Your heels clicked upon the grey stone of Steadhold’s great hall, a soft click that echoed throughout the entire room. The six hearths sat quiet and cold, the tables of redwood pushed against the walls, the floor missing its long carpet that you swear once existed, remnants of your childhood long since forgotten. The only decorations seemingly left untouched by the Sack of Steadhold were the many shields of House Malroy. A traditional born upon Ser Aeson’s marriage to a Crownlands bride the arms of her family displayed next to his. You knew the Hayfords and Mannings by sight, and miraculously even the Targaryens shield still stood strong. Others among them were notable family members’ personal arms, such as Ser Michel Malroy, a Knight that had served during the War of the Stepstones and had founded a short lived cadet branch upon them before the resurgent Triarchy and their new Dornish allies swept through. You finger at the scarlet field of the shield before moving on, your eye distracted by the empty seat your father once occupied.

Your Lord father, Vamos Malroy, was a strong man his mind was well adjusted for both the field and the intrigues of Court. His adept maneuvering had landed both his younger brother and yourself in King’s Landing as squires to man far above your station. Dontos had evidently taken to it better than you being anointed in the Light of the Seven while you were away in Essos. The seat of redwood looms above you, you feel almost unworthy of it, Donold should be sitting upon this, you at his side his children squired to you. You were meant to serve, not lead, a fact you had always balked against, couldn’t stomach the idea of a life of servitude. But you loved your family, dearly, leaving for Essos was the flight of a love struck child not willing to abandon the child you had bore. And now, Victus stood among the little of your family left, perhaps your flight had been worthwhile.

Oh, you are alive!

“Brynden,” a deep voice echoes throughout the room interrupting your idle thoughts. You turn on your heel to regard Ser Mason, leading the rest of your Household into the great hall. Maester Benjin, Dontos, Elionwy, and a man you had not seen in a long time Master-of-Horse Gawen.

“Mason? I hadn’t asked you here,” you reply watching the reactions of those called to you to the great hall and its current state.

“Aye, you hadn’t. But I wouldn’t miss this. I’ve served you long enough for you to know better,” Mason approaches and extends his hand to you, you take it by the forearm and pull your friend close in appreciation. He looks at your father’s seat alongside you, “Never thought I’d see your family’s house Brynden. You spoke of it so rarely I doubted you’d ever return. Yet here we bloody are. By the bloody Seven here we are.”

“My Lord, if you would take your place. Dontos, Ser Mason would you gather a table for us,” the Maester says, his arms heavy with papers and ink. Gawen beside him is regarding a thick tome of the herds lineage you had found in King’s Landing his eyes alight with delight. The two knights do as they are told and place a small table in front of the seat of Steadhold, and gather chairs for the rest. Sitting themselves around it you take your place, albeit it with unconscious anxiousness, at the head of the table.

“My Lord. Word of your return has filled the people with joy, the last son of their late Lord having returned to his lands made for splendid story. The people have taken a tithe and paid it due to your House. High hopes for a return to stability my Lord,” Benjin continues shuffling through his papers, “Master-of-Horse Gawen has seen fit to sale a few of our palfreys, far distanced from your rare bloodline. And Dontos has suggested we sell some of the excess arms and armor. If all turns out well we should manage 1600 gold dragons by the end of the month.” You nod along with the Maeaster it was good to know their was some initial good to work with.

“My Lord what you like to speak of next? Our power is vastly reduced but we should be able to manage a force of soldiers. Something Steadhold would likely enjoy. Alternatively we may speak of something to invest our excess wealth in. Perhaps to make paying the House’s debt with greater ease in the coming months.”

>Speak of matters of Power
>Speak of matters of Wealth

As I spoke of I did redact the Power holding, seeing it fit to frame it better under this light. You still did keep your +7 Wealth and Law:Power exchange however.

>>42253222
Yes indeed, an hour and half late due to image posting being down. But alive all the same.

Also for those interested our current Holdings and statistics:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ok_UzOYKm6XyIPb4Gs6xNyiL3IPXCl1CFBS9CBpAC4g/edit?usp=sharing

>>42253247
>>Speak of matters of Wealth
Get that debt down

>>42253247
>Speak of matters of Wealth

>>42253247
>>Speak of matters of Wealth

>>42253247
>Speak of matters of Wealth
I'd prefer for us to stay low for a while.

“I would hear of our options in regards to coin Benjin.”

Maester Benjin opens a large book and delicately fingers through the pages until he reaches the one he wishes with a click of his tongue, “My Lord the debt the Crown has saddled this House with is great, but we are fortunate to having some usable wealth in our coffers now. I would advise against spending it all at once, the next month may not fare us so well, but as always this is your decision my Lord.”

Gawen starts his eyes still alight with the prospect of saving his life’s work, “M’lord if I may humbly suggest. The bloodline is still strong in the remaining horses, your Goldsongs inclusion only strengthens this. We could rebuild the bloodline without the Crowns knowledge or having to buy back our own horses at twice the cost. These books you brought me should make this easier, though no less time consuming.”

Dontos nods with Gawen, “A thought I’d support as well nephew. Though not so much without the Crown’s knowledge, we may still need to pay them tribute to keep them far from Steadhold.” Gawen sniffles at this and earns a glare from your uncle, “Regardless… We could return law to the Goldroad as well. If South Tower begins to take tolls again in a lawful nature as opposed to those brigandards Royce has in his service wealth may begin to roll into Steadhold again. And we would anger the bastard with such an act a thought I for one relish.”

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Benjin begins last still going over his notes, “While I may agree with your Uncle, I would not do so with the sole purpose of angering our neighboring Lord. We hardly the standing to do so. A subtle approach, perhaps take a lesser amount than we once did would help our position my Lord.” Shuffling to another page the maester licks his lips to continue, “As I spoke to you of earlier my Lord, the people of your domain remain scattered to the wind and the fields go unworked. Those few fields left untouched by the Rebellion that it is. We will need to rebuild, perhaps a proactive Food Agriculture program, or an Apiary, I do believe some of the hives still exist in the Violet Plains.”

