>>25568016
Fuck yes, House Harrock Quest!

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>>25568016
As this rule continues to enforce order and removes any discussion of tripcodes, I'll maintain it until the moment it stops being useful.
>Anyone who posts with a tripcode or a name will be ignored. If you wish for your contributions to the quest to be read, then you will post anonymously.

I'd also like to propose a new guideline. Not necessarily a rule but it'll make this quest more pleasant to read and to participate in.
>Please refrain from offering any praise or comments on how the quest is being run until after the quest has ended.
A large amount of people are tired of reading “Plasma, you are awesome.” I am one of them. The fact that you're participating is enough praise in my mind. Over-saturation of compliments is transforming this quest into a circlejerk and that's the last thing I want.

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

Finally, I hope tonight will be a little better. I'm well rested with no work tonight or tomorrow, plus I got the opportunity to pre-write and pre-plan some things. I'm also thinking of creating a Twitter account or something similar, as my schedule for this quest is becoming more erratic with my new job. I'll still mention the schedule in every thread, it would just be something for people who want a reliable way of keeping track of stuff. Any input?

>>25568016
Are we acting as if the last thread didn't happen, Plasma? Since we just scrapped it, and didn't archive it, that might make sense, but whatever you decide is good.

>>25568039
A Twitter account might work well, so we know if you're going to be late or not, or unable to make a session.

>>25568049
We're going ahead as though it did happen. I didn't want it archived due to the relative low quality but I see no need to retcon what happened.

If you want to see what happened on Monday, check the "previously" link.

>>25568074
Fair enough, makes sense. I still think it was idiotic to hit our uncle though.

I'm in.
>tfw I missed it so much
Thanks for coming today, Plasma. I'll avoid sucking your ego-dick otherwise.

>>25568091
Idiotic or not, it was an agreed decision,
>>25568058
All right. I'll try to work on making one tomorrow.
>>25568037
>>25568093
Two is a start.

A collection of important characters for those who need to catch up. It has been updated fairly recently to include some of the characters you have met during the tournament.
>http://pastebin.com/wbb0aWtG

>>25568113
>Idiotic or not, it was an agreed decision,

Yea, I know. Gives us something to fix this session hopefully.

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>25568113
Also, I had no clue that there was a thread Monday (I assumed since there hadn't been one in a while because of your job), but what happened that caused you not to argue it?

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>>25568126
>>25568113
>>25568016
The discussion with your three sworn knights has become heated although hardly as furious as your uncle was earlier. Their different opinions seem to clash, with the honourable and disciplined Ser Banton hardly agreeing with the cunning and instincts of Ser Boros. It's a rather awkward decision to come to, considering your political position. Lord Yohn Royce knighted your son, is willing to marry one of his boys to your daughter and is sending over loyal servants to observe trade and traffic through Westpass for the forseeable future. Your houses have created a strong bond in only a matter of weeks, perhaps too strong. Letting your mind flow back to the conversation, you listen to Banton first.

“M'lord, the wisest course of action at this point is to inform Lord Royce of Lord Belmore's treachery. If you forge a strong alliance with the man, you might be able to call upon his aid to support your claim on Grimarbour, and that of his vassals. By political clout only, you'd be able to claim the island as your own within one month, maybe two at most.”

Again, Ser Boros disagrees. Ser Morys has withdrawn from the back-and-forth for now, with no particular direction he wishes to go in.

“That just gives Bronze Yohn more claim over us! The more power he has over your family, the more likely it is that he'll be tryin' to make House Harrock a vassal – and if we don't give 'im what he wants, he'll likely demand it, either with arms or through kissin' up to Jon Arryn. The Seven know he's got a strong connection to the Hand of the King than we do. We need to take our time with this and earn Grimarbour the proper way.”

>Any further questions from the two men? Which plan do you find more appealing, at least at the moment?

>>25568131
Plasma hadn't really prepared anything for it, and he didn't think his standard of writing was up to scratch, so he didn't want a poor thread tainting an otherwise fairly consistently good run.

>>25568136
"I understand your thinking, Banton, but I think we should get into a better position ourselves, before calling upon Lord Royce. We can still fight our own battles, and I'm reluctant to go calling upon others unless I need to. We're not weak, but if we just have Bronze Yohn fight our fights for us, be it diplomatically or on the field of battle, we will look it, and that way leads vassalage."

>>25568091
He called our wife a fat sow.

That's unacceptable.

>>25568242
We could have dealt with it verbally, though. We're better than Brock, we don't have to resort to our fists.

>>25568200
Any other suggestions or disagreements?

>>25568200
This - while I can respect Banton's view, Boros understands us and the House better at the moment, and we need to prove our own strength, not rely on the strength of others.

Please archive this time even if it sucks

>>25568348
I'm the one who usually archives, so I'll make sure to do so.

>>25568278
>>25568200
"He wouldn't be fighting our battles, m'lord - he would be punishing a lord of the Vale for unwarranted aggression against his neighbour. As the Castellan of the Eyrie and the regent of the Mountain and the Vale, it's Lord Royce's duty to judge and punish rogue lords like Lord Belmore - it wouldn't be weakness at all. However, it is your house and it is your decision. I am your sworn to your service after all, m'lord."

He definitely isn't happy about your decision but he respects it. He wouldn't be your knight if he didn't. Ser Boros seems to be quite happy to have won the argument and Ser Morys finally interjects.

"Well then m'lord, how should we begin? You've mentioned the reconstruction of the tower to the North, Bleakfaith. I've been looking into that and I think it should take at least two months, maybe three before it's finally finished. We'll also be needing soldiers to man it, otherwise it'll fall into disrepair just as it did before. What else do you have in mind for the future of Westpass, m'lord?"

>>25568399
"How are we currently in terms of being able to press some of our people into service without impacting our economy, Ser Morys? We could recruit an extra garrison unit for when we complete the tower, and perhaps train some more infantry."

What are our House stats at the moment, Plasma?

>>25568438
Yea, knowing our current stats would help a lot, Plasma.

I also agree on getting some Infantry as well as Garrison troops if we can.

What about our master mason?

Is he avaiable for the tower?

Also, what about that Statue we wanted him to build? The one commemorating the victory over the wildlings?

>>25568515
I think he's still working on the development of the docks back at Crown Crag for House Egen.

>>25568438
Do we really need so many soldiers eating in our budget when the main threat, the wildlings have been eliminated?

Even if Belmore starts to invade, a large force would draw attention and we would have enough time to train new troops

>>25568515
>>25568529
Calling him back might be good, if we can do so without screwing the new dock's construction.

>>25568532
We'd at least still need an extra Garrison unit to man the tower.

>>25568438
>Knew I forgot to prepare something! Sorry for the delay. Currently, your stats are as follow. I'll answer other questions shortly.

>0 Defence
>17 Influence
>0 Land
>21 Law
>18 Population
>1 Power
>8 Wealth

>House Fortune: 3d6+9
>Defence Modifier: +1
>Power Modifier: +1
>Population Modifier: +1
>Wealth Modifier: +3

>>25568565
Hmm... we can't go for the tower then, I think, because we'd need spare Land for that, unless we can just buy it with Wealth.

>>25568515
"I believe Jeorg is still working on the docks at Crown Crag, m'lord - he should be there for another three months at least unless you wish to withdraw your aid from House Egen."
>>25568438
"More and more peasants are pouring in from Gulltown, m'lord. We should be able to press quite a few of them into service if need be. They're settlers, all eager for work."
>>25568532
>>25568544
"We'll need a garrison for the tower, m'lord. We could always move our castle garrison over there if you'd rather not stretch our coffers further. After what your brother did to your house's situation in the war, it's hard to support so many soldiers."

>>25568605

The tower is already there, it just needs to be renovated

What about our new Inn/tavern ?

Is it finished already?

Would it be possible to institute a day of training for all over a certain age- like the english did with their longbowmen? That way we have a more trained source to draw from while not smothering our manpower

>>25568631
With House Royce's men arriving, we need to keep at least an equal number of men as them in High Harrock, so that they know that they will not be able to harm us should push come to shove. We will recruit some of the new settlers into a Garrison force, given the tower is relatively close to their new farms, and it will show that we trust them to help us defend their new homeland.

