleaker than I’d expect, or my lady is in mourning.”

She sits on the edge of the bed again, looking more vulnerable than you’d intended by that comment. “I lost a brother, a cousin, and three nephews in one battle. The house that my father built is in ruins. My husband lost his spine and seeks to ingratiate himself to men he fears even glimpsing his daughters. Yes, my lord. I mourn for more than you know.”

“I hope you do understand my lady, but we haven’t the sort of relationship for me to act the gallant in a fallen castle on good will alone,” you say.

She’s quiet for a short while, just studying you with glittering blue eyes. “My lord husband would never agree for a ransom of coin and I fear House Darry hasn’t the means either.”

>You’ll settle for a favor
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>Something else

More tomorrow. Thanks for playing!
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
Let's work on getting some some aces to keep up our sleeves.
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)

Roll high enough and maybe we'll get a favor anyway.
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
we really need more than just food to trade. But we could break people's neck with bargain and make it worth while.
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
I'm afraid I've read too many stories on Fiction.live and have become a coomer. Praying for a quick recovery. Just to clarify though, is this a favor from the lady herself or from House Wendwater? Because one has a lot more value than the other.
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
Sellsword lord...
>>
Btw what land is this Badics guy the Lord of now?
>>
>>4361763
>>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763
>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you're more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763
>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763


>You’ll settle for a favor

I really think we should only seduce if Cerelle is on board with it ahead of time. She has been before.
>>
>Many men fathered bastards. Catelyn had grown up with that knowledge. It came as no surprise to her, in the first year of her marriage, to learn that Ned had fathered a child on some girl chance met on campaign. He had a man’s needs, after all, and they had spent that year apart, Ned off at war in the south while she remained safe in her father’s castle at Riverrun. Her thoughts were more of Robb, the infant at her breast, than of the husband she scarcely knew. He was welcome to whatever solace he might find between battles. And if his seed quickened, she expected he would see to the child’s needs.

Can we go without the modern sensibilities for a change? It's baffling why a character like this in this setting would ever be chaste on the road.
>>
>>4362081

I get what you're saying and I'm close to agreeing, the difference here is Ned was separated for a year, Aurion a week.
>>
>>4362084
Coming back with a child after a year implies it happened early on. I'm not even trying to be a coomer about this. I just think it's unrealistic for him to be chaste outside of his marriage bed when he's spent his entire adulthood as an Essosi bachelor either campaigning or partying away his winnings. To me, this is just /qst/ playing all male MCs exactly the same way with firstgirlitis, "muh famry" and little regard for actual background. Unless we're playing a girl MC in her mid teens, then apparantly we fuck everything that moves because that's totally fine.

And before someone says "but we're in loooove." Aurion has physically been around Cerelle for 2 months at most. That's it. And he was off killing people for at least part of that. They have a lot of growing to do if she makes it. Making Aurion into a perfect saint right now is just completely unrealistic and reeks of self inserting or a desire for flawlessness rather than honest play.
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
Don't be gay folks. We'll seduce her so hard we get double the aid.
>>
>>4362095

Okay. I think you're right about the self insertion, so for the sake of playing the character as the character I'm changing

>>4362065

To Seduce.
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
can't use sex to fuck over our enemies, only thing we stand to gain from bedding her is an other enemy
>>
>>4362081
On the character sheet it says Aurions goal is 'love/family' and his motivation is 'fear(loss/loneliness).' We've treated Cerelle with a lot more deference than I imagine most husbands would. Aurion has what he wants already, why take unnecessary risks with it?
>>
>>4362271
1. Yes we can even if that's not what this is about
2. This only makes an enemy if we're completely stupid about it. It's more likely to make a more reliable ally

>>4362281
That vote was settled in the aftermath of learning his ex/childhood friend died birthing his kid. It would've been weird to choose anything else in that context.

Past that, his motivation is fear of being alone and having an empty bed was specifically mentioned as a part of that. He's slept alone for the past week and now there's a highborn milf sitting on his bed. Let's be realistic.
>>
Is this the most votes on a single vote in this quest so far? Damn, Boggs, soon you'll have as many players as Forgotten in the Sworn to Valour quest
>>
>>4362291
>1. Yes we can even if that's not what this is about
Okay I'll give you that though i don't see how in this case
>2. This only makes an enemy if we're completely stupid about it. It's more likely to make a more reliable ally
Like 9 months later a valerian bastard pops out, we don't have the best record of not knocking somebody up because it's smarter. Regarding the ally part it's also just as possible to make everything worse and possibly something she could use against us if she wanted. pretty sure our rep would play against us if she #metoo'ed us.
>>
>>4362309
>Like 9 months later a valerian bastard pops out

Well so far we are 1 for 2 on that, so it's far from a sure thing. We slept with Cleo too. I'd think a married mother with teenage kids would know what moon tea is if it was such a concern. Crying rape seems like a weird thing to do when she still wants us to safely deliver her neice. Especially considering we are charming and seducing her like we are built to.
>>
We're still tied 9-9. What are the odds!
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
I have a feeling not many people will be happy, whichever way the vote goes.
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361763
>>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
>>4361799
House Badics is a Vale house. I archive dived through some of the older Vale quests such as Harrock and Grallner to toss in some references here and there, just as I went back to Malroy's Wendwater tourney thread for this part. Pic related.

>>4362306
There have been several overnight votes that passed 20 participants in previous threads. It's usually at least tangibly related to something involving a woman. Go figure. Sworn to Valour... I'm well over a dozen threads behind now. I really should find some time to catch up. I enjoyed Black Company. I think his rule of discounting 1 post voters is a neat way to encourage lurkers to more universally participate past perceived waifu votes and the niche elements that most interest them (house builders not as interested in combat or vise versa). Assuming he still uses it.
>>
>>4362341
>I have a feeling not many people will be happy, whichever way the vote goes.

Seems like a dumb thing for anyone to get upset about, but I've been surprised before.

>>4362291
>That vote was settled in the aftermath of learning his ex/childhood friend died birthing his kid. It would've been weird to choose anything else in that context.

This is a fair take and something I've considered, albeit in hindsight. I'm not looking to present a carbon copy of Brynden or Merv either and I've tried to show that through mannerisms even if the votes can be a bit predictable. It is a curious pattern. Given the shared genre, there's at least some overlap in players across these quests, so I'd imagine that influences it. That and there's the nature of the quest itself; it's only natural that playing as the head or potential head of a noble house is going to conjure goals and motivations at least somewhat related to the concept of family. Perhaps Aurion will find the time for some rare self-reflecting if events warrant it.
>>
>>4362415
he does though not as explicitly as most players just assume now and compulsively link their posts. Seeing as it's been awhile since the last shit-flinging shit show it might be working, but lets see how it goes if the dukes ball continues as it started.
>>
>>4362415
Love Forgotten but I quit participating many threads ago and just lurk for the story. It gets too overwhelming with that many people and the shitfest that entails. ASOIAF quests aren't quite there which is nice and they don't stink of blatant samefagging.

Btw


>>4361763
>You’ll settle for a favor
I'd rather keep the bed warming low key. Find a tavern wench if Aurion wants to bang that bad.
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4361763
1. Favor
2. Seduce
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
>>4361763
>>You’ll settle for a favor
>>
Lots of one posts by this IDs...

Anons always get worked up over the women..
>>
>>4361763
>After a week on the road, you’re more interested in her (Seduce)
>>
Alright, I need to call this if I'm going to get any writing done before this evening.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 6d6 for Persuasion (Seduce)?
>>
Rolled 6, 5, 3, 6, 5, 3 = 28 (6d6)

>>4362726
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1 = 12 (6d6)

>>4362726
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3 = 22 (6d6)

>>4362726
>>
Rolled 1, 4, 6, 2, 4, 4 = 21 (6d6)

>>4362726
This is pretty out of character imo
>>
>>4362738
We could always seduce and then not go through with it which we have done before
>>
>>4362738
I think anons gave good reasons for both sides. Why didn't you vote if you have enough of an opinion to voice concerns afterwards?
>>
>>4362738
I think so as well. I guess I should have harped on that. But hey man majority..majority, majority.
Goal: Family/Love
But I guess this should be interesting what comes from there.
I can only call it as his vice, that affected this. I wonder what this will open up.
Vice: Reckless
>>
>>4362727
Hehe looks like this anon might be right after all -
>>4361771
>>
>>4362749
Just missed the vote to be perfectly honest.

I’m not going to harp on about it now that it’s decided - just wanted to say my piece.

>>4362748
This anon does make a good point, as does the other about ‘reckless’ being a vice.

Anyway, let’s see where this leads us
>>
>>4362748
Bruh you'll be waiting for another 24 hours for a vote which will come down back to a single vote. I think any anons voting for seduce knew what they were voting for. The language of the vote also makes it pretty clear.
>>
Oh yes our wife is going to be assassinated and we are messing around with a milf

Isn't it 14 favor 13 seduce
>>
>>4362758
>Just missed the vote to be perfectly honest.
It's funny, the same has happened to me. Except I did get to vote off say a cell phone when I was out of town. So I thought you were gonna go with you already voted from a different device.
>>4362749
what was the dc?
>>4362762
I hear you, this seduce doesn't make as much sense to not fuck her, as Aurion had already charmed her. Even if it is different, I personally want it to be he doesn't go through with it. But the language does really make it hard to think that he wouldn't fuck her brains out.
>>
No, this guy switched his vote. So it's 13Favor 14 seduce

>>4362251
>>
>>4362769
but anon, we haven't seen her for a week! Obviously we should make a woman sleep with us to save her family
>>
>>4362748
>>4362762
That would be Deception (Seduce) if you were looking to lead her on. Would've been a good write-in had it been suggested. Honestly, I'm surprised that we didn't have any Something Else's. Not that it's a problem.
>>
Since it's within our room I hope we're discreet enough that our companions won't know of this.
>>
>Rolled 28 vs DC 18, 3 Degrees of Success.

“But you know this,” the lady of the castle continues, giving you a sharp look as you approach. You’re not sure if it’s of anger or challenge, but you know what it turns to as the light of the candles reflect from your eyes, illuminating the mark of your bloodline.

You take the bottle from her hands for a taste of your own. You’d like a taste. Lady Selena openly stares at you. You boldly look back into her eyes after your taste and see the ocean blues glitter not from tears. If she thinks you some animal to simply pounce, she is mistaken. That is the work of simple men and you’re coming to understand you’re anything but.

“You are nothing like my lord husband,” she remarks at last.

“No, I’m not,” you agree.

“… would you help me with these top laces, my lord? I fear the room has become rather warm,” she asks, turning to show you the cloth-of-silver bows between her shoulders.

You oblige her, although not quite how she’d expected. You turn her to face you and lean in past her full, readied lips to undo the bows behind her, teasing her neck with your breathing alone. “It’s not enough,” you finally whisper into her neck.

“The warmth,” you continue, pulling away again to look her over fully. Her corset now tantalizingly loose as it rises and falls over apple-sized breasts with Lady Selena’s breathing. “I’ve always wanted more. Always. I’m a man wed, did you know this?”

“I hadn’t,” she blinks, wrongfooted.

“And you are a lady wed, to be sure,” you supply. “… does that satisfy you?”

“… no”

“No. Those such as we, we should not suffer a cold bed,” you agree, sitting beside her again and tracing a line from her neck down her spine, pulling the last few laces apart as she shudders involuntarily. “Would you warm mine.” you ask the rhetorical as you plant a kiss upon her bared shoulder.

She stands and shimmies out of the corset and the remainder of her dress, putting her slender yet wide-hipped body on display for you. “Beautiful,” you remark as you slip out of your silk shirt and pull her into your lap.
>>
>>4363166
You trace circles on her glistening chest as she lays beside you much later. “The feast must be over by now. Will your husband not seek you?” you ask.

“We keep separate beds. He wouldn’t dare after allowing turncloaks to this hall,” she says.

“Turncloaks?” you idly ask, slowly trailing further down her body past the soft hair of her womanhood to tease her sex, wet with her passion and your seed both.

“You are led by Ser Barristan the Bold are you not?” she rests upon her side to face you lest she be tempted to give into baser thoughts again so soon.

“Aye, at his own request. What of it?”

“Ser Barristan served King Aerys until he was beaten upon the Trident. He hadn’t the grace to fall on his sword and join my cousin and now serves the Usurper like a beaten dog,” Lady Selena answers, your ministrations not enough to soothe her passion. At least not yet.

“Hmm. He did seem a touch… sympathetic,” you muse.

“May I ask you something, my Lord Aurion? Why do you serve the Usurper? He has laid low the greatest dynasty since the Doom. It is your people he has usurped,” she says.

The earnestness, the passion of her words… it does stir something in you. Pride, at the least. Or is it something more?

>If you’re honest with yourself… the situation, your side in this, it does anger you. You wish you could do something to set things to rights. Within reason, of course.
>You couldn’t give a fig over bloodlines and the like. You chose your side out of practicality and you’re comfortable with how the dice have fell.
>Something else.
>>
>>4363189
>You couldn’t give a fig over bloodlines and the like. You chose your side out of practicality and you’re comfortable with how the dice have fell.
We have dragon blood not a dragon heart
>>
>>4363189
>>If you’re honest with yourself… the situation, your side in this, it does anger you. You wish you could do something to set things to rights. Within reason, of course.
deception. Lie to get 'er to like us more.
>>
>>4363189
>If you’re honest with yourself… the situation, your side in this, it does anger you. You wish you could do something to set things to rights. Within reason, of course

Holy fuck take my money.
>>
>>4363234
Then I think you want
>Something else
>>
>>4363189
I want to say something in the middle, that we don't care about the bloodline, and yet some small amount of justice could be done. for an appropriate reward The first option will clearly lead to her wanting to get something done, and I want to hear what it is, even if we don't do it in the end. I'll try to come up with a write in.
>>
People don't actually want to turn against Bobby B do they? He did make us a Lord
>>
>>4363189
>[Deception] If you’re honest with yourself… the situation, your side in this, it does anger you. You wish you could do something to set things to rights. Within reason, of course.

It commits us to nothing, but she will likely provide us with more information.

A sellsword doesn’t get caught up in causes, we’re out for ourself and our family first and foremost
>>
>>4363189
>>You couldn’t give a fig over bloodlines and the like. You chose your side out of practicality and you’re comfortable with how the dice have fell.
Our people are the smallfolk of Stormgrave, not the random valyrian that fucked our grandma
>>
>>4363189
>Truth be told the only thing we share with the Targaryens is our coloring, nothing more. Out father didn't stick around to watch us grow up, and we share more in common with the people who raised us than highborn lords. We picked the pragmatic side, did good service and were rewarded highly for it. And yet we're not opposed to some small amount of justice, provided it's reasonable. The dragons did give us our island for faithful service, and we hold no personal grudges like the king. We'll hear her out.

This lets us hear her out without deception, we can choose to agree or disagree with her request, or agree(lie) with deception later.
>>
>>4363242
I don't get why someone of the most notoriously prideful and coveted blood wouldn't care at all about his heritage yet would want to help the losing side out of some sense of justice. Doesn't the justice stem from the pride of blood?

>>4363247
I don't want to go waving a targ flag around, but I don't see why we can't explore the "within reason." He lorded us to put our neighbors in their place as well. That doesn't mean he's our bffer.
>>
>>4363256
I may have been wrong about our father, I don't remember anything at all about him. So that part can be edited as needed
>>
>>4363247
I don't. like >>4363240 you said...
I want to lie to the girl. Sticking with her on her side of things. Just lie to her.
>>4363234
>Something else.
>>4363234
Just side with her but under deception. We've definitely got her to like us well enough. We'er the right blood line, and in the right location to be a loyalist. I am sure she is very likely to believe us. And be more likely to help us out, with a smile on her face.

But im fine just telling her the truth if it win's. Just thought this would give us more bang for our buck.
>>
>>4363259
IC you don't know anything about him at all. I have my own little headcanon for his parentage, but I can't think of a reason why Aurion would ever learn of any of it unless he really tripled down into exploring his origins.
>>
>>4363247
>>4363258
I would frame it as our pragmatism and seeking out opportunities, just hearing her offer out, nothing more yet. We don't have to agree to anything before the full offer us laid out. Even after, we can trick her with deception.
>>
>>4363226
+1
>>
>>4363189

>Something else

I'm voting for the Deception option that has the most support by closing time. If deception loses, dont count this vote.
>>
If my write-in doesn't make it >>4363256
I'll switch to
>Something else
>[Deception] If you’re honest with yourself… the situation, your side in this, it does anger you. You wish you could do something to set things to rights. Within reason, of course.

Both are in similar veins, designed to hear out her offer, just mine will put the deception later after her offer, but I'm comfortable with either.
>>
>>4363189
>>You couldn’t give a fig over bloodlines and the like. You chose your side out of practicality and you’re comfortable with how the dice have fell.
>>
I think deception is ahead. I can support that but I just don't see Aurion have actual anger over the fall of the Targaryens
>>
>>4363313
Not at all, which is why i said deception.
Sell sword screams practicality.
>>
Having some technical issues (computer froze). Let's get those deception rolls going while I sort this out. Next post will probably be in the morning if I have to suffer through this tablet.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 5d6 for Deception? DC 14
>>
We better not flub the roll if deception wins after coming this far! Poor woman is already in grief and disillusioned by her husband, she'll probably jump from a tower or attack us if she finds out she's being played again.
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 5, 2, 3 = 17 (5d6)

>>4363336
*fingers crossed so tightly they hurt*
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 2, 2, 4 = 11 (5d6)

>>4363336
lucky 1's!
>>
Rolled 4, 3, 3, 1, 5 = 16 (5d6)

>>4363336
>>
Beat it by 1
>>
>>4363343
>>4363347
>>4363349
Whew, close. 15 it is. Still tableting so I'll see you gents tomorrow
>>
>>4363364
Thanks for running! This mini arc has been entertaining so far. Just to be clear though, and because I'm an autist, did she have sex with Aurion freely or as an exchange that Aurion will save her relatives? How soundly can I sleep at night for choosing this option, that is to say.
>>
>>4363393
Definitely freely with a 28 roll for 3 degrees to seduce. For perspective, seduce effectiveness is based off of Persuasion, so he effectively did 18 intrigue damage to her. That would cause a woman with Will 6 to swoon and is downright impressive.

She'd probably be a little miffed if he doesn't bother collecting her niece, but the transactional talk went out the window in favor of more pressing needs.
>>
>>4363189
>wet with her passion and your seed both.
uh oh
>>
Well as long as there is still time for pillow talk, I'd like to ask her why her entire household is so nervous? Surely it can't be because her being a Darry alone, and their house wasn't a big Targaryen supporter as she said, why are they so scared then? Also, if it's possible, then emphasize the 'within reason' bit from our vote. That is, she shouldn't take from our words that we'll betray Robert in a significant way Unless what she's offering is also significant
>>
>>4363436
I can't wait for us to have a bastard then Cerelle to find out and pull the rug out from under us and literally take the whole house
>>
>>4363458
How dare you call the newest Wendwater a bastard.
>>
>>4363436
>>4363458
She's a mature woman with a rebellious streak, she'll know to take her moon tea. Relax guys. Or the reason she supports the Targaryens so much is because she loved Rhaegar secretly, and she'll have our child as revenge on her husband
>>
Anyway, by the time it even happens (which it most likely won't), do you really think Robert Baratheon's going to punish us for cheating or having a bastard?
>>
>>4363485
that's far below his purview. It'd likely go to our lord paramount(stannis) if the Lord wanted to disown the child. Doing so would draw more attention to him getting cucked though, so he'd probably just have it smothered in the cradle or raised normally if it looks like him.

Though if he did bring it to stannis, I don't think we'd like the punishment for cheating
>>
Bruh, you fags actually went and fucked her. Idk how this fits in with the mc but if you want fuck anything that walks than here we are. Like what was the point of going through all those trials and tribulations to gain our wife's hand in marriage just for us to piss away all that conviction and story whilst she pregnant with Aurion's child for a single line of text that says
>wet with her passion and your seed both
I don't understand why we couldn't have just settled for a favour. You guys are fucking jokers. She better not have a fucking bastard.

