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File: Aurion and Dragon.jpg (46 KB, 564x705)
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>>4803415
Valyria has fallen.

The greatest city the world has ever seen has died in the cataclysm that split the Land of the Long Summer, burnt away the cedars of Velos and signaled the end of an Era.

And yet its legacy persists, in the form of its colonies - Volantis and her ten sister-cities: Tyrosh, Myr, Norvos, Pentos, Lorath, Lys, Qohor, Bravos, Gogossos and Essaria – and the surviving cities on the border of the Valyrian heartland – Elyria, Mantarys, Tolos and their neighbors.

Dark omens abound these days - far to the North a dragonlord proclaimed himself Emperor of Valyria, while there are rumors of a mighty Khal uniting the barbarians of the East. The High King has apparently lost any interest in exerting royal authority on his fellow Sarnorian monarchs, letting the country slowly spiral into a cold war that could at any moment turn hot, pitting the Eastern Marches of the High Kingdom against its heartland. Belicho, the Archon of Essaria, appears posited to resign due to domestic pressure while an early winter is slowly setting in thanks to the ashes released in the atmosphere by the what many already call “the Doom”.

And yet…nothing of this seems to matter to Aegar Tagaros, Triarch of the Tiger party.

>“..only we are suited to reunite the Daughters of the Freehold, for Valyria lives on through its eldest daughter, mighty Volantis!”

A loud cheer erupts from the crowd, as said man speaks loudly from atop the stairs leading to the great doors in the Black Wall.

>“The Freehold shall endure. We survived the invasions of the Old Empire of Ghis, defeated the barbarians of the East and bent the Rhoynars to our will! We are the greatest civilization this world has ever known and We. Shall. Endure!”

A loud cheer erupts once more from the assembled crows of nobles, just as a similar, much louder one erupts from the commoners outside the Black Wall who are listening to the speech being delivered by and heralds. You can easily imagine the loud cheer propagating to the entire city as the speech is delivered in every street corner, plaza and market square by heralds.

You sigh as the Triarch continues on, already knowing how the speech will end.

>“Citizens! Brothers. Sisters. The world has gone dark and it falls upon us to ensure the light of civilization will shine on for the centuries to come. It is for this reason that I call upon you in this hour of need: the Freehold needs you, Volantis needs you.”

God, the man is so dramatic...

>“People forget that the soldiers who conquered the world were not dragons. No, they were common men and women like you and me! What our ancestors conquered, we shall reconquer with the sweat of our brow! Long live the Freehold! Long live Valyria!”

And so, with an incredibly loud cheer, the Century of Blood began.

> Twitter - https://twitter.com/TagarosQ
> Character Sheet - https://pastebin.com/4XzbhfsP
> Archive - http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4803415/
>>
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>>4818105
Welcome to the first thread for “A Century of Blood”, a quest set at the beginning of the historical period in the ASOIAF universe that gives the name to this quest. I expect the time period this quest is set in to be unfamiliar to many, so do not be surprised if you are unfamiliar with some of the characters. I will follow the canon insofar as possible, but given the many empty spots left by GRRM, do not be surprised if you see characters that do not appear in any of his works.

>Why this period?
Because no other ASOIAF quest has ever been set in this period, as far as I know.

It’s a period where one can still find dragons, magic has yet to completely wane, yet the basis for the modern world have already been set – the Targaryen are in Dragonstone, the Dothraki are mobilizing, the clock is ticking for the Patrimony of Kyrkoon and the third Azure Emperor rules the Golden Empire of Yi Ti.

>Where in the setting are going to play?
This quest is set in Essos, the land most affected by the Doom.

How far East or West...that’s up to you, the players.

This quest follow an "absolute freedom" set, in which the QM acts more as a Narrator than the QM. You, the player, have absolute freedom to do as you wish atop your flying death machine.

It won't be easy.
>>
File: Rains of Castamere.jpg (241 KB, 1024x1582)
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>>4818113
The next day (the fourth since your arrival) you are told that the Lord of the house, Alastor Reyne, has convocated you to discuss an important matter. The messenger did not know whether Horonno was invited or not, but given Alastor has summoned only you, you choose to play it safe.

A short walk later, you find yourself in front of the door leading to Alastor’s private chambers, flanked by two guards.

One of them knocks and “Come in!” is heard, before you are let in.

The room has not changed from the last time you have seen it: a spacious room with books lining the walls, a desk in the center of the room and a painting of the late Lady of Castamere on the wall.

Overall a nice room with a cozy atmosphere, that betrays the weight of the decisions that are taken in it.

Alastor signals you to sit down in a chair, before pouring offering you a cup of wine and taking one for himself.

> “So, Rhogar. They tell me your blade has not gone dull, by the way you handled Robb yesterday”

He lets out a bitter laugh – it is clear as day that while Alastor deeply loves both of his children, he thinks that his heir should have a more martial inclination. It is one of the reasons he has tried for years to push you and Johanna together – to have a reliable, strong son-in-law that could advise Robb in martial matters.

> “I’ll cut the chase – your presence has been noted in Lannisport, and while the waiting in announcing it formally can easily be explained by your wounded state, we cannot delay anymore a visit to the Rock…which brings me to the next argument I wished to discuss with you in private”

At this his expression hardens considerably and he points at the only noteworthy new element in the room: a map of the Valyrian Freehold.

> “I have thought of what you told me a few days ago, Rhogar. I admire your ambition, but what you are asking me could easily lead to a crippling of my House, were you to fail. On the other hand, I recognize what could be accomplished, were you to succeed. So, I will ask you a simple question and I want you to be honest – how far do you see your ambition going?”

He looks at you intently, waiting your reply.

A deep breath, and the discussions with Horonno come back to mind.

> “I cannot give you a straight answer for I do not have one, Alastor. The Freehold is in chaos and war is a real possibility in its Western reaches. Like I said I can only hope to start by staking my claim somewhere that I know won’t be contests until I am ready”

He remain silent, awaiting for you to finish, but you can clearly notice the tension rising as he feels you are about to say the words that will seal his conviction, or shatter it.

> “I do not know where the future will take me, but I know this – Valyria never had a King, or an Emperor..”

You let the words hang in the air for a second, before quickly adding (before he could reply).
>>
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>>4818116
> “..And what is the difference between a Golden Lion and a Red one, except for the different color of their coats?”

Alastor sighs deeply, and you can see the fires of ambition burning in his eyes, but also the stony expression he wears

> “I feared you might say something like that Rhogar…you do understand what you are asking, what you are proposing? You are asking me to support you in your conquest..and are offering to help me achieve the dream of every Reyne before me – to sit on the throne of the Rock”

You stay silent, and simply nod as he continues, while raising two fingers

> “I consider you like a son Rhogar, you know that. If you truly wish to embark yourself on this quest…I won’t stop you. I will help you. But I will require two things of you: results, for your success will herald mine…and a public declaration of alliance”

This brings the turning gears in your mind to a screeching halt, for it could mean a lot of things, a marriage too..

> “You will wear Reyne colors alongside the ones of your House as we fly down to the Rock. You will side with us, come high or low water, when the time comes. And…I know how you feel about it, but down the line, I will require a marriage to seal our alliance of you. Either you, your cousin or another one of your line, but you know our customs, and I know the ones of your people. I am not going to ask you to marry Johanna, but I will still require a marriage for her if we are going to seal this pact”

You silently nod, waiting for Alastor to finish his speech.

> “I have seen the men that have come forward to court my daughter, Rhogar. They are not worthy of the Rose of Castamere. These are my terms”

He extends his hand in the universal gesture of acceptance.

What will you do?
> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation
> Refuse his terms
> Counter-proposal (write-in)
>>
>>4818120
>> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation
I’m all for us marrying Johanna as long as we could convince Alastor to abide us having multiple wives. I’d rather not dishonor Sheira after our promise to her. Otherwise we should just marry Johanna off to Horonno.
>>
>>4818120
>> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation
>>
>>4818120
> Refuse his terms
An alliance with a power so far away seems outright pointless. To even get to us they would need to sail around the reach, across done, up the narrow sea, then across a fair bit of northern Essos.
Friends yes allies no.
>>
>>4818120
>> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation
Only because he's open to the possibility of marriage between Horonno or another of our line. I don't think Johanna is the right choice for Rhogar.

As I said in the previous thread
I would like to see us building up an empire around Essaria and Sarnor and keeping the option open of a political marriage with the princess would be an excellent way of solidifying our control over the area. But that is most likely to be achievable if we have the option of a marriage with Rhogar himself, Horonnno isn't as much of a catch and wouldn't be locking the realm into our dynasty anyway.
Our hand in marriage is an extremely valuable asset, we can only use it twice (maybe thrice). If we can get Alastor's support through marriage with Horonno then we preserve that asset for the future, essentially it's about the opportunity cost of marrying ourselves prematurely.

Obviously if Horonno or Johanna are against it and going to resent us then I wouldn't want to force them, but they seemed to be interacting well and I'm pretty sure Johanna would prefer Horonno to any of her suitors so far.
>>
>>4818120

> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation

>>4818137

He isn't forcing us to marry now. Johanna and Rhogar already have a good relationship and you guys keep assuming the Sarnori princess is an automatic marriage. They could very well not be interested.

Also we aren't set in to setting up an Empire in Essaria/Sarnor. The door has been specifically left open for larger ambitions after using that area to build resources.

Some of us have ambitions for the Stepstones or a larger empire other than just Essaria/Sarnor.
>>
>>4818120
> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation

So as I was going yo comment before the thread was archived lol

We have no idea how Sarnori succession works, whether the Princess would inherit her fathers position or not. Or whether we could even get her hand in marriage in the first place. There is also the issue of what the Princess herself wants, she might not fancy a dragonlord setting up shop with the intent of controlling Sarnor either through her hand or without it.

I would advocate that we should marry Johanna. We can still marry 2 other women. Sheira and the Sarnori Princess people want so much(if its possible). That would fulfil everything people want. More dragons, bloodline purity, and an ally in the East and West.
>>
I will let the discussion go for another 30 minutes or so,and then I will write the next scene basing myself on what the players have written,

Note for all new players - while I count votes when taking decisions on the progressing of the sory, I give a lot more weight to reasoned, well-thought out arguments. Essentially partecipation is rewarded.

This is to encourage partecipation, while respecting people's will.

>>4818143
You get it. The door is more than open for larger ambitions. I will even out the difficulty as you progress, so it will never be an "easy" quest - for now you are just recovering in a friendly castle, so there are no real threats.

Like you and >>4818151 said, others are making a lot of assumptions about how Sarnorian succession works or even if they would be interested. Let's say you conquer Essaria - you will be seen as an upstart from a lower branch of a dying dynasty, left with only a dragon, on the borderlands of a dying empire.

You CAN marry the Sarnorian princess, but it won't be so easy as "Let's go get married".

Dices will determine their attitude, etc. This entire quest is a mix between playing it safe, getting reliable but maybe smaller benefits (e.g. Johanna) vs longer term potential benefits (keep a spot open for the Sarnorian princess) that are 100% not assured to materialize
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>>4818120
> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation
We can avoid further legal problems with polygamy by marrying her monogamously to Horonno but pleasing her ourselves.
>>
>>4818158
Please ignore my grammar mistakes. I was writing a bit too fast to review.
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>>4818105
>>4818120
Accept specifically for a match between our cousin or another of our line, otherwise refuse the terms.

Johanna's sweet but I don't want to lock ourselves down with the first girl who crosses our path, especially one associated with a powerbase so far from our destination.
>>
Something I forgot to say is that we should probably marry Sheira before anybody else. Just to make sure because out of everybody she offers us dragons, love, and bloodline purity. Whole package.
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 5, 2, 1, 2 = 20 (6d6)

>>4818171
That's it, if she makes it back alive..

Rolling for Sheira, her mother and her brother
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>>4818171
Agreed.
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>>4818175
Tell me doctor, how is she?
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>>4818120
> Refuse his terms
>>
>>4818158
I don't think anyone is expecting Sarnor to be 'show up, get married' but that political marriage will be considerably harder if we're offering up a position of 3rd wife or wife to our cousin.
I think it is essential that we keep Rhogar's "slots" open for potential alliances down the line, whether that's a Sarnori princess or someone else.
>>
>>4818166

Essaria isn't our endgame destination. That is still to be determined.

It is simply the next stop in our journey.
>>
>>4818179
Sheira - 10 ("Further East") Bound for Asshai.

>>4818183
Just to clarify, if a majority of people vote to Refuse his Terms, I will require a very good write-in or reason for it to happen.

In-character you excplicitly spoke to him of your ambitions and asked for his help, fully knowing he'd ask something in return. To suddenly turn around saying "joking lol" for no reason would make you out to be a fool and likely burn some bridges with the Reynes.
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>>4818185

The terms specifically state that they will be ironed out later. We wouldn't be marrying her today. The only person taking options of the table would be the ones saying not to marry her. That choice could be made later after we have more information about all suitors..

I'm for leaving open the possibility of marrying her ourselves or our cousin having the honor depending on how things unfold.
>>
Yeah people are assuming that Essaria is going to be the permanent theatre of the quest when that is not true. Its going to be the theatre for the short foreseeable future that's true but beyond that nobody knows. Not QM and not the players.

So to simply refuse this offer because they are far away is not great. There is room for negotiation. We could have any potential marriage a year from now or more. A lot can happen in that year, we could head east to find our lady, check out if the Sarnor Princess marriage would actually work, etc. No need to reject this straight up.
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>>4818175
Also, is Sheira a dragonlord?
Because if her marriage doesn't come with a waifu for Urrax we might need to hold a slot open for the Targs.

>>4818191
>Asshai
Gib sorceress waifu pls
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>>4818200

Yes, she has a dragon. Obvious #1 waifu if she survives.

Even better if she comes back a sorceress
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>>4818200
Yes she is a dragonlord, and with a penchant for moneymaking so that's good. Last time she struck some kind of trade deal in the east.
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>>4818200
I thought I mentioned earlier, but in any case you can find a brief intro for both her and her dynasty (Soranyen) in Rhogar's pastebin.

She rides Neltharion, a male dragon. Note that dragons can change sex in canon.

>>4818203
Quite a bit of black pearls from the western coast of Faros, in exchange from a bow made out of dragonbone

In 5 min or so I will draw the numbers and then write the next scene.
>>
I'm not a fan of revotes, but should we rethink this Essaria expedition after taking into account all the new circumstances and this deal we're agreeing to? After learning there were only like 100k people in Essaria I regretted my vote to go there heavily. There are easier and more sensible avenues of growth and conquest elsewhere.
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>>4818164
Np tagaros

Anyway for routines (not actions) I thought of some.


Travel routine (dragon and alone)

- Preferably pass above rural or wild regions, instead of more populated ones.
- Camp in high position, away from dangerous animals and possible bandits.
- Camp should be not seen, and covered from rain and snow. Under shadows for avoid heat.
- Control surroundings, and ensure the terrain is secure.
- Sleep somewhat near Urrax.


Travel routine (settlements)

- change rooms in inns and taverns. Have them controlled.
- have some of our guards change in civilian clothes and look around when we move.
- have always someone tasting our food and drinks first
- any food given to Urrax should have the same controls
- plebs need to keep their distance.


War routine

- watch over our army from an high position
- whenever we land, our personal guard should be ready to be near us.
- help establish the camp with our dragon help as well our own, so we get the soldiers respect.
- Our tent should have a clear space around it, so that Urrax can sleep near us. Preferably in a elevated position.
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>>4818213
Nothing stops you guys from taking a detour along the way, were you to prefer (for example) seeking to subvert Volantis from within, moving on to Elyria, or hells, even try to reclaim Valyria itself.

The world is your oyster. Simply call for a re-vote, and if enough people agree with you, I will gladly let you have it.

Now, it seems to me that a clear majority would be for accepting his terms in principle only, letting it unclear who will marry who, and when.

A wise move.

Roll me 6D6 (Persuasion 3D6, 2B, Charm 1B)

>>4818216
You might be onto something. Keep those in mind (or write them down) and write them as your write-in when I call for a relevant vote, and you will get a bonus (that I always gave to relevant write-ins so far)
>>
>>4818120
> Accept his terms in principle – details to be ironed out later in further negotiation

we can iron the details later cool


>>4818143
Well we need to decide where to set up our empire then.
>>
>>4818213
Well I originally wanted to go to the Stepstones but I think Essaria is fine for our next destination. We won't be there for months, likely only 1 or 2 at the max sorting stuff out, defending form any threats, etc, before deciding our priorities and going about fulfilling them.

1-I say we go to Volantis get our wealth
2-Head to Essaria, get friendly and establish a relationship with the city.
3-Organize our resources and plan our priorities
4-Head out and fulfill them

My top priority would be to find our betrothed and make sure we marry her. This will mean we now have 2 dragons.
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 1, 3, 3, 2 = 17 (6d6)

>>4818222
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3 = 25 (6d6)

>>4818222
>>
Rolled 2, 5, 4, 2, 2, 1 = 16 (6d6)

>>4818222
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 6, 4, 5, 3 = 27 (6d6)

>>4818222
>>
This is why we need more persuasion dammit. Could have passed a DC of 18. We'll have to settle for a 15
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>>4818225

I know a few of us have ambitions for a Kingdom in the Stepstones but that won't be doable for a few years given the volcanic winter. Elyria could be a nice option given QM stated most of our dynastic holdings were there and Volantis.

I'm really open to ideas
>>
Somewhere I definitely want to visit is Ibben. They are this worlds dwarves, famously secretive and isolationist in the time books. I want to find out what's up with them. Maybe make a few friends.
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>>4818235
Agree.

>>4818253
Marry an Ibbenese gorilla woman with a thick beard.
>>
>It is said that giants once lived on Ib.[5] There were once dragons on Ib, as dragon bones have been found on the island.[12]

Might find some cool Dragon stuff. Maybe some old eggs
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>>4818244
Well Stepstones needs to be build up, but the trade passing there is rich. A lot of enemies too. So a Stepstones empire (better name, I suggest the name of our future capital. Made by us.) needs to expand and outright kill some of those enemies. Targs, dorne, Lys, stormlands ecc. They can be conquered, and we want an empire not a kingdom so conquering is what we would do.

An essaria+Sarnor empire can expand quite far, and after dothraki extermination tm even more. It s far away from other dragonlords so that s a bonus.


Other places maybe.
The main problem is that we are unlikely to want other dragonlords near where we found our empire. As a preference.
And if we can have some valyrian people to rule it would help, since they would be more loyal. Always as a preference.
Not that other people can t become loyal that is.

Eitherway a cool name and a capital name will be needed.


>>4818222
I will keep them as a note. I think for ensure we have some basic security they are nice.
>>
Its either cruel to marry a girl who is in love with us to our cousin to keep her around watching other women gain the object of her affection or foolish to put any women before our betrothed, a literal dragon lord who could cement our hold on power for countless generations to follow rather than being a short lived single dragon dynasty.

As allies they are farther away than the Yi Ti empire is from Essaria and far far weaker/poorer/less politically influential and a poor choice with their only real benefit being the fact that we are emotionallyclose to them IC.
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>>4818264

Yea, and it will be a period of time before we could even start. Just a goal for a bit down the road. If we conquer the area properly, especially if its part of a larger empire, the enemies shouldn't be too bad (obviously a better name would be needed). I agree with the conquering the surrounding areas.

I'm not sure the Targs would be a huge issue if we
a) Make allies with them before they get more powerful
b) Keep the Stepstones as the Western reach of our Empire.
Having a dragonlord ally so close yet not worried about each others kingdoms could only benefit us both.

+1 to a cool name/capital. The defensibility of a capital in the center of the Stepstones, if we controlled the whole area, had a proper navy and dragons flying around would make it very very hard to conquer.
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>>4818264
There is always Gogossos, just saying...

Also about done writing, a sec.
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Ah i forgot to ask Tagaros, but what kind of symbol due the Belaerys have ? I am kind of curios.
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>>4818290

See
>>4818198
>>4818186
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>>4818290
Our Empire will not be based out of Essaria. Nothing regarding our empire has been decided yet. Only that we have intentions to create one. And that our next stop before doing anything is Essaria. This has been said so many times.
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>>4818297
White dragon on black background. I have the flag somewhere, I will post use it as image for a post as soon as I find it to tell the truth.

Of course, if the players would like to design one themselves they are more than welcome to post their works and we'll all vote as we've done so far.
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>>4818294
You reaaally want us to be a pirate Emperor from Gogossos don't you? Maybe we will, QM, maybe we will.
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>>4818292
Honestly we could connect with Reynes and Westeros isn t very difficult to conquer. So I wouldn t mind killing or subjugating the Targs. And expand our empire in all of the west, with Reynes as a sort of our imperial viceroys for the center-north.
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>>4818307
Cool
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>>4818320

I wouldn't be opposed to something like this as well. I had similar thoughts but considering most anons weren't wanting to focus too much on Westeros I decided not to mention it. I'm completely open on something along those lines.
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>>4818120
>>4818120
You shake his hand.

You would be a fool not to, given what he’s bringing to the table – gold, soldiers and a strong ally, even if far to the West, maybe a bit too far for your liking…but you’ll cross that bridge once you reach it.

For now, you look Alastor in the eyes and crack a smile, before offering your cup of wine for a toast

> “To the Red Lion of the West, and the White Dragon of the East!”

He toasts with you, drinking to the newly founded alliance, born out of ambition and mutual trust.



> Persuasion 16 (15 +1 due to level of relation with Horonno) vs DC 16
> Marginal Success! 1 Degree of Success!

The rest of the day flies by – you discuss the proposal with Horonno, who looks a bit miffed that you’d accept such a deal, citing the obvious need to marry a pureblood in order to ensure the continuation of the line, relenting only once you explain to him that Alastor gave you enough wiggle room that you could continue negotiating without having to get married right now.

The other main event of the day happens toward the sunset – you are presented with an embroiled armor, bearing the symbols of the Reyne Household, accompanied with a flag bearing the white dragon of your own dynasty.

No one will be able to misunderstand the meaning behind your arrival at the Rock wearing this armor – the White Dragon of the East has sided with the Red Lion of the West.

And yet…you notice a pair of ember eyes looking at you while you get dressed in the armor – Johanna. Without making any noise or saying a words, the daughter of the Lord of Castamere begins helping you dressing in your new suit of armor, only blushing slightly when your hand touches her own.

> “…how long do you think this trip will take?”

Is the only thing she says, once you have finished putting on the armor and are checking yourself out.

> “I do not know Johanna. Likely a couple of days at most”

Hearing this, your friend looks down, clearly saddened by the fact that the limited time you get to share together will be cut even shorter by your official duties

What will you do?
a) Propose to Lord Alastor to bring his daughter to court, in order to introduce her
b) Say nothing and embrace the young woman
c) Write-in
>>
>>4818331
I have different ideas my self.

Kek imagine Alastar face at the thought of that. King of the Rock ? Nah, Great Viceroy of the North and Central Provinces of the Westeros domains of the Empire of //// !
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>>4818335
Maybe we can bring her along. I don't see the harm. I'm surprised she still hasn't been introduced to court yet though.

>a) Propose to Lord Alastor to bring his daughter to court, in order to introduce her
>>
>>4818335
>b)
What does Johanna like to do? What’s her ambition?
>>
>>4818335

a) Propose to Lord Alastor to bring his daughter to court, in order to introduce her

She obviously wants to spend more time with us. She may have some information for us and is waiting for the right time. She has been for the most part quiet and reserved while we have been here.
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>>4818335
>a) Propose to Lord Alastor to bring his daughter to court, in order to introduce her
What’s the harm in letting her tag along
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>>4818347
A woman with ideas many would consider improper for a noble Lady. Not overly religious, but pays lip service to the Faith as any proper Lady should. Her main interests consist in helping her Lord father in managing the Lordship of Castamere and studying the extensive library of the Castle.

A bit of a bookworm, if a beautiful one at that.
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>>4818320
>I wouldn t mind killing or subjugating the Targs
They have a good number of dragons, don't they?
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>>4818335
a) Propose to Lord Alastor to bring his daughter to court, in order to introduce her

We and the rest of the brothers squad (Horonno and Robb) can avoid any attempts of someone giving her problems, so it should be fine.

Plus we can spend more time with them. It s not every day we can be with our second family.
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>>4818359
Yeah currently more than us. Though I'm not sure if they are as great a Urrax. Probably not since Urrax is a great boy.
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>>4818359
Well they should but they said they where one of the weakest dragonlord dynasties, so maybe we have a chance. Especially if it s early.
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>>4818354
Okay, just wanted to make sure she wasn’t a Danelle Lothston or something
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>>4818335
>b) Say nothing and embrace the young woman
>>
>>4818360
>>4818353
>>4818351
>>4818344
Bring her with us

>>4818370
>>4818347
Leave her in Castamere

Writing.
>>
>>4818354

We should consider getting Johannas thoughts on polygamy. It could go a long way in helping us determine if its a good idea to wed her ourselves or not.

This doesn't mean at all that our top priority should be finding Sheira before she dies once we get East.
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>>4818363
>Probably not since Urrax is a great boy
Agreed.
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>>4818409
From the previous thread:
"[..] you could make Johanna come around your way of seeing things insofar as polygamy goes, if you played your card right - she knows about the ties of blood and dragons even if you never explained it to her in details; she also knows your caste traditionally intermarries with each other to maintain the purity of the blood.

That's as far as polygamy goes (doable thanks to the sheer amount of time you spent together and her latent infatuation with you). Regarding slavery, that would be doable as well, but under different circumstances.

Alastor would be willing to turn a blind eye, were you to show you truly mean to embark on an Imperial path, for the political advantages at home would overshadow any resistance the Faith could mount (his son-in-law would command a dragon -or two- and have the backing of more conventional armies. The Faith would burn)."
>>
>>4818420

I had forgotten about this post. Thank you.
>>
Not entirely sure how the destiny points work but did we start the game with any?

Also curious if we can lower any of our rank 2 skills to 1 and use the exp elsewhere.
>>
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>>4818335
The next day is the great day, when you depart from Castamere for Casterly Rock, to pay homage to Lord Alastor’s liege lord, the Lannisters, Kings of the Rock.

The Red Lion, Lord Alastor Reyne, rides atop his warhorse in front of the small column of men, his son Robb Reyne on his right, your cousin Horonno Belaerys to his left.

In the middle of the column there is a chariot – in it resides Johanna Reyne, the so-called “Rose of Castamere”, who vehemently protested she as capable a rider as her younger brother, if not a better one (to no avail, her father wanting to hear no argument on her part).

It is a glorious sight – a host of 400 armed men, marching down the Road toward Casterly Rock, their armors gleaming in the sun, the horses lined up to form perfect lines.

And yet none of it compares to the might of a Dragon, for the “Heir of the Belaerys Dynasty” (as Horonno half-jokingly called you) rides no mere horse, but Urrax the Red. No other mount will suffice for a true Dragonlord, the first the Westerlands have ever seen.

You fly a mere hundred meters above the column with the flag of your dynasty proudly waving in the air, the sun gleaming off the silver and red armor. A cloak showing off the White Dragon complements your attire, while the Red Lion of Castamere proudly appears atop your breastplate.

You trip itself is a relatively short one as you make good time and reach the Rock on the morning of the second day of travel.

You agreed with Alastor that “Shock and Awe” would be the best approach in this case, since you are here to showcase the combined might of the Reynes and the Belaerys dynasty.

A road loud enough to be heard for miles is how you greet the citizens of Lannisport, pushing Urrax upward from his earlier position atop the marching column - you circle around the Rock once, before landing near where Lord Alastor stopped, a few hundred meters away from the gates.

> “You know Rhogar, sometimes I forget the effect a Dragon has on the smallfolk, given how used I got to yours over the years…”

Alastor comments, looking as the smallfolk in the surrounding area scatters and people run for their lives.

You smile an evil smile.

> “You know, my Lord...there is no kill such as overkill”

A simple command and Urrax pushes his wings outward, releasing a jet of flames in the air, much to the cheer of the Reyne soldiers – many of whom grew up seeing the so-called “Valyrian prince” every other season and trained alongside you in the courtyard of the castle.

Alastor puts up a stony expression, but you think you catch a glint of amusement in his eyes, while Robb is clearly smiling at the sight of the sentries on the Rock trembling at the might of his House’s allies.

> “Enough. Messenger, go and announce to King Lancel Lannister our arrival”

A simple command and the messenger departs.
>>
>>4818447
Destiny points can be bought in exchange for 50 xp. They can be spent to improve pretty much any situation. Destiny points are usually regained when players reach narrative milestones.

They can also be "burned" to improve whatever situation substationaly more compared to just the effects of spending a destiny points allow. Burnt destiny points are not regained.

Or they can be "invested" into benefits that work like traits and grant wide ranging bonuses.

We don't have any at the moment.
>>
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>>4818451
Your waiting is not long, for within a merely 20 minutes the messenger returns, escorted by a rather numerous band of soldiers – you’d bet there were at least 50 of them.

A particular soldier steps forward – a Lannister of a minor branch you’d wage, by his sun-touched hairs -, before addressing your entire group:

> “King Lancel, the 4th of his name, welcomes you to Casterly Rock. May I ask which houses you represent?”

True to tradition, even if it should be obvious by the flags. Still, Alastor moves forward to respond

> “I’m Alastor Reyne, Lord of Castamere. My son Robb Reyne and my daughter Johanna Reyne accompany me”

The young soldier nods, then looks directly at you, asking who you might be.

> “Rhogar Belaerys, of the Valyrian Freehold, in visit to the Reynes of Castamere. My cousin Horonno Belaerys accompanies me on this…cultural tour, of the Westerlands”

You are sure the sarcasm in your voice has been noted, if the grunting is anything to go by.

He gives you a short nod, before continuing his line of questioning – why are you here, when did you arrive, are you on official business etc
It’s a dance you danced before, every time you visited the Reynes for an extended period of time. And yet..this time things seem to be different. There is a tension in the air, which wasn’t there the last time you came to announce your presence to the Lannister Kings.

> “King Lancel Lannister would offer you hospitality, if you will accept it”

Alastor gives the young captain a simple nods, before ordering his soldier to move forward.

The Captain then looks at you, with a clear message on his face – there is no way they would let Urrax anywhere near the castle.

You dismount from your Dragon and mount a warhorse, while Horonno holds its reins. A simple command and Urrax takes flight, going to rest somewhere in the hills that surround Casterly Rock.

You hate the idea of being so far away from your dragon, but you can’t see any way to convince the Lannisters to let you bring him with you – they would be suicidal to let a grown Dragon in their own home.

The column of soldiers marches onward and soon enough the darkness of the Rock swallows you.

What are your priorities for the next few days?
> a) Gather information – we’ll need it if we are to help Alastor realize his ambition
> b) Focus on improving your image in the eyes of the Lannisters
> c) Visit Lannisport (shopping!)

Write-ins are strongly encouraged – you are at Casterly Rock, next to Lannisport. You do not know when or if you will visit these locations again, so I’d advise you brainstorm whatever catches your fancy
>>
>>4818447
You have no DP right now. You could lower one stat to 1, if the majority of the other players voted for it. I'd allow it.
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>>4818456
https://pastebin.com/4XzbhfsP
The character sheet.

Ok if this is allowed we could lower Thievery to 1. I really don't see us using the skills it offers.
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>>4818453

I was reading and saw that depending on age you start with a certain amount. I was just curious how QM had done that.
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>>4818460

I agree on thievery, I doubt we will be using it. can just find us a good thief if we need one.
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>>4818461
You have a literal dragon. Let's say I burned all your DP during the ritual it took to summon Urrax.
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>>4818466

I wasn't complain, it was more out of curiosity. Thanks for clearing that up :)
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>>4818460
Thievery is useless. We have a dragon. +1
>>
What could we want in Casterly Rock or Lannisport?

Any ideas?
>>
Do we know what relations are like between the Reynes and Lannisters at this stage? Is there tension?
You'd imagine they'd be pretty panicked at this sight, hopefully they wouldn't try anything...
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>>4818460
I'd agree that we don't need thievery.

>>4818454
Partly
>a)
But specifically try to schmooze some nobles and get an idea of who might side with whom come civil war.
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>>4818472
We might want to try and find hidden gold vaults. If we wipe out the Lannister dynasty then they might take the knowledge of all the secret caches in the Rock with them.
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>>4818454
>a) Gather information – we’ll need it if we are to help Alastor realize his ambition

This is probably my top priority. it doesn't really matter what the Lannisters think of us when they wont be Kings in the future. I'm thinking of maybe buying a hawk(I have a bird in real life) and training it(We have the Beast-Friend) Benefit)
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>>4818472

Gather intel would be the top priority. Improving our image would help a bit but I wouldn't want to put too much effort into it considering we plan to overthrow them eventually anyway. Shopping in Lannisport could be done at any point.

Could keep an eye out for knight/sellswords who are looking for opportunity. Open to ideas for the write in.
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>>4818454
> a) Gather information – we’ll need it if we are to help Alastor realize his ambition
>>4818481
We shouldn't have more than one animal companion. Especially not another one that flies.
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>>4818493
Why? Urrax might eat the bird? Other than that I don't see the problem.

No big deal, its an epiphany I had. I'll just get a new one.
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>>4818474
They are nervous due to your presence, but over time they got partially used to your visits.

You made a bit of a show this time, but overall there is always some tension when you got a representative from the nobles in control of what it is (arguably) the most powerful nation of Earth visiting your vassals..and clearly favoring them over you, their liege lord.

>>4818467
I was joking mate, don't worry - ask any question you want.

So I'd like to see a quick call on how many wish to drop Thievery to 1 in order to get 50 XP.

I will write the next piece after letting you discuss what you wish to do and what to do with 50 xp, if the majority votes to drop Thievery to 1.
>>
The real question is are you people cool with lowering Thievery to 1 and using that point somewhere else?
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>>4818501

Yes for dropping Thievery to 1
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>>4818499
We'll inevitably neglect any creature that isn't Urrax.
>>4818502
If you have anything in mind you want to steal now's the time to say.
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>>4818507
I was asking for people to confirm so that we could pass the vote pretty unanimously.
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>>4818454
>>4818454

a) Gather information – we’ll need it if we are to help Alastor realize his ambition
c) Visit Lannisport (shopping!)

I think some books, travels could be long, us and Horonno need some distraction.

And we can ask Alastar if he is fine if we keep that armor with us. Plus we have the padded one too.

>Write In
- Continue our training, in fact offer to train with the members of House Lannister. A good way for test us and test them.
- Find knights of renown in search of service. Preferably ones that are know for keep their oaths, loyalty is fundamental. This is for having some bodyguards.

Also tell Horonno to stay with us. Better watch our backs. And pay more attention at what happens around us.
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>>4818501
In favor of dropping Thievery to 1.
>>
Just a little note before I go off to make myself some coffee - plan ahead how you would transport any person you recruit - the Reynes have a modest fleet, but emphasis on "modest".

So long as it's only you and Horonno, it's a piece of cake - hop on Urrax, ho wherever, hop off. But if you're talking 10,20..100 etc soldiers, you'll need transports.
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>>4818520
If we plan on recruiting anybody or buying stuff we should probably hire a ship to transport the people and any items we might buy. We dont have any money right now, maybe Alastor could pay and we can pay him back in the short future after we arrive at Volantis and get our money.
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>>4818527
They would arrive weeks after we do. Are we planning to stick around in Volantis for weeks waiting for the men and goods to arrive?
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>>4818527
You have 100 the local equivalent golden dragons with you, and a further 50 Valyrian Crowns (average value at 1:2 regarding Golden Dragons) as indicated in the Inventory part
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>>4818539

Someone had mentioned flying to speak with the Targs while the others traveled.