As for Jeorg, no, leave him where he is at present. If we need him, we will call him home, but at the moment, we can do without harming our relations with House Egen.

>>25568651
It's mostly done, I think.

>>25568671
That's what Militia units would be, I think. Could you confirm that Plasma?

>>25568680
Well we don't need to keep equal since we don't expect them to start actively wrecking shit, but we should show them strength without actually, you know, weakening our ability to respond to threats

Maybe match half their numbers?

>>25568714
Well, as long as we keep our archers and infantry in the castle (they aren't needed in House Egen's lands anymore), that should do us. They aren't doing anything else at the moment.

>>25568731
Could we use our armed forces to help repair the tower Bleakfaith? Or perhaps accept taxes in the form of work towards its restoration in a form of corvee

Can I just say

The Vale is the lamest of the seven kingdoms.

Dorne may be the gayest, but The Vale is fucking LAME.

That is all.

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>>25568782
Because having to deal with roving bands of mountain men, as well as the machinations of our neighbours, is totally lame...

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>>25568605
>>25568634
>You need to officially claim and extend your influence over the ruined tower before you're able to send people to repair it. This takes some political clout and paperwork - and some manpower to enforce the law, as the Bleakfaith ruins are known to house a few bandits. Alternatively, you could just ignore the ruins and build a new tower - but that takes a lot of resources.
>You can choose between a cost of 5 Land, 3 Law and 2 Defence or a cost of 10 Defence.
>>25568651
"Aye, it's finished and quite successful at the moment. A good tavern draws paying merchants to the mountain route and it's doing its job well."
>>25568671
>>25568680
"Aye, I think we could do something like that. We'd need to be able to enforce this law across the land but after enough time, aye. We'd be able to train our men in use of arms, make it easier to raise a good army. What sort of weapons do you want to train 'em in?"
>>25568680
>I enjoy the idea so I'll add a new mechanic.
>Choose a unit to represent what you're training the peasants to be. After a year of this training regime, you'll be able to create that unit for a cost of one less power. However, if your Law ever drops beneath 20 you'll lose the advantage and you'll have to restart the training regime when your Law rises back to 20 or higher.
>The units I'll allow you to choose from are archers, guerilla, infantry and garrison, if you're interested in this.

>>25568782
Fuck you. We've got mountain clans, swag-ass mountains, and exotic ports (Sisterton and Gulltown in the canon, Grimarbour in our story).
The Reach and Riverlands, on the other hand, blow. It's just farmland. The Reach has Oldtown, which doesn't amount to much.

>>25568811
Longbow- easy to maintain, plus we have control over the arrows so they can't go around sticking us in the back. Make it a holiday. They don't have to work, practice shooting instead. Prizes can be handed out at at a tournament held once a year or something along that line

>>25568811
We'll have to wait until we can pull off claiming the Tower then.

As for the training, I'd suggest we go with Infantry, and train them with spears - that'd work well against both cavalry and infantry.

>>25568811
>>You can choose between a cost of 5 Land, 3 Law and 2 Defence or a cost of 10 Defence.
We can't afford it.
On the other hand, I pulled this up from an older thread:

Bleakfaith Ruins
Bleakfaith is an old tower built over a thousand years ago by House Belmore, on the Northern side of Westpass when they sought to encroach upon and claim your land for their own. After their attempt to seize the land failed, the tower fell into disuse and was abandoned. Bandits and clansmen often frequent the ruins.
Costs 5 Land
Provides 3 Defence and -3 Law. Enables construction of a Tower at this location for 5 Defence.

Northmarsh Fields
On the very Northern edge at your territory, there is a fertile field. While it could potentially be a very profitable location and would be a perfect place for farming, House Belmore might look unkindly upon you claiming a spot so close to their land.
Costs 1 Land
Provides 3 Population, 1 Wealth and -1 Law.

Blackpitch Woods
A small cluster of trees to the very South of your territories, very close to where you expect the Milk Snakes are hiding. It's a chaotic, unlawful place that's frequently raided. Otherwise you would've already used it for lumber production, which would decrease your need for trade with House Egen.
Costs 3 Land
Provides 3 Wealth and -3 Law.

Grosspike Landing
On the opposite side of the Westflow from Northmarsh, Grosspike Landing is the perfect location to build a port. The only issue is the expense of the port - is it truly worth the cost?
Costs 3 Land
Provides 1 Population, 1 Wealth and -1 Law. Enables port construction at this location.

We can afford Northmarsh if we convert Wealth into Land.

>>25568865
>You already possess Northmarsh.

>I really need to create an organised list of everything, all in one place.

>>25568865
We already have Northmarsh, that's where our new settlers are living.

>>25568900
>>25568896
Well sheeeeeiiiiittttt.
What's the conversion rate for Wealth to Land? Doesn't two Wealth translate to 1 of anything? If so, based off this ( >>25568565 ), we could theoretically have 4 land. That means we can afford Grosspike Landing or Blackpitch Woods.

>>25568896
Sorry for samefagging, but you could attach our holdings/possible holdings to the existing Pastebin that you have for the characters.

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>>25568939
>You can spend Wealth to increase any other stat by half of the Wealth that you spend.

>So that we don't get bogged down with rules discussion, is there any one action that has general consensus?

>>25568961
Nah, we should save up for the Tower, since we'll need a defensive position on the border with Belmore, and we have the use of Crown Crag at the moment, so we don't need our own port yet.

Don't spend Wealth for Land just yet.

>>25568939
>>25568961
We should stick with going with the Bleakfaith Ruins, we've been planning that for several threads.

Don't spend or do anything yet, let's see if we can manage to get stuff together to start work on the Tower later on.

>>25568961
I'd say that Bleakfaith would be worth the effort in reclaiming if we're serious about Belmore and would vote five land, 3 law and 2 defense

Even if we don't we should clear out the bandits there

>>25569026
Yea, I'd go with the land/law/defence route too.

If we use our guerillas to hunt down bandits that might be praying on our trade caravans, we might be able to increase our lawfulness a bit.

>>25569026
>>25569010
>>25569000
With your sworn swords, you resolve to focus primarily on the construction of Bleakfaith, or at least gathering the resources for it. Your men seem to agree with that for the most part, excluding Ser Banton. He is not yet used to the slow pace that House Harrock works at but with time, perhaps he shall adapt. He has seven years to do so.

>Is there anything else you wish to discuss or ask?
>If not, is there anything else you wish to do, concerning family or the prisoners or anything else?
>If not, we can timeskip ahead to when an event occurs.

>>25568961
Since everyone wants a third tower, let's just save.
So . . . what next? We've pretty well discussed everything with our knights. Can we time skip to Royce's knights coming? That'll pick up the pace.

>>25569068
We were going to interrogate the prisoners, weren't we? Though our uncle did say that they'd just told him about working for Belmore, which we already knew...

If we don't do that, let's timeskip forward.

>>25568837
I agree. Longbows can fuck up some infantry pretty good, especially since we're getting a tower. That's more able body defenders. Not only that, but if our people are good with a bow, there will be less strain on food production, as most people would feasibly be able to hunt for themselves.

>>25569103
>>25569088
>Anyone else for interrogating the prisoners personally?

>>25569068
I want to talk to our uncle, but see our wife first. She's much better talking with people... maybe she can help us figure out what to say.

"Conversing comes so easily to you...it was a skill I neglected growing up. Hmf. Even when I try to say things nicely I always end up wording them like threats."

Also quick question- do we know our uncles favorite food, and how did our father died?

>>25569120
Sure, though beloved uncle sounds like he worked them over pretty good. Just confirm what we've already been told, and then keep them safe in case we need to throw something at belmore. So comfortable but not too comfortable

>>25569125
Weren't we going to let Morys talk to our uncle, try to persuade him to calm down and work with us?

>>25569120
Let's just skip.
>>25569125
Why do we need to waste our time and Plasma's with your chubby-chasing fetish?

>>25569152
>>25569125
Let Morys talk to our uncle first, and then we can talk to him later (after time skip).

>>25569179
...uh, not really wasting our time trying to improve social skills. And she's our wife dude.

>>25569210
We do this every time, anon. Our conversation with Deyya go nowhere (other than her telling us that Jon Lynderly is an ass).