>>4363189
>You couldn’t give a fig over bloodlines and the like. You chose your side out of practicality and you’re comfortable with how the dice have fell.
>>
>Cheating on our wife while she's pregnant with our child
I didn't even make the connection before. We're totally naming our child Barron or Ivanka after this, scrap the previous choices for names. But yeah I was expecting a bit more, a picture of the lady to go along at least. But hey, it's a blue board on 4chan, not Questionable Questing or Fiction.live. I'd rather the QM write what he's comfortable with. And there's still likely an offer coming from her side.
>>
>>4363749
Meant to reply to this >>4363718
>>
>>4363749
I don't understand how anons think this in IC. Aurion is a low born sellsword who led a merc company for years yet in a matter of months he's gain nobility, married a noble, gained a lordship and is going to have a child. All of this in a matter of months. If you were feeling this you'd feel a massive sense of gratification and contentment along with some anxiety due to some other clients. All of this and in my mind Aurion married for love cause for what other IC reason could he have. He's married to a daughter of a landlocked lordship which is halfway across Westeros in the Westerlands who lord is not fond of him. In my mind, all of this leads to him having some love for his wife who he bargained to get a the sept of Bealor to ring its bell for them and attempted to improve relations with his father-in-law. Yet due to anons fucking it up in a span of a week or more he's gone and slept with another woman behind his pregnant wife's back. If we didn't marry for love idk what was the point in having to scrounge around for her father's favour, we should of gotten with the celtigar girl if we were not in this marriage for genuine love.
>>
>>4363766
We missed a vote, shit sux. It was a split vote with a close majority, stop bitching at everyone. Plenty of players voted against and your fits won't change anything or anyone
>>
>>4363766

Vice: Reckless

As other anons have already reasoned. It's really not OOC, I too thought it was at first.
>>
>people don't understand Aurion being a cumbrain
He's been a cumbrain from the beginning. Between fucking Cerelle before marriage and then fucking Cleo all while Janessa was trying to secure the marriage with Cerelle. Face it, Aurion and Bobby are going to bro it up at the brothel before long
>>
>>4363766
Are you really that surprised that anons are cumbrains?
>>
>>4363846
licentious is what you are looking for
>>
>>4364175
And Aurion wasn't married with anyone at those points in time
>>
>>4364489

I'm just quoting the char sheet bro. Reckless it is.
>>
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>>4363749
>But yeah I was expecting a bit more, a picture of the lady to go along at least. But hey, it's a blue board on 4chan

It's less a question of personal comfort in writing and more a question of a memory of past occasions when votes have led to tantrums. Not that I'd expect that of almost anyone, but it just takes one to go on a reporting crusade and ruin it for everyone. I can deliver on pictures though!

One more thing for everyone... this is what won the character goals and motivations vote from the second thread:

>Family/love. You want to belong more than anything. To form true lifelong connections. Thus far you’ve only relied on those of others.
>Fear of being alone/failure.

There is nothing of loyalty. There is nothing of devotion. If there was, I would never bother putting scenarios like this to a vote. He wants love, yes. But is love and lifelong connection a singular for him? I can't answer that as the answer has yet to be fully provided to me. What I can draw from are his actions thus far. He slept with Cleo after declaring an intent to wed Cerelle. Okay, he didn't know about the child yet, so maybe that was a one-off? If so, then what does that tell me of his love and devotion to just Cerelle? Nothing at all. What else can I actually say I know of Aurion? He's a consummate opportunist, through and through. He turned his cloak on the Targs as soon as he caught on to the tides turning. This last vote further underlined that point with his desire for practicality. What else? He's all but let a known threat to his wife's life go unchecked. The only action taken was a "look into it for me" to a character who many railed against over her last failure in information gathering. Why? Because the focus was on rubbing shoulders at the wedding. It certainly worked out, so good on you, but the reality is that he chose opportunity over the possibility, however strong or remote, of taking action to shield his wife. He also passed up opportunities to reveal the threat to her at court because of the possibility of it backfiring. Is that true love? I'd really struggle to say so, but perhaps he's simply not thought it all through? The actions don't speak to it though. And one more thing, I dove through my word doc I type my story posts in. All 97 instances of the use of the word "love" in the 200k words of story posts so far (whew). Zero I love you's unless you count pledging love in a wedding ceremony. The closest he comes is to calling her "love" as a pet name. If there's a desire for him to reflect on all of this at an appropriate time and place, then we can tackle that later, but the reality right now is that both options were completely in character. I personally don't have a preference in this either way. Both are interesting to write. Just thought I'd break this down because I'm seeing a lot of cherry picking and absolute statements when, so far, he's been played as morally ambiguous at best.
>>
Are we running tonight or should I go to sleep? *yawns*
>>
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You’ve always known those of your blood are different, better even. It was a fact of life growing up on Stormgrave. Dragonseeds stuck to other dragonseeds. It wasn’t always about upturning noses either, far from it. There was a practicality to it. Dragonseed boys were more likely to provoke a beating from jealousy and the girls were well aware of the dangers of rape. You couldn’t give a fig about the Targaryen bloodline and you’ve no regrets as to the side you’ve chosen after your ascent to lordship, but you can admit to being more than a little angry to see the same problems of your youth playing out on a grand scale.

“I serve myself and my men,” you tell her. “I took the Queen Rhaella to Dragonstone, did you know this? Then we parted ways, my end of the bargain held. Why? Because they were weak. This Rhaegar was weak.”

“Prince Rhaegar---”

“Lost his first and only battle. I’ve fought and won more than I’d care to count. He was no true dragon. I’ve no grudge against them, mind, but I won’t serve a man for sharing my better features alone,” you dismiss.

“You feel nothing for those of your blood who this Usurper has vowed to exterminate to their last?” Lady Selena presses. You drum your fingers upon the enticing curve of her hip at the sort of desperation in her tone. It seems she’s true to her birth house’s loyalties to the last. You can admire that in a way. It’s the sort of loyalty you expect of your company. It still makes you curious as to how far her loyalties might take her.

>Rolled 15 vs DC 14, 1 degree of success.

“Aye, it bothers me… more than you know… how couldn’t it? If I could right wrongs, then I would, but this war is all but over, is it not?” you ask.

She searches your face for the truth of your words and finds whatever she was looking for. Your seneschal has always said the best lies have a grain of truth to them.

“… what if it isn’t?” Lady Selena proposes.

“Well, then perhaps I could right wrongs,” you answer with raised brow. “Alas, I know my lady hasn’t an army under her skirts. I’ve checked, thoroughly.”

Her cheeks don’t color over your reminder like you’d expect of a less experienced woman. “Dorne will know now what was done to their princess and her children. The vast host of the Reach is intact. Even Essos must see reason in rising for the Dragon over the Stag with their centuries of blood ties. Stark has run home with his tail between his legs and the Crownlands seethe,” she continues with determination.

“That’s all well and good, but I’ve no ties with any of those hosts. They’re not about to rise on my account,” you point out.

“… not now. Patience, my dragon. Good things come to those who wait,” she whispers into your ear and strokes your manhood. It’s all the encouragement you need to grab her roughly around the waist and mount her from behind to her intense pleasure. Waiting is for other people.
>>
>>4364844
She goes to slip out much later after taking care to smooth out her dress again. She’d kissed you passionately up against the door, enough so that it would’ve spurred another round had you both not been so utterly spent. “I will need to see you off here, my lord. I’m afraid I will be indisposed on the morrow, lest my court questions why I move as if I had taken a vigorous late-night ride.”

“Haven’t you?” you smile.

“You tease me after using me so, my lord? A rogue to the end,” she playfully swats your chest. She leans in closer. “We will keep in touch. To right wrongs,” she whispers before planting one last lingering kiss and departing into the night.

“What’s got you so pleased?” Vaeron asks as he rides beside you on the march. House Wendwater couldn’t be gladder to see the back of your hosts despite the lord’s assurances to the contrary. Lord Wendel Wendwater is a loyalist lord. Or was. He allied with the Dragons… to an extent. Word is he quit the field before the harder fighting with the excuse of his port being threatened and was named “Wendel the Weak” for it. Now he seeks to coddle up with the new regime despite his dubious moniker and loyalties. More a merchant lord than anything, like a magister perhaps. Amusing.

“Righting wrongs,” you answer with a smug grin as your oldest friend screws up his face in befuddlement.

“Aye, we’ll be doing a bit of that, brother,” he settles on. “Heard you’d talked them into marching on Rambton. Clever, that.”

“Seems that way. Either he yields his seat and faces his punishment, or he goes down fighting. Care to wager on it?” you smirk.

“Hm. Don’t know the man, but he’s a knight yeah? What sort’ve craven knight’d just offer up his neck instead of dying with sword in hand?” he states.

“Dunno. The sort to sink to women’s tricks like poisoners and sneaks?” you point out.

“Just so,” he concedes. “Still hope he bites and gives me a crack at him.”

You nod and continue your leisurely, invigorated ride at the head of the host, enjoying the ocean breeze upon your flank. Your men aren’t far behind and are easily the most rested of the lot. A good look, you’d say.

Restraint ends up becoming a taxing concept as the Valemen cross over into the heart of the Rambton pastures at the late half of the second day, a vast swathe of open plains marked by fallow farmland with crop fields cradled throughout. Herds of livestock are hurriedly shepherded from the path of the host by rightfully skittish smallfolk. It’s a fruitless endeavor with the sheer number of heavy horse itching to be unleashed, but the farm folk are allowed their solace for now. You wonder if their liege will think of them or if his honor is worth more than their lives and livelihood.
>>
>>4364848
Camp is made just before nightfall within clear sight of a squat keep wreathed in wooden palisades. Ser Barristan takes no chances over the honor of Ser Rambton and issues orders for a doubled night guard to watch for signs of treachery from the near-enveloped holdfast. Casks are kept stoppered and blades are sharpened as the moon rises.

It proves to be unnecessary on the morrow as a knight in full plate astride a war horse waits outside the palisades with a handful of retainers bearing the banner of Rambton. Words of parley are exchanged and you’re quickly scrambling for your own horse along with the other commanders. Baelish doesn’t bother, but Lord Redfort joins you along with Ser Barristan and Ser Vardis while the knight matches you on his lonesome.

He flips up his visor as your mounts steady. “I know why you’re here. Didn’t think the cravens of Shryke and Sunglass would send Valemen to do their butcher’s work,” Ser Gareth Rambton bluntly states in greeting. You see the fury in his eyes and ruddy complexion. Unless his armor is stuffed with a healthier amount of padding than strictly necessary, the powerfully built knight might be a little more filled out than he needs to be. Still a fighter by the looks of him.

“To be fair, you’re more a diversion than anything… and I did come myself,” you smile at him. “Though I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention they do like to call me Lord Aurion Shryke.”

He looks murderous for a moment, then becomes remarkably more at ease. “The Father hears my prayers. Who leads this host?”

“I do, ser,” Ser Barristan answers with a grim look.

“On what charges do you trespass upon my lands,” Ser Gareth demands in a bored tone.

“Treason,” the Kingsguard replies.

“I demand a trial by combat as is my right as a knight anointed in the light of the Seven,” he immediately replies. “What say you, Lord Shryke? Do you accept or will you go back to shodding horses as befits an upjumped craven?”

“I command this host, ser,” Ser Barristan coldly states.

>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>You accept.
>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.

Leaving this overnight. Apologies for the delays.
>>
>>4364853
>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
Seeing him in action is an honor in itself.
>>
>>4364853
>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
>>
>>4364853
>>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4364850
>>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
No reason to let anyone else have this glory. And ohh will this be something. His house charged with treason lets us pillage as we see fit doesn't it? Our house needs this, and it will be seen as doing the righteous thing for our king.
lord sunglass isn't going to appreciate this, but plenty of knights heard him disgracing his liege. God do I want every rambton to be seized, and possibly give us a chance at taking some of their lands.
>>
>>4364853
>>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>4364621
Papa Boggs raises good points here, boys. Kinda think we should address a few. I don't doubt Aurion loves Cerelle, but I think the choices he (and we) have made speak more to his past as a cocky, charismatic, hope-it-all-works-out-in-the-end type guy. Maybe that'll be tempered the more time he spends around Cerelle, or maybe the assassin will get close (or god forbid succeed) and force him to rethink how he plays the Game. Or maybe he won't change at all, who knows? What do you all think?
>>
>>4364869
actually i'm going to change my vote to
>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
whats the point in having a dragon if you don't unleash him
>>
>>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.

As much as I want to let him have a taste of valyrian steel I think Vaeron deserves a chance to get his anger out
>>
>>4364853
>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to
He’ll be amazing!
>>
>>4364877
>deserves a chance to get his anger out
I completely forgot if not for this guy his sister likely wouldn't have died. Yeah, im glad Vaeron is going to wipe the floor with his guts, and pillage his lands. Hopefully rule it one day.
>>
>>4364853
>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4364853
>>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
Call him out saying this is the brother of the woman he killed with his womanly tactics. And he has a right for vengeance
>>
>>4364853
>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
Emphasize the part about his sister and Rambton's involvement. Make it look more like justice and righting some wrongs than us chickening out.
>>
>>4364853
>>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4364853
>>You accept, but Ser Vaeron will be your champion.
Seems this guy didn't have knowledge of the assassination plot, but Vaeron should enjoy dealing with the house that killed his sister
>>
>>4364853

>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4364853
>You accept.

Don't care if I'm throwing my vote away. He called us out directly and fighting 4 with a fancy sword isn't as bad as it's made out to be. He'd beat Malroy in a straight fight.

>>4364873
I think Cerelle has cunning 6 and is going to put together that he hasn't done half of what he could've done and has put her and their child at risk. Never mind the sleeping around. That goes nowhere unless we go full retard and spout off about it unnecesarily or start parading around bastards or paramours. I'm more concerned with her love draining away than ours. Realizing we're not all we said we are or would be. Not the "hero"

Also not convinced he unconditionally loves her even if I do agree with your view of him having a hope-it-all-works-out-in-the-end approach.
>>
>>4364853
>You accept.
>>
>>4365055
>He called us out directly and fighting 4 with a fancy sword isn't as bad as it's made out to be.
I agree that we would likely win. But calling him a rat to his face, and giving our man his chance of revenge sits better with me. We long promised our brother his chance at revenge, he got it with bar Emmon. Now he will get it with the Rambtons. I would rather take him prisoner, but we stick to our word on this is always what it comes down to. House Massey is next anon. We take what we can get.
>>
Can we try to demagogue again to get people to agree that letting Vaeron fight is justice?
>>
>>4364853
>You accept.
We'll crush him like a bug ourself.
>>
>>4365087
This, appeal to Barry's honor. Tell him it would be an honor to see the Lord Conmander fight but Vaeron deserves justice for his sister.
>>
>>4365087
>>4365233
+1
>>
>>4364853
>You accept.
>>
I see no one commented on what we learned from the Lady. It's almost as if anons were in it just for the sex She's either as batshit crazy as peak Viserys that Westeros will rise again against the Baratheons or so loyal that she's delusional. Either way we might have stuck our dick in crazy. Also we might have gotten her pregnant. (I wonder if Boggs will do a background roll for this based on her age and cunning/wisdom/will)

Either way it's not the sort of offer I expected. I was expecting something more immediate and tangible. Right now her offer seems to be to lead the armies of Westeros whenever it rises again in rebellion. So unless canon goes completely off-rails we'll be waiting for quite a long time for that offer to materialize. I'm not sure we'll ever see her again, given that her sister(?) Lyra will be dropped off with Raymun Darry at Darry castle.

I hope our telling her that we're married and her own cunning will mean that she'll not send a direct letter to us if the time ever comes. Cerelle has cunning 6 and will sniff that out in a moment. We might have to throw her under the bus if that happens. (Warn the King that rebellion is brewing, and we boinked her in self-sacrifice to extract this secret). Either way, unless she's present at Darry castle to receive Lyra personally, I think this is the last we've seen of her. All in all, it was a fun little tangent, and I hope it doesn't come back to bite us.
>>
>>4364853
>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.

>>4365286
She's clearly delusional or in denial. We're in it only to stick it in, doubt we'll be seeing her again anytime soon.
>>
>>4365286
If anything we just sell her out to Tywin and Robert
>>
>>4365286
>>4365339
>>4365406
I wonder if she would have revealed more of her immediate plans if we had passed that deception check with more successes...
>>
>>4364853
>You accept.

>>4365406
Yeah that's the simplest way to deal with this. We get the reward for turning in a traitor.
>>
>>4365406
>>4365454
I hope not without any significant cause, though. ;_;
>>
>>4365087

Deleted my last vote in favor of this.

If the lords around us understood the facts of the assassination as we do, I'm sure they'd support Vaeron fucking this dude up. Plus, our boy really wants to kill this guy. Let's help him do it in a way that improves our reputation.
>>
>>4365286
Loyal for sure. Very much so. Delusional is kind of a toss up seeing as she doesn't have any meta knowledge and both "sides" are licking their wounds with the least affected armies being the Reach and Westerlands. And the Reach has the largest army in Westeros. Bobby's seemingly tenuous grasp on power is the reason why Greyjoy feels comfortable in rebelling later.

And I do like using degrees of success. You're on the nose here:
>>4365417
>>
>>4364853
>>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4365078
I mean it's more of it being a bitch move to crutch on a champion as a warlord when the knight has already called you an upjumped craven. We can talk all we want and the fact is we are still dipping out and letting another man do the fighting for us. It's unmanly and craven. Actions vs words and all that. You know, the recurring problem.
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>>4365055
>fighting 4 with a fancy sword isn't as bad as it's made out to be
Reminds me that I think there's a case to be made to up our skill in combat when the time comes. Being a silver-tongued swashbuckler is all well an good so long as we're real confident in our ability to buckle swashes when the time comes.
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>>4365797
Agreed.
>>
>>4364853
>>Let Ser Barristan handle it as he clearly wants to.
>>
>>4365797
Personally I'd rather we invest a DP into fighting than invest experience into it. We can only have 2 stats at 5. And we've already hit the cap for the stat for 6.
>>
>>4366080
I can't think of another stat that really needs to be at 5 over fighting aside from maybe awareness or deception. Maybe. The trouble with destiny points is how infrequently we get them. And we sunk 2 now into npcs...
>>
9 for Barristan, 10 for Vaeron, 5 for fighting your own battles. I think. Honestly, I don't know if >>4365087 and >>4365233 are votes or just discussion, but I'm going to go with it rather than drag this out in my limited writing time.
>>
>>4366568
Best I figure, a status test to assert yourself is most appropriate here as you've every right to make this move and everyone present should know that.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 5d6+2?
>>
Rolled 2, 2, 4, 3, 1 + 2 = 14 (5d6 + 2)

>>4366578
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 5, 6, 6 + 2 = 25 (5d6 + 2)

>>4366578
Been travelling for a week. You guys been busy
>>
>>4366142
Getting Vaeron to act as our champion lets us avoid increasing our fighting and focus on being a face/general. I'd have preferred a personal guard unit instead of the cadre, but it does let us have an extra unit of heavy infantry or crossbowmen for the low price of destiny point. Later on, it will probably even out price-wise when we are struggling to fit our army on Stormgrave. It just has a high upfront cost when compared to other qualities.

I'm not sure what we'd want to spend a destiny point on, assuming we get one from Dragonstone. Compelling would be great for our social abilities, while leader of men is ideal for a general. I stand by Famous as a great quality if we perform well on Dragonstone, the disguise malus isn't that bad for a guy like Aurion. No personal fighting quality looks as good as them, and we don't qualify for Long Blade fighter yet. Something like Artist or Trade could be adapted by Boggs to show our expertise in rum making, but I doubt people would go for it
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 2, 2, 2 + 2 = 10 (5d6 + 2)

>>4366578
>>
On the topic of Dragonstone, is there even going to be any fighting at all? Here's what the wiki says on the fall of Dragonstone -

>"The fall of the castle wasn't really considered a battle, as with the war clearly lost most of the garrison wanted to simply surrender - to the point that they would have given up the royal children still in their possession. The four remaining loyalist knights fled with the children before Stannis arrived, so no one put up a significant fight."