If not that we could spend the time in Volantis retrieving what we can of our assets and securing whatever else we can while we wait for the troops to arrive.

>>4818527

+1 on buying/hiring ships. Could see if Alastor had planned to loan us any. Something to look in to while we are shopping.
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>>4818539
We don't have to. We could head to Essaria and then head back to Volantis at the time of their arrival. Or we could stay in Volantis for a week. It wont take weeks for them to arrive. 2 Weeks at most perhaps.

>>4818542
Also nice to see that we do indeed have money.
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>>4818520
I was thinking one ship with a capacity of 100

>>4818539
How are we planning to move our family wealth and where then ? Obviously we can t leave it there. So it goes with us. And we can t bring our family wealth with just Urrax.
>>4818550
I was of the idea of going to the Targs for a visit and then re-join with our force, or we could go to Volantis. I still want to do operation break the treasury of Lys, a dragonlord breaking inside there would be unxpected (of course at night)
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>>4818564
>I was of the idea of going to the Targs for a visit and then re-join with our force
I think this mightn't be a bad idea. See what the thoughts of fellow Valyrians are, given their entire world is being turned upside down.
Maybe they have some plan or deal for us to consider. Might be good to at least introduce ourselves.
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>>4818454
Heading to Volantis to recover what we can of our House assets sounds something that should be done ASAP so I'd vote for that, as well as making a brief stop at Dragonstone along the way.
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>>4818460
>>4818465
>>4818468
>>4818475
Given the amount of time it has passed and no objections have arisen, your thievery is now 1, and you have 70 XP points.

Would you like to spend them, bank them...?

I'm going to begin writing the next scene in the meantime. Expect the next few scenes to be relatively quick given that not much is going to happen in Casterly Rock - more emphasis will be given on trying to recruit men.
>>
Also I'm interested in buying a sword. Wondering if there are any Superior grade swords in Lannisport or Casterly Rock. Other than that maybe some new garments.

>>4818564
Everybody is going to notice the giant dragon flying and dropping us off. We just voted to reduce our Thievery skills. The money is obviously going to be locked and secure, and protected. If we wanted to bring reinforcement they would have to travel by sea.

Really its just petty at this point and we have no real reason to do it IC. We already burned the fleet for revenge

+1 to visiting the Targs.
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>>4818582
I would personally put 30xp into persuasion and another 30xp into fighting. Then bank the rest.

So
30xp Persuasion
30xp Fighting
Rest banked.
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>>4818583
Correct. You burned the bridge with Lys when you burned their fleet (the part that was in the port at least) to the ground. On the other hand the Volantene Triarchs are quite happy.
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>>4818564
+1 to visiting the Targs.
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>>4818582

Quick suggestion for exp would be

Warfare to 3
Fighting and Persuasion to 4

Investing in a destiny point may not be a bad idea either.

Open if someone has a better idea for the exp.
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>>4818583

We could just stick with our weapons for now and search for a Valyrian steel sword when we make our way back east.
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>>4818594
We have 70 XP available. To raise an ability it cost 30 XP. To get a specialty bonus it cost 10 XP. To get a Destiny point it cost 50 XP

At max we can raise 2 abilities and get 1 specialty(Or save 10 XP).

Or get a Destiny Point(50 XP) and use the rest of the 20 XP to get specialities. Or bank the 20 XP.
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>>4818602
I proposed raising both our Persuasion and Fighting for 60 XP combined and saving the 10 XP left.

People should check out the char sheet.
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>>4818602
Raising an ability from 2 to 3 only costs 10 xp. 30 for every level after that.
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>>4818602

I'm obviously learning the system but from what I was reading from 2 to 3 cost 10xp. At 3 it cost 30xp per skill level.

It's the only reason I suggested it. If I am wrong forget I mentioned it.
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>>4818602
I like the idea of the Destiny Point plus the 20 XP for specialities. We won't win a vast amount of XP (I think) like the one we gain for making it alive out of Lys, and sooner or later we will need the DP. It will be better if we get that out of our list and the next time we have XP we can raise any ability that we need
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>>4818608

Destiny points can be earned as well I think. We could be attempting to gain one that way with our high ambitions.
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>>4818574
.... as well checking their strength. Depending where we start our empire they will be a nuisance to kill or stop. They are still a nuisance due to being near our allies.

>>4818583
Call me crazy, but it could be fun to drop a rock at night on their treasury roof.

>>4818582
Persuasion and Fighting to 4
Warfare to 3
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>>4818605
I wasnt aware of that. I checked the book and it explicitly mentioned raising an ability form 2 to 3 would cost 30 XP. Maybe QM is running on different rules. If it only cost 10 XP then that's great .
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>>4818594
I'll agree with this. That's 30+30+10 = 70 xp
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>>4818613
Well, then this is a case of securying the DP or hope that we gain one soon
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>>4818619
Check it again. Page 49, see table 3-8. For ability rank 3 it costs 10 exp.
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>>4818617
>.... as well checking their strength.
Good point! We don't know how many dragons they have currently.
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>>4818594
+1
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>>4818629
That is the table for character creation. If we were creating a character then that would apply.

Instead you have to look at the Experience section on page 51.
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>>4818636
>>4818629
To bring an ability from 2 to 3 it's 10 XP, then it's 30 XP per rank.

Notice that you'll need to spend a week training with a trainer when you improve your ranks. Endurance was kind of a gift on my part (I let you rank without any training time).

So...consensus on how to spend the XP?
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>>4818662
Of that's the case then +1 to the plan below.

>>4818594
>>
>>4818662

I think the consensus is
Warfare to 3
Fighting and Persuasion to 4

>>4818594
>>4818617
>>4818620
>>4818634
>>4818666

Apologies if I missed someone
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>>4818675
Nice. We are one bad ass charismatic man.
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>>4818681
Also is there anybody with ranks higher to train us? Because if we dont have anybody to train us then its takes longer.
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>>4818687
>>4818675
All 3 can be taught to you by Alastor

Ok, updating the char sheet.
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>>4818454
The next few days pass by quickly – little of note happens.

On the first day you were presented to the King, who made his usual show of greeting the “Representative of the Freehold”, while also snubbing his vassal by addressing him after a “suitable amount of time”. That’s what the old Maester of Castamere called it. Idiocy you called it – to snub your most powerful vassal is to foster resentment and to invite disaster and strife.

After the meeting with His Highness Lancel Lannister you were shown to your rooms (far inside the castle you noticed – coincidentally making it easy to restrain you before you could call for help from your Dragon, if there was a need), while the Reynes and the other noble guests were shown to theirs. You made a note of where Horonno’s rooms were located and made sure to visit him as soon as possible.

Not a moment too soon apparently, since His Highness decided to send a “guide” to help Horonno move through the castle.

….a very beautiful guide at that, with long legs, a nice pair and dark blonde hair.

A perfect courtesan if you had ever seen one. Horonno is many things, but resistant to feminine guises, no. And so you let the beautiful courtesan go, saying that you would show your cousin around as needed.

After that, you noticed the dirty looks some of the ladies gave you…as well as the other kind of looks some other ladies gave you.

…you also noticed that whenever you were around Johanna, she’d make it obvious to anyone that you were her chaperone – be it by taking your arm, walking very close to you, or simply giving the LOOK to any other woman coming near you.

You have to admit that it stroked your ego quite a bit, seeing such a beautiful woman enter into pissing contests for you.
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>>4818811
You also get to spend times with your “second father”, the Lord of Castamere, who has gladly taken upon himself the task to instruct you in the finer arts of persuasion, statecraft…and improving your martial prowess.

You might be younger, faster and infinitively more agile, but Alastor Reyne is simply better. He knows every trick in the book and is a master of hundreds of them – in the course of a few days you feel like you have progressed weeks, months or even years in your training. They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. You say that if the old dog already knows all the tricks, the point is moot.

And yet training is not all you do – you spend time mingling with he nobility that resides (temporarily or not) at the court of the King of the Rock. It is this way that you manage to find out some important snippet of information, such as the fact that the Lord of Fair Isle has snubbed his liege lord summon for 2 times already, and that House Crakehall has been…grumbling as of late, since the late King stripped them of some of their holdings after their Lord failed to pay overdue taxes to the crown.

All in all, you manage to individuate 3, maybe 4 notable houses that could theoretically be open to support the Reynes, if there ever was an occasion– House Crakehall of Crakehall, House Tarbeck of Tarbeck Hall, House Farman of Fair Isle and House Kenning of Kayce.

One evening you take leave from your company and meet with Alastor and Horonno in the gardens on the castle, high above the dark waters of the Sunset Sea.

There you talked late into the night, trying to lay out plans and contingencies for the future, but in the end Lord Alastor concluded the meeting by saying that he would contact the Lords (or Knight, in the case of the Knight of Kayce) in question and offer to host them for a hunt in Castamere, in the coming months, since you three could not come up with anything better given the little information available.
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>>4818900
On the other hand, Alastor had been in contact with some of his old comrades from the endless border skirmishes and campaigns the Kings of the Rock undertook from time to time.

He did not mention your long-term plans, only asking around if there would be someone interested in entering the service of a Valyrian nobleman due to return East soon.

According to what he said, 5 people were presented to him. Noticing your worried look, the older man assures you that his contacts have vetted them according to the criteria you gave him (experience and loyalty, loyalty being the most important between the two qualities you requested) offered to pay for their first contract (NOTE – a standard contract runs for a year). After that, it would be up to you to retain them in your service.

He offered to pay for 2 of them - choose:
> a) Roland Crakehall – a strong, powerfully built man. A True knight by what many say, a man that would rather die than betray his vows. The main reason he has given for wishing to enter in your service is his wish to spread the Faith of the Seven to foreign lands. A pious individual with strongly held conviction
> b) Lancel Hill – an older hedge knight whose father was a hedge knight himself. His main selling points are his experience (having fought in 3 wars and survived to an age most other men would have died in his profession) and the fact that he has never broken a contract (that you know of, at least..). He insists that experience always trumps brute strength. After seeing him fight in the courtyard, alone against 2 younger men, you are almost tempted to agree with him. Sadly, not everything that shines is gold – the old man has a drinking problem.
> c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.
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>>4818904
> d) Gareth Umber – a Northmen far away from his ancestral home, just due south of the Wall. A 4-times removed cousin of the current Lord of Umber Hall, Gareth is not a proper knight since he holds faith in the Old Gods rather than the New, but his honor is one of the things he cares about the most. Many a men have found their end after insulting him. An honorable if grumpy man, veteran of countless skirmishes with the barbarians of the far North, the “Wildlings”
> e) Septon Dickon, a curious priest if you have ever seen one. A middle-aged man that has taken his vow of “spreading the true Faith among the heathens” a bit too seriously (according to Alastor), the Septon took on a sword to defend his flock of faithfuls from Ironborn raiders in his younger days and has never put it down since then. The fact that 6 Ironborn raiders laid dead at his feet while he had only minor wounds speaks of the sheer strength of will the Septon possesses. A paladin of his faith, always seeking to do the right thing..according to his religion.

NOTE - you do not have to choose any of them, or you could hire more than 2 by paying out of your pocket (1 year contract being roughly equivalent to 45 golden dragons). Do not feel pressured into hiring a lot of them, since I will give you the chance to meet more people along the way.
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>>4818904
> c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.
He's a friend of Alastor's, described as loyal and competent, and one of the few without the downside of wanting to proselytize their barbarian religion.
>>
>>4818904
>a) Roland Crakehall – a strong, powerfully built man. A True knight by what many say, a man that would rather die than betray his vows. The main reason he has given for wishing to enter in your service is his wish to spread the Faith of the Seven to foreign lands. A pious individual with strongly held conviction
>c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.

I'm iffy on Crakehall, but Adam seems like a great asset.
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>>4818920
>The main reason he has given for wishing to enter in your service is his wish to spread the Faith of the Seven to foreign lands. A pious individual with strongly held conviction
He doesn't want to help us, he wants to use us to spread his faith.
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>>4818915

> c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.

d) Gareth Umber – a Northmen far away from his ancestral home, just due south of the Wall. A 4-times removed cousin of the current Lord of Umber Hall, Gareth is not a proper knight since he holds faith in the Old Gods rather than the New, but his honor is one of the things he cares about the most. Many a men have found their end after insulting him. An honorable if grumpy man, veteran of countless skirmishes with the barbarians of the far North, the “Wildlings”

These would be my two choices, I like Crakehall as well but I'm not so sure how a knight pushing his religion will affect our conquest. Could be a turn off to other Valyrians as well.
>>
Today I feel a bit burned out thanks to sleeping like crap, so I'm calling it a night.

I will let you guys discuss who to hire, and likely write down the first scene regarding you meeting whomever you chose in Lannisport.
Apart from that I wish you all good night and see you tomorrow. Hopefully I won't be as dead and thus able to keep up a more active rythm in posting updates.
>>
>>4818904
>c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.
> d) Gareth Umber – a Northmen far away from his ancestral home, just due south of the Wall. A 4-times removed cousin of the current Lord of Umber Hall, Gareth is not a proper knight since he holds faith in the Old Gods rather than the New, but his honor is one of the things he cares about the most. Many a men have found their end after insulting him. An honorable if grumpy man, veteran of countless skirmishes with the barbarians of the far North, the “Wildlings”

These 2 seem the most suited. One has a drinking problem and the other 2 want to go proselytizing.
>>
>>4818931
Thanks for the session QM. Should probably get a good sleep, even if the sessions are shorter or start later. Don't want to get burn out.
>>
>>4818904
>>c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.
>> d) Gareth Umber – a Northmen far away from his ancestral home, just due south of the Wall. A 4-times removed cousin of the current Lord of Umber Hall, Gareth is not a proper knight since he holds faith in the Old Gods rather than the New, but his honor is one of the things he cares about the most. Many a men have found their end after insulting him. An honorable if grumpy man, veteran of countless skirmishes with the barbarians of the far North, the “Wildlings”
>>
>>4818904
> b) Lancel Hill
> c) Adam Hill

I worry about the religious sensibilities of Roland Crakehall. If Lancel can keep his habit under control he can take leadership of bodyguard with Adam as his second. Otherwise Adam takes the spot.
>>
>>4818915
>c) Adam Hill – A younger foot soldier, the odd one out of the group in the fact that he has never been ordained as a knight, nor has ever shown interest in obtaining said title – a man in love with the concept of serving a worthy leader, he has a good head over his shoulder, but has been known to be as stubborn as a mule. Alastor recommends you meet the young lad, since he thinks a capable leader could mold him into something greater. The fact that a young bastard even got to befriend a powerful man such as Lord Alastor Reyne speaks volumes of his capacities.

> d) Gareth Umber – a Northmen far away from his ancestral home, just due south of the Wall. A 4-times removed cousin of the current Lord of Umber Hall, Gareth is not a proper knight since he holds faith in the Old Gods rather than the New, but his honor is one of the things he cares about the most. Many a men have found their end after insulting him. An honorable if grumpy man, veteran of countless skirmishes with the barbarians of the far North, the “Wildlings


I will also pick this two. Gareth could look kind of "exotic", but both sound loyal and good fighters. Others are that as well for sure, but their motivations or vices, might be used against us.

Now what we could read for the travel ?

>>4818931
Good session and good night
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>>4818958
I've made a note to let you find a bookshop in Lannisport. Actually note down if you wish to look for any specific type of shop (armor, weapons, herbs, whatever).
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>>4818958
>>4818919
>>4818920
>>4818929
>>4818952
>>4818935
>>4818954
Adam Hill

>>4818954
Lancel Hill

>>4818920
Roland Crakehall

>>4818929
>>4818952
>>4818935
>>4818958
Gareth Umber

Adam Hill and Gareth Umber win by a landslide.
>>
>>4818931
Thanks for running. Sucks that I missed the entire first half of the session but that's timezones for you
>>
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And just to close, this is the result of my rolls so far regarding Sheira today - a new scar and some exotic armor that she has got from her mother's contacts.
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>>4819004
God damm. Shes making more progress than us I think. I can imagine when we reunite. Her lvl 100 amour, valyrian steel sword, magic powers. It's gonna be eventful.
>>
>>4819016
>inb4 she's too good for us and marries the Volantene Triarch or the Yi-Ti Emperor
>>
>>4819020
Are you trolling or do I have to explain it to you?
>>
>>4819016
You will likely have to help her deal with the trauma that literally everyone she has ever known (other than you, her mother and brother) is likely dead. I will have fun writing Sheira, but be prepared for someone that will be histerically possessive of you, at least at first once the scope of the Doom will hit her/she finds out you are alive.
>>
>>4819042
>someone that will be histerically possessive of you
Good
>>
>>4819046
>histerically possessive of MC
>hey Shiera, meet my wife Johanna!
>>
>>4819042
The war of affection shall be legendary.
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>>4819049
It shows she cares. And if anyone else cares they'll have to make an effort to show it too.
>>
>>4819004

We need to make finding her our top priority. I'm going to be sad if she dies before we make it to her.

>>4819046
>>4819050

I agree!

>>4819049

I'm sure we will be meeting up with Sheira/finding out something happened to her before we make the decision on who marrys Johanna, unless something drastic changes before we leave the west.
>>
>>4819004
[Affirmative bruh]
>>
>>4818966
Great
I was thinking something like this for the shopping :

- Books (self explanatory)
- Medical Herbs (medics not always around)
- Clothing (have a few changes other than our own)
- Armors (give a look at what they offer)

Anyone else okay with this ?
>>4819004
Damn
>>
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>>4819004
>>4819042
>histerically possessive of you
HNNNG
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>>4819004
>scar
Sorry baby but lions drive me wild now, especially red ones
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>>4819659
>Not liking scars
Absolutely abhorrent taste
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>>4818811
why haven't i gottten it before?

lannisters are the norwegians of this world; rich, blonde and has a lion for their royal crest.
pic related; norwegian coat of arms
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>>4820176
Lánn Lanling
>>
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>>4818915
That night you do not sleep well.

Your dreams are murky, constantly shifting, until they stabilize and you see two women with white hairs in front of an ugly thing – a candle made out of obsidian, you realize.

The younger one has clearly been crying – you can see her puffy, red eyes as she sings in an obscure version of your native tongue, High Valyrian. The older of the two observes with a stern expression, chiding the younger woman whenever her voice cracks.

She looks up from the pale flame emitted by the candle, and you could swear she saw you, for she moved toward you, causing the entire vision to collapse and transmute in a kaleidoscope of colors

You shake your head – what was that? A strange vision, or daydreaming?

It doesn’t matter.

You turn, giving you a clear visibility of the Five Fort – massive structures of black obsidian that pierce the clouds. And in front of them the curtain walls, manned by the Imperial Army.

Hundreds of banners fly in the wind as ballistae send their bolts crashing down in the ranks of the half-human half-monster foes that besieges the Golden Empire – the monstrous Shrykes.

A single push is all it takes for Neltharion to come crashing down from the sky toward the hated foes – your dragon roaring his rage, ready to engage your foes.

> Neltharion! Dracarys!
> You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.
>>
>>4820236
Character Sheet - Sheira Soranyen: https://pastebin.com/FUE8dQhe
Character Sheet - Neltharion the White: https://pastebin.com/y98suvGu
>>
>>4820236
> You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.
As nice as it is to burn monsters it's better not to take unnecessary risks.
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>>4820236
>You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.

I just checked Sheira's char sheet and she could legit take us on 1v1.
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>>4820236
>> Neltharion! Dracarys!
>>
>>4820248
The point here being that you were but one of a dozen young men and women about to come of age in your Dynasty (on top of being from a cadet branch, thus having access to less resources that say Aurion in his youth or Horonno), Sheira was the "poster child" of her dynasty - they poured almost all their resources in ensuring their heir would push them upward in the social hierarchy of Old Valyria.

This is just to give a gauge of the difference in power and resources a major Dynasty could field vs a minor one.
>>
>>4820236
>You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.
>>
>>4820236
> You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.
>>
>>4820244
>>4820248
>>4820257
>>4820269
>You can faintly see their Chieftain – he’ll be easy picking for your bow.

>>4820254
>> Neltharion! Dracarys!

Roll me 5D6 (Marksmanship 3, Bows 2B)
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 1, 4, 1 = 11 (5d6)

>>4820272
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 5, 5, 2 = 18 (5d6)

>>4820272
Let's go.
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 5, 6, 2 = 16 (5d6)

>>4820272
>>
Rolled 2, 6, 4, 5, 3 = 20 (5d6)

>>4820272
Rollin' for a headshot
>>
Rolled 3, 1, 1, 5, 3 = 13 (5d6)

Not sure if you guys noticed the malus for a slight wound to right arm.
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>>4820280
We're rolling with Sheira stats, this is kind of a scene outside of Rhogar's one
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>>4820283
It's in her character sheet
>I) Minor wound to the right arm - It will give a -2 to all actions taken with your right arm until it heals.
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>>4820283

Yes. Rhogar is healed, Sheira has the malus
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>>4820272
Hmm seems the best result was 15. I didn't notice the mauls all the way in the bottom, so its -2. That lowers it to 13 but our now gives us +1 marksmanship

So 14. That passes a DC of 12 but not 15. I'm hoping the DC was below 15.
>>
>>4820284
>>4820286
Oh shit
>>
I mean the option said the shot would be an easy one. So I assume that the DC would be reflective of that and be an easier DC. So I think we passed it despite having a malus.
>>
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>>4820236
You take aim, careful to balance yourself on Neltharion’s saddle.

And once you feel sure of yourself, you unleash your arrow.

> Marksmanship Test – 14 (Rolled 15 – 2 Wound + 1 for Extraordinary Quality Weapons) vs 16 (DC)
> Marginal Failure! 1 Degree of Failure!

The arrow flies in the air, like a predator seeking its prey.

Sadly at the last minute your target raises his shield, catching the arrow.

You grind your teeth, a short command causing Neltharion to unleash a white-hot inferno of flames in the ranks of your monstrous adversaries, while the Imperial Ballista Corps take their tolls as well, making expert use of their engines of death.

You take the reins of Neltharion and push him higher, far above the range of the pitiful bows of the Shrykes

> If only you take out their Chieftain, these monsters will disperse in the desert from whence they came (Try to hit their Chieftain once more. He will expect your attack this time)
> The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!
(Play it safe and rely on Neltharion to burn down the opposition to the charge)
> Audentes Fortuna Iuvat! Fortuna favors the bold – cut off the head, the snake will die.
(Attempt to take out the Shrykes entire “High Command”! Glory Awaits!)
>>
>>4820298
The 2nd part of the sentence was Shiera's arrogance speaking - look at the first half, where it gives the physical description of the situation ("You can faintly see their Chieftain" - he was quite far away)
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>>4820309

>> The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!

Better safe then sorry. Don't want to get her killed. If the DC was 16 when he wasn't aware then I doubt we even can reach the DC with our malus and only 3d.
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>>4820309
> The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!
I presume we're there to support their army, not to destroy their enemies.
>>
>>4820309
We already tried the bold move. Now to play it safe.

>The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!
>>
>>4820324
Up to the players. Were you able to route the army on your own the reward (and support) from the Azure Emperor could be substantial when it will come time to create an Empire, if you have a land route to Yi Ti
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>>4820329
Please note that I am not trying to railroad but simply stating a basic truth: if a foreigner saved tens of thousands of your soldiers, you would reward them.
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>>4820309
>The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!
>>
>>4820309
>The gates are being opened – the Imperial Lancers are about to charge. Support them!
No need to risk our live for a far away ruler, especially given how chaotic things are.
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>>4820309
> Audentes Fortuna Iuvat! Fortuna favors the bold – cut off the head, the snake will die.
What exactly would this entail? Trying to burn the whole of high command? Getting close and personal with them? (If it's the former, it has my support)
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>>4820345
It'd depend on how you guys rolls on both Neltharion and Marksmanship.

But it seems that the other option won

>>4820337
>>4820327
>>4820324
>>4820316
>>4820341
Play it safe.

>>4820345
Audentes Fortuna Iuvat!

So be it - roll me 7D6 for Neltharion opening the path, and then 10D6 for Sheira attempting to snipe 2 separate officers
>>
Rolled 1, 1, 4, 2, 5, 3, 2 = 18 (7d6)

>>4820354
>>
>>4820360
Cursed rolls.
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 6, 1, 5, 5, 6 = 33 (7d6)

>>4820354
Neltharion roll
>>
>>4820364

Tell me about it, debating on even trying any more.
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 5, 2, 6, 3, 3 = 28 (7d6)

>>4820354
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 3, 5, 1, 4, 6, 6, 5, 4 = 43 (10d6)

>>4820354
Sheira

>>4820360
Zoinks!
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 2, 2, 5, 3, 1, 6, 6, 1 = 36 (10d6)

>>4820354
Shiera
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 2, 4, 6, 1, 4, 1, 5, 1 = 30 (10d6)

>>4820354
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 1, 6, 3, 2, 2, 1, 5, 5 = 35 (10d6)

>>4820354

Hopefully I can roll better for Sheira
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 4, 1, 3, 4, 4, 3, 1, 4 = 29 (10d6)

>>
Rolled 1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 3, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 6, 3, 2, 3 = 47 (15d6)

>>4820398
>>
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>>4820309
You hear an incredibly loud screech, followed by the war cries of countless men – the gates of the curtain wall are opening! That can only mean one thing: the Lancers are about to charge their hated foe, hoping to disperse the Shrykes by force of arms.

You curse in High Valyrian. Had you made the shot, this charge could have been a simple mop up of the enemies. But as things stand, it will be a hard-fought battle.

Still, not everything is lost. You could very well open up a path for the Lancers.

> Agility Test – 33 vs 21 (DC)
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

A single command is all it takes for your dragon to unleash a torrent of white-hot flames in the midst of your enemies.

Death is all that follows in your wake, as the hissing half-monsters are burned alive, their broken bodies all the is left after you pass over them.

> Warfare Test – 38 vs 42
> (Rolled 29 + {[15 Fiery Breath Damage * 3 Degrees of Success] / 5 [How outnumbered you are])
> (Rolled 47 – 5 [Percentage of the frontline killed by the enemy assault])
> Marginal Failure! One Degree of Failure!

Your dragon has done a good job in opening the path for the Lancers – their charge bites deep in the front lines of the Shrykes. And yet...these monsters do not think like you do.
They will fall back only to return again and again, until their leaders are not felled.

And that’s where you will play your part.

You survey the battlefield, finally individuating a couple of what appears to be “officers” (if such a thing exists among their tribal hierarchy..), easily identifiable thanks to their peculiar war paint.

You notch the arrow, calm your breath and…

> Marksmanship (Bow) Test – 15 vs 12 (DC)
> Marginal Success! One Degreed of Success!

…and hit the first one straight in the head, causing him to collapse on itself, his monstrous skull caved on itself.

You do not pay attention to the cries of its underlings, and notch another arrow, this time targeting a Shryke wearing a much more elaborated warpaint.

> Marksmanship (Bow) Test – 16 vs 16 (DC)
> Marginal Success! One Degreed of Success!

Your arrow catches the monster in its guts, causing it to double over, before collapsing to the ground.

> Tribal leaders eliminated: 2/??
> Enemy morale (Total) reduced by 0
> Enemy moral (Frontlines) Reduced by 3 (Malus to future Warfare rolls)

What will you do?
a) Follow the Lancers – their charge is slowing down (Focus on opening the path for the Lancers)
b) Let’s hunt snakes! (Focus on eliminating the “officers”, trying to cause a moral collapse and a route)
c) I always wanted a snake purse… (Attempt to kill the general and cut the metaphorical head of the snake)
>>
>>4820413
I created for my irl group a simplified way to handle battle, so that we may focus on the actions of the character we play.

If there are no objections of part of the players I plan to use my own system rather than the ASOIAF one, which is far more encumbersome and slows down the pace of battles.
>>
>>4820413
>a

So does this new warfare system work? I wasn't familiar with the Asoiaf one so I don't know the difference.
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>>4820413

>c) I always wanted a snake purse… (Attempt to kill the general and cut the metaphorical head of the snake)

There is no telling how many 'leaders' they have and this could turn in to a drawn out battle if we don't end it, hopefully he is distracted from the lancers.

Willing to switch to a safer option

>>4820418

No objections here, especially if it makes it easier for you.
>>
>>4820413
>a) Follow the Lancers – their charge is slowing down (Focus on opening the path for the Lancers)
>>
>>4820432
The "traditional" ASOIAF system works in 11 steps so to speak:

Step One:
Battlefield
Step Two:
Unit and Leader Placement
Step Three:
Parlay and Terms
Step Four:
Initiative
Step Five:
Siege Weapons
Step Six:
First Player Actions
Step Seven:
Orders
Step Eight:
Second Player Actions
Step Nine:
Resolve Standing Orders
Step Ten:
Repeat (4-9)
Step Eleven:
Resolution and Consequences

The system I wish to use is a much simpler one, where I roll for Warfare (aka the capacities of an individual side/unit, depending if we are treating a massive battle with different fronts or a simple engagement such as this one), add modifiers (e.g. Morale advantage, % of casualties after each round, external factors) opportunely modified (e.g. a fire breath from a dragon), and then compare the 2 results.

The higher result wins, but the outcome is determined by the larger actions affecting the army (e.g.in this case where the Lancers lost, but I did not cause their charge to completely stop, since you cleared out a good path for them beforehand).
>>
>>4820413
The other options will most likely involve rolls by Sheira with higher DC and we have a malus. That's why I'm going for the safe option

>a) Follow the Lancers – their charge is slowing down (Focus on opening the path for the Lancers
>>
>>4820413
>a) Follow the Lancers – their charge is slowing down (Focus on opening the path for the Lancers)
Help them keep the push going. When they're not losing momentum, that's when we can start picking off leaders.
>>
I think you will notice through the entire quest that I tend to focus more on the results of the rolls as part of a story we narrate, rather than the mechanical result (hence why I try to simplify things so that we may speed up the pace)
>>
>>4820453
>>4820449
Of course, if the players would rather focus on the mechanic approach, we could try that, but the pace of action would slow down quite a bit (aka forget 1-2 updates/hour)
>>
Rolled 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 6, 6, 4, 6, 1, 4, 6, 1, 5, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 2, 5, 4, 6, 2 = 89 (25d6)

>>4820446
>>4820432
>>4820450
>>4820451
Follow the Lancers!

>>4820436
I wanted a snake purse..

Roll me 14D6 (Neltharion attack x 2)
Roll me 5D6 (Sheira)

Rolling for Lancers vs Shrykes
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, 4, 2, 4, 2, 6, 1, 1 = 46 (14d6)

>>4820463
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 4, 4, 1, 4, 5, 1, 2, 5, 2, 4, 4, 2 = 44 (14d6)

>>4820463
Neltharion rolls
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 5, 5, 1, 3, 5, 3, 1, 1 = 36 (14d6)

>>4820463
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 4, 5, 3 = 19 (5d6)

>>4820463
Sheira roll
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 2, 3, 1 = 12 (5d6)

>>4820463
>>4820465
>>
Rolled 3, 6, 5, 3, 5 = 22 (5d6)

>>4820463

Sheira roll
>>
Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>
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>>4820413
You decide to focus on helping the Lancers break the back of the Shrykes frontline – you gamble that the combination of their tribal leaders dying and their mounting losses will break their morale, causing them to run.

> Agility Test (Neltharion attack): 26 vs 21 (DC)
> Great Success! Two Degrees of Success!

“Dracarys!” you scream, and your dragon replies in kind, unleashing another torrent of white-hot flames on the abominations attempting to swarm all over the frontline of the Lancers

You fly in a circle, clearing out a large number of your enemies, when…

> Rolled 57/100

…you notice another one of those tribal leaders among them burned corpses.

Good.

You push Neltharion forward, trying to clear out some more of the monstrous enemies.

> Agility Test (Neltharion attack): 20 vs 21 (DC)
> Minor Failure! One Degree of Failure!

Their deads are increasing in number and yet it seems the survivors have finally found their backbone, standing their ground even as your dragon burns them alive.

Too bad for them that a still target is an easy target.

> Marksmanship Test (Bow): 15 vs 12 (DC)
> Marginal Success! One Degree of Success!

You notch another arrow and release it.

The arrow flies in the air, before finding purchase in the head of yet another one of their tribal leaders.

> Tribal leaders eliminated: 4/??
> Enemy morale (Total) reduced by 1
> Enemy moral (Frontlines) Reduced by 6 (Malus to future Warfare rolls)

You push Neltharion higher up in the air, to surveil the current status of the battle..

> Warfare Test – 38 vs 34
> (Rolled 38 + {[15 Fiery Breath Damage * 2 Degrees of Success] / 5 [How outnumbered you are]} – 6 [Percentage of the frontline killed by the enemy assault so far*])
> (Rolled 51 – 10 [Percentage of the frontline killed by the enemy assault so far] – 6 [Morale Damaged due to loss of frontline tribal officers] – 1 [Morale damaged due to the total loss of tribal officers])
> Marginal Success! One Degree of Success!
*Number of soldiers vs Number of soldiers, plus/minus modifiers such as armor/weapons and whether a side is attacking/defending/charging/etc

It seems the Shrykes on the frontlines have begun to feel the combined pressure of the heavy cavalry charge and your dragon – some of the monsters are retreating, but it is not yet a full rout.

What will you do?
> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
> Focus on sniping out their tribal leaders to sow even more chaos
> Write-in
>>
>>4820492
> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
Always exploit a rout.
>>
>>4820492
> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
>>
>>4820492
>The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
>>
>>4820492

> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)

As much as I want to kill the general in the chaos, this seems to be working well. Hopefully even though they will have more loses than if we had taken out the leader early, they realize it would have potentially been a complete loss without us.
>>
>>4820492
> Focus on sniping out their tribal leaders to sow even more chaos
Now's our chance while they're distracted.
>>
>>4820492
>> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
>>
Before continuing, I wished to give a quick, rough explanation how the system I use works:

> https://pastebin.com/6r3X27dq

a) Roll for Warfare
The number of dices are given by a simple
formula - N.of units on each side +/- extra dices for improvements of one's unit vs improvements of the enemy units. The number of extra dices is determined by the scale of difference in terms of technological advancements between the 2 enemy sides (Stone Weapons - Bronze Weapons - Steel Weapons - Castle-Forged Steel Weapons - Valyrian Steel Weapons)
b) Add modifiers
Primarily Morale Advantage (due to death of relevant characters, breaks in the frontline, encirclements, etc), cumulative % of casualties after each round and "External factors" (e.g. a dragon breathing fire on the enemy and focused only on supporting your charging unit will add its damage * the Degrees of Success, divided by how many times you are outnumbered).
c) Confront the 2 results and resolve the battle round (counting Degrees of Success)
Incorporate the result in the sequence of battle rounds - the context of each round is determined by the result of the previous battle round, but in prolonged battles (more than 2 battle rounds) the side with more Degrees of Success gets to add them to this result.
d) Compare the total number of Degrees of Success achieved so far by either side to determine the status of the battle
The overall battle is determined by the amount of Degrees of Success each side has achieved so far versus the amount the opposite side has achieved.
e) Unless external factors intervene, a side whose enemy accrues a number of Degrees of Success equal or above its Morale value breaks. What happens afterward is determined by storytelling and players decisions

Alright
>>4820516
>>4820508
>>4820504
>>4820501
>>4820498
Push on!

>>4820509
Snipe their leaders!