Your advisors speak to each other in small argument, nothing incredibly out of control and you nod along to their thoughts, keeping your own to yourself. Elionwy sits quietly next to Ser Mason watching carefully, Lord Varys said she would make a fine Stewardess and of this you had little doubt coming from the Spider. But to be a truly efficient one you may need to step in and allow her truer access to your House’s archives and financial books, the maester and your uncle may object but you would gladly take the help. Though among all of these thoughts, another remains, sitting upon your wealth and hoarding it until the debt is paid may perhaps be a viable option as well. With the prospect of selling the villa to Lord Celtigar or perhaps settling for a more favorable loan from him with it as collateral you could pay it quickly and be clean of this vile business, free to pursue your House’s fortunes without such an overbearing shadow.

Usable Weath: 8
>Apiary (-5)
>Food Agriculture (-5)
>Horse Husbandry>Rare Bloodline(-3, -2 cost for Horse Lineage records)
>Steward (-5)
>Tolls (-5)
>Sit on Wealth
>Custom

Pictured alternative options.

>>42253348
>Horse Husbandry>Rare Bloodline(-3, -2 cost for Horse Lineage records)
>Tolls (-5)

File: OOSP.pdf (2.97 MB, PDF)

2.97 MB PDF

And the supplement, Out of Strife, Prosperity. If anyone is interested in looking into the specifics.

>>42253348
Let's play the long game.
>Food Agriculture
for now. Get back on a somewhat stable peasent life. Start the work on our horses next we have some wealth. And slowly build up from there for now.

>>42253348
>Horse Husbandry>Rare Bloodline(-3, -2 cost for Horse Lineage records)
>Food Agriculture (-5)

>>42253348
>>Food Agriculture (-5)
For now just focus on getting some food in the hold. That attracts other people into it and saves some wealth as well. Next month focus on getting the rare bloodline back.

we also have our estate in the capitol we should sell.

>>42253348
>>Food Agriculture (-5)
That Power and Population bonus will be helpful and would make the smallfolk happy to boot.

>>42253410
Damn anon we had the same thoughts almost.

>>42253421
>>42253398
Take notice
>Usable Weath: 8
We should probably sit on some of the cash.

>>42253446
In due time dear Anon. Lord Celtigar will be hearing from his son in the coming month and then send a raven to you in due course.

Alright, that looks like a win for Food Agriculture. The peasants shall be overcome with joy.

“Enact the food agriculture program Maester. Send messengers throughout the Violent Plains and provide the resources necessary to get our smallfolk back in their fields” you say after some thought on the matter, Gawen looks dejected by this. “Gawen I promise you, we will start breeding the horses once more, I simply cannot use all of our wealth immediately.”

“Of course m’lord, my apologizes,” he responds before burying his face in the book once more.

“Very well my Lord, I will pen the missive in the afternoon. This leaves us with matters of power, Ser Dontos, I believe you have some opinion on this matter?” Benjin says not breaking from his books as he scribbles your orders down.

Dontos takes over from where the Maester left off, “Well nephew, the Crown has imposed a strict limit upon our power, but we’re still far underneath it. Frankly so far Steadhold is left vulnerable,” he coughs and begins to unrolling a map of Steadhold as you knew it. The hold itself was large for your family, and a small village always had grown in the outer ring, one that now stood near destroyed, “The Household Guard is only one hundred strong Brynden. Not near enough to properly protect the Keep, let along the entirety of Steadhold. The Lannister bastards couldn’t get through our walls without trickery, so they remain in strong shape. I might suggest archers to patrol them, a regular patrol would ward off suspicions of our faltering might. The Battle of the Trident shattered the Redward’s footed men, but I’ve no doubt we could find enough to reassemble a veteran force still loyal to our House. Or if you’d rather we could put together a force from scratch and train them ourselves.”

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Mason looks over the map as well, his thoughts churning, he was just as adept a soldier as your Uncle and you took his thoughts in earnest often, “Aye. While your Uncle may be right Brynden we may be better off with a force of infantry. They could supplement the garrison, and be more mobile in the field. I could probably turn whatever rabble you have around into a decently trained force, or maybe you could call back some of your father’s men?”

Gawen chimes in lastly, “M’lord if I may suggest. While the herds are depleted we could field enough horse to make up a unit of Heavy Cavalry, though likely not one of any considerable training.”

Mason nods at this thought, “Alternatively. Solhas, Illiad and myself could teach men to ride like the Sons. More horse archers never hurt, no? They’d be green as goose shit but we could whip them into shape given the time.”

Usable Power: 10
>Archers (Trained -6, Veteran -8)
>Infantry (Trained -7, Veteran -9)
>Cavalry (Trained -9)
>Archers+Cavalry (Green -9)
>Custom

Pictured, alternative options.

>>42253532
>Violent Plains

I knew I'd make that mistake eventually. Violet Plains, though the former may make sense in the near future.

>>42253557
Maybe a group of veteran scouts to locate the bandits while we horse archer them to death?

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d6 + 3)

Oh and a roll for a build time of the Food Agriculture program.

>>42253557
>>Cavalry (Trained -9)

>>42253610
Didn't OP say we didn't have problems with bandits because of our awesome Law score?

>>42253651
Crap yep I keep getting these games confused with each other.
>>42253557
Trained Calvary
>>42253610
Old vote. Change to the one up top.

>>42253610
>>42253651

I did indeed say that, if it falls below 40 you'd have some bandit problems but as of now, they stay out of your lands. And while Scouts would have their uses, I may question their use in a standing army when you are limited to 700 men.

>>42253557
>Archers (Veteran -8)

test

>>42253557
>Archers (Veteran -8)

Alright toss up here for Archers and Cavalry. If I don't get another reply in a bit, I'll just roll for it. Since there really isn't a right or wrong in this case.

>>42253557
>Archers (Veteran -8)

“Uncle, send out a call to my father’s and Ser Vance Redward’s former men, any veteran of the Battle of the Trident or the House’s former standing army will be welcomed back into our House if they swear to serve me as they did my Lord Father,” you say coming to a conclusion, having the walls mounted again by a strong veteran force would do the security of your holdings good.

Dontos for his part stifles a smile, being glad of his council being heard and taken to heart, “Of course my Lord, it shall be done upon the morrow.”