That doesn't give me too much hope for any glory to be had in retaking Dragonstone. Hell, Robert was so mad at Stannis for letting the Targaryens escape that he took away the Stormlands from Stannis and gave them to Renly. Do we even want to be attached to this venture?
>>
>>4366609
One way I can see this being resolved is if we throw canon off the rails and either the storm which destroyed the Targaryen fleet doesn't happen, or it happens but the ships were out to sea and weren't really damaged. So we have the ships and their crews defending Dragonstone. Meanwhile Willem Darry arranges for the Royal children to slip out secretly.
>>
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“I say it’s a damned shame we can’t carve you up for everyone that wants a piece. Seven know there’s enough to go around. I accept your challenge, but I’ve already promised you to my brother. Ser Vaeron will act as my champion,” you tell the disgraced knight.

He flushes a deeper red in fury. “You---”

You give him a contemptuous glance and cut him off with a raised hand that actually reduces him to sputtering as you turn to the Lord Commander. “I don’t doubt your honor or skill at arms, ser. You’ve heard my reasons for this plain enough already and know of Ser Vaeron’s grievance. Let us be done with this farce.”

The Lord Commander gives you a curt nod. “That is your right as his accuser,” he concedes before wheeling his horse around to return to the assembled battle lines. You note your men bulking out the center as perhaps the most heavily armored of the foot.

“Once a peasant always a peasant eh? Can’t fix weak blood no matter what you dress it in,” Ser Gareth finally snorts to your back.

You deign to favor him with one last look. “I’ll savor those words with your best wine tonight. If it pleases me, I’ll send for your erstwhile lady wife to prepare your bones.”

You canter back to the waiting line and rear up in front of your Stormbringers, pausing for effect as you review the ranks. “Ser Vaeron! The Knight of Rambton wishes to die. Oblige him.”

Your men roar as he steps through the ranks in his blackened plate and needlessly sinister helm, cutting a formidable figure even amongst your elites as they slap his armor for luck. He clasps arms with you in passing with an echoing word of thanks emitting from his visor and strides purposefully towards the waiting mounted knight.

Ser Gareth remains still for a few beats as the nature of his challenger becomes apparent, then decides to make his charge on your waiting champion. A few cries of outrage go up behind you at Rambton’s mounted attack, but you pay it little heed, eye fixed upon the scene.

Ser Gareth’s lance gives him the reach to strike true, in a sense. The metal tip wrenches at your old friend’s spaulder and nearly sends him off his feet, but he stays steady enough to lash out with a vicious counterattack, sending the spiked ball of his flail crashing into the warhorse’s front legs. The knight is flung as the horse topples with a piteous scream.
>>
>>4366711
Vaeron rolls his shoulders and slowly approaches the downed knight. Ser Rambton is slow to rise, might’ve even blacked out for a moment, but his opponent doesn’t seem to want it to end so easily and circles until the knight regains his feet and pulls sword from scabbard.

It’s plain to see that Vaeron is simply faster than the Ser Gareth on foot and sends the increasingly disgraced knight reeling with his first powerful swing, splintering the knight’s shield with enough force that Rambton’s arm hangs limply after the blow and buying himself enough respite to simply step back out of the lesser knight’s counterattack enough to earn naught but a shallow scratch upon his breastplate.

The next blow crunches into the knight’s side and drops him to his knees with his sword forgotten in the mud. Vaeron steps forward as the beaten knight removes his helm to better breathe. A few words are exchanged, you know not what, but it’s enough for Vaeron to pummel Rambton’s unprotected skull with heavy gauntleted punches. The knight falls forward into the mud face first and lays still as your men roar their approval.

A good number of the rest of the host follow suit though some are either unnerved or displeased with the display. Orders soon ripple down the lines for an orderly advance past the wood palisades of Rambton’s hall. The archers and spearmen within drop their weapons at their feet rather than resist and are funneled towards a livestock pen by a couple of splinters of the overwhelming host where they can be better sorted.

Vaeron is still breathing heavily and has yet to remove his helm as you begin to walk with him into the keep itself. “You need a healer or a woman. Or both,” you tell him. He’s had worse, but the lance strike was concerning all the same.

“He gloated about it. Was the last thing he did,” Vaeron rumbles beneath his helm. “Now he’s dead and I can’t kill him again.”

“No. You can’t. But you did kill him,” you try to reassure him, but it’s obvious he’s hurting in every sense of the word. You order one of the command aides to send a maester or the like to tend to him and convince him to seat himself once inside the entry hall. Others start funneling in as well, those of more esteem at least. Ser Barristan, true to his honor, has kept the bulk of the host back from the hall to prevent it from being sacked, but there are still a good number of Vale knights with the station to come and go as they please.

>Stay in the entry hall for now rather than make any waves.
>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.
>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
>Something else.
>>
>>4366712
>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.
>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
Incite the gathered men, play up how Vaeron was avenging his sister murdered with a coward's weapon. A duel was far too good for him, but we've more honor than the traitorous Rambtons. Get people on our side so we can take his daughter as a ward
>>
>>4366712
>>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.
>>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
>>4366727
I agree. incite every fucker here to pillage, under the battle he was found to be a treasonous cunt.
>>
>>4366712
>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.

Please don't incite the mob and undermine the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard's authority and control. That is such a monumentally stupid thing to do.
>>
>>4366748
>>4366753
I'd prefer it to be more of a "fuck this guy and the other cowardly lords that we're here to fight" rather than "pillage this castle". Basically get everyone hyped up to assault Stonedance and support us taking the daughter hostage
>>
>>4366712
>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
>>
>>4366712
>>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
>>
>>4366712
>>4366727
+1, agree with this approach - >>4366760
>>
>>4366760
Why wouldn't we just go secure her and then talk to the one guy who can authorize it instead of riling up a room full of knights.
>>
>>4366712
>Go sit in the high seat and make a statement.
Go be flowery
>>
Alright. Looks like making a statement is a clear winner. There's a few ways I can see this going with you up in what's basically the throne here. Are you:

>Trying to assert a claim over this land. Perhaps by landing Vaeron as has been suggested earlier
>Just looking to give some inspirational words for the fight to come
>Something else? Vague desire for compensation or something more specific like you just want the girl, etc?

I'll update tomorrow.
>>
While we're here can we go through the man's correspondence and other papers? Might find some other clue or evidence. Put that newfound reading ability to some use.
>>
Wouldn't the boy have claim to this castle? His mother was a Sunglass and that dude Vaeron just butchered was his father right?
>>
>>4366810
Of the 7 votes so far, 4 are also in favor of taking the daughter hostage. Shouldn't that count too or am I reading this wrong?

As for what we want, who is the owner of this land after ser Rambton? Btw how old is this daughter anyway? If she's the new lady and young enough maybe we can betroth her to Vaeron's son.
>>
>>4366810
Oh man just missed the cut off

>>Something else? Vague desire for compensation or something more specific like you just want the girl, etc?

Keep the looting and pillaging to the minimum look for the girl and documents.
>>
>>4366822
I'm not sure how exactly you can go sit on a dais and also go collect a kid somewhere in the keep, so I moved it down to a pressing a claim option to keep it from getting shelved since it garnered some interest.

>>4366822
>>4366820
The boy, Hugh, is a squire to his uncle in the actual town named Rambton on the island of Sweetport Sound. You're at the pastures on the mainland. The island is relatively closeto here, but that's mostly Sunglass territory with Rambton administering the small port town. Lord Sunglass has already mentioned that the line of succession for House Rambton would be shifting to his uncle. The daughter is around 5 I think. Don't have my stuff in front of me, but she's around that age. The betrothal to Vaeron's son is a neat idea with them so close in age. She's not due to inherit anything, but it would add legitimacy all the same. All of this would take work, but it's doable.
>>
>>4366822
Oh I like that idea even though his dad just murdered her father.
Do forced/hostage marriages happen often
>>
>>4366833
Alright, thanks for the explanation.

Damn, even knightly houses here have a SECOND castle as big as ours. Maybe pushing for more land is what we need to do. How upset will Lord Sunglass get if we do this, though? How likely are our chances? Like is it something we can do with a good roll or more pie in the sky?

Depending on that,
>Trying to assert a claim over this land. Perhaps by landing Vaeron
+
>Betroth Vaeron's son with the daughter
Seems the best opportunity depending on our chances.
>>
>>4366833
Damn, on one hand the girl is perfect for landing Vaeron and marrying to his son, but Sunglass has been a bro. I'd prefer to try and grab land from the Masseys since the crown dislikes them more than a house that just bent the knee. Not to mention how far away this land is from ours, logistics and communications would be a bitch. Taking the girl would be good, and we can always give her to the king if need be
>>
>>4366840
Forced? No. For a legitimate betrothal or marriage, you'd need her guardian's consent. Theoretically hers too, but in practice...

So that would technically be her uncle now, who is subordinate to Lord Sunglass. You'd need to work it out with them. Simply taking her as a ward/hostage would be easier since a Lord Paramount (Bobby right now) or his proxy (Barristan here) can authorize that, but that alone wouldn't do you any favors in pressing a claim.
>>
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>>4366846
I believe that we're on the sheltered side of the Hook right now, so any ships we have would need to travel a few days to get to the land. Not too bad, but it means our champion and Stormbringers' purser wouldn't be available on hand.

I say take the girl as a ward but don't try to claim the land.
>>
Our reputation is really good when it comes to hostages every single one has gone cuckoo for us afterwards
>>
>>4366846
Yeah you make a good point, Massey land is actually closer to us and more likely to be partitioned and given away. I'm reading right now on how the lands were taken away after the Rebellion, Darry lands were almost halved, House Connington had 90% of their land + their lordship taken away. With Massey's actions and his escape from justice I think it's in the realm of possibility that some of his lands be granted to us. So, that said, I think our actions should be -

>Inspirational words for the fight to come
+
>Grab the girl (with Barristan's permission) and the documents later.
>>
>>4366810
>Just looking to give some inspirational words for the fight to come
I would say we leave instructions for whoever that Sunglass would be installing a new ruler as these lands have always been a vassal to his. We can even send a raven to him letting him know the deeds here are done.
>>
>>4366842
> How upset will Lord Sunglass get if we do this, though? How likely are our chances? Like is it something we can do with a good roll or more pie in the sky?

All that depends on her uncle and Sunglass, so you'd have to talk to them. It's a hell of an ask for obvious reasons, so it's safe to say it'd take some negotiating.

>>4366850
Yep. All of this is correct. If he ever gets landed, then he stops being a cohort. You'd get your destiny point back though. Janesa is another matter. Who knows what she'll do.
>>
>>4366850
Stormgrave is the island east of Sharp Point in that map, so if we were to grab this land, we'd have to sail all the way around the hook and double back to reach it. Meanwhile Massey land is just directly off the coast in reach, and easier to get a claim on.

>>4366856
Haha we can use that when reasoning with Barristan for the ward.
>>
>>4366858
Supporting this too, in addition to my points here - >>4366857
If we're not taking the land, no harm done in building some more goodwill with Lord Sunglass, and he'd be less likely to contest us taking the girl as ward. The boy whose claim was initially on our island is her brother, so maybe he'll be less likely to try anything too if she's a hostage.
>>
>>4366810
Backing

>>4366857
>Inspirational words for the fight to come
+
>Grab the girl (with Barristan's permission) and the documents later.
>>
>>4366810
Supporting
>>Inspirational words for the fight to come
>+
>>Grab the girl (with Barristan's permission) and the documents later.
Not being an arse to Sunglass is important, I think. Being a charming, piratical lord is one thing, being a charming, piratical lord who is true to his allies is another. I think it'll help us make friends and alliances easier in the long run. Having an old, noble house like Sunglass vouch for us adds some legitimacy a new Lord like us will need.
>>
Seems like there's a lot less interest in these types of votes. Or maybe it was just messy?
>>
>>4366810

>Just looking to give some inspirational words for the fight to come


Aurion's been doing this his whole career, casually. It might be cool for the Valemen to see his style.
>>
>>4367625
All the votes regarding our campaign against these anti-Shryke Houses have been kinda messy imo. People have a lot of ideas about who Aurion is, and debate about it might look like they're watering down the actual votes, making it seem like there's less.
>>
>>4367651
Or the waifu votes bring out everyone
>>
>>4366810
>>Just looking to give some inspirational words for the fight to come
>>Something else? Vague desire for compensation or something more specific like you just want the girl
I am down. If we can play our cards right, we may just get out of having to marry our first born girl or worse son. Not that Vaeron isn't a total bro. But thats a tough ask no less. And his family gets landed, that would be nice.
Only issue would be "mixed loyalties" as I am sure house Sunglass wouldn't fork over their knightly house to someone that won't swear fealty to them and only them.
But more than likely this will just be compensation in pure wealth. Take the girl and loot some coffers...
>>
>>4367963
yeah more and more I read some people's points we're better off ransoming the girl off. And earning some points with lord Sunglass. He really has been a bro.

And house Massey has really been found to be a treasonous cunt. It'll be much easier to take some land there, and negotiating with who ever is alive should be a joke.
I am not sure what we know of the main branch's family. Do they have a son or a daughter, cause I believe if we take either or both ward, if the son is older than little Janessa she could still manhandle him...If not then marry the son up. Possibly cede some land into house Shyrke
>>
>Just looking to give some inspirational words

We need to play up the honour aspect of this seeing as we're dealing with valemen.

"Good Lords and Knights all, I am sure many of you know me and for those who do not, I am Aurion Shryke, the Lord of Stormsgrave. I am sure that many, if not all, of you lost brothers, fathers or sons fighting against the Targaryens. What you saw today was justice. Ser Gareth Rambton was nothing more than a coward and a jackanape. He and his family attempted to end my life using poison, and such was their ineptitude that an innocent woman was murdered instead. That innocent woman was the sister of my champion that you saw today. The Seven saw fit to grant him his justice today, just as I am sure they will do so for each of you in turn. The gods are on our side men for they know our cause is just. We will smash these dragon men and find justice for our families and our friends. Once and for all.

Not a great write in but something along those lines. Stir them up with talk of the Seven and downplay our enemies as cowards and poisoners.
>>
>>4366887
Agreed, supporting the vote.
That house Rambton sucker punched us we deserve to be compensated for that.
This + reparations should set back both hoise Rambton and house sunglass enough from making any moves against us in the near future. And taking care of their current wealth should humble them more.
>>
>>4366810
>Just looking to give some inspirational words for the fight to come
>>
>>4367947
ESPECIALLY the waifu votes.
>>
>>4367625
In votes like these, I usually don't have any strong opinion, so just go along with whatever anons say. Or if the vote is heading in the direction I want, I sometimes skip it. I assume it is the same for many other anons. But yes, waifu votes bring out everyone from the woodworks
>>
>>4368004
Backing this
>>
>>4366887
>>4368004
Supporting these btw
>>
>>4368004

I envisioned it going down like this too.
>>
>>4368140

This is me. Phone posting

>>4367637
>>
>>4366810
I can roll with this >4368004
>>
I'm going to take a couple of nights to prep some things on my end that I never seem to be able to find the time to do otherwise. This includes more detailed info on the surrounding houses along with a map.

And one more thing. The discussion got me thinking. I'm going to try out my own homebrew take on banner houses. They're going to be purchased with Influence rather than Power. It just makes more sense to me that more influential houses would have notable retainers and more powerful houses wouldn't have crippled militaries just because they have bannermen. It also solves my gripes about Influence being undervalued and underused for such a setting.

There will be a cap though:
Status 3: 0 banner houses
Status 4: 1 banner house
Status 5: 2 banner houses
Status 6: 3 banner houses
>>
>>4368373
So Aurion can have 1 banner house. Sounds about right where he is at right now. The cap at status 6 seems low. Major houses will have way more than that. Although, it's not like we would be playing a major house.
>>
>>4368373
Are you still going to have heirs cost influence as well? Another possible way to spend it is during House Fortunes. Spend 5 Influence to gain 1 die on the roll. You could also tweak the spending of influence on intrigues to something more tangible than a single bonus die.
>>
>>4368440
Maybe have it modified by the age of the house, representing how they've had time to deal and convince people. Each house leader can gain up to their cap in a lifetime by spending influence, with exceptional story circumstances not requiring the price
>>
>>4368373
So next run on Friday?
>>
>>4368440
I'm playing it as your Lords Paramount types are 7. And it's more for PC house purposes than a hard and fast rule I'd expect all established houses to stick to. Pretty sure the Freys crash right past these limits, for example.

>>4368465
Yeah heirs will cost influence too. More incentive to actually hold influence generating events like tourneys and feasts as you'd expect a proper lordly house to be doing to maintain their reputation.

>>4368483
Yeah, for quality's sake. I think I'll have one update up before then though.
>>
>>4368505
>And it's more for PC house purposes
Makes sense. More banner houses than this would get tedious I'm sure. It's a good homebrew system
>>
>>4368440
I mean we COULD Have 5 right now since we are a lord. We would just have to invest in status. Which might be best served during a peaceful time.
>>
>>4369102
Boggs, would raising status to 5 count towards our limit?
>>
>>4369102
>>4369430
Like the other quests, I use the homebrew rule that Status doesn't cost exp and doesn't count towards the ability caps. However, it does mean your house has to accurately reflect a house of Status 5 to be raised to that level. Status 5 is a "Major House" of a region. One of the more noteworthy bannermen to a Lord Paramount. It's well within the realm of possibility that you could meet that description, but you don't yet. It's something else worth considering for who you're ultimately sworn to. Narrow Sea houses are few in number and relatively weak (especially with you taking a wrecking ball to some of them right now). The only 2 that will still be Status 5 at the end of this will be Celtigar and Velaryon. The Crownlands and Stormlands probably have more palatable leadership and allies, but they also already have plenty of noteworthy houses to go along with it.
>>
I was re-reading the quest and saw that in the very first thread, we secured a contract from the crown that our company will be sworn directly to the king and act as his force. Somehow I had forgotten this and this was one of my goals for after this war was done. Given that, does that hold true now also, i.e. will we still remain under the king or forced to be sworn to Stannis when he gets Dragonstone?
>>
>>4369609
Stannis would be the default when the dust settles based on your location and from a "this is how it was before the war" perspective, but it's feasible to argue that you should be considered under the Crownlands by pointing to the contract and how you've been operating the past few months.
>>
>>4369618
Given our past plans for smugglers, we should probably argue for joining the crownlands if we want to keep our fingers. Also lets us get closer to the king, could offer Stormgrave as a stop on the way to Dragonstone, one more hospitable to the king's appetites than the destination if we invest in the brothels holding
>>
>>4369960

I was pro smuggling but recent events have shifted me more toward brothels.

The troops would love that, they've been kinda deprived of that stuff since leaving real mercenary life.

Plus when your lieges are Lord Guncer and Stannis is might not be so safe even with our contract to deal in black market affairs.
>>
>>4370324
I think brothels are a perfect fit, but we need the small town first and we just nuked our population to grab a meme cavalry unit.
>>
>>4370324
>>4370623
Cerelle's going to be mighty suspicious when we come back with a spring in our step and open brothels on our island. She's going to crit on her cunning 6 check and read Selena Darry's letter to us informing us that we have another child on the way!
>>
>>4370634
Meh. Brothels are good coin and there's this:
>>4362081
>>
>>4370634
I think coomers should have picked Constance as wife if they wanted to continue with Aurion's coomer ways. Poor girl would have been oblivious as fuck and blindly in love while we fucked everyone around us. Cerelle with her status and cunning is just too intelligent and prideful to stand for that shit. Also Constance had bigger tits as confirmed by Boggs, at least before the pregnancy.

Coomers should pray for that assassin to succeed on his roll.
>>
>>4370651
The plan was to 1 nighter Cerelle and marry Constance and then the majority 180'd, pledged their devotion, and friendzoned Constance. A half dornish, half valyrian with big tiddies, local connections, an actual useful hobby, and a kind personality got friendzoned in thread 1 or 2. Kind of takes my breath away.
>>
>>4370668
Well Cerelle has her own charms. Higher status, proactive in taking care of our household, good with numbers, cunning. I can see the appeal when anons picked her. But what's done is done, we'll see how this plays out in the future.

