Steadhold had begun to regrow in the past month, many of the House’s servants had returned to their job and the castle had slowly began to revive with life. Though the clicks of your heels on the stone floor of the great hall still echoed it wasn’t in cold silence. The hearths now kept the room alight, and often times many of your Household would find themselves taking meal, cutting up, or meeting here for other various reasons. As you walk to the seat of your House, Barq Zos and Yondril nod to you and pick up their meals intent on another location, Mason had been good at keeping the Sons in order around the castle. You had always held them to an honorable standard; no raping, no pillaging, the basics, but Mason policed them harder in your own lands. He had taken well to command, always had in your absence, but here he seemed more a Knight than before, perhaps the pardon had done his honor well, he had even offered to take up the position of Master-of-Arms, a suitable fit.

Your Uncle catches up to your comfortable stride, groups of servants removing themselves in your wake, “Good morning Nephew. I trust all is well?”

“Very Dontos, thank you. How is Victus doing?”

“Well my Lord, he knows his prayers now, better than you ever did at least,” he replies with a chuckle, Victus’ journeys with his great uncle to the burnt out sept in the outer ring had down the man some good. Color had begun to return to his face, and though his temples showed the grey of stress in his young age he seemed the Knight you remembered before your flight to Essos. Perhaps in time you would be able to fund rebuilding the Sept, the smallfolk would appreciate the gesture and your mother did so enjoy traveling there. A good memory to uphold.

Taking your seat among your council you note the absence of your Master-of-Horse, Gawen. This was to be expected as his track and field had seen more usage in the past month than he had anticipated, and he was still hard at work coordinated the rebuilding of the archery range, resodding the grounds, and stamping out the track properly. Nodding in turn to your council they take their seats and you begin, “My Lord, though we’ve little resources to use this month, we have much to discuss and decisions to be made,” Maester Benjin begins shuffling through his papers making notes as he usually does.

“I’ve news as well nephew, of a good nature for a turn,” Ser Dontos finishes. They look to you expectantly. Ser Mason peels an apple and slicing slivers off to share with Elionwy, Benjin fingers at his chain particularly the links of yellow gold and iron, and Dontos reviews his few notes on ragged paper.

>Start with Maester Benjin
>Start with Ser Dontos Malroy

>>42309727
>>Start with Maester Benjin

>>42309727
>>Start with Maester Benjin
Save the good news for last

>>42309727
>Start with Maester Benjin

You gesture towards the Maester and sit back in your seat, he nods and pulls three slips of paper from his robe, “Only letters my Lord.” He sets each in turn before you and points to them describing their contents, “The first my Lord is a missive from the Crown. Noting they have received our payment for the month prior. Of little note but good none the less.” Sniffling at a note regarding money damn near stolen from your House you nod him on.

“The second, from Lord Linden Langward. It would appear our balking against his attempts to take the northern forest have ruffled the young man’s feathers.”

“And the third, from Lord Adrian Celtigar. An expected letter, but one of a good nature regardless. He sends his regards and thanks for treating with his son Ser Wilson. It would appear he wishes to invite you to Crab Isle and hold court with him in Crabhammer for a week.”

Ser Mason listens intently to all of these, having a hand to play in at least two of the three. The Sons of Gold have been running covert scouting missions into the northern forest, the would often leave decrees of your House’s strength and how these lands were yours by right. The smallfolk are easily swayed creatures, and your House did much flexing their prestigious history and claim to the land.
“We may speak further of them both my Lord. Which would you prefer to start with?”

>Start with Lord Langward
>Start with Lord Celtigar

>>42309957
>>Start with Lord Langward
Made you blink.

>>42309957
>Start with Lord Langward

>>42309957
>Start with Lord Langward

So. I was thinking. Should we sell the one egg we got now to Varys? It could easily pay off our debt. Pay for Illads brother and whatever improvements we wish to preform on our holding and may even have money to spare.

“Lord Linden ascended to his father’s seat after the end of Robert’s Rebellion, my Lord. His father had supported the Targaryens as yours had, but his son had taken half of their forces to Robert’s side prior to the Battle of the Trident and joined them to Lord Eddard Stark’s forces as they relieved Storm’s End. An advantageous decision it would seem, he was welcomed to the King’s Peace without the penalties many of the Crownland Houses received and has been expanding his holdings in their poverty,” Benjin has taken to a large book, he keeps relatively true and updated histories of the Houses of the Crownlands, a welcome advantage.

“He has yet to marry being only a year young than yourself, my Lord, but it would appear he has thrown in with Lord Royce and a few other Crownland Houses with young Lords looking to change the status quo as it were,” he continues, “However this letter is more a Maester’s attempt to temper anger into proper word, he wishes a meeting on neutral grounds, preferably within the forest.”

Ser Mason laughs and almost slips his knife, “Brynden you and I both know that’s an ambush waiting to happen. Ignore the child. Let him stew. Within the month we’ll have the superior presence and the forest will be considered yours by your House’s strength alone. Then I dare him to challenge you.”

Dontos nods in agreement, “While I agree with your man, at least send a letter of rejection. Blatant and bold faced, He would turn red in the face reading such and likely act the fool.”

Benjin frowns at the two Knights, “My Lord, Lord Linden’s father was with honor and considered an ally of your Lord father’s, his son would not be so brazen to ambush a fellow Lord upon neutral grounds. Meet with him, talk this through and put this issue to rest.”

>Agree with Ser Mason, ignore the letter entirely
>Agree with Ser Dontos, send a letter of rejection
>Agree with Maester Benjin, meet with him upon neutral grounds

>>42310312
You do not have an egg presently. Lord Royce Redward holds the family heirloom.

You do however have the bone of a dragon found in the Malroy's villa. Varys' has no interest in such, and it is of considerably less worth.

>>42310392
>Agree with Ser Mason, ignore the letter entirely

Once our land is secured we can start talking on our terms.

>>42310392
>Agree with Ser Mason, ignore the letter entirely

>>42310417
Oh right. I mistook that for us having a second egg. Sorry.

>>42310392
>Agree with Ser Mason, ignore the letter entirely
Dis nigga

While the scheming asshole waits for a reply we will move fast and secure the last 2 land we need to forfill the objective.

Can just imagine him sitting and waiting for our letter and all of the sudden his maester burst into the room telling him his men has been kicked out of the disputed area.

>>42310392
>Agree with Ser Dontos, send a letter of rejection
But polite. Can we manage polite?

It doesn't do to piss of your neighbours too much.

>>42310684
Dude is already trying to steal our land anon. Its like asking a burgler to leave politely and he is working with the dude that wiped out our family.

>>42310706
Technically, he's trying to enforce his claim on a disputed stretch of land.

Which we are also doing.

So taking the high road isn't necessarily entirely justified.

>>42310684
>But polite. Can we manage polite?

>Dear Lord Linden Langward

>Fuck you in your alliterative ass.
>You cunt.

>Sincerely, Lord Brynden Malroy

>>42310746
I would had said: Suck Direwolf dick.

But that is fine too.

>Agree with Ser Dontos, send a letter of rejection

>>42310784

But those don't exist.

I don't think people in the South believe in direwolves.

>>42310820
I was more refering to the fact that he joined up with the Starks.

>>42310829

Ah, good one.

I did not realize that.

Minor point of note re: the Celtigars;

They are well known for stockpiling artifacts in a vault so stuffed with wealth as to be the stuff of legends - including a rumoured valyrian weapon.

So as we've previously discussed, they're likely weathering the punishments levied against valyrian loyalist houses much better than we are - and if we make a good impression, they're likely to be one of the houses in the entire realm to offer us a good price for the dragonbone.

We can't know for sure what exactly Lord Celtigar wants with us, but I would be cautiously optimistic and bear the sale of a curiosity like our dragonbone in mind when we visit.

>>42310901
Our maester was toying with the idea that we could marry his second daughter. But as far as i know the Celtigar's are the weakest of the Valyrian houses.

>Invite Robert hunting in the Kingswood
>Go to the meeting point
>King Robert gets ambushed, but we all make it out alive
>In his worth, Robert BTFOs the Laggy lads and redistributes their clay

You flash a look at Mason and he cracks again with you both falling into hysterics, much to Benjin’s chagrin, though your Uncle does crack a small, “Ignore the fool Lord. If he wished to make terms perhaps he should have thought of such before stealing land shared by our families for year.” You flick the marker over that sits upon the northern forest, “We’ll continue our aggressive assertion of dominance in the area, as Ser Mason said. If he wishes to speak terms, then we will do so once my land is secured.”

The Maester nods slowly, a look of disdain evident upon his face, he always wished to talk, to parley. It was a wonder he had the link of iron at all considering his aversion to warfare in all its forms. Shaking the look from his head he continues on removing the letter from Lord Celtigar and unrolling it, “Well my Lord, this is a venture of considerably less danger. As I mentioned Lord Ardrian Celtigar has invited you to Crab Isle, within a month’s time it would appear, enough for his son Ser Wilson to sail to King’s Landing upon his King Crab, and for both Houses to prepare.”