>>25569238
that' s because we were at the tourney. We'd probably have different stuff talk about now- like our uncle

>>25569280
Aye, it'd be interesting to see her view on it.

>>25569179
>>25569152
>>25569145
>>25569125
>>25569103
In response to your request, Ser Morys nods.

"I'll do my best to talk some sense in the man. He trusts me, although he might think less of my judgement after the tournament. I wanted to earn honour for House Harrock and I did exactly that, even at the cost of this... I'm sure he'll understand."

With that, you leave to interrogate the prisoners yourself in the bowels of High Harrock. You might wish to speak with your uncle later yourself but for now, you'd rather see the prisoners for yourself.
The pair of them can be found in the dark and grim depths of the castle, carved into the very foundations in a roughly hewn way with little charm. It was only recently turned into a place for containing prisoners, with scattered alcoves covered with metal caging used to contain your captives. The starving mountain man is there, a hollow wreck who simply glowers at you from his prison. Then there are the two archers, both fit young men of foreign origin covered in dirt and grime from the battle and their stay in your dungeons. They have little in the way of injuries, their skin bruised and bleeding in a few key places but showing no sign of intense torture. They both seem tense and quite uncertain, especially once you make your approach. Watching you like feral animals, they simply wait for questions.

>>25569306
I know what you have told my uncle, but tell me exactly what Lord Belmore ordered you to do, and where the rest of your fellows are hiding. If you do, I might be persuaded to make your conditions better than they currently are.

>>25569306
"Alright gentlemen, tell me everything about the deal with Belmore and don't try to hide any thing from me, I already talked to my Uncle, who's acuqaintance must be painfully known to you.

If you cooperate, then you will be spared of further pain and suffering, and perhaps a chance at freedom lies waiting."

>>25569333
>>25569353
I second these.

>>25569306
"I'm going to make some general observations, and you're going to tell me if they are true or false- let us begin, shall we?

You are mercenaries. True or false?
You were formerly employed by a certain lord to protect his house. True or False?
You left the employee of this individual to work for another, Lord Belmore. True or false?
You did this with the approval of your commander. True or false?
Belmore or his proxy ordered you to attack my lands and my people. Your actions were directed by him and no one else. True or false? You will spend the rest of your very short life hanging in a gibbet and know what it feels like to have ravens pecking out your eyes if you do not cooperate with me.

True or false?"

>>25569386
I support this course of threatening questioning.

>>25569306
ask someone one which one talked before to our uncle. Have him forced to watch the other one put through extreme agony. Then we begin questioning along these lines >>25569386

>>25569306
Crap what was the name of the mercenary guy we talked to? I think he had snakes?

Ask them to confirm if its true they went awol or if he actually was in on it.


Also, where were they hiding and what were their objectives?

>>25569364
>>25569353
>>25569333
The thinner one of the pair speaks first, an odd, wiry lad with startling blue hair and eyes of a similar colour. The fashions of Essos are certainly strange.
"I do not know much, our captain was told! We were not, we only heard from him. We were hired by Belmore and he paid our captain much in order to hide, to attack Wes-- Westpass, yes? Westpass. We moved camp often but we were camping in the hills to the South and East of your land. I do not think that they are still there, I told your uncle this! We are mercenaries, it was work! We mean no evil to you or your family! We have nothing else to offer you, you do not need to keep us here!"
The other man, a stocky fellow with greasy yellow hair nods along. An older man and with a cleft lip, one that likely makes speaking difficult for him.
>>25569386
"Yes, we are mercenaries.
"We are a part of the company of Badics. The Devils of the Rhoyne, we were known. This is before he became lord.
"Belmore paid Badics for our services, yes. Then Belmore paid our captain more, to do work that we were not meant to. Not part of contract, yes? I cooperate! We mean no harm, let us free! We shall not harm your house again, this is a promise!"

>>25569474


Palfrey Badics, mercenary captain from the Reach, given lands after protecting Lord Jon Arryn's rearguard from the traitorous army of a certain Ulfric Stone.

>>25569518
Perhaps we could turn this to our advantage? These guys are obviously expert archers, as we found out when they first entered our lands... perhaps we could use them to help train up our own archers and guerillas?

>>25569518
"You won't be leaving anytime soon. However, you will not suffer...overly much." Shrug towards the mountain clan. "I may have use for you yet."

After the torture and questioning is over:
In a previous thread, there was talk of opening up new paths through the mountains.

We should ask our men of any half-decent mountain trails we could improve and patrol.

In a mountainous land, full of hill-cunts, safe trade routes are gold mines.

A little work to improve the trail and send enough men along it to clear out any hill-cunts, we could have a new source of revenue for almost no cost.

>>25569518
I'd say keep them in the dungeon. IF we end up telling someone like yohn, their evidence would help our case.

Ask them if they send ravens to the Belmores and if so, how regularly. If they do, we could station some good marksmen near the border between wherever the Belmores live and places we estimate the mercenaries may be hiding to shoot down any ravens and intercept their messages.

I guess we got all we can from them. Let's leave them to sit in their cells a little while longer. Maybe we'll have a use for them later.

>>25569597
Sounds good to me!

>>25569518

Only proper end result is them being strung up. Otherwise, take what they say with a grain of salt.

Also would it be worth sending our Uncle with Morys perhaps? Former for tending coin and smallfolk, latter troops?

Its obvious that these mercs were just following orders, if we really want info we need to get their captain

Give them a chance to redeem themselves, let them help you track down the mercenary captain (under close surveillance by our sworn swords) and after the captain has been apprehended sent them away on a boat to essos.

>>25569641
I'd say this, mixed with >>25569565

>>25569518
"You carried off some of my people, what happened to them?"

We should Raven Bardics. This is quite an embarrassment for him, if we keep his wandering men quiet, he hight owe us one.

Or not. Either way, we should discuss it with him.

>>25569658
>>25569641
>>25569625
>>25569624
>>25569622
>>25569615
>>25569572
>>25569565
Deciding to keep them in their cells for the time being, you are certain that you may be able to make use of them later.

Do you wish to go ahead and speak with your lady wife now that the interrogation is over, even if it was hardly an interrogation at all? If so, what do you wish to discuss? If not, you can always speak with your uncle now that the two of you have calmed down.

>Once all of your conversations are over, you can skip forward.

>>25569718
Go talk with our Uncle.

>>25569718
Skip skip skip skip skip skip skipskipskipskipskipskipskipskipskip

>>25569718
Just skip.

>>25569718
Talk to our wife on our uncle, and then see him.

How did our father die?

>>25569766
You're a good writer, but I'm starting to feel like I'm just reading the same decent story over and over again.

>>25569718
"Dearest uncle, I know that I acted harshly earlier and struck you in my anger. For that embarrassing lack of control of my own facilities, I apologize. Even so, we are family. House Harrock stands together. Until the last ridge. If you must leave, so be it. Go with my blessing. However, I think together the chances of escalating our houses' position stand better than I can manage alone. Your council has not always aligned with my own thoughts, but you've never refrained from counseling me with what you consider to be true. You don't pander to what you assume I think is the right course, and that is a very valuable to me. Please reconsider leaving our house for the cold north."

>>25569817
>>25569807
>>25569798
>>25569766
>>25569765
>>25569737
>There seems to be a lot of interest in skipping forward and so I'll go ahead with that.

>>25569817
Voting against this.

Everyone is forgetting that it was ultimately our uncle NOT our half-brother that led House Harrock to ruin. And after our previous clash, I honestly don't know if we can really trust him not to pull something against our children in the 'interests' of House Harrock.


I agree with
>>25569658
>>25569565
>>25569641

>>25569680
Yes, we need to know this. There isn't a real reason for this in the normal course of guerrilla warfare that I can think of.

>>25569838
>MONTH 3, DAY 19

You've spent quite a few days settling back into the usual routine. The workload has been much heavier without your uncle's dedication. Due to the guards accompanying him at all times, he is forced to do his duties but he does not go beyond them as he used to, before your feud. It certainly allows for less free time in your day, restricting the hours you have available to ride with Brock, to handle the smallfolk and to socialise with your family and your subjects. Still, you find some joy in your work. You've always been an excellent steward.