This was the first time the coomer vote won after fucking with Cleo, and there have been many opportunities. We turned down Janesa, Constance, Cleo after the betrothal, and hell even a threesome with Cleo and Constance's mother the night before the wedding! Boggs is completely right when he says that he provided options at every opportunity in line with Aurion's previous character. When he's escorting Constance's mother in his arms out of King's Landing, the first thing he thinks is her assets are quite big. It's just that anons have always voted in favour of chaste honorable Aurion. We shall see how it goes going forward in the quest. Even this vote with Lady Selena was a razor thin majority.
>>
>>4370647
Thinking we should plug all available gold into our Captain Shryke rum brand.
>>
>>4370694
>Well Cerelle has her own charms. Higher status, proactive in taking care of our household, good with numbers, cunning

True she's useful, but we didn't know any of that except that she was vaguely smart and of high status because Boggs held back her character sheet. I'm assuming to prevent powergaming.

>It's just that anons have always voted in favour of chaste honorable Aurion.

Which was weird considering his background. This last fling was refreshing to me at least because it let some of that sellswordy arrogrance come through.

>>4370730
That too.
>>
>>4370730
Looking at the brothel holding, I don't think it's as useful as others. A +2 bonus to Wealth is pretty nice, but we'd be risking our influence on a bad house fortunes roll. For 10 wealth, we could get an apiary and either mead distillery or candleworks. That would get us a +1 to House Fortunes, then +1Pop and +1 wealth or +2 wealth respectively. The only downside is the long build time, from 16 to 36 months, depending on rolls

The mead distillery improvement fits best imo. Brothels are a quick way to increase wealth but risk our reputation.
>>
>>4370764
I think there was some debate about how we can't expand the town with some of those estate holdings. A choice between going more agricultural/alcoholic or going small town with probably more criminal stuff. I think I would lean more towards the former after the population nuke.
>>
>>4370774
I hadn't considered that, taking the apiary would mean never increasing our town

Best case, we get a chunk of Massey land on the east coast, land Vaeron, and have him build an apiary there. That'd let us build up our town and build a glassworks
>>
>>4370782
If we wanted to min-max it sure. It feels like we would need such a massive amount of resources to get all the town stuff when it would probably be more fun to coast on booze and make the company stronger.
>>
>>4370797
Yeah, that's a very long term goal. We shouldn't start any projects until Dragonstone is dealt with. The Greyjoys are gonna rebel 7 years afterwards, so building up our lands can wait till after Robert's rebellion is finished.
>>
Btw going through the old threads, here is what Lord Sunglass said about the girl here who we intend to take as a ward:
>Tyana is a sweet girl, the Maiden in the flesh, and I would see her stay that way. She will be fostered… perhaps mine own lady wife would be comforted by her presence.

So he intended for her to be fostered in the first place. If the next update is not already written yet, we could use this as further reasoning to convince ser Barristan to let her be our ward.
>>
>>4366712
>>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.
>>
>>4370651
>>4370668

6 months and this is the first time I get to use this.
>>
God damn Vaeron is a wrecking ball
>>
>>4370760
I am fairly certain there was also a genuine connection there, unlike with any other woman. We just wern't sure we could get her as a wife, considering so out of our league she was. We always knew she was the better choice. Aurion had feelings for her, and she could rule in our stead, while we go off fighting wars for others and bringing honor Glory to our family. People seem to forget that.
>>4370797
It would be more fun. We have a wife that's sole purpose was to get us lord'd asap. And is great at managing assets. So long as she survives it's exactly what she would Should, since i am assuming want a larger town to give her more opportunities for our wealth and build up the people.
>>
>>4371906
We didn't know she would be a useful ruler and that's what our seneschal is supposed to be for anyway. I think it was more of her telling us she was out of our league and everyone taking it as a challenge to pursue despite her bringing so little in alliances and $.
>>
>>4366712
>>You know there should be at least one highborn about. The young daughter Tyanna. See if you can secure her.
>>
>>4371906
I say that because we get locked out of a Port, a Marketplace the huge money makers above board at least.
Also locking us out of full secret police.
We could add a fishery, and that would simply add food to our roster, while giving the town an industry on to them selves. With a decent upgrade choice.
We still need a Smelter, and a Mill for our food agriculture would be nice. Once we finish up with the pillaging and looting, and get a good stock of our assets, we should see about what we have in stock. And possible take a loan from the faith, to help ramp things up.

I also forget the results of the conversation, but Boggs would a Green house or garden, give us the spices needed to move our alcohol tier up once?
>>4371929
mhm i hear you. We just knew she was smart as hell. I don't remember when we found out, i'll take your word for it.

I'd really want to keep her alive, if at all possible. Especially considering if we do get Vaeron landed, who is going to rule his lands? His wife Janessa, and there goes our steward. Huge loss there losing both of them. And we would likely have to give up the first as well. But who knows how that will work out, and what those lands may come with. Or idk with this influence cost instead of power.
>>
>>4371395
>>4371930
You're voting in the wrong vote fellas, this one is the one to vote on - >>4366810

>>4371949
If Vaeron goes we'll get our destiny point back, I don't know if we can call on another cohort person like Vaeron with that point. Something to clarify from Boggs. Also whether we'll lose the first. If that's the case then I'd rather wait and expand our forces before making Vaeron a vassal. And all this is still hypothetical, let's see if we even get the land in the first place, then decide.
>>
>>4371949
>Also locking us out of full secret police.
It's more like the opposite. You get the full benefit of it with a hamlet too, but it costs more with larger settlements because there is more to police.

>I also forget the results of the conversation, but Boggs would a Green house or garden, give us the spices needed to move our alcohol tier up once?
I remember saying the greenhouse would, yes.

>His wife Janessa, and there goes our steward.

I'm kind of stubborn in playing things by the rules as far as they make sense to me. You can see some of that with assassins/spies kind of bending you over, etc. But it works both ways. From a rules perspective, there's no reason why you should lose a 10 wealth investment for taking a bannerhouse, so you won't. If it makes sense for her to go manage things for Vaeron, then the wealth would be refunded to you. Easy to justify for me since her family in Qarth certainly has the means. The same applies for your military. I'm not sure where I ever said that you'd need to give him men, but you aren't obligated to by any means. The default would be him raising men from his new lands.

>>4372002
>another cohort

Probably not. It would be hard to justify without some sort of story arc and I would still be hesitant because it's kind of a broken benefit. I'd never seen it used effectively before this quest, but damn that tag teaming is something else.
>>
>>4372045
>>4372002
Personally I would rather we didn't get the DP point back. And continue to go searching for contracts together while our wives take care of things at home, while we speed that up by injecting money into our communities. Vaeron would just get a larger share now that he is our banner men and may have his own soldiers working under him, under us.
But lets cross that bridge once we arrive there. We don't even know when we may be able to land him.
>>
Are we running tonight?
>>
>>4373337
Yup
>>
I'll need 3 rolls of 7d6 for Convince before then
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 1, 2, 4, 2, 5 = 21 (7d6)

>>4373416
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 5, 6, 1, 1, 3 = 24 (7d6)

>>4373416
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 2, 1, 1, 4, 3 = 22 (7d6)

>>4373416
>>
First post should be up in 1 hour.
>>
You see a more ornate wooden chair crowned with carved ram heads at the end of the hall. It wouldn’t do to let such a seat go to waste. “He can walk, yes?” you ask the young maester tending to Vaeron.

“Yes, my lord. Although I am concerned for his shoulder. The lance---”

“Good, good. I’d say our good Ser Vaeron’s earned a place of honor, yeah? Move your things up that way,” you wave to the dais and help your friend up.

“I promised Rambton we’d drink his best wine tonight. If I’d known he had such a nice chair, I’dve mentioned that too,” you cheerfully tell Vaeron as you walk. You see Ser Vardis Egen speaking with a group of other Vale knights in passing, ordering them to secure the rest of the keep.

“A moment sers,” you call out. “There is a girl of fair birth somewhere above. Can’t be older than eight or so. Lord Sunglass and I would be grateful if she were remanded to my custody. Gently, if you please.”

“Ser Barristan will need to hear of this,” Ser Vardis frowns.

“As he should. Regardless, I do this as a gesture of good will to my friend of Sunglass. He’s fond of the girl despite her parentage and I will see her safely through this on my honor,” you say.

“As you say, my lord. Upon your honor,” Ser Vardis nods and sets to work with the other knights. You do note a couple throw disapproving looks back at you and Vaeron.

“Prickly lot, aren’t they?” Vaeron comments as you seat yourselves.

“Might be that bit with the horse. As I recall, knights are sentimental creatures,” you say.

“What? They’d expect me to let that sod wheel about for another go? That’s the problem with these types, they think it’s all a big tourney. You see how he struck me? On the shoulder and all, like I’d been keeping a shield at the lists or the like. Bloody maddening,” your friend rants only to throw an angry look at the maester resuming his prodding.

“Just so. All the same, they’ve notions of how to fight and it’s at odds with our ways,” you point out.

“It’ll get them bloody killed,” he grumbles.

“It might. Or it might not. They’ve made it this far. There’s a certain sense to not going straight for the kill stroke, you know. Prisoners are valuable and there’s the theatrics of it all to consider,” you remind him.
>>
>>4373838
He grunts in vague acknowledgement while you call for wine to no avail. The servants have yet to be coaxed from their hide holes. A bother. Thinking on it, there’s more sense to your words than you’d even realized. To be expected of your layered sort of genius, perhaps. Seeing Badics reminded you of it, your days in the Disputed Lands. War there is different from the wars of further east. As opposed to the slave wars of the east where defeated foes are mercilessly cut down, it’s exceedingly common in the Disputed Lands between Myr, Lys, Tyrosh, and Volantis for free companies to haggle like magisters… with magisters… over contracts for the acquisition or protection of land. Everything from the extent of force used to hazard pay would be settled in advance. All for the best, to be sure. Rival free companies might be friends the next day and the folk of those fertile plains, at least those with a choice, were willing to stick around and ply their trades from the comfort that the ever-present sellswords would adhere to contract to abstain from raping and razing unless they weren’t paid. For the most part. The battles themselves would often have a certain bit of pageantry to them for the same reasons with captains-general content on maneuvering with bouts of skirmish rather than bleeding themselves through open war. Pitched battles are costly and rarely covered under contract… and a quick way to earn the enmity of captains on both sides. You think a septon might have some choice aphorisms of candles burning too bright or the like.

But enough musing. Menials are filtering back into the hall, either servants or camp followers or both. And good timing to, you were working up a thirst. But first, a few words for the knightly lads that are gathering with so little else to do in the peaceable takeover. They like words, yes? It’s a simple thing to grab their attention. You are the one in the high seat after all. You stand and raise a despairingly empty goblet for their sake.
>>
>>4373841
“Good Lords and Knights all, I am sure many of you know me and for those who do not, I am Aurion Shryke, the Lord of Stormsgrave. I am sure that many, if not all, of you lost brothers, fathers or sons fighting against the Targaryens. What you saw today was justice. Ser Gareth Rambton was nothing more than a coward and a jackanape. He and his family attempted to end my life using poison, and such was their ineptitude that an innocent woman was murdered instead. That innocent woman was the sister of my champion that you saw today. The Seven saw fit to grant him his justice today, just as I am sure they will do so for each of you in turn. The gods are on our side for they know our cause is just. We will smash these dragon’s men and find justice for our families and our friends. Once and for all.”

Many of the knights take up the cry for justice. It gets loud enough for the servants to suddenly occupy themselves elsewhere. Hopefully with the wine. Seems like they needed a few words after the rather uneventful march so far. This hall might be safe… for the most part, but you don’t envy those inhabitants of Stonedance. Even if they open their gates, you’ve your doubts this many bored knights will content with stepping away from the march empty-handed. A problem for another day, if a problem at all. For now, you’ll content yourself with:

>Chatting with Vaeron of future plans such as how he feels about his own land.
>Catching up with Lord Badics on various things.
>Seeing about your ward. They must’ve found the girl by now if she’s here.
>Something else.
>>
>>4373838
Huh, an hour ago I was annoyed I'd be asleep before you posted.

>>4373843
>Catching up with Lord Badics on various things
>>
>Chatting with Vaeron of future plans such as how he feels about his own land.

Let's feel it out and see how he feels about it. He might not even want it, so before we get in too deep lets at least ask him what he thinks.
>>
>>4373843
>Seeing about your ward. They must’ve found the girl by now if she’s here.
>>
>>4373843
>>Catching up with Lord Badics on various things.
I'm interesting in seeing how another sellsword has adapted to the lordly lifestyle
>>
>>4373843
>Chatting with Vaeron of future plans such as how he feels about his own land.

>Write-in
>Send Ser Byron Yew to see to the girl.
Byron's a discrete fellow we can trust to do this while we chat with Vaeron.
>>
I'll give it a few for the tie to resolve. I'd combine them, but it feels like a somewhat personal subject. And who in their right mind would discuss plucking choice spoils in front of another Free Company Captain?
>>
>>4373843
>>Chatting with Vaeron of future plans such as how he feels about his own land
>>
>>4373906
>>Chatting with Vaeron of future plans such as how he feels about his own land.
>>
Works for me. Writing. I'll include this too >>4373859
>>
Let's see if you catch onto something or not.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 3d6 for Cunning?
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 3 = 5 (3d6)

>>4373923
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 2 = 12 (3d6)

>>4373923
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 3 = 10 (3d6)

>>4373923
>>
>>4373924
>>4373926
>>4373929
Right on it. Writing.
>>
You scan the room and pick out Ser Byron Yew in a nearby corner seat… not one for socializing, though he has managed to procure a horn of ale before most. You motion him over. “See about the Rambton daughter. Tyanna. I don’t want these Valemen carting her off or worse,” you tell him. He nods and sets off, perhaps with more of a hurry than you would’ve expected.

“He’s a serious one. I’dve at least finished the horn first,” Vaeron scoffs.

“Aye… set of in a hurry. Something I said? The ‘or worse’?” you frown. He’d spoken to you what feels like ages ago of his reason for entering your service and leaving the west behind. Words of needing to repent for standing by to some grave misdeeds. Your casual mention of the girl’s safety setting him to such purpose makes you wonder all the more as to what happened. Something with a girl, you’d now assume. You’re no stranger to atrocity, far far from it, so your wondering might be a touch beyond the scope of what he’s experienced, but it’s curious all the same. Useful if bent to purpose.

“I do have another burning question, this one of you. This Massey’s Hook is awfully large, and it occurs to me that its namesake shouldn’t have claim staked to so much of it. What say you of land of your own? I’m a lord now, that means I can name bannermen. That’s how that works, yeah?” you ask.

Your oldest friend only frowns and quaffs his ale. All of it. “Save room for Rambton’s wine,” you chide in jest.

He wipes his mouth. “Jan would fucking kill me for this. I’m not sure I want it, Aurion,” he sighs.

“Oh?” you’re prompt, curious to hear more. He was never the ambitious one. Janesa wasn’t upward mobility to him, he just wanted her for her. That was part of the attraction. Not the genuineness of his feelings but rather Janesa’s complete indignation and sense of challenge over his lack of caring of her ancient bloodline. But this is still a bit much to shrug off.

“She’s spoke of it. Often. Thing is, I can’t name one damned good reason why I’d want it aside from Auric’s future and even that I’m not set on. Jan wants it for the prestige. She’s spoke of writing to her mother gloating over it and all that. The power of having Sunset Men at her call with no loyalties to the other Pureborn. Auric getting a piece of something if I bite it… but she’s not thought it through. It’s like… it’s like how you’re shit at blocking on your left. I dunno,” he throws up his arms in submission and yells for more ale.

“What’s she missing? Could be I’m missing it too,” you say.

He gives you a strange, somewhat baffled look. “You? I’d think you’d be the last to miss it. You like all that ruling over lands and having subjects coming to you with every fucking problem like children? I don’t know how you stand it.”
>>
>>4373990
“Can’t say it’s been much of an issue,” you shrug as you take a sip of your own ale.

“Might be easy that you’ve two women doing much of that for you while you’re off doing as you please, but the war’s going to end and all the problems we’ve ignored are gonna be worse. Stormgrave looks like hell. There’s all sorts of issues that need tending. And that’s the trouble. I go off and sit in a keep or tower somewhere and deal with much of the same? And Janesa too? She thinks it sounds like a grand amusing time, but she’s used to finer things than sitting in a cramped old hall listening to lowborn farmers squabbling over whose sheep is whose. My little girl’s off to better things too no matter what happens. And I don’t know if I’d wish all that petty ruling on Auric either. I want him to get out, see the world, make a name for himself. Like we did. Elsewise, go plow a pretty face with big teats and be happy with that… I would’ve been fine with just that,” he says.

“You’ve not said as much to her?” you ask.

“Aye. The first time or two. Then she’d only mention it if we were fucking or about to. She does that when we don’t agree. Hells, just thinking on it’s making me want a wench even now,” he gives a passing glance over the room. “None worth the trouble,” he adds dismissively.

You look about and see few seem to share his sentiments even if he might have a point. Camp followers and serving girls have made themselves more than comfortable amongst the young knights and lordlings of the hall, but none truly catch the eye. Then again, the prettier ones would be staying away if they had any sense. Speaking of sense, his words ring true. At least for what you’d expect of him. Then again, he might have some blind spots of his own. His obvious concern over the pettier concerns of Stormgrave for one. He’s given it more care than you have with his family still rooted deep there. A sensitive point and a big part of the rift between him and his haughty wife at present. He doesn’t even much like the term “smallfolk,” to go so far. But isn’t that what would make him a good ruler over such?

>Convince him of why it’s in his and his family’s best interests to be elevated to a landed knight as opposed to a mere household knight.
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>Something else or something to add?

Continuing tomorrow. I’m not locking you into spending influence here, just giving you the chance to do what you think is best for the characters involved. Thanks for playing!
>>
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.

Called it. I'm going to say leave off well alone. That comment about him wanting a wench is a tell that means he's serious when he says he doesn't want it. I'm sure that we can help his family in other ways than just landing him.
>>
>>4373992
>>Convince him of why it’s in his and his family’s best interests to be elevated to a landed knight as opposed to a mere household knight.
DO as we do, get a steward. If not a wife that enjoys the work, the steward will do it. While Auric's mother and the steward take care of the land, while Vaeron and Aurion go off adventuring. Bringing Auric along till he turns of age, and find him self a wife noble or otherwise with tig 'ol biddies.
>>
Eh.. I'm not really sure what to do. We shouldn't just rule it out altogether before talking to Janesa first. Maybe she can convince him, maybe he can convince her. Either way, we shouldn't rule it out just yet, but also not force it upon him just yet either, when it's not even certain we'll have the land.

>Write-in
>Don't commit to either approach. Just leave it at that and say we understand his concerns. It's all hypothetical anyway. We'll talk more with Janesa about this when it's time to cross that bridge.
>>
>>4374003
My point is that it's of no use if we convince him now and then we don't get the land later. Or to decide here not to land him without talking to Janesa first. We wanted his opinion on the matter, we got it. Just leave it at that. We'll take it into consideration if we ever get to that point where we have to make this decision. There is no benefit in making this decision now and not later with more information and after talking to Janesa first.
>>
>>4374003
I like this.
As a side note some anons were talking about getting a brothel holding. If we could get Janesa to get someone from Qarth that would elevate ours above others.
>>
>>4373990
About Byron Yew, I think he was part of the sack. His secret appears to be that he witnessed his fellow soldiers (or even relatives) rape women and possibly even children and didn't take part, but didn't stop them either. So that guilt haunts him and he left the West behind to try to repent. He's been good and discrete so far. If his unit does well in the fighting we should think about rewarding him in some way. Maybe gold or better equipment or arranging that match with Lenore Lydden.
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.

If he's happy with what he has, then why push it. I'd settle for a treasury over undeveloped land anyway.