“I’ve prepared a letter of acceptance my Lord. I would recommend doing so immediately, Lord Ardrian is not a man to wait patiently upon a raven. And this presents an opportunity beyond measure given your current status. I’ve no doubt his full Household will be in attendance, his first born son is unmarried as well so no doubt you would have chance to meet the future Lord Celtigar as well,” Benjin smiles at the end of this, leaving off the important little bit of your prior conversation, it would be entirely likely that his unwed daughter, Lady Helena Celtigar, would be in attendance. This made you slightly more nervous than meeting with a fellow Lord or ignoring a blustering neighbor.

“Nephew, I would stay in Steadhold during this, the House needs a castellan in your absence, and Victus will stay with me as well,” Dontos speaks up suddenly and bluntly, you knew the subtext to this message, leave your son behind. Undoubtably Lord Ardrian knew of him, but even your sensibilities told you in would be unwise to bring him to court in such a manner. Still it stung at you, Victus would be displeased at well.

“And I as well my Lord,” Mason adds looking uneasy, “I’ve no stomach for travel by sea, I would rather stay and help maintain our armory and the security of Steadhold. There is still much to do.”

“Well my Lord, I would be able to travel with you, I have not seen Maester Jorum in many years, we would have much to discuss. And I may be able to help with some of the more delicate situations as they arise.”

You chew this thought over, it was a good one, House Celtigar had always been your rival for number two in the Crownlands, Velaryon taking an easy first, amongst the Valryian houses at least. Now he easily stood above you but still wished to treat, a grand opportunity. But one of danger as well, the meeting of your two Houses would not go unnoticed by the Crown or likely Stannis Baratheon.

“I might also ask nephew. What do you intend to do when treating with Lord Celtigar. You have spoken of selling the villa to him, or asking for a loan using at as collateral. I must say, I much prefer the latter, though I might wish to see the wretched place gone from our memory as well,” Dontos asks an unease setting about him as well. It was true, both had come up in consideration. A more favorable loan may help you in the long run, but selling it outright and being able to pay a chunk of the principal before the terms became impossible to meet was an equally valid option.

“Lord Celtigar is of many riches my Lord, but is a shrewd negotiatior regarding them. It may be advisable to simply allow him to purchase it and give some goodwill by allowing him to think he won,” Benjin adds.

>Send the letter to Lord Celtigar immediately, agreeing to come to Crab Isle
>Wait upon the letter, but still agreeing
>Decline the offer

What do you wish to do regarding the villa?
>Sell the villa outright
>Attempt to use the villa as collateral for a more favorable loan

>>42310923
Couldn't tell you. How many Valyrian houses are there, anyway? Four, including us and the Targaryens?

>>42311000
>>Send the letter to Lord Celtigar immediately, agreeing to come to Crab Isle

>>Attempt to use the villa as collateral for a more favorable loan


Would prefer we keep the Villa if all possible.

Also i kinda wish for us to bring Victus along to the Celtigar's. Mostly because it seems like it is something Brynden would do against his better judgement.

>>42311000
>Send the letter to Lord Celtigar immediately, agreeing to come to Crab Isle

Do we have to commit to one course of action over another yet as regards the villa?

I'd prefer a more favourable loan to a house that won't dick us over with 25% interest, but can't we stay flexible?

>>42311000
>Send the letter to Lord Celtigar immediately, agreeing to come to Crab Isle
>Sell the villa outright

See if we can get a better price for it, though.

It's not that we want to gouge his pockets, but we're in some serious debt and need to get it cleared up.

>>42311001
Depends on how you define Valyrian.
>>42311000
>Send the letter to Lord Celtigar immediately, agreeing to come to Crab Isle
>Attempt to use the villa as collateral for a more favorable loan
>>42311038
Also, agreeing with this. Even if he's wise enough to know it's probably not a good idea Brynden seems to be somewhat sentimental.

>>42310746
Given Brynden's writing abilities right now and vocabulary, yeah that seems about right.

>>42310925
>prime bored Robert against an ambush

Christ alive man, the entire forest would burn. That sweet clay though.

>>42311001
There are five, another is a homebrew knightly House sworn to the Velyarons. The Celtigars and Malroys competed for second dog status for years.

Basically it went:
Targaryens
Velaryons
Celitgars/Malroys
Lukens

>>42311080
>Also, agreeing with this. Even if he's wise enough to know it's probably not a good idea Brynden seems to be somewhat sentimental.

One might even call it his weakness/character flaw.

Alright seeing some support for bringing Victus along against our better judgement. That would require you to command Dontos to come along as well, seeing as he is his squire.

Ser Mason would be acting castellan in his stead. Elionwy also intends to stay and would likely help with number related issues as your stewardess. Something neither man is fond of.

So subvote:

>Command Dontos to come, bringing Victus as well
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold

>>42311176
>>Command Dontos to come, bringing Victus as well
Remember lads, Dontos isn't married either

>>42311176
>>Command Dontos to come, bringing Victus as well

>>42311176
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold

>>42311176
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold
BRINGING A BASTARD

IS AN INSULT

WARS HAVE BEEN STARTED OVER IT

>>42311176
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold
I can't see Brynden being this dumb.

>>42311213
Not letting our son come is an insult to us!

>>42311176
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold

It's just good sense. VENGENCE is more important.

>>42311176
>Leave Dontos and Victus in Steadhold

We can introduce them to Helena if she comes over.

If we ever end up in a situation where we're talking to Robert and he's braging about having made the eight can we agree to claim to have made the eight+ which is the eight in Westeros and then eight in Essos? I know it doesn't seem relevant right now but I can't help but feel it will help us if it ever comes up.

>>42311299
Anon. A real man doesnt lie about that kind of thing. He either does it or he dont.

>>42311198
Man I guess I need to be more outright with this.

Alright Dontos had every opportunity to marry and become Lord of the House and leave you in Essos. He had many marriage offers when he was a Knight sworn to the Targaryens. But his brother turned them all down, even some to insult.

Between your father and Dontos, they kept a secret, about Dontos being homosexual. He knows he couldn't produce an heir and would be the end of the line and the insults his rejections caused would make him near impossible to marry to anyone of worth.

Brynden is somewhat aware of this, always noting the men he kept company with in his younger days. But never provokes the conversation for respect to his Uncle.

So... Yeah. And yes, Victus is safe, you sickos.

Anyone, looks like our better judgement won out today. As well as responding immediately and using the villa in a loan. Writing now.

>>42311249
Getting killed before our House rebuilds is an insult to all Malroys that came before and after you. Leave Dontos and the kid. Promise to take him next time.

>>42311319
>about Dontos being homosexual.

Well alright.

>>42311322
Jesus anon. They are not going to overreact like that for something that minor.

>>42311317
It could be true. We run off with a foreign girl after being bored of whoring in Westeros, shaming our family and then when she perished we drowned our troubles in women and ale. Easy, that's 16 girls atleast.

>>42311299
>and then eight in Essos?
Qohor, Norvos, Braavos, Pentos, Myr, Tyrosh, Lys, Volantis.

It's easier to make the essosi eight because of the prevalence of whores in the east.

>>42311351
Speaking of which. When was the last time Brynden watered the stallion ?

Also it is gonna take a while before he gets married so if the lords bed gets lonely and cold i am sure we can have Elionwy helping us out with that intill then.

>>42311345
Yet. I'd like to try not insulting the guys we'd like to ally ourselves with, okay?

>>42311388
>so if the lords bed gets lonely and cold i am sure we can have Elionwy helping us out with that
If we ever bed Elionwy, i'd want to know it was by her choice, not the Spider's order.

And frankly, there's not an easy way to know that, given how she's a mute.

>>42311509
She can write.

>>42311520
Yes, but we can't read.

>>42311529
Take off your dress for yes

Keep dress on for no.

That should do it.

For a brief moment your Uncle’s words give rise to feeling, a moment of bull headedness, the Lord of Crab Isle be damned you would not deny your son. But would you deny yourself? Your House, family? Even Dontos’ wished this and said it as politely as could be expected, he was giving you wise council. Your head levels, and you nodded to your Uncle that had been staring at you waiting for an answer unaware of the turmoil in your head.

“As much as I may dislike the memory of the place, I do agree with my Uncle. The Villa would serve as better if used as collateral. And thank you for your council benjin, I shall be well aware of this during our negotiations,” you decide. Dontos for his part looks relieved, unaware you had even entertained ordering him to come along. Mason has taken back to his apple, being well and happy away from the idea of bodies of water. Elionwy has been scratching down notes, not in your tongue as far as you could tell. Damn Myrwoman.