Roll me 14d6 (Neltharion attacks x2)
Roll me 5d6 (Sheira marksmanship)
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 1, 1, 6, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 2, 3, 2, 3 = 45 (14d6)

>>4820551
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 1, 6, 5, 6, 4, 4, 5, 5, 1, 4, 3, 1 = 48 (14d6)

>>4820551

Neltharion
>>
Rolled 4, 3, 3, 1, 5 = 16 (5d6)

>>4820551

Sheira
>>
>>4820551
...and that's why I really should re-read before posting. Please ignore the grammar errors.
>>
Rolled 2, 6, 1, 5, 4, 1, 5, 2, 6, 5, 6, 6, 2, 6 = 57 (14d6)

>>4820551
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 3, 3, 3 = 21 (5d6)

>>4820551
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2, 5, 3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 5, 6 = 41 (14d6)

>>4820551
Neltharion roll
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 1, 6, 1 = 14 (5d6)

>>4820551
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 6, 1, 1 = 17 (5d6)

>>4820551
Sheira roll
>>
>>4820492
>> The enemy is breaking ranks! Push on! (Focus on Neltharion supporting the Lancers – attack 2 times, pick the best one)
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

Rolling to see if you caught another one of their tribal leaders with the fire.
>>
>>4820594
I guess we didn't.
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 2, 3, 1, 3, 6, 1, 5, 5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 2, 5, 4, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1, 4, 1 = 83 (25d6)

>>
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>>4820492
The enemy appears to be close to breaking ranks. Fatigue, the terror of your dragon and the death of their tribal leaders are finally catching up to them.

You decide to help give them the final push to transform this stalemate into a rout for them.

> Agility Test (Neltharion attack): 25 vs 21 (DC)
> Marginal Success! One Degree of Success!

You manage another fly-by with your dragon, causing yet more death among the Shrykes.

At the same time, you notch yet another arrow in your bow and take aim, targeting a lone officer that seems to be attempting to rally his kinsmen.

> Marksmanship Test (Bow): 15 vs 12 (DC)
> Marginal Success! One Degree of Success!

…and you hit him in the chest, causing him to spit blood before falling to the ground, trashing in the throes of death.

> Tribal leaders eliminated: 5/??
> Enemy morale (Total) reduced by 1
> Enemy moral (Frontlines) Reduced by 7 (Malus to future Warfare rolls)

You hear the cheers of the soldiers far below you, shouting war cries as they try to push forward with their own charge, trying to shatter the enemy once and for all.

You decide to help them deal the finishing blow.

> Agility Test (Neltharion attack): 33 vs 21 (DC)
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

You give the command, and the world turns white and red, as Neltharion bathes the enemy frontline in yet more flames.

> Warfare Test – 36 vs 25
> (Rolled 34 + {[15 Fiery Breath Damage * 3 Degrees of Success] / 4 [How outnumbered you are]} – 11 [Percentage of the frontline killed by the enemy assault so far*] + 2 [Morale Advantage due to enemy breaking ranks])
> (Rolled 49 – 14 [Percentage of the frontline killed by the enemy assault so far] – 7 [Morale Damaged due to loss of frontline tribal officers] – 1 [Morale damaged due to the total loss of tribal officers] – 2 [Morale Disadvantage due to breaking ranks])
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

And finally, with a might charge and your help, the Imperials manage to break through the enemy, routing the hated foe.

The day is yours.

Battle Status:
> Battle Round: 3
> Imperials – 3 Degrees of Success
> Shrykes – 0 Degrees of Success
> Shrykes (Disorganized Horde) = 2 (Morale) – 3 (Degrees of Success) = -1!
> Disorganized Horde (Shrykes) is Broken!
>>
I will write the next scene, but in the meantime - what do you think of the battle system so far?

Right now you could not know the Morale values of the units involved, but of course I'll give you all the relevant data (tech levels, other advantages, morale etc) for each unit you will raise.
>>
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>>4820629
The vision breaks, and you see yourself kneeling in front of a strange man with squinted eyes, receiving a satchel full of gold coins, as well as an armor inlaid with golden threads.

You speak in a strange tongue, thanking the man for the honors he confers up you, and then…

…you wake up.

What do you do (you can choose multiple of course)?
> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Maybe I could invite Johanna to tag along – seeing something other than ladies making eyes at you might improve her mood.
> Discuss with Alastor, ask if he has any final pointer
> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards
> Write-in
>>
>>4820645
>> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
>> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards
>>
>>4820645
>> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards


Let s see them
>>
>>4820651
+1
>>4820631
Yeah I think the battle system is fine. I'm looking forward to playing around with it once we are able to raise units.
>>
> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Maybe I could invite Johanna to tag along – seeing something other than ladies making eyes at you might improve her mood.
> Discuss with Alastor, ask if he has any final pointer
> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards
>>
>>4820631
it looks okay and it seems fast
>>
I will let the vote go on for a little longer, while I make some coffee.

>>4820676
>>4820661
Glad you seem to like it - I am quite open to suggestions to improve it, but the main focus was on getting something workable that could be used to "move along" the battle rounds while leaving room for the MCs to influence the outcome of the battle (the normal battle system cannot properly represent the presence of a dragon after all)
>>
>>4820645
>> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards
Perhaps seeking tomes of knowledge that essos might not have could be useful.
Given the high usage of slaves I would think the Rock would be slightly better at getting more production out of a peasant laborer in exchange for the fact they must pay them.
>>
>>4820651
+1
>>
>>4820645
> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Discuss with Alastor, ask if he has any final pointer
> Discuss with Horonno – ask him to come with you and advise you in dealing with your soon-to-be bodyguards
>>
>>4820691
Nobody pays peasants lol. They pay their lord taxes in exchange for justice and protection(in theory)
>>
>>4820645
> Get up and prepare yourself. Today is the day you go meet Adam Hill and Gareh Umber, the two knights you chose to hire.
> Maybe I could invite Johanna to tag along – seeing something other than ladies making eyes at you might improve her mood.
> Discuss with Alastor, ask if he has any final pointer
>>
>>4820702
Of course people pay peasents. Not to farm but make goods or work in building castles and shit.
And Westeros has no magic but some bigass castles.
Could be useful to learn how they built em.
>>
>>4820715
You made it sound like the lords of the Rock paid their peasants for their farm work. My bad

But yeah if a peasant happens to have a trade/skill people are going to pay them for it.

I guess if we wanted to make castles in the Westerosi style we could get some books about that.

But I imagine that people in the east already know how to build castles. They just aren't as popular over there, you didn't need them, for the past hundreds of years Valyria has controlled basically everything and ensured no conflict broke out within its borders and cities. Not to mention its super urbanized in the east compared to the west.
>>
>>4820735
Getting books on fortification building would be important given that Valyria seemed to of built their forts with magic we don't have.
But getting better forts could be a good idea to help counter the dothraki.
>>
>>4820749
Essaria would be a natural place to build forts/castles. That would have to be in the future though.

But yeah if we get the chance we should acquire some books on architecture and fortifications. They can only help.
>>
Alright, I am back.

Preparing outselves, bringing Horonno with us win, And it seems a couple wish to bring Johanna along, as well as discussing with Alastor. I will try to combine them all a single scene where we can also visit a bookshop.

Writing.
>>
>>4820749
Just a note regarding magic: you don't have knowledge of magic, Rhaelle Soranyen does.
>>
>>4820749
Agreed. Hope we don't have to worry about getting a book that lends to an enviroment that differs from the plains(?) around Essaria.
>>
Roll me 3D6 for Horonno's knowledge. DC 8
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 6 = 16 (3d6)

>>4820801
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 5 = 13 (3d6)

>>4820801
Let's go for the triple 6 babyyyy
>>
Rolled 3, 6, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>4820801
>>
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>>4820645
A long day awaits you, strange dreams or…not. Thinking about it, maybe Horonno will know what the strange dreams you had last night meant. On the same note, why not ask him to accompany you? Your cousin is a smart man, easily smarter than you.

You get dressed fairly quickly (you refused the help of anyone from the King’s court on the first day, after witnessing their attempt to sneak a courtesan in Horonno’s room to extract information from him) and set off toward your cousin’s room.



As you sit down across the small table inside Horonno’s room, you tell him of the strange dreams you had last night, and he appears to be deep in thought

> Knowledge Test (Horonno) – 16 vs 8 (DC)
> Great Success! Two Degrees of Success!

He sits in silence for a few minutes before getting up and picking up a small book and a pencil

> “See Rhogar, I do not know why you have seen a battle, but given you said you saw Sheira in front of an obsidian candle, I can make an educated guess: she lives and was attempting to contact you in your dreams”

You turn to look at him straight in the eyes, but before you can speak he continues

> “I can imagine that by attempting to touch you, she broke the thread linking you and her, and…I don’t know Rhogar, maybe that caused you to witness her memories? Maybe someone else’s memories?”

You sink in the chair, too shocked to say anything – your beloved lives. Sheira lives! Far to the East, apparently so far that she might not have known of the Doom until now, maybe.

But where?

> “You mentioned something about the “Five Forts”. If memory serves me, they are some kind of border wall on the Nort-Eastern border of Yi Ti, far to the East. If that’s the case..she is quite far. My advise would be to try and track down a glass candle and attempt to contact her. Sadly I have no idea where we could find one here in the West. Maybe once we go back hom..I mean East, to Volantis”

He corrected himself, but it’s clear that he was about to say “home”.

The idea that home might be…gone, is still haunting both of you. It seems a feverish dream more than reality. On the other hand you are not deaf – you can hear the murmurs in the Court. News of the Volantene Triarchs declaring a War of Reconquest reached even this far West in a matter of days, as well as the rumor that some unknown monster (a dragon?) has destroyed the Lyseni fleet at bay.

And yet, the news that your lover lives has considerably lifted your mood. You get up and put a hand on Horonno’s shoulder

> “Thank you, cousin. You do not know much this news mean to me…and don’t worry, maybe more of our relatives yet live. After all, they will likely congregate either in Elyria or Volantis, so we will find them for sure”
>>
Speaking of Horonno and his big book eating brain, does he know anything about the soon to be lost secrets of Valyria? The steel, sorcery, etc.?

If he can get some magic we could have him open up a cadet branch of our cadet branch that specializes in magic while our now primary branch goes hard on the actual dragon riding.

Or just say fuck it and try to get all of that all wound up nicely into our kids regardless.
>>
>>4820851
Doubt it otherwise it probably would have been mentioned. But our soon to be mother in law knows some magic.

Also there should be some Glass Candles in the Citadel. Idk where else. I think also in Qarth but that was in the books so probably not applicable right now.
>>
>>4820858
>it probably would have been mentioned
That's what I figured. But it's worth asking anyway. It might wind up as one of those "It never really had a reason to come up" deals, you know? Just being prudent.
>>
(I'm writing the next scene, but let's roll with the punches)

Roll me 9D6.
Steel, Blood Magic and Dragon hatching.
>>
>>4820861
I wonder that if with the destruction of Valyria magic will start to lose its potency. Glass candles being less effective, more scarifies needed, etc
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 3, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 3 = 20 (9d6)

>>4820868
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 4, 4, 2, 5, 3, 2, 3 = 34 (9d6)

>>4820868

Let's go, more dragons!
>>
Rolled 4, 1, 6, 2, 2, 5, 3, 4, 4 = 31 (9d6)

>>4820868
>>
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>>4820845
You give his shoulder a quick squeeze, before mentioning that you were planning to take a trip down to the city near Casterly Rock – Lannisport – and inviting him to join you. A simple nod is your answer, and off you go to search for the Reynes, to ask them if they would like to join you on this trip.

It took you but a few minutes to find the Reynes – apparently Robb was busy training in the courtyard (more likely getting beaten up by the Lannister soldiers, but that’s another matter…), while Alastor and Johanna were relaxing in their respective rooms.

Alastor gladly accepted your invite to join in the excursion to the town, while Johanna’s smile could lighten up the room – it seems that she was becoming claustrophobic, spending so much time inside what amounts to a giant rock.



And so, it happened that an hour later the Lord of Castamere, his daughter and the two heirs of the Belaerys dynasty journeyed to Lannisport (even if under “protection” of 4 soldiers, 2 from the Lannisters and 2 from Alastor’s contingent).

You decided to take the opportunity to discuss with Alastor regarding your soon-to-be bodyguards, Adam Hill and Gareth Umber.

> “So you have decided on the Giant and the Young Bastard. Not that I’d advise you to call them that to their faces, if you wish to avoid some broken bones, employer or not”

He lets out a raucous laughter, before continuing as you ask for information regarding both fighters

> “Adam is a good lad. I have no clue who his father was, but his mother was a servant at Castamere. He has served me well against the Ironborn raiders over the years. A bit headstrong, but with a good head for tactics. You asked for loyalty and you won’t find someone more loyal than the lad. Gareth...is another story altogether. I don’t know why he left the North. Every time I asked he’d give me a different story. I think at this point even he doesn’t remember which is the true one. What I know is that he’s a sticker for his “honor” and that if you wish to avoid a fight (that you’ll likely lose given your dragon is not with you), you better not insult his precious “honor”. Other than that…he’s an excellent fighter. I think he’s a relative of the current Head of his House, however many times removed”

You give him a quick nod, thanking him for the information (even though it’s nothing you haven’t already heard), and turn around to check on Johanna, who has somehow managed to convince her father to let her ride alongside you all and is currently deep in conversation with Horonno

Alastor notices where you are looking and smirks

> “Getting jealous?”

You turn around

> “More than jealous…surprised by how well those two get along. My cousin has never been known to be a social butterfly, and Johanna neither”

He groans at your comment, but doesn’t add anything.
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 6, 2, 3, 3, 5, 2, 5 = 31 (9d6)

>>4820868
>>
>>4820871
>>4820872
>>4820874
>>4820882

15 vs 15 (DC) - He knows the process of creating Valyrian Steel (in theory)
11 vs 16 (DC) - He does know some basic concept of Blood Magic, but nothing useful. He knows that the mother of your betrothed had deep knowledge of the Art of Divination.
12 vs 12 (DC) - He knows the basics of hatching Dragons and how to take care of them (low DC since it was taught to all members of the main branch)
>>
>>4820884
Time to write all that stuff down then.
>>
>>4820884
Well if he knows the theory behind Valyrian Steel all that's left is a skilled enough smith to forge some. Unless he has blacksmithing skills(doubt it)
>>
Note that Sorcery requires the investment of 1 Destiny Point to unlock an Art (the lower division of the Lores, the "schools of magic).

E.g. to unlock the Art of Divination (part of the Lower Lore, also said Common Sorcery), you'd spend 1 Destiny Point on the relevant benefit, and gain 1 Sorcery Destiny Point, as well as knowledge of 1 Technique (Spell/Ritual).

I will explain more in details when it becomes relevant.

>>4820886
You can ask him to do so, but nobody thought of doing that so far.
>>
>>4820869
I'd wager it probably will. Magic is much diminished later so I'm sure there's some correlation. Maybe not something as direct as magic itself declining but maybe the catastrophe at Valyria simply muddles the water so to speak. Putting magic slowly out of wack until it starts to clear up.

I doubt it's something to worry about in our lifetime though. Maybe. Hopefully.

>>4820884
Neat.
>>
>>4820887
If we paired him with some master smiths he might be able to work out the proper methods in time.

Of course we'd need to find a nice and loyal smith of quite some skill before we tried that venture.

Hopefully you don't need a literal volcano to forge the stuff.
>>
>>4820884
Very good
>>
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>>4820881
Some 10 minutes later, you arrive at Lannisport, the largest city in the Westerlands.

To say you are not impressed would be an understatement. You ask one of the Lannister soldiers (incidentally the same blonde-haired Captain that greeted you when you arrived on the first day) how many people live in the city, and he proudly declares that the city has almost 100 000 inhabitants.

You laughed at his declaration.

He was not amused by your reaction, but quickly shut up once you said that a simple colony of Valyria, Volantis, has almost 2,5 million inhabitants without counting the countryside or the rest of the region.

The city is…smelly. It’s dirty and full of bad smeels, almost as if plumbing had not yet been invented…which you realize is the case once you ask about it and the same Captain looks at you as if you had grown a second head.

…little wonder your family considered you an idiot for enjoying the company of Westerosi if they have not yet even invented plumbing.

Still, you move swiftly through the residential district of the city and reach the market.

Johanna declares that she wishes to visit a tailor – 1 Lannister soldier and 1 Reyne soldier accompany her, while the rest of your small group moves toward “The Rock”, a seedy tavern where Alastor assures you the beer is cheap, but of good quality.

10 minutes is all it takes for you 5 to reach the tavern and as soon as you enter you individuate the 2 people you wish to hire – a man so big that the nickname “Giant” doesn’t even begin to describe him, while the other a scrawny-looking man in his late 20s, drinking away their day.

> “Gareth! Adam!”

Alastor comes forward, decorum forgotten, and quickly embraces the two men – you ask yourself what these 3 have been through, for their friendship to survive the difference of rank.

A quick round of introduction later, you find yourself sitting at a table with Horonno, Alastor and the 2 men in question.

What do you wish to ask/talk about?
> Write-in - Alastor might have put in a good word, but now you will have to convince them to follow you far away from the only world they have ever known, quite literally to the opposite end of the world.
>>
Unrelated, but I'll say that I like the fact that we have a small, but habitual group of players that partecipate quite often in Quest - it feels almost like a irl group where you have few members, but (almost) always present.
>>
>>4820908
I think we should ask them more about what have they done. We know that Adam fought the Ironborn raiders and that Gareth is a fucking beast, but letting them talk about their amazind deeds and battles can serve to make some kind of connection. And if they are concerned about what are we going to do in Essos (Or Essaria, i don't remember which one) or if they have curiosity about what happened to us when all the bad shit happened in Lys, we can speak about it. Obviously not giving all the details (like, you know... The part about burning boats), but to create a bond and confidence between the three.

>>4820910
Yeah, is really nice :)
>>
>>4820910
Yeah I like the quest. Thanks QM.

>>4820908
Also damm 2.5 million in Volantis, I think you should lower the number. Probably not feasible even with magic, to put it into perspective the USA only has 3 cities over 2.5 million. I doubt a medieval city would be able to sustain 2.5 million even with magic.

>Tell the men about the wonders and diversity of Essos, different cultures and sights. The possible opportunity for some adventure in the far east (looking for Sheira). And the obvious monetary incentives of serving a Dragonlord. Plus we promise to be a just lord and treat them with respect and fairness.
>>
>>4820908
I don't really know how to entice either of these men. We could try to play on Gareth by emphasizing that his faith won't be sneered at quite the same as it is here?

Maybe for Adam we can assure him good fights and good company?

Hard to leverage a man who cares about honor and one who is just kind of in it because he's in it.
>>
>>4820926
Supporting this
>>
>>4820926
Regarding Volantis, I am using this website as a guideline
https://atlasoficeandfireblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/19/the-population-of-the-free-cities/
>>
>>4820934
>https://atlasoficeandfireblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/19/the-population-of-the-free-cities/
desu GRRM is bad with scale (Westeros being the size of South America for example and population sizes) but meh not a major immersion breaker.
>>
>>4820908
"Greetings, Sir Gareth and Sir Adam. I am
Rhogar Belaerys, dragonlord of the freehold. I would like to know about each of you and your deeds, and I will be open to answer your questions about me and why I have ask for your service. Of course even of other details, you may be interested. And do not worry, one of the first things that i will do is having my dragon, Urrax, learn that both of you are friendly."

>>4820910
Sometimes we can t be all here, but is cool when we are.
>>
>>4820934
The list has Volantis at 1.2 million(city). Here its twice that. Should probably change it to something resembling the figures in the list.

Even then the scale of the cities are mind boggling when thought about in a real world context.
>>
>>4820908
>>4820926

This

I'm not sure we want to mention too much of our plans to them until we get to know them a bit better. Could lean into the opportunity for monetary gain/fame with the Volantis Triarchs declaring a War of Reconquest. Promise they will get to see sights/wonders they never could have dreamed staying here. Also once we start to raise an army we will need men we can trust to lead, or personal guards. Depending on what they are best suited for.

>>4820939

Supporting this write in to start the conversation as well.

>>4820910

I'm really enjoying it as well.
>>
>>4820908

>>4820942
>>4820944

Also introduce Horonno
>>
>>4820942
The 1,2 million number is after the Century of Blood, where the power of Volantis was broken (a century of bleeding white your population while fighting essentially all your neighbors at the same time will do that to you), here you are dealing with Volantis at the height of its power, with an incredibly large number of refugees from the North of the Valyrian Peninsula flooding in the city.

Writing next scene. Good write-ins will lead to a bonus to convince them to join you
>>
>>4820949
Fair enough. Seems it going to be a bloody time. Thousands upon thousands will die in the near future.
>>
>>4820949
We should mention our plans to forge a new empire and assure them of the equivalent of a lordship if they serve us well. Everyone wants to know that they'll leave a legacy for their children.
>>
>>4820958
You. Battleboards. Now.

Also good point.
>>
>>4820962
Battleboars*

Christ allmighty my English has gone to shit..
>>
>>4820949
It's still pretty rediculous, seeing as how the city of Rome is estimated to have been a little under half a million at it's height from some modern estimates. Ah well, it's fantasy and you're right about the massive numbers of refugees it's likely recieved
>>
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>>4820908
> "Greetings, Sir Gareth and Sir Adam. I am Rhogar Belaerys, Dragonlord of the Freehold. I would like to know about each of you and your deeds, and I will be open to answer your questions about me and why I have asked for your service. Of course, even of other details, you may be interested”

They look at you with interest, Gareth grunting, while Adam look between you and Horonno

> “…And do not worry, one of the first things that I will do is having my dragon, Urrax, learn that both of you are friendly and not a snack”

You attempt to lighten the mood succeeds, at least partially, for while Adam makes a grimace, Gareth begins to laugh while drinking his ale, making a mess of it, yet not stopping laughing.

> “Be careful your dragon doesn’t eat me, oh Dragonlord – he might have indigestion thanks to how bad I taste!”

Gareth replies, giving you a crooked smile before continuing to speak

> “Let’s stop with the pleasantries, shall we? You wanted us here – we are here. I would not have come if not for Alastor calling in an old favor. By the way, we are now even Alastor. So tell me, what does a Dragonlord from Essos want with me..with us? An old Northener and a youngling from the Westerlands”

Adam looks at him badly at being called “youngling”, while Alastor simply nods at Gareth.

You make use of this pause in the conversation to gather your thoughts, before replyin

> “I am looking for men, not just experienced, but also loyal. I..presume you have heard the rumors coming from the East”

At this both of their faces darken – the fact that there will likely be a short winter before the normal one is not cause for celebration, since it will hamper the harvest – before Adam speaks up

> “Aye, I’ve heard a lot of rumors. Some say that you lot experimented tad too much with your volcanoes and angered them. Someone said ya’ll have made a deal with some dragon deity and reneged upon it, and so it’s taking its revenge. All I know is that the sun gets dimmer by the day, and soon we’ll have a winter on our hands”

All you can do is nod – apparently the rumor mill is in full swing, and a thousand and one stories are circulating about what’s going on East.

> “Things are simpler than that – it seems that something has gone wrong with the people controlling the volcanoes and some have erupted. I..”

Gareth interrupts you, slamming his mug on the table
>>
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>>4820988
> “Wait. Did you just say “people controlling the volcanoes”? Is that what you Valyrians do for fun? Seven Hells now I can understand why you have this air of “different” “

You send a withering look in his direction, causing him to scoff and move his hand, signaling you to continue

> “Alright then, I will go cut to the chase – things have gone downhill in the East. That means a lot of opportunities for me with the means and the will to seize them. Luckily, I have both. I also happen to have smart men on my side and enough money to hire a legion of New Ghis waiting for me in Volantis. Alastor said you two were worth meeting since I am looking for people who know which end of their sword is the pointy one, and who know how to keep to their promises and honor”

You see Horonno nodding approvingly in your direction, while Adam’s eyes light up at your mention of “opportunities, gold and power” and Gareth pushes out his chest at your mention of “honor”

> “Then lad you have found the men you are looking for. Now tell me – what’s in it for us? Why should we leave our comfortable lives to follow you on this..tour to the end of the world?”

What do you reply?
> Write-in
>>
>>4820989
>Well you'll probably make more money with me than with anybody in Westeros, If you want something more permanent then perhaps there's land to be had for good and loyal service. Or perhaps you may want a chance to have your name remembered across the ages, there's gonna be lots of opportunities for fame and glory in the east. How does being known by something other than Hill/Umber sound? Being known by your own name sounds nice doesn't it?
>>
>>4820996
This, also if you want to return back West after this you'll be far more than comfortable if you bring back the right things.
>>
>>4820989

Now would be a good time to mention 4820958 I think.

>>4820996
Supporting this as well. Maybe add that there are opportunities to lead armies and potential lordships or more once the empire is established.
>>
>>4821002
>>4821001
>>4820996
>>4820958

Writing
>>
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>>4820989
You sigh – maybe being blunt will be for the best, with these two

> “Allow me to explain the situation – you two have reached as high as you can go here in Westeros”

You point at Gareth, then at Adam

> “You will never inherit your House’s seat, due to the many relatives you have. You, Adam, will never be landed since all the land has already been given out. The only chance you two have of being landed is if a big war were to break out, but there is no indication of that happening since the last one ended barely a decade ago”

You caught their attention. Apparently, they did not expect you to know that much about the state of local politics. Gareth looks at you with a smart look in his eyes, before speaking

> “…and pray tell, what is it that you propose? So far all I’ve heard is what I won’t have. What can you offer that I can have?

You smile – you got him.

> “First of all stability. A contract for a year, freely extendable. 45 Golden lions to each. And then we shall see. I won’t lie to you two: the path ahead is bloody and windy. But a wise man knows to take an opportunity when he sees one. Land is plentiful East, and so is glory to be had. How does being known by something other than “Hill” sounds, Adam? And you Gareth, how does finally being recognized for your valor and honor sound? Finally a cause worth fighting for – to bring stability and peace to the East”

He smirks and looks at Adam, who silently nods

> “Aye. Your words sound nice and the gold Alastor promised us makes them sound even sweeter to my ears. The possibility of finally being landed..it’s not something I thought I would live to see. Very well, Rhogar of Valyria. You got my sword”

He stands up, taking you hand into his and shaking it, before Adam does the same thing.

You agree to meet at Castamere in a week, and then leave the tavern with Horonno and Alastor, still being followed by your 2 guards.
>>
>>4821025
This is a good point to conclude the session for today.

Thanks to everyone that partecipated.

Summary of today:
> We found out that Sheira is alive
> We fought a battle as her at the Five Forts in Yi Ti (and I got to test out my "new" battle system, which I'm quite happy with)
> We managed to wrangle Horonno and the Reynes to come with us to Lannisport
> We managed to recruit Adam Hill and Gareth Umber as our new bodyguards/liutenants

All in all, a good session. See you tomorrow.
>>
>>4821027
See you tomorrow
>>
>>4821027
Good run, see ya
>>
>>4821027
Thanks for the session QM, good night
>>
>>4821027
I only arrived in time for the last vote but thanks for running regardless.
>>
>>4821027

I'm super impressed that your new battle system worked out and seems to be mostly balanced.

Did you do a test run of it, or was this the test run?
>>
>>4821027
Thanks QM see you next time.
>>
>>4821086
Since I can't fall asleep I might as well reply. I created that battle system for my irl group - we are playing another campaign set in the Century of Blood, but they picked the "unthinkable option" at the beginning, thus leading us to settle down in Asshai and the rest is history.

This was the first "test run" in an online Quest, but not the first time I used it. I like it because it's simple, fast and gives the QM enough power to influence the outcome via the "External Factors" - while letting me involve the MCs under the same category and thus giving the spotlight to the players.
>>
>>4821128
bretty smort
>>
>>4821128
Cool, how did going to Asshai end up?
>>
Did Shiera Seastar fight chinese mongrelmen there?
>>
>>4821216
We're at the beginning, but so far 2 are pursuing Blood Magic and one has set off to explore Stygay (and will die in the process, likely)

>>4821256
Seastar was born in 178 AC, we are in 102 BC.

Another Sheira, fighting these - https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Shrykes
>>
>>4821306

>Sheira Seastar:
Goes around sleeping with other men and never marrying Bloodraven because it's amusing to tease her lover like that

>Sheira Soranyen:
Probably demands Rhogar marry her immediately once they meet, gets paranoid/distressed if he doesn't come to bed at night
>>
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>>4821574
>gets paranoid/distressed if he doesn't come to bed at night

>tfw you're in your study doing some late accounting because some chucklefuck lord decided to pay you in goats instead of grain and your bombshell wife kicks the door down wearing nothing but what she was born with sobbing about how she was so worried about you
It's good to feel loved. Cloyingly, overwhelmingly, unrelentingly loved.
>>
>>4821587
True, on the other hands the Gods help Rhogar if she smells perfume on him because he was entertaining ambassador so-and-so and his wife.
>>
>>4821610
I don't want us to be known as the cockless dragon, lets make a habit of rolling in ashes and dirt after every stately meeting, just in case
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>>4821614
Congratulations, we're now known as the gutter dragon :P
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>>4821025
To say you attract attention would be an understatement. Your white hair, violet eyes and pale skin clearly denotes your “otherness” (but in an attractive way if the looks the peasant girls give you is anything to go by), and it pushes you to ask yourself whether you could use this (together with your dragon) to your advantage when treating with mercenaries in Westeros to reduce whatever price they might ask.

You told Alastor that another reason for your visit to Lannisport was to buy anything that could be missing in Essos – books of local wisdom, architecture etc – and more common things needed for travel (such as medical herbs).

And so you push your horse toward what Alastor assured you was a bookshop.

Speaking of Alastor…you have not yet discussed in details what kind of support he could offer you, but it seems clear to you that there could only be two options – you could either support his bid to the throne right away, or later on.

In the first case it’s likely that he would not be able to offer you many soldiers (they would be needed to maintain the calm in his newly conquered realm), but with the wealth of Castamere and Casterly Rock at his disposal, he could easily finance ten times your expedition, plus offer substantial support later on.

On the other hand you could ask him to wait until you consolidated your position East. He would likely offer you more soldiers and a lump sum of money (far less than what he could offer in the first case), but would obviously expect your support later on.

You swear silently for both options come with big disadvantages – the first means delaying any potential meeting with survivors from your family…as well as with Sheira. The other means that you’ll likely have to stay away from your soon-to-be domain, likely during the first couple of years of your conquest. Not an appealing prospect. Thoughs for later.
>>
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>>4822051
Tonight, you will meet with Alastor to iron out some of the details in a 2nd round of negotiations. Which angle do you wish to pursue?

> a) We shall strike while the iron is hot and a weakling sits on the Throne of the Rock. Send messengers back to Castamere as soon as we leave Casterly Rock to assemble the men – the Lannisters will bend the knee to the Red Lion or burn

Note that it won’t be that easy – you are embarking on a year-long campaign, where you will be likely have some free time to pursue your interests East, but will e required to come back West once every few weeks to help with anything that might crop up, such as rebellions. You will not miss the meeting with Sheira since she knows your position thanks to her glass candle, but the % of wealth you will lose will be higher, as well as the risk of delaying any meeting with potential survivors of your dynasty (no assurance there is any. I will roll)

> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first.

Note that Alastor will expect you to come and help him within 5 years of your consolidation. Also note that while the Dothraki will come in a bit more than a decade, their vanguards will hit sooner than that. You could easily weather the storm if you fortify the Essarian cities, but do not let them catch you unprepared. Also note that the current King of the Rock is old and feeble…his heir is not. You will have to deal with a much stronger opponent later on.

While you have these thoughts, you reach the bookshop and enter the small building – you see many titles that could interest you.

The shopkeeper looks at you expectantly, waiting for you to say what kind of book you are looking for

> a) Write-in (e.g. Architecture, Warfare, etc)

Note – reading extensively on a particular argument and passing some difficult Tests could lead you to get a free Specialization, but it will be a rare thing indeed.
>>
Given the importance of this vote, I will let it run for an hour or two, depending on how many players come around in the first hour.
>>
>>4822052
>> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first.
I’m sure we’ll have enough of a foothold established within 5 years to come help Alastor. Plus, I think we should hurry to Find and gather up any useful survivors of the doom for our cause, before someone else does.
>pick up some books on city architecture and siege warfare
>>
Probably leaning towards consolidating our own position first.
Only worry is whether the Lannisters could form alliances with others in the meantime, making the war a far more involved affair. Or perhaps them permptively acting against the Reynes (although a liege attacking their own vassal possibly wouldn't be a good look).
>>
>>4822052
> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first
>>
>>4822052

> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first.

Meeting up with Sheira and finding any other members of our family or wealth needs to be done asap. We should be plenty strong enough with in 5 years to not have any problems taking on the Lannisters, we should have at least 2 dragons by then.

I'm not entirely sure about areas that Westeros would be more knowledgeable than back home. Warfare could be useful since they use different tactics than in the East. Maybe a book on history/politics of Westeros or at least the Westerlands. Hopefully we can find some useful information for when we do come back to overthrow the Lannisters.
>>
>>4822089
Perhaps animal husbandry and horse breeding? Because of all the need for warhorses Westeros
Or architecture regarding castles. Other than those 2 I cant think of much the West might know more than the east.
>>
>>4822094

I agree with those two, they could prove useful.
>>
>>4822052
>> a) We shall strike while the iron is hot and a weakling sits on the Throne of the Rock. Send messengers back to Castamere as soon as we leave Casterly Rock to assemble the men – the Lannisters will bend the knee to the Red Lion or burn

While I'd like to try and get as many survivors as possible I'm also not thrilled at the prospect of fighting a war so far from what would be our fledgling empire. I'd rather get this tidied away first so then we don't have to worry about it at all down the line.

>book
I'm not quite sure. Learning traditional siege warfare would be useful when the time comes to defend and design fortifications. I'm sure Rhogar has a less than stellar education on siege warfare. After all why learn how to knock down walls when you can just fly over them and burn everything instead, right?
>>
>>4822099

That's assuming that we base our empire in Essaria as opposed to just using it to gather resources. Sheira could hate it and refuse to live there.
>>
>>4822101
Yeah the option to consolidate gives us 5 years. The other option we fight a year long campaign while our wealth in the east diminishes and any family members that survive might die.
>>
>>4822101
Personally if I were a player I would do exactly what you said (expanding after securing a base of operations to use in order to gather resources), but do understand that if you wish to conquer what's left of the Freehold (or parts of it), you will still need to deal with the Dothraki - Essaria is just their first stop alongside Sarnor.

But like I said multiple times, I am just commenting with my own opinion, you people can do whatever you want - there is no "right" or "wrong" option here since each one entails risks and potential rewards.
>>
>>4822052
> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first.
>>
>>4822052
It s not an easy choice, i need to think about it more. We could cut down the Lannisters now. And use the free time for do fast travels betweens Westernlands and Volantis. That should avoid the wealth problem in part. But not Sheila

Honestly if we can take down the Lannisters, Alastor would be able to help us more. Though going in Essaria, means that we can t exactly go back after. At least not immediatly, dothraki need to be fully defeated can t just leave them there.

Books
Architecture, Warfare, History and Rulership. We will take some good naps with this ones. But just for have a laugh take even a romance one.
>>
>>4822106

The more I think about it, given the fact Sheira and her mother are such adept traders, basing our Empire in the Stepstones is even more appealing.
>>
>>4822101
We'd still be stuck there for the foreseeable future though. Divided attentions is all I'm trying to avoid. Having to make sure no one is messing with our stockpiles while fighting a year or two long war not an inconsequential distance away doesn't sound like a good time.

I'm not against getting a foothold first I'd just prefer to take care of everything in one place before moving to the next.
>>
>>4822116
Good point.
>>
>>4822121

The dothraki wouldn't be attacking immediately, it would be in roughly 10 years for the large attack. We have plenty of time to build it up as either the eastern edge of our empire or however we want to do it. Setting up an alliance with Sarnor should be enough to hold the dothraki at bay while we are away, and when things start getting back we bring our army and crush them.