>>4374009
That sounds right. A reward would be good. What about Myrish crossbows?
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable
Vaeron doesn't have it in him nor does he seek a title. Just grant him more gold so Janesa can buy more perfumes and dress up.
>>
>>4374003
Support
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
I'd like to have Vearon close so if we ever landed him. also we'd also lose our steward if he moved out. I really do think think being a lord wouldn't suit him, and if Janesa is mad she should consider that the promise of one of our children is already more than fair payment for services rendered. On the other hand landing him makes the betrothal worth more for us as well.
>>
Now that I've slept on it. What about giving his family the town to manage? Isn't there a lighthouse type thing nearby? That way it's close to home. They manage it and make it grow while we focus on a military academy and other dope shit.
>>
>>4373992
>Convince him of why it’s in his and his family’s best interests to be elevated to a landed knight as opposed to a mere household knight.
>>
>>4373992

>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>Convince him of why it’s in his and his family’s best interests to be elevated to a landed knight as opposed to a mere household knight
>>
>>4373992
>>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
>>
>>4373992
>Leave off it. You’re not going to press land and responsibility on him if he thinks it’s going to make him miserable.
We may be a demagogue capable of convincing someone to eat their own shit but we still shouldn't make our sworn brother do something he's clearly uncomfortable with.
>>
>>4374418
>I'd like to have Vearon close so if we ever landed him.
this is close...Unless you plan on dividing an island to to have a bannerman.
He and his family could always hire a steward besides Janessa I don't see why they would but they could.
And as our banner man he could still work with us as we get more contracts. He wouldn't be the one managing shit. The same could be said about his son. His mother comes from nobility, they could get a "low interest" loan from Janessa's family to hire who ever they need to.

More importantly seems like this is dead in the water anyhow, how would you anon's feel about conquering it in the name for our selves? House Shyrke lands attached to the mainland. It keeps our options open if we want to land Vaeron, and we could set it up for a resource land to add to our alcohol and general use. It's just the logistics that may be a problem. But seems like Massey's lands are plentiful. We could take the tip or just lands closest to us. We just have to make sure we are not flanked in by enemies on all sides.
>>
>>4373992
>>4374003
this
>>
>>4374988
>Unless you plan on dividing an island to to have a bannerman.

Sure. Why not? That hamlet domain has done fuck all for us so far. Let them develop it and be content knowing it all circles back to us through marriage. That way we don't lose valuable friends with them literally right up the road.

>how would you anon's feel about conquering it in the name for our selves? House Shyrke lands attached to the mainland.

When the alternative could involve actual hard coin for a change? No thanks. It's overextending. Land for land's sake. Like I said, the hamlet domain has been worthless so far because we don't have any coin to develop it. Adding more land like that is more trouble than it's worth.
>>
>>4374988
If we took the land on the border of the Bar Emmon and Massey lands, we'd have a friendly house on northern border once Cerelle's cousin marries Cassandra. Massey'll be crippled after the war by debt and the knights loot Stonedance
>>
>>4375019
>hard coin
In what way? We could pillage but that doesn't mean much. If we take the head of the house that means vaeron doesn't get his revenge.
Now we would have to take the rest of the house as random. But the branch in changing anyway. In what way would it be hard coin, i wouldn't expect the secondary house to be worth nearly as much as land.
>>
>>4375159
Stonedance has coffers right? Unless they're completely empty. If the land is so valuable then why couldn't we talk with another lord from the vale or stormlands and work out some deal for pushing for a second son to get landed in exchange for coin. Or we can ask for nothing. More land just to say we have land sounds like a nuisance that will have us dealing with petty shit instead of taking some juicy contracts.
>>
>>4375190
More land is more land. Thats always a long twrm asset. We could even figure it out to ass to our alcohol production increasing the quality.
And people seem forget whating a hamlet or any kind of town means we can recruit for our forces. If we all of a sudden lose our only town/hamlet there goes the majority of population. We can't recruit population to power if there isn't any population. We need a base to recruit from. And we happen to be a power based leader. Not one that leads from politics even though we could. We need people to create troops
>>
>>4375237
Please no more population to power conversions. We already tanked our hamlet's population to create that cavalry unit that may not even see any use. We need a huge increase in population to even consider going for a small town.

>>4375190
Land means more domains we can build stuff in, anon. Wealth we can earn over time with contracts and House fortune rolls, but actual physical expansion in land is like a once in a lifetime event. We don't want to pass it up.
>>
>>4375237
>And people seem forget whating a hamlet or any kind of town means we can recruit for our forces. If we all of a sudden lose our only town/hamlet there goes the majority of population.

This isn't true at all.
>>
>>4375250
At what cost? We have like 100 wealth worth of shit to build on our island and it seems like a good idea to grab more undeveloped or pillaged land and tank our law score and deal with angry neighbors and poor logistics? Once in a lifetime? That's playing the meta if it's even accurate.
>>
“Agreed. None worth it,” you say, letting the subject drop. “Specially with Jan still steamed over last time. Assuming she is?”

“Dunno. Doubt it. Bigger issues. It was so much simpler out east, brother. All that shite on class and status and birth she went on about? Just was a laugh out there. Got me going if anything. Here? Feels personal. She was a right bitch to Aella and there’s no fixing that. Even spoke of my parents being ‘not the right sort’ round the little ones. What’s that make me to her? Can you love someone you don’t see’s equal?” he asks.

“I’ve not drank nearly enough to answer that,” you supply.

He grunts and looks further down the hall. “They have,” he points out.

You see a Devil of the Rhoyne, a captain by the amount of finery, break into a scuffle with a Vale knight that threatens to drag the whole table into a full-on brawl. Over a woman if her partially disrobed state is anything to go by. You search out for Captain Badics, an easy thing with the size and look of him… as the others quickly learn. He slams a fist down onto the table loud enough to send drinks spilling and grab the attention of those quarrelling. A few short, choice words have both parties begging their leave and going their separate ways.

“The Red Devil of Lys. Hasn’t changed much,” Vaeron remarks.

“Nor have his men,” you frown with distaste. You like Badics well enough, but you’ve a different approach to recruitment. You want the best, the hardest, while he’s content to allow a far more diverse band. It has its advantages. He’s got near on a thousand men from as many places under arms and the sheer variety in combined arms makes it hell to plan against. More than you can handle whether you like it or not… but perhaps more than he can handle too. His subcommanders still title themselves captains and some have the egos to match. It’s a point of contention amongst your fellow captains general as to which flavor of unpredictable they are.
>>
>>4375289
“Aye. Might be why they were given the van over those preening knights. Less trouble that way,” your friend says.

“Or more. Haven’t gotten the chance to catch up. You?” you ask.

“We shared a few drinks when you were off doing whoever it is you do in the last holdfast,” he hides his horrible cards face behind the ale.

“I was following up on a lead of sorts,” you lazily protest. He knows you too well.

“The tail end of one, sure. No trouble. None else sides Yew paid it any mind and he’s not one for chatter,” he reassures.

You make a noncommittal noise and look about for another drink. The service could be far better, but most are either down in the benches or hiding away somewhere. Lady Selena’s service was something else entirely. Far different than the others you’ve had on this side of the sea. The things she whispered to you… Cleo was exciting, even taught you a couple of things, but there was this sort of power struggle in it all. Felt like work in a way. And Cerelle… you’re fond of your lady wife in so many ways, but you have to admit she’s not one quick to passion and it does carry over to bedding. To be fair, she did sort of leap from woefully inexperienced to… ungainly in your time with her. If you were being honest with yourself…

>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>Something else.

And:
>You’ll seek to keep your dealings with the opposite sex more professional in the future
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour

Continuing tomorrow. I’m exhausted.
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
This seems like fun and also like Aurion
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.

>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
Cumbrain Aurion
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest

I'm assuming 'continuing with the old ways' means seeking opportunities where they may be found, and a discrete paramour is obviously a single steady lover. I don't know which one is safer to hide, but I know which one is more fun. Besides, we'll probably get a vote whether to 'exploit those opportunities' and the cumbrains and the trads will battle it out every time and keep things interesting. Steady lover sounds too boring anyway, coomer Aurion for the win.
>>
>>4375326
Maybe amend the "fullest" to "any time when it's safe enough". I wouldn't want Aurion to get caught fucking some maid on Stormgrave.
>>
>>4375332
>I was busy looking for my pants and the steps were slippery from her scrubbing so you see how really this is just a big...
>>
>>4375339
Hahaha
>Please officer, this is not what it looks like! Someone left an XL size bad dragon dildo on my bathroom floor as a prank and I just happened to slip while going for a shower.
>>
>>4375292
>>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore
>>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
Not the kind of thing Cerelle would appreciate. Being having a family is important and all.
>>
>>4375292
>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.
>You’ll seek to keep your dealings with the opposite sex more professional in the future
>>
>>4375292
>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.

>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
>>
>>4375292
>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.
>You’ll seek to keep your dealings with the opposite sex more professional in the future
>>
>>4375292
>>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.
>>You’ll seek to keep your dealings with the opposite sex more professional in the future
>>
Hey Boggs, is Stonedance a coastal settlement like Sharp Point or further inland? i.e do we have to worry about ships?
>>
>>4375292
>>4375588
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
>>4375292
>>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
Aurion the coomer
>>
>>4375292
>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore.
>You’ll seek to keep your dealings with the opposite sex more professional in the future
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest

>>4375588
Hard to tell but it looks inland on the map.
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.

>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
Aurion isn't Aurion without the jerkish sellsword cockiness
>>
>>4375292
>>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
I hope we remember to search if there are any documents worth taking here.
>>
>>4375292
>You feel guilty over the whole affair. It’s not the sort of man you want to be anymore

>Maybe you just need to see about a discrete paramour
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
>You’ll continue your old ways to their fullest
>>
>>4374027
>spoiler
You'd need to go to Myr, but yeah they're objectively better than Westerosi-made and probably one of the most "fun" units in terms of what you could do with them. (Units of 50 with Rate of Fire 2 for 2 attacks attacking every other turn if something has to die right now or Rate of Fire 1 every turn if you order more disciplined volleys.) Throw in the mantlets upgrade for 1 wealth per unit and live your pavesarii dreams.

>>4374439
Viable if the majority want to go that route. I'd leave the cohort/seneschal holdings intact in that case.

>>4375237
>>4375250
>>4375253
Per the book, Population describes the overall population density of your lands, not the actual number of people. Losing a hamlet wouldn't affect your score in this case as I fluffed the last big Population-Power conversion up as getting people to shift from the hamlet to the farmlands to support the mini-feudal holdings of your new cavalry.

>>4375588
It's near the coast, but not right on it. They have more ships than you, but that's not going to make much a difference as far as the castle is concerned.

>>4375998
I'll include this in the next post.
>>
>>4374439
Idk if I just have a different take on it than other anons. It has nothing to do with space. He just doesn't want to rule, and doesn't think Janessa would either. He just believes she likes the visuals of being a land owning elite.
If we are going to land them anyway, we should weaken our enemies and strengthen our ally by taking these lands..and even if used in the future to land vaeron and his family.
Shit we could even use it to land Cleo if we really wanted to fuck with people. And sell the land to her, she is rich AF. If we jist want coin, we could make her husband a banner man. She would be willing to pay out the nose to land her offspring.
Or you know just land Vaerons family, and do what we planned to keep him fighting along side us. And have his wife rule the lands. And get our own steward, if our wife dies..
>>
>>4375292
>You feel refreshed. You were beginning to worry you’d lost a part of yourself in the transition to this new lifestyle.
and
>Write in: You’ll take it on a case by case basis, I.e middle of the road, not one extreme or the other
>>
>>4376701
Isn't this grossly irresponsible to the point of stupidity for a ruler? You put people in charge of your lands to manage it. You don't just dub the land theirs as a favor and let them fuck off to do whatever. If he can't count coins then fine, get a steward, but he's still supposed to be an authority figure rather than off finishing the fights we pick. And then the celtigars don't even have a knight to hold a title. I swear this take didn't come up until Boggs mentioned how broken that benefit is. Are you >>4374988 ? I can't tell if I'm responding to one or two people.
>>
>>4376789
Just having a bannerman is a status thing for a lord, especially a new one like us. There's also Janessa's feelings, we want to keep her on this side of the narrow sea. We can claim the land right now, given that we likely won't have an opportunity to do it after the war, and administer it until Vaeron wants to settle down. Even if he doesn't want it, we can land his son after he's been knighted. It'd help the kid's marriage prospects, and tie the family to us
>>
>>4376821
Who manages it until then if it's on the mainland? Does it just magically work out? I don't see how this is anything but a massive inconvenience.
>>
>>4376760
I was thinking of the paramour option as the middle of the road, but I guess that's open to interpretation. Anyway, writing.
>>
>>4376789
Idk about the other anon.
But you're saying what? Janessa would manage Vaerons lands. Aurion would get refunded the stewardess amount.
Whats irresponsible about taking the celtigar boy, as our banner man if they pay us for it? He would be under us. We have every right to knight the boy. I don't see any practical reason not to. If people are complaining about hard coin. This would be the best way to gain a house under us, and gain coin. Cleo would be able to defend her lands from our enemies. Now would it look "good" certainly not. But when have we given in to just doing things the conventional way. Cleo has plenty of warrants and ship under her name, to make her a worth while ally.
>>
In a not entirely unexpected twist of fate, the Coomers have secured a decisive victory over the Simps. It remains to be seen if the Cincinnati Coomer Confederacy has dealt a fatal blow or if the Santa Fe "Simposium" will make a comeback later in the season. Stay tuned to find out! This is your host, Cormaic Boggs, signing off. Goodnight, and goodbye.
>>
>>4376872
*warbands
I jist wouldn't want to see us squander one of the few chances we will ever have to gain lands. Sure more opportunities may lie ahead, but let's be realistic. It may not be till after the next war. As more and more dragon houses bend the knee, our options are destroyed.
I just don't wish to see this slip through our fingers. People saying that coin is worth more than land, have no idea how hard lands are to come by in this setting. Its not something that falls out of the sky. Just because it has once for Aurion doesn't mean it will ever again, in his life time. 10 wealth does not equal lands. Now if we're talking 20+ wealth that may be something else. As money now is always better than money later, but they shouldn't have nearly as much.
And this is a gettong back Bar emmon's dowry money mission. Whether thats true or not, that's what its suppose to be at least when it started.
>>
You have to admit you feel… refreshed. You needed that. A reminder of who you are in a sense. You were beginning to feel like a different person these past months. Dressing stuffier, speaking with more of a care… caring at all, really. You’ve lounged on the pleasure barges of magisters more akin to merchant princes than lordlings as they attempted to woo you on contracts. Not a care towards your “low” birth given. If anything, intrigued by the mark of superiority some ancestor of yours passed on. Then you come here, to your “home,” and have to suffer indignity after indignity as you’ve kowtowed in attempts to impress your alleged betters. All for what? They should seek your favor, not you theirs.

Selena. She reminded you of yourself whether she’d meant to or not. Awakened the Dragon, so to speak. You’ll remember that. It’ll be a shame if she has to lose her pretty head at the end of all of this. And it’ll be a shame if you have to wait any bloody longer for Rambton’s best wine. But what to do of it? Take your pleasure where you will it? That’s the obvious choice and your right. You are a man, not a maester. Paramours are still fashionable on this side of the sea are they not? Might be more trouble than it’s worth and Cerelle did take issue with you parading Cleo about Stormgrave rather than nag over the bedding itself. Made her seem a rival of a sort. Would that apply to a less threatening woman? That does remind you…

“Ah. Badics. Is he still with…?” you ask Vaeron as you wave your hands in a vague hourglass motion.

“Aye. Ilarya he calls her. They’ve wed, mate. She gave him twins a few years back,” he answers.

“Truly? And they call me bold,” you whistle. Badics kept a Lysene paramour. One of the most beautiful you’ve seen and that’s a statement for such a city. She was a curiosity beyond that for her very nature and the various, wild stories of their meeting. A pillow slave raised to a lady of a house. And not just any slave… the Lysene likely have some flowy, flowery word for it, but she was a mark of Lysene slave making taken to a great and terrible extreme. You’d thought the stories to be fables until you’d met her. A mute but not by birth. Her voice was taken from her in a ritualistic fashion in the temple of one their gods. No knowledge of the written word either. The perfect companion for the most esteemed and understandably paranoid magisters. You’d thought them to be barren as well, but it seems that was just a rumor. But enough musing.

>You’ll go take the wine yourself and then see about where Rambton keeps his parchments They might be useful and someone else might take them if you wait til morning
>Go down and speak more with the men present to get a better feel of these Valemen and your old mercenary peers
>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
>Something else
>>
>>4376885
>>You’ll go take the wine yourself and then see about where Rambton keeps his parchments They might be useful and someone else might take them if you wait til morning
>>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
infogather time
>>
>>4376885
>Go down and speak more with the men present to get a better feel of these Valemen and your old mercenary peers
We should get a feel for the room, and charm these bastards so more.
lets see what happens first for other things guys.
>>4376892
these don't really seem like the kind of thing you can do at the same time anon....
>>
>>4376885
>>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
>>
>>4376885
>You’ll go take the wine yourself and then see about where Rambton keeps his parchments They might be useful and someone else might take them if you wait til morning
>>
>>4376885
>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
>>
>>4376885
>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
>>
>>4376885
>You’ll go take the wine yourself and then see about where Rambton keeps his parchments They might be useful and someone else might take them if you wait til morning

>>4376881
It's still land for land's sake that will be a hastle for us to manage, bring little to no coin into the house, and eat up coin when it finally gets prioritized for development in a few years. No matter how many ways I say that, I've yet to hear a rebuttal for how these concerns would be addressed or mitigated beyond "limited time sale!" Which is why I'm sure your take is going to win out because it's the same take that landed us with Cerelle. Grabbing for something because it looks like a one-shot offer rather than because it's practical or reasonable.
>>
>>4376885
>>You’ll go take the wine yourself and then see about where Rambton keeps his parchments They might be useful and someone else might take them if you wait til morning
>>
>>4376907
A followup from another "lessons learned" example. House Malroy. That ASOIAF quest that started years ago and runs a thread every blue moon. They started with a bunch of busted shit. I can't remember if they had a hamlet already or not even that. It was fluffed up as what used to be a small town with a port and market before they got BTFO by westerlands trolls and a salty bastard. Guess what they have now on thread 60 or so and like 1.5-2 years of in game time passed? A fucking hamlet. Why? Because they keep land grabbing instead of fixing shit right outside their window. The land's not worth it if your backyard ends up staying a dumpster.
>>
>>4376907
How is it not practical to have land at the ready so we can create bannermen?
As boggs said yes we could do that while splitting up our island, but that directly limits our future growth.
Its land so we can create bannermen. Meaning we will have more men at the ready to fight for us. More income coming in. It doesn't matter who we land, so long as they're loyal to us.
Thats like saying don't invest in your future that just money for money's sake.
Yes it comes with a cost..but so does most decisions we make that make or break a house.
>>
>>4376907
Not that anon, but I don't see the alternative here. How much money could House Massey possibly have in his treasury? He sent Cassandra's dowry to Braavos, and whatever we find in Stonedance will have to be split 4-5 different ways before it trickles down to us. We didn't sack Rambton and Sharp Point is empty, the entire army will be hungry for the spoils. We'll see more when we reach that point, but I think the state of Stonedance will make the choice clearer for both sides.
>>
>>4376897
I am fine changing to
>>See if you can find the less festive commanders such as Ser Barristan. You could do with better knowing their minds for the days to come
i guess those are the ones we should get in good with anyhow.
>>
>>4376920
>As boggs said yes we could do that while splitting up our island, but that directly limits our future growth.

How does it limit our growth if it all comes back to us through marriages later? It only speeds up our growth and lets us live a more luxurious lifestyle faster. Who are we going to land on old Massey lands if Vaeron doesn't want it and Celtigar is a non-knight who has done nothing to deserve knighthood and has a wife of very questionable loyalty? It's going to languish and cause problems.