“And send the raven immediately Maester. I’ve no purpose to insult Lord Celtigar with wait upon wings. This is an opportunity I do not wish to dash upon the floor before it grows to fruition,” you add quickly and Benjin’s smile returns.

“Of course my Lord. I will submit my draft to you after we are done, for your approval and signature.”

>>42311548
You seem to be missing the point. She was willing to fuck us threads ago, but we refused because she's the Spider's creature and we don't know her motives.

She's a useful tool - like a knife.

But I wouldn't try to stick my dick in a knife.

>>42311587
>But I wouldn't try to stick my dick in a knife.

Coward.

Dontos stretches and pulls up his notes again, “I suppose that’s that then? I have a few good words as well nephew.” Regarding your uncle with your full attention he buries his face in the paper and begins listing off the small things regarding the Household and its guard.”

“The veteran force of Archers you sent call out for has been put together in quick order Brynden. It would seem most of our lads were still in the general area. Just in fear of that Red Bastard. They’ve taken the name The Loyal Bows in honor of your House, and their captain, Mors the Marsher, as the lads know him, has returned, a former Redward man but one of good standing. I know the man personally, trust him with my life.”

You nod along, “Is that all Uncle?”

“No not quite. Mors has requested audience with you my Lord. He awaits presently. He is a low born man from the Neck, but he was the one that saved my brother and brought him home. He said something of a promise only the Lord Malroy may keep,” he finishes seemingly confused by the last bit.

>See Mors the Marsher?
>Send him around he should know his place.

>>42311529
We can now, through the miracle worker that Maester Benjin is. Another week and we'll look a proper Lord with them fancy reading and writing skills.

>>42311548
I laughed pretty damn hard.

>>42311388
Been about... 6 months now? Right before he left Essos he was having an affair with a woman in Lys. Something about her husband being important you could never tell through the moaning and language barrier.

Hey before we leave can we have our maester fire off some ravens to wealthy houses asking about loans that might cover the debt to the crown but with less ridiculous interest?

>>42311630
>See Mors the Marsher?

>>42311630
>>See Mors the Marsher?

>>42311630
>Been about... 6 months now? Right before he left Essos he was having an affair with a woman in Lys. Something about her husband being important you could never tell through the moaning and language barrier.
Right lads, I think this pretty much confirms Brynden to be to be the type of man who could've made the eight.
>See Mors the Marsher?

Dontos is a wuss, plenty of gay feudal dudes still managed to pop out an heir and a spare (while carrying on a gay affair)

>>42311702
Only hope his knightly skills is stronger than his gay game.

>>42311630
>See Mors the Marsher

Your eyebrow raises, it was certainly odd for such a man to make such a request of his Lord, but he did save your father. Even if for a brief moment, he at least deserved the one audience. You would not dent the Sons, now was not the time to set double standards. “I suppose I would see this Mors, Uncle.”

“Good, good. I’m sure whatever it is, is small and easily sated, nothing worth losing the loyalty of a man over.”

“I believe my time is done then,” Maester Bejin pipes in, “May your meeting go well my Lord. Come to my chambers later and go through the replies. Lady Elionwy, would you be so kind as to indulge an old man escort?”

Elionwy way giggles silently, and gracefully moves from her chair to the maester’s side interweaving her arm with his and leading the old man from the great hall. His simple banter echoing throughout. Mason having finished his apple goes to move but you request otherwise, “A loyal man he may be Mason, but still a dangerous one to survive from the Trident to Steadhold. And I know little of the crannogman. I’d rather you stay.”

“Of course my Lord. I shall be your shield against the frog-man,” he laughs, and begins to help Dontos move the table before taking up a place behind you, hand upon his flanged mace.

So, if we actively get an offer on the daughter, and choose to decline (with ibtent to pursue a HDW probably) my recommendation is to compare it to a pitched battle in disfavorable terrain, that is to say while we don't NEED to be negotiating from a position of strength, we prefer not to negotiate from a position of weakness.

Your uncle goes to retrieve the man, and in a few moments a man of small stature, but clearly grown stands before you with a thin boy at his side both stare at the ground as they bow deeply, heads covered by cloaks, “You may raise your head Mors of the Neck, you have done this House a great service. I would hear of this promise.”

Mors voice is almost a whisper, his eyes dart from you to Ser Mason eyeing the mace with unease, “Milord. I came immediately upon word you had taken your father’s seat. He was a good man milord. Kind to be to the last.”

You shift uncomfortable, noting the bow slung across his shoulder, an incredibly fine thing, not one from the Neck at least.

>Question Mors the Marsher about his escape from the Trident with your injured father to Steadhold
>Ask him of his bow
>Get straight to the point, and ask him of the promise

>>42311702
It's sort of a not being able to get it up situation. Women make him straight uncomfortable, thus his initial reaction to Elionwy and his dislike of Lysa and Victus.

>>42311760
I've implied a few times Dontos was one hell of Knight. To be truthful, had he not been injured in the Sack of King's Landing and having to start from square one, he likely would have become a member of the Kingsguard. He is/was a damn good Knight.

>>42311952
>It's sort of a not being able to get it up situation. Women make him straight uncomfortable, thus his initial reaction to Elionwy and his dislike of Lysa and Victus.
Close his eyes and fuck a dude until the last moment then sheesh

>>42311952
>Get straight to the point, and ask him of the promise

Lets no dilly-dally.

>>42311952
>Get straight to the point, and ask him of the promise

>>42311952
>>Get straight to the point, and ask him of the promise

>>42312004
Inb4 he's a bottom.

>>42311945
We could point out that it looks a bit suspect and we could be mistaken for plotting. Plus Stannis has, what, 3 Bannermen? I think he'd notice something like this

>>42312061
>he's a bottom
The way he stood aside and sent for us to become lord?

You bet your sweet ass he is, anon.

>>42312081
Aye. Once Cersei hears of it she will go into full on paranoia-mode without a doubt.

>>42312061
That's even better, he can just leave his dick in the wife while butt fucked

>>42312081
Stannis has a touch more I believe, but your point is valid. That said, we're going to be marrying woman from some House that likely shares Targaryen sympathies either way, so marrying the Celtigar girl isn't that bad.

>>42312166
I just checked. He has a grand total of 4 Bannermen. Velaryon, Sunglass, Celtigar and Bar Emmon. Becuase he and Davos are BFFs he might have the Seaworths, but they're actually sworn to Storm's End IIRC

>>42312216
I think we all know that Davos is Stannis' man. No matter who is supposed liege is.

>>42312166
I really don't think we should. While I'm not inclined to bow and scrape and if dany or aegon ever land of Jon snow is revealed as rhaegar's son I'd vote to throw ourselves behind them in an instant, for now I'd recommend NOT doubling down in the losers at their weakest point who are already slightly more inclined to be friendly than average. Better to make a neutral party or rival into a friend, or something very prestigious. Or a HDW.

>>42312258
Well, unless there's a shift, Dany will kinda kill her brother so I don't think she should get our support at all.

>>42312270
Targs kill each other all the time its just business as usual.

>>42312270
We always side with the Targs. We did it when they killed eachother in the past and we will do it now.

>>42312294
Does make me wonder who we sided with in the dance of dragons.

>>42312307
The Blacks.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MB1FAoklpIRj8rCyY6rHCDcmTIASW3Vcl4caxJDy9-E/edit

Noting how uncomfortable the man is you decide to skip the story though you’ve no doubt it was interesting perhaps another time when he had grown comfortable with you.

“Captain Mors, my Uncle told me of a promise made to you, that only a Malroy could keep, may I ask what it was my Lord father made promise to?” you ask not moving in any particular way, you didn’t wish to intimidate the man entirely. But you still made wonder as to how he could be a Captain of a company of men with such stature and voice.

He clears his throat and Mason scoffs a moment, you shoot him a look and he rolls his eyes standing silent, “Milord. When milord Malroy and I arrived to Steadhold he made promise of three boons for me and mine.” Mors pulls the bow from his shoulder and Mason suddenly tenses his grip suddenly stronger before realizing it wasn’t even strung. The man lays it before you, “First was a gift of this bow. I never owned one of castle make milord. He let me pick it from the castle he did.”

Shifting he motions to the doorway, “Out there, I never seen such beautiful horses before in all my life. And as my second gift he gave me one. To replace my dying Lurker that brought us halfway here.”

Finally removing his hood you gain measure of the man, he is thin of hair, eyes grey like murky water but precise with a hidden awareness. Though his movements suggested otherwise, his eyes never left yours, and he never was beyond a mere step from his bow, arrows latched to his back still, poisoned more than like as the Neck often did. He smiles and wrings his hand, “And milord. Milord made one more. Said even if he dies that his sons would honor it.” He pulls the lad next to him closely and pulls his hood off as well, they bore an uncanny resemblance to one another, clearly it was his son. Clearing his throat once more he finishes, “Milord promised a member of his castle would take my eldest as a squire. I don’t wish for Sers and Ladies milord. But my son, he deserves the chance. I do not ask for yourself milord. Even a knight of low standings. That is my request.”