We have plenty of time to go there, gain resources and men, then come back and take care of the Lannisters before the big dothraki push if we play our cards right.

>>4822104

After reading back over the text it says "with in 5 years of your consolidation" which could mean we have 5 years after we get ourselves established.
>>
>>4822132
Good point didn't catch that, who knows where we will be by then. Might be Essaria, might be the Stepstones. Another place entirely. The point is that it gives us time.
>>
>>4822116
The Stepstones are portrayed as important because most of the books’ plot goes on in an area comercially dependent of the Narrow Sea.
The real wealth of the world is to the east, it's Qarth that has the function you attribute to the Stepstones. Qarth and the island of Great Moraq split the Summer Sea from the Jade and their fleets control all shipping that goes through. If you want to become the king of the Stepstones for the sake of it then you can, but if you want to become the wealthiest ruler in the world then it's Qarth you have to conquer.
>>
>>4822127
>>4822116
Ok, I will give you a free bit of advice - controlling the Stepstone will be vital if you wish to control trade, for obvious reasons (they sit in the middle of the trade routes), but I'd really not begin the conquest there, since you are next to Lys (which hates you), its potential allies (e.g. Tyrosh) and many people might get nervous to see a dragonlord setting up shop down there, able to choke out trade at a whim.

You will have to conquer them, but I honestly would not go there right away if I were a player.

On the other hand, why the hell no? Targaryen-Belaerys-Volantene alliance when? Lys is a fuck.
>>
>>4822132
It's not the Dothraki I'm really worried about. I'm not counting Sarnor as an ally until we can assure it, and I'm also considering that any survivors we may rescue won't necessarily be on our side. Volantis could just as easily consider us a threat despite their rambling about being the last real bastion of Valyria. I'm sure they're full of opportunists who don't really jive with that shtick. To say nothing of the other nearby free cities which may just as well see a reason to attack with us sucking up the goods nearby.

And I don't feel comfortable leaving Horonno out there. Might still be some rich asshole ready to throw assassins at any survivors he can find.
>>
>>4822141
I like it when people catch on without needing me to point things out.

The true wealth in this world lies in control of the Straits of Qarth. Moreover Qarth does not yet have the incredibly powerful navy they have in the books, given Valyria wanted to have a direct trade link with Yi Ti.
>>
>>4822141

I’m not opposed to adding Qarth to our empire. The Stepstones also come with the added advantage of being close to our Westerosi ally. Given we have skin in the game in the west it’s useful on multiple grounds.
>>
>>4822146
I'm not opposed to having the Stepstones as a part of our empire, the same way Persia would have wanted to control Byzantion alongside having the silk road. But they would have never prioritized Byzation over Sogdiana because the amount of wealth achievable by controlling the European trade would never be as great as the east's potential.
>>
>>4822052
> b) Let’s consolidate our own position first.
>>
>>4822151
Well in this case we will have to prioritize the west because we have vested interest there.
>>
>>4822052
>> a) We shall strike while the iron is hot and a weakling sits on the Throne of the Rock. Send messengers back to Castamere as soon as we leave Casterly Rock to assemble the men – the Lannisters will bend the knee to the Red Lion or burn
>>
>>4822089
>>4822088
>>4822069
>>4822113
>>4822155
Let's consolidate our position first
>>4822099
>>4822161
Strike while the iron is hot!

>>4822069
City Architecture
>>4822069
>>4822099
Siege Warfare
>>4822089
Tactics, History/Politics of Westeros
>>4822094
>>4822096
Animal husbandry and horse breeding

Ok, I'm calling the vote in 5 minutes, since it seems Consolidating our position wins the day.
>>
>>4822156
If it's about politics rather than wealth it's sensible to subjugate the Stepstones just like the Freehold did.
Speaking of that, QM are there any Valyrian patrols or garrisons left in the Stepstones?
>>
>>4822167
Yes.

But honestly if your plan is to grow fat from trade, the Western-bound trade will be quite low (thanks to the volcanic winter( for a few years.
>>
Writing next scene.
>>
>>4822166
+1 to books on Siege Warfare.
>>4822172
Can we recruit or protect those remaining Valyrians there?
>>
>>4822176
Roll me a flat 3D6

Only you, Best of 1.
>>
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>>4822052
You take a look at the small, dirty bookshop – a far cry from the libraries of Valyria, built in black marble, with books written in an exquisite writing.

It’s the small things such as this that hit you the hardest, conveying just how much ash been lost in such a short period of time.

Still, you go through the gestures – you take a little tour of the bookshop and mentally categorize the books in two categories (“useful” and “useless”). It’s depressing how larger the 2nd category is compared to the first.

Some books jump out at you – you notice a small booklet about different Horse Breeding techniques used in the various Kingdoms of Westeros, an older-looking book about Siege Warfare, and a newer-looking book from a Maester Yandel regarding “A quick digression about the politics of the Northern Kingdoms”.

You guess he refers to all the kingdoms since he wrote from Oldtown.

You pick up these books and ask the shopkeeper how much do they cost.

> Roll me 5D6 (Persuasion 3D6, 2B) to bargain
>>
Rolled 2, 2, 4 = 8 (3d6)

>>4822183
>>
Rolled 1, 4, 1, 2, 5 = 13 (5d6)

>>4822189
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 5, 2, 3 = 20 (5d6)

>>4822189
I have come to bargain.
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 3, 5, 1 = 12 (5d6)

>>4822189
>>
Rolled 5, 3, 5, 4, 2 = 19 (5d6)

>>4822189
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 1, 1, 1 = 9 (5d6)

>>4822189
>>
>>4822189
>>
>>4822183
>>4822193
What happened to them?
>>
>>4822189
Wait isn't out persuauon already 4? The character sheet has it at 4. And a week had passed already
>>
>>4822193
You know of the garrisons/inhabitants on Bloodstone, Sunstone and Last Refuge.

All in all a good 5000 people, of which 1500 soldiers (Militia level of Training).

You could attempt to convince them to join you. DC would be set by how good your write-ins would be.
>>
>>4822203
you killed them
>>
>>4822205
Crap you are right. Anyway you beat the DC, which was barely 12 - you rolled 15
>>
>>4822210
That's nice.
>>
>>4822210
just give us another degree of success, and we're good
>>
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>>4822189

> “For you, only 5 Golden Lions!”

The conman must be joking. These shabby booklets are not even worth 1 Golden Lion, forget 5.

You put on your best smile, before engaging the old man in a battle of wits to try and reduce his initial price.

> Persuasion (Bargain) – 18 vs 12 (DC)
> Great Success! Two Degrees of Success!

> “My good man, we both know that these books are not worth a fifth of what you are asking. But, I understand that these are difficult times, so I shall meet you half-way. Let’s call it 2 Golden Lions and let’s seal the deal”

He tried to point out that 2 Golden Lions is less than half, but your hand closing around the pommel of your stiletto is enough to make him desist, before he shakes your hand.

> Updated Inventory.

Anything else you guys wish to do in Lannisport before leaving?
>>
>>4822219
We need a ship for our guys. I don't care if its form the Reyne fleet or we have to purchase one here for transport of our newcomers.
>>
>>4822219
Speak with a ship captain to arrange passage to the stepstones for our two new hires.
If we can convince the people there that the freehold has fallen and we will reform the proper Valyrian rule in Essaria they might be willing the set sail there for the assurance of dragon granted safety and avoiding the new Volantine war.
I think we should at least try as it could easily be up to 1500 more troops.
>>4822225
We could prolly pay a merchant to just carry them.
>>
>>4822248
Yeah that's what I meant, should have worded it better.
>>
>>4822219
We should get some medical herbs

Can Gareth and Adam come with us on Urrax ? Otherwise we could need to have a ship or pay someone for transport them
>>
>>4822255
Urrax is big, but that'd be really pushing it. For reference - 3 people could sit in such a way that it would not cause too many issues, except if you needed to fight (in which case anyone other than yourself would give a malus to the roll), 4...if you did not flew too fast and changed the saddle a bit (no roll needed) I could allow it, but nor as a permanent thing.

Anyway, writing.
>>
>>4822225
>>4822248

I'm guessing, hoping anyway, Alastor was planning to give us some men/ships. At least men and a lump sum of money was mentioned by QM earlier.

Looking for medical herbs is a good idea.
>>
>>4822284
Gold might be more useful even if it is a small amount. Given the pay, supplies, and general upkeep of troops taking them with us where ever we go might very well be less valuable than a lump sum of cash.
>>
>>4822302

>On the other hand you could ask him to wait until you consolidated your position East. He would likely offer you more soldiers and a lump sum of money (far less than what he could offer in the first case), but would obviously expect your support later on.

I was just pointing out what was mentioned earlier. I don't know what Alastor is going to offer us before we leave.
>>
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>>4822219
As you ride through the town at a leisurely slow pace, you ask Alastor if he knows any ship captain, in case you needed to transport some…” merchandise”. He turns around to look at you and replies that he knows one that could helps you with an urgent transport, if it was really that “urgent” (he puts emphasis on said word).

After receiving a simple nod, he grumbles but indicates you to take a left turn.

And so within a few minutes you find yourself at the docks – smelly like every other docks in the world, and yet you notice that the smell is..worse than in other ports?

> (“No, seriously – what is it with this town and smelling like shit?” you asked Alastor, to which he simply laughed, before joking that maybe the “current Lord” was not doing as good a job as he could have)

Your group attracts attention, since it doesn’t happen every day that noble Lords come down to the docks. Luckily it takes but a moment for Alastor to point toward a man, who smiles widely once he notices the Lord of Castamere.

A giant of a man, which you judge being a Summer Islander due to the color of his skin, comes forward and hugs the older man, causing the two guards to stiffen before Alastor makes a simple gesture with his hand to communicate that all is fine.

> “Alastor! It has been too long since I’ve seen you!”

You swear that you could see a wide smile on Alastor's face

> “It has been, Xabo. But I am here not for pleasantries, but to call in some of the favors you owe me”

This causes the smile on the face of the newly-named Xabo to shrink considerably, but not disappear completely. He simply nods, before making a gesture with his head to follow him toward his ship.



The ship is...big. That’s the best term you could come up with (your maritime knowledge being incredibly limited – you were not bad with the number-side of running a family business, but…why study shipbuilding when you could fly?). Sitting at a small table with Alastor, Haronno and Xaro inside the captain’s quarters, you listen as the two older men trade stories from the “good old days” for some time, before Xaro interrupts the conversation and asks the reason of your visit.

Alastor points at you, before continuing

> “Me and my...associate here have an understanding, that he might need a skilled captain in possess of a ship capable of transporting quite a lot of “merchandise” in a relatively short amount of time. Moreover, he was telling me of how he intends to try and make a circuit along the Rhoyne river in Essos, and would thus need a longer-term contract. Of course, I told him of you, my old friend! And so here we are”

He concludes, looking at you.

Roll me 7D6 (Persuasion 4D6, 2B, Charm 1B)

Write-in on how you wish to approach this conversation – if you roll well and write a good write-in, you might be able to recruit Xaro for a longer period of time. He possesses 5 ships, all with ample cargo space.
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 3, 3, 1, 1, 5 = 24 (7d6)

>>4822317
Good dice please.
>>
>>4822167

Why can't it be about both?
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 2, 6, 6, 2, 1 = 26 (7d6)

>>4822317
Here goes nothing
>>
>>4822322
It could be, just that financial return won't be as high for the foreseeable future because of the Doom. After the Dooms effects mellow out it should be better. So conquering it in the near future wouldn't be the best return on investment economically.
>>
Rolled 2, 1, 5, 2, 3, 5, 5 = 23 (7d6)

>>4822317
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 2, 6, 5, 4, 6 = 35 (7d6)

>>4822317
>I am in need of... consolidating my family assets, given they are somewhat spread out at this time. It's nothing more than a rather some endeavor of shipping and perhaps at the end if all goes well I could work to ensure your ships are loaded with goods from distant Quhor and Norvos, so you might sell the riches of the eastern free city's to you friends in Westeros. A system that may ensure we all profit, yes?
>>
>>4822335
I hope this roll counts lol. Its all 6s.
>>
>>4822335
+1 to the write-in
>>
>>4822345
It does.

Writing.
>>
>>4822329

Oh I know, I never said it had to happen in the short term. Lots of things we need to do first. I was speaking in the grander scheme of things. By the time we settle up with Alastor we will need a location closer to him anyway.
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>>4822317

>>4822335

+1 for write in.
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>>4822350
LET'S GO

>>4822335
+1 on the write-in. If there's anything a Merchant understands, it's coin
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>>4822335
nice
support the write in
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>>4822317
You look Xabo straight in the eyes, noticing how they widen a bit after noticing the deep purple of yours, before speaking.

> Persuasion Test (Charm) – 24 vs 9 (DC – Challenging)
> Astonishing Success! Four Degrees of Success!

> “I am in need of…consolidating my family assets, given that they are somewhat spread out at this time. It’s nothing more than a simple endeavor of shipping merchandise back and forth for now, but perhaps, depending on…how things turn out, I might require your services in trading goods from distant cities such as Qohor, Norvos…or Essaria, and selling them on the Westerosi markets…or further afield”

He perks up, easily reading between the lines, considering your company (Alastor, a well-known commander of men), beginning to touch his beard as he mulls over your offer.

> “This…”merchandise”, would likely require to be transported back and forth between different areas, right? If so, I might require something more substantial than promises – after all I owe Alastor some favors, but I don’t wish to get involved in anything going on in the East”

You scoff, interrupting him

> “The East is already in flames. Let’s not mince words with each, shall we? Volantis is on a war footing, ash is in the air and only the Gods know what is going on in the mind of the Magisters of the various Valyrian cities. For all we know trade might be disrupted for a decade or more. Do you have enough gold and ships to resist a decade of difficult trade, navigating waters where any ship you see at the horizon might be an enemy to be fought off?”

You might have laid it on a bit thick, but what you said it’s essentially true – in a world where every major power is either attacking others or defending itself, stable trade becomes impossible. Smugglers might run rampant, but a normal trader such a Xabo would be ruined.

He remains silent, thinking over your words, before replying

> “…250 Golden Lions a year, safe harbor for my ships, the possibility to make a good profit off..moving around any “new belonging” your “merchandise” might find as you consolidate your “family assets” and a share of the profits, were your “consolidation” to be successful. These are my terms, accept them and we have a deal”

You do not have 250 Golden Lions, so you look over to Alastor, who…appears quite impressed by what he’s hearing (maybe the situation is worse than you thought and Xabo is giving you a very good deal?), before nodding
>>
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>>4822420
You do not have 250 Golden Lions, so you look over to Alastor, who…appears quite impressed by what he’s hearing (maybe the situation is worse than you thought and Xabo is giving you a very good deal?), before nodding

You shake Xabo’s hand, and spend the rest of the afternoon hammering out the details, before meeting up with Johanna and returning to the castle.

On the way back, the young woman approaches you and shily gives you a small box

> “A small set of healing herbs and healing charms. I…thought it could be useful for you…so that you might return safe to visit me..”

She says the last part in a very low voice, but you still hear it – you push yourself over and hug her tightly.

Alastor sees what’s going on, and smiles.



You are currently at Casterly Rock, about to go and see the Lord of Castamere to discuss recent developments and plan your next steps. This is the 2nd round of negotiations you will undertake with Alastor.

To review:
> You contracted the services of 2 loyal bodyguards (Adam Hill, Gareth Umber)
> You contracted the services of Xabo, a merchant from the Summer Isles in possess of 5 ships
> You agreed in principle to the terms laid out by the Lord of Castamere: he will help you in consolidating your position in the East, in exchange for a marriage alliance and your help when the times will come to overthrow the Lannisters
> Your discussion with Horonno resulted in you laying out the plan to attempt to seize power in Essaria, the eastern borderland on the old Freehold.
> Your own idea is to make stops in the Stepstones, to try and recruit the garrisons (and their families) stranded there by the fall of Valyria
> You plan to stop in Volantis to try and reclaim whatever family assets you can, before moving on

To be determined:
> Plans to deal with the Volantene government – allies, non-aggression, etc?
> Specific requests for Alastor?
> Sheira. Do you plan to look for a glass candle to contact her, or will you wait for her arrival?
> Other (write-in)

Essentially I am asking you what you plan to ask Alastor. Feel free to make a wish list.
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>>4822422
Notice that Alastor has not specified who has to marry who - he's simply asking for a marriage alliance "in time". Moreover he has forked over the money to hire Xabo, Adam Hill and Gareth Umber.
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>>4822422
>Plans to deal with the Volantene government- For now neutrality, we won't involve ourselves in their wars. We will have our hands full with Essaria and our own affairs.

> Specific requests for Alastor?- When he has the chance and Xabo is in the Westerlands he should send some veteran soldiers to help us in the east.( I don't know what else, ideas are appreciated)

>Sheira. Do you plan to look for a glass candle to contact her, or will you wait for her arrival?- Volantis surely has a glass candle dee if we could purchase it. We do know that the Citadel in the Reach also has glass candles.
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>>4822422
> Plans to deal with the Volantene government – allies, non-aggression, etc?
If we can establish at least a temporary pact of non-agression (for the sake of trade) I'd be down for it
> Specific requests for Alastor?
Not a request per se, but maybe feel him out on a possible marriage between our cousin and Johanna? They seem to be hitting it off fairly well, and there wouldn't be any potential clash over any broken monogomy from the westerosi perspective.
> Sheira. Do you plan to look for a glass candle to contact her, or will you wait for her arrival?
She's aware that we're alive, and I assume she still has some ability to track where we are. Seeing that we're heading east should be good enough for her to realise we'd like to meet.
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>>4822422
>Volantis
I think we should explain just what we are trying to do to them, say we wish to rule the far off lands of Essaria and protect our people. Play up the fact we burned the Lys fleet for their attempt to slay the Dragon lords, and the fact we see each other as allies in and ideological battle to restore the status of Valyria and it's people.
Make a more explicit agreement to forfeit rule over all of the lower Rhoyne and the city along with any potential claim to: Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh. However we won't involve ourself in their wars as they are Volantis's alone to fight.
Instead Essaria will provide an overland link between east and west for trade along with ensuring the Steppe barbarians stay in the Steppe.

We will probably want to stay here while our assets in the other city are brought over so we can link up with our wafiu.

Then take everything we have collected and sail north along the Rhoyne and disembark as close as we can get to Essaria and set out for it.

>Alastor
From Alastor we should ask for a few hundred men at arms to ensure the safety of our goods and people in transit, along with helping smooth over our taking power in Essaria. Perhaps a few dozen Knights too.
Plus we should ask him for contacts in the Citadel that can provide us with a few Maesters so we can have a body of learned men to establish a new of such men within Essaria.

>Glass candle
Glass candle could be something to look into in Volantis
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>>4822422
> Plans to deal with the Volantene government
Try to establish a non-agression pact.
>>4822479 Lay out our short-term plans to defend Valyrian possessions in the east and safeguard commerce.
> Specific requests for Alastor?
>>4822450 +1 to Asking about Horonno and Johanna. Also ask him if it would be possible to purchase a glass candle off the Maesters.
>Shiera
If we can buy a glass candle in Oldtown we should contact her immediately. If they wont sell or they don't have any we can wait until we reach Volantis, they probably have a few.
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>>4822479
And in Volantis if we learn that dragon lords were killed in Norvos, Qohor, we could imply that in the event of war between the Volantis or the Dragon killers we would come to the aid of Volantis.

Not state but just imply to the Tiger leaders.
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>>4822479
We probably shouldn't be making agreements of forfeiting anything. We plan on conquering Essos right? The players decided that. Simple neutrality is best right now, your post offers an alliance but what kind of allies dont fight beside you?
>>
Targaryens may have a glass candle? If we were planning to stop off their whilst the ship travels.
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>>4822505
I figured we would take Essaria, then Sarnor and Qohor and maybe Norvos, ibben then march East taking the grass sea crossing the bone mountains and just taking everything we cross like Alexander the Great.
Perhaps even invading slavers bay and Quarth.
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>>4822422

> Plans to deal with the Volantene government – allies, non-aggression, etc?
Stay neutral but leave the door open for an alliance (even if its a lie)

> Specific requests for Alastor?
Not sure maybe men as >>4822479
said.

> Sheira. Do you plan to look for a glass candle to contact her, or will you wait for her arrival?

Yes, could check Volantis or with Targs
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>>4822450
>>4822487

I'm not sure why you guys feel like we have to close the door on Johanna for ourselves. They aren't forcing the decision now and she obviously likes us alot. Alastor is big on the idea as well. I would vote for keeping the option at least open. If anything we should be asking Horonno what he thinks about it before trying to marry him off with out his input..

Keeping the door open for us to marry her would make both her and Alastor happier than any other option.
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>>4822556

We need our empire to stretch west as well. Making an ally of the Reynes doesn't make much sense otherwise.
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>>4822556
Perhaps we do but making an agreement like that isn't consistent with the choices the MC has made. Nor is it consistent with the many discussions us players have had. No would be conqueror would cede claims of land just becuse they might expand east instead of west.
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>>4822568
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to *close* that door, I just want to show (and see) how open the alternative is. That said I agree, I think we should see what Horonno thinks too.
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>>4822568
Alastor would be against the idea of Horonno marrying Johanna just because he wants a nice strapping killing lad as his son/in-law. Not that he wouldn't take it if he had to but he wouldn't be happy about it.
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>>4822422
>Volantis ?
Non agression pact offer, but be friendly. Also we remain outside their political concerns. And trade of course (not just us but our allies as well)
> Specific requests for Alastor?
Possible need to have more soldiers. Also tell him we would be honored to keep that armor he did given us for show the alliance betwenn us. And we might need one of your men for hammer out the trade posts idea with our visit in Volantis (and then when we go in Essaria).
> Sheira. Do you plan to look for a glass candle to contact her, or will you wait for her arrival?
If possible sure, if there aren t any in Westeros we will see in Volantis.
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>>4822568
What advantage do you see in marrying Johanna ourselves that Horonno wouldn’t give? Or do you just want to marry her because you like her?
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>>4822626

A far greater relationship with our second (only now as far as we know) as opposed to possible resentment from both the Reynes and Horonno.

There also is obvious affection from both sides, our character goal is love. You wanting to close the door is out of character and doesn’t make much sense other than you don’t like her

The point is about leaving the door open. What advantage is there to closing it now?
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>>4822572
I'll be honest - I was under the impression the players were going for a "the world is ours" approach, but it's honestly a non-starter in the sense that nothing is set in stone, long-term at least.

Also..let me sum things up and see what I can cobble together as a coherent offer to Alastor.

>>4822447
>>4822450
>>4822479
>>4822487
>>4822559
>>4822591
Volantis - seems to me like a lot of the players favor neutrality while leaving the possibility of an alliance on the table. Easily doable, will have a 0 DC.

>>4822559
>>4822479
>>4822591
A few hundred men at arms, help in contacting the Maesters, some expert traders if possible

And for Sheira it seems the majority wants to find a glass candle to contact her

Writing.
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>>4822647

Second family*
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>>4822647
I should have phrased it better. What military or political (not personal) advantage would it give us to marry her that Horonno wouldn't?
As for intent, goals are the things we want to achieve (and along love we desire justice for our destroyed homeland, also we’ve been taking ambitious options like helping the Reynes and aiming to restore Valyria, so there’s an emerging goal of lust for power), they might affect our personality but they haven’t shaped it, that’s what the motivations do. And among those there are fear and duty. Fear for our lives, for our people and our family, that fear doesn’t translate to having their happiness in mind, just their survival. And the other is duty, to put our responsibilities above our desires, ignore happiness to ensure victory.
The only way to beat your fears is to face them, and to ensure victory you have to be stronger than they are. I see the east, where magic, wealth and adventure lie as our gateway to power. And the choice of marriage as a tug of war between east and west, between victory and defeat, with each choice bringing us closer to one side and farther from the other.
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>>4822697
You could have just said that you don't think marrying her ourselves is worth it lol.
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>>4822422
That evening you sit down at the table with Alastor and Horonno (Robb having tired himself out training in the courtyard, while Johanna being busy attending to the Lady of Casterly Rock), reviewing what you have achieved so far and what you plan to do.

You put the cards on the table so to speak, telling Alastor what your plans are once you arrive in Essos.

He is overall impressed with the attention to details you’ve shown; particularly impressive, from his point of view, is your idea of picking up the Valyrian garrisons currently stranded in the Stepstones – the mere presence of thousands of soldiers will force the Volantene government to take you seriously.

And yet, he levels various critiques to you – while he appreciates that you Castamere as your first port of call when in peril, why not go straight to Volantis? They would have welcomed you a hero back then. Now they will likely do the same, but the “oomph” effect will be somewhat lessened by the presence of Westerosi soldiers…

…whish brings to the next point: the hammering out of the level of support House Reyne can afford to lend you in the name of your alliance and of the old ties that bind you to them (and vice versa).

> “House Reyne can raise 15 000 men when on a warpath. We maintain a nominal retinue of 1200 men, the majority of whom are veterans. But from what you say, you will soon have just as many if not more men under your command…and that’s only from picking up some stranded garrisons. I’ll be honest Rhogar – we cannot afford to wage war with powers that can throw to their death tens of thousands of men on a whim”

You can only nod – you already knew that. The entire Lordship of Castamere has merely 100 000 inhabitants after all.

> “What I can offer you, is money to hire the men I cannot provide”

Horonno lights up at this and takes out a piece of paper on which you can see he has written down some numbers – calculations on how many people can be hired, how much gold it would cost and for which length of time.

> “We will need some men to convince the soldiers left on the Stepstones to follow us East, my Lord. Moreover, I expect the Triarchs to not be too happy with our decision to move on from Volantis further East – they will likely try to keep us in arm’s reach. A Dragon is a powerful weapon, an to have a Dragonlord of a Great Dynasty support them would lend them moral justification in their claim of being the successor of Valyria at the head of the Freehold.
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>>4822743
Alastor nods at this – what Horonno said is common sense, there isn’t much to object there -, and motions for your cousin to continue

> “I spoke with Xabo today, and calculated that his ships could bring at most 230 people each, for a grand total of 1150 people per trip. Since it would take around 3 days to make the trip from the Stepstone to Volantis, it is my proposal that we approach the garrisons one at a time, with as many soldiers as we could gather before departing. This way we maximize the chances of them joining us. Moreover, we could tell the Triarchs that we are awaiting reinforcements without lying to their faces.”

You nod and follow Horonno’s explanation – it’s a good plan.

Once he has finished, Alastor asks a single, final question: how many men do you wish to hire, for he can supply you wish 3 of his galleys and 2 cargo ships as well, bringing the total space available to (give or take) 1900 people, including the crews (400 people in total), and how do you wish to proceed – he can call in some favors with some mercenary companies in the area of the Riverlands, if you were ready to wait 2-3 extra weeks before departing.

> Ask information regarding the kind of mercenaries we’re talking about
> Ask if he could maybe send some knights (2nd or 3rd sons of minor houses) with you
> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
> Ask for help in convincing some traders to come with you East
> Write-in
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>>4822750
>> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
>> Ask for help in convincing some traders to come with you East
>>
>>4822757
> Ask if he could maybe send some knights (2nd or 3rd sons of minor houses) with you
> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
>>
>>4822757
>Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
>Ask if he could maybe send some knights (2nd or 3rd sons of minor houses) with you
>>
Note that without >>4822167 and his idea of picking up the garrisons left on the Stepstones, you would be in a much harder situation, and Alastor would be far less willing to shoulder the entire cost of the expedition.

This is what I meant with "creative write-in": if the players pick on elements without me mentioning them, you can unlock options that were not even available at first.
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>>4822757

> Ask information regarding the kind of mercenaries we’re talking about
> Ask if he could maybe send some knights (2nd or 3rd sons of minor houses) with you
> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
>>
>>4822757
>Ask if he could maybe send some knights (2nd or 3rd sons of minor houses) with you
>Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
>>
>>4822757
> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
> Ask for help in convincing some traders to come with you East
>>
>>4822757
> Ask information regarding the kind of mercenaries we’re talking about
Light infantrymen ?
> Ask regarding the Maesters (contacts at the Citadel)
> Ask for help in convincing some traders to come with you East
This will help both of us. We need the Reynes to grow richer with trade so we can too.
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>>4822765
Write ins can be quite useful.
Travel is next btw ? Or are we still here for a while ?
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>>4822708
He didn't reply so I'll take it as a win.
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Alright, I'm calling the vote - seems like you guys want a bit of everything.

I'll see what I can mix together.
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>>4822799
Depends on you guys. I was thinking that after this scene you'd go back to Castamere, wait for the mercenaries if you wish to, and then go East (Stepstones, Volantis etc).

But as always nothing is set in stone here - if you have ideas, simply poste them
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>>4822822
Yeah I'm thinking go to Castamere, gather our new hires and items. Then set sail for the Stepstones, convince the men stationed there to come with us, Then on to Volantis, deal with whatever comes up there, then head to Essaria.
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>>4822828

This, we need to get East and meet up with Sheira sooner than later.

The idea of flying and making contact with the Targs while the ships were enroute to the Stepstones was an idea worth entertaining.
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>>4822822
>>4822765
If we ask about the Maesters we should at least visit the Citadel along the way to the Stepstones. Our ships need to make port along the way.
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>>4822822
Wouldn't mind making a courtesy call to the Targs while our ship sails around Westeros
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>>4822837
Yeah if the Maester part succeeds we could stop in Oldtown for a bit and then continue east after.
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>>4822842
Feel like meeting the Targs when we are more settled will be better both for impressions and leverage. Ideally I hoped to meet them after reuniting with Sheira. 2 dragons are better than 1.
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>>4822822
Ye I am very fine with that just checking if it was now
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>>4822757
You sit in silence for a few minutes, mulling over your thoughts. So many things to ask Alastor, so many things to do with so little resources…

> “Alastor, let me ask you…let’s forget for a second the soldiers themselves. We both know what your ambitions are, but to help you realize them, we will need more than just coin and soldiers – we will need real staying power, enough to sway people to our side. In other words, we’ll need to begin building a realm that can support our further ambitions, whatever those might be, and enable us to support you down the line”

He nods, gesturing for you to continue

> “…we need to plan as if everything we knew of the status quo in the East has been washed away. We do not know the status of trade – the primary reason for choosing Essaria as a temporary base of operations. We do not know the status of the industry down there. We’ll need learned men, as well as traders, willing to make the trip. You once mentioned to me that the old Maester of Castamere left you some 5 or 10 names of Maesters that inquired about your “Valyrian guest”. Any chance they might wish to join us in the trip East?”

He taps his fingers on the table, deep in thought. It is only after a few minutes that he takes a pencil, a piece of paper and jots down 3 names – Yandel, Melwys and Walys. He passes you the paper and speaks up

> “These 3 might agree to join you on your travels. I do not know them personally, but I know they are currently residing at the Citadel and might be willing to leave Westeros behind. As far as trade goes…I know a couple of lads up in Castamere that would likely agree to seek fortune East in order to establish new trade lanes between Westeros and Essos. Other than that..do you wish to ask anything else?”

You are about to say “nothing”, but Honorro beats you to the punch

> “Actually there is my Lord – knights. I have observed the sheer stopping power your knights possess, compared to the lighter infantry my homeland employs, and I would like to inquire not only about the mercenaries that could be available to hire, but if it would be possible for us to bring a contingent of knights with us East”

This request gives him pause – you are asking for the sons of the Westerlander nobility, after all. It takes some time before he gives him a tentative nod, promising to see what he could do (but making no promises).
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>>4822878
Regarding the mercenaries available, he informs you that he sadly cannot provide you a detailed list of who will answer his call, but it is likely going to be a mix of light cavalry, light infantry and a few hedge knight or heavier infantry.

Hearing this Horonno nods, satisfied.

You all shake hands before drinking red wine – formally sealing your alliance.

And for today that's it:
> You enlisted the help of Xabo and his small fleet
> You got a final (binding) agreement with Alastor regarding troops and ships
> You managed to get (in principle, I will roll for it) 3 Maesters and a few traders
> You managed to put down a plan to gather more forces from the Stepstones

All in all, a good (if short-ish) session. Thanks for partecipating and see you tomorrow.

I will stay around for a little while to answer any question, then go.
>>
>>4822891
see you tomorrow
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>>4822891
Thanks for the session QM. I won't be here for the next 2 sessions because of IRL stuff but I hope things go well.
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>>4822902
We shall prevail.
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>>4822891
I forgot to add that you acquired the book about horse breeding, siege warfare and political history of Westeros. If you wish to, you can study one of them as a "passive" (free) action during your free time until you depart from Castamere.
>>
How hard would it be for us to conquer the Dothraki? You think we could convince them that a dragon is just a flying horse and become their Khal?
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>>4823301
Practically impossible. Why would we want those savages anyways? We could burn them back to the stone age and earn the gratitude of Sarnor and Hyrkoon.
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>>4823301
It might be doable if only we give them an endless supply of other lands to conquer. But the Sarnor tried to hire them, but once the contract ended they just sacked the citys of their employers.
So it could be a bad idea, just let them serve as a steady supply of slave people.
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>>4823314
Well, alternatively instead of killing them all we could make them into slaves. There’s a whole lot of them, and they could be put to better use than whatever they’re currently doing.
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>>4822891
nice
>>
Today is the final session (I hope) that we'll spend in Westeros.

So, to recap - I want a vote on the plan that seems (to me at least) to have taken shape:
> Finalize any preparation (wait the mercenaries, hash out a contract, get the maesters, do whatever you still wish to do before embarking)
> Embark with Xabo
> Head for the Stepstones
> Negotiate with the stranded garrisons/people
> Head for Volantis to gather our family wealth stored there
> Head North for Essaria (?)

Was this the plan, or am I just plain wrong?
a) Yes - write if you wish to change something
b) No - write what you wish to change
>>
>>4823971
>a) Yes
>>
>>4823971
Sounds good to me.

I definitely want to try to grab a maester or two, especially any with access to or knowledge of how to use an obsidian candle.
Is that something we can do from Lannisport or will we need to make a quick flight to the Citadel?
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>>4823971
it s good
>>
I'm just going to wait a bit more to see if someone else has a different idea (2-3 votes), then I'll simply proceed with the scene regarding the Mercs and the maesters

>>4824033
See the last scene I wrote - you will get a selection of 3 maesters (you can accept one, two or all of them). I rolled and one of them has a Valyrian Steel link (Magic)
>>
Alright then. Writing next scene
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>>4824038
Ah right, I missed the "currently residing in the Citadel" line.

I'm assuming we don't need to wait for Alastor to rustle up the mercs and knights, right?
I'm eager to get to Volantis ASAP before too much more of our wealth goes missing so I'd like to get moving as quickly as we can.
Would it be reasonable to, for example,
>Send a couple of Xabo's boats straight to the Stepstones now
>Have a couple of ships wait in Lannisport for Alastor to rustle up some mercs/knights then have them go direct to Volantis
>We fly to the Citadel, negotiate with the maesters and have them prepare to board the first set of ships when they pass Old Town. If there's any way for the magically-inclined maester to communicate with Shiera/her mum on the way then have them do so.
>Fly to the Stepstones (I imagine arriving well before the boats) and negotiate with the stranded garrisons/people so they're ready when the first set of ships arrive
>Book it to Volantis
Also, is two people the limit for Urrax or can we carry a third passenger?
>>
>>4823971

Yes I believe so

I agree, we've spent enough time in Westeros for now. We need to get back east before we miss too many opportunities.
Is Urrax still hurt? If so how long does it take for him to heal?
>>
QM phoneposting here. I'll likely rewrite the last scene, but the essence remains - you will have the mercs (paid out of pocket by Alastor), and I'll write down a status of your expedition, akin to what a captain would see (money, men, equipment, etc) to introduce the management element of the Quest (using asoiaf rpg system oc)
>>
>>4824146
>how to approach the Garrisons
Combine both principle and pragmatism.
The men of the Stepstones are sworn to Valyria, as the last known representative of the 10 families that means they are sworn to us. More than that though, as true-blooded citizens of Valyria if they count as that, otherwise we could describe them as the scions of Valyria or something they have a duty to their people and to their nation. A duty to rise up out of the ashes and rebuild what has been lost.
Of course, if that doesn't convince them then they should be aware that the Stepstones are built on trade, of which there is likely to be little in the coming years. Certainly not at least until the ash settles and that means they will need to look elsewhere for prosperity - or perhaps even survival, the changing weather will no doubt affect fishing yields and agricultural harvests so if the men of the Stepstones don't want to find themselves scrabbling for what food is left then they must follow us.