>>4376921
>I don't see an alternative here
Veer off and sack whatever town Massey has. Like pry up the floorboards type of sack. Take everything we can carry, burn the rest, send a message, leave and let some other poor bastard try to put it back together.
>>
>>4376931
>if it all comes back to us through marriages later?
So then why the hell would we "sit" our lands. If we are going to let our heirs marry and rejoin the lands? It would make no sense.
Investing in your future makes sense. Yes, it is another hurdle, to own more lands especially those not directly attached.
We are likely the smaller force here. There is only such pillaging can do for us.
And let's be honest, we won't be getting very much. >>4376921
Makes sense not much here.
Hard coin worth 2 wealth isn't much.
>>
>>4376917
That's great, except that they got up to 70 lands by the end of the first year, after starting with more lands than us and crippled with debt. We don't need to sink that many bonuses into lands, but gaining a foothold on the mainland gives us more room to build up our industry. Our holdings are limited on the island, and what will we do once we've filled up all those slots?

After we converted the population into cavalry that will never leave the island, getting enough pop to upgrade to a town is gonna take forever naturally. By seizing Massey lands, we'll gain pop and lands to build on.

>>4376931
We've got a good number of knights on hand if we really need to make a banner house to administrate the mainland, but that's not required. Plenty of lords control multiple islands or disconnected lands without bannerhouses, they just garrison the lands and have any problems reported by raven. We can just hold onto the lands while we wait for Janessa to convince Vaeron to become landed
>>
>>4376949
I didn't say rejoin. I said it comes back to us. His son marries one of our daughters and it stays "in the family" in that way. Hell we could even insist they go by Shryke if we wanted to. Our son assuming we have one which seems fair with the Coomer Ascendancy will inherit the lordly title and the bulk of the productive land while our daughter's line keeps the town going strong. Rambton and Sunglass share an island as do most of the Ironborn including splits between cadet branches. It's practical.
>>
Looks like seeking out Barristan or the like takes it.

>>4376875
Okay, I got a chuckle out of it.

As for the lands/etc debate, a couple of things that may help or clear things up: Population is increased by 1d6-1 for seizing and holding domain of land. It needs to be occupied for 3 months to begin to resume giving any sort of benefits from holdings present (if any). You also lose 1d6 Law.

If you end up landing Vaeron's family despite the last conversation and decision, then they would be granted 1 domain of land of your choosing (that you hold) and would roll their 5d6s for the rest of their stats with a House Founding event appropriate to the circumstances. The fluff behind it would be Janesa reaching out to her family in Qarth for the resources. She's the scion of the family and has the means.

As an aside, if this is all about generating power, then the best holding by far is the Military Academy as it lets you exchange Wealth (the easiest resource to obtain by far) for Power at a 1:1 ratio rather than the usual 2:1 ratio. I can't think of anything else that comes close to that.

Writing!
>>
>>4376961
Sure word it how ever you like. The point is there would be zero reason to split our land. If our heirs are going to marry anyhow.
>>
>>4376961
even as commoners you leave things to your heir. You don't all of a sudden start splitting businesses down the middle for 5 kids.
Our 2nd born son. Or daughter would be married off. Or join to support the main branch house. Unless we have a favorite kid, that usually never changes unless there is a death with the children or so.
Play the setting.
>>
>>4377032
I'll break it out if the wording is a problem. Our heirs wouldn't be marrying, but we would be passing something down to two of Aurion's kids rather than one.

1. Vaeron gets the town. His son is his heir.
2. We have a daughter. NOT our heir. The daughter marries the son. They're now a cadet branch, "House Shryke of Whatever Town" and a knightly house.
3. Our son and heir gets the rest of Stormgrave and is their liege lord.
4. Stormgrave flourishes with our son and heir in charge of the whole thing but with the town boosted by Janesa's family resources and more careful management by the knightly house. And we don't have to do silly shit like deal with mainlander problems and garrisoning our timeshare territories.
>>
I'm already imagining a heavy foot unit in the future composed entirely of Aurion's bastard sons. Call it King Robert's Pride. The King's personal enforcement squad, heavily favoured, rewarded with marriages with women of fine station. Banner, a smirking dragon flying over a field dropping seeds while the male farmers chase him with pitchforks.
>>
>>4377046
If we grant Vaeron the hamlet (it's not even a town in the near future) wouldn't all our holdings dependent on a hamlet become inactive because it is technically not ours anymore. It would be broken if we could take advantage of both the hamlet in general and Vaeron as a bannerman, so I don't know if Boggs will allow it.
>>
“I’ll leave you to it,” you tell Vaeron, stopping just short of clapping him on the shoulder with his wound.

“Off to follow more leads?” he grins.

“I’d a thought to seek the wine cellar. Though it’d be a pleasant surprise to find a ‘lead’ there,” you stretch. “No, I’m off to see where our Lord Commander’s gotten off to. He’s an odd one, isn’t he? Fought for the last king and kept his position. Now he’s off punishing treason on his own accord? Curious, isn’t it?”

“If you say so,” Vaeron shrugs without a care.

You leave him to it and go wandering about the keep. This whole affair was far from a sack, but you still see a fair amount of evidence of plunder. Tapestries, suits of decorative armor, candles in some halls… all clearly missing from place. You’d imagine the highborn quarters are worse, but the most valuable asset should be in your hands. Elsewise, someone would’ve come running over Ser Byron’s tasking.

“A groat for your thoughts?” you ask the Lord Commander. You’d finally found him on the battlements atop the keep, overseeing the modest bailey below.

He spares you a glance. “Lord Shryke. I had heard you were making yourself comfortable below. What is it you need?”

Well?

>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.
>You’d like his thoughts on you personally.

And:

>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
>Don’t, you don’t want to get too personal with him

Write in anything else you’d like to discuss, and we will start with it Tuesday before moving on to Stonedance. Thanks for playing.
>>
>>4377057
>>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.
>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
might as well charm it up. See where we stand with the man, and elevate it.
If we choose to invest in more land it would really help to have his backing. More we know the better.
>>
>>4377042
The setting is as littered with cadet branches as your posts are with bad faith arguements. I'm playing the setting and the character while you are relying solely on a meta approach of "this is our last chance guys." All that pushing for Aurion to value family and now only his first born son should get anything. Just goes to show that arguement is only used to justify purityfagging.

>>4377052
That's literally just the docks that give +1 to house fortunes. We've done almost nothing with the domain wheras it would be the sole focus of our supposed surrogate family.
>>
>>4377057
>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.
Specifically what fate he envisions for the houses still in defiance. Also hint that the army has gotten only a taste here and will be bursting at the seems to sack Stonedance. What are his thoughts on that. I want to get a feel for what he'll allow.

>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
Without naming Selena, hint that those still having Targaryen sympathies would consider him a traitor and a turncloak.

I don't know if the second part is wise, just a suggestion if the vote carries through. First one is definite.
>>
>>4377057
>>4377070
Also ask why he personally volunteered to punish people who fought on his side only months ago when anyone else could have done it. If there's any way of throwing some charm in there, definitely do that.
>>
>>4377057
>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.
>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
>>
>>4377067
Yes because thats how it works. Thats how it's been, thats the mentality he has been raised with. First born son gets the property. Allnother siblings get support. Via a dowry, education,connections, the chance to adventure,ect..
From commoner to nobilty. Thats literally how this works.
Cadet branches atleast to me are earned, via your 2nd brother working his ass off as your 2nd in command so you land him, for 20 years of quality service. Not opps you're born you get half. So explain to me, how my post is a bad faith argument?
I could be wrong here, but clearly I'm missing something.
>>4377067
>We've done almost nothing with the domain wheras it would be the sole focus of our supposed surrogate family.
So just to get this straight. You're complaining house Shyrke has done nothing for the hamlet. You mean the hamlet we've had for less than. One year, where we've had no money to put into it since we got it, that we haven't prioritized else where.
And you seem to forget, Malaq you know the armorsmith. Where do you think his workshop is?
>>
>>4377057
>>Can we ask him about the upcoming campaign and his opinions of the force he is leading? What armies he has lead in the past? Just tell him we want to know more about the man we are following into battle. See if we can find common ground and respect/bromance.

>>Ask why he’s serving another king
Perhaps we can charm him and let him know we are alike, since we flipped sides also (can fill in the motive based on whatever is half true and would resonate the most).
>>
>>4377073
Ah he volunteered? Good remembering. Definitely this. Is he looking to protect someone, get revenge, or just prove himself to the new King?
>>
>>4377089
>At least to me
That's the point. It's subjective, isn't it? Which is why it's obnoxious to say it's not playing the setting. Even by your own logic, rewarding Vaeron, who has earned it, with it AND ensuring our own child is equally rewarded is perfectly reasonable.

>One year, where we've had no money to put into it since we got it,
Because we never ask for money despite being a sellsword. We ask for stupid shit like favors to burn on suboptimal marriages or apparently more land we don't have money for.

>that we haven't prioritized else where
No? Surely not on a distillery? Or an armorsmith? Or a septon? Or a chapel? Or a healer? Or a lifestyle upgrade?

>And you seem to forget, Malaq you know the armorsmith. Where do you think his workshop is?
If that dude has a workshop then I hope it's on the ship and hopefully fireproofed. You mean Marq? Gee, I wonder where the term "castle forged" comes from. This is the kind of reaching shit that makes me call it a bad faith arguement. You're just ignoring my points and making shit up lol. Oh well.
>>
>>4377057
>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.

>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
Aurion is the kinda guy that asks too many questions
>>
>>4377057
>>You’d like his thoughts on you personally.
>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
>>
>>4377105
It is subjective. Thats clear but lets be honest, does it make sense giving the setting? To not run the game even given Aurion was a commoner. He would have grown with the same rules that first born son gets the majority of it all.

Anon we are going from a war time to a peaceful time. You expect us to make no money?
You mean the one time, we went for documents than the (in hind sight) empty treasury? We've picked what we believes to be the highest asset at the time. Clearly it worked out in our favor that we went for documents.
We haven't gotten a contract since. We just took a girl to ransom. Had i had my way, we wouldnt have killed the old farm from bar emmon. We would have ransomed him too along with the massey boy. But we shouldn't cry of split milk.
Yes because the distillery is important to Aurion than the town.
The chapel and the septon are fucking garbage imo but hey our lady wife wanted it. And healer I'm not sure where I stand personally.
But yeah, those make sense that Aurion priorities have been with some of these things than the town. Once things cool off, we can work with these things.
We will have Rambton girl to ransom, we still have the lady if bar emmon, and we could pillage the massey lands. Jist there isn't likely to be much of worth neither in the castle or regular pillaging with all the units we will have alongside us.
Sure Marq. You pulling shit like his workshop is on a boat makes no sense. Its in town, from what I can remember its been stated to be in town. He create "castleforged" quality shit. Doesn't mean he lives in the castle. I am 90% sure he lives in the town. Id be surprised to find out he lives, and has his workshop in our small castle given his profession, who would he sell his wares to, the maid servants?
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>>4377105
We aren't a sellsword anymore mate, the compensation is completely different. If we had gone for gold instead of favors, we never would have gotten the favor of the Hand and the King. You think we'd have had a place at the Royal Wedding at all if we were just a bachelor money-hungry landed knight on some backwater? Having a "suboptimal" marriage got us a genius wife to handle our house and the opportunity to launch this campaign. Just because something isn't hard coin doesn't mean we didn't benefit from it

What would a larger town have gotten us anyway? All it would've opened up is a glassworks, which wouldn't even be finished for another few months. Meanwhile, we've made our soldiers absolute tanks, increased our house fortunes, and ensured that our Pop wouldn't disappear on a bad HF roll. That's not even mentioning gaining points with the Faith, which'll pay dividends later on. Once our Distillery and Chapel come online, that'll be another +1 to HF, +1 to Wealth, and +1 to Pop. What would've been a better investment that a town would grant us?
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>>4377135
>Sure Marq. You pulling shit like his workshop is on a boat makes no sense. Its in town, from what I can remember its been stated to be in town. He create "castleforged" quality shit. Doesn't mean he lives in the castle. I am 90% sure he lives in the town. Id be surprised to find out he lives, and has his workshop in our small castle given his profession, who would he sell his wares to, the maid servants?

I thought it was a joke about Malaq being your shipmaster. Marq is in the castle with the higher quality castle forge. There are lower quality smiths elsewhere such as the one you grew up in. Vaeron has a brother at the one in town. It's just not one significant enough to warrant being a holding. Just like there are some sheep and such roaming about without the Animal Husbandry
holding. As for who Marq sells his wears to, hopefully no one as that would be stealing given he is under your personal retainer.
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>>4377057
>>You’d like his thoughts on you personally.
>>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
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>>4377135
Sorry man, not trying to be a dick about it but this is getting ranty and hard to read. I guess we just disagree?

>>4377145
>we aren't a sellsword
But we are. We specifically gained permission via charter to continue being one even in peacetime. That's a significant advantage that hasn't been leveraged for half of what it should be. Estermont sent us the invitation so yeah we would've been there anyway. I'm looking at it as suboptimal because she brings zero local alliances to the table and isn't of Valyrian blood. Didn't even factor the coin in though that widens the gap somewhat.

I completely agree with all the town stuff. I'm not bitching about the way we invested in holdings, I'm saying we would be giving up a piece of land we haven't invested in yet and it would flourish from the house founding event+focused management, which is what is best for the island as a whole. We can still do the balck market and all that too. I just checked. It doesn't have the town requirements like the regular market.

>>4377155
This. It was a joke...
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>>4377173
Key word there is peacetime. We've fought for our chosen king, and got our flagship from it(along with its coffers). We've also got a friendly Bar Emmon lord now, and got the Rambton girl from this. If we'd gone for the Bar Emmon coffers, we'd have had no gold and missed the documents that supported this campaign.

But you're right anon, we should've gone with one of the other waifus. Like the girl whose house got burned down and looted. The one that is estranged from the main branch of her house. The house that's in open rebellion against the king. That would've gotten us so much more than a Status 6 house from a land known for its riches.
Or the pirate queenMy initial choice that's 30+, wanted by the crown, was the labrat for some alchemist, and is now spending massive sums of money for fertility boosting fish.
I suppose the Bar Emmon girl would've been good, we'd get Sharp Point, Stormgrave, and a lordship.

Founding a house on our small island feels a little too game-y to me, it's been administrated by a cadet branch of Sunglass for however long Sunglass' been around. I think that claiming the land from the Masseys doesn't have much downsides. We'll get hit with a Law malus, but that can be dealt with. We technically don't even have to develop it for years, it can just function as a subsistence farming community, though I expect the shiny new land will make people want new stuff. Landing someone would get the boost from a founding and make more sense, as we'd be imposing our rule over a new land
>>
I think we're re-litigating closed issues somewhat. Let's wait for the fight at Stonedance to be over and consider our options then with more facts than assumptions.
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>>4377173
Meh. Agree to disagree.
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>>4377173
>We can still do the black market
That is interesting.
We would do better long term keeping our hamlet and turning it into a small town. Getting that market. And continue to add specialty personages like a weapons smith. A vinter, all that stuff. the synergy with marketplace is insane. Once we really start racking up things. Money becomes much easier to obtain.
we need that money rolling in and invest in all of OUR DREAMS!!
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>>4377057
>You’d like his thoughts on you personally
>>
>>4377057
>You’d like his thoughts on you personally.
>Ask why he’s serving another king/where his sympathies are
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>>4377196
>Like the girl whose house got burned down and looted. The one that is estranged from the main branch of her house. The house that's in open rebellion against the king. That would've gotten us so much more than a Status 6 house from a land known for its riches.

A relationship with the main branch we were even given a chance to try to fix. Celtigar is one of tbe richest houses. Cerelle's family gave a suitable dowry, but it came at the cost of favors which were also very valuable.

>>4377215
All this is true, but it would mean we will have minmaxed our wealth production only to no longer need to care about wealth when it's ready. Barring unforseen calamities, this whole system isn't designed for wealth to matter much after years of play. 1 timeskip and it's all down to personal preference in what we own. My point is this digging in over "more more more" is all pointless unless you genuinely think it will be the most fun to read. Turning into a merchant lord isn't it for me but it might be for you.
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>>4377514
I don't have any preference in the direction you all end up taking this with the lands and such, but I do appreciate this take on doing what you think is the most fun. Here's something from the book that I think gets overlooked:

>However, your house is a vehicle to creating adventures, a place to call home, and the inspiration that drives you to reach for greatness, but it should not define the play experience, for SIFRP is a game about characters and not governance and shrewd accounting of one’s resources. Thus, most of the house rules that follow are necessary abstractions designed to reflect change and to create consequences and rewards for your actions.

So yeah, you'll probably get the most out of all of this if you're doing what you think is the most fun or in character rather than focusing solely on what brings you the most/best bonuses.
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>>4377514
>Barring unforseen calamities, this whole system isn't designed for wealth to matter much after years of play
Wealth being one of the easiest to obtain, means it will be easier to obtain more units with it. I want to rule the fucking sea's around us. I want to be the biggest powerhouse in the area from our island and our bannermen. Creating and buying x more ships doesn't come cheap neither does the power we will need to fill them up.
During this next peaceful time, I want to create a larger navy for our island. Where is Stannis wants to move us, he has to pay as would the king. And our ships would cost at a premium.
I want to be a powerhouse lord in the area. Fuck the celtigars, I want to collect tolls on them.
I want to upgrade the castle and be quality over quantity. Meaning we have to spend to get our troops there. I want to be the force Bob or any lord calls on, to kill/pressure/defend anything this side of the sea. Gaining favors along the way. Still leading our men, but potentially have Vaeron even leading his own branch if we get big enough that it needs to happen. say 3-4 full units under each Aurion and Vaeron with warships to carry us all and an extra slot for spoils/transport. Having 5+ units active during peace times, makes us a pretty big fighting force.
While having our defending units at home. That sounds like fun to me
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>>4378124
I can get behind that even if some of it might be out of reach. Only one way to find out if it is or isn't doable. The sellsword stuff is the most appealing to me by far. What I don't get is how we are supposed to accomplish this if we are sinking immense resources into town building or other surplus lands. We are talking about 10 land, 10 population, and an insane amount of wealth. 30 if cutting lots of corners, closer to 100 if going all in.

Then there's the military side. A fully upgraded academy runs us 25 wealth and is a must have for the type of force we are discussing. This isn't even getting into the crazy power costs. OR we give Vaeron the town so he stays close and still acts as the champion and his wife the steward. They boost the town and start recruiting more men. And what stops us from asking for a tithe of let's say 1 wealth a month? Or whatever works. That lets us focus on building an army and taking contracts for more wealth. More wealth = more power = more men+ships. This land grabbing meme gets us nowhere fast when the alternative does. Let lesser lords and knights do the farming and merchanting while we take the sparta approach ourselves.
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>>4378145
we could land Aerons kid, right?
Keep our right hand man, lose our our steward.
sort of compromise
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>>4378162
*Vaeron
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>>4378162
It is stated here >>4376588 that we don't lose direct access to Vaeron or Janesa if we give them land on the island. It only becomes a problem if we insist on land grabbing on the mainland and somehow land Vaeron there against the established vote.
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>>4378166
i just want to keep our promise to Vaeron, and not land him. If we could land his son, and let the wifey manage the land, Vaeron would be free from her, to roam around pillaging and raping with us. and we would get a bannerman
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>>4378193
You can't land a 5 year old...
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>>4378226
why?
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>>4378226
Yeah idk.. there have been 5 year old's with land. Just they have a guardian I would imagine.
>>4378193
We made that promise essentially to Janessa. Vearon has NEVER given a FUCK about land. And this was a compromise if we couldn't land him. We basically made a promise with Janessa for this. Either way we keep our promises. One of our children marries into their household if we can't land Vaeron.
And really unless Janessa has a 3rd child these things will get messy with such wide age gaps. but that isn't here or there. Expecting their son to be celibate till our daughter turns 16 or so.