Once the morning of the nineteenth day arrives however, Maester Llelewyn arrives to provide you with three letters that have just arrived by raven.
One carries the runes and pebbles of House Royce.
One carries the sun, the moon and the star of House Egen.
One carries the twin castles of House Frey.

Which would you like to examine first?

>>25569935
>One carries the sun, the moon and the star of House Egen

>>25569952
This is guess.

>>25569935
>Egen

Really curious about the Freys though.

>>25569935
The letter from Royce first.

Let us read all letters first before sending a response to any of them

>>25569935
Royce's letter first.

>>25570018
Yeah, I agree with this.

>>25569935
>One carries the sun, the moon and the star of House Egen.

>>25569999
>>25569992
>>25569987
>>25569952
>Lord Artys Harrock of Westpass,
>I am sorry that you were unable to attend the rest of the celebrations on the island of Grimarbour. Although Lord Benedar's mood was sour throughout it, he was a most gracious host and there was much in the way of interesting discussion to be had with the other lords and ladies present.
>I spoke with my sworn sword Ser Crowlys once I returned to my seat and it seems like he no longer wishes for the service of Ser Tenry and the Woodsmen. As such, I am allowing him to return to High Harrock within two days of the sending of this letter. Apparently Crowlys has some issue with your sworn sword's 'lack of discipline' but as we are staunch allies, I see no reason to make any demands of you. I simply thank you for the excellent service that your house has provided.
>Finally, I wish to discuss the prospect of marriage once more - either between my daughter and your son, or your son and my daughter. If Brock and Lorenna are to marry, I would be happy to allow the ceremony in the sept of Crown Crag at the cost of no dowry - and indeed, if you wish for your daughter Katrin to marry little Alber in the future, I demand no dowry of you. I doubt you would find any deals quite like mine in the whole of the Vale. I hope that our alliance shall remain strong.

Which letter next?

>>25570131
Frey, I'm curious about what they're wanting.

>>25570131
Eeeugh, he's soooo desperate.
>One carries the twin castles of House Frey.

>>25570131
Royce's letter next, I think.

>>25570131

Mmh, marrying Brock to Lorenna would prob be for the best especially since they show interest in eachother

the no dowry thing is needless asskissing though, lets get one cracking

Royce next

>>25570131
>One carries the twin castles of House Frey.

>>25570131
>Frey

Just out of curiosity, I suppose.

>>25570131

Frey.

"I brought you dinner..."
"I..want to apologize...for striking you. It was not the...right. Even if you were insulting my family."

He runs his hands through his hair, sighing and putting the wooden plates down. "Uncle, I've been thinking about what you said. About my brother and me and the future of our house. I've always respected your opinion... it was more dear to me then my father. You practically raised me, you know? Ulfric was always the favorite- star of my fathers eye. I realized the truth later, but I knew it in my gut the time I was twelve. When he decided to out on the hunt, Ulfric was the one he wanted by his side, not me. And when his horse threw a shoe and he broke his neck, it was Ulfric who was at his side, holding him in his last moments, not me. I was with you, learning the names of all the houses. I always knew that would be my place- with you, counting coin and writing missives in the keep. I never wanted to be the Lord of house harrock, that was Ulfrics future not mine. But the seven had different plans...
I understand that you don't think much of me. I didn't think much of me either until now. Until I had to become the hangman, that grim cliche, and stepped up into the role as the master of this land, I never lived.
I am not Ulfric...I will never be Ulfric. But I am House Harrock, and my son, however little you think of him, is its future. I love you, and if you truly think your place is on the wall, then I won't stop you from taking the black. But if you were speaking the truth when you said you wanted the best for our house, then you'd know that really means that you want what's best for my family. I will do whatever it takes to protect them- if that means I must torture, or grovel, or become someone else entirely, I will do that and I will never stop until the day I die."
"Your food is getting cold...wanted to bring you your favorite, but I didn't know what that was. I guess we both knew less about each other then we thought."

>>25570265


Huh?

>>25570308
Oh, sorry, field was too short. my idea on what to say to our Uncle when we talk to him.

>>25570308
I know what you mean.
>"I brought you dinner..."
>He runs his hands through his hair

I honestly thought it was going to be some erotic fanfiction.

>>25570416
With our uncle?

I know westeros has a history of incest but gross dude

>>25570184
>>25570178
>>25570172
>>25570166
>>25570165
>>25570198
>Lord Artys Harrock of Westpass,
>The success of your house has reached the ears of my lord father, Walder Frey. He understands and appreciates the ambition shown by your house during the tournament of Grimarbour and knows how difficult the search for glory can be. As such, he wishes to offer you an alliance through marriage. I have a son called Walton, a good and strong man, honourable and just. We believe that he would make an excellent suitor for your daughter, Katrin Harrock. We ask for little in return; only a dowry of three hundred gold dragons so that we may provide your daughter with necessary accommodations and luxuries. If you approve, we will arrange the betrothal.
>If you wish for a wife for your son instead, we can offer to you a beautiful woman in the form of Kyra. She may be a little young at the moment but we shall happily send of her over to be betrothed to your son Brock, so long as you demand no dowry of us. Consider it a gesture of friendship.
>My father hopes that our houses can forge a truly magnificent alliance, one way or another.
>Ser Stevron Frey.

Lord Royce's letter?

>>25570444
...aw damnit. The last thing we need is a frey in our house

>>25570444
Yyyup. Honestly, Freys are probably a better prospect for an alliance than Egen but we'll see.

>>25570444
Fuck me, marrying into House Frey would be a huge coup for us... but this leaves us in a conundrum - we only have 2 children, and 3 offers of marriage.

>>25570481
If we're lucky, we might have a third on the way.

>>25570444

Yep, lets read the Royce letter

>>25570444
I'm against marrying Brock to a Frey purely because both we both have put a lot of effort into the Egen girl.

>>25570444


Whoa, that's pretty sweet, It gives us great political clout with the Ninth house of Westeros.

What's Yohn got to say.

>>25570491
But that won't work in the short term.

I think we do kinda need to marry with Egen, because it secures one of our two borders. The question is whether to go with Royce or Frey for our daughter. Royce would help in terms of regional power and influence, but might lead to us becoming a vassal, where as Frey would help nationally, I think, and be less likely to make us a vassal, but are also not really in a position to help us militarily.

>>25570546
It wouldn't be good to snub Royce. Frey is kind of a non entity in the veil

>>25570560


Except that he feeds pretty much everyone.

>>25570560


Except that he supplies food to a lot of lords.

Remember what Frey does in 15 years

Not a good idea to associate with them

>>25570444
>Lord Artys Harrock of Westpass,
>I hope you've arrived at your castle safely. I am writing this letter from my ship, as we're about to leave Grimarbour for Runestone. I have business there before I return to the Eyrie. I have received a raven from my seat and they have confirmed the marching of my men to Westpass and Crown Crag. They should be with you by the end of the month.
>I also figure that we should sort out the formalities of this marriage you discussed. I'd be happy to marry my secondborn boy to your daughter, Robar. He's not the heir and he might not be as brawny as Andar but he's a damn sight smarter, a great assistant in my work as Castellan of the Eyrie. Of course, I wish for your daughter to live as grand a life as possible and that takes gold. Five hundred dragons will help ensure that the lass lives in luxury for the rest of her days. If you agree to her dowry, I'll try to organise the marriage as soon as possible. I might even host it in the Eyrie, could be a grand event indeed.
>And have a servant of your son's measurements and include them in your response, along with the date of his nameday. I've got a good gift in mind for the lad, seeing as he was only fighting in brigantine.

>>25570481
>>25570491

I think we should refuse in favour of Royce, as that gives us a lot of regional power even if we do become more beholden to him.

BUT we should actually include the above posts in a letter, Lord Frey is just the kind of guy that would appreciate some bawdy humour along the lines of:

"With much regret I have already promised both my children to other Lords of the Vale, yet your Lordship can be assured I am making every effort to ensure that my supply of children matches the demand for them."

>>25570625

ROBAR DIES IN 15 YEARS

killed by the fucking knight of flowers

>>25570635


I like it.

>>25570617
Metagamming is poor play indeed.

Though even now he is known as the Late Lord Frey. If his own leige couldn't rely on him for military support, can we really expect the same?

