The crowd’s reception was deafen, he was hailed as a hero, despite raping and pillaging like the lions. The smallfolk were simple, you could not fault them for being rallied by a herald. Casting glance to either side you see the reaction of the highborn around yourself varying. Some with polite claps, others with the happiness of the smallfolk. Ser Lucas Longwaters and his family sit quietly, as do others. You had never met the man prior to your flight. he was baseborn, only son of your father’s bannerman, kept in the fields with his mother as far as you had ever been made aware. Once Donold suggested bringing him to Steadhold, allowing him to squire alongside him, but Ser Vance Redward forbade him down. You were young at the time and in King’s Landing during, but Dontos had told you it was because of the child’s simple cruelness. Years later you saw how far this cruelness went.

The man rounds his horse, soaking in the reception of the crowd, he wore his red hair tight to the sides with a rat tail in the back, his armour a shade of crimson akin to the stallion upon his standard. His face was not unattractive, there was a drop of your family’s blood in the Redwards, old as it was, but it persisted, you remembered Ser Vance being a handsome man, even in his older age. What tore it was the look it held, a sneer of superiority, of arrogance, he was a bastard with a chip on his shoulder but he had won. You watch as he passes, hardly giving a glance to you before stopping in front of the King, dismounting and bowing upon bended knee, he was allowed rise by the King’s own hand and the crowd roared again.

“Brynden. Brynden, come on. BRYNDEN,” Mason’s voice calls your attentions back to reality, your knuckles had begun to turn white. Without even noticing you had taken Isis’s braid from your breast pocket and was holding it tightly to your heart, your thumb stroked it but the grip was deadly, “Come Brynden. Focus, we need not stay.”

“No Mason, we do,” you respond simply eyes not leaving the man upon the field. His opponent had come out next, a Hedge Knight of the Riverlands if the herald’s call was right. Your eyes graze a standard of blue and brown with a purple fish as its charge, but refocus on the Red Bastard across the field.

Mason sighs and settles back, placing a hand on your shoulder to make you do the same, his hand remaining. He knew your wrath, your immediate reaction, If Dontos were here he would be doing the same with mumbled prayer upon his lips, Mason only does so with silence. The herald finishes his announcing, the men taking their places, the crowd has settled into a dull buzz in your ears, the flag drops and they jolt into action. The Riverlands Knight form is practiced, but not particularly amazing, unlikely he was common born, perhaps a bastard himself. Royce’s was more entirely different, it was not practiced, it was the way a commoner would hold a lance his first time upon a horse, rough and without ease, was youth was showing and it brought a small smile to your face. The Riverman’s lance hits its target and shatters upon Royce, his own barely managing to slide off his opponents shield. The crowd murmurs in response.

“He still rides like a boy. Almost looks like his first time,” Mason whispers to your ear. You nod in response and watch as the men round and ready for their second tilt.
The Riverman pushes into his horse, riding high in the saddle, he’s seeing what Mason did, inexperience, and he hopes to exploit it. Royce however is seated deeply, his chest lowered, the lance falling more easily into line this pass. They shatter a lance a piece upon each other, and the Riverman almost loses his seat. The crowd grows restless at this, they chant for Royce, hoping to see a bit of blood having been deprived of such for the majority of the day.

“Brynden, do you really wish to see this whelp fail to unhorse some boy from the Riverlands?”

“Yes Mason. I need to know. I… Will gain measure of the man that murdered my family.”

They round and settle into their third pass, the Riverman has taken a more serious posture, while Royce maintains his deeply seat one, his lance finally falling into place properly. Royce’s shield picks up the Hedge Knight’s lance, while his own crunches into his opponents gorget. The lance shatters into a thousand pieces and you see the the Hedge Knights head snap back for a moment and his arms go slack, he slides to the side and falls off with a resounding thud his horse continuing on wildly without its master. The crowd has gone into an uproar and as Royce rounds he notices his victory and begins to celebrate. Your eyes remain on the motionless Hedge Knight on the ground before you, blood has begun to pool below his head and you confirm that a shard of the lance is lodged firmly into the neck of the poor Knight when he is rolled over. His steel was of poor make, it wasn’t meant to take such a direct hit.

Your eyes cast down to Isis’ braid and you stand, “Come Mason, I’ve enough of the joust today.”

-Evening-

You watch from the doorway as your villa’s servants set up the dining hall for receiving the Longwaters. A far less ballady affair than the previous, one you are thankful for, still being unable to push the fat banker’s image from your mind. Benjin comes to your side, and stands quietly for a moment before speaking, “My Lord. If I may beg a moment of your time.”

“Of course Benjin, how was the first day of the Conclave?”

The maester shudders and he flicks his wrist in no particular direction as you follow him to your solar, “The usual affairs my Lord. Worse than a flock of untrained raven, jostling for position, attempting to gain favor of Grand Maester Pycelle. How fares Dontos?”

You cast thought to your Uncle, he seemed happy enough after your meeting with Lord Arryn, but his eyes spoke a somber song you could not hear, “Well enough Benjin. As far as I know.”

Benjin nods and takes his place across from you with small aid on your end and you settle in, eyes resting upon the empty hearth across the room. Benjin begins again, “My Lord, I did learn of a few notes of interest. If you would be inclined to hear them. Abroad, of the realm of large, and locally.”