Mors bows once again, his son doing the same with little hesitation, a simple request really. You did not need to keep to it, but they did travel from the Neck on hopes of a better future. You knew that feeling traveling for a better tomorrow, hoping for promises to be kept. “Tell me lad, what is your name,” you say in a soft tone.

“Lorry, milord. Lorry the Little they called me,” he replies simply, maintaining the same eye contact his father had. A good sign.

Well you had a few Knights among you, Ser Victor Haigh was an option though he had never had a squire before, Dontos had Victus and his own headaches, and then there was Ser Mason, laughing by your side at the man that had saved your father. Perhaps a lesson of humility was in order?

>Agree to honor the promise, using Mason
>Agree to honor the promise, using Ser Haigh
>Agree to honor the promise, using Dontos
>Agree to honor the promise, with yourself
>Do not honor the promise

>>42312294
>>42312285
Brynden seems to be the family man type, even if his family consists of gay uncle and bastard. I don't know why he'd find his loyalty with a kinslayer. But Aegon Blackfyre is 100% supportable

>>42312374
>Agree to honor the promise, using Ser Haigh

I dont think we were actually knighted. Believe we fled to Essos before it happened. Otherwise i would pick ourselves.

>>42312374
>Agree to honor the promise, with yourself

>>42312398
I doubt we'd be an option then.

>>42312374
>Agree to honor the promise, using Ser Haigh

>>42312374
>>Agree to honor the promise, using Mason
That'll be a riot.

>>42312394
Brynden seems to be the family man type, even if his family consists of gay uncle and bastard.

Yeah. His own family. So long no one hurts his family everyone elses can be as fucked up as they are. Besides. the Targ always rewarded our good service and havnt done us wrong. So even when Dany does kill him it wont mattter to us.

And yes Aegon is the superior choice.

>>42312374
>Agree to honor the promise, using Ser Haigh

>>42312398
Actually that's a good point. Brynden was never knighted properly. I suppose he really isn't an option in the proper terms of the agreement.

>>42312412
Changing from this to

>>42312374
>Agree to honor the promise, using Ser Haigh

In light of new info.

Cracking your jaw you call over a waiting guardsman, “My good man, would you fetch Ser Victor Haigh for me? Likely with the Sons of Gold in the yard. Still sore from the beating Ser Dontos gave him yesterday no doubt,” you ask, he snaps off a sharp salute and jogs off leaving you again in silence. Mors for his part seems pleased at the moment, but never breaks his contact, it’s almost unnerving.

You rise from your seat, uncomfortable with the still quiet and walk down to the bow before you, “May I Captain?” you ask in stiff tone, he nods and you pick up the light long bow in a quick sweeping motion. “Certainly a fine bow Captain Mors,” you say, having strung it yourself in quick order, “Though I prefer the double curved myself,” you add.

“A fine choice milord. But no range, in the field. Quick shots, powerful shots yes. In the Neck we use the short bow, better to hunt in the swamps with I learned of the long when I came to milord’s lands,” he responds, his voice having gained some strength.

Ser Victor Haigh enters the room in a jovial mood, he was generally a happy son of a bitch, despite being a cousin to a Knightly House sworn to the Freys. He was not an exile, or second son, or hated by his family, he just enjoyed adventure. Finding Essos to be better suited for such he left when he was a boy of seven and ten having recently been knighted and joined up with you when he was one and twenty. He had flipped the pitchfork of the Haigh’s on his personal arms with two prongs rather than four and carried a war lance similar. He bows deeply before you regarding Mors and his son with a smile and a nod, “My Lord? How may I be of service today? I certainly hope not in the circle with your damn Uncle again. I’ve bruises upon bruises now,” he laughs.

File: 1437419861416.png (92 KB, 320x772)

92 KB PNG

“No Ser Haigh, I’ve another task for you. My Lord father made a promise to the man before you, one of a squireship for his eldest son. I thought you the best fit for a man from the Neck. Your family being so close themselves,” you reply amusement playing on your face. Many of the Freys and their banners despised the men of the Neck.

Ser Haigh turns on his heel and regards the young boy still smiling, “An odd request my Lord. But one I would indulge,” he responds looking the boy over coming to his eye level and lifting his arm in inspection, “My father would be infuriated I’m treating one of the ‘frog-boys’ like a proper squire. Yes. I will do this. What is your name boy?”

“Lorry milord,” he says keeping eye contact with him now.

“Excellent, come lad. Captain Mors, your son is good hands, I promise you,” Victor says with another smile and an offered hand that is taken with a leery look. An easy promise kept, Ser Haigh was always happy to serve in the ridiculous. Perhaps he could make a knight out of a crannogman yet.

Mason and Dontos disappear soon after Knight and squire do, Mors gives you a final bow as well and thanks you profusely. Left to your thoughts you consider the next month, the debt was paid for this time, but next you would need to raise more funds and hopefully more strength of House to hold the forest. You yourself had an interesting means to elevate your House in speaking to Lord Celtigar. But you… Lacked in social grace. Perhaps Illiad or Maester Benjin could help?

You’ve 10EXP to spend, enough for a single rank in one speciality of choice. Or you may sit on it. Pictured are the options. I may recommend, Convince or Charm depending upon your plan of attack.

Also looks like Ser Haigh just moved up to Secondary character status. I'll need to flesh him out a bit more. Safe to say, he's just about always happy and laughing, enjoys a fine drink and woman, and combat is just another adventure to him.

>>42312805
>Sit on it

>>42312805
Convince. WIll probably be useful when dealing with the Celtigars and for the coming trial.

>>42312805

Convince

>>42312805
>Sit on it
I forget Crannogmen are Old God worshippers so don't have knights. This is probably a big deal

>>42312805
Convince sounds pretty necessary right now. The trial is coming up too.

>>42312841
He'll just convert.

>>42312805
Charm. make everyone fall in love.

>>42312835
>>42312854
Fuck, I forgot about the trial
>>42312841
Changing to convince

>>42312841
It's sort of like Jorah Mormont. Old God worshipper, but knighted all the same. I believe a few Knights come from Northern Houses as well. It's just a title in some regards.

>>42312805
I think we should stockpile our EXP until we can improve one of our base stats rather than taking a massively situational specialisation.

Convince might look good in the short term, but is it really worth setting a statline increase by two months?

Man we have straight up one the weirdest Households ever. Summer Islander Tarbeck, bunch of Myrish, gay uncle, and now a frog boy and Frey knight. What's next?

>>42312895
It will if we can severely reduce our debt. While i can understand your want to play the long game and i would normally agree but in this regard if we dont do it we might not even make it to the long game.

>>42312841
There are knights who are Old God worshippers. They just don't care about it as much (except maybe the Blackwoods).

>>42312927
>What's next?

If all goes really well?

Hatched dragon

Alright looks like a strong show of support for Convince.

As a note I award 10EXP per thread, not month. Though it can be gained through other means, as will glory later on.

>>42312962

Nah Brynden isn't of that strong a bloodline. However if people go back and look at the description of the egg it is remarkably similar to another.

Anyway writing, time for some Illiad training.

>>42313017
The one that hatched into Drogon correct?

>>42313017
>However if people go back and look at the description of the egg it is remarkably similar to another.

It's one of the three eggs that Illyrio eventually gives to Daenerys at her wedding, and hatches into Drogon. Varys wants to aquire it for his magister ally.

>Tfw we fuck over Dany because we don't want to part with our dragon egg
Feels good

>>42313041
>>42313058
>>42313141

If we do get it back, then Varys will have to pay out the ass for it.

>>42313141
While i am not too fond of Dany myself i hope we wont let it get in the way. If Brynden does find out from Varys or someone that the egg will be given to a Targ i feel like we should give it to her as it would make sense for the character.

>>42313182
>If Brynden does find out from Varys or someone that the egg will be given to a Targ i feel like we should give it to her
Nah.

Viserys deserves it. He is the heir.

>>42313182
I don't see how. Sure our family are/were Targ loyalists but we're not the most dutiful lord, we were off fucking bitches in Essos for who knows how long.

>>42313182
>>42313206
>>42313220

Whichever heir gets it, we'll deliver it in person.

>>42313231
Or just hand it over to Varys. What do you think will happen when people find out we were at Dany's wedding ?

>>42313220
They will give us vengeance.

>>42313248

How would they find that out?

-A few weeks later-

You break your fast with Victus and Illiad, eating fried eggs with tomatoes on the side, a small spice of Dorne is overwhelming your son much to Illiad’s amusement, you cover it up with copious amounts of bread. “Lord, Victus asks to learn the tongue of Myr,” Illiad says in between laughter, “I would teach him, if Lord would allow it.”

Victus looks up to you, a tear in his eye, but always eager happiness, “Of course Illiad, he would do well to know another language. Makes you look more worldly for the ladies,” you laugh and mess with your son’s hair as he makes disgusted noises.