“My Lord there is one more matter to speak of yet. The small forest to the north of the Violet Plains. As I told you earlier the Langwards have made claim to the area since your House has fallen from favor. These lands have been shared between yourself and the Lord Langward for centuries now my Lord. And though Lord Langward my ruffle your feathers in this action, he has right to land and the Crown would likely not seek reprisal,” Maester Benjin says pointing to the area north of the Violet Plains on a new map, “You may take action if you so wish my Lord.”

Your uncle scoffs and crosses his arms, leaning back in his chair, “We wouldn’t be having this problem if the bloody bastard hadn’t taken our stretch of the Kingswood. Leave it nephew, let the Langwards have their ill gotten gain. There is no winning in this situation.”

Rolled 1 (1d5)

Mason regards him with a queer look and then yourself, “Brynden, we need not do anything but occupy the lands. They are shared by your two Houses, no? Then a cadre of soldiers is in no way an act of war. Just looking after… Assets.”

Benjin furrows his brow at such a notion, “Ser Mason, the Langwards would take such a slight against their House as an earnest act of war. Regardless of our intention. My Lord, the Langwards are still with honor, send raven to them, ask to seek a diplomatic solution to this. Without threat of war.”

This time the arguments are more in earnest. Mason and Dontos are frowning deeply at one another and the Maester tries to keep the peace. Elionwy is regarding the map in her quiet matter, the markers of your House’s domain in her hand. She places one, similar to those upon Steadhold and the plains and looks at you with a small smile. There was another option, though your House was weakened, it was not without strength, if you could manage to flex your House’s strength in some regard you could claim the land without qurral or even needing to contact the Lord Langward. A valid option indeed. You sat back upon your father’s seat and laced your fingers, chewing over the various options.

>Agree with Mason (Send an occupying force)
>Agree with Benjin (Send a raven to Lord Langward in hopes of diplomatic exchange)
>Agree with Dontos (The land is lost to you, focus efforts elsewhere)
>Agree with Elionwy (Attempt to raise 8 Land and take the forest by right of your House’s strength before the Langwards can)
>Custom

And a build time roll on those Veteran Archers, any particular name for them? If not I'll leave it to a generic "First Regiment etc."

>>42253983
>>Agree with Elionwy (Attempt to raise 8 Land and take the forest by right of your House’s strength before the Langwards can)
The Loyal Bows?

>>42253983
>>Agree with Benjin (Send a raven to Lord Langward in hopes of diplomatic exchange)

>>42253983
>Agree with Benjin (Send a raven to Lord Langward in hopes of diplomatic exchange)

>>42253983
>>Agree with Elionwy (Attempt to raise 8 Land and take the forest by right of your House’s strength before the Langwards can)

>>42253983
Let's send a raven to the Langwards to find out what's up. I'd rather keep the Sons of Gold out of sight from the kingdom for awhile longer.

>>42254067
>Agree with Elionwy (Attempt to raise 8 Land and take the forest by right of your House’s strength before the Langwards can)
Switching to

File: House_Hayford.png (30 KB, 571x629)

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>Lady Esemella Hayford
It might be in our best interest to look at our mother's house, during A Clash of Kings the heir of this house is a baby. Maybe we can find some help this way

>>42253983

Woo i actually got to a thread while it is still running.


>Agree with Elionwy (Attempt to raise 8 Land and take the forest by right of your House’s strength before the Langwards can)

As your Uncle threatens Mason to place his head upon the first pike should the Langwards seek reprisal you lean over the table and push down the marker Elionwy had just let go of. “We’ll do it as my ancestors would have, by right of the House’s strength. We would do well to remind the Crownlands that we are battered but not broken,” you say with an impassioned tone. Dontos and Mason in turn stare at your marker and then yourself nodding in agreement to your decree. Elionwy smiles softly at you and leans back into her chair with a thoughtful look.

Benjin notes this and shakes his head for a moment, “My lord I estimate we may have four months until the Langwards have too much of a grip upon the forest to pry it away from them. We’ll need to begin work immediately. I simply hope the active pursuit of both wealth and land does not saddle our House with too much burden.”

“Thank you for your council, Maester. I’ve no doubt it is a bold plan, but one that need be done. I will not have this House fall victim to the small nibbles as if we were a lemon square by our neighbouring Lords. We are not so weak as to lose everything,” you respond before sitting back into your chair, it felt more comfortable this time. You felt more the Lord than the frightened child staring up at the large wooden chair of your father. “Is there anything else we need discuss Maester Benjin?”

“As of yet my Lord? No, I believe the House and her retainers have more than enough to do as of now and the coming month,” he dots and crosses a few letters and regards you again with grey eyes, “My Lord, it is a welcome sight to serve a Malroy once more, I shall begin my work on the missives immediately. Ser Dontos, if you would accompany me. I need not remind you that threats of violence in decrees serves no purpose…” Benjin rants to the noticeably shorter Dontos as they wander off.

“I’ll see the Lady Elionwy to her chambers, Brynden,” Mason says and you nod allowing them off, Gawen follows after with a stiff bow.

The quiet reenters the room and you sit, quiet reflection upon your mind. Though the House may be fortunate for your return you still worry for your future, there is much hardship along this road, and you need improve yourself to serve as the Lord this House deserves. You note the ways in which you could improve, perhaps your social skills? Be a more convincing or cunning man in court, or hell one that could read. You turn thought to the trial, you would need your best foot forward to come from that unscathed. Or perhaps you could further your prowess on the field, the Tournament in celebration of the King’s wedding in six months could bring glory to your House should you win the Joust or perhaps even the archery contest. Or you could continue your prowess in the field, war was to be upon your House in some regard, whether it was within the King’s Law however remained unknown.

>Pursue Social and Diplomatic skills
>Pursue Personal Martial Skills
>Pursue Talents in Warfare and the Leading of Men

For those interested Brynden's character sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15t70f-uSAGgm9tFSADoJfgfhcQwaAHKMSEVeTTIhkho/edit?usp=sharing

>>42254493
>>Pursue Social and Diplomatic skills
Reading is a must. And this is the one for that yeah?

>>42254493
>>Pursue Personal Martial Skills

>>42254493
Where does knowing how to read/write place itself? Social?