>>4824156
Can you also give us some info on the maesters? Personalities and areas of particular expertise mainly
I'd like to learn as much from Yandel as we can while we're in transit (maybe he can take a seat on the dragon as we're flying back and forth).

Oh and if it's not too late, we really should stock our ships with uniforms, banners and supplies for our forces. By the time our forces reach Volantis it would be a lot more impressive for the locals if they were all decked out in our family's colours.
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>>4824146

>how to approach the Garrisons
Fly in on our dragon.
Give them a quick run down of what has happened back east (play to the loyalty and hopefully vengeance they feel) and the chances for the winter to affect their area.
Inform them of our plans to restore the empire starting in the east and eventually working our way back west to properly conquer the Stepstones (Should be more enticing for them to be able to come home, and it be turned into a kingdom as opposed to an outpost).
They would have an opportunity to bring glory and wealth to a real home and miss the misery of the upcoming winter

Can mix with this write in as well >>4824186
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>>4824186
>>4824189
I'm actually rewriting the last scene - I don't know why 4chan won't let me delete the old posts, but I wrote them like..well, shit.

I'm rewriting the scene to give more personality to the maester and context, since that was subpar writing on my part. Sorry for the wait
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>>4824197

All good
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>>4824197
ok
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>>4824197
All good.
It's getting late here so I'm off. What country are you posting from? The time zone is a real killer for me.
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>>4824261
Italy
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>>4822891

I have rewritten the scene in its entirety. Sorry for the long wait, but I hope it was worth it.

10 days later

It’s a glorious sight the one that appears as you look down from the main tower of Castamere…ok, not really. It’s a pitiful sight the one that you are witnessing as the mercenaries march down the road near Castamere, looking down from your advantage point with the Lord of the castle.

You have to give it to Alastor – in less than two weeks he has managed to wrangle together four mercenary companies, for a grand total of (give or take) 1100 men, roughly divided in 2/3 light infantry, ¼ heavy infantry, and the rest a mishmash of light and heavier cavalry.

You also notice with great pleasure that a small contingent of knights breaks off from the column in march, heading toward the castle itself – 2nd and 3rd sons of minor nobles that have answered the call for adventure and glory in the far East.

> “So, have I kept my promise?”

The Lord of Castamere asks smiling, clearly pleased with himself. After all, he has managed to bring together a small army, while also ensuring its transport to Essos – he has reason to be so self-satisfied.

…but you also have reason to be satisfied with your work - you have been extremely busy during the past week, flying back and forth between Lannisport, the Riverlands and even Oldtown, to meet with the three maesters that Alastor indicated to you.

To say your visit caused a ruckus anywhere you went, would be an understatement – the presence of a dragon is not something that can be missed, especially when the dragon is as big or aggressive as Urrax.

Now, ruckus notwithstanding, you managed to achieve a lot in the past days - your visit to Oldtown caused confusion at first (the mere presence of a Valyrian noble would cause a ruckus, but the presence of a noble Valyrian with his dragon in tow..), as you were summoned to the Hightower to pay homage to the local petty rulers (the “Hightowers” of the Hightower. Really. Westerosi have such fantasy..) and to explain the reasons of your visit.

The letter Alastor Reyne gave you helped to solve any remaining tension – in it he explained that you were his guest, and that you asked him for a letter of presentation since it was your wish to ask some “esteemed members of the faculty of the Citadel” to join you as you went back East, so that they might teach you about Westerosi sciences and culture.

In said letter he recommended you three names - Maesters Yandel, Melwys and Walys.

The liege lord of Oldtown insisted you spent the evening in company of his family – which you did, regaling them with many tales of the Freehold and of the Further East (many of which were tales your own father and grandfather told you in the past) -, but did not prohibit you from seeking audience with the Archmaesters of the Citadel.
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>>4824420
Your visit to said center of learning was an awkward affair, thanks in no small part to the insistence on part of the Archamesters to assist to the meeting between you and their “esteemed colleagues” (to tell the truth you suspected a much simpler, childish reason – in their mind you “snubbed” them in favor of younger, less experienced people); yet, the more you spoke to the assembled crowd of the happenings in the East, the possibility to study true magic and the secrets of Valyrian metallurgy, the more they came around your way of seeing things, to the point that not only the three Maesters accepted to come with you, but their superiors started babbling about potential avenues of research they should seek, and how often they should write back…you admit that you shut it out after the first 5 minutes, given you understood 1 word out of 10.

Over the next couple of days you got to speak individually with the Maesters – Yandel, Melwys and Walys -, so as to ascertain what they specialize in, and maybe beginning to understand what you could learn from them.
It is clear from the beginning that all of them seem to have an insatiable hunger for new knowledge – at times it feels as if they are questioning you, more than the opposite.

But in the end, you manage to sum up your finding:
> Yandel, a native of Oldtown itself, chose in the twilight of his years to specialize in the Higher Mysteries – magic, in other words – and their “practical” application (glass candles and similar methods of divination), while also possessing a good theoretical grasp of the Art of Warding.
> Melwys is a Riverlander in his late fifties that made the opposite choice of Yandel – he chose the path of strategy and the art of war, insofar as a chair general can learn said arts.
> Walys is the “generalist” of the trio – a man in his early forties, he has not yet chosen a particular field of study to dedicate his life to. Having said that, he has a great affinity for the healing arts.

One of the benefits of having such learned men around you is that Maester Yandel took time out of his day to show you the (theoretical) usage of a glass candle – it’s easy enough to learn, when assisted by a master of the trade. Now, if only you had a glass candle…

The rest of the week is spent preparing plans for the oceanic transit with Horonno, as well as being introduced to the ranking officers that will accompany you – their companies being of too recent formation to have a company history, it’s easy enough to push the men to mix among themselves when you declare plainly that there will be plenty of free land (and potentially, titles for the most courageous men) once your expedition encounters success.
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>>4824424
You say the same thing to the small group (25 in total) of young knights who has accepted to accompany you East – even though you put more emphasis on the availability of titles and glory, rather than simply the land.

It was overall a very busy week, but you were finally close to depart for home, Essos.

You told Xabo to bring his ships to the modest port near Castamere and to get ready to depart the next day; after that you gave the same orders to the mercenary captains, before deciding to spend the last evening in the company of your second family (only, to your knowledge, at this point...), for you know the shores you leave, but you cannot know the shores you will find.

Two days later

The sea foam lapping at the ships, the light wind in your face…you missed this.

You missed the feeling of power. You hate feeling fear…fear for your safety, for that of your loved ones, fear of the future.

But power…power enables one to shape his future, and reduces fear to nothing but a shadow on the wall, easily dismissed when you shine a light over it.

Looking down from the saddle of your dragon, you can see why the rest of the world feared your homeland – a single dragon, given to a member of a cadet branch, is able to easily devastate a small army. What could you enemies do against 2,3…300 dragons, such as the flight Valyria sent to deal with the Rhoynars, but submit?

These thoughts cause you to smirk, happy with yourself. You came here with nothing, except a wounded dragon, a half-dead relative and a corpse in tow.

Look at yourself now – you are going back at the head of an army.

A small one, true, but an army nonetheless.

And soon, more soldiers..proper Valyrian soldiers, will join your army.

And so you push Urrax forward, leaving your armada behind as you speed toward the Stepstones.
>>
>>4824189
>>4824186
>>4824079
I'm about to write the scene regarding the Stepstones. I'll use these as a blueprint.

>>4824129
Urrax has 1 wound left to heal, but it's nothing major that would reduce his intimidating presence.
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>>4824452

Any chance our new maesters could assist with his healing or would that risk them getting eaten?
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>>4824459
If I went the "normal" way of healing wounds, Urrax would be even more of a monster than he is, given that he'd roll 15D6.

The way I play it out is that a Dragon heals a flat rate of 1 wound/week, so long as it was not a crippling injury (e.g. lost a wing). If assisted, 2 wounds. Sure, Walys could assist in his healing, but he'll be healed regardless before you reach Volantis.
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>>4824442
Your first port of call is Bloodstone, the largest of the Stepstone isles and so called thanks to the sheer amount of ships that have fallen prey of underwater reefs and rocks around the island. There is but a single safe canal to pass through, and a single harbor where to stop in order to buy more provisions.

It was an excellent trade outpost for the Freehold – unless a ship wished to try its luck in the maze of underwater reefs and rocks, all the while contending with the difficult-to-navigate currents, passing by Bloodstone was simply the safest route.

As you come closer to the island you can clearly see the fires they light up in the towers atop the small mountain that constitutes the island proper – clearly signaling that they spotted you atop Urrax, as well as your armada behind you.

You can only smile as you descend atop your dragon – it will feel good to be back in civilized lands (say what you want of Westeros, the land of your second family, but it cannot compare to your homeland), even if only in the westernmost outpost of your homeland.

> Roll me 5D6 (Persuasion 4D, Charm 1B)

I've already written the next scene regarding the meeting with the garrison, but I wish to see just how much you blow them away.
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 3, 3, 4 = 16 (5d6)

>>4824561

Time to recruit some Valyrians
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Rolled 1, 6, 5, 5, 5 = 22 (5d6)

>>4824561
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 4, 2, 6 = 18 (5d6)

>>4824561
Prepare to be blown, men.

Wait
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>>4824572
Nice.
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Rolled 6, 6, 4, 4, 1 = 21 (5d6)

>>4824561
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>>4824561

> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 16 vs 6 (DC)
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

You land at the same time as your ships come near land, Urrax releasing a air-splitting roar as he touches land. You are dressed in a half-plate armor (donated to you by Lord Alastor Reyne) with a white cloak bearing the sigil of your Dynasty – the White Dragon on Black field.

A magnificent sight for sure – a proper Dragonlord of the Freehold, with the snow-white hair of the Belaerys Dynasty on full display, your figure exudes command and power.

The sight of your “honor guard” dismounting from the ships and coming ashore to join you, composed of Westerosi Knights armed in full-plate armor, merely enhances the magnitude of what these men, cut off from news of their homelands save for a few ships running West, see.

To you, they represent a way to legitimate your claim of wishing to save the Freehold. To them, you represent living, breathing proof that the might of Valyria is not yet extinguished.

You survey the assembled mob – soldiers trying to put up a brave front, but clearly shaking, and a few women and children. They likely sent the majority hiding once they saw the ships approaching, but some came out as they recognized the shape of a dragon – symbol of their homeland.

They all seem to suffer the first signs of hunger – apparently the stopping of trade affected the garrisons of the Stepstones worse than you thought.

> “Bring me your captain!”

A loud order, which leaves no room for interpretation.
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>>4822842
On the topic of targs, has aegon started his sister fucking yet? If not one of his sisters might make a good wife and lead to an alliance.
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>>4824589
A shaking man comes forward, pushed from behind by his compatriots.

He keeps shaking, but manages to stand at attention as you ask him his name.

> “Jaehaerys, Sir!”

You nod at him, before making a big scene of looking around yourself, checking out the amassed people

> “I am here because they told me that proud sons and daughter of Valyria were left alone, to fend for themselves, on these islands, far off from their homeland. They also told me that these men and women were still loyal to the Freehold. Did they lie to me?”

You end your small speech in a loud, expressive manner.

At first there is silence, but then you hear some muffled “No!” from amidst the people.

You nod, happy to see some reaction from these people – the hunger has not yet killed their morale apparently.

> “I am sure you have all heard the rumors – that Valyria has been destroyed and that the Freehold is dead. I beg to differ! So long as men and women willing to put down their life for Valyria still live, the Freehold is not dead!”

You can see how such a speech would be ridiculed, coming from anyone else…but it’s hard to argue with a Dragonlord telling you that the nation you dedicated your life to yet lives.

> “Valyrians! I am Rhogar Belaerys, heir of the Belaerys Dynasty and Dragonlord of the Freehold! I am going East to secure the frontier of our homeland, ensuring the security of our brothers and sisters! As you can see, I am not alone. I have but a question to ask you – will you honor the oath you swore? To defend the Freehold from any enemy?”

Urrax releases a jet of flames in the air, further emphasizing your words (“Dragonlord of the Freehold”), while you spread your arms wide

> “For those that will follow me, I swear to you that hunger will never plague you again, plenty of land and opportunities to rise above your station. To you all, even if you choose to not follow me, I swear that the world shall tremble again under the might of the freehold. I thus solemnly swear!”

As you finish your speech, you give a simple signal to your men to bring ashore the boxes they had ready – you personally open the first of them in front of the assembled mob. They contain food, wine, and gold coins.

An idea of Alastor, mixing food (which will show them your mercy in succoring them in their time of need) and money (to show them you can afford to pay for their future efforts).

> “There is more of that where it came from, for those who will follow me! Who is with me? Who will help me restore the greatest nation this world has ever known?”

You cannot count the amount of cheers and “Me!” that you hear, but you know one thing: they are yours.

> Gained 2000 Pureblooded Vayrian Colonists
> Gained 600 Valyrian Soldiers (200 Archers, 400 Spear-welding Light infantry, Militia training)
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>>4824657
Quick summary of the situation
> Your ships can ferry 1500 people at once (not including the crews)
> You currently have 1130 men embarked
> You have 370 free places for now
> You current forces amount to 1100 Westerosi Mercenaries, 25 Westerosi Knights, 600 Valyrian Garrison Troops.
> You have 2000 Valyrian colonists
> You have, for all intent and purposes, conquered Bloodstone.

What will you do?
> Leave behind some (how many) troops to garrison your newly-conquered territory
> Leave behind some more troops (how many) to conquer and garrison other islands in the Stepstones
> Begin ferrying your small army to the mainland (you can land near Volantis, and come back to pick up the rest bit by bit)
> Repeat the scene and recruit the other Garrisons/Colonists on Sunstone and Last Refuge.
> If choosing the last one, write how you wish to split your forces and ships.

Plans for the short-term?
> Write-in
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>>4824644
Read the OP - we are centuries before Aegon's birth. Yes, Aenar has started a long time ago fucking Rhaella
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>>4824681
I'm going to write down a quick summary of our forces in the pastebin. Feel free to discuss and plan in the meantime.
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>>4824681
We should move to take control of the other garrisons. Take 1/3 of the Valerian Soldiers and leave the same number of mercenaries. We can repeat the processes on the other islands until we make the move to volantis.
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>>4824681
>> Repeat the scene and recruit the other Garrisons/Colonists on Sunstone and Last Refuge.
> Write-in
Once we gather all the garrisons, take our current embarked force with 300 of the best Garrison Troops to Volantis and offer to turn the stepstones over to their control in exchange for ships and aid moving our people north. Plus some cash couldnt hurt.
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>>4824681

Open to other ideas but my thoughts are

> Leave behind some more troops (how many) to conquer and garrison other islands in the Stepstones

Ferrying them all seems an issue at the moment yet we have basically promised to keep these people safe. We could take 200ish of the best fighting men leaving behind the bulk of the force to conquer hold the rest of the Stepstones as they wait our return.

> Repeat the scene and recruit the other Garrisons/Colonists on Sunstone and Last Refuge.

Do the same on Sunstone/Last Refuge as we did here. We can set up for supplies to be brought to the ones that remain and the colonists so that they can survive through the winter. It would also give us a leg up on conquering/controlling the area later on, if the ones that remain haven't taken control by the time we return.
We could leave a few of the mercenaries to replace the soldiers we take if they think they need them (not sure how welcome they would be of them)
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>>4824722

I don't like this plan. Why give away anything to Volantis? They will already be friendly with us besides some of us want to set up a Kingdom as the eastern edge of our empire in the Stepstones later. Giving them away now would give someone else a reason to fight us over it when the time comes.
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>>4824681
> Repeat the scene and recruit the other Garrisons/Colonists on Sunstone and Last Refuge.
If we want to keep the Stepstones we should just ensure they get food and leave them as is. If we don't want to keep them we should start moving them to the mainland, colonists first and soldiers later to ensure their safety.
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>>4824738
I don't think the islands have the ability to maintain the food supplies in the long term, and splitting our kingdom so far apart at the start would impede progress in both areas.
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>>4824738
It's too far away to hold from where we are going. If we are going to abandon it better give it to Volantis as a gesture of goodwill and earn us an easier time negotiating with them.
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>>4824763
>>4824765
Splitting our ruled lands is potenitally an issue, though I'd personally like us to be involved someone given we've just come in here and sort of put our hand up to lead them.
Also perhaps the proxmity to Lys is a problem, given they likely have a grudge against us.
>>
I think we should finally decide what our area of conquest and settling would be. This faffing around with Essaria, Volantis and the Stepstones has me confused about where to spend resources and where to pull back.
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>>4824763
>>4824765

Some of you guys aren't familiar with the plans that we have been laying if this is what you think. This very thing has been discussed as part of the plan from the very beginning of the quest.

There are no definitive plans to stay in the far east. We also have allies in Westeros we need to have contact and trade with..

Your plan makes no sense with all the decisions we have made so far.
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>>4824681
I think we should leave some people here and go and to conquest Sunstone and Last Refuge and secure those positions. The amount of people we're going to leave in the Bloodstone needs to be least than the other two, because the reefs and rocks make it difficult for entering except the "entrance", so this can be a good defensive place. (Maybe we can leave all the soldiers of one of Xabo's ships and bring the resft to the other islands)

Conquering the Sunstone and Last Refuge won't take so much time (I guess, one becase we surely won't have opposition in the other islands becase they are Valyrians), and once they decide to join us, then we will go with a small group to Volantis to claim all the gold and things of our family and come back to the Stepstones in a day or two.

>>4824722
Personally, I don't like the idea of give like that the Stepstones, and you should know the potencial of it. Our destination might be Essos (If I can remember correctly), but still, having some control in the Stepstones while we make a kingdom in Essos, that's going to be alot of money flowing if we play our cards correctly

Also, >>4824774 Might be right, not having a focus point on where are we going ti have our base of operation and all that It can be an issue, but about Lys and their potencial allies wanting to hunt our head, we are forgetting the "Reconquest War" or whatever it's called (I don't knnow about ASOIAF but this Quest and another one are really interesting so I decided to stick around) is going to happend. The Lyian fleet I'm sure are still suffering about what we did, and the guy who is going to those places to bring control over them surely Lys and company aren't going to move all their troops or even mind about us when War is knocking in their doors
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>>4824793
I was under the impression that the plan was definitely going to the east and setting base there. Otherwise why going to all the trouble of going there if we are not staying.
>>
Think the Stepstones are good for a number of reasons though. Good middle point between east and west and we have allies in the west. It's has the potential to be a good trading point in the future, and given Shiera's mercantile capabilities, this may be something we wish to pursue. Also I think we said dragons and naval combat went well together, so would likely be quite defensible?

Decisions be difficult!

>>4824810
Think it was Essaria and we'd see after that.
>>
You know, with Lys' fleet destroyed, and a few thousand soldiers and a dragon on our side, we can make a play for adding Lys to our kingdom of the Stepstones. QM said earlier that if most players wanted to rethink the going to Essaria option, he'd allow it. I'm in favour of rethinking it, there's nothing for us there with such a small population. We'd probably be better off telling them to abandon their holdings and return with us to consolidate the remaining Valyrian holdings.
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>>4824800

Exactly one of the points I was making earlier in the conversation about the Stepstones. The geographic difficulties combined with a large fleet and dragons patrolling the area would make it an incredibly defensive position later on. It being near our second family and a hub of trade are bonuses.

>>4824810

The plan was going to Essaria to establish ourselves, build wealth/armies to begin our conquest of our empire. Setting up shop and playing gatekeeper to Dothraki for the remainder of the quest is what some of us explicitly voted against for larger ambitions.

>4812932
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>>4824810

>>4812932
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>>4824830
I personally still want to go there to beat the Dothraki, and unite northern essos.
And break away from players obsession's with westeros.
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>>4818222
>The world is your oyster. Simply call for a re-vote, and if enough people agree with you, I will gladly let you have it
Here was QM answering my question about rethinking our plan to go to Essaria.
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>>4824681
If we're going to evacuate the Stepstones this is how we should do it:
>Evacuation of the Stepstones Phase 1
Establish a base of operations on Bloodstone. Leave all the Valyrians and 800 mercenaries on Bloodstone. (Now we have a capacity of 1170) After recruiting the other two outposts, go to the least populous one and take as many civilians as we can back to Bloodstone. Once all the civilians are on Bloodstone go back for the garrisons and ferry them to Bloodstone. Repeat the process as many times as necessary until all the colonists and soldiers are on Bloodstone.
>Phase 2
Take all the mercenaries and establish a camp near Volantis. Then begin ferrying the civilians, once that's completed do the same for the garrison troops.

Once it's complete or if it takes too long we can hire more ships at Volantis and leave figuring out how to take them to Essaria for later.
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>>4824833
That was just my opinion though - I said many times that I will give my opinion as if I were a player, but simply go with what the players wish. It's just that Essaria is a good balance of "enough time to fortify" and "not ALL our neighbors want to drink wine from our skulls"
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>>4824841
I think it would be better to keep the fort garrisoned that way we can smoothly offer them to the Volantie forces instead of offering up empty forts we have no control over.
It lets us take a better position in negations.
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>>4824839
Qarth is also very far away, on the other side of the Dothraki Sea, even beyond the Slaver Cities.

QM can you give us an estimate on the population of Essaria again?
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>>4824839
Bingo.

>>4824852
150 000 before the Doom. Expect an influx of refugees moving North from the North of the Valyrian Peninsula, and from the wars in West Essos.

Note that Essaria's small population is made up disproportionately of veterans from recent wars, so the quality of armies you'd raise there would be quite high, if smaller in number.

Moreover it sits atop the West-East trade route, which brings in almost as much wealth as would do controlling the Stepstones in a normal time...if you can stop the Dothraki from destroying said trade route.

I see a lot of people arguing for evacuating the Stepstones, setting shop somewhere other Essaria etc - want me to re-write down a quick summary of the different locations?
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>>4824840
It is but like >>4824835 this anon said everyone's obsessed with Westeros even though the Targaryens are already there and trying to take over or encroach would get us into conflict with them.
It's been repeatedly stated that there is no commerce currently flowing through the Stepstones. And canonically when people in universe think of wealth they think about the Jade Sea and the far east, Westeros is considered economically backwards by pretty much everyone.

>>4824846
They were falling apart before we arrived and we promised to lead them away to greener pastures. Volantis would just neglect them, especially with Lys in between. They'd keep falling apart and get taken over by pirates just like in canon if we leave them there.
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>>4824862
I mean take the people with us, but keep them in the forts until Volantis is able so send their own troops to garrison them so we can sell the forts for a higher price.
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I will always allow a revote to change course, for like I said this quest is completely in the hands of the players. With 1 condition and a request (that you are free to ignore eh):

a) "1 Post by this ID" - it won't disqualify the vote, but I will ask a reason for why they vote whatever they wish to vote. I've seen too many quests derailed by votes "magically" appearing out of thin air.

b) Be realistic in what you hope to accomplish - you got not even 2000 soldiers, of very doubtful loyalty. You might conquer an area with your dragon, but you will need to maintain control over said area.
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>>4824866
Now, if you want to, I can give you a quick summary of the areas.

But first I'll call a vote to determine what to do with the Stepstones:
a) Let's occupy them and keep them for ourselves.
b) Let's evacuate the civilians/soldiers and bring them with us
c) Let's sell them to Volantis
d) Write-in
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>>4824864
Honestly I think we should evacuate and abandon the Stepstones for now. We can come back when we’ve established a base of operations in Essaria.
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>>4824872
>b) Let's evacuate the civilians/soldiers and bring them with us
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>>4824835

That may be what 'you' want, the rest of the players have a say so as well. Just because its not something you want doesn't mean we can't do it. Players have to compromise, which is what most of us have done so far. Also there have been plenty of voice for the Stepstones the entire quest (One of the main Stepstone anons isn't here today) but you seem to want to take the opportunity to hijack the quest to do what you want.

I'm against setting up in Essaria long term, it makes no sense with all the decisions we have made so far, puts us entirely to far away from our allies and second family in Westeros. You may not want to play in Westeros at all but that was put in by the QM and voted on by the players, we can't just forget about all of that now.

>>4824835

Vehemently oppose this idea. Not at all what has been voted on to this point by the players and goes against all decisions made so far.
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>>4824872
>b) Let's evacuate the civilians/soldiers and bring them with us

>>4824864
Volantis is too far away to hold the Stepstones. I don't think they'd even want them. We couldn't hold them for the same reason. If we garrisoned the mercenaries there for too long they'd probably go rogue and if we left the colonists alone they'd be taken over by one of the nearby Free Cities (probably Tyrosh) or pirates.
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>>4824845

I understand, but the players as a whole have discussed this for much of the two threads and planned to do just that. I was just pointing that out to the people who it doesn't seem like they have been following or are just attempting to by pass all decisions made so far to go back to what they originally intended to do with this quest.
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>>4824873
The thing is that at least I don't know when is going to happen that mercantile boom with the Stepstones. It is going to happen right when the next Winter finish? It is going to happen in a year? Two? If it's going to happen with enough time we have a solid base of operation in Essaria and maybe before 5 years happen when Reynes need us for gaining the Rock Throne, i'm willing to evacuate the Stepstones and come later
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>>4824862

We have allies in Westeros, our second family and have promised to help them achieve their goals if ruling the westerlands and marry into their family. Are we retconning all this to play with the Dothraki?
>>
I'll agree with what a previous anon said in that I don't want us to be the constant gatekeepers against the Dothraki for the rest of our lifetimes. Unless we can unite the Dothraki under our banner instead and become the Great Khal
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>>4824872
>a) Let's occupy them and keep them for ourselves

One of the biggest Stepstones voters isn’t here today or tomorrow. Please keep that in mind with such a big decision regarding them
>>
>>4824906
>BEHOLD, YOU SAVAGES! My ability to control this red, firebreathing flying horse it's more than proof that I deserve to be, the Great Khal
>>
>>4824872
a) Let's occupy them and keep them for ourselves.
Tough decision, and I agree with it possibly causing us to spread ourselves a bit thin, but I fear someone else would come in and possibly claim/occupy it whilst we're in Essaria.
At least if we occupy them and they are attacked we'd have good justification to retailiate without maybe drawing a coalition of enemies against us.
Happy with either decision really.
>>
>>4824872
This is a phone post when I get home I will link back to the ID im going to actually use.

b) Let's evacuate the civilians/soldiers and bring them with us

Just caught up and I like the expidetion feel, though I agree dothraki are lame and we should just ignore them.
>>
>>4824872
>a) Let's occupy them and keep them for ourselves

I still think that we can go to Essaria, stablish a base of operations, and in the spwn of 5 years before Reynes call us to help him we can start to make the comercial route of the Stepstones
>>
>>4824893
I’d be fine with keeping the Stepstones, I just worry about how far apart it is from Essaria. Being so spread apart is only asking for trouble.
>>
>>4824932

No one is going to want them until the winter is over anyway at which point we would have a leg up in controlling them. We just need to set up food/supplies to be shipped back from time to time so they survive. Not really spreading anything thin
>>
>>4824904
See
>>4816323
>>4816324
>>4816392
We discussed the Freehold with the Reyne court.
>While my uncle, Aurion Belaerys, is leading a force of 50 000 men south to restore order, we were too far away from him to make contact and with the ashes from the recent eruption of a volcano in the North of the Peninsula blocking a direct path to Valyria, I chose to not risk remaining in Lys for fear of ulterior attacks. I hoped that Your Grace would extend his hospitality to us for a week or two, until we may recover and undertake the long flight back home to help restore order in the outlying cities of the Freehold
>>4816768
>>4816787
>>4816875
We talked about Essos with the Reynes and Horonno
>You argued that your future lies in Essos – you have not forgotten the promises you exchanged with your betrothed beneath the cedars of the Isle of Cedars. You have not forgotten the wealth of the East, compared to the West.
>Will you return East like you said you would?
>You are speaking of conquest, are you?
>>4817221
We reminisced about our Valyrian lover currently in Far Eastern Essos
>>4818057
We asked for Alastor's support in our eastern conquests in exchange for giving him a crown. I doubt he'd like it if we gave him a crown just to conquer the continent and make ourselves his overlord.
>>4818120
He also had us wear Reyne colors, so if he had assumed we'd conquer the west he'd have demanded a marriage between Rhogar and Johanna, no compromises. He also seems to value his independence so conquering Westeros or encroaching upon it wouldn't just anger the Targaryens but our own allies.
>>4818335
>the White Dragon of the East!
>>4820236
>>4820309
>>4820413
>>4820492
>>4820629
>>4820645
We had an entire section playing as Shiera in the far east
>>4820845
We discussed Shiera with Horonno
>Sheira lives! Far to the East
>He corrected himself, but it’s clear that he was about to say “home”.
Horonno feels homesick
>>4820908
>The city is…smelly. It’s dirty and full of bad smeels, almost as if plumbing had not yet been invented…which you realize is the case once you ask about it and the same Captain looks at you as if you had grown a second head.
Rhogar considers Westeros backwards.
>>4822317
>>4822420
>>4822422
Again we talked about conquering and trading in the east, in Qohor, Norvos or Essaria.

I pretty much linked the entire quest, and it's all about going east. So can you please fucking stop now?
>>
>>4824960

You are an absolute idiot. Most of that was taken so far out of context it doesn't merit a response.

Who ever said anything about taking over Westeros and making ourselves his overlord? Just wow

You are going to extreme lengths to turn this quest into your personal quest. Please stop..
>>
>>4824975
>>4824960
Alright, let me sum up the vote.
>>
>>4824975
Complain about quest progression more please, I'm sure it'll make things go your way.
>>
>>4824908
>>4824923
>>4824926
a) Let's occupy them and keep them for ourselves

>>4824881
>>4824886
>>4824925
b) Let's evacuate the civilians/soldiers and bring them with us

Alright, I'm calling it here with a roll.
>>
>>4824872
>c) Let's sell them to Volantis
Sell the forts not the people in them.
>>
>>4824975
What the fuck were you talking about here then? >>4824888
>I understand, but the players as a whole have discussed this for much of the two threads and planned to do just that. I was just pointing that out to the people who it doesn't seem like they have been following or are just attempting to by pass all decisions made so far to go back to what they originally intended to do with this quest.
I really get the feeling you're trying to gaslight me here. If you could back up your ad hominems and accusations with something else maybe I'd come around to your way of thinking naturally.
>>
Rolled 5, 5 = 10 (2d6)

>>
>>4825005
That's a pretty number. Fives are my favorite.
>>
>>4824999
>>4824888
Let's avoid infighting, thanks. Anyway >>4825005. I rolled 2 fives, which means "Horonno advises you to maintain a small garrison on the two islands that denote tha entry and exit of the "safe canal" among the islands - Bloodstone and Last Refuge"

Pick who you wish to leave behind.
>>
>>4824999

There is literally Stepstones discussion littered across both threads. You either haven’t put any effort into reading player responses or you are purposefully omitting it. Everyone who has been following the thread knows, including QM
>>
>>4824932
Once we found a trustworthy and loyal leader that can keep control of the Stepstones and keep it safe, we should be able of going to Essaria. It's going to take some time, but for the moment our attention is going to be in the Stepstones
>>
>>4825029
See >>4825023

Pick who you wish to leave behind - let's try to not infight. It's kind of pointless in the sense that if I called a
>>
>>4825033
I can begrudgingly accept garrisoning and supplying the Stepstones. I’m sure it’ll pay off in time.
>>
>>4825023

Take 100-200 of the best troops, leave the rest and civilians. Let them know we will set up for supplies to be sent periodically to keep them sustained until we return
>>
In the meantime roll me 5D6 x2 (Persuasion 4D6, Charm 1B) for the other 2 garrisons.
>>
>>4825064

Sorry, internet was lagging behind. I had posted before I saw yours.
>>
>>4825073
Support
>>
So what's the goal bros?

We establish Essaria and then head east, conquer the Dothraki?

Or do you guys want to fuck with the West
>>
Rolled 6, 1, 4, 6, 3, 5, 2, 2, 6, 3 = 38 (10d6)

>>4825075
Probably best to leave the local garrison commanders in charge of the forts for now then, tell them they are carrying out guard action to secure the future of Valyria or summit.
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 2, 2, 6, 6, 4, 3, 4, 6 = 40 (10d6)

>>4825075
Rollin'

Give us the 6's dice gods
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 1, 5, 2 = 19 (5d6)

>>4825075
>>
>>4825088
For now we try to make Essaria a base of operations, then we decide.

Also where are my battleboars?
>>
>>4825094
>>4825093
>>4825089
Nice rolls.

>>4825073
Going with this.
>>
>>4825064
infighting is quite impossible. Deciding the future imperial point is too important honestly, and this small decision is in part connect to this.
And it will inevitably leave a side unsatisfied. No matter what the other side offers.


>>4824995
Leave 200 men garrison
>>
I feel like it would be semi-reasonable for us to form a Khalasar loyal to us. Sure, we look foreign, but if the coolest Khals ride horses, then we must be the COOLEST Khal to ride a dragon.

Learn the language, maybe have a Dothraki concubine/wife (that puts as at three including Shiera and Johanna, yeah?) and that way we can direct the khalasar in a direction we'd like
>>
>>4825106
The idea was soundly rejected by the players, but you can ask for players to vote for your idea, but see >>4824866
>>
>>4825106
>Sure, we look foreign, but if the coolest Khals ride horses, then we must be the COOLEST Khal to ride a dragon.
True or just enslave them.
>>
>>4825116
they're the people most receptive to subjugation via conquest, that's their whole schtick.

We swoop in, roast the current Khal and his bloodriders and his sons alive and tell the rest of his warriors we're the new Khal, rinse and repeat until we have the biggest Khalasar in history and then either conquer fantasy China with our fantasy mongols or go west.

I know we want to help our bros take Casterly Rock and probably want to fuck with whatever is going on between the Free Cities, but hell, we could probably delegate a lot of the gathering of Khalasars to Shiera once we get her and her dragon on side
>>
Rolled 1, 4, 2, 1, 5, 2, 1, 2, 5, 2 = 25 (10d6)

>>4825075
>>
>>4824882
Nah i have seen one stepstone guy compromize everyone else of you is hyper defensive of remaining in the stepstones. When there are have been others that don t want to remain stuck there playing wack the ship game.


He has the right to vote for where he wants to go. Others wanted to go in Essaria too, he isn t one guy.
>>
>>4825139
It’s kinda weird to me how in a quest like this where we could go anywhere, anons want to remain as close to Westeros as possible. And yeah, I get the whole muh Reynes, muh sea trade control, but still.
>>
>>4825155
I mean since we're delaying the war of the lions what's gonna happen is ol' Alastor is gonna get assassinated in the interim.