“Lord you really should finish your teachings of High Valyrian, even if for purpose of women,” Illiad responds, stealing a few pieces of food from your over acting son.

It had been a long while since you worked on your other language, though the memories of the strict teachings of Maester Benjin wished your tongue out and into the sweet quiet like Elionwy, “Perhaps someday Illiad, but I do need your help with something else, I need speak to the Lord Celtigar soon and for myself at the trial in a few months after, you are rather convincing when it comes to the Sons. Might I ask a lesson?”

Illiad chews on an onion and smiles a broken grin, “Of course Lord. Your will.”

The next few hours are spent with Illiad making up absurd situations where you must talk yourself out of, “Illiad, those don’t even exist” you protest to a particular scenario involving some fabled sword of fire, “In Myr they do Lord.”

Agreeing to meet again the next day for lunch you dress properly and head to the great hall where your Uncle is in a bloody rage, with a bloody sack upon the floor. “THE DAMNED RED BASTARDS. They deserve nothing but death!” he yells at Ser Mason and Solhas, the latter examining the bag. Your arrival does little to sate his rage where he merely stares at you with dark eyes.

>Ask what the hell happened
>Examine the bag yourself

1. Be Loyal to King Bob.
2. Fuck Redward. Fuck Redward hard.
3. Make Crownland friends.

Good long term goals?

>>42313220
Woah now. And raising a son and being a sellsword. Surely the Targaryens with their history would understand love driven decisions.

I think the squiring requires you go worship the seven, but at the same time any knight can choose to knight someone else in the midst of battle.

>>42313271
You cant be serious. Rob gets told of it when Dany gets married and if we are present at the wedding we will be in the report and it will be considered high treason. Besides, we will be too busy handling our own shit to go to it anyway,.

>>42313281
>>Ask what the hell happened
>>Examine the bag yourself

>>42313281
>>Examine the bag yourself

>>42313307

Why would Varys tell him?

>>42313281
>Examine the bag yourself

>>42313368
It is simply not a wise thing to do. Something like that will get revealed.

>>42313368
If reddward loses 'his' egg, and later dany gets eggs, and meanwhile we've got a sudden windfall... We're going to be a suspect.

>>42313429

Then we'll send an emissary in our place.

>>42313286
All the Targ lads here blame poor Robert for the sack of King's Landing when it was the Lannisters and the Redwards. Robert did nothing wrong.

>>42313450
The egg was considered a rumor though? Even Brynden didn't think it was real until his uncle brought it up. Maybe other Houses don't even know about it or the Crown even. Varys was being pretty sneaky.

>>42313481
Yeah I'm not a Robert SUPPORTER and if a targ actually has a chance of retaking the country I'd throw in behind them but for now I have no reason to actively oppose Robert's rule, which is just foolish.

>>42313538
Agreed. But i can understand why one would find Robert somewhat responsible.

>>42313538
I'm happy to support the Targs until we find out icly they're going to bring over a horde of Dothraki. I think there's a point where old loyalties must die. We lived in Essos, I'm sure we know what they're like.

>>42313592
Yeah. We even trained horse archery with them. It was awesome

>>42313592
Well I'd MORALLY support the targs, rather than actually support, because actual support will probably just get us killed. And well, the targs conquered westeros in the first place with dragons, I'd rather face the dothraki.

>>42313645
Yeah. We wont directly support them but do prepare if they should launch a invasion.

Solhas stands and shakes his head in disgust, Mason is dark of eye as well, his finger drumming the handle of his mace. Kneeling down to the sack you open it, your eyes and nose assaulted with the smell of death and rot, six heads meet your gaze. You reach out and turn one upon its check is the rough outline of a horse, crude but recognizable. Someone means to sully your name. Covering the bag once more you wave a servant over to collect and dispose of it.

Dontos is pacing in his rage, a tick you’ve noted yourself doing before as well, “They found them in the northern forest. Langward is paying of bandits to commit atrocities. I know it Brynden, I fucking know.”

Mason grunts, staring at the pile of brown blood on the floor, “Likely. But we can’t prove it. The Crownlands have their bandits, aye. But the King’s Peace makes it damn difficult to operate normally. And everyone knows about the bloody horses. We’ll look suspect number one.”

Solhas has stood quiet during this, clearly disconcerted with gross violence against people that his family may be considered of in a different world, “My Lord. We need to meet this with reprisal. Be quick. Decisive. Show the smalfolk they are protected under us, not needlessly slaughtered. It can’t be much a force, and the wounds are torn and edgeless they are poorly armed. The Sons and some archers could likely flush them out and run them down.” Solhas rarely speaks so much, but his council is often brutally efficient, finishing things in short order even if by force. The Summer Islander was a gentle giant among your Household but ruthless in the field.

You grind your teeth, a vengeful wrath burning in your eyes, “Call Mors and the Jonos, assemble a war council immediately.”

Mason and Dontos push a round table into the middle of the great hall, your officers surrounding it with varying degrees of equal disgust and anxiousness. Dontos speaks first, “Nephew, I will follow you regardless of the decision you make but know this is the first step into war. After this there is no looking back, the Redwards, the Langwards. The whole bloody Crownlands may call us oathbreakers should we handle this poorly. Be careful Brynden.”

How do you want to approach those that sully your name?
>Track them down, eliminate them quietly.
>Hunt them in the open, justice must be served

>>42313712
Alright I'm a little confused. The King's peace prevents hunting down bandits?

>>42313696
>>42313712

Lost my trip on that. Sorry about that.

>>42313712
>Track them down, eliminate them quietly.

>>42313712
>>Hunt them in the open, justice must be served

>>42313712
>Track them down, eliminate them quietly.

What do you mean, 'operate normally'? The King's Peace IS the norm.

>>42313744
No, not in the sense of normal dickass bandits.

But these guys are doing so in a way to implicate blame on you. A ride against them may seem like you're trying to save your own ass, and if they play the innocent with no proof against them and the horse carvings against you it will look like some riding down of normal smallfolk in a cover up scheme.

>>42313712
>Hunt them in the open, justice must be served
It's not like we're actually attacking Redwards or Langwards. Just bandits, hell send someone to King's Landing and ask for a bit of help. Even when they reject the request for assistance, it should be enough to convince them that we're actually on a bandit hunt. And if they're displeased, they'll order us to stop.

>>42313712
>Track them down, eliminate them quietly.
Better to just stop the killings without drawing attention.

>>42313712
>>Track them down, eliminate them quietly.

>>42313785
I mean it makes it difficult for large scale bandit operations to function properly in the Crownlands specifically. The King's Peace is at its strongest in the immediate region, so it becomes excessive difficult to be a bandit in this area, as opposed to the North or Vale per say.

Pay bandits to commit atrocities framing the langwards, and then declare that bandits are using the strife as cover to avoid the King's peace

If we do it quietly... Presumably we're allowed to go hunting on our land? Go on a long "hunt" and if we happen to run into bandits well... We can't just leave them be now can we.

You turn to Mors, “Captain Mors, can your men scout out the northern forest? I do not wish to go into this blind, and the archers are likely our best scouting group. Be careful, go under cloak of night.”

“Yes milord. The Jons should serve this purpose well,” he responds.

Mason scrunches his face up looking at the map, “I don’t know if we’ll be able to bring the horses Brynden. If they catch us before hand then it’s over, they’ll scatter to the wind. It may be best to just use the archers as support and the Son on the ground. We can take some bloody bandits.”

Dontos and Jonos exchanged glances the former speaks, “I believe we shall stay home Brynden. I’m too obvious in my plate at least your men can operate in less conspicuous garb.”

Solhas for his part stays quiet, his face unreadable, but he fidgets with his goldenheart bow all the same.

“Good. We’ll hunt them down like the creatures they are. Track them to their camp, and slaughter them by the night then,” you say decisively, your first clenched upon the table, “I do not intend to lose this House over bandits with want for artistic skill. Get the Sons assembled. Mors the Bows, we move at dusk.”

Heading up a cadre footed men moving quickly through the Violet Plains in pockets no more than five you scatter to the winds. The Sons had not fought together in a great length and you could feel the anticipation built up in your men, they missed this. Westeros was boring by comparison, but tonight they would feast upon blood in vengeful wrath. You find Mors and his group entering the forest proper when the moon stands tall in the sky, only half filled. He is wearing a get up of dark leather, his bow drawn, the two men next to him cloaked and dark, likely the Jons. You nod giving the signal and the delve into the forest at a quick pace. And now you wait, in quiet, moving by steps at a time, by signals of your men in quiet whispers scattered over the domain.

Roll 2d6 for Stealth.

Rolled 6, 4 = 10 (2d6)

>>42314167

Rolled 4, 6 = 10 (2d6)

>>42314167

>>42314187
>>42314179
This was obviously fate.