>>42254493
>>Pursue Talents in Warfare and the Leading of Men

>>42254493
>>Pursue Social and Diplomatic skills
>get educated pleb

>>42254558
>>42254591

Yes it would be. Language, at least the common tongue, falls under Social Skills and is taught by the Maester.

>>42254626
Do you have a pastbin with the various characters we known and our/their opinion of us and them ?

Also a twitter ?

>>42254669
A GDocs rather:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MB1FAoklpIRj8rCyY6rHCDcmTIASW3Vcl4caxJDy9-E/edit?usp=sharing

Warning it gets a bit wordy. The Household and their descriptions are at the end.

And I do have a twitter, RevengeGoldQM

Anyway, writing up for Social and Diplomatic.

>>42254669
https://twitter.com/RevengeGoldQM

>>42254493
>Pursue Social and Diplomatic skills

You sigh heavily and realize you must work upon yourself, but not with horse and sword, but with quill and word. A true Lord would be able to read the letters he is given, even if they are filled with how much coin you owe upon the morrow. Slumming into the chair you take solace in the quiet of the great hall, but wish for the hustle and bustle of your childhood. You were three and ten last you had visited Steadhold, there was a festival being held in honor of your father and mother's anniversary. That was the day you received Goldsong from Gawen, only a young pony then. It was a fond memory, but the cold and quiet of the hall did nothing to reflect it. You pull yourself up from the seat and begin your slow chicking walk out of the hall, you had a House to run.
-A two weeks later-

The morning sun shone through your window and awoke you with a soft light, rolling over into covers you wished for sleep, but knew better. You had promised yourself you would seek after tutors in terms of self improvement of word and quill. A servant had laid out casual wear for yourself, and the fresh water was a welcomed feeling, sweeping the tired from your eyes in an instant. After halfway dressing yourself, only a doublet still too tight in the chest remaining, you sit upon the bed and finish your laces thinking to yourself of who you could ask.

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Maester Benjin would be a wealth of knowledge and would likely wish to finish his teaching of your letters and numbers, with a firm scolding no doubt. Illiad however could teach you further in Valyrian and matters of persuasion or deception, he was a swift talker after all. And there was the Lady Elionwy. Though quiet and meek in her manner she had an awareness and cunning to her you often noted but were rarely able to keep up with. Fitting yourself into the doublet you decide to leave a few buttons undone and make your way to:

>Elionwy (Awareness, Cunning)
>Benjin (Language, Knowledge, Status)
>Illiad (Foreign Language, Persuasion deception )

You have 30 EP right now. Enough to improve a rank in any skill for 30, or begin to invest in specializations for 10 per rank.

>>42254909
>>Benjin (Language, Knowledge, Status)
Gotta learn language. Git gud at the reading.

>>42254909
>>Benjin (Language, Knowledge, Status)

>>42254909
>>Benjin (Language, Knowledge, Status)
Start with the basics.

>>42254909
>>Benjin (Language, Knowledge, Status)
We could do the others next time or whenever

The Maester made his home in the Grey Tower, his ravens kept roost in the rafters, and he himself stayed among his books a floor below. Maester Benjin was an odd sort, originally of the Fossoways of Cider Hall, he had kept to your House some twenty odd years ago with a fire in his eyes. He was met by yourself defiant to learn, ignoring his lectures, and skipping to practice with your bow or lance in the yard below. It was often you would see him watching from his window and you would scamper off before your father was informed. By the time you were sent to King’s Landing you hadn’t bothered to learn much beyond numbers, names of your family and how to hit something really hard. All important skills of any would be future sellsword.

But not upon this day, this day you returned to Benjin, a dog whipped into submission his tail between his legs. You need to learn more than the basics, and it was hardly time to start but you had little choice. Not seeking to be embarrassed in court by needing your sworn sword to read something for you. Though Mason often enjoyed your strained glare and the sound of your ground teeth as he did so. You ascend the tower and find the door partially open.

“Now Victus, again.”

“1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9.”

“Very good lad, return to your letters, it would appear your Lord father needs word with me,” Benjin says with a soft smile of a grandfather. He comes to the door and regards you with a nod of his head, “Yes my Lord, how may I help you today? We’ve received no word from the Celtigars as of yet, but I understand your Uncle’s summons bore fruit.”

“Thank you Benjin, but I had come to speak with you of matters of a more… Personal nature.”

Benjin turns to Victus who smiles at you before frowning deeply at the letters before him again, “My Lord, do you wish to finally attend my class?”

A hurt pride was worth this small lesson you decide and sigh, nodding quietly to Benjin, “Very well my Lord. Victus here will help you, he is quite good with his numbers and letters it would appear.” You take seat by your son and he slides next to you eager for the attention, it hadn’t been much since you saw him last. Dontos kept him on his toes as his squire, Gawen appreciated his help your horses, and Benjin took him at all other times. “Here father… A-B-C-...”

An hour or two later your head feels of mush, but an accomplished mush, “Again, very good Victus. Here is a sweet. Now be a good lad and feed the ravens before you are off. Your Lord father and I have something to discuss in private.” The boy rushes off and up the spiralling stairs ever eagar to aid.

“My Lord. I’m afraid I have topics of varying levels of want on your end to discuss today. Primarily among them, your son and the prospect of marriage.” You frown deeply at the elder man, a look returned with a simple smile, he knew you well enough.

>Talk of Victus Waters
>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage

>>42255291
>>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage
HDW

>>42255291
>>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage

>>42255291
>>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage
We all know what we want and gods damn it if we dont have our way.

We should wait a few years to get married.

>>42255291
>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage

No point in waiting. We knew that it would come sooner rather than later

>>42255291
>>Talk of the Prospect of Marriage

>>42255388
This, everyone is too blinded by HDW to think about future alliance prospects. Marrying a Dornish woman would be poor form because of the distance between the Crownlands and Dorne.

The very thought of marriage cast your thoughts back to Lysa, so beautiful in her youth, even when she was heavy with child. You had sworn to her you would marry her someday and claim Victus as your legitimate son, your father and brother’s wishes be damned. A promise you had intended to hold, but was dashed upon the streets of Tyrosh all of those years ago. Sighing again for what seemed the hundredth time this day already you wave your hand lazily regarding the maester, “If we must speak of marriage let it be so Benjin.”