>>25570668
Cut the fucking meta.

>>25570625

Fuck it, lets marry into Royce

>>25570635
Second!
>>25570625
Ah sweet, Royce is paying a bride price. We gotta write back and get the arrangements sorted

>>25570625
Ouch, 5 wealth is nothing to sniff at.

>>25570699
>Actually, he's demanding a dowry. Five hundred gold dragons, from you to him. 5 Wealth.

>>25570671
Yeah he doesn't have a very good reputation. Also should we push Egen for a bride price or should we just accept the marriage proposal and finish the waffling.

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>>25570635
I agree, and not because of meta - marrying into House Frey does jack shit for our regional power, which is the only power we have at the moment, since we're no where close to being influential outside of the Vale yet.

We should stick with the original plan (daughter to Royce, Brock to Egen), and do this anon's awesome response to Frey.

>>25570713
Oh, my bad. Still seems pretty good, considering how we made out with five wealth from the tourney

Guys, guys.

These are just three letters. What about people like Lord Saul and Lord Belmore and stuff? Don't be hasty, wait for more offers.

>>25570702
>>25570699
Wait, he's paying the bride price?

Is that how marriage in Westeros works?

If so then fuck yeah, but with the condition that Robar and Katrin should meet before the agreement is finalised. It would mean a lot to our daughter if we did so rather than selling her off via raven without any input on her side.

>>25570713
>>25570702
But if the marriage is hosted at the Eyrie, and it's a huge event, that'll net us a lot more in terms of prestige and influence than it cost us in gold.

>>25570734
Nope, he's asking us to pay 500.

>>25570714
>>25570713
Definitely, especially considering what Royce is asking.

200 gold dragons from Egen isn't wouldn't be too unreasonable?

>>25570747
This is a fair point worth considering. If we perform well in the wedding, we could make important connections with some of the higher lords.

>>25570635
Seconeded ... Thirded ... whatever.

We want nothing to do with those fuckers. Politely refuse them and move on.

>Royce
This sounds good but we should talk to our wife first. It has been established that she is better than us at this sort of thing.

>>25570734
>>25570714
>>25570702
>>25570699
>I'll try to explain this a bit more clearly, sorry.
>A dowry is when the family of the bride pays the family of the groom.
>A bride price is when the family of the groom pays the family of the bride.

>If Lorenna marries Brock, no wealth switches hands.
>If Alber marries Katrin, no wealth switches hands.
>If Walton marries Katrin, you must pay a dowry of 3 Wealth.
>If Kyra marries Brock, no wealth switches hands.
>If Andar marries Katrin, you must pay a dowry of 5 Wealth.
>These are the default deals. Barter if you like.

>>25570788
Something something fetish something skip skip skip
But yeah, let's talk to our wife. I like to interact with our family.

>>25570747
>>25570757
>>25570734
>>25570713
If we set a condition that Robar and Katrin meet first that would buy us some time to come up with the bride price without losing face.

>>25570797

What's the tradition in Westeros? Dowry or bride price?

>>25570797
>>25570821
>Additionally, the concept of a bride price is typically a Dornish thing but some other lords are willing to try and use it. It's almost always a dowry that is paid.

>>25570797
I'm wary of Royce's influence over our House, but at this point we're essentially surrounded by people who want to kill us/ sell us off. We need an ally, and a strong one at that.

And fuck Alric, I was here for the Monday quest.

>>25570797
I'd say demand a dowry from Egen for Lorenna/Brock of either 2-3 wealth, whichever we think we can squeeze out of him.

Definitely don't haggle with Royce on the price, whatever other conditions we might put forward.

>>25570797
I say we pay Royce the 5 wealth. I mean, fuck it's for our girl. If we find that she's been somehow treated poorly after paying the exorbitant dowry then we can challenge their honor.

Otherwise, we'll come off looking poor or struggling if we start haggling the price. We should use the opportunity to see if there's any way we could profit off of Royce through trade, so that we might be able to recover some of this as time goes on.

>>25570806
Definitely talk to our wife, but on top of that I think we should include our children in this. We know Brock is up for it, but Katrin deserves at least some notice (if not some say).

>>25570845
Talk to our wife first. She is good at this social stuff. We always end up saying something threatening

>>25570788
I agree, our wife is better at this sort of thing.

>>25570845
I'd say 200 gold dragons, but we don't want to push our luck.

>>25570859
This - we don't want to look poor, and hopefully the influence and power we'll gain from having a marriage at the Eyrie will compensate us nicely.

>>25570859


From all accounts, Robar seems a good match fer her, intelligent and honorable.

>>25570926
We haven't met him.

That's unimportant, however. We need allies.

>>25570926
And maybe with Katrin around he won't go all gay for Renly like half the knights in Westeros

>>25570875
>>25570867
>>25570806
You go to speak with your wife on the matter who is currently tutoring Katrin and the other girls of the castle, as she usually spends her time. Your daughter still seems a bit tired and worn out from the events of the tournament, exhausted by long nights spent chattering with lords and putting on a show of being so polite and eloquent. You wouldn't be surprised if deep down, she hates being social just as much as you do but unfortunately for her, it's her role in life. Thankfully she performs it quite well.

On the other hand, your wife is quite distraught by the suitors.
"Just the three of them?! What about Lyonel Corbray or Alesandor Saul, or even Lynderly or Belmore? There wasn't even a representative of House Frey there? Artys, are you sure these are the only ravens that arrived? There must be more; after everything our family went through there, we must at least have more interest in Brock than just House Frey? They aren't even of the Vale - why would they show interest?"

>>25570961
The two of them matching in personality will help a lot, though. We probably don't want to rush it too much, though, as we'll have to talk to our daughter, see how it goes, since we don't just want to cast her off to Royce, never to be seen again - she's the one relative we have that seems to love us unconditionally, and she's pretty damn smart for a child too.

>>25570972
>Belmore
I think it's safe to rule them out

>>25570972
"I...don't know. Is this normal? I didn't really invest much interest into my own marriage proposals...uh...I mean, I wasn't paying attention. I mean- if someone is tampering with the ravens that would be very bad. Yes, that's exactly what I was talking about. Any rate I don't know why the others haven't sent proposals, but I think that Brock and Egen's daughter would be a good pairing. They seem very much er...attached."

>>25570972
"I am just as surprised as you, my dear, though I imagine that many of the eligible daughters of the Vale were quickly married off after Robert's victory, to secure alliances between the new lords and the like. You think it might be worth our time waiting a few days to see if more offers arrive? You don't think we should enter into an alliance through marriage to House Egen, even if it is slightly beneath us, to secure our eastern border?"

>Marriage
We can deny the Frey on account of our previous negotiations. Certainly they have lots of daughters, but their character may not fit well in our rocky land.

>Mercenaries
I wonder if our spy could do with passing himself as a bard or craftsman, pass through our Tavern and collect further clues.

>Militia
The cheaper options would be Garrison or Guerrilas. One to police, the other to strike back. Since we're saving for the Tower anyway, I'd say we should consider Guerrillas.

>Tower
Can hardly negotiate with clansmen, but what about the bandits? With some browbeating after Royce's men arrive, we may get some of them down for us. We're needing settlers after all.

>>25571031
Seconded.

>>25570972
We should point out that Royce alone is a pretty damn good catch.

>>25570972
>Lyonel Corbray

The only person he'd issue a marriage proposal to is Brock.

>>25570972
God dammit, pig son.

They showed interest because they want to fuck our daughter and take our land. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them are already talking with the Benedels (I'm too lazy to look up the name of the guy we stomped in tournament).

We can be paranoid creeps and save our daughter for later or shallow creeps and send her out for a quick bedding and wedding. Either way we lose.

>>25570972
"I wouldn't marry one of Royter's hounds to Belmore. Besides, my love, these suitors were the critical ones that the House could needed. Our daughter has done well in attracting their attention, especially Lord Royce."

"The Freys are a surprise though."

>>25571019
While funny, I think we aren't that clueless about marriage.

>>25571055

*Belmores, shit me.

>>25571031
Aye, seconding that.

>>25571031
Thirding? Fourthing?

Whatever, I support this one.

>>25571031
I like the answer.