Rolled 1, 6 = 7 (2d6)

>>42314167

The Loyal Bows were not rangers nor scouts; they were men upon walls, upon high ledges, but there were few among them accustomed to this sort of warfare, and they held their own. The woods remained quiet, you begun to see the dark outlines of more and more of your men, a loose circle continued to form in quiet step. Solhas stood next to you, no pomp or fancy to his dark leather, his bow massive though compared to your own.

You hear the swift sound of an arrow fly and hear the soft plunk of it reaching its target, a man falls from the tree, your own upon him in a moment to slit his throat. Ruthless, efficient killing, these were godless men, deserving no more than swift death upon your lands and for sullying your good name. Solhas’ hand reaches out and he points to another figure in the tree, seemingly unaware, but within your range. You draw, breathe shallow, and take aim.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

Rolled 3, 6, 4, 3, 3, 4 = 23 (6d6)

>>42314316

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

>>42314316

Rolled 6, 6, 5, 3, 3, 6 = 29 (6d6)

>>42314316
Rolling

Rolled 3, 3, 1, 4, 5, 5 = 21 (6d6)

>>42314316

Rolled 3, 6, 3, 3, 6, 2 = 23 (6d6)

>>42314316

>>42314346
>6,6,6,5

Christ alive man.

>>42314346
That's a pretty good roll there.

File: you gonna die!.gif (1.39 MB, 300x166)

1.39 MB GIF

>>42314358
>>42314370

Challenge (12), succeeded, Three Degrees of Success

You release, your arrow flying in silence and striking the man in the throat before it even utters a sound of defiance he falls from the tree in a soft plop and you continue on. Your steps have begun to increase more of your men appear. Mors is by your side again, soft and near unseeable in the forest. The man is at home. A whisper gathers upon your ear and the circle stops, fires can be seen in a grove before you. Your head rises, palm open. Your eyes make up no more than forty, no doubt twice the numbers existed though the rest killed in your silent approach.

Now you had a choice, if you riddled the camp with arrows it is unlike a man would be alive after a second volley. But if you charged with the Sons and the Bows as a support to pick off those that would run and outliers you could possibly take a prisoner. There wasn’t any glory in this exchange regardless and for the quiet moment you thought.

>Unleash a hail of steel upon them
>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support

P.S. you killed the ever living shit out of that guy.

>>42314562
>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support
I mean, our Sons are bored as fuck and they really want to fight. I'd feel bad if they got all geared up for nothing

>>42314562
>Unleash a hail of steel upon them

>>42314562
>>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support
Always good to kill the everloving shit out of some guy.

>>42314562
>>Unleash a hail of steel upon them

>>42314562
>>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support

>>42314562
>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support
We could find the man who will testify that he was paid to frame us.

I believe that would be worth a tidy sum...

>>42314562
Prisoner taking chance! A potential confession is always useful.

>>42314678
Or we could just kill them. Get rid of the bodies and continue on as if nothing happened. It is the word of one outlaw. And right now we are not well liked by the crown.

>>42314717
I'm not sure we're actually particularly DISLIKED by the crown. After all Robert threw us a couple hundred extra men, and we weren't even here for the war.

>>42314717
>Continue as if nothing happened
We should let one 'get away' so he can spread the word. It's not like the men who paid these bandits to maraud in our clay aren't going to figure out it was us who got rid of them anyway, it might be nice for other raiders to know how Malroy men appeared out of the darkness and cut down the bandits to (nearly) the last man

>>42314778
The Queen hates our gut for having a tarbeck and insulting Jaime. Also it would be seen as someone who was a traitor trying to frame a loyal servant of the crown.

>>42314778
>Implying the crown isn't Cersei, Jon Arryn, Stannis, Renly, Varys and Petyr Baelish
Robert is just whoremonger supreme. I figure we'd get along well with Robert

>>42314562
>Charge them with the Sons using the Bows as support
Get one guy to tell us when they meet with the messanger/support from our foe lord. Get the men to act out as the bandits. We nix the messanger/guy who pays this band we can prove that they were funded and drag the bastards name through the mire for breaking the kings peace while upping our own standing.

You need a prisoner, this is a golden opportunity, they could provide you with valuable information, and be kept in a deep dark cell until you needed them to testify. A valuable asset and a piece to put you in the game finally. You make a gesture that the Sons know, and they begin to move forward, you throw quiet word to Mors to move his men in and play support. Not a man was to escape. They would all be dead by midnight.

You place your bow away and draw your longsword, an old thing but reliable, strong. Solhas draws his own a huge wicked thing and you see Mason with his mace and shield. The camp is unawares entirely. Your breath draws shallow once more, a man moves to take a piss towards your way, his drunken canter clearly oblivious to the vengeful wrath about to befall him. Your eyes burn green, like wildfire, like wild death, and you move. You run, your sword catching him in the gut, a swift kick following it up. Voices ring out, screams of death, you give way to your nature and push forward unto the battle.

Another finds you, a club and a shield his only defense, you wield your sword in two hands and dive headlong at him.

Roll 5d6 for Fighting.

Rolled 5, 2, 5, 2, 3 = 17 (5d6)

>>42314831

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

>>42314831

>>42314807
Yeah but how many of those people actually CARE.>>42314807

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

>>42314831

>>42314807
We've pissed off Cersei, but Varys seems to be on our side atleast for the moment, the others are most likely fairly neutral on us.

Rolled 2, 4, 6, 4, 5 = 21 (5d6)

>>42314831
Chaaaaarge!

>>42314855
Cersei will actively work against us.

Jon might be honorable but i dont think he would trust us.

Stannis wouldnt believe us. Once a traitor always a traitor.

Renly aint worth much

Varys would help us

And Littlefinger would somehow fuck us over.

Rolled 2, 2, 5, 4, 2 = 15 (5d6)

>>42314831

>>42314852
5,2,5.

Not good. But could be much worse.
like.
>>42314853
>>42314871

Much worse.

>>42314881
We aren't a traitor, does stannis have every house who sided with the Targs?
I mean that would be half of the seven kingdoms

>>42314881
Stannis himself only followed Robert because he was his older brother, not because he was the rightful King.

Challenge (6), succeeded. Two Degrees of Success
The Sons of Gold, success. One degree.
The Loyal Bows, success. Two degrees.

You skewer the man before he gets a chance. Twisting the blade as his weapon drop to the ground, his eyes filled with fear as they meet yours. Your very nature was that of a warrior, you did not hide your face in battle, the unending burning of your eyes reflected by the few fires around the camp truly struck fear into your enemies. You see Mason smash the the breath at of a man in weak leathers, and Solhas taking on two men with broad strokes. Illiad dances about with a knife held backwards stabbing at a man’s knee and punching in his teeth with a pair of brass knuckles.

Your eyes watch the battlefield, a few quit the field running for their damnable lives. But they find arrows in their bellies before they reach the edge of the forest, your Bows almost unseen in the immediate darkness. Returning to combat you spy a man, in half dressed plate, there he is, there’s your leader. Finish him, break the rest, burn the camp, go home. You take up stance again, and he notices, “BLOODY HORSEFUCKER!” he curses across the field. He knew you. He charges upon you and you bring your blade to meet his.

Roll 5d6 for Fighting.

>>42314956
All of Stannis' bannermen sided with the Targs, as far as I know.

>>42314881
>Stannis wouldnt believe us. Once a traitor always a traitor.

>"...We do not choose our destinies. Yet we must ... we must do our duty, no? Great or small, we must do our duty."

>"A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward."

Rolled 4, 4, 6, 5, 6 = 25 (5d6)

>>42315090

Rolled 2, 4, 1, 3, 2 = 12 (5d6)

>>42315090

Rolling

>>42315115
Oh for fuck's sake. Would you guys mind that murdering the shit out of everything?

>>42315115
Well this is going to be a short fight.

Rolled 3, 4, 4, 6, 3 = 20 (5d6)

>>42315090

Rolled 3, 3, 1, 4, 6 = 17 (5d6)

>>42315090

File: deal with it.gif (1.71 MB, 384x282)

1.71 MB GIF

>>42315143
>Would you guys mind that murdering the shit out of everything?

>>42315143
Hahahaha. No.

>>42315143

It would appear we did pretty well in Essos and i dont mean fucking important Lysini wives.

>>42315143
I was looking for a prisoner...

Also, let's string up the bodies of any of the still living/wounded bandits after the fight. That'll send a message.

>>42315189

I'm kinda worried that might raise questions.

Remember to loot the bodies!

>>42315189

Harrock go home, you're drunk.

>>42315210
Not if we cut out their tounges, blind their eyes, hack off their ears and cut off their fingers.

Answer questions now bitch.

Though in all seriousness, just hang the fuckers.

>>42315251
We could send their heads to the person who sent us the peasant heads. That might be fun

>>42315251
>Though in all seriousness, just hang the fuckers.