Benjin maintains his smile and shuffles through his maps again, unrolling one of the Crownlands. He begins placing markers on various House locations; Wendwater, Rykker and Celtigar namely among them. With a lick of his thumb he pulls for another, this of Westeros as a whole, and places a single marker on Highgarden, a thought of which brings you a laugh. “Do you intend to marry me off to the Tyrells, Benjin?”

Benjin laughs at the notion himself and replies simply, “No my Lord. But there is a prospect there in the coming years. However first, we must speak of the Crownlands.”

He points to the five markers in turn, finally finishing upon the Celtigars, “And here my Lord is where I see our best chance to strengthen this House. Lord Celtigar has a second daughter by the name of Helena. The fourth child of Lord Celtigar, she is only older than her young sister. I believe you met the middle child Ser Wilson in King’s Landing.”

>>42255592
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RfHnzYEHAow

You pick up the Celtigar marker, a large crab surrounded by many others, you had thought there was more than what Ser Wilson was giving up, but you had doubts it would be mention of marriage, “And pray Benjin, what do you intend for me to do about it? I am not in the position to be asking hand of even second daughters as of now.”

“As of now? No my Lord you are not. But should Lord Celtigar invite you into his home or you him to Steadhold, it would be likely she would come along. And my Lord I’ve little doubt you know how to charm a woman. Though perhaps the charm you may work upon her Lord father will be more effective. Regardless my Lord, a simple suggestion.”

He turns to the other map and picks up the Tyrell’s marker, the golden flower, “In Highgarden there will be a Tourney held by the Tyrells in one and a half years. Many Houses of the Reach, Dorne, the Stormlands, and the Crownlands will be attending. A wife abroad may suit to bring a degree of influence to this House once more my Lord. It is said even Prince Oberyn of Martell is set to attend.”

Thoughts of the realm at large were overwhelming, and you knew Dorne had lost as much as you had in the Rebellion, perhaps there was common ground to be found, you shake your head and hold it up with a hand, “So am I too wait?”

“I would recommend doing so my Lord. Though if Lord Celtigar offers something… I may council to take it with haste. The former Valyrian Houses may have only each other to lean upon in the coming years my Lord.”

You chew on this thought, and regard the markers again in quiet thought. The Maester looks to continue to the topic of Victus, but you may be able to redirect him and seek out someone else.

>Talk of Victus Water
>Brush him off for now and speak to your Uncle or the Sons

>>42255625
>>Talk of Victus Water
And of my son?

>>42255625
>>Talk of Victus Water
Get it over with

What makes us a Valyrain house and not the Baratheons? I thought Baraetheons are descended from Orys. Fucking Robert

>>42255625
>>Talk of Victus Water
inbe4 he says to send him to Old Tower to remove him from the inheritance line

>>42255625
>Talk of Victus Water

>>42255712
He's a Bastard so not in line for inheritance anyway.

>>42255625
Definitely wait for that tourney in Highgarden.

>>Talk of Victus Water

>>42255712
Old Tower, Oldtown fuck

>>42255725
That's the tourney where Oberyn fucks up Willas' leg and starts the feud between the Tyrell and the Martell right? Maybe we could gift him a good horse that won't panick and fall onto it's rider should anything happens to prevent that feud?

>>42255885
>Wilas likes the horse so much he wants to open up trade
>Sell horses to the Tyrell
>Brynden bathe in Tyrell gold.

>>42255885
A bit meta, lad. Maybe if we still him struggling to reign it in. Why would we want to prevent a feud between Tyrall and Martell anyway? We don't gain from it, as far as I know

>>42255935
Could offer him the horse so >>42255925
Might happen. Purely a chance to prove to all the highest of the high-borns the quaility of our horses

>>42255925
Brynden could probably be a pretty good salesman
>"Dothraki? Yeah, they have good horses. But they're not quite Malroy good"

Though want of taking leave fills your mind as the Maester settles back into his chair, his brow furrowed at the coming talk, you remain. Waving him on to continue once more he takes a deep breath and begins a speech you knew was coming, but wanted little to do with, “My Lord. I know this topic is… Prickly to say the least. But your son, Victus, as good of a lad as he is, is still a bastard. His surname spells this out well enough to the other Crownland Houses and beyond.”

You frown and sit up in your chair and toward the maester, he seemed to be just as uncomfortable with this line of topic as you were, “As it is right now Benjin, Victus is my only heir.”

“Not entirely true my Lord. Dontos outranks him in succession, and though he may not like it, he would take your place should you find yourself unable.”

You rarely thought of this, Dontos didn’t seem the type to rule, nor desired to do so, otherwise he would have never sent the summons to Essos, Benjin continues, “My Lord and there is another. Your Aunt, Lady Isabella Malroy has a son to the late Lord Benedorn. Should you fall, he would have a degree of claim as well. A thought I ill like. Your Aunt’s Lord husband died in single combat against the King when he called his banners, and his son took to bringing his banners with vigor. They are loyal to the new Crown entirely my Lord. And I’ve no doubt they would wish to take our lands in service of the King.”

A degree of anger stirs in your eyes, “But what of my son Benjin?”

>>42255885
>>42255935
It is meta yes but not entirely something that Brynden would not do without our meta knowledge. It makes a lot of sense to gift Tyrell's his house's specialty product.

“I’m afraid my Lord, he be detrimental. You need trueborn heirs. And in order to do this, you will need to take wife and to do so quickly. But many other Lords of the various Kingdoms will not share the love of your son that you do,” he sighs deeply and licks his lips as you stare him down in quiet thought, “If we… Perhaps distanced him from you in some manner. Having him squire to Dontos was a good step. But in the future, perhaps another Knight of another House… Or he could go to Oldtown, become a Maester perhaps.”