>>25571078
Well I don't know about you but I'm kind of stumped why deyya thought we should expect more proposals

>>25571038
>Militia

I would say infantry, since that's what we're lacking at the moment and the more expensive of the lot.

>>25571053
Heh, can we throw this in?

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>>25571053

>>25571113
Well, she may not have heard the rumours surrounding Corbray. I certainly was expecting an offer from Saul, and I think we had discussed a wardship with Lynderly.

>>25571147
Yea, Lynderly was a wardship rather than marriage, but yea, I was wondering if we'd get one from Saul (who I quite liked, to be honest).

>>25571113
she spent the entire tournament parading our daughter around fishing to betrothals

>>25571167
And did a shit job of it too. Three proposals?

"Only three? I guess Corbray got to the rest first."

>>25571147


Saul has no one in his house but him and his brother, both much older than her. They are an extremely poor house, and I think he was shocked that we would even considering marrying down into their level.

>>25571069
The hound comment earns a brief bout of giggling from a few of the eavesdropping girls and even Deyya finds it hard to keep that frown on her face. Royter and his family are quite the characters and have already made themselves at home in High Harrock, currently using a few rooms in the tavern and housing their dogs in the stables, carefully segregating from the horses. You're yet to fulfil their promise of a squiring grandson, however.
>>25571053
On the other hand, that just earns a scandalous gasp. Then again, the Corbrays are a trio of unmarried brothers... It's difficult not to believe the rumours about them sometimes.
>>25571019
>>25571031
"It's a possibility but I think we could ask more of them; in fact, we should. No matter what Brock looks like, he and Lord Yohn were the stars of the tournament, alongside Ser Lyn and Ser Marwyn, of course... I think we should wait, Artys. Then again, we could offend these lords if we delay for too long. We do need to see if anyone else is interested in either of children. Even Lorenna's father admits that she's strange - I know Brock is fond of her but is she really a good choice at all? We should at least demand a dowry. If he wants the prestige of marrying into our house, he's going to have to pay for it!"
Odd how she's come to be so stubbornly proud of House Harrock, even if she married into it. Still, do you think her idea of waiting is worth any merit?

>>25571208
Wait on egen, see if we can squeeze a bride price out of him
Start on Royce. Well, if our daughter feels like she's ready.

>>25571208

>do you think her idea of waiting is worth any merit?

Yes, I think we can wait a week at most before we make a decision.

Might I also throw open a suggestion of writing to Royce expressing that their are concerns amongst my household that we are becoming simple vassals to him? It might buy us some time

>>25571208
Here's the thing:

Up until this point we've been deferring to other, more powerful neighbors. Royce probably thinks our daughter is an easy catch and judging by the tone of his letter expects her soon.

Belmore's a cunt, but he's a rich cunt and he hates us. Marrying off our daughter to someone even remotely tied to Belmore could be disastrous.

Egen's an idiot and bares his backside to anyone with an interesting story and some coin.

Our daughter is precious, the sentiments of our neighbors only prove it. Save her for a time, let them squirm. Then we'll see who lies where.

>>25571281
I agree with this, but we have to keep Yohn happy until he gives our son a suit of armour

>>25571281
We don't want to wait too long with our daughter, however.

I agree with >>25571262, let's leave it for a few days, maybe a week, to see if we get any more letters. I wouldn't mention us being worried about being made into a vassal, though, that might come across as insulting.

>>25571281
I agree completely with this sentiment.

What is the longest time we can wait without being rude? Lets wait that long.

Also, is our daughter still getting lessons in stewardship?

The only way to delay Royce should be bringing up the matters of steel. Of course, we are a family man, so we should express desire to let our daughter suit herself to the idea, while we complete our joint matters. If only because we can't look like we're selling our daughter for troops, right?

>>25571187
To be fair, we're a pretty poor house too. The thing is, Saul is very cunning and ambitious, I think his House will be going places sometime in the future.

>>25571364
Especially since we don't really want the troops sitting in our territory - they're only going to be there because he is sending his men to keep tabs on our trade.

>>25571372
"Cunning" and "ambitious" do not equate to "explicitly beneficial to us"

Saul has plans, that much is true. His plans likely don't include rebuilding a failed (and widely distrusted) House.

>>25571322
>The stewardship lessons have been cancelled. Frankly, you don't have enough time, what with your uncle being a stubborn old mule after your return and refusing to pull his weight as much as he used to.
>>25571319
>>25571262
>>25571251
You mention to your wife the possibility of waiting a week, something she is uncertain about.
"Perhaps a week is too long, at least when it comes to Katrin. The last thing we wish to do is offend Yohn, with the authority that he has over our house. Three, four days should be the longest. You could wait a week for Brock, if you have no issue with upsetting Lord Walder. He has little influence in the Vale, after all."

>Do you wish to follow this course of action, or would you like to propose something different?

>>25571452
My opinion remains >>25571364
He may appreciate a bit of character out of us.

Afterwards, >>25571038

>>25571452

Could we talk to Katrin about it, perhaps after her lesson?

I like the idea of them meeting beforehand as well.

>>25571452
"I grow tired of having my precious things taken by impatient Lords! Damnit, the only people in this tower I can trust are you and the raven-fucking Maester!" - dramatic pause - "I want what is best for my daughter, expedient or not. I will send him a raven asking for his itinerary. Perhaps niceties will distract him for a time."

>>25571452
I agree with our wife, let's go with 3 days before we respond to Royce, and 6 days before we reply to Egen.

I agree with >>25571502 though, we should talk to Katrin, and perhaps moot the idea of the two of them meeting beforehand.

>>25571452
Lets wait a few days then.

After this, lets go talk to Royter about his grandson and then our new spy.

>>25571509

Don't swear at our wife, especially in front of all the highborn daughters.

C'mon dude, we're highborn, we know better than that

>>25571522
>Do you wish to talk to your new retainers now, or after we have time-skipped enough and handled the marriage nonsense?

>>25571539
This.

>>25571518
>>25571522
These too.

>>25571547
After the marriage stuff.

>>25571539
I'm technically swearing at my Maester, but you're right.

>>25571552
Seconding.

>>25571552
This.

>>25571552
>>25571518
>>25571502
You take a moment to take your daughter aside, doing your best to comfort her and ask her what she wants. You know she's overwhelmed by the whole situation, especially after being coddled and spoiled within the walls of High Harrock for all of her life. Still, she has the best traits of your family and that of your wife. The fair hair and bright eyes of House Manderly and the wiry stature of House Harrock, the pleasant social graces of your wife and the analytical cunning of well, you - even if it's untrained and hindered by her innocence. If only you paid attention to the girl sooner. It wasn't too late for Brock but it might have been for little Katrin.

"It's what I'm meant to do, right? I'm meant to marry the lord that's right for me, that's what Mother told me... If you think it's the right thing to do then I'll do it. I just... I just want to stay here for a while. I don't want to leave yet, I'm not ready."

Those wide blue eyes stare up at you, pleading with you as you and your wife stand off to the side. Deyya seems a little awkward after hearing that, almost guilty. She was practically pimping the poor girl out to the other lords in Grimarbour, the way she advertised her.

>>25571652
God dammit.

Fuck Royce, daughter stays. Send ravens to distract Royce. Anything.

Our son wasn't ready, we made him ready. Our daughter isn't ready, we have to make her ready.

>>25571652
Again, I bring up our counter-offer to Lord Royce. We should ask the Robar travel here and meet Katrin first.

It gives us more time with our daughter, time to get together the dowry and shows Royce that we're not too eager to part with our dear daughter.

>>25571652
Dem feels...

How old is she again? I think that if we do decide to go with something, it should be a betrothal rather than straight marriage. It'd give our daughter some more time while also securing the alliance.

>>25571673
this.

>>25571652
We could probably talk to Royce and ask if she could stay for a while yet, even if they are betrothed. Remember, she's still several years from being a woman yet, so there shouldn't be too much of a rush.

Stalling for time might work, like trying to organise them meeting (whether we go to him, or he comes to us), stuff like that, but still, he might appreciate us just asking him.

>>25571676


I'd be down with this.

>>25571693
She's only 8, hence my suggestion here: >>25571704

>>25571704
Seconded.

>>25571719
Wait, she's only 8? I thought she was at least 12?