>>4378145
Yeah, and how should we get into expensive upgrades with out things like the market? we currently have something like 4 wealth a roll. which gives us 1d6. once we hit 11 wealth for HF we can roll 2d6.
With out the town I do not see us ever getting to 11 wealth for HF. The market makes that possible. While also opening up other avenues to get there.
We need the huge wealth dumps so we can convert it into lands and this and that. Lots of wealth we can build roads, upgrades all around. Trade in to make our alcohol Extraordinary, gotta keep Aurion's habit high grade.

You keep thinking of it as Athen's vs Sparta. This is Rome, our lady wife will rule with an iron fist, while we conquer/pillage/ general badass-ery while she governs and makes pretty our home. Janessa lose's her function as a steward when our wife is home. We still need to make sure she survives
We wouldn't lose Vaeron as he would still ride shotgun with us. And If anything it gives us a refund on a nonworking asset the steward. That my take at least. I enjoy getting feedback, and seeing where there may be holes in my thinking. That way we could fine tune things if possible.
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Putting this at the top for those that skim these text walls: I'm still on to run tomorrow night (Tuesday).

>>4378227
Barring extreme circumstances, you need to be an actual knight to be landed.

>>4378372
>We still need to make sure she survives
That ship is sailed. It's down to a roll now.

>Expecting their son to be celibate till our daughter turns 16 or so.
Probably a long shot given his looks and his role models, but a 5-7 year age difference isn't all that bad for the setting. Aurion has 7 years on Cerelle, for example.

>Janessa lose's her function as a steward when our wife is home
Not with her seneschal improvement. She still lends 3 bonus dice to the House Fortunes roll.

>We wouldn't lose Vaeron as he would still ride shotgun with us.
If he is a landed knight somewhere else, then he will no longer serve in a cohort role. I think I stated that above. He will have responsibilities preventing him from staying at your side in such a regular fashion and, as you might've cued in from his words above, he's actually the type to give a shit about doing a good job with ruling even if he hates the idea of it.
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>>4378472
When are you going to roll for that next thread?
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>>4378472
>That ship is sailed. It's down to a roll now.
Tfw Cerelle ends up like Alyssa from the Reynold quest, paraplegic, bedridden and infertile, but still alive so we can't get rid of her.
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>>4378494
I think that's most likely when it would be, yeah. I know how it all goes down now, I just don't know if it's a success or not. I'll open roll it when the time comes. Less convenient for my haphazard planning, but I think it's important enough to warrant some extra transparency. It's locked in for after the birth with the Westerlands relocation, so thank the anon that proposed that idea and got Joe and I shooting stuff back and forth on twitter. So for next thread, probably something like: Dragonstone---birth letter with gender coin flip---assassination plot resolution.
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>>4378514
Nah. She lives or dies. Simple as.
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>>4378522
That's a relief I guess.
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>>4378517
Before Dragonstone there will be some resolution to Cassandra's trial and the fate of these lands, right? Or will it be after?
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>>4378539
After as there won't be time. It's coming up fast.
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>>4378545
This may be more of a /qtg/ type question but since you're answering questions, what's your favorite past quest?
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>>4378549
In the genre? Karban. Easily. I think I've said before that all of these quests hit different notes in a sense. Karban just hits mine. Absolutely kino. The name/tripfagging and the old /tg/ style post formatting made my eye twitch a little going back and binge reading the archives, but otherwise it's great. Some of that may be that it was the first quest of the type I was around for as well. Then again, the Reach is the most kino region and the Arbor is the most kino place in the Reach. Don't @ me. That said, Malroy was what had me itching to take a stab at running myself.
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>>4378559
Based. Just a thought, but I'm reading Malroy quest for the first time and there are so many grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and unfinished sentences here. Maybe it gets better in the later threads. But it made me appreciate your threads even more Boggs. Beyond an extreme few, I never encountered those problems. (Although some times you turn out paragraph-long sentences which hurt my head when reading).

This is the first quest I'm participating in too, and it has made me want to run my own. You've helped me some already, both in the /qtg/ thread and in your threads, I just haven't taken the plunge yet. I keep reading the basic guide again and again, but I'm always worried about being boring or not creative in finding new plots for the character to discover. I've been watching Brandon Sanderson's lectures on writing, hoping I get some inspiration to take the plunge. Maybe one day..
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>>4378580
Malroy does get better later yup. Take the plunge anon, you will make mistakes at first but such is the nature of learning
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>>4378590
But if I mess up my first quest then that's the impression of me that will be formed and no one will play in my quests anymore even if I learn and improve later.
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>>4378580
Glad to hear it and thanks for the tip on the sentences. One thing to keep in mind with Malroy is the earlier threads were on /tg/. He was churning out impressive posts in regard to length and quality when you consider the fast pace of it. Check the time between posts and you'll see what I mean. Not sure I could do that, not without putting in the at least amount of prep work he did. Which I don't to my chagrin.

I'm not sure what basic guide you mean. From the rulebook or a /qtg/ thing? Gotta say, I don't really like the whole /qtg/ situation. Overall, I think it's cancerous for the board. I check it periodically now out of morbid curiosity, but I don't put any stock in it as an actual resource. You're probably better off just jumping in and running. Your earlier stuff will make you cringe. Mine definitely does. I missed the mark completely on what I was looking to run and the tone is very off to me. But you'll get better as you go if you even need to. It sounds like you've already put more thought into it than I did.
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>>4378601
Lol, I nuked my first quest with a poorly executed retcon and I still have a sizable player base even if there is some Tumblr transplant that comes in acting like he has PTSD sometimes. Malroy had a minor reactor meltdown on thread 5 and it all turned great in the end. Just learn and move on.
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>>4378617
Thanks for the encouragement man. By basic guide I meant the SIFRP rulebook in your drive. I've been reading it trying to familiarise myself before I run. I think I'll pregen a few houses and try to come up with some stories. Maybe use the best parts if I actually run.

That's the part which gives me the most trouble, coming up with new plot threads and arcs. Like this arc on Stormgrave, where Sunglass and Ser Duncan had their own little thing going on, Rambton, Massey and Bar Emmon had formed a triumvirate to seize our lands while we were away, the assassination plot against Cerelle, then there's something going on with the Archon and the 3rd member of the pirate's council which we know very little about. I don't know how you come up with amazing stuff like that, I know I could try for years and not achieve that. So that's the part that holds me back the most from writing.
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>You’d like to know his thoughts on this campaign and the remainder of the war at that.
>Don’t, you don’t want to get too personal with him

>>4378645
Join us Anon. What Boggs and anon said was spot on the mark. You'll make mistakes and learn to dread reading your early stuff but if you enjoy writing and enjoy the setting then it's a blast.

Twitter is also a pretty useful tool to bullshit with other qms from all over /qst/. I'm always welcome to talk shop about this stuff and although I can't speak for Boggs, him and I have discussed stuff at length.

Hope to see you running soon!
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>>4378645
Intrigue doesn't have to be a major part of a quest if it's not your thing. It wasn't very important to Karban.

I put the chronicle starter pdf on the drive. It has some sample houses/characters/backgrounds that may be helpful.

>>4378654
And seconding this. It's been very useful. It's fun to bounce around ideas with Joe, and The Father helped me out a lot early on with synching things up and background info on a bunch of houses.
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>>4378559
Since we're talking about past houses are you going to have a cameo from Blacksand during the Battle at the Trident? IIrc the MC's father got his lands by killing the Darry Kingsguard in combat.
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>>4378679
Did the Healer go with Cerelle?
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>>4378654
>>4378679
Thanks a lot for the encouragement, guys. I really appreciate it. And thanks for that PDF Boggs, it seems really helpful and interesting, I'll read it completely before starting. I'll look into setting up a Twitter account. I'm practically a NEET for the next month or so. So I'll spend it productively on getting ready. Now I don't want to take away focus from your thread any longer. I already have both your Twitter IDs so I'll send you a PM when I'm ready.
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>>4378690
Yup.
>>4378689
I think this was for Reynold, but I do have a nod in mind for them later.
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>>4378559
A reach quest does sound fun. I'll give it a read. Thanks!
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>>4378695
Wooops. Sorry boggs, meant to reply to Joe.
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Oh, can I get 3 rolls of 5d6 for Warfare (Strategy) for later?
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Rolled 2, 1, 4, 1, 6 = 14 (5d6)

>>4379121
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 4, 1, 3 = 14 (5d6)

>>4379121
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Rolled 6, 3, 3, 5, 4 = 21 (5d6)

>>4379121
>>
I'm having some unexpected delays and may not have a post up until later or in the morning
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>>4380394
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Yeah I'm sorry guys. I hate giving times and going back on them. I'm going to have to resume on friday when I have everything sorted out on my end. It's frustrating to me too, but that's the best I can do.
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>>4380426
No worries, thanks Boggsy.
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So are we on for tonight? Also thread is on page 8, wonder if we can wrap up the clean up job in this thread.
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>>4382924
Yup.
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“What do I need? Much and more, ser, but not from you. I would settle for conversation,” you tell the Lord Commander. He offers no response as he looks out over the battlements. “Such as your thoughts on this campaign.”

“This campaign… I will be blunt, my lord. I believe this entire endeavor to be ill-timed and poorly conceived. I grant you the cause is just, but it could have been settled after the Prince is taken under wing,” Ser Barristan responds with some bitterness.

“The Hand surely had his reasons,” you supply.

“He did. You. You worked half the chivalry of the court into a frenzy at a time when the Peace is so delicate as to require tourneys to be set aside until the Prince is safely in hand. Nothing else would do but to leave at once lest the King decide to ride at the head of this restless host,” he replies. You see the anger in his eyes.

>Rolled 18 vs DC 12 for Warfare (Strategy)

“Aye. Me. You and the Hand both may thank me later. Or not, as I’ve come to expect little of Westerosi courtesy,” you glare back. “This new Royal Fleet is nearly ready to sail, is it not? I’d no patience to drag this out until some trial where my words would ring truest by any road. By last reckoning, Massey had thrice the fleet as me. You would have us flanked at sea where the Dragons already have advantage? Better to go through the Spine and do the flanking, no?”

“If we could bring the ships in hand…” he thinks on it.

“It’s that or they sail off. I would put coin on at least some taking to the Stepstones. Others may join the Dragons, who can say? Captains will do what they will. But they will not flank us. My ships will be watching the channel. At worst, we get accounts of their movements. At best, I will be a ship or two richer,” you say.

He nods. “That may indeed be the best we can hope for. That, and the castle yielding peaceably.”

“You mean to allow this?” you frown.

“I do,” he firmly states. “If this host continues to move unmolested and the garrison sees sense, then I will be more than content. Lady Bar Emmon’s cause is just. I would see she isn’t beggared, but enough have died in this war.”
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>>4383116
“You will have your fair share of angry knights. They did not come this far for a stroll,” you warn.

“Then they are lesser men. It is their duty to be here, nothing more,” he replies.

“Duty. Now that’s a curious word, is it not? Why did you make this yours? Surely not for the fine weather? In truth, I find it puzzling that you are serving this king at all,” you probe.

He stares at you with mistrust as if you were having a jest at his expense before finally answering. “I have not been released from my oaths. Kingsguard serve until death takes them. Whatever his motives were in starting this, King Robert was chivalrous in ending it. He spared my life when I was at his feet and wounded by spear, sword, and arrow. Just as he spared and pardoned many other good men. I mean to do the same if I can help it. That is why I am here. Now, if there is nothing else?”

You leave him to his brooding. There is little left to be said. Your tongue may be wrought from silver or finer things besides, but you know it cannot convince such a man to go against his very nature. It’s still frustrating. Massey would have to be an utter fool to be holed up in his castle and you have your doubts as to your ability to secure what’s left of his coffers. Best to pray the garrison is stupid enough to put up a fight.
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>>4383118
“We’ve three passes through the Spine,” Lord Badics says the next morning. Ser Barristan convened a strategy meeting in Rambton’s great hall while the host musters for the next bit of marching. The Spine in this case would be the so-called “Massey’s Spine,” the surprisingly steep mountain-like ridges that crest Massey’s Hook. The true reason for the pleasant weather on the bay side of the Hook.

“The first,” he continues, “is to the south of the castle proper. Too narrow for heavy horse. My lads reckon it’d be a right mess in this shit weather. Like to slide right off into the sea. Should be closest to what passes for their mining village.”

“Should be?” Lord Redfort interrupts.

“Aye. Should be,” Badics shoots him an impatient look. “You want to wait another week or three while my lads get up close like and sketch it out pretty? No?”

“Continue,” Ser Barristan cuts in as Lord Redfort turns the color of his namesake.

“Another goes north, and another goes straight. Straight one’s the one you want for Stonedance. They’ll see you coming a league away what with it being nearest a valley, but it’s the quickest and safest route,” Lord Palfrey Badics continues.

“And the northern pass?” Ser Barristan questions.

“Stable. Could be used. But like I said, it’s out of the way. Unless you’re looking at riding up Sharp Point’s arse. The lads didn’t ride all the way through, but they’d seen smoke farther off. Not Sharp Point far, mind. I asked. It’d be south of the Hook’s bend on the seaside.”

“A fishing village or two?” Ser Vardis Egen supplies.

“Fits. This lot’s not opposed to foraging,” you say with a pointed look to the Lord Commander. He may not be swayed, but you’ll be damned if he doesn’t get a reminder.

“That will stop,” Ser Barristan resolves.

On that at least, you can agree. A divided approach, then. Simple for a host of this size, tricky for you. Now’s the time to voice your preference.

>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>Go right up the middle with the bulk of the host directly to Stonedance.
>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
Slow day today in /qst/. Everyone's enjoying their weekend I suppose.

>>4383121
>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
Since there are no siege weapons with the host, if the garrison does not surrender, does that mean they will all wait around for our grapples? I'm not confident that we can take them all alone with our 2 units. No reports on the strength of the garrison?
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>>4383121
>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>>
No problem. I'll leave it overnight.

>>4383176
>Since there are no siege weapons with the host, if the garrison does not surrender, does that mean they will all wait around for our grapples?
Probably not. They'd make do with a battering ram and whatever else they can put together.

>No reports on the strength of the garrison?
Not yet. It's still at least a day's march away and the scouts weren't looking to completely blow their cover.
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>>4383121
>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>Go right up the middle with the bulk of the host directly to Stonedance.
What's the makeup of the host? I know we've a good compliment of heavy horse, but do we have infantry to back them up, and in what proportions?

If we've got enough infantry to comfortably secure the villages, send them and light cavalry up the northern pass. The heavy horse can go along the safest route and start the siege/negotiations
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>>4383292
About 3 foot to every horse, though some that are mounted prefer to fight dismounted (mounted longbowmen). I should clarify, the vote is for which route you personally want to take, not the whole host.
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>>4383298
ah, I'd assumed we were giving advice to the Lord Commander as part of the council

>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
If we're gonna lay claim to the massey lands, showing that we can protect the smallfolk would help our case
>>
>>4383121
>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.

No one is going to give us any land anyway and mines are valuable. Time to loot.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
Who knows what going on around these. Might be we get to see some actual fighting this way. We could help Bar emmon some more by kicking off any bandit or skirmishes from her lands. And of course take out anyone who says we can't. May be bandits, take everything not nailed down to the ground.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>>
>>4383476
>We could help Bar emmon some more by kicking off any bandit or skirmishes from her lands.

Remind me why we would ever be interested in helping her when she is a major reason why we found out about the assassins too late.
>>
>>4383658

I'm with you on not helping Bar Emmon for no good reason.

I think >>4383476 is kinda saying we can use the status of that relationship as a way to more flexibly justify picking fights for our own gain.
>>
>>4383681
I assumed it had more to do with this baseless idea of land grabbing but you could be right too. If that's the case then isn't an "off the leash" approach best? No need to justify ourselves to anyone that way.
>>
>>4383658
Because we've set her up with our wife's sworn sword. A compliant house is more useful to us than a crippled one
>>
>>4383686

Yes I agree, I personally would vote for the mines path for that reason and more.

What makes me hesitant is the dangerous terrain, I'm not sure how well heavy inf would fare in that even with grapples. Maybe it's worth the risk anyway.
>>
>>4383705
Well it's not like it's a gold mine.
>>
>>4383705
>>4383707
Speaking of mines, we do have one back home that we haven't done much with or even talked about OOC. With our connections to the Faith and Constance knowing gemcraft, we could probably get some gold rolling in that way.
>>
>>4383715
We tithe all of the crystals found in the mine to the Faith for "free"(faith points), trying to sell them would insult the Faith. Getting a jeweler who can cut the crystals prior to shipment wouldn't net us any more wealth, but our monthly faith point increase would go up

We could invest in a Rich Mine to produce crystals specifically, but i'm not sure if there's a limit on how many mines you can have in a single domain. That'd cost a lot upfront, but we'd be able to sell the crystals from it
>>
>>4383121
>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
>>4383121
>>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
>>4383702
"We" didn't set her up with anyone. Cerelle pushed him to make a move and we continued on with our day. IF he manages to succeed in wooing her then he may still be a problem. He's never been a friend to us. Just Cerelle. If Cerelle dies then he may be closer to an enemy than a friend. Either way, I don't see any reason to keep their house anywhere higher than tredding water. The higher they are, the less power we have over them. I guess it's a little jarring to me that a man who supposedly values family first would ever be willing to help a house that has so undermined his future family when the gains are so questionable.
>>
>>4383742
I could say the same for the coomers that voted to cheat and take a paramour, but that's what happens in a quest with fluctuating players. That's not getting into how foolish the southern path is, if you want an example for questionable gains, that's it. What do you expect them to be mining? It's a tiny village with a shit road, the best thing there will be some iron ingots. That's also assuming we don't lose our vets on a path that's likely to slide into the sea. We'll get nothing out of the mining village that we couldn't get from the Bar Emmon border, if you're set on being a greedy fucker that wants to loot everything at the cost of our standing
>>
>>4383790
I assumed the mine was a holding to be worth mentioning. A shit road from the mountains doesn't mean it's not better connected to the castle on the other side. Seems like you might be downplaying it. There's a big difference between sleeping around in a medieval setting and helping a house that conspired to kill your wife and unborn child. They're not even in the same category. One is borderline expected and the other is nonsensical.
>>
>>4383800
You can have mines without having the mine holding, it just means that they don't produce enough to export. I'm basing this off Badics' description. "What passes for their mining village" and "a right mess in this shit weather" makes it seem like a minor feature that Massey hasn't put money into. Even if it is a holding, iron isn't worth the opportunity cost. We can't carry away enough to make it worth risking our men. If it was implied that it was a crystal mine, I might risk it since they've got a good weight to value ratio. But the fact that Massey doesn't repair the path makes it seem like a unnecessary risk. If the mine actually produced anything valuable, it'd have a good road through the Spine so they don't do a big loop through the Massey lands before being shipped

As for helping Bar Emmon, we got our revenge. Everyone involved is either dead or will be in a few days. The girl didn't do anything, save keeping quiet. I can't fault her for that, considering every time we had a chance to talk with her, we ignored it in favor of other things.

Sleeping around when our wife is pregnant and has assassins after her doesn't seem expected to me, but you do you man.
>>
I'm closing the vote in 1 hour. It's 6-5 between going towards the fishery domain and the mine domain with good arguments for both. Figured a heads-up was in order with several discussing without voting.
>>
>>4383121
>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages
>>
>>4383121
>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
>>
>>4383121
>Go south towards the mine. The most difficult path, so you may be alone, but that means you’re off the leash.
Gold and loot
>>
>>4383121

>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>>
>>4383121
>Go north towards the Bar Emmon-Massey border. It seems there is at least some skirmishing afoot near some contested fishing villages.
>>
Ok. 8-7 in favor of the fishing villages. Let's see how convincing you are.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 7d6 for Persuasion (Convince)?
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 2, 6, 2, 5, 4 = 22 (7d6)

>>4384169
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 4, 6, 1, 3, 6 = 30 (7d6)

>>4384169
>>
Rolled 6, 5, 4, 6, 5, 5, 1 = 32 (7d6)

>>4384169
>>
“I’ve the advantage to the north as I’ve already been up that way. If Sharp Point’s threatened, then at least their garrison’s seen my face,” you tell the assembled commanders.