That's what happens when you are visibly gathering strong allies and discretely asking around for other dissenters.
>>
I'm going to have go against this idea of taking over a khalassar. In large numbers the Dothraki are more trouble than they are worth. Just burn then and shatter their khalassars into none threating existace. A relative few working as mercenaries is no issue, but trying to integrating them is going to be a mayor pain in the ass for years and years to come.
>>
>>4825155
I wouldn't mind remaining on the Stepstones and controlling the sea trade. Its a fucking great idea, BUT its not workable from from Essaria, with no direct access to the sea and weeks of travel between the two even on dragonback. If we stablish ourselves closer it not only workable but synergetic. I know some people don't want to work too closely with Volantis but they are our best allies if we want to keep control of the sea and control the trade routes.
>>
>>4825219

As far as I know that is basically the plan for the Stepstones. The opportunity rose to plant those seeds now. I haven't seen anyone mention taking control or setting up there now. That was always intended to be later on.

The opposition was against cutting all ties to the west and heading further East.
>>
>>4825219
>us setting a precedent of taking over the Stepstones and other powers in the area might want to take it away from us for the potential profit
Way I look at it is that the surrounding powers will know if they fuck with the Stepstones, after we've claimed it, that we'll come and get them with a dragon.
If we evacuated it'd be free territory for them, and then we'd have to essentially declare war at a later point and be like "nah, actually I want that", which might cause some of the other cities to stand with them in a sort of defensive pact against unwarranted agression.
And at present it's a Valyrian colony, so sort of our rightful territory as a Valyrian ruler. Different story if we depopulate it.
>>
>>4825245

Exactly
>>
>>4825219
With Lys fleets burned in a crisps recently by us, and the War of Conquest coming near, the last thing they need to do is coming to the Stepstones and bother us.

We don't know how long it will take them to make another fleet after what we did to them, but i'm sure that the weeks we take to heal and those that we needed until this moment, they aren't ready yet. Plus, if we didn't take so much time we should still need to go to Volantis and take the money left of our Family, surely enough to sustain the people of the Stepstones and other projects we may have in the Winter
>>
Actually, can someone who really know about ASOIAF what was the name of the war that are trying to bring control over Lys and all those other cities? I really can recall the name of the event but anons have mentioned it in the previous thread
>>
>>4825278

On a similar note, if anyone with knowledge could enlighten me about Kyrkoon I would appreciate it.
>>
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>>4824657
> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 18 vs 10 (DC)
> Great Success! Two Degrees of Success!

> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 20 vs 10 (DC)
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

Over the next couple of days you spread out your forces, taking possession of the many smaller islands of the archipelago. You manage to convince the garrisons of the Last Refuge and Sunstone to join you as well, bringing the total number of your Valyrian soldiers to 1500, and of Valyrian colonists to 3500.

But then it comes the question of “What to do with the islands?”

If you plan to move East, in order to build a safe base of operations, it will be hard to actually keep control of the Stepstones. On the other hand…their position, midway between Essos and Westeros, would allow you to control the shipping lanes, when trade will pick up in the near future.

You spent deep in the night debating with Horonno, as well as your military advisors (primarily Sir Humfrey Sarsfield, 4th son of Lord Sarsfield of the Westerlands, and Alyn Sorienos, the commander of the garrison of Sunstone), before they reached a consensus and submitted their conclusions to you.

You can keep the Stepstones. Their defensive positions could be strong enough that only a very determined enemy could take them, thanks to the intimate knowledge of the islands and reefs the local Valyrians have.

Of course, having an ally in the area to help defend this outpost of your soon-to-be Empire would make this easier..

Moreover, it begs the question of who exactly you would leave behind to rule in your name…

Pick one
> Humfrey Sarsfield
> Alyn Sorienos

Even once you choose who to leave behind, it then begs the question of how many soldiers to leave behind, given your limited forces.
>>
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>>4825287
It’s at this point that Horonno makes an outrageous proposal, which might just work: why not simply declare for the Triarchs of Volantis? At this point it’s no secret that they are amassing their forces – Volantis being a metropolis second only to Old Valyria in the Freehold, they can field armies that (push come to shove) could number in the hundreds of thousands, as well as hundreds of galleys.

A large, powerful nation that seems ideologically aligned with you (at least at first – you’d need to sort out how to reconcile your ambitions with their own..) in restoring the Freehold, and that could easily offer you “cover” in the West, thus leaving you free hands in the East.

Alyn Sorienos offers a different path going forward: he is a true son of Old Valyria, and like all Valyrians from the capital itself, grew up accustomed to the rule of the Great Ten families. He sees no reason why you should lower yourself to beg for help from these…merchants. You are a Dragonlord. Ruling over the Freehold is your birthright.

He points out that this is truly a deeply ingrained concept in the Valyrian people – the common people would rally to your banner en mass, were you to declare a new Freehold under the Belaerys Dynasty, especially if you could get the support of the other surviving Dragonlord dynasties. Anyone that would dare to stand against you would fall, be either by arms or internal revolt.

The Westerosi is silent. He recognizes that he does not know enough of your homeland to suggest anything new regarding political solutions, but…he can offer you something much more precious – experience. A man who reached old age in a profession where most men die young is someone that you should listen to – he proposes that you do not accept any binding agreement. Your main power is your dragon, and your capacity to rally the common people to your cause. Play to your strengths – weren’t you planning to found the seed for a new Freehold in the Nort-East? Why not push a mass propaganda campaign in order to progressively drain your enemies of everything they are worth, be it skilled laborers, merchants, etc?

Which path will you take, going forward?
> a) Declare for Volantis (write-in for another city allowed; you will participate actively in the Century of Blood)
> b) I shall rule uncontested! (can still negotiate a non-aggression pact with Volantis/other cities, but it will end with total war)
> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
> d) Write-in
>>
>>4825282
>>4825278
It's simply called the "Century of Blood", for it was a war of Volantis vs everyone else that lasted a century.

Hyrkoon was a nation that stretched astride the great mountain chain in the middle of Essos, but died out when the streams and lakes surrounding it dried off. 3 city-states are all that's left in the time of the books.

The death of the central East-West trade route also didn't help the kingdom.
>>
>>4825287
> Alyn Sorienos
> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
>>
>>4825287

> Alyn Sorienos

He knows the place better than anyone, probably have the support of the men as well.

>>4825289

> b) I shall rule uncontested! (can still negotiate a non-aggression pact with Volantis/other cities, but it will end with total war)

Possibly c) depending on how we want to work things. I feel like a) isn't a great option though. We would have to overthrow them eventually if we mean to stick with our ambitions.
>>
There is no right or wrong option. You can mix and match here (or later on). All I'm doing is to offer you the 3 "pure" approaches you could take:

a) Take a side in the Century of Blood
b) Play up the imperial propaganda of your heritage, and claim dominion over all the Freehold (the propaganda would be even stronger if you had the support of the other Dragonlord dynasties, for you would be THE legitimate government of Old Valyria)
c) The "Wait-and-See-while-I-burn-down-the-Dothraki-Sea" approach.
>>
>>4825287
>>4825289
>> Alyn Sorienos
>> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
>>
>>4825289
> Alyn Sorienos
>a) Declare for Volantis (write-in for another city allowed; you will participate actively in the Century of Blood)

Might have to deal with the politics but we will have to greatest support structure.
>>
>>4825303

My personal preference would to be lead Volantis on as allies focusing on gathering power in the east while they keep all the free cities occupied in their wars. Once we have met up with Sheira and amassed our forces we sweep back through reclaiming all the old Valyrian freehold as our new empire as well as expanding into other previously uncontrolled lands.(Qarth, Sarnor, whatever the players want)

I just don't want to spend our lives in Essaria fighting Dothraki and being King of the middle of no where.
>>
>>4825287
> Alyn Sorienos
Local knowledge, and he seems loyal enough, given that he is pushing the idea that we and not Volantis should rule the empire.

>>4825289
> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
I'd like to pick b) but just fear we don't have the strength at present to make it happen. That's the end goal though!
Maybe initially we could work together with Volantis (like how Germany and Russia split Poland) and expand together.
>>
>>4825309
Yours is a good idea, like all the others. There is no right or wrong option here, just different approaches.

Given the importance of the vote, I will let the vote run for another 20-30 minutes or so.
>>
>>4825287
> Alyn Sorienos


>>4825289
>> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
>>
>>4825310

Depending on how things go we could gather strength quite quickly. A lot depends on meeting up with Sheira and her family as well as other potential relatives/dragonlords that survived.
>>
Just a quick note - do understand that the Stepstone were an easy conquest because:
a) The garrisons were citizens from Old Valyria itself - they were chosen to guard this important area (for trade) due to their implicit loyalty to the Status Quo that you represent.
b) The Islands themselves are quite small and isolated - you could have easily stormed them with the support of your dragon
c) They were starving and stranded..and they knew it - they were (almost) ready to swear fealty to anyone passing by, had he promised to feed them.

Future conquests (or power plays) will be much harder to pull off unless you come up with some wild/great ideas
>>
>>4825316
Possibly. Do we know how we plan to meet or attract other dragonlords?
And I agree with your thoughts here >>4825309

>>4825321
>they were (almost) ready to swear fealty to anyone passing by, had he promised to feed them
I feared that they might do the same after we left, given we basically just popped in for short period of time and declared ourselves ruler. And they mightn't be willing to risk their lives against a would be attacker for someone they barely know.
But the garrison commander seems like a loyal Valyrian, based on initial impressions at least.
>>
>>4825289
>> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)

>>4824925 this is me using this ip
>>
>>4825324

Hoping to find some information in Volantis. I believe Elyria may have been mentioned as where some of our possessions or family could possibly be too.
>>
>>4825287
>Alyn Sorienos
Better if the leader is a already known person in the Island, plus, Humfrey will bring a new light when we need to think in new strategies and be another wise voice in the taking of options, instead of only depend on the perspective of Horono

>>4825289
I would really like a mix of b) and c). Hear me out anons
We have a soon-to-be important place for comerce, and havin Reynes as an ally he can start talking of the Stepstones and the advantage of it's position with trading to his other nobles and merchants allies.
First we should start amass our money once the winter is over, playing the long game and seeing what is going to happen. Soon there's going to be news about a misterious Dragonlord of the Valyran Dinasty and sure that's going to bring the attention of the other surviving Dragonlords.
We start making friends with them and all that, but once we have a solid ground we shall then spreading the propaganda.

It might be a shitty idea, but still I wanna know what do you think about it and if my was of thinking is right or not so bad
>>
>>4825331
>I would really like a mix of b) and c).
>once we have a solid ground we shall then spreading the propaganda
Sorta my preference also. Proclaim ourselves as the rightful ruler, once we have a somewhat decent powerbase in place.
>>
>>4825331

This is pretty on par for what I was thinking. Having garrisons loyal to us staying in the Stepstones is an unexpected and welcome benefit. Hopefully they can hold things down until we return. With the short winter about to set in I don't see trade being viable for a bit but that could play to our advantage as well if no one bothers them while we are gone. Agree with the bit about other Dragonlords
>>
>>4825289
> Alyn Sorienos
> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
>>
I'm making myself some coffee before writing the next scene, but I am quite disappointed by the lack of a very obvious thing you could already do to help the Reynes.

I'm not going to say what it is, just that you guys lack imagination (if you don't come up with it on your own, I'll essentially have Sheira come up with it later on)
>>
>>4825331
my way of thinking*

yikes, I don't know what happened there
>>
Still, let me sum the votes in the meantime.

Seems there is pretty much unanimity in leaving Alyn Soreinos in charge of the Stepstones.

>>4825294
>>4825300
>>4825310
>>4825315
>>4825326
>>4825349
> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)

>>4825297
> b) I shall rule uncontested! (can still negotiate a non-aggression pact with Volantis/other cities, but it will end with total war)

>>4825302
>a) Declare for Volantis (write-in for another city allowed; you will participate actively in the Century of Blood)

>>4825331
Mix of b) and c)

It seems we're going with the original plan of setting up a base of operations in the East and then sweeping West. More than fine by me.
>>
>>4825354
prob give it to them? Not like they need MORE money but I guess it's an idea
>>
>>4825354
...bring Alastor's son with us? (That's probably very likely not it!)
>>
>>4825354
>a very obvious thing you could already do to help the Reynes.
Burn Lancel? :)
>>
>>4825362
>backwards Westerosi ruling over superior civilised Valyrian citizens
Unacceptable.
>>
>>4825354

Send word to Alastor informing him of our control of the Stepstones and putting him in control (if he likes the idea) as our ally. This would not only give us a link to send goods back west and for resupplies to be sent east if we need them but also would allow the Reynes to control trade coming into Westeros, possibly giving them the opportunity to take out Lannister trade ships making them weaker and the Reynes stronger at the same time. If done right the Lannisters would just think its pirates, would provide a leg up when it came to overthrowing them.

It would also provide a better means to keep the islands supplied during the winter.
>>
>>4825287
>>4825289
>> Alyn Sorienos
>> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)
>>
>>4825385
Putting Alastor in control?... I mean, sure we can do that, or make some boats and make our own people be the "pirates" that go and fuck things up for the Lannisters. Alastor won't be informed, and luckly the Lannisters aren't going to finally know that it was us the whole time until it's too late and Reynes is going to take the final blow

if we get caught the "our pirates" can be the escape goats, or even admint our crimes and find a way to defend ourselves. The Lannisters send troops to us and suffer losses, they're going to be weak and then Reynes is going to be ahead of them.
>>
>>4825385
You're 90% there. My own idea would have been not to give the Reynes control, since you guys will need this area later on, but to simply..."invite" the Reynes to help you "patrol" the area with their own ships.

Like you said, they could weaken the Lannister's hold on trade by "playing" pirates, especially if you gave them incentives (e.g. a reduced toll). You could ask for a % of the wealth captures, and then resell it in Volantis at a profit.

Just a hint - I love to focus on the bigger world, rather than the small individual stories. This means that, had you not thought of taking over the Stepstones, Tyrosh would have in short order since (like I said) the same conditions that allowed you guys to take over, would have enabled them to do the same.

Another example - by deciding to take refuge in the West, you missed the chance to intercept some interesting people going back to Braavos from what were the Fourteen Flames.
>>
>>4825406

That's kind of what I was thinking. Not so much that he goes and sets up a castle there or anything. Just that he sends men to basically pirate the waters around while helping resupply the islands. Give them plausible deniability if questioned about it but benefits the long term goal.

We could do it with out telling him as well but they wouldn't benefit as much if they could take the gold back home. The people on the islands needs food more than gold, which they could assist with as well. We wouldn't have to rely on resupplies from Volantis and someone of import finding out what we were doing there. Better to keep a low profile, Alastor is a strong ally already.
>>
>>4825415
And no, I don't mean Faceless Men

Also, writing.
>>
>>4825289
>> c) Play the long game (you will focus on building up Essaria before sweeping in from the East)

Sweep in with a Khalasar
>>
>>4825415

See, I could have worded it better but a mix of >>4825406
and this >>4825418
is pretty much it.

Any chance you can spoiler who those people were/are when it would no longer be relevant to any decisions we make? Now i'm curious but I know they could still come in to play. Whenever it wouldn't be an issue
>>
>>4825428
They will come into play later on
>>
>>4825436

I figured they might, maybe after we meet them then.
>>
Last question before sending the next scene - do I include this? >>4825346,>>4825385
>>
>>4825446
Patrol and send supplies? I'm down with that.
Giving control of the settlements? Think Alyn has that covered.
>>
>>4825446
Yeah it sounds pretty clever.
>>
>>4825446

I vote yes.
Not explicit control, more inviting to pirate like here >>4825406 and here >>4825418
>>
>>4825446
See >>4825428

Basically the fake pirates idea, but without the part of Alastor taking control of the Stepstones.

And of course, the best is that other anons (if there's still anyone aside than just >>4825428
and I) decide if this is a good idea
>>
>>4825446
I'm going to say no just out of principle that you basically handed it to us. No offense meant love the quest
>>
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>>4825289
You nod, listening to their advice, before communicating them your decision – you will leave behind Alyn Sorienos, for he is already known to the locals and has the most experience of the area out of all your military advisors.

You will also leave him the vast majority of the current Garrisons, while bringing with you the most elite troops the the islands have to offer, as well as the Westerosi mercenaries – with the exception of a small contingent you plan to leave behind to better coordinate with Alastor’s men, since you sent a messenger carrying a plan back to Castamere. A plan to progressively sap the Lannisters of their strength, while enriching yourself and the Reynes at their expenses…

In essence you are proposing to Alastor that his galleys stay behind after you release them from your service, under the pretense of helping you defend your new domain. That would allow them to harass and capture as many ships bearing the Golden Lion flag as possible, while acting under a the guise of pirates.

It’s a clever plan and you’re proud of having come up with it yourself, without external inputs.

Apart from that, you plan to head East – to Volantis first, in order to recover as much of your family wealth as possible (and to see if you can find information relevant to tracking down stray members of your family that might have survived the Doom) and then onward to Essaria, passing through the Eastern Marches of the Volantene domain.

It doesn’t take much for the others to approve of your ideas, but as you are about to dismiss the council Humfrey Sarsfield takes up the glass of wine you offered him and makes a bold proposal:

> “I might not know how you Valyrians do things, but we Westerosi have a thing called “right of conquest”. I say we have conquered these isles fair and square, and so we should recognize the ruler of said islands with an appropriate title!”

Alyn seems surprised for a second before picking up his own glass and cheering on

> “To the Archon of the Stepstones, Rhogar Belaerys!”

You admit that the thought of claiming such a title is…attractive to say the least. It’s not an overbearing title such as “Emperor” or “King”, so it would not provoke too much resentment on part of your neighbors (Archons essentially meaning “Ruler”, “Governor”), but it would render your dominion over the Stepstones official, thus giving you formal recognition (or a claim to, at least) in the eyes of other geopolitical nations.

What will you do?
> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
> Let’s…not. Not yet.
>>
This is the last scene for today, and while it is primarily flavor, claiming a title will give your claim more legitimacy in the eyes of your peers. It will essentially elevate you from "random noble, notable for having a dragon and a famous Dynasty name", to "Rhogar Belaerys, Dragonlord of Valyria and Archon of the Stepstone".

On the other hand it will attract more attention. I just wished to give you guys the option.

What have you accomplished today:
> You left Westeros with a small army
> You managed to recruit all 3 Garrisons of the Stepstones as well as their families (colonists)
> You managed to decide our intermediate destination (Volantis, then Essaria)
> You discussed on how to shape our relationship vis à vis with Volantis, and reached a conclusion
> You had a good idea to progressively weaken the Lannisters
> You formulated a plan of action to keep the Stepstones under control, while moving on with the rest of the army.

All in all a slower, but quite entertaining session in my humble opinion.
>>
>>4825525
>Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
Personally don't care about going West, but it'll help for negotiating with the Volantenes and everyone out east really.
>>
>>4825525
> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
That's one way to get the attention of some of the other Valyrian families, and hopefully bring a number of them over to our cause.
>>
>>4825525

> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
>>
>>4825537
Thanks QM, sleep well!
>>
>>4825537

Very much enjoyed it, as always!
>>
>>4825550
>>4825547
Thanks to you both guys, see you tomorrow for Rhogar's arrival to Volantis and everything that will come of it.

I suggest you (and others) prepare a small list of things you'd like to do/see in Volantis, since for now this is the biggest city in the world, so..anything can be bough and sold.

And note that I updated your char sheet with the money Alastor gave you (Inventory)

https://pastebin.com/4XzbhfsP
>>
>>4825525
>> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
Having some clout would do us good right now, I feel.
>>
>>4825525
> Let’s…not. Not yet
>>
>>4824835
>>4824862
For the future, I'm completely backing these two anons.
I've wanted to head north to unite Essaria and Sarnor from the beginning (we should have gone straight to Volantis after burning Lys' fleet, y'all). There's minimal trade going through the Stepstones right now and Westeros just seems overdone - I want to give our QM the freedom to expand on some of the more interesting and unusual sights further east.

Still, it seems like we made the right choice in the end (claiming the Stepstones as ours and leaving some forces in place to maintain the claim but not getting bogged down there).

>>4825525
>> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
>>
>>4824835
>>4824862
>>4825569
Agreeing with all these anons. Let the Westerosi squabble over their shithole (with the exception of the Reynes since we agreed to help them) we’ve got a bigger and better empire to build.
>>
>>4825569
>>4825561
>>4825544
>>4825543
>>4825539
All hail Rhogar Belaerys, Heir of the Belaerys Dynasty, Dragonlord of Old Valyria and Archon of the Stepstones!

And now I can go to sleep. Notice that I have modified your character sheet with a new line - "Titles"
>>
>>4825569

>Westeros is overdone

Maybe everyone hasn't played as many games as you guys. Just because you've done it alot doesn't mean others have. This isn't a vote for lets go take over and rule Westeros, I've never been of that plan. But to completely exclude it when most of the votes (We decided to go there first and rest..) have been to keep ties with the alliance that QM set our character up with there. If you didn't want anything to do with Westeros then we should have told the Reynes to give us money to settle up and said goodbye

That's completely out of character though. We should at least be running that through our mind when we make a decision, not just what you want to do. I'm fine compromising with doing lots of things in the east, exploring pretty much anywhere but that doesn't mean we have to ONLY play in the far east.

>Dothraki

I don't see how there is anything new or exciting about fighting them. If your guys intent is to explore content that's less known why choose to gatekeep Dothraki in the middle of nowhere Essos?
>>
>>4825525
>> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
>>
>>4825587
>why choose to gatekeep Dothraki in the middle of nowhere Essos?
Well in my case it’s because I don’t want them to destroy a valuable Valyrian colony and permanently fuck up a highly profitable trade route.
>>
>>4825622

There are lots of valuable Valyrian colonies but we are just choosing one? Also its been stated numerous times if trade is our primary goal Qarth is what we need to take.

I thought our ambition was to take over the entirety of the old Valyrian empire and possibly add more, not settle in the middle of no where to fight dothraki.
>>
>>4825587
>complains about doing stuff in westeros
>complains about fighting dothraki in essos
Next you'll tell me exploring Sothoryos is blase.
>>
>>4825645

You obviously have comprehension issues. Both statements are completely false in all but the vaguest of perspectives and misrepresent every point I've made.
>>
>>4825657
I'm just busting your balls m8. Relax.
>>
>>4825569
The only interesting thing in Westeros is that there 3 baby dragons there right now. Otherwise I mostly agree with you
>>
>>4825640
Essaria is the center of West-East trade and brings in almost as much money as the Stepstones. Preventing the Dothraki from destroying this place means we’ll have more money, and more money means more fuel for our conquests.
>>
>>4825645

My bad. Hard to tell the jokes from the actual arguments.

>>4825666

I have no problems taking advantage of Essaria/ensuring its survival/setting it up as part of our empire or helping against the Dothraki. I just don't want it to turn in to only that and forego any of the other ambitions that anons playing have. We can do some of those things with out actually being there just as we are with the Stepstones now once we have ourselves established a bit.
>>
>>4825692
>My bad. Hard to tell the jokes from the actual arguments.
S'all good. Just trying to cut the tension.
>>
>>4825586
Great quest QM. That's all. I eagerly await the next session (even though I just lurk) so please keep up the good work.
>>
>>4825692
Of course, I just want to make sure it’s secure and ready when the Dothraki come, even if we’re not there. After that I’m up for conquering anywhere anons want to go.
>>
By the time we've got Essaria and Sarnor securely under control then Valyria might have cooled down enough for us to rustle up some arcane tomes or Valyrian steel armour. Or maybe journey to Asshai and Yi-Ti.

I'm really fucking keen to build towards becoming a magelord on a dragon.
>>
>>4825706

I'm fine with that. I never said I didn't want it part of our empire. I liked the idea of adding it as a part of a larger empire.
>>
>>4825732
>Valyria might have cooled down enough for us to rustle up some arcane tomes or Valyrian steel armour
Honestly, part of our storybook cousin's mistake was going back in a week and a half after 14 of Planetos' biggest volcanos collectivley flipped their lids. What a dumbass.
>>
>>4825732
I think it's not just the heat but genuinely toxic air. Sulfurous and delicious. Put them together and you've got a lot of dead anythings. And the seas nearby are supposed bubbling and the wind foul for like four more centuries at least. I know that's what happens when a bunch of active volcanoes become a barrier but still. I don't think it will be feasible to get to Valyria for centuries.

I think the best we can do is lean on Horonno to try and figure out the steel. Waifu's mommy knows at least some magic so we can try to learn some from her. Alternatively we can try to pick some up from various places across Essos. Depending on what kind you want. Maybe some of the survivors have some stuff from Valyria with them still.
>>
>>4825782
What was Aurion even thinking when he decided to march on Valyria? Did he think he was gonna fight the volcanos?
>>
>all this gay ass planning about conquering and being a king and shit
I just want to coom, when do we find our waifu
>>
>>4825790
Didn't Caligula declare war on the ocean? Aurion very well might have thought stabbing a volcano may work. Or the tales of demons are more real than we think. Or there are just bigger, even meaner dragons there now. And they don't want any solicitors.
>>
>>4825791

Touche
>>
>>4825793
>Or there are just bigger, even meaner dragons there now. And they don't want any solicitors.
Judging by the existence of Firewyrms and what happened to Aerea Targaryen and Balerion, I wouldn’t be surprised.
>>
>>4825804
>firewyrms
Damn I forgot those even existed. Wonder if they survived. Maybe they caused the doom. What do they taste like you reckon?

Well now it's a toss up between the biggest daddy firewyrm keeping people away or DoublePlusDragons. I'm just going to say it's big mega dragons literally made out of molten rock and fire. Because that's rad.
>>
>>4825804
Frost Dragons from the Shivering Sea are apparently significantly bigger than the Valyrian breed. Could be something to consider if we Empire build from Essaria.
>>
>>4825807
>Maybe they caused the doom
Could’ve distured the magma chambers while digging one of their tunnels perhaps.
>Wonder if they survived.
More than likely. I can’t think of much else that could’ve fucked up Belarion, other than another even bigger dragon.
>What do they taste like you reckon?
Chicken
>>
>>4825791
Our waifu is gonna roll a 1 in Asshai
>>
>>4825813
>I can’t think of much else that could’ve fucked up Belarion
Maybe he uh, slipped on a banana cloud and dove at mach two into a pointy cliff or three?

>>4825817
I'll riot.
>>
>>4825821
The Doom is a truly treacherous place
>>
How did Euron get into and out of Valyria safely bros? Will it take 400 years for the dust and monsters to clear?
>>
>>4825832
It's possible that Euron is just talking out his ass and he found the horn somewhere else. Then again Euron has some serious fuckery about him. Maybe the Drowned God is sucking him off on the oceans. But I certainly wouldn't go anywhere near that place in our lifetime at least.
>>
>>4825832
Being insane and magic probably helps
>>
>>4825525
>> Cheers to the Archon of the Stepstones! Let this be the first step toward the restoration of our great Freehold!
>>
>>4825560
Welp, it's late, but still i'm ging to left here the list of thinks we should (Or I like) to do/see in Volantis.

>Go get our family wealth
>Look for those candels Sheira used to contact us, maybe 2 or 3 if they aren't expensive
>Look for some books about Valyrian steall and how to work with it
>Look for a trusty blacksmith that might like to come to the Stepstones after the winter is over
>More books (Maybe farming, smithing in case we don't find a blacksmith, books about politics and maps of Essaria/Essos/Sarnor and maybe fishing or anything we can use to get some benefits with the fauna and flora of the Stepstones)
>Maybe magic tomes? If there are those.
>Things we might need for winter (Warm clothes if there's any in this time, in which case they might be cheaper)

For the moment the list only includes shopping because I don't know nothing about the setting and less about Volantis, so if some anon knows something interesting in the city we should be looking for or anything go ahead
>>
>>4825817
Hasn't she already rolled double 1s once, which just gave her a lucrative trade deal?
>>
Legitimacy is such a meaningless thing. What matters is if we hold it. For all intents and purposes, we're already Archon, so we may as well claim the title.

Siding with Volantis is a good way to piss off all the other cities. Best we let them burn each other down while we take control of Essaria, gaining an experienced army, experience for ourselves, and renown for holding back the barbarians from overrunning the civilized world. When we're done, the free cities will beg us to come back and rule them.

>>4825832
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF3g4Ua5e7k
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 6, 5, 1, 4 = 23 (6d6)

Ok, before begging to write down the pastebin for Volantis and the Stepstone, let's "clean house".

Sheira
Aurion
?????
>>
>>4825560
>Try to recover family wealth
>Acquire some glass candles in order to contact Shiera
>Inquire as to what the powers that be in Volantis are planning to do in the short to medium term, and how it may affect what we plan on doing.
>Find out what became of the other dragonlords and the Valyrian families. Is there any lead we could follow up to try recruit some of them to our cause or ally with them.
>Possibly mention we destroyed the Lysene fleet.
Books, tomes and specialists other anons likely have a better idea what might be useful for us.
>>
>>4826546
>11
that's a pretty good roll for the supposed emperor, I think. Don't exactly have the table in front of me
>>
>>4825950
>>4826555

I like these ideas for things to look for/do while in Volantis.

There was mention of millions of refugees pouring in to the already large population there. We could try to recruit some of the more loyal and ambitious of those that survived and are potentially looking for revenge or a new home now that theirs is gone. I'm sure some would rather follow a Dragonlord than be a refugee in Volantis, probably being pulled in to their wars with less of a chance for wealth or glory.
>>
>>4826678
I don't feel that's a good idea to take the refugees of Volantis. If I remember correctly Reynes give us money, food and wine for the people that was already in the Stepstones (and I supose also enough for our mercenaries and soldiers).

If we come back with more people it won't be enough for the people that we already have and that's going to be a problem once the Winter is near.

But if our family wealth is more than enough for taking refugees and maintain them and enough for making things ourselves for all that period until we can make use of the trade route, then let's do it
>>
>>4826555
>>4826678
Even if we don't fully join Volantis we should we should endeavor to keep a good relation or alliance with them. We already doing them plenty of favor by burning the Lysine fleet and by controlling the Stepstones we can effectible keep Lyse, Pentos and Tyrosh divided. Plenty of bargaining power for whatever we want to ask of them.
>>
>>4826715

I more meant taking the ones willing and able to fight. We wouldn't be bringing these to the Stepstones, I was thinking more of taking them on the trip to Essaria. One of the main reasons we were headed there was to build up our forces more, this seems a good opportunity if any are trained. There could also be many merchants, blacksmiths, etc. We would need many of those exact things to for our fledgling empire. They are our people too after all.

>>4826727

I believe that was the plan. I was more speaking to all the refugees that are entering the city from the Doom. They would probably be happy if we took some of them with us. I'm not sure how many people the city can sustain.
>>
>>4826746
Taking refugees off their hands is a good idea. We get additional people and it likely alleviates some pressure on their resources and city, which they hopefully will thank us for.
>>
>>4826650
It's my own homebrewed table though, so..give it back if you found it - I can't find it
>>
>>4826746
>>4826750
Well, in that case It could be a good idea. The majority of the people we bring from Westeros could stay in the Stepstones, we bring the refugees there, and once the winter is over all those refugees come with us to Essaria to build our Empire, while Alyn controls the Stepstones and we do some time to time visit over there.

Also, we should tell to Volantis King/Emperor/Whatever what we did to Lys fleet and that plus the refugees we take surely will be enough so they can own us a favor or something
>>
>>4826895
>Volantis King

Triarchs, three elected officials that server for one year.
>>
>>4826920
Thanks for clarify it, anon
>>
>>4826869
No, I must protect the dragonlords from the whims of rng
>>
Rolled 2 (1d6)

Ok, final roll and I'm finally free.

Hoping for above 5 desu
>>
>>4827056
rip. Who lost a hand?
>>
>>4826954
RNG cannot be defied
>>4827056
oh no
>>
>>4827056
hoping that hope was for shenanigance
>>
Given I'm finally free from family "duties", here I am.

Updated Sheira's character sheet: https://pastebin.com/FUE8dQhe

Note - she gained XP via 2 of the rolls I made for a total of 60XP, I dropped one of her Abilities to 1 (total of 110 XP) and then won 50 XP at the battle of the Five Forts (160 XP).

I spent 60 on improving her stats, 100 on 2 Benefits
>>
>>4826895
I don't think we should stay in the stepstones for the whole winter, it would be better to get a early start in Essaria.
>>
>>4827056
>>4827091
What's going on, QM

I'm scared
>>
>>4827124
Well, you're right, better if we wait for now
>>
>>4827127
I'm writing the next scene which was determined by these rolls.
>>
I am back. I saw you guys had an animated discussion on the future of the Stepstones and stance on Volantis.
>>
>>4827223
Also Sheira is on the path to wizardhood.
>>
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>>4825586
That night you sleep deeply, resting from the eventful day.

It is peaceful here, in the land of dreams, far away from the waking world where you know war will soon break out. You rest along the banks of a small stream made of liquid silver, beneath the light of a thousand unknown stars, when you notice two arms hugging you from behind, and hear a quiet sobbing.

In your dream, you turn your head and lock eyes with the woman who has defied time and space in order to be with you again – Sheira Soranyen.

She doesn’t let you speak, capturing your lips with hers while holding you close.

In a dream time means nothing, and so a kiss can last only a second or a thousand lifetimes.

But in the end every thing must end, and so you break the kiss, still looking transfixed in each other’s eyes

> “…I have looked for you for such a long time, not knowing if you were alive, or..bleeding out somewhere, forever lost to me”

She whispers the last part, grabbing your clothes tightly. Before you can say anything, she brings your head down, kissing you once again.

This time you do not resist and let her take the lead – she has always been the impetuous one between you two.

You remember the first time you met her in the great city of Velos – some poets write of “love at first sight” and you do not know whether they are right or not. What you do know, is that Sheira chose you.

She told you so herself years later, when she claimed the right of marrying you even against the opposition of the Matriarch of your Dynasty, and much to the amusement of your father.
The Matriarch laughed at this young child and her arrogance, until said “young child” presented a simple list – merchants, traders…almost a quarter of your dynasty agents -, explaining that her associates accepted her proposal of forming a new trade circuit and that they would gladly follow her lead in redirecting their efforts from supplying your Dynasty’s docks in Elyria to attempting to profit from direct trade with Qarth…unless the Matriarch gave her blessing to your betrothment, thus sealing once and for all the alliance between your family and hers.

To say she is the most beautiful woman you have ever seen would not be too far from the truth – platinum blonde hairs complemented by the purple eyes so common in her family, Sheira has a sharp mind and an even more impressive…presence.

And yet, you would have never dreamed that she could do what she apparently has achieved – to see thousands of miles away, to communicate via dreams, and to reach one’s loved, even if they were at the other end of the world.

The rest of the dream is but a blue, by the time you wake up.

…you remember the final words she spoke – “I will see you in Essaria, if that’s your destination my love. Look for Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter – I left many things in her custody”

And with a smile, you wake up, to the dawn of a new day.
>>
NOTE - this scene was not pre-written. I wrote (and rewrote it) after I rolled for Sheira and saw that her specialization would be "Divination".

Now..onto Volantis.
>>
the only time i'll condone cousin fucking
>>
Quick vote - how do you plan to arrive to Volantis?

a) Shock and Awe - riding Urrax above our armada, bringing Valyrian soldiers at the forefront, with the mercenaries at the back on the column. We shall march in front of the Volantene and show them that the Blood of Valyria is not yet dead, proudly displaying the valyrian steel circlet that symbolizes our rank as the Dragonlord of Old Valyria, Archon of the Stepstones and Humbler of Lys.

b) More subdued - we shall request a meeting with the Triarchs and negotiate privately

20 minutes for voting
>>
>>4827272
To present yourself to the Volatis*
>>
>>4827230

Welcome back! Indeed, though I think it was more a slight misunderstanding of intent.

>>4827259

Nice!