But yes, I agree with a betrothal as suggested in >>25571693

>>25571704

>>25571704

This and betrothal

God, our daughter's smart for an 8 year old

>>25571704
I think it would be weird if she had to leave when only betrothed. Generally they only go to the new house when actually married. But honesty with Royce has worked so far, so I agree that we should just outright ask him.

>>25571676
>>25571673
You confer with your wife for a brief moment and she simply nods, suddenly solemn after Katrin's words. She'd be willing to call for Robar's presence if you are.
>>25571697
She turned twelve shortly after Robert's Rebellion - easily another year and a half until the fourteenth name day, when she will be able to marry. However, a lot of the arrangements are handled beforehand and she will likely be expected to live with the family that she is betrothed to.
>>25571719
>Where did I say eight? I can't remember that.

>>25571763
I thought you'd said 8 before too, unless I'm imagining things.

Why, how old did you intend her to be?

>>25571763
Ahh, if she's 12... in that case, we need to try to organise them meeting first, and try to stall for a short while.

>>25571763
Well, since not replying to anyone yet, lets just sit on this for now.

Time to talk to our new retainers.

Also, you remembered the filthy savage chief that we had locked up, nice touch Plasma.

>>25571763
Call for Robar's presence. I am sure Royce will understand our feelings if we request that she remain with us until the wedding.

>>25571821
No, we said we'd wait four days until we replied, so lets do that.

>>25571821
I'd say so, yes, but perhaps wait a day or so before sending the letter, especially since we've got to get our son's measurements for his nameday gift from Yohn.

>>25571781
>She turned twelve shortly after Robert's Rebellion - easily another year and a half until the fourteenth name day, when she will be able to marry. However, a lot of the arrangements are handled beforehand and she will likely be expected to live with the family that she is betrothed to.
>>25571801
Do you wish to send a letter asking to meet Robar Royce first?

>>25571821
Careful here. Royce could interpret this as calling his son potentially unworthy.

I like it though.

>>25571835
>>25571834
Aye, a two day wait on Katrin's part should be sufficient.

We can wait a little longer for Brock, but really we should secure that alliance since we certainly aren't marrying off Katrin to Egen's lad. I still say 200 gold at least for a dowry.

>>25571844
>>25571835
>>25571834
You decide to wait, at least a day before you send a letter to Bronze Yohn. You'll make your decision tomorrow.
>>25571801
Do you wish to speak with the retainers now or save it until another day, once all of the marriage business is done and dusted? Or would you rather speak with Royter and Lymorian first?

>>25571871
I'm not sure what we'd have to say to them, though I guess that Lymorian could tell us what he heard when he was in Crown Crag the day or two before we got there.

>>25571871
I still think we should wait on marrying off our daughter. I mean, she's got potential, and our house will only gather more honor and prestige from this point forward. We'll draw the attention of a high lord sooner or later and if we have no notable off spring we lose an interesting bargaining chip.

>>25571871
Lets go speak with Royter at least, since it should be a simple conversation about how he is settling in and which grandson we'll pick.

>>25571871
Let's talk to the spy. We picked him up at the tournament, maybe he's got some juicy bits about some of the other noble families?

>>25571871
Didn't know Lymorian was even here.

As for Royter, who do we think would make the best knight to squire one of his sons?

>Ser Brock
Too inexperienced

>Ser Tenry
Not the typical knight Royter had in mind. We could assuage that by saying he's being groomed for command though.

>Ser Banton
Too new, in my opinion

>Ser Mortys
Obious problems there

>Ser Boros
Potentially, we've had fears he's not even a proper knight though.

>Us
We could do it ourselves. Royter would see it as a great honour, but we don't actually have thatt much time to spare.

>>25571927
I'd say Ser Tenry - it'd give him something to do, to keep distracting him from the bottle.

He's also our most experienced fighting knight, what with Morys down for the count now.

>>25571927
Well, he could still learn about honour and other knightly notions from Mortys.

>>25571927
We could find out which grandchild he wants to be a squire, and then see which of our knights will take him on. We don't want to force any of them to do it.

>>25571986
Which is only part of what being a squire is. Usually you have to prove yourself somehow before being knighted, he won't have many opportunities for that serving Ser Mortys.

And I think Ser Mortys would in fact refuse on those grounds.

>>25571999
We could. They're our men, and taking on a squire isn't a sacrosant action.

>>25571999
I agree.

If we have to pick a knight, though, I say we go with Ser Tenry.

>>25571908
>>25571889
You head to see Lymorian first, a man who had recently arrived from his spying at Crown Crag. He seems to be as jovial and pleasant as ever, even if this time he hardly looks - or speaks - like a Braavosi at all. You find it difficult to think of him as anything other than a common Valeman.
"It's a strange place, my lord. Hardly as crowded as Grimarbour and constantly under construction. There is no one at the markets, there are only women and children on the farms. Almost all of the men have been pushed into military service as a part of the militia. Their population is almost as small as that of your lands, my lord - although I mean no offence by that. With the way your land is improving, this 'Westpass' shall be a better place to live than Crown Crag soon enough. Perhaps in a year or two. I wouldn't be surprised if some families escape to this land in order to avoid military service beneath this Ser Crowlys."

>>25572012
>>25572002
>>25571999
>>25571986
>>25571962
>>25571927
>>25571892
Royter and his family seem to be settling in and quite a few people seem to be enjoying their presence. His family and their hounds are quite the characters and provide an excellent atmosphere within the walls of High Harrock, raising the spirits when they aren't out being trained for hunting with the rangers. However, your discussion with the old fellow quickly switches to the topic of his grandsons.
The eldest is Mawn, a short and broad lad with a flat face and rather unattractive skin, covered with scarring from some sort of pox he had when he was younger. He's a shy boy because of it but he does his duty and takes his work seriously for the most part, a humble and pious person with little in the way of ambitions. Fourteen years old.
The middle grandson is Tammot, already taller than Mawn and much thinner, with Royter expecting that he'll grow up to be a giant of a man. He's oddly pale and has always been quite a lazy boy with little in the way of discipline. Once Royter had even found Tammot torturing a rat but he managed to beat the habit out of him. Eleven years old.
The youngest grandson is called exactly that - Youngest. His actual name is Royter but no one calls him that, as it's far too similar to the name of his grandfather. He's a weedy blonde boy yet to show any signs of physical strength but he's enthusiastic and energetic, even if it means he has a habit of getting into trouble.

None of them are perfect or even good candidates. You suppose it was too much to hope for.

>>25571927

Could we bring the boy before a council of knight? So they can determine amongst themselves who would be best for the boy

>>25572150
Were you ascertain why this huge military build-up is happening?

>>25572163
>Oh, and Youngest is nine years old.

>>25572163
>The eldest is Mawn, a short and broad lad with a flat face and rather unattractive skin, covered with scarring from some sort of pox he had when he was younger. He's a shy boy because of it but he does his duty and takes his work seriously for the most part, a humble and pious person with little in the way of ambitions. Fourteen years old.
I like the potential behind this one. He lacks ambition, so he's unlikely to strike out against us for the sake of empowering himself. He's disfigured, so he's probably lacking in self-confidence. This is the perfect boy to mold. We can turn him into a much better man than his father would.

>>25572172
It started after their militia got battered by the mountain clans. I think it's his sworn sword that kickstarted the military expansion.

>>25572163
I'd say we go for the youngest - it gives us longer to hone him.

>>25572150
Interesting, do smallfolk need the permission of the Lord to leave their land normally?

>>25572163
Mawn sounds like the best option, dedication and humbleness is pretty much what we're looking for in a squire. A little old though, if Royter wishes we could go with Youngest, he has the energy and enthusiasm for the job. Ultimately his choice, though I'm not keen at all on Tammot.

Hint to him that we'd be happy with Mawn or Youngest being put forward as a candidate.


>>25572169
That actually sounds very cool.

I think we have some other knights beyond our immediate council though, should they be included?

>>25572236
I agree.

>>25572236
At fourteen though, he's already way older than most squires and has likely been raised to follow in his father's career path as most smallfolk are.

Youngest sounds like the most promising, I don't doubt he'll fill out in a few years.

>>25572169
I like this selection panel idea, as it will be one of our Knights who ultiemtly has to deal with one of the lads.