“Face like yours they’re like to feather it,” Badics grins.

“Your mother could suck a grapefruit through a flute,” you respond back in your own very best Valyrian with a smile of your own.

Ser Barristan interrupts on behalf of the befuddled Westerosi before Badics can come up with a rebuttal. “If we are done trading insults? Lord Shryke, you may take the northern pass to restore order to these fishing villages. I believe there are Northmen riding with us at your behest. Take them as well. Where are the scouts located?”

“Should be about here,” Badics makes a smudge on the map.

“Good. If there are no objections, Lord Badics?” the Lord Commander suggests.

“None. Losses are covered under contract. They’re yours, Captain Aurion,” he nods to you.

“Good, then it is settled. The main body will advance up the center while Lord Shryke diverts north. I want archers watching this southern pass. There will be no need to cross it, but I will not allow an escape route. Ser Vardis, I put Rambton’s lands in your hands. The Lord Arryn will want an update as to our progress and the garrison will need to be watched until the new Ser Rambton arrives to take them in hand,” Ser Barristan says.

Units at your disposal:
Elite Heavy Infantry (Stormbringers)
Veteran Personal Guards+Cavalry (House Manderly Knights)
Veteran Scouts (Devils of the Rhoyne)
Trained Crossbowmen (Byron’s Bows)

You step from the hall after the meeting is concluded. It seems Ser Barristan was somewhat pleased at your notion. No doubt he thought you would’ve been troublesome if a chance at a sack presented itself and saw the northernly diversion as less a threat. You’re not sure whether to agree with him or pity him for his selling short your propensity to create chaos. Either way, a word to Trios has him off to muster your men and inform Ser Wylis Manderly of his part. Should be good for building cohesion before Dragonstone if nothing else. And his lot have their own horses. Now to wrap up your own loose ends…
>>
>>4384310
You find yourself with Vaeron and Ser Byron in some stuffy chambers on the second floor of the squat keep. Across from you are three very different women. Or ladies? You’re not sure of the titling here. One is a rather cute little girl of around five years. She favors you with an uncertain smile after your attempts to draw one out of her with one of your own. Tyanna Rambton, and blessedly unscathed. The other two are her septas. For lack of names at first sight, you’d instantly dubbed them the Maiden and the Crone. Internally of course, though it was a near thing. The older one scowls at you, or it may be that she always looks that way? The younger, far too pretty to be a septa in your less than humble opinion, doesn’t look at you at all. She only looks down at her lap while clutching her skirts hard enough to turn her knuckles white. You don’t hold it against her in this case. According to Ser Byron, a knight had nearly robbed her of any sort of Maiden title the night prior. He was “persuaded” to reconsider his actions by your master of bows. Whatever the story there, it wasn’t enough to have you dragged to another damnable meeting. Like you find yourself in right now.

They will need to be watched while you are away. Well, the little Tyanna Rambton will need to be watched. You have your doubts as to your ability to extract a ransom from septas. The trouble is, Ser Vardis Egen is the Hand’s creature. He’s been one of the more tolerable ones at least compared to Lord Redfort, but you know he’d sooner ship the girl off the Sweetport Sound or King’s Landing than do your bidding. That leaves you with the need to see her watched by one of your own trusted men or to risk losing possession of her entirely. The trouble is, you’re short on trustworthy men. At least those that aren’t already serving in command roles.

>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
>Take Vaeron with you and risk losing your ward to the Hand.
>See if you can get her ferried back to Wendwater. It might look odd, but they’re polite company and you’re pretty sure the lady of the castle is rather fond of you.
>Something else.
>>
>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
>>
>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
>>
>>4384312
>>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
I'd prefer he have access to a maester instead of whatever healer we can find in the camp.
>>
>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.

Some questions- was the persuasion check used to convince Barristan to let us leave?
Also, by picking the northern route have we lost any chance of having at Stonedance or will the force still be waiting for us when we're done with our business in the fishing village?
>>
>>4384344
>was the persuasion check used to convince Barristan to let us leave?
Yup. Extra degrees had you allotted the additional men.
>Also, by picking the northern route have we lost any chance of having at Stonedance or will the force still be waiting for us when we're done with our business in the fishing village?
I actually don't know yet. I haven't rolled for the main force yet and I don't know how you'll do either. It's probably leaning towards a lost chance, but I'm going to play it straight.
>>
>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.

Can we scope this out at all? I'll bite the bait.
>The younger, far too pretty to be a septa in your less than humble opinion, doesn’t look at you at all.

Dunno if it's an awareness or cunning check or what but my shadowrun senses are tingling.
>>
>>4384350
How high was the DC? Selmy doesn't seem to like us all that much
>>
>>4384350
>I actually don't know yet. I haven't rolled for the main force yet and I don't know how you'll do either. It's probably leaning towards a lost chance, but I'm going to play it straight.
Damn I should have asked for that clarification earlier then. I just thought it's three ways to arrive at the same common location and then tackle Stonedance.

>>4384352
Haha, supporting. Maybe we'll find a nice lady in disguise.
>>
>>4384355
21. Not your biggest fan, no. Still 3 degrees with that 31.

>>4384352
>>4384356
Heh. Okay.

>Can I get 3 rolls of 4d6 for Awareness?
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 1, 1 = 8 (4d6)

>>4384361
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 2, 6 = 17 (4d6)

>>4384361
>>
Rolled 2, 5, 3, 5 = 15 (4d6)

>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
>>4384361
>>
>>4384364
>>4384365
>>4384367
DC was 16. And here I was thinking this would be one of those easter eggs I don't reference again for a couple of threads.
>>
Calling it for the mistress/bastard daughter of the guy Vaeron killed (as far as I remember he didn't remarry)
>>
>>4384372
Based. Good instincts, anon >>4384352

Well, I'm slightly less salty now about putting that point in awareness instead of Fighting or Warfare. Next time I swear
>>
>>4384312
>Have Vaeron stay back and watch your ward while he recovers from his wound.
>>
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“My good friend Ser Vaeron will be seeing to the little lady’s safety. Won’t you Ser Vaeron?” you turn to him.

He looks less than thrilled. “I’d thought we were off to Stonedance.”

“We are. Possibly. I go north first… but you are wounded, yes? Don’t deny it. I won’t have it getting worse when we’ve got a more important battle on the horizon. Rest and watch the girl. She’s around your son’s age, you know,” you tell him.

“If you insist…” he resigns himself.

“I do. Seven know you’ve earned a rest…” you look over to the three ladies again. Ladies. You’re sure the oldest is a septa… but the other?

“My lady,” you call to her directly. Her eyes shoot up. Grey. Like a storm cloud.

“Pretty eyes. Too pretty for a septa by half,” you remark. “A Bar Emmon look, no?”

She looks nearly as shocked as the rest of the room. Nearly. “It is, m’lord.”

“Truly?” you grin. “I do so enjoy being right. It’s why I’m usually in a good mood. Well, on with it, introductions!”

“My name is Dorea Waters if it please m’lord,” she quietly answers.

“Waters. That’s for bastards, yes?” you wait for the nodding heads. “Then who’s the lucky father? Or mother? I won’t judge.”

“Lord Duram Bar Emmon. He fell on the Trident, m’lord. Mother keeps the kitchens,” she says.

“Yes. He did,” you say with growing interest. Duram was the oldest brother. That would make her the niece of Lady Cassandra? Amusing what with them being near enough in age. You’d never gotten around to discerning the precise ages of the siblings, but it seems the old Lord and Lady Bar Emmon weren’t opposed to spacing out their lordlings. You’re not sure where bastards are in the line of succession, if at all, but you can put enough together to know this might be the prettiest wild card you’ve drawn. “Did he know of you?”

“… he’d visit sometimes, m’lord. Took me sailing…”

>Leave her here with Vaeron as well.
>Bring her with you. Decent chance she knows her way around these lands, and she might be able to get the gate open at Sharp Point if it comes to that.
>Something else.
>>
Continuing tomorrow with the fighting.
>>
>>4384426
>Bring her with you. Decent chance she knows her way around these lands, and she might be able to get the gate open at Sharp Point if it comes to that.

Based. We need help with praying too. Can't forget that.
>>
>>4384426
>Bring her with you. Decent chance she knows her way around these lands, and she might be able to get the gate open at Sharp Point if it comes to that.
Lots of prayers need to be done! Tell her we're a Proctor of the Faith, it's okay.

I guess the documents option is moot now because we didn't pick it. Valemen probably got them locked up tight. Oh well, at least we're on the same side. Where's Baelish going?
>>
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>>4384426
>>4384442
>Vaeron's face when we take her along
>>
>>4384426
>>Bring her with you. Decent chance she knows her way around these lands, and she might be able to get the gate open at Sharp Point if it comes to that.
please don't try to sleep with her guys, it's been less than a week since we fucked the Darry woman
>>
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>>4384448
A week's too long a time I'd say.
>>
>>4384449
Looking back, I think it's been 24-48 hours since
>>
>>4384426
>Leave her here with Vaeron as well.
>>4384448
I agree, we don't want a thousand bastards running around
>>
We should invest in industrial scale production of moon tea to keep up with Aurion's lifestyle choices.
>>
>>4384464
>>4384470
Or just stop giving so much of a shit about what people who were already bound to dislike us think. Not that I'm sold one way or another on sleeping with this one. Right now she just seems useful.
>>
>>4384426
>Bring her with you. Decent chance she knows her way around these lands, and she might be able to get the gate open at Sharp Point if it comes to that.

But no sex. Please anons, no sex.
>>
>>4384478
I know, I'm just baiting. For all we know she may be completely devoted to her role as a septa and will give us a tight slap if we try anything. But taking her along is useful.
>>
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>>4384486
but anon, it's what my character would do
>>
>>4384490
>left handed
Dropped.
>>
I just realized we're on page 9. I'll start a new thread tonight. You have 15 exp. Spend or save?

>Spend (on what?)
>Save
>>
>>4385001
remind me of the costs again
pls
>>
>>4385011
Sure. It costs 10 exp to upgrade a rank 2 ability to rank 3 or to buy a bonus die in any specialty (such as fighting: swords, persuasion: incite, awareness: empathy, etc.). It costs 30 exp to upgrade an ability already at 3 or higher. So you're looking to figure out whether to save the exp to rank up a higher ability at the end of next thread or use it now to shore up a weak point or get a little better at a specialty.
>>
>>4385011
Yikes!
30 exp for one rank in any ability (for ex- persuasion)
10 exp for a bonus dice in any speciality (for ex- persuasion->bargain)


>>4385001
>Save
Unless the coomer confederacy wants to put a bonus dice on Persuasion->Seduce, we're better off banking it for Fighting 5, Warfare 5 or animal handling 3
Boggs what does the 1 in Low Valyrian mean? Will we need a translator in Braavos?
>>
>>4385017
Also what was the limit for ability ranks again? I remember 1 rank 6 and 2 rank 5 but I may be wrong.
>>
>>4385017
Well the animal handling is buyable right now. The 1 in Low Valyrian means you can hold basic conversations. A 2 would get you speaking with a closer approximation to fluency.
>>4385023
That's correct. Those are the important ones. I forget the number for rank 4s, but it's probably not going to be relevant for a long time, if ever.
>>
>>4385032
Thanks. Is the cost of moving from Low Valyrian 1 to 2, 10 exp or 5?
>>
>>4385036
10
>>
>>4385001

>Save
>>
>>4385040
Alright, so next stop after this campaign is Dragonstone, then back to King's Landing to get some rewards. So we're not going to Braavos right away. In that case I'll stick to my vote of
>Save it
>>
>>4385001
Save
>>
>>4385045

Where did you get these concrete ideas of what our next plans are? You seem very sure.
>>
>>4385173
I asked Boggs before in the thread. I asked if we'll go back to King's Landing after the area is pacified, he said we'll go straight to Dragonstone because it's on a tight schedule. After that it's a logical step that we'll head to King's Landing to report and get our rewards. So for that period we'll not be heading to Braavos yet.
>>
>>4378539
>>4378545
These posts.
>>
I'm not sure if you're going to Braavos at all. That'll be dependent on how Aurion reacts to events.
>>
>>4385245
Yeah, at this point the assassin has probably already left. Don't know what purpose we'll even have by going to Braavos, it's too late to stop the assassin there. Massey has already been declared guilty, so no need for documents to further prove his guilt either. And we probably can't steal the dowry back from the assassin's guild.
>>
>>4385001
>Save
>>
I'll start the new thread tomorrow night. I want to sim out the rest of the conflict. Gives a little more time to any latecomers on exp or whatever else. Tomorrow night will probably be roll-heavy with shorter voting times, so hopefully this slowness is just a lack of interest over exp and succession plots rather than general disinterest.
>>
>>4385713
I’m just too lazy to vote when the outcome is clear and I share the same opinion lol.
>>
>>4385001
>Save

>>4385721
Or spending all day in the car with my wife
>>
>>4385721
same.
I don't see a massive difference of opinion beating out the save option.
I personally believe it would be wise to go for AH. Gets us with a decent set of dice to ride with.

More importantly this gives Vaeron 30+ exp doesn't it? If we are gona vote on something exp related that makes more sense.
I want awareness but endurance makes him a combat god.
>>
>>4385713
"When engaged in combat, so long as your cohort is adjacent to you, increase your Combat Defense by +2."
I may be asking for to much here. But does this also effect Vaeron? I can see why it wouldn't, especially with how he is built. But man would that be nice.
>>
>>4385863
I would agree with Endurance 5 for Vaeron. As for Animal Handling, I don't see riding much in our adventures, so far I can't even remember if we have ever encountered an Animal Handling test. We live on an island, next stop is a siege, then Dragonstone, another island. So I want to get Fighting 5 or Warfare 5 first, which will be more useful (Fighting more than Command, obviously). AH the first thing after that.
>>
>>4385894
You see im still torn on wether we really need fighting 5. I want him to fight on either from the front or the middle.
And I agree, that AH is more for riding with his wife. Seems like a thing I want for "Aurion" rather than whats best for the next campaign.
If we go for fighting from the front fighting 5 is needed. But I've been leaning leading from the middle type warfare 5 and awareness 5. Keeps us in the midst of battle, but with our men knowing we keep our men alive with our wits as well as our brawn.
It goes with his lucky streak of making it out 10 years into being a mercenary and have a bird (Shryke )as counsel. lol
>>
>>4385001
>>Save
>>
>>4385902
My reasoning is that we're not going to be in direct war situations with full units very soon after the war ends. Maybe a contract or two, but that's a remote possibility. So Fighting will be much more useful to us, because we will not always have Vaeron with us (like now) and not everyone enemy will be honourable enough to let us have Vaeron fight for us. We may be forced to fight, whether in duels or back alley ambushes or outright challenges. In my view those situations have a greater chance of happening than those where we can use full units and our Warfare skills. Lastly, we can still have both Warfare 5 and Fighting 5.
>>
>>4385902
Sounds incredibly boring but I guess that's par the course with the cohort crutching.
>>
>>4385965
>>4387190
It's also important to remember that a 4 in Fighting is on par with most knights, and we've got a Valyrian steel sword to boost it a bit more. Increasing it to 5 would mean we're a swordsman on par with an average kingsguard. I think we're a good enough fighter at the moment. If anything, we should grab another bonus dice in longblades for cheaper.

Having warfare increased for Dragonstone and the contracts we can take after the war clearing out loyalists in the Stepstones will mean we lose far less men and can maneuver more effectively. I get that everyone likes the flashiness of hand to hand, but there's a reason the best generals in the setting don't lead from the front. Selmy has a 7 in Warfare, and I doubt he'll be the first man up the ladders
>>
>>4387290
>I get that everyone likes the flashiness of hand to hand

Yes? You make a solid arguement, but it's kind of lame from a story standpoint to just press the I-Win button on every fight. There's never that nail-biting "what if we actually lose" because we just let a fighting monster npc do it for us. It feels like powergaming to have a persuasion 6 and fighting 6 character tag teaming and even that's not enough for some because we have some asking for extra boosts and handouts like here >>4385883
>>
>>4387406
Is it any more interesting to be a fighting monster that sweeps through every fight?

I'm not against increasing our fighting to 5 eventually, probably after dragonstone for the Greyjoy rebellion. I think that playing the tactician is just more interesting and synergizes with our army better
>>
>>4387418
>Is it any more interesting to be a fighting monster that sweeps through every fight?

Eh. Probably not? It wasn't fun in a couple other overtuned GoT quests, but those had bad houserules stacked on top. Fighting 5 and not hefting off our fights doesn't strike me as that level of overtuned though. Not with our other offensive stats being kind of middling. I just think it would be more fun to actually solve the MC's problems with the MC instead of handing it off to an overtuned monster and getting the "okay, you won" post. I don't know, maybe I'm being too cynical. I like the quest, I just don't like that the feeling of danger has gotten gamed away.
>>
>>4387428
That's what I like about Aurion being more of a tactician than a fighter. We're still gonna be in the fight and have some risk, but we're able to effect the battlefield on a far greater scale than a combat monster like Bordain and Grallner
>>
Just read your Twitter Boggs. Such a shame. Were all the words lost prep for the future? Anyway, take as long as you need.
>>
>>4387428
I hear you on the danger part, but that's what the majority has decided to play. If it's any consolation, I do have another quest planned for sometime in the future after the major events of this one are wrapped up. It'll be following a Reach knight of high status and should be tourney heavy. I already have a good amount of it fleshed out. One of my older ideas. I started looking at it again after there was some talk of a dorne quest. Obviously it's not the same thing, but I think it should work out even better.

>>4387985
Yep. Everything I was working on since the 18th in between runs. Best I can figure, I'd been typing it all into an auto-recovered file since that day without noticing, and it defaulted back to that recovered file after an unexpected restart. Suffice to say I've more than learned my lesson.
>>
>>4388501
Reach knight with a hdw?
>>
>>4388518
Hah. I'm not going to railroad you so sure, it's possible. Just gotta work around a Haughty drawback and having Tyrell for a last name. Should be starting in 280 right after Karban ended, so it's not like a certain prince has crippled anyone yet.
>>
>>4388545
Honestly would’ve preferred something further back. There’s a huge unexplored gap in story between Aegon V and Aerys II.
>>
>>4388554
Seconded.
Seven only know what fuckery went down during the reign of Jaehaerys II.
>>
>>4388554
>>4388558
I already have enough ideas to not want to go back and blank slate it. I'd definitely be interested in playing a quest in that time, though.
>>
>>4388639
Northquest pls Papa Boggs?
>>
>>4388639
Say it with me : Magic focused HDW quest
>>
>>4388661
North makes it hard for me to subvert MC tropes, which is half my interest in this.
>>4388669
I don't even know how that would work, but just those words together alone sound pretty great.
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>>4388734
Three words. Rhoynish water magic.
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>>4388734
I gave the idea like two threads ago I think. We’d be a Knowledge 5 HDW with a hedge knight hubby exploring old ruins, weirwoods and libraries in search of sorcery, Valyrian artifacts and history. Perhaps we might even explore the ruins of Valyria one day
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>>4388742
>But when she brought her people to Dorne, it is said that the Rhoynish water witches knew secret spells that made dry streams flow again and deserts bloom
Thanks, didn't know about this bit. It actually explains a lot of why the Dornish were willing to integrate the Rhoynar culture at all.
>>4388773
I'm awfully tempted to combine this in with what I already had. This could work. Wouldn't be a hedge knight, but the rest could fit. Maybe I could shift the year right a bit to 286 or so. Maybe they were betrothed over a notion of Doran's as a part of simmering down the tensions from Willas's Wild Ride.
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>>4388798
Feel free to do so if you think you could make it work. A double MC asoiaf quest would be very cool.
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>>4388734
>North makes it hard for me to subvert MC tropes, which is half my interest in this.
You could run it as a personal challenge a ways down the line, I suppose? Nobody expects a 7'2" Umber-eqsue giant of a man to be one of the foremost schemers and gameplayers of Westeros.
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>>4388798
That would be awesome.
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>>4388773
>>4388798
>>4388817
>>4389068

Thirded or fourthed or whatever. This sounds really interesting.



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