Sure, but we should make sure that no sign of us or our House were involved.

>>42315268
>>42315251
No. We should make sure that there is nothing to connect us to it.

File: image.jpg (105 KB, 485x287)

105 KB JPG

>>42315277
Agreed.

These bandits all just 'happened' to be killed and strung up.

>>42315339
Dead men are dead men. Unless they have a piece of heraldry on them indicating who killed them it could be anyone. Hell we could make up some bullshit rumors about angry ghosts killing people.

>>42315356
>These bandits all just 'happened' to be killed and strung up.

"I didn't do it. Must have been ghosts."

Any particular reason why they wouldn't just assume it was us anyway? It's sort of our job to kill bandits preying on our smallfolk.

>>42315404
People are kinda trying to make it look like we are doing it.

>>42315404
Anons are just worried we could start a war or fuck over our relations with the small folk.

Thing is a war needs proof in the eyes of the lords or else bad shit happens. And this little incident is going to dissuade any more 'bandits'.

I say after this we have the men patrol through the nearby halmets and villages, doing a whole lot of meet and greet, telling folks about bandits being spotted in the area and to report any sightings.

Utter crap, but it makes us look present and doing our duty. After all, why would we be inquiring about bandits and folks well being if we were killing them?

Challenge (7), success. Two Degrees of Success.

He’s slow with drink, sleep still in his eyes, his attack easily parried. His sword falls to the ground in a wide arch and you stomp on his outstretched arm, right into the elbow. you feel it give, being unprotected as it is and elicit a scream of pain from the man that tries to grapple you with his good arm. You allow him to bring you close and you headbutt his nose sending him reeling and fallen to the ground, disarmed. You bring your sword to bear again, pointed upon his neck, “M-mercy milord, I beg m-mercy.” Pathetic, weak, he isn’t worth the death. The battle has begun to quiet. The Sons finishing those crying for death, and the Bows moving in to secure the perimeter. a resounding defeat. No more than raiders, green as goose shit it looked like with peasant weapons to boot.

“Illiad, Solhas. Come here and secure this man. I want him to make it to Steadhold, make it happen,” you bark out your blood rage cooling, vengeful wrath burning away into the cold night, “Mors, Mason, report.”

“No casualties among the Sons Brynden. Barq Zos got knocked about the head once but he’ll be fine.”

“None fled the field milord. No loses.”

Nodding your officers off you begin to rummage throughout the camp. Nothing of worth, no gold, no missives, nothing but a man in half plate, the rest in his tent. Then a sudden movement behind it catches your eye. You draw a dirk and move forward slightly, “Come out. Now,” you growl. A small voice responds, fear obvious in it, female, her skirts tattered and torn, skin bruised another victim. Your voice soothes and you call out, “Ser Haigh, we have a girl. Get her a cloak.”

Your assembled forces gather, sullen faces, having brought together the group of some hundred men in a pile covered by their tents and useless prizes. You wish to string them up and leave them as a sign, but doubt it a good idea. Burn the bodies be done with this business. They’ll know. Fire roars and you assigned half the bows to make sure it doesn’t spread to the forest, and the rest return home. Your plated hostage, and frightened girl in tow. The sunrise has begun by the time you manage into Steadhold, your men want of sleep.

Dontos meets you, regards the captives with disdain and relieves them of you. Your bed is all you desire. Sleep, and some wine. Maybe a woman… No. Not right now, sleep.

>>Battle results:
Absolute resounded success. No loses.
Two captives, “knight”, frightened girl.
No gold nor arms or armor of note.

Alright, I need a stretch and a drink real quick. I’ll be back in a bit with the next update.

>>42315590
This is what happens when you fuck with the Valyrian Stallion!

Sweet a victim, that'll probably help sooth the peasants once she's patched up and out and about again

>>42315659
Or the bandit leaders girlfriend or some sort of helper.

>>42315691
Most likely a captive from when they raided our small folk.

>>42315713
We should lock her up intill we have had a chance to talk to her.

>>42315744
She is probably the most valuable thing we have right now, being a direct account of who attacked who etc.
No to locking up, but keeping her at our manor would be a wise idea.

>>42315744
Lock her up is a bit harsh.

Have the maester tend to her bruises and assign a guardsman to watch over them. Easy enough.

Alright so. Mechanically speaking, this was a Green Raiders unit vs Veteran Archers & Veteran Archers+Cavalry. For the most part you've done a good job of not overplaying your hand when it comes to your military, so having such an experienced force was really out of nowhere for those that sent them against you.

Brynden was literally murdering people with one hit. I abide by the combat rules in the core game, but play them throughout the update as opposed to just giving you lines of, x damage, broken arm, etc. At some point in a larger scale conflict I'll have to do that. But right now its better to see battle rage Brynden come out.


Yeah it was a bloodbath. I hadn't exactly planned for it, I thought you guys were send a letter or something to Lord Langward. So I had to kind of pull this up. Bit of a different pace though. Anyway.

The "knight" refuses to speak to your men, regards of what you do to him. As of now locking him away and tending his arm once a week is the only actions you may take with him, he'll get tired of play the waiting game and the pain soon enough you imagine.

The girl however you've come to find was the young daughter of the family of heads that had been sent to your home. She is blinded by fear and will not allow anyone to attend her outside of other women. For now you decide to keep her in Steadhold, until you can decide a better fate for her.

A week turns by with little results in either department and the end of the month nears, next you'll be needing to make break for King's Landing and met Ser Wilson to travel to Crab Isle. But you have a Household to attend to as of now.

Give me a 4d6 for House Fortunes. I think I'm going to stick with my highest of the first three rule. It makes me laugh with the ridiculous rolls.

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

>>42315850

Rolled 5, 6, 3, 5 = 19 (4d6)

>>42315850

Rolled 5, 2, 2, 3 = 12 (4d6)

>>42315850

Rolled 4, 1, 6, 2 = 13 (4d6)

>>42315850

Rolled 4, 2, 1, 1 = 8 (4d6)

>>42315850
Fooortune!

>>42315850
Make the girl a maid once she has sorted herself out.

>>42315893
>>42315911
>>42315928

Ew gross a Curse. I'll give a +1 to that 19 because of the absolute defeat. You know for fun. And nothing was blatantly stupid this month. So free Blessing. Don't get use to it.

1d6 to one, 1d3 to 2.

I'm going to guess, 1d3 Wealth, 1d3 Land?

>>42316008
>1d3 Wealth, 1d3 Land
yup

>>42316008
1d3 wealth and 1d3 land.

>>42316008
Yep

>>42316008
Probably the best way. 1d3 x2 please.

Figured as much.

1d3+1 for Wealth please.

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d3 + 1)

>>42316095

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d3 + 1)

>>42316095

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d3 + 1)

>>42316095
Show me the Money!

>>42316106
>>42316112
>>42316118

Not bad, +3 to Wealth.

Alright now 1d3 to Lands please.

>>42316118
>>42316112
You two suck and not in the way Dontos does.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>42316139

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>42316139

>>42316139

>>42316148
Eh, all my high rolls seem to be sucked into other quests of late.

>>42316176
>>42316106
Saving the motherfucking day. We got the disputed area now.

>>42315972
If she's a maid she won't be talking about the bandits we slaughtered and the smallfolk will still assume it was us. I assume there's some sort of village near our fort, get someone there to give her a job. Not a tavern though since I doubt she'll react well to grabhands

>>42316168
>>42316176
>>42316181

Close enough. That's a solid +3 to Lands as well. Enough to buy the northern forest on House Strength. Which I'm assuming will be the only House Action this Month?

>>42316220
Pretty much. Dont think we can do much else besides paying out debt.

>>42316220
Yep

>>42316238
>>42316252

Figured. In regards to the debt, I always automatically take that out. So if the stats look weird, that's why.

Alright let me get back into writing and we'll talk shop for the opening of the month. Then get along to visiting some crabs.

So now all we need to do is get some timber started and maybe build a tower out there.

>>42316353
We have no real money and everything we do buy cost double.

>>42316296
Yay!!

The end of the month does your House well, your display in the northern forest inspired faith in your people once more and with the horse carvings gone they have entire faith in you once more. They are a simple folk and it is easy to lose them, you dare not drive them away, still having so little. Your great hall is still the same as before, but at least in holds life now. The young lady you had found in the tent a few weeks ago hides in the washroom but at least helps when she is asked. You feel at some point you may be able to get her into the world again but with no family abandoning her to the villages seems almost cruel. The servants of your House rarely comment on her, but make small mention when progress is made. Mason is waiting for you at the Council’s table, his feet up eating a peach.

“Any word from that bandit yet Mason?”

“Not a bloody word Brynden, for some reason he won’t crack. He keeps cursing you though. The man has an imagination I’ll give him that, didn’t think it possible for one man to name so many ways to fuck a horse.”