But I also agree with >>25572236 in that Mawn seems to be the best choice.

>>25572242
>>25572255
Sorry, that was me there. Changing my vote to Youngest.

>>25572163
While the eldest has his own appeal I say we go for the youngest.

>>25572267
>>25572291
I agree, we should go with Youngest.

The Youngest has the most potential, and the second son seems to have a sadisitc streak

Id say youngest

>>25572242
Certainly, smallfolk are meant to request permission before they abandon their lands. They are sworn to serve their lord after all. Fortunately for them, few highborn waste resources in chasing those who abandon their rulers, preferring to dedicate their forces to hunting thieves and murderers.
>>25572291
>>25572267
>>25572264
>>25572255
>>25572246
>>25572242
>>25572241
>>25572236
>>25572169
You're thinking of bringing Mawn and Youngest - not Tammot, he is hardly suitable - before your knights to judge who is worthy and also to see who would make the best tutor for the new squire. You can choose to wait one day for the return of Ser Tenry or you can conduct the panel without him.

>>25572357
Wait for Tenry, since he's our senior military knight now.

>>25572357
Wait a day, after all he's one of the better candidates.

If everyone refuses, then I suppose the onus is either or us to 'volunteer' someone or take him on ourself. As a matter of fact, training the squire would probably keep us in shape somewhat as well.

>>25572357
Wait a day for Tenry.

>>25572387
having a squire of our own would take time away that would be better spent with our children though

>>25572417
True.

>>25572417
True that.

>>25572357
We should ask Lymorian if he was able to determine whether Crowlys was speed-expanding Egen's military to face any specific threat or not.

You don't press every man in your realm into the military for no reason after all.

>>25572486
It's probably to replace the losses they've suffered, that and the fact that our infantry are no longer supporting them.

>>25572387

Lowborn squires are beyond us. I understand it would be a great honor for Royter, but we should keep ourselves open to a real squire in the future.

>>25572486
"As far as I could see, there was no rhyme or reason to it my lord. If you wish I could try to infiltrate their ranks and find out the truth for you? A way of putting myself to use while you negotiate my marriage with the beautiful Black Pearl."
>>25572417
Frankly, you don't have enough time to dedicate yourself entirely to a squire. At least not with your uncle being a stubborn old bastard.
>>25572406
>>25572387
>>25572376
>MONTH 3, DAY 20
A letter arrives carrying a broken wheel on its seal.
A letter arrives carrying a dormant shadowcat on its seal.

You decide to wait for Tenry, who arrives in the next day with the Woodsmen and Captain Bonaris. They seem to be in high spirits and glad to return to High Harrock although you detect a certain lack of discipline amongst them from Ser Tenry's style of leadership. At the very least, you can clearly detect some animosity between the captain and your sworn sword. Calling together all five of your knights and the two chosen grandsons of Royter, they begin their assessment. After a brief display of physical prowess and a detailed interrogation to learn of their mindsets, they are dismissed and your knights begin their analysis.

Hey Plasma what would it cost us to build a proper kennel. The inn is sufficient for now, but a real kennel will help make this operation a bit easier and separate it from the common folk. These are hounds for hunting and tracking, not entertaining smallfolk after all.

>>25572510
They suffered some losses yes, but hardly bad enough to warrant the conscription of seemingly every man in his entire realm. Especially since we've dealt with only obvious threat, the savages.

The whole situation is disconcerting.

>>25572552
Yea, having him infiltrate their ranks might help us.

>>25572552
Read the one with a broken wheel first.

>>25572577
Yea, he's essentially put them on a full conscription, total war footing. There's no reason to do that now that the mountain clans are gone, unless he plans to take out Egen and take control of the land himself, or he is secretly in the employ of another lord (like Belmore).

>>25572602
Agreed.

Though I personally think it's a matter of quantity over quality.

>>25572602
My point exactly, its very odd. Have him infiltrate their ranks and try and get personally close to Crowlys.

A coup might be able to take place, especially given the fact that Egen does not care at all about military matters, he'd be a sitting duck.

Also, if Crowlys is in the pay of Belmore or mercenary lord, then we've lost a potential ally and gained an enemy.

>>25572664
Yea, we need to find out why he is doing it. It just makes no sense for him to be crippling his lands that much by conscripting every man.

>>25572664
In that case we'd actually have everything to gain.

Lorenna marries Brock, Crowlys stages the coup. We 'avenge' Egen and move in, taking his son in our protective custody if he's still alive.

We have everything to gain by letting this continue.

>>25572552
>Ser Boros begins.
"Mawn's the stronger of the two but Youngest? He's got spirit and I admire that. With a bit o' trainin', he could be a damn good knight. After all, you don't need strength to use a spear properly. But I ain't good for teachin' no one, I've never taught anyone anythin' in my life."
>Next, Ser Morys.
"I'd say Mawn has potential. He has the right attitude and the right mindset. A bit old, but age never gets in the way of anything. Didn't I show you that in the tourney? Hah! In any case, no matter who you choose, I'm not capable of educating them m'lord. Not with my legs like this."
>Ser Brock next.
"Youngest. Mawn's dull. Yeah, he's strong but that doesn't matter. Would he get back up again after he's been beaten down? Little Royter's got spirit and uh, I'd like to try teaching him myself. I know I'm new to this but maybe I could make a good knight out of him? 's up to you, father."
>After him, Ser Tenry.
"Younger Royter, without a shadow of a doubt m'lord. Brock's right, the kid has spirit and Mawn's too old to beat into shape. Go for the younger one and make a good soldier out of him, that's what I think. I could make a good ranger out of him, if you like. Good with a bow and an arrow. But I ain't sure if I could make him a proper knight, like the rest of you."
>Finally, Ser Banton.
"Mawn. Royter is too wild and free, he can't be taught properly with an attitude like that. Half of the right mindset is already in Mawn's head and if you would allow me, I'd like to finish the process of making a good knight out of him myself."

The final verdict is yours. Based on this, which grandson do you want to chose and who do you want to train them?

>>25572688
Goddamit...we're too late.

>I spoke with my sworn sword Ser Crowlys once I returned to my seat and it seems like he no longer wishes for the service of Ser Tenry and the Woodsmen.
>Almost all of the men have been pushed into military service as a part of the militia.

The coup is about to take place, the only thing preventing it was the presence of our men there. Egen's done for.

>>25572703
Let Brock the Rock train the youngest, let Banton train Mawn.

>>25572703
Hmmm....

How about we let Ser Banton train Mawn, and Brock train Royter?

It'll be a good experience for both of them, I think, and will teach Brock responsibility.

>>25572703

Is it possible to allow Ser Banton the elder and Ser Tenry the younger with our son helping to get the experience? Squires aren't exactly popping up left and right and it would give the former more of a reason to stay and the latter something to really work towards maybe ground him a bit while teaching our son the finer points of training a squire for his future endeavours in such.

>>25572701
Not if Crowlys kills all of Egen's family; which he would of course do the prevent anyone trying to restore the former lord (like we would).

>>25572703
Younger to Brock.
Mawn to Banton.

>>25572703
I'd say Youngest.

Either with Ser Brock or Ser Tenry. It would give Ser Brock something to do.

Personally, I'm worried about Ser Tenry and our infantry. He should probably be in command of the rangers, with our infantry discipline is essential.

>>25572703

If Brock takes him as a squire, then maybe thatll teach him responsibility and also get better acuainted with smallfolk and looking after someone builds character

File: 1371865816738.jpg-(10 KB, 400x226, We-need-to-go-deeper_inception.jpg)

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>>25572741
>>25572758
>>25572770
Squire-ception.

>>25572758

Seconding this

>>25572782
Me here

I agree with these
>>25572741
>>25572770

>>25572715
In which case, we need to get the marriage with Egen's daughter sorted out NOW, and get her safely in High Harrock, so that, if a coup happens, we can sweep in, and using her claim, position Brock as Lord of Crown Crag, essentially gaining us an entire House' worth of land and wealth.

>>25572838
Aye, sounds good.

Should we try to convey our concern to Lord Egen or just let it happen?

>>25572838

Heres the plan: Send a raven to Egen saying were willing to marry brock with lorenna if he pays us a symbolic 1 wealth