>>4827230

Sexy sorceress waifu, yes please
>>
>>4827275
>>4827261
Today will be a relatively short session - I (sadly) have a lot of things to do tomorrow, but I'd rather run a shorter session than not run
>>
>>4827272
Hmm, the hype from the burning of Lys' armada might've died down but I think we can still ride the wave of it a little
>a) Shock and Awe
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe - riding Urrax above our armada, bringing Valyrian soldiers at the forefront, with the mercenaries at the back on the column. We shall march in front of the Volantene and show them that the Blood of Valyria is not yet dead, proudly displaying the valyrian steel circlet that symbolizes our rank as the Dragonlord of Old Valyria, Archon of the Stepstones and Humbler of Lys.
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe - riding Urrax above our armada, bringing Valyrian soldiers at the forefront, with the mercenaries at the back on the column. We shall march in front of the Volantene and show them that the Blood of Valyria is not yet dead, proudly displaying the valyrian steel circlet that symbolizes our rank as the Dragonlord of Old Valyria, Archon of the Stepstones and Humbler of Lys.

No question about it.
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe
Doesn’t hurt to show off every now and then.
>>
>>4827272

a) Shock and Awe - riding Urrax above our armada, bringing Valyrian soldiers at the forefront, with the mercenaries at the back on the column. We shall march in front of the Volantene and show them that the Blood of Valyria is not yet dead, proudly displaying the valyrian steel circlet that symbolizes our rank as the Dragonlord of Old Valyria, Archon of the Stepstones and Humbler of Lys.

We are arriving at potential allies, they shouldn't see it as a threat. We just want to show how valuable an ally we can be.

It would also be better for recruiting refugees or other loyal Valyrians to join us. Letting them know all is not lost and they have a savior of the Freehold in us.
>>
>>4827272
>Shock and Awe
But it would be awesome if first they see the Armada coming and then we came with Urrax

They might attack us out of fear, but you know, what is important is the presentation (Or they might have heard of us and our entrance with Reynes back in Westero
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe
Go big or... die.

>>4827257
Very cool!
>>
>>4827276

I agree, better than nothing at all. And no worries, we understand you have more going on in life than running this quest for us.
>>
>>4827272
>b) More subdued - we shall request a meeting with the Triarchs and negotiate privately
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe

Lets go.
>>
>>4827272
>a) Shock and Awe - riding Urrax above our armada, bringing Valyrian soldiers at the forefront, with the mercenaries at the back on the column. We shall march in front of the Volantene and show them that the Blood of Valyria is not yet dead, proudly displaying the valyrian steel circlet that symbolizes our rank as the Dragonlord of Old Valyria, Archon of the Stepstones and Humbler of Lys.
Throwing around VS like candy, it seems.
>>
Roll me 5D6 (persuasion 4D6, Charm 1B)
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 3, 1, 4 = 12 (5d6)

>>4827324
Loud diplomacy.
>>
Rolled 1, 4, 4, 2, 4 = 15 (5d6)

>>4827324
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 1, 2, 4 = 19 (5d6)

>>4827324
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 2, 3, 1 = 16 (5d6)

>>4827324
>>
Rolled 5, 2, 3, 1 = 11 (4d6)

>>4827324
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 5, 5, 3 = 25 (5d6)

>>4827324
>>
>>4827362
damn dude, where were you?
>>
This is a case where I will let the bonuses of riding Urrax apply to Charm, since you are trying to "terrify" your potential allies by showing your power.
>>
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>>4827257
A new day, and yet…to you it feels like the world is brighter, after your “meeting” with Sheira. You know it was real, for you saw the mark on your right hand fade away over the course of the morning.

And so did the rest of your War Council, including your cousin, for he blanched at first when he saw it, smiling like a madman afterward, once you had explained what had happened during the night.

He pointed out how the Soranyen were one of the youngest and weakest dynasties…but also one of the richest (thanks to their conscious decision to pursue mercantile connections over owning land in the Valyrian Peninsula) and that if Sheira had survived in the Far East, there was a very good chance their entire Eastern trade network had survived the Doom as well – she could bring immense support to your cause, not just with her name, dragon and capacities, but in sheer volume of trade contacts.

You are not ashamed to say that you tuned him out almost immediately – the only thing on your mind being your lover.

….

Today is the day you will go to the First among the Daughters of Valyria.

Today is the day you will proclaim to the world that Valyria is not dead, and that the blood of the people who made the Freehold great still lives.

Those are the thoughts that cloud your mind, as surely as the Valyrian Steel circlet sits atop your head, for your War Council has agreed with your idea – the Volantene shall know you not simply as a Dragonlord of Old Valyria, but also as the Archon of the Stepstones and the Humbler of Lys.

It is meaningless to try and mask that it was you who burned down their fleet – as far as you know, no other Dragonlords escaped with their lives West other than the Targaryen in Westeros -, so you might as well own up to it and cloak yourself it that title.

The final stretch of the trip is a relatively short one – the ships, now heavy with soldiers not only from Westeros but also of pure Valyrian stock, slowly but surely double Vedys Cape and enter the Gulf of Volantis.

“Shock and Awe” is the key to your successful approach to the Triarch, and you know it.

> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 25 v 12
> Incredible Success! Three Degrees of Success!

It is for this reason that you ride Urrax above your small armada as you enter the immense city harbor.

It is a sight to behold – the flag of your family proudly on display on each of the ships, as well as on the cloak that adorns your shoulders, while lines of lance-wielding infantry adorn the front rows of the galleys of your armada.

You unsheathe your sword (a common sword given to you by one of your captains) and Urrax releases a jet of flames in the air as both you and your soldiers scream you Dynasty’s ancestral war cry – “Ashes to Ashes!”

The potential for misunderstandings would be very high, had you not dispatched messengers ahead of you to proclaim to the Volantene people your arrival.
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>>4827448
As things stand, you can see Volantene galleys pull alongside your own, making gestures for the crew to follow them to the Eastern Harbor – the one inside the Black Wall, the wall encircling the noble district of the city.

You follow as well, Urrax leisurely flying above the incredibly vast metropolis before coming to rest atop the Black Wall itself, releasing a deafening roar in the air and spreading its wings.

You can clearly see the cheering people in the streets, including the large crowd assembled on both sides of the wall, pointing upward at you atop your dragon.

You put your sword in its sheath and extend your arms both ways, before loudly proclaiming

> “People of Volantis! The Freehold yet lives! Valyria is not dead! The entire world shall learn that the people who conquered the world still have the strength to do so again! Let our enemies like the cowards in Lys tremble before our might!”

A simple command is enough for Urrax to release another jet of flame in the air in synch with the end of your small impromptu speech, further emphasizing your point.

The crowd, already cheerful, is now clearly in rapture – they were told the glory of Old Valyria was gone, the Dragonlords dead or fled in exile, and that no one but themselves, Volantene, could help restore the Freehold.

To see a living and breathing dragon, ancestral symbol of their civilization, is nothing more than a miracle to many of them. Your declaration further emboldens them, and you can see some even pick up the warcry your soldiers screamed at the top of their lungs – Ashes to Ashes. Indeed...
>>
The old fogeys in charge aren't going to like this.
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>>4827492
Trying to rewrite the scene where you meet the triarchs due to that..
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>>4827512
Sssshhhiiiieeeeet
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>>4827492

Most likely but they wouldn't be able to outwardly show it with out losing the support of a fair number of their citizens. A lot are loyal Valryians aren't they? Seems like it from the response we have received.

One would think they would see the benefits for them even if it does toss a wrench into their plans. They had to know one was alive from the burning of the Lysene fleet
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>>4827522
I had wanted to go in quiet. Now the citizens are going to have expectations and hopes laid upon us. And if we tell everyone we aren't getting involved in Volantine wars then they'll give us dirty looks.

Or I'm just overthinking things. Not that it matters if they aren't our citizens.
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>>4827512
we must wisk away their daughterus as recompense for their insolence
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>>4827452
The parade on the Long Bridge is but a show, made to appease the masses as well as the nobles and to assure everyone of the rightfulness of their self-appointed mission as the “Restorers of the Freehold”.

You ride your warhorse at the head of the column, the Belaerys flag held high by your cousin while the soldiers of the Stepstones march behind you in column, flanked at the sides by soldiers dressed in the colors of the ruling Triarchs of Volantis. The Westerosi mercenaries close the column, the noble knights riding at the front.

The entire affair is a deluge of colors, sounds and smells as the jubilant citizens come out in force to cheer for the glorious return of a Dragonlord, ancestral rulers of Valyria.

You do not delude yourself – you know that your presence is likely going to be a huge nuisance for the ruling Triarchs, for your mere presence is too imposing for their own ambitions.

And yet, you know that you could be an invaluable ally for the Volantene Triarchs.

As you march toward the Black Wall, you think
in your mind other arguments that could work..

Pick any of the following – note that you will not have the time to focus on many subjects and so you will have to direct their focus toward well-formed proposals.

The Stepstones
> a) Your dragon, your alliance with the powers of Westeros and the loyalty of the people you left there ensure your control of the North-South sea lanes as far as Western Essos is concerned. You could offer to keep the Lyseni and their allies (Tyrosh alone, as far as you know…) separated, while weakening their enemies via a regime of tolls designed to progressively sap them of their wealth. This would lead to Volantis war effort becoming easier over time, while you would gain a pretty penny from doing it. You could ask the Triarchs for direct help in maintaining your control over the Stepstones given their enemies would likely not wish for (yet another) enemy, thus the likelihood of someone attacking you would be low to begin with.
>>
Wait what? When did Shiera tell us that Aurion and our dad survived?
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>>4827672

> c) Sheira told you that the impossible happened – your uncle Aurion returned from Valyria in the company of your father (his brother). They are currently bound for Elyria, to regroup and gather the family wealth left there. You suspect they might attempt to reunite the northern lands (Mantarys, Elos, Elyria, Tolos, etc) of the Valyrian Peninsula. A message (or even better, your own presence), could very well convince them to veer North, to reunite with you. Alternatively, you could abandon your plans for Essaria and base yourself in Elyria. According to your betrothed, Aurion’s host is battered, but the fact they followed him to Valyria itself and back speaks volumes of their loyalty. Once upon a time, he would have pretended your submission. With his harrowing experiences having changed him and other incentives (your cousin accepting your leadership, Sheira West-bound together with what’s left of her family, your control of the Stepstones and Essaria, as well as a potential alliance with Volantis), your uncle might very well be forced to treat with you and submit, given he might have the numbers, but at that point you would simply be able to beat him into submission. Offer Volantis a non-aggression pact or an outright alliance, and then reunite with what’s left of the Belaerys Dynasty.

Leaning towards c). Need a bit to think on the roleplaying/write in aspect. Elyria would be a good place to base for a bit as well. We could still help fortify Essaria for the coming Dothraki since they would still be part of our Empire.
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>>4827685

Go big or go home!

Seriously though if you think it's too OP I'm fine dropping it. It is an interesting option though.
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>>4827685
I thought you were rolling for Aurion's expedition. Was this the outcome? If yes, I see no reason not to follow the dice. O was just surprised you spring it in a vote option and didn't have it in the Shiera scene. Knowing your father is still alive is a big deal, I'd have liked to see Rhogar's reaction to it.
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>>4827682
>> c) Sheira told you that the impossible happened – your uncle Aurion returned from Valyria in the company of your father (his brother). They are currently bound for Elyria, to regroup and gather the family wealth left there. You suspect they might attempt to reunite the northern lands (Mantarys, Elos, Elyria, Tolos, etc) of the Valyrian Peninsula. A message (or even better, your own presence), could very well convince them to veer North, to reunite with you. Alternatively, you could abandon your plans for Essaria and base yourself in Elyria. According to your betrothed, Aurion’s host is battered, but the fact they followed him to Valyria itself and back speaks volumes of their loyalty. Once upon a time, he would have pretended your submission. With his harrowing experiences having changed him and other incentives (your cousin accepting your leadership, Sheira West-bound together with what’s left of her family, your control of the Stepstones and Essaria, as well as a potential alliance with Volantis), your uncle might very well be forced to treat with you and submit, given he might have the numbers, but at that point you would simply be able to beat him into submission. Offer Volantis a non-aggression pact or an outright alliance, and then reunite with what’s left of the Belaerys Dynasty.
I’m gonna vote for the deleted option c. It’s honestly OP as fuck, but I think it could lead to a lot of fun. If QM decides not to count it then I’ll change my vote to something else.
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>>4827690
That was the outcome on my own table. He had 1/6 chances of making it, and he did. It's just..well, a very strong option.

>>4827688
You know what? Fuck it. I am re-putting it in, since i fucked up and I think the players might like it.
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>>4827680

>> b) Your dragon alone would warrant their courting your attention; your intention to secure the north-East for Valyria (and yourself, but no need to bring light to the difference for now) will be good for the propaganda machine…and will secure one front for them. A formal non-aggression pact could ensure you would not be called into their war, but you could add a small condition that you could call upon them if any of their enemies attacked you
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>>4827666
Essaria
> b) Your dragon alone would warrant their courting your attention; your intention to secure the north-East for Valyria (and yourself, but no need to bring light to the difference for now) will be good for the propaganda machine…and will secure one front for them. A formal non-aggression pact could ensure you would not be called into their war, but you could add a small condition that you could call upon them if any of their enemies attacked you

Ashes to Ashes, the Freehold
> c) Sheira told you that the impossible happened – your uncle Aurion returned from Valyria in the company of your father (his brother). They are currently bound for Elyria, to regroup and gather the family wealth left there. You suspect they might attempt to reunite the northern lands (Mantarys, Elos, Elyria, Tolos, etc) of the Valyrian Peninsula. A message (or even better, your own presence), could very well convince them to veer North, to reunite with you. Alternatively, you could abandon your plans for Essaria and base yourself in Elyria. According to your betrothed, Aurion’s host is battered, but the fact they followed him to Valyria itself and back speaks volumes of their loyalty. Once upon a time, he would have pretended your submission. With his harrowing experiences having changed him and other incentives (your cousin accepting your leadership, Sheira West-bound together with what’s left of her family, your control of the Stepstones and Essaria, as well as a potential alliance with Volantis), your uncle might very well be forced to treat with you and submit, given he might have the numbers, but at that point you would simply be able to beat him into submission. Offer Volantis a non-aggression pact or an outright alliance, and then reunite with what’s left of the Belaerys Dynasty.

NOTE – This option will require heavy roleplaying and good rolls, but it could be run in parallel with a conquest of Essaria and it could lead to a reunification of your Dynasty, with the possibility of attracting surviving (?) Dragonlords

> d) Write-in, mix aspects of the previous proposals if you want, or come up with new ones! Creative write-ins will be heavily rewarded this time since this vote will determine our approach not only to Volantis but to the entire next Arc of the Quest.
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>>4827700
See the new post - sorry for the confusion.

>>4827696
>>4827682
I've reput it in. It's absurdly OP, but honestly, fuck it, we are here to have fun.

Note the emphasis on the "heavy roleplaying and good rolls" - this won't be just a "pick an option and go with it" - you players will have to actively convince not just Aurion but other people. Fail, and you will split your Dynasty into 2 competing factions, as well as the emergence of other dragonriders.

This option allows you to try to nip the issue in the bud...or make it worse, if you should fail.
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>>4827717

Cool, I still like the option. May need a bit to think on the roleplaying/write in aspect so we don't fail though
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>>4827730
I kind of created confusion with the entire Delete/re-put it in. My bad. Still, I wanted to give you guys the option to not align with Volantis or anyone else. Aurion survived, so there you go - 2 birds, one stone.
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>>4827717
It certainly sounds like a daunting task. But who doesn’t love a good challenge?
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>>4827690
see
>>4826546

The final roll was your father. I will write a "flashback" regarding the issue of his surviving in the scene after the meeting with the Triarchs.
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>>4827701
Alright my initial thoughts, might expand on it later:
Voting C, with a few modifications
1. We can still go conquer Essaria to hold as our personal fief in the East while our uncle and father hold Northern Valyria, avoiding any issues about division of fiefs and such.
2. Rather than getting into disputes and possible hard feelings about who kneeling to who if we're the only one of our generation left besides Honorro we could get our uncle to adopt us as his heir as well.
3. Offer the Volantenes basing for their navy in the Stepstones to harry Lyseni and Tyroshi, also maybe they'd be interested in issuing letters of marque for privateers as well? Good opportunity for our Westerosi and perhaps the Summer Islanders to make some cash, as well as protection for the islands.
4. Ask Sheira if she can fly ahead with Neltharion and join us in Elyria to make the case to our uncle/father together. She has experience with this after all.

Even if we fail to convince our uncle and we end up with 2 realms between the junior and senior branches I don't necessarily see it as necessarily antagonistic; for example look at the relationship between Habsburg Austria and Spain, or Bourbon Spain and France.
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>>4827741
Well, that's a well thought way to sidestep the problem.
>>
I'm kind of Captain Poopy Pants with the option of going and help Sheira and our father, idk, I kinda wanna do the three, but if we already have anons that think spliting our atention between Stepstones and Essaria, and we also try to help our father, then this can be a clusterfuck.

The reason why I want to keep the stepstones is because we already secured it, but yeah... I think I will wait to see what is the consensus and not voting in this one
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>>4827741

I don't like the parts of this about basing our fief in Essaria or giving the Stepstones away to Volantis
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>>4827666
>d) Write-in
>Convince the Triarchs to sign a non-aggression pact with us and all our territories - the Stepstones, Essaria, Sarnor and the Northern Valyrian peninsula.
This should be an easy sell for them since they already plan to focus on Lys and the rest of the free cities. With a non-aggression pact they can do so without worrying about Aurion's forces coming up out of the south.
>Convince them to support our control of the Stepstones with naval patrols in exchange for high tolls on non-Volantene shipping and the closure of the straits to non-Volantene military shipping.
This should also be an easy sell since it's mutually beneficial - we don't have to worry about losing the Stepstones (or having them fill up with pirates) and can concentrate our efforts toward Elyria or Essaria while the Volantenes obviously have a massive benefit from isolating Lys until their conquest is secure.
>Generous material support for our conquest (regardless of whether we go to Elyria or Essaria first).
I'm thinking primarily supplies for our forces (including whatever refugees we recruit into our army.
This is the only choice that isn't mutually beneficial but I reckon they should be pretty generous since 1. They owe us for burning the fleet of Lys, 2. It is a massive propaganda coup for them (they can show their subjects what good they're doing for the scions of Valyria as the loyal 'first daughter' should and so on, as well as our implicit approval of their war of reconquest), 3. (And this is the big one) It gets us out of their hair
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>>4827750
We're not giving the Stepstones away to Volantis, we're just allowing their navy to use it as a base.

As for the entire Essaria debate agree to disagree on that issue, I think people have been vocal enough on where they stand on it and it's ultimately up to the entire voterbase as whole what to decide.
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How old is Aurion anyway? In the mod he's like 55 with all his children and wives dead. That's got to give the man a shock. I like anon's idea of us being his heir. Neat solution to the potential division in the dynasty. If he accepts us as his heir then I have no problem submitting to him for a while. Did the survivors get some goodies from Valyria?

When Shiera says to seek Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter, does she mean in Volantis? Also what was her last event giving her 60 XP?
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>>4827701
>C

Having three Dragonlords from the same dynasty is such a massive advantage as long as we can stay out from under their thumb with Sheira. As long as we stay on amicable terms they shouldn't be outright hostile to us if we split ERE style, hell maybe they'll even support it to better ensure the long term survival of Valyria.
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>>4827768
He's 55 as in the mod, since I couldn't find another reference.

>>4827768
See
>>4826546
This - 7 on the "Extra-events", which in Sheira's case means she made a breakthrough in learning from her mother.
And here - >>4827056
Which determined which of the Techniques she unlocked.
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>>4827768
>Did the survivors get some goodies from Valyria?
>survivors
Well, about that...
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>>4827765

I'm not trying to argue about this again. I'm not saying we don't go to Essaria or do any of the things we've discussed. I'm just talking about basically setting up our capital and primary seat there. I feel like we should keep that option open until we have a better grasp on our empire. If that makes sense.
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>>4827791
They brough (a few) survivors, (some) goods and something else.

No I am not telling you what that is.
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>>4827768

I was curious about Ferrega Trelys being in Volantis as well. We should check while we are here just in case.
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>>4827741
Supporting this anon
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>>4827768
Honestly I feel like only the sturdiest of things on the outskirts of the island would have survived. Which would probably mean they got blown out to sea and are currently chilling with the mermaids. But now at least we may get to hear about what horrors hide on Valyria now.
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>>4827768
>>4827785
Taking a step back from strategic considerations for a moment - we've just discovered that our father and our uncle are alive! That's huge. I don't know what relationship y'all have with your family but I would be overjoyed to discover that Aurion and our father were alive. Whatever we eventually decide as far as tactics and strategy I think we should fly to the Valyrian peninsula and greet them.

Overall I am still extremely keen to build up our empire in Essaria and Sarnor - either our uncle can come north to join us in that goal or he can remain in the south and carve out his realm there. In either case I'd be happy to support him somewhat and would definitely want our eventual kingdoms to remain on good terms.
If he was willing to name us his heir then I would be willing to spend a fair bit more time in the south helping his conquest get started.

>>4827746
>>4827765
>Concerns about splitting our attention
That's why I'm happy to allow the Volantenes to send military patrols through the Stepstones - it prevents the islands islands being taken from us or filling up with pirates while our attention is elsewhere, we can safely concentrate on Essaria or Elyria knowing that the Stepstones are in the bag.
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>>4827741
Supporting this as well. We should add that Volantis recognise our ownership of the Stepstones though.
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>>4827815
>I think we should fly to the Valyrian peninsula and greet them.
I can agree with this, and the longer it takes us I feel the worse our chance of convincing them of our plans.
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I said i wasn't going to vote, but i really liked how >>4827741 >>4827753 organized everything, so I'm going to support their ideas (Okay, there ar some changes between those two, but if those two anons can organize themselves and make a much cleaner version that would be awesome)
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>>4827753
>>4827666
+1

>>4827826
>>4827819
Agreed. We don't want to leave so early that the locals feel slighted and I think we should at least get the process of recovering/securing our family's wealth started (maybe announce that we'll be recruiting for a grand expedition too) but after that meeting family should be top priority.
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>>4827857
We can get the ball rolling by getting the Triachs to exert full pressure on recovering any assets our House has in Volantis, especially those that have mysteriously 'disappeared' in the time between Rhogar fleeing Lys and arriving here. Saves them from paying out of their own pockets as well.
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>>4827860

We can do this but ask about >>4827857 too. I'm sure they would like to gain as much favor with us as they can. Worst they can say is we can't offer you anything. Worth seeing if they would give us anything.
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>>4827737
Hey QM besides his father does/did Rhogar have any siblings? How about his mother?
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>>4827898
QM phoneposting - only child, his mother died in Valyria
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>>4827913
thanks, probably something for Rhogar to have a good cry about with dad when they reunite
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>>4827871
>Worst they can say is we can't offer you anything.
I'll be very surprised if that's the case. As anon (>>4827753) mentioned they have a lot of very good reasons to want to be very generous. Remember, Volantis is ruled by elected Triarchs, there's going to be a lot of prestige to be seen supporting us. They'll probably be falling over themselves to show who is the most loyal and powerful (because extravagant = powerful in these sort of environments).
And if that isn't enough then the sooner we have a well-funded expeditionary force then the sooner the scary man with a dragon, an army and a plausible legal claim to suzerainty over their city goes somewhere else where his mere presence won't destabilise all their plans.
>>
The beginning of a dynasty anons. Its beautiful.
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>>4827741
>>4827753

support both, i think they can be combine as options.
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>>4827815
I am not sure if they had a good relationship, but Rhogar would probably be very happy to see family.

>>4828203
hopefully
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>>4828203
Not even close. We need children and fast. We're not getting any younger, and there's barely three members of our family left.

We must fuck all the bitches, literally.
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Honestly if we succedd dealing/contracting with our uncle and father, it could be ideal to convince any surviving dragonlords to join us, not just in the empire but fusing their family with our own. Several reasons, we can give them:

1 Freehold is broken, Valyria is gone. Rebels have pass to the sword dragonlords and their families, they will continue to do so to any true son of Valyria. Fighting eachother while vengeance could be rightfully given to this vermins is an insult to our ancestors and people.
2 Very high risk of Dragonlords extinction, same for dragons. Fighting between survivors could lead to not exist anymore. If that happens, the fighting would just be the suicide of our last high nobles. Pretty good reason to unite.
3 Uniting families would put us all on the same side. More can be achieved together. Reunification is easily achieved with several dragons and armies backing them up. Future conquests being east with a weak Sandor and West with the Reynes aid can be achieved too.
4 One family and One empire. United by blood. Divisions like the the ones the Freehold had, can be now washed away.


And i would say we should not just offer this to the remaining surviving dragonlords, but even to the Targaryens. We eliminate a possible rival, and ensure to enlarge the numbers of dragonlords and dragons.


>>4828322
Rhogar and Horonno definetly need to have some kids fast.
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>>4828349
I honestly think you have hit the nail on its head, so to speak. That's my opinion as a player, not the QM.

There are few Dragonlords left after the Doom. As far as you know, barely 3 families survived (Belaerys, Targaryen, Soranyen), with maybe some stragglers wandering.

I am not going to tell you whether you are right or not, but as of now you know of:
Soranyen - Sheira, Rhaelle and Daeron
Belaerys - Rhogar, Horonno, Aurion and Viserys
Targaryen - Aenar, Rhaella and their 2 children (1 son, 1 daughter)
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>>4828369
The dragon has three heads...
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>>4828369
And of these who have dragons?
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>>4828470
All 3 families have them.

>>4828369
I think our points for unite would be pretty solid to anyone still around.
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>>4828505
Who specifically?
And what age/size?
Just us, Sheira and the Targs or is everyone but poor Horonno flapping through the sky?
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>>4828517
Our uncle has one. We have one. Targs have some for sure for obvious reasons. And beside Sheira, I haven t read if she has other family members with dragons.

Aurion has a large dragon. Urrax is large. Sheira dragon looks large from description. Targaryens ones seems small or young right now, and should be two or a similar low number.
Anyone else is unknown survivors.

Beside that there is the eggs matter.
So uniting everyone in one family looks very important, even for the future since 3 families+any survivors is a large amount of different blood.
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>>4828128

That was basically my point. I think they should too.
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>>4828531
Targs canonically brought five to Dragonstone, with four dying (Balerion being the sole survivor from pre-Doom) while Meraxes and Vhagar were born during the Century of Blood itself.
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>>4828349

I agree with this anon. I don't think we should split the family into two realms or fiefs. It lacks ambition, especially after what we just told the people of Volantis. There is much more upside to being united as opposed to starting two new dynasties.

With the news from Sheira and about our uncle/father being alive I would think it would push his ambition even further, not lessening it to start a small fief in the middle of Essos.
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So it seems our unified faction will have 3 dragons. Certainly improves the chances of getting more eggs.
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Alright, so..it seems there is an overwhelming support for option c, and mixing options akin to what >>4827753 and >>4827741 said,

Regarding mixing the bloodlines and families, are we taking the Quest in that direction?

> Yes
> No

Simply to see if that's what we're aiming for now. In the meantime, I'll write the meeting with the Triarchs in the meantime.

Roll me 21D6 x 2
Persuasion 4D6, Charm 1B, 2B for Wordly.
3 rolls since there are 3 Triarchs.
x2 since I'll need two votes on part of the Triarchs.

The write-ins were excellent, but chaotic since nobody made a "summary" of the proposal for the players to agree upon. This will lead to a bonus since what you wrote just makes sense, but also an higher DC since you'll try to ram through a single negotiation elements from very different "focus areas" of the world (West, North-East, South) without a coherent strategy (I will write it as if there was one of course).

So..let's roll!
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 3, 3, 2, 5, 2, 6, 1, 5, 6, 5, 3, 4, 6, 2, 2 = 76 (21d6)

>>4828719
That's a lot of rolls lol.
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 3, 5, 5, 4, 1, 4, 4, 5, 4, 1, 5, 5, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6, 3, 4 = 82 (21d6)

>>4828719

>Yes
>>
>>4828719
>yes
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 5, 3, 2, 5, 5, 2, 6, 5, 1, 3, 3, 6, 4, 2, 5, 6, 4, 5, 3 = 82 (21d6)

>>4828719
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 1, 1, 6, 4, 2, 3, 6, 2, 4, 4, 3, 6, 6, 6, 3, 2, 6, 6, 5 = 83 (21d6)

>>4828719
>> Yes
I’ll vote yes just cause why not.
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 1, 6, 6, 1, 4, 4, 2, 2, 3, 6, 3, 3, 5, 6 = 86 (21d6)

>>4828719
>>
These are some very solid rolls.
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>>4828722
Well you are trying to convince 3 people and you require the senior Triarch to approve of any proposal, as well as at least one of the junior Triarchs.

Just an "interesting fact" - the senior Triarch is Aegar Tagaros, the man whose speech I wrote as the intro for the Quest.
>>
Alright, good rolls. Writing.
>>
Actually roll me another 21D6 set. I miss the 3rd for the 2nd set of rolls.
>>
Rolled 3, 1, 5, 3, 5, 5, 6, 2, 5, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, 5, 1, 6, 1, 1 = 83 (21d6)

>>4828753
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 3, 4, 2, 1, 6, 5, 1, 1, 4, 4, 1, 3, 1, 1, 3, 6, 4, 4, 2 = 62 (21d6)

>>4828753
Here
>>
>>4828757
Good thing your roll showed up before mine.
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 6, 1, 5, 4, 6, 3, 1, 4, 4, 2, 4, 4, 5, 3, 1, 3, 6, 4, 6 = 84 (21d6)

>>4828753
>>
>>4828719
>Yes

Need that unity
>>
For the record, you barely scraped by with the +2 bonus from Blood of Valyria, otherwise you'd have failed 2 out of 3 rolls in the first vote.
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>>4827701
As you approach the Palace of the Triarchy, your minds swarms with thoughts, possible angles of attack for the negotiations about to unfold, half-formed plans and ideas aplenty.

You breathe deeply, trying to steer your nerves – you might be the self-proclaimed Archon of the Stepstones and a true Dragonlord, but these men command the loyalty of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, if the rumors regarding the level of conscription enacted are to be believed.

You better tread carefully, for Volantis the
Mighty has always been second only to Valyria itself for importance and power in the Freehold – to make an enemy of its rulers would be to invite utter disaster upon your cause and that of your family.

Your family…you think back to last night, when Sheira contacted you once again.

You met by the stream like the other night, in your dreams. Apparently that “place” was not really a dream but a…”crossroad along the Path” as she defined it (not that not understanding what she was speaking about stopped you from nodding in order to seem smarter). Regardless, she gave you some great news – she spent many hours since you last spoke (at cost of her own health..) scrying in the flames and using the glass candle, but at last her efforts paid off, for she witnessed your uncle Aurion and your father deep in discussion above a map in what appeared to be the city-island of Elyria, off the Eastern coast of the Valyrian Peninsula.

You kissed her on the spot, such was your happiness at the news she gave you. You...are not ashamed to admit you cried of happiness as she held you.

The thought brings a smile to your face, but it also causes you to hesitate once more – the apparent survival of your father and your uncle…as well as the large host he seemed to still lead and the presence of Vassarion (your uncle’s dragon) gave birth in your mind to a crazy idea.

You can do it on your own.

You do not need to swear loyalty to anyone but yourself and your own family, which Sheira will soon join as well (you intend to celebrate your marriage as soon as you reunite – after surviving the Doom, no force in this world or the next will ever separate you two, ever again).

Your control of the Stepstones, the large forces your uncle has raised in Qohor and Elyria, the potential to have 3 dragons under the command of your family at the same time and the death of the vast majority of your rivals gives you a unique possibility to reforge the Freehold in your image – so long as you can assure peace on what will become your western border, that’s it.
>>
>>4828857
You briefly discussed the idea with Horonno (after he stopped being overwhelmed at the thought of more of your family surviving the Doom), but he did not have the time to offer much insight since you were already on the move toward Volantis.

Still, he managed to come up with a simple, but elegant solution to the issue of leadership of your Dynasty – why not offer your uncle to adopt you two? He could do so according to the laws of Valyria. And with his children dead…well, once he died, your father would become the next head of the family.

You would serve as his sword and legacy, while he would lead the great reconquest of your ancestral birthright.

You admit that the entire thing sounds insane in your mind, but still…it’d be a solution.

These and other thoughts crowd your mind as you dismount your mount and are ushered in the Palace, accompanied only by your cousin.

You pass by innumerable rooms and doors along the way to the Council Room where the Triarchs discuss and rule Volantis, until you reach a plain door made of fused black stone.

You do not need to announce your presence, for the door opens on its own at your approach..and so you come face to face with the rulers of Volantis the Mighty.

A single step in the room, and one of the Triarchs addresses you

> “They say you are the one who set the Lyseni fleet on fire three weeks ago. Tell me, boy, is that true?”

You raise a single eyebrow, looking the older man from your position

> “That is true, Archon of the colony of Volantis”

He makes a face at hearing you use the original title of his office, fallen out in favor of the nobler sounding “Triarch”, but you continue

> “It was me that humbled the Lyseni, for the traitorous scum thought they could simply betray the Freehold of Valyria and go unpunished. I showed them their folly”

You conclude by rising your fist. It might be your imagination, but it seems to you that the oldest of the three Triarchs gave you an almost imperceptible nod of approval.

The man who spoke sits down at his seat, leaving room for his older counterpart to speak

> “I am Aegar Tagaros, Elder Triarch of Volantis the Mighty. And I welcome you to our fair city, Rhogar of the Belaerys Dynasty. It is a joy to find out that the might of the Dragonlords still lives, even if diminished”

You can only nod at his comment, for your arrival must have seemed quite…underwhelming for men who were born and grew up during the heyday of the Freehold. Observing your silence, the Triarch continues

> “What can Volantis do for you, scion of Valyria? What is the reason of your visit? Have you come to support us in the restoration of the Freehold as befitting of a true son of Old Valyria?”

The tension in the room rises considerably at his words – you can clearly see the two younger Triarchs on edge, awaiting your response.
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>>4828882
NOTE – To see if it's clearer, Rhogar will be in black, the Triarchs in green

> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 21,22,23 vs 22 (DC)
> Marginal Success x2! Marginal Failure x1!

You steady your voice before speaking up, the rehearsed speech clear in your mind

“I have come to seek your help in restoring the Freehold, oh Triarchs. I have also come to offer the regards of both my uncle Aurion Belaerys, head of the Belaerys Dynasty, and those of Rhaelle Soranyen, Matriarch of the Soranyen Dynasty”

The surprise is clear on their faces.

“I have come to seek the aid of Volantis, First and most faithful of all the Daughters of Valyria, in our time of need. The survivors of Valyria are regrouping in the northern lands of the Peninsula, while our kin who was away from the city when the Doom happened are being recalled home to bolster our ranks. We..”

The youngest of the trio, who has not spoken until now, raises his hand to stop you – you concede, nodding at him.

> “Survivors? How many?”

“Not nearly enough. The Doom destroyed the vast majority of Old Valyria. My uncle led a relief expedition to the ruins and…let’s say that what he saw was enough to make him lose sleep”

He gulps, before nodding so as to signal you might continue

“There are many patriots that still wish to see the flag of the Freehold unfold in the winds, but it might take time as we gather our forces and consolidate control. Time that our enemies…enemies of every patriot, will use to prepare themselves”

This time all three of the Triarchs nod, before Aegar speaks up once again

> “You speak the truth, for we already know of other cities who have reneged upon their oaths of loyalty to the Freehold. And yet..you came to us from the West, not the East. Why is that?”