Your brow furrows and he shrugs, removing his feet as Maester Benjin and Dontos enter the room, Elionwy follows after as does Gawen. They take their places and you yours, the Maester seems to have less papers than usual seemingly aware of all the necessary bits this month.

“My Lord, as I’m sure you’re well aware the northern forest are now entirely under our control, the smallfolk pay tax to you and know their Lord well,” Maester Benjin begins, “It would seem your night raid dissuaded any would be attackers from going after our smallfolk again in reprisal. And it would appear Lord Langward is wroth, but has no grounds to stand upon to make response.”

Good news all of it with a timber industry again you could being to rebuild the outer ring in earnest, and have enough to make arrows lances, etc. for your forces. A welcome relief from having to live off of the leftover supplies.

“My Lord, in the coming week, we’ll need to leave for King’s Landing and meet with Ser Wilson,” he adds and ends on his finally page of seven, “We have some excess Wealth this month my Lord, a welcome sight, soon Gawen will have his funds.”
Dontos begins next, “The men are in good spirits my Lord. It would appear Captain Mors is taking to command very well. The Household Guard is still on the ready however.”

“The Sons are happy as well, seeing blood kept them from getting too bored in the stones of grey. It would appear Ser Haigh and Lorry are meshing well, the boy’s frog spear is close to Victor’s war lance, they’re managing quite well,” Mason adds.

“My Lord with the Household under control it may be time to think of our visit to House Celtigar. Have you thought of perhaps offering a gift? Or of anything else of worth you may wish to bring?”

>Attempt to impress the Lord of many riches, or someone in his Household?
>Decide against it for now, it’s a simple meeting for after all

>>42316788
>Attempt to impress the Lord of many riches, or someone in his Household?

We should bring a gift that much is obvious. Not sure what kind.

>>42316836
Surely we have something leftover from our trips around Essos. Something exotic for a man who can buy anything in Westros

What if we gave him a horse

>>42316913
>>42316768
Get him something fancy from Essos that we have or a horse if we can transport it.

Maybe a horse for his daughter ?

A Horse is indeed a viable option. Though likely only for the Lord and his sons, since Warhorses are your only asset.

If you wish to give Lady Helena a gift or his wife, you may need be a bit more creative.

It feels kinda dumb for a house renowned for it's horses but with all its great horses taken from it to give a horse. "Here's a shit horse, that you know we know is shit."

Something from Essos does indeed seem like a smarter idea, we have to have SOME baubles. The more eastern the better, rich crownlanders presumably have all sorts of stuff from bravos, pentos and myr

>>42316990
Do we have any myrish lace? That's a good gift for a lady right?

>>42317060
Hm... I'd suppose it's likely he would. Though I can't particularly think of anything off the top of my head right now. Definitely have a myrish glass. Toss ideas at me and I'll give it a thought, the furthest east he made it was Volantis though.

>>42317066
More than likely yes. Though they would be... Trophies. If you know what I mean.

>>42317168
Hmmm. How skimpy are they? If not that much just explain it away as an Essos custom from such and such. After heavy washing first.

>>42317168
Some myrish glass or a fancy eastern dagger then

>>42317270
Anon. Just dont..

>>42317168
The furthest east he made was volantis, but presumably he could've picked up something even further east in the markets. How about some spice from qarth?

>>42317323
>Giving spice to girls
Yi Ti silks!

Alright let's say this. Your Warhorses are on par with what they've always been. Really what you lost was the Rare Bloodline, which is the prestigious gift. But Knights would still appreciate such a gift, and likely the Lord as well.

As for gifts for the ladies you do have a couple bits and bobs from Essos. Though hysterically they're all trophies. A spoiler, your myrish glass, which is pretty old anyway, would be the perfect gift for Lady Helena. The stories you can tell with it only furthers its worth.

>>42317323
Kind of hard to bring spices from halfway across the world. The Lady Celtigar happens to like such things though. I suppose I'll allow it.

And damn it but the myrish lace would be pretty perfect for the youngest lady. But that may be in poor taste.

>>42317369
There's a legitimate idea. Yeah I'd allow that over spice at least.

>>42317388
>>42317369
I think we should do that. However. No raunchy underwear though,

>>42317388
>Kind of hard to bring spices from halfway across the world
Spices are the MAIN THING people bring from halfway across the world. Everything else you can probably be found all the same wherever you're going.

Alright, so two Warhorses, one for the Lord and his son. And a pony for their youngest son.

Silks from Yi Ti for Lady, her first born daughter and last born. The same for her second daughter Helena, but your Myrish Glass as well, though that'll be its own scene and you'll understand why then.

>>42317481
You were a freerider with a horse and a tent, you weren't in the business of transporting spices.

>>42317526
Wow that's uh, kind of blowing our load on the gift giving i think.

>>42317666
Probably. Bet this shit fucking Lord won't even have bread and salt ready for us

Know what? I'll think on this a bit more. The ideas should work out I just need to make them make sense.

I'm crashing pretty hard right now since I've been up since 4am this morning. So I'm going to call it a thread.

So, End of Chapter IV.

We'll start next thread with our arrival to King's Landing, and subsequent journey to Crab Isle and then that whole affair. That's a pretty big scene and I want to do it right, not tired.

So thank you everyone for playing tonight. I've been having a lot of fun with this, the premise seems different enough that we're getting some different meta opinions and I enjoy that. Also fuck yeah combat scenes, Brynden you scare.

Next thread will actually be on Thursday 10 Sept at 2PM EST. I'll announce changes on my twitter. Going to archive and I'll be around to answer and question before I fall asleep.

>>42317718
Thanks for the thread mate

>>42317718
Hope there's nothing too nasty planned for us in Kings Landing

>>42317718
I'm gonna suggest one male gift and one female gift. I'm inclined towards the lord and his wife because I'm not terribly big on negotiating a marriage while we're at our absolute lowest point, but if other people do want to try to woo that daughter then she'd be the better choice obviously.
Also I think you should think on and then give us a list of basically everything we have from essos, so we've got a limited amount of stuff we can give and need to conserve it.

>>42317718
So something there was previous interest in was contacting our mother's family, if we want to do that what's the best stage of things to bring that up during?

>>42317872
This time? Nahhh I really don't want to dwell there too long.

>>42317896
Valid points all. I'll give it some thought and present it better at the beginning of the next thread. I'm just not thinking too well right now.

And yes I will create a comprehensive list of things Brynden brought with him. Spoiler, there's a lot of dainty lady garments.

>>42317896
This is good, but bring the glass just in case. Also, in our backstory one of our ancestors married a Crab even though he had been anointed to a higher position and the big Crab could be affording the same kindness to us

>>42318114
Another thing for the list might be non-combat knives or otherwise silverware, simply being from somewhere else will make it a slightly more impressive gift than silverware generally is.

>>42318043
Hm... I'd suppose during the Celebration Tourney. I'm going to leave a lot of meet and greet opportunities during that. Specifically with the Crownland Houses. I'm still trying to figure out a way to make them work with how they end up as the books begin. Your mother may be an older sister to the heiress. Not sure yet.

>>42318176
I'm surprised someone actually read through all of that. Let along remembered that. That would indeed be in your family's lineage records that you found in the villa. So a point could be made for it.

>>42318179
I'm going to try to define Brynden's personality when it comes to loot, something he just takes an interest in. I don't quite think it'll be silverware, weighs too much massed together.

>>42318334
Oh that would be convenient yeah, but what i was actually asking is what stage during the monthly cycle would be the time to tell our maester to send out ravens

>>42318393
Oh oh. During the beginning when your monthly council meets. I may begin to end those with special requests. As that would fall under them.

>>42318334
>Your mother may be an older sister to the heiress.
Since the heiress isn't born yet, keep in mind under the current setup I think that might actually make us the house's heir (until her birth of course.) I'd suggest making her the sister of the canon baby lord's not yet deceased father.

>>42318573
Although I guess us being the heir might be avoided with further alive siblings that latter pass on (in canon) or with a deceased brother with their own children who would be heirs during until her birth (except that would clash with her being the last of the line unless they TOO died before canon.)

>>42318573
>>42318615

Sister to the current Lord makes the most sense. Man that whole thing is a mess, serves me right for randomly picking your mother's House.

>>42318687
Yeah actually I was wrong on the inheritence laws, children of deceased grandchildren aren't skipped over for alive children, the son of a deceased first son inherits over the second son, so actually her being the canon baby's sister is straight up not an option because that would rather make US lord via canon.
"In 92 AC Jaehaerys I Targaryen passed over Rhaenys, the daughter of his deceased eldest son, Aemon, in favor of the king's next eldest son, Baleon."
That does however open up the possibility that she was a daughter of the current lord, while the canon baby lord is the granddaughter of the current lord's deceased son.

>>42318750
Any now i realize that's pretty unclearly quoted, that quote is talking about how targaryian inheritence DIFFERS from everyone else.