The anger turned to a flash in your eyes, sending your son away sounded like treason to your ears, treason to Lysa and the promises you made. But there was a degree of earnest council, Westerosi were cruel to bastards, you could not promise such love from your future wife or her family. They may mistake his mere inclusion as a slight. You look at Benjin with dark eyes and he only sighs his smile gone.
>Agree with the Maester’s council and begin work on distancing yourself from Victus
>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side

Note this is a long term plan decision. Changing it at the drop of a hat will have repercussions.

>>42255987
>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side

He may not be our son by name but he is by blood and we will look after him.

>>42255987
>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side

>>42255987
>>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side
We've lost enough. We lose nothing more

>>42255987
>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side
I mean, we were never expecting to be a Lord so I don't think he was expecting to inherit anything anyway, right?

>>42255987
I actually like the idea of him becoming a maester.
>Agree with the Maester’s council and begin work on distancing yourself from Victus

Hunting with Robert-senpai when?

>>42256056
>Disagree, you will do this in your own way, with Victus by your side
>implying he won't grow into the greatest horseman this world has ever seen
>implying we wouldn't make him a Malroy at the drop of a hat
He is family fuck the rest of Westeros, we just need to make our name desirable enough that a wife falls onto our lap. Our only heir until then.

>>42255885
>>42255925
>>42255975

As it happens the Malroy horses were once very popular in the Reach. The Tyrells took a particular love to their golden hair. It's how Mason figured it who you were initially, the horse is a dead giveaway to those in the know. But tourney horses fall under the sporting upgrade to Horse Husbandry.

Anyway, I'm having a bit of an issue with my internet. Shouldn't be too long, hold tight guys.

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>>42255987
We don't have to make a decision right now...let's just shelve it for now, it won't come back to bite us in the ass later on right?

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>>42256222
This is what you are suggesting right ?

Your eyes turn to the doorway, making sure Victus was out of sight and ear for this conversation you did not wish such thoughts upon him, “I thank you for this council Benjin, but I’m not sorry that I will not take it. I have lost enough of my family. I will not send my only child away just for sake of some future marriage.”

Benjin knew your wrath well, as a child it was usually your first reaction should he scold you, and he always regarded it with a gentle nature, never wishing to further it, “I understand my Lord. In truth I did not wish the boy away, but only spoke of your options. As my Lord you must be aware of this and understand how it may affect the future. I meant no offense Brynden.”

The spoken word of your name soothes your anger and you slink back, it was rare for you to ever bite further at Benjin than this, “ I… know, Benjin. I know. Thank you. But I beg leave. So I may be with my own thoughts for a moment.”

“Of course my Lord. I expect to see you after you break your fast, with Victus for your lessons,” he responds as his hands busy themselves with the putting away of maps and markers.

You leave the room and close the door gently, you had a moment to yourself but little idea of what to do with it. Perhaps visit with someone?

>Seek out your uncle, Ser Dontos
>Seek out the Sons, Ser Mason, Solhas and Illiad
>Seek out your mute stewardess, Elionwy of Myr
>Seek out your son, Victus
>Custom

>>42256327
>>Seek out your son, Victus

Maybe some father and son bonding through sparring or archery practice ?

>>42256327
>>Seek out your son, Victus
Ask him how he's been.

>>42256327
>>Seek out your son, Victus
Time to reassure ourselves that something is good

>>42256327
>>Seek out your son, Victus

Taking the stairs into the rafters of Grey Tower you seek out your son, wishing to see some good in this world before you turned to darker matters again. Ever the ball of energy he flit about the rafters, the ravens cawing at him in annoyed tones, while others fed from his hand happily. You watch for a moment as he speaks to the one that has taken roost on his wrist, a band of leather save it from the talons. Your son had a talent with animals, Goldsong was fond of him, as were his children, and often times you would catch him whistling back at birds in song. A trait he had inherited from you no doubt, there was hardly a horse among the Malroy pedigrees you couldn’t break in an afternoon’s time.

When he finally takes notice of you the raven flies off to its roost in the rafters and he tosses the rest of the seed before running over to you into an embrace. Your arms hugged him closely to yourself, promises in your mind never to be broken, even in the name of your House. He looks up with expectant eyes, “Father, Maester Benjin says I’m very good with letters but I take on too much of a tone like Illiad when I speak common.”

Laughing at the notion you reassure him with a ruffle of his hair, “No doubt a trait picked from listening to the Myrman boast of his city for so long. Have you interest in still learning Illiad’s tongue Victus?”

He nods furiously, and you laugh once more, “And what else my son. Do you desire to learn all things?”

By this time he has broken your hold and has taken to balancing along the boards here, careful to step over any ravens in his way. “I would like to learn how to take care of the ravens, father. And… How to fire a bow as well as you and Solhas… Or maybe learn to ride as well as Mason! And and to become a Knight like Uncle Dontos. Some of the guard say he was one of the best knights to ever come from the House, is that true father?”

In truth you had idea, Dontos had been given as a squire to a Targaryen it was true, and anointed in the Light of the Seven, but to be among the legends of of your family such as Ser Landor the Burnt? You hadn’t given it thought. “Victus I do not know. But as he is our blood, I would have no doubt of it.”

Your son’s expression changes to a funny yet sad look for a moment, “Uncle Dontos says I’m blood, but not true blood. I’ve heard him before father. I didn’t really think he liked me much…” he trails off and takes a set, another of the birds flocking to his side. “I still want to be a Knight like him though. And protect the weak, and… Serve the realm.” He smiles again at the thought.

You think on what your son wishes, you could very well influence what he learned with a simple word. Guide him as it were.

>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight
>Encourage him to follow after the Sons, becoming more like yourself
>Encourage him to become learned like Benjin and Illiad
>Encourage him to become well rounded in all aspects

>>42256664
>>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight

Sicne we are in Westeros it will work better for him. But maybe we could have him dip in with us to learn archery and the likes ?

>>42256664
>>Encourage him to become well rounded in all aspects

>>42256664
>>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight
But honestly Victus whatever you do should be because you want it.

>>42256664
Is there anything chance we could split it instead of saying well rounded instead just saying two ?

really want him to be
>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight
and
>Encourage him to follow after the Sons, becoming more like yourself

>>42256664
>>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight

>>42256763
If it has enough support, sure why not. Otherwise it looks like True Knight wins.