The old man could not have seen the march of your column, but he has clearly been informed of the presence of Westerosi among your men. Good thing that you have a simple answer for him

“I spent a long time in the lands of the western barbarians, during the years of my youth. After dealing with the traitors of Lys, I decided the best option would be to call in favors I was owed West, while keeping in contact with my kin via glass candles”
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>>4828916
A white lie, that he cannot disprove for it is common knowledge that the Dragonlord families used glass candle to communicate over long distances.

> “And what news of the East then, Rhogar Belaerys?”

You make a scene of sighing, as if in deep sorrow

“Nothing good, I fear. The Lands of the Long Summer have been devastated, the Fourteen Flames erupting has caused considerable damage to the entire area. Mantarys, Elyria and Tolos appear to have survived relatively unscathed, if not for the massive influx of refugees…which I am sure is afflicting Volantis as well”

You wait for him to nod, signaling you to continue

“I have come with a formal request for the Triarchs of Volantis – you have always been the first among Valyria’s Daughters. We have come to your help when the Rhoynars tried to destroy your fair city and you have always been faithful to the Freehold in return. I have come to ask you to renew your pledge to the Freehold. We wish to know where Volantis stands, for in these difficult times many have pledged their loyalty…just to turn around and attempt to backstab us at the first occasion, like Lys tried to do”

The ruling Triarch (for you now recognize that the two others take their cues from him), Aegar Tagaros, stands up and looks you straight in the eyes before replying

> “Are you doubting our loyalty to the Freehold? Let me remind you that while your kin dallied in the East, it was us who declared that any traitor to Valyria would be dealt with. I will admit this much to you, Rhogar Belaerys – we thought you all died in the Doom. To know that there are survivors from the capital means a lot to me…to us, and we are eager to re-establish contacts with the ruling Council of the Freehold. But until we know more, we will have to treat with you, so..with that out of the way, what exactly are you asking of us? You know that it is only a matter of time before open warfare between us and the other “Free Cities” happen, so be straight if you wish for a straight answer”

You can only nod, and begin formulating your proposal..
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>>4828976
> Persuasion (Charm) Test – 23,25,26 vs 24 (DC)
> Marginal Success x2! Marginal Failure x1!

“We wish to have free hands in the East. You wish to have free hands in the West. It’s that simple. We propose a binding non-aggression pact for now, and promise of further negotiations later on. The Doom has changed the world, but we are all patriots here”

Aegar doesn’t talk, but you can see his fellow Triarchs nod, which appears to catch him by surprise if the slight raising of his eyebrows is anything to go by. Smiling inwardly, you continue

“I have taken control of the Stepstones and assumed the title of Archon of said islands, so that any other power..or rebel, wishing to take control of the vital straits, will have to contend with the full might of the surviving Dragonlords of Valyria. I have concluded certain agreements with our Westerosi allies, and my uncle wishes me to offer the same terms to Volantis – help us patrol the isles, and we shall impose high tolls on the merchants of the other Free Cities, while reducing the ones on Volantene merchants to almost nothing. Our enemies will progressively weaken as their profits dry up, while their money shall finance our armies”

Aegar raises his hand

> “Why not simply turn over the isles to our temporary control then? It would allow you to avoid splitting your forces and give us a staging ground for future operations, which I am sure will happen in short order if we wish to take advantage of the damage you dealt Lys”

A cunning plan..had you not foreseen such a request.

“True, but by having direct control of the islands we can better maintain contacts with our Western allies. It will take time for them to muster their own forces and join us in the fighting, so control of the Stepstones will prove vital for our own war efforts in the East. Moreover, with Volantis controlling the Southern Seas and us blocking the passage of ships in the canals of the Stepstones, you will achieve virtual supremacy in the South”

The Triarch goes silent at this.

>>
>>4829005
Wait a second, that's Asgard from the MCU movies!
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>>4829015
You have clearly been blinded by the smokes of the Smoking Sea brother - that is clearly Valyria.
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>>4829005
The discussions drag on for a long time, until the Triarchs and you manage to agree upon a few, important points:

> The Freehold of Valyria is still alive - a formal declaration of unity between the remnants of the Council of the Freehold (represented by your Dynasty, the Soranyen Dynasty and whomever else Aurion managed to find/save) and the Triarchy of Volantis, with the potential to incorporate more territories and signatories. All factions not recognizing this first condition shall be deemed traitors to the Freehold and will be branded “enemies of the state”, to be destroyed by any means necessary

> The Stepstones are recognized as a personal fiefdom of the Belaerys Dynasty under the contingency laws of the Freehold – until the war is over, your family shall have exclusive authority over that part of the Freehold

> The Council, represented by Rhogar Belaerys, shall make use of its control of the Stepstones to hinder any economic development of the enemies of the Freehold, while ensuring the prosperity of its loyal vassals – the toll on ships bearing Volantene flag shall be reduced to 1%, while the toll on all other merchants will be raised to 5% (from the old 3%). The toll on ships bearing the flag of any territory at war with Volantis will be raised to 15%.

> The loyal servants of the Council shall ensure its control of the vital Stepstone islands – Volantis shall have basing rights in Last Refuge (on the southern end of the safe “canal”) until the end of the “Rebellion”

> The loyal servants of the Council shall ensure coordination with the Council barbarian allies – the Volantene Triarchy shall abolish the toll they apply to all ships bearing the sigil of one of your Westerosi allies

> The Council shall ensure the stability of the lands it controls so as to help its loyal servants in ruling their territories in its name – you shall have to take in a large (VERY large) number of refugees so as to allow the Triarchs to concentrate exclusively on warfare and not on population management

> The Council and its loyal servants agree that this treaty shall be revised at a later date, once the Rebellion has been dealt with – the formal declaration of unity is more of a show than anything else, for everyone understands the power of the Dragonlords has been broken. What they do not know is the extent to which it has been broken, so the Triarchs prefer to delay any confrontation between you and them until your common enemies have been dealt with.

> The Council, through its representatives, shall maintain direct and constant contact with its barbarian allies and its loyal Servants in Western Essos so as to ensure a common approach to the developing situation – the Triarchs insisted that you ensure communications, so as to be able to pin the blame on you, if coordination became impossible. You had to concede in order to extract the next point.
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>>4829022
> The Volantene Triarchy formally declares that (pending the future revision of this treaty) any territory it acquires from the rebels during wartime shall be turned over to the control of the Council, at the end of the war – key words are the “pending the future revision of the treaty”. Even if you win and ensure Volantis’ loyalty, they will expect a LOT of concessions, not least in terms of territory and economic predominance in the “new” Freehold.

> The Council accepts the request of its loyal Servants to undertake a general review of its mercantile and taxation laws at the end of the Rebellion, in order to better administer the re-conquered territories – the counterpart to the previous point.

> The Volantene Triarchy agrees to support the Council of the Freehold in maintaining naval communications in its area of competence – essentially, the Volantene navy shall deal with piracy as it crops up in the southern seas.

Signed
The three Triarchs of Volantis, Aegar Tagaros, Aryos Maegyr, Laegon Ilvar
The representative of the Council of the Freehol – Rhogar Belaerys

Do you accept the terms or not?
> Yes
> No

Given the absolute importancy of this vote, I shall let it run for another hour or so. Votes from "1 post from this ID" won't be discarded, but I will ask anyone that has never partecipated before to justify their position, given this step will influence many future ones in the quest.
>>
Sorry for the extremely lengthy scene (7 posts), but it was required to set up the Treaty.
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>>4829025
Note that you may vote to modify the terms, but you will have to make a write-in, and get others to vote to support your write-in.
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>>4829025

> Yes

It seems like a pretty fair deal and depending on how things go we could be negotiating from an even greater position of strength when we revisit the issue for any possible revisions.
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>>4829025
>Yes
I'm pretty happy with all that, honestly.
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>>4829025
>> Yes
The terms are agreeable.
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>>4829029

No worries, to be expected on something like this. Very nicely done

>>4829033

With the last DC being 24 I would expect it to be higher to get any revisions now. Given we only have 4 dice we literally need to crit to succeed. I'm not sure it's worth the risk. Just my 2 cents though.
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>>4829025
>Yes

We should keep in mind these people aren't our friends. This is just politically convenient for us all...right now.
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>>4829025
>Yes
>>
>>4829025
>Yes
Reasonable enough.

>>4829029
No need to be sorry. Seems like you're putting in a lot of effort on this and I think most of us appreciate that. Thank you.
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>>4829055

I agree, if they want to ask too much later for doing their jobs in the first place we can replace them with more friendly leaders that are loyal to the Empire
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>>4829025
>Yes
>>
>>4829025
> Yes

>>4829029
No need to apologise for delivering quality!
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>>4829063
Gaining control over Volantis is going to be a task for Rhogar or Horono Jr. Like you say, we're going to start it but they will need to make it happen
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>>4829063
That requires us spending time in Volantis rather than Essaria getting our freak on with out magic cousin. Not worth it right now.
>>4829065
It's a freehold, anon.

Ideally, we'd be the first of the Empire and last of the Freehold
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>>4829025
Yes

>>4829063
I think a good move could be make friends in their military during the reconquest. Being glorified by Volantis people is also good.

Politically wise the most important thing to do for us right now, is ensure to unite all dragonlords under us. Both by faction and by blood with marriages/future marriages and adoptions.
This includes all unknown surviving dragonlords and targs, beside our family and the family of our soon to be wife.
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>>4829063

+1 to this.

>>4829072

I was speaking more to the future as you mentioned afterwards.
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We got 7 (or 8 >>4829063 ?) votes to accept the Treaty.

I wish to point out how unlikely it was that you guys rolled high enough twice in a row to convince 2/3 of the Triarchs to
a) Buy that there are more people in the East (they will check - it wasn't a lie, but it could have been taken as a lie and that would have made the next roll impossible due to increased DC) and treat you as a representative of your Dynasty
b) Actually accept your conditions (they'd have wished to directly control the Stepstones and replace the Council as the head of the "New" Freehold)

Maybe I will need to revise how I calculate the DC, since it seems the rolls are a bit above average thanks to the "Bo3" rule, but until then I will roll with the dices.
>>
We'll need to convince the other Dragonlord families to agree to dissolve the Freehold and form the Galactic Valyrian Empire. They'll want their own concessions I suppose. Shiera's brother is alive so they're likely to continue their dynasty. Same with any Dragonlord family Aurion may have rescued. Then there's the Targaryens, lowest of the 40, but a member all the same. Each of them has reason not to let go of their increased power in a greatly reduced voting base for the Council, and we'll have to offer them something significant I'm return. It'll be challenging to form the Empire anons envision.
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Feel free to discuss or plan for the future people, I'll let the vote run for another half an hour (even if I doubt we'll get a different result to be honest) and make myself coffee in the meantime.

Food for thought and for the discussion:
> How do you plan to approach your uncle and father and explain what you set up?

Also to give context to another character, here is Sheira's mom - Rhaelle
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>>4829084

Unless their are others alive that we don't know about we have blood ties or will be married to all the others. If we get Aurion to back the plan I'm not sure any would go against him given they would probably be dead with out him. The families they come from will determine how likely they are to follow us as well. We really need to see how many others survived.

As far as the Targs are concerned we could attempt to marry them into our dynasty or take them out before they get strong, setting our allies up to rule Westeros.
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>>4829084
Got to take a play from the Caesar and Augustus playbook. Form a cult of personality, endear the masses and free men to us. Reforms that centralize power, emergency powers that slowly translate into permanent powers. Just some ideas. The Dothraki will be an excellent opportunity to unify and centralize power, nothing makes people unite like a barbarian invasion.

Just some ideas
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>>4829096
>Potential incest route
I'm getting machinations to hook up Rhaelle and our father.

>>4829112
We could likely play by play Rome's imperial reformation and get away with it even easier than Ceasar or Augustus because we have mofuggin dragons.
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>>4829096
AWOOOGA
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>>4828349
Here ^ some obvious points, I think they will immediatly appreaciate for join us.


>>4829084
Of course though we can also make concessions for lands to rule upon, but ultimately pressing the issue of being few dragonlords and dragons is the most important thing. And to unite in one family.

Beside territory to divide up (that would be all under one family if we succedd), we are one of the most prestigious families, an union with us isn t a small thing.
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>>4829096
>Father. Uncle. I have been a boy for the longest time, but I am now a man. Our family, Valyria and its spirit, has never been in such dire circumstances. Make no mistake, these people are not our allies, but they will help us reclaim what once was ours and perhaps even more. To the Westerosi, we are gods made flesh. To these men, we are a convenience to be maneuvered around. Trust none but the Reynes and our kin. The worst has yet to pass.
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>>4829096

So that's where Sheira acquired her...mercantile acumen

I certainly see why.

>>4829119

Not a bad idea if they will go along with it. Would combine our families even further hopefully extinguishing future issues. We just need to make sure Sheira little brother looks up to us, seeing us as family as opposed to a rival.
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>>4829096
My what big hair she has.
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>>4829096
also, damn, she had big titties
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>>4829096

>"Father! Uncle! It is so great to see you! I feared you dead along with the many other Dragonlords who met their untimely demise. I myself was attacked, along with Horonno, by assassins as we slept in Lys. Barely making it out I was able to get to Urrax and secure Horonno before burning the Lysene fleet as we escaped wounded to the west. I met up with the Reynes and was able to secure repayment of an old debt while we rested, healing from our wounds. After gathering forces we headed back east to attempt to reunite with any other survivors taking personal possession of the Stepstones on the way before meeting with the Triarchs of Volantis coming to what I think is a favorable agreement. My beloved Sheira was able to communicate with me that you both lived and returned from Valyria. Upon hearing this I changed my plans to head straight here to see it with my own eyes! I feared I may be the last of our dynasty..
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>>4829022
Alright, so there has been unanimous acceptance of the Treaty it seems.

Now, onto practical matters:
> The Triarchs have decided among themselves to send an expeditionary force of 35 000 men with you East, on a significant portion of their fleet (with more refugees on the ships).

The way they see it, if you lied to them their men will easily be able to subdue you and your followers, while beginning the reconquest of the East; if you told the truth, what better way to seal a treaty and show the strength of Volantis to the remnants of the Council than to send a large force to support their “superiors”?

What do you plan to do in this week?
> Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
> Try to hire more people for your expedition (Note that you will be saddled with refugees once you arrive – more men, more difficult logistical situation once you arrive in the East) out of your pocket
> Write-in | Volantis is the single largest city in the world right now. Your imagination is the limit.

Political actions:
> Issue a joint declaration regarding the Treaty with the Triarchs – Write-in for bonuses
> Send messengers back to the Reynes to update them on the situation
> Write-in | Go wild. Keep track of what you do since you’ll have to justify it to the man you “officially” accepted as your leader – Aurion Belaerys. Imagine Stannis Baratheon, but with more humanity.

Also, you gained
> 10 XP - Convincing the Reynes to back you
> 10 XP - Bonus for conquering the Stepstones (anon’s idea)
> 20 XP – Convincing the Triarchs (you had to almost crit twice in a row to pass. Well done)
How will you spend the XP?
>>
>>4829184

Yea, we need to nurture that and make sure he stays on our side instead of resenting us for a decision we make and starting a problem. Given his potential with martial prowess he could be quite an asset. We already have a head start on a good relationship, we just need to maintain it and the Soranyen family won't be an issue.
>>
Random suggestions for the XP - bank it, raise some of your stats...

Since I might have mentioned it only one, remember that you can gain Benefits without spending Destiny Points via extremely specific combinations of choices.
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>>4829214
We're getting the Oyakodon benefit boys!
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>>4829214

Could you elaborate on
>remember that you can gain Benefits without spending Destiny Points via extremely specific combinations of choices.

I'm not familiar with all the nuances of the system.
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>>4829207
Do
>Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
Political
>Send messengers to the Reynes

As for the XP I have no idea. I'm sure other anons have a pretty clear idea of what should be done.
>>
We are gonna have to raise warfare if we plan on solidifying the east. And maybe a specialty
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>>4829221
Benefits are great bonuses that cost 50xp to gain. But if characters do some cool/awesome stuff they might get a benefit at the QMs discretion.
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>>4829221
In ASOIAF, you can gain Benefits only by spending Destiny Points (50XP each).

I always found the system too restrictive. So if the players take certain actions that warrant it, I will award a Benefit to signify the mastering of a skill, the improvement of the character etc.

It will happen once or twice in the Quest I imagine, since I won't tell you which choices would lead to which Benefit, but some are quite obvious if you think about it.
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>>4829207
>take note of maidens with pureblood valyrian features

>The dream of Valyria will not die! For long as we stand united as citizens of the Freehold, none will challenge what was and will be again!
>Raven Reyne
>Remind the triarchs the goatfucking Targs exist and might have aspirations against them
>learn who's who

I'll leave Xp to you roller dudes
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>>4829207

> Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter

I'm not sure we need more men at the moment but I'm sure there is something in town that would benefit us. Attempting to find any family wealth left here would be one thing we could do.

> Send messengers back to the Reynes to update them on the situation

Will keep an eye out for write ins and exp ideas to add to my vote.
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>>4829207
What do you plan to do in this week?
> Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
Political actions:
>Send messengers back to the Reynes to update them on the situation
XP distribution
>Spend 30xp to raise warfare. Bank the rest.
>>
>>4829233

Ah ok. Makes sense. I will keep this in mind.
>>
I can't see our Language stat in the character sheet. Am I missing it?

As for XP, I would suggest using 10 xp each to bump Will, Knowledge and Deception from 2 to 3 for a well rounder character. Will helps in resisting enemy intrigues against us and in not losing our nerve. Deception because I see a lot of lying to people in the future as we consolidate a Freehold into an Empire.
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>>4829227

What about persuasion since we are probably about to have to convince Aurion everything we have done is a good idea. With 5d and the bonus die (along with what we have accomplished) we may be able to convince him of our more bold plan and not pinning us under him.

If we were to just become his heir, and he has a son, we won't be in nearly the position we were helping.

We can also surround ourselves with sound minds for warfare to negate our lacking in the short term.

Not my vote yet, just curious to what others think.
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>>4829268
That is certainly a possibility I forgot about that. Thinking about that I would switch from Sarfare to Persuasion. And instead of banking the 10xp I would spend it on Deception or cunning. We will be getting into politics and Cunning is vital for that. I noticed its not on the character sheet though
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>>4829245
Updating my vote regarding XP
>30xp to Persuasion
>10xp to Cunning(noticed its not on the sheet QM)
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>>4829219
Oh come on, anon, we might be valyrians but we hardly know them.
...
it'd be totally hot and chad of us to and give them both children though
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>>4829207
>>4829241

Updating my vote for exp

>30xp to Persuasion
>10xp to Cunning
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>>4829277
>>4829267
I have no clue why I missed those 2 stats when I made the pastebin, while they appear in my .doc file. Still, re-updated the pastebin
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>>4829207
> Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
> Try to hire more people for your expedition
In this case we will avoid going for mass since Volantis has just throw at us an army. We will be searching instead for some useful people for our service :
- A priest, of the valyrian gods. Using the faith backing would be nice.
- A personal medic
- A spy

> Write-in | Volantis is the single largest city in the world right now. Your imagination is the limit.
- We need to make contact for gain the founds of our family, present here.
- See armories. Always good to look, we could request a personal armor to our specifics. We would need to go back here but it can be done. It will cost a lot.
- Clothing, anything that gives off the vibe of "absolute power" and "royalty". I am sure it will cost, but it might even give a buff.
- Books, we have some Westerosi ones, but I recon here we will have a far bigger selection.

Political actions:
> Send messengers back to the Reynes to update them on the situation
> Write-in | Go wild. Keep track of what you do since you’ll have to justify it to the man you “officially” accepted as your leader – Aurion Belaerys. Imagine Stannis Baratheon, but with more humanity.
- Strike conversations with the officers that will be send with the Volantis army with us. Objective gain their friendship and slowly their loyalty.
- With Horonno gain informations on the families of the city and potential marriages that could be done. Objective review the current political situation and players of the city

>How will you spend the XP?
Will 3
Deception 3
Knowledge 3
>>
>>4829312
And cunning to 3
Use all th3 points
>>
>>4829207
What do you plan to do in this week?
> Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
> Look into reclaiming family assets, making it clear our family still exists.
>Seek out major merchants request they send representatives with you east to negotiate with our Uncle in regards to supplies for the refugees. Look for an outright deal on food and medicine.

Political actions:
> Send messengers back to the Reynes to update them on the situation
>Ask for the triarchs aid in sending emissaries to the basilisk isles to see if they want to pledge their support to our new alliance. Try to send one of the garrison captains and a few hundred milita with them and play the economic benefits of join to them.
>Task the Horonno with working alongside the Captain to seek to reclaim as many mystic artifacts as he can, wait until the end of the week to send him out so we can offer him more gold to do deals with.

XP
>Get a boost to Persuasion
>idc about the rest really
>>
>>4829312
Cunning is much more practical than either will or knowledge right now.
>>
>>4829312
I don't think we should look for armor in the city as with the ability to make Valyrian steel a suit of it would be far and above better than any other armor.
But the visit to the Tailor sounds like a good idea.
>>
>>4829312

Supporting all this except how to spend the xp.
>>
Since Language is 2 we should also look to upgrading it to 3 for 10 xp as soon as possible because Language 2 means we can't read or write, only speak the language. We need 3 to be able to read and write. I'm surprised it hasn't come up before given we went to a bookshop lol
>>
Even though they're Volantene, they're effectively our men. We promise them shit in Essaria or get into enough conflicts in the east, they'll forget all about loyalty to Volantis. All they'll know is the albino-esque pretty boy's got balls and is willing to bleed alongside them for a future they can share.
>>
>>4829351
Ok, I'm an idiot , my bad.
>>
>>4829351
Language works as its own individual stat for each language. Straight from the book.

>Language is the ability to communicate in a tongue, usually through
speech, but among the best educated, also through the written word.
The starting rank in this ability applies to your knowledge of the Common Tongue spoken throughout Westeros. You start with rank 0 in all
other languages. When you improve this ability, you may improve your
ability with the Common Tongue or select another language. Language has no special uses. It simply confers the ability to communicate in a particular tongue. The rank you give a language determines your eloquence when using the language and determines if you
are literate in the language or not.
>>
>>4829366
Corrected already - I don't know why I missed that. I counted your knowledge of the 3 languages (H.Valyrian, Common Tongue and Ghiscari) as 4 by default (Excellent) since it'd be expected for a high noble.
>>
>>4829366
Just read the table below that text, anon. Rank 2 says "You are still illiterate". Rank 3 gives us a basic ability to read.
>>
>>4829374
>Ghiscari
Ugh, why do we speak shit barbarian?
>>
>>4829374
That would be worth more than 120 XP at the time of character creation though, unless you're giving it to us for free?
>>
>>4829380
Yeah I know, our language should have been higher. But I wanted to make the point that each language has its own stat. and we can be educated in one language yet still be illiterate(rank 2) in another.
>>
>>4829388

>since it would be expected for a high noble.

I think its more from circumstance. Kind of a given for nobility.
>>
Alright, let's sum the votes:

>>4829245
Warfare
>>4829267
>>4829312
Will
>>4829267
>>4829312
Knowledge
>>4829267
>>4829312
Deception
>>4829283
>>4829290
>>4829319
Persuasion
>>4829283
>>4829290
>>4829312
Cunning

So..persuasion and cunning carry the day.

>>4829383
Because they constitute effectively 1/3 of the Freehold.
>>4829388
It's QM fiat in this case - I made a mistake, I correct it even if it gives you a small advantage (not really, you were supposed to have a good knowledge of those languages from the beginning and I treated the MC as having it)
>>
Since this is the 1st Quest I run using the ASOIAF system, do expect mistakes from time to time.

In the meantime, I'm going to write the next scene set during the week you spend in Volantis.
>>
>>4829401
>Because they constitute effectively 1/3 of the Freehold
Still doesn't make me feel less filthy. Fucking Harpy bitches
>>
I totally forgot about the fucking Ghiscari, no doubt they killed their Valyrian governors and are trying to assert their independence.
>>
>>4829408
We have to genocide them. Finish what our forebearers started.
>>
>>4829407
>>4829408

Seems we may have another item on our agenda. Can't have them thinking they are free or something crazy like that.
>>
>>4829405
What system do you run with your IRL table? I'm surprised you found a scene desu, difficult to find ttrpg players in Europe, what with everyone preferring their own language.
>>
>>4829408
Well Valyria already did that. They totality destroyed their culture and ancient empire. What's left is a bunch of colonies of that empire that survived because Valyria wanted to learn the practice of slavery.
>>
>>4829408
>>4829417
i'm glad we're on the same page

REMOVE GHISCARI
GHISCARI DELENDE EST

just as soon as we rape the Dothraki and Tall Men
>>
I'm writing the next scene, but in the meantime..

> Motivation added - Family
> Goals - Ensure our family survival.

>>4829419
Same system I'm using to run this quest - I meant this is 1st quest online I run. I essentially use the ASOIAF rpg + Chronicles + Homebrew (battle system, sorcery in battle, etc)
>>
>>4829408
We’ll have to go pay them a visit after securing Essaria. Can’t have them thinking they’re entitled to freedom.
>>
>>4829449
Eh, as much as I'd love to shit over their shit nation, it's best to let them suffer or collect tribute. Fuck sandy ass not!Middle-east
>>
Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d6)

Family.
>>
>>4820910
I"m Just a lurker but i love the quest
>>
>>4829207
>Visit Ferrega Trelys in the Western Quarter
>Track down our own family's merchant contacts and review what wealth our family has in the city
>Hold a war council with Horonno, our maesters and our military captains to get their advice on the current situation and anything we should do next (part of me just wants to see the Westerosi reaction to the splendour of Volantis)
>Attend a temple and thank the gods for protecting our family - I don't know how religious Rhogar is but religion always plays well to the public and the head priest is usually a powerful political figure that I'd like to get onside. Maybe we should ask if there are any priests trained in the sorcerous arts who would like to join our expedition.
>Buy a glass candle
>>
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>>4829207
A week later
Thinking back on the last week, you do not know when you managed to find time to sleep, given how busy you have been.

On the first day you summoned your War Council, for now formed only by Horonno and Humfrey Sarsfield, with Adam Hill and Gareth Umber (flanking you as your bodyguards) sometimes intervening.

The discussion boiled down to three elements: the Treaty with Volantis, the delegation of the duties you wished to undertake before leaving the city, and planning the exodus of refugees vis-à-vis with the Trairchs representatives.

Regarding the treaty, to say Horonno was impressed would be an understatement and while Humfrey and the others needed you to explain it in details, they too deemed it excellent (especially due to the presence of the expeditionary force the Triarchs decided to send East with you). A messenger was sent ahead of you to Elyria in order to communicate with your Uncle and father, so as to avoid any misunderstandings the moment they saw an army approaching their location.

The refugee situation was trickier to deal with since you did not know the situation in the East. Still, you managed to turn the situation to your advantage thanks to an excellent idea given to you by Adam – why not settle a small number of them (15 000 or so) in the Stepstones? You could use it as a bargaining chip with the Triarchs so as to negotiate supply runs for the garrisons of the islands, while ingratiating yourself to those people, having offered them a safe haven.

The rest of the refugees would be allowed to remain in Volantis until you managed to hash out the details with your uncle and communicate them to the Triarchs (your own idea being to settle them in Essaria once you acquired control of the region – a vast land with little population and good terrain made it ideal to settle a large population -.
>>
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>>4829760
The final argument – the delegation of duties – proved to be the hardest to deal with, for while some things were obvious (like you visiting Sheira’s contact), other were less so.

In the end you ordered Horonno to begin the process of tracking down your family wealth and to prepare it for transport East in the near future, as well as to prepare you a list of “who is who” as far as the major political players in the city were. You ordered Humfrey to find out who the key officers of the expeditionary force were, so as to enable you to familiarize with them – your intention being to make those men your men, not the Triarchs’. And finally, you decided that you would focus on the various political duties.

Dealing with everything turned out to beboth easier than expected…and much harder.

For example, dealing with your own allies was simple - you updated the Reynes on the current situation (as well as telling them to send ravens to their galleys captains en route to the Stepstones to warn them of the soon-to-be presence of Volantene ships in the area).

To deal with the Volantene nobles…it was much harder. Horonno’s list was a godsend in that regard, since it enabled you to maximize the results that came of your visit – the list of people wishing to know one of the last Dragonlords was endless…as well as the potential for marriage alliances. You vetted some of the nobles, delegating to Horonno to deal with the rest.

In the end three families jumped to your eyes – the Tagaros (the family of the ruling Triarch), the Maegyr (notable for their ownership of the Eastern islands along the Volantene coast, which enabled them to have huge influence over the East-West shipping lanes) and the Vaelaros (one of the foremost landowners of the Volantene region, as well as a family that gave the city an incredible number of generals, thus giving them influence over the military).

You decided to focus your efforts on these 3, managing to reach an understanding with their heads that you would keep in close contact once you “returned” East.

Another matter that kept you busy was the search for stray members of your family – sadly nothing came of this search except a rumor that one of your distant cousins might have been present in the city during the Doom, but she had decided to go North before your arrival. While this left a sour taste in your mouth, you dearly hoped she (whomever she was) yet lived and that you two may meet sooner or later.

And finally, there was an endless list of things that might have seemed trivial…and yet took hours of your finite, precious time, such as shopping for new clothes (the ones you and Horonno had were..in less than stellar shape after the rough weeks you experienced), commissioning small modifications of the armor Alastor Reyne gave you to better adapt it to your body, etc etc
>>
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>>4829760
Somehow, you managed to also find the time to keep a small journal, in which you noted interesting thought you had, so as to re-read them later (such as the idea to propose your uncle to try and contact the Gogossosi Magisters, to see if their loyalty could be gained by force or diplomacy – their control of the southern East-West shipping lanes could bring much needed cash to your own coffers).

…your trip down memory lane is interrupted by the touch of Daenerys, the young priestess that joined your small council. She smiles at you, before talking

> “..is everything alright, my Lord?”

She is a sweet young woman, apparently given to the Temple (a nice way to say “abandoned on the steps of a local Temple”) as a baby, to be raised as a Priestess of the God Balerion, even though she worshiped all the Gods as it was proper.

You nod at her, smiling. She lets you be…but not before giving you a long stare and a wink.

A thought for another time, maybe.

You look at the ocean while holding the small glass candle you retried from Ferrega, thinking that soon you will go East and finally meet your family once again.
>>
>>4829766
>She is a sweet young woman, apparently given to the Temple (a nice way to say “abandoned on the steps of a local Temple”) as a baby, to be raised as a Priestess of the God Balerion, even though she worshiped all the Gods as it was proper.
>You nod at her, smiling. She lets you be…but not before giving you a long stare and a wink.
>A thought for another time, maybe.

Fat chance when you're once again within Sheira's grasp Rhogar.
>>
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And on this note I close the session.

What have you achieved today:
I) Met the Archons
II) You have brainstormed the points of the treaty. I mean it - read what the final treaty says and compare it with the brainstorming you did between yesterday and today.
II) Negotiated a Treaty based upon your own brainstorming
IV) Begun brainstorming ideas to further your family cause & laying the basis of the new Valyrian government.
V) Decided how to spend the XP (and got 2 ranks in Languages for free since I made the mistake of not allocating them earlier)

Well done, that's all I got to say.

I will hanf around for a little while to answer any question, then go. Thanks to all for partecipating.

NOTE - the thread has reached bump limit, but we'll continue here tomorrow. I will switch to a new thread when we're close to the limit..unless someone can tell me a way to get around the "5 threads for IP" rule of the Board.
>>
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>>4829791
And a man can dream, stop cockblocking Rhogar
>>
>>4829812
Thanks for running, Tagaros.
>>
>>4829816
No, we are the eternal cockblock squad. And we will never give up
>>
>>4829812
Thank for running
>>
>>4829812
Thanks for running
>>
>>4829812

Better than we originally hoped for, not bad at all.

Thanks for running, see you tomorrow.
>>
>>4829812
I'd suggest tagging the quests with ASOIAF or GOT when you archive them. I had trouble finding it on suptg.
>>
>>4829812
Thanks for the session QM.
>>
Quick question - there is no way to delete an old thread (already archived) right? Just to avoid the rule of "Max 5 threads for IP".
>>
>>4829890
Man how many threads do you have up?
>>
>>4829912
2. It's a question for the future.
>>
>>4829812
>unless someone can tell me a way to get around the "5 threads for IP" rule of the Board.
Just reset your IP through your wifi's wizard. Or if you have dynamic IP then just turn it off then on again. That's how WhatIsAQM does it. It says 5 threads per IP so he changed his IP.
>>
>>4829923
Ah. Well then if that's the case next session will be in a new thread. I thought it'd check the tripcode.
>>
>>4829890
Ask an anon to spam smug, then mods will archive the thread.
>>
>>4829971
Why not skip the steps and just report your own post saying "Please archive thread we done nao plsthnks luv u jannie"? I mean if we're gonna do silly convoluted things.

>>4829950
Personally I wouldn't worry about it. Threads last for a long time after the bump limit. And usually if you've hit the bump limit you'll have plenty of people in the thread already so continuing in the thread probably won't be a bad decision.
>>
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>>4829971
>Ask an anon to spam smug
You asked for it anon, don't blame me now.
>>
>>4829812
Excellent session and thanks.

We have done quite a lot, but we could still think of something that can be done here in Volantis. Though maybe it can wait for next time.
I am still interested in having a spy, so maybe we can get one before going. Would help in gaining informations away from the public eyes.

Also Urrax should be fully healed soon. That s good.


>>4829816
Kek. Rhogar has a good taste, prayers session will be something else. Jk s aside, faith approval is good to have and having the gods favour would be even better.


So there is a possible cousin in the north ? That s someone to find. Even if it s just a rumor dispatching some men for finding it could be ideal. Another thing to talk with our uncle and father.
>>
test
>>
hi
hey
Giorno a tutti, come va?
>>
>>4831122
molto bene
stavi testando per i colori ?
>>
>>4831154
Aspetta, ma anche te sei italiano? Si, sto testando i colori per la nuova scena con cui far partire il nuovo thread.
>>
>>4831154
>>4831194
I cooka da meatball
>>
>>4831194
si
Avevi in mente di usarli per sottolineare, nuovo equipaggiamento o introdurre personaggi ?
Ottima quest comunque. Seriamente mi piace molto, spero che la continui.
>>
>>4831203
You fool, meatballs are more closely aligned with Sweden than Italy!
>>
>>4831203
>>4831212
Urrax will now shoot meatballs whenever he tries to breathe fire (not really)

>>4831209
Quello sarebbe uno spoiler. Comunque si la continuerò almeno finché non moriamo (vecchiaia o in guerra). Visto che ora so ci sono altri italiani, prova a trovare dove ho inserito qualche riferimento alla nostra nazione
>>
>>4831212
*i cooka da pasta
>>
>>4831218
>Urrax will now shoot meatballs whenever he tries to breathe fire
That would actually be disgusting and horrifying.

Imagine getting crushed by a hunk of meat falling on you from cloud level.

Jesus.
>>
>>4831218
Does this mean you'll write Aurion as Mussolini?
>>
>>4831228
Nothing that obvious. That would turn the quest into a parody. But I did insert a couple of references that apparently flew beneath the radar so far.
>>
>>4831224
>That scene of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Oh god..,
>>
>>4831232
Probably modeled after some Roman emperor or something.
>>
>>4831234
Aurelian
>>
>>4831235
Good comparison, shame about his death.
>>
>>4831218
ok
Bene bene, Hahaha ti diro non sono particolarmente bravo a trovare riferimenti o indizi, ma posso provarci. Scometto che gli altri lo troveranno prima di me in ogni caso.
>>
New thread here we come.
>>
New thread
>>4831508
>>4831508
>>4831508
>>
>>4831506
>>4831510
H-He's fast!



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