>>42256664
>>Encourage him to become well rounded in all aspects

>Encourage him to become well rounded in all aspects

>>42256709
Changing my vote to this.

>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight
>Encourage him to follow after the Sons, becoming more like yourself

>>42256664
>Encourage him to follow after your Uncle and become a True Knight

>>42256855
Changing to >>42256763

>>42256650
>inb4 Victus is a skinchanger

>Primarily True Knight, secondary focus on learning from the Sons

Your Uncle held much from you, his words kept short and his intentions beyond service to the House were little known. But what he did not hide was his love of the sword, even in his broken state you often saw him working out in the yard. Occasionally he would spar with Ser Mason or Ser Victor Haigh, and while the hedge knights were more versatile, Dontos was a strong and swift with his movements, deliberate with his strikes, he always beat Ser Haigh, and often Ser Mason. Any other time you could find him in the burnt out sept in the outer ring, praying to the aspects in turn. His devotion to the Seven was unlike any other in the Household but it brought about a certain level headedness now that his stress had begun to fade. Truly if there was anyone more suited for teaching Victus in your employ you had yet to find them, and the while the Knight was prone to fits of brooding he still took your son in earnest teaching.

“If you wish to be a True Knight like Uncle Dontos, you will need to follow him my son, to the letter,” you say watching him pet a raven carefully, “Perhaps join him in the sept some nights. I know little of those prayers, but Dontos has always been devoted.” He looks up and nods at you, thoughtfully, “Maybe he would like that father.”

“That is not to say you can’t learn from Ser Mason and Illiad however,” you continue, your son’s attention turned entirely towards you now, “They know much of the world that those in Steadhold cannot teach you of. Illiad’s languages serve him well, and Mason is one of the best riders I’ve ever met. Do not think of my word as law son, you follow your heart. I cannot change your desires.”

Victus smiles a final time and jumps up from his seat embracing you once again, “Thank you father. I’ll make you proud, I promise.” And with that he’s off, likely to find your Uncle, you have little energy to follow after and instead sit for a moment among the ravens. Your son had the blood of the Malroy’s in him, Knights were common as were strong riders. He could become someone someday, and shed his surname. You had that much faith in him at least. Standing you brush yourself off and head into the lower reaches of the keep once more. A few of the Guards nod to you as you pass, you find Barq Zos and Illiad playing a game of dice in the great hall waiting for lunch to be served. You take up a spot beside them and watch as Illiad continues to trick the Summer Islander with his sleight of hand and grow increasingly more amused as the time goes on.

“Lord. This Steadhold of your family. It is… Impressive,” Illiad speaks as Barq storms off.

“Thank you Illiad. Is it anything like the palace’s in Myr?” you ask goading him slightly.

For his part Illiad doesn’t bite at you too much, “I would not know Lord. They kept me in the small house behind, only wishing for my presence when I was needed.”

Illiad spoke so rarely of being a slave it was always jarring when he did. Though he had escaped, due in no small part to your and Mason’s aid, he had left behind two brothers, and had vowed to free them someday as well, “Tell me Illiad, why did you follow me to Westeros. I would have thought service to the Second Sons would pay well enough to free your brothers.”

“No Lord. My second, he has… Passed. A warrior slave, he served well I would suppose. But my third, he is far away from reach as a sellsword. The master sold him to a weaponsmith in Myr. One of crossbows. He is too valuable an asset to sell to a sellsword now,” Illiad takes a bit to say this, his words slurring in parts from equal parts drink and emotion.

“In truth Lord. I would ask favor of you. In coming months, he will become true weaponsmith, no longer an apprentice. I would… Return to Essos and buy him. Bring him here. And he would serve Lord as I do. But I haven’t the funds, I would need… Loan.”

>Question Illiad further about his brother
>Question the circumstances of his brothers sale
>Immediately agree

>>42257275
>>Immediately agree
Come now Illiad. I'd free your brother AND get the myrish crossbow? Go!

>>42257275
>Immediately agree

>>42257275
>Question Illiad further about his brother
We are practically broke already.
>Ask how much he needs. Question the circumstances of his brothers sale

>>42257275
>Immediately agree
>Question Illiad further about his brother
>Question the circumstances of his brothers sale

>>42257275
>Immediately agree

>>42257439
>"His price has already been paid in full., Illiad, by your exemplary and loyal service. He will add to our wealth by his services, and further add to our wealth by enriching our Family, as you have done."

You place a hand on Illiad’s shoulder, “His price has already been paid in full., Illiad, by your exemplary and loyal service. He will add to our wealth by his services, and further add to our wealth by enriching our Family, as you have done."

You pick up the man by his arm and you leave the great hall together, delving into the basement of the keep and towards your family’s vault. A guard stands watch and you wave him off, the heavy door budges with some effort and the two of you step inside. Among the trophies of past wars is a rare myrish crossbow, you pick it up and hand it to Illiad who handles it with comfort and aims at the ceiling, “Broken Lord. But still of worth. My brother would fix this and make many more for your House.”

You sigh knowing this truth, no one had ever been able to fix the bloody thing and never gave much thought to doing so either, “Illiad I know you speak truth but I have to ask. When is your brother coming up for sale. What sort of funds are you going to need?”

He shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the crossbow and places it down turning to the banner of the Gold Company with its skull of gold upon it, “He is not cheap slave Lord. Weaponsmiths rarely are. With my funds and loan, he would be 2000 of your dragons, I need but 1400.” He flinches away at the number, more funds than he had ever seen in his life and then continues, “He goes for sale within in eight months Lord. I would need to take ship in the seventh with fund. So… In six month time.”

A sudden burden slacks your shoulders, Illiad was your man, and you refused to lose his brother to slavery, but the funds were much to ask for even now as your family had so little. Steeling yourself before him you replace your hand upon his shoulder and draw his attention again, “Illiad I swear to you. We will see your brother free and with you. I could not deny you such.”

He nods, a tear wells in his eye, Illiad had no family other than the Sons but the idea of bringing at least one home pleased him beyond measure. Returning to the Great Hall in short order he breaks off with a slur of thank you’s and goes to eat with the Sons. You take seat with Benjin and Dontos, listening to your Uncle’s progress on the recruitment of his archers.

“They came, the lot of them all came. Some even still wore their old Redward colors but forsake the bastard in your name nephew. If we can get a few more and begin training the others, we’ll have a real force again. I’d dare the bastard to attack Steadhold after that.”

Benjin looks ill at the thought, “Truly I do not wish to incite Lord Royce’s rage my lord. His highwaymen are barely kept to his lands as they are.”

They bicker over such a small thing but you agree with them both in some regards.

>Side with Dontos, fuck that bastard, you dare him to act
>Side with Benjin, best to keep the side of desecration for now

>>42257839
>>Side with Dontos, fuck that bastard, you dare him to act
But best not be to open with disdain just yet.

>>42257839
>>Side with Dontos, fuck that bastard, you dare him to act

>>42257839
>desecration

Man my typos get weirder ever time. Discretion.

>>42257839
>Side with Benjin, it's best for now not to incite the rage of a powerful lord when we've angered the bitch queen.

>>42257839
>Side with Benjin, best to keep the side of desecration for now
I dont want a conflict. We need a shit ton of wealth in short term and getting into wars could only get us into more trouble in short term.

“I believe my Uncle has the right of it Benjin. We need not be open in our disdain for the bastard, but he would do well to recognize we are not going to go whimpering into the night,” you reply digging into a breaded quail and breaking a piece of hard bread with your Uncle, “I would not yell out at him from across the Rush in such a manner as to invite attack, but may he look on with envy.”

Benjin looks ruffled at this, “Of course my Lord.”

The rest of the month passes by with little regard, you continue your lessons with Benjin and Victus, you can read albeit basically but with some more practice you will have it down within a month. Victus has begun to travel with his great uncle to the burnt out sept three times week to pray with the man, something that brings light to his eyes. And the archers you sent word to have arrived and formed into a true force, regular patrols now march upon your walls, the people of Steadhold welcoming the sight.

In the field the Violet Plains were beginning to see their tillers return, and the active funds from your House into their improvement has been met with happiness. It should not be long before they are at full production again. But the continued presence of Langwards to the north of the plains keeps an ever present thought in the back of your mind. You must make haste and retake those lands.

Your first month as Lord has been one of promises and bold maneuvers. Not going unnoticed by your neighbouring Lords. Word has spread of Royce’s highwaymen eeking into the fringes of your lands but never gathering closer than the cusp of the Kingswood. Perhaps it is time to remind them upon whose lands they pillage.

End of Month I, End of Chapter III

Next thread we will be picking up with a more interesting lead as Lord Celtigar’s letter arrives and we’ll handle the House Fortune rolls should we wish to do anything with them. So in preparation for that, give me a 4d6.

Rolled 6, 2, 4, 5 = 17 (4d6)

>>42258195

Rolled 2, 3, 3, 6 = 14 (4d6)

>>42258195
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD

Rolled 4, 1, 4, 4 = 13 (4d6)

>>42258195

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>42258248
>>42258249
>>42258272

Alright and from these I will take whatever the rolled number is.

Rolled 6, 6, 4, 4 = 20 (4d6)

>>42258195

>>42258288

And with luck that is a Blessing. 13 and 17 being Declines both. So as last month you may either add a 1d6 to one resource, or a 1d3 to two.

>>42258324
D6 to lands to get the damn Langwards of our lawn!

How many in Westeros actually know how to produce Myrish crossbows? We'll pay for his bro, but will we make a good return on this investment? I guess it's a rare skill, especially if we couldn't get our one fixed.

>>42258324
D6 to lands

>>42258324
1d3 to lands and wealth.

>>42258324
1d3 to wealth and land

>>42258324
d6 to Lands, pray we roll well.

>>42258337
Very few I would imagine. They are used as gifts upon occasion their design being so exotic.

In functional crunch terms, Illiad's brother is essentially an Artisan Wealth Holding, specializing in crossbows. It will open up a homebrew unit of crossbowmen you can recruit, but under heavy restrictions.

Anyway looks like we're in favor of 1d6 to Lands. Thankfully we have the 3 Wealth to mitigate this months payment, dropping us to 1 Wealth. Anyway, give me a 1d6. I will take the highest of the first three.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>42258518

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>42258518

File: Fuck yeah.gif (1.88 MB, 300x233)

1.88 MB GIF

>>42258576
Guess Karban isn't the only one to gain huge tract of lands

>>42258576
... Alright then. I may need to rethink this system of taking the highest roll. That's two months in a roll of MAXIMUM GAINS. So that's a +6 to Land. You only need 2 more to be able to take the disputed land via House strength.

Looks like we won't be doing much with the House's resources in Month II, so I'll just start straight with Lord Celtigar's letter next thread. Anyway, short thread, just to get things going in what is a slow month comparably. A lot of talking, picking directions, making promises and making stances. Sorry if that got dry or boring. Thank you all for playing, I'll be around for various questions for a bit. Otherwise I will see you on Saturday.

Oh and going to archive the thread now.

>>42258678
Can we launch legal claims or would we just be unwelcome at court?

>>42258794

Not unwelcome, but at a severe disadvantage. And seeing as the lands were always shared before either House has equal claim to them, the Crown would see it as a petty squabble and allow whomever can hold it by House strength or otherwise to own the land. So likely the Langwards in that case.

In saying that though, the Langwards may take legal action against you, believing they could win with bids to the Crown of their higher esteem and loyalty. Whether or not you tell them to fuck off is your choice.

>>42258678
I still find it funny that we have more Law than Bordain after he's done showing where the badger shits in the wood.

>>42258856
Them Crownland bonuses man, they are fucking crazy. +20 to Law, and it wasn't even that good of a roll.

In my head it's basically the smallfolk being too beat up to really do any shit, and the banditry being scared of a House born from Valyria. Brynden is a scary mother fucker when he needs to be.

>>42258926
Any idea when you are running next?

>>42259851

Oh, Saturday, September 5th, at 2PM EST. I should be able to run late into the night so I may start a bit later. No doubt we'll get through a couple of months worth of activity.

I make announcements like that on my twitter as well:

https://twitter.com/RevengeGoldQM

I really should start including this, the archive, and the GDoc resources in the OP.