What do you wish to hear of first?
>News of abroad, the Free Cities, Essos in general
>News of the realm at large, from the North to Dorne
>News of the Crownlands

>>42868464
>News of the Crownlands

Lets start with home. Most likely the whole situation with the Celtigar is what has been making the most noise considering that shellfish of a knight Wilson at the trial made

>>42868529
On the other hand that testimony probably got rid of any lingering doubts Arryn had about whether we made the celtigar plan up

>>42868464
>>News of the realm at large, from the North to Dorne

we'll be in Dorne soon best see what simmers in that searing heat

>>42868701
Hopefully. I wonder if his father and sister is in town for the tourny. Gives her a chance to see what she missed out on.

>>42868739
>Wanting ANOTHER bastard
>Wanting to feel the wrath of Celtigar himself

anon bad Idea

>>42868763
Its only a bad idea if we get caught and they can prove it.

>>42868396

BTW, just wanted to add since I am a reader of quests due to my busy schedule. Doesn't Dontos have the right to ransom back the arms and armor of the Kingsguard since he won the duel and nearly killed the guy, making him his bitch?

Or would that just be a further insult to the Lannisters/Cersei if we did that?

>>42868464
>>News of the realm at large, from the North to Dorne

>>42868778
dammit anon if it has silver hair it will only mean a shitton of problems for us, the Celtigars & any other loyalist house involved

>>42868788
Dont think it is that kind of Tourny. The crown most likely covers that.

>>42868800
Celtigar's has silver hair too in their family. Besides she clearly got it from some Volantine sailor. Celitgar women are all sluts. Like her sister who jumped into bed with that Lunken guy

>>42868788
>Or would that just be a further insult to the Lannisters/Cersei if we did that?
Robert would be okay with that just to rustle Cersei.

>>42868822
>jumped

it was rape

>>42869008
>implying

Sluts all of them i tell you.

“Tell me of the realm at large Benjin,” you settle on after thinking it over a bit, you had yet to tell Benjin of your trip to Dorne but were interested in what else was being spoken beyond your own ears.

He nods and begins for a scroll in his left arm pocket, “Very well my Lord. I’ve little doubt you have heard of Dorne rallying behind Prince Oberyn?”

Though he did not know the depth of your knowledge on the subject, the passing rumors that had spread while you sat among the stands spoke to varying degrees of rebellion to the south, “Yes Benjin. Though only in passing.”

“As I had thought my Lord. If you were not aware, Dorne has not attended the festivities this in celebration of his Grace’s marriage. Prince Oberyn Martell has returned from the Free Cities, as I was made aware he was living as a sellsword for quite sometime and missed almost the entirety of Robert’s Rebellion. No doubt the source of his angst is the brutal loss of his sister and her young children. The Qorgyles, Yronwoods, and many others have alright brought their armies to Sunspear.”

You shudder at the thought, having heard of the brutality the Clegane Knight had used, a murder as far as you were concerned, in truth you shared Oberyn’s wrath and sadness of loss. There was a kindred spirit in this even if distanced by leagues. You had not heard as much of her daughter, some Knight of the Lannister army as far as you aware, and he had disappeared after the events, a thought you felt ill at ease with.

Benjin continues, “Lord Arryn is planning a peace mission from what I’m told of the Maester in Driftmark, his family is to attend.”

“As is ours Benjin,” you interrupt and he quirks an eyebrow as you explain the situation to your Maester and a smile creeps about his face, “Good news my Lord. And Dontos agreeing? Unexpected, and even better.”

“I had thought so as well Benjin, the trip is suspect given the participants, but I see advantage in it,” you respond playing with your streak of silver hair, the thought had begun to creep into your mind to wash the black out again, you had little to fear now, “Anything else?”

“News of the Iron Islands, they grow restless it would seem. But merely rumors as of now. The rest of the realm is quiet, they seem to be attempting to find a place in our new world, even as far removed from the Rebellion as we are. A few Houses look for marriage prospects abroad as well my Lord,” he hands you another scroll, “Houses of the Vale, Riverlands, and Reach from what I have been informed of.”

You scan the list, names you did not know outside of Darry of the Riverlands, you noticed Jon Arryn’s mystery knight’s sigil next to that of the House of the Vale and considered for a moment.

“As of now my Lord, that is all I know. I’m sure in the latter days of the Conclave I will hear more smaller details of the Realm at large. Interest in another topic?”

>News of abroad, the Free Cities, Essos in general
>News of the Crownlands

>>42868788
It was a Trial by Combat, not a tilt of the Tourney. So no, not this time.

>>42869107
Crownlands then.

>>42869107
>News of the Crownlands

specifically that of the house we shall soon be hosting

>>42869107
>>News of abroad, the Free Cities, Essos in general

>>42869107
>News of the Crownlands

Actually hey also this is not a bad opportunity for Bryndon to catch up on what the fuck actually happened during the war. Can we get that too? Don't even necessarily have to write it out just "yes all of the common knowledge is no longer OOC"

>>42869107
>News of the Crownlands

>>42869183
Just in general assume Brynden knows everything, smaller details Benjin and Dontos would know and can bring up if they are around. He's been home for six months now. He's been informed.

>>42869183
I'd support this, it'd be good to find out exactly how the war started and ended.

>>42869107
>>News of the Crownlands

Hey as far as hair goes I think we should get rid of the dye for the peace talk and then after that dye it another color, so that we can pretend it's just a weird essosi habit we picked up and we're doing it because we want to, as opposed to avoiding Robert's ire. I'm not sure I'm QUITE ready to go around with targ-hair yet.

What happened to getting our Dragon Egg back, lads? What's the plan? Our enemy is here before us.

>>42869257
Build up our forces and wait.

>>42869253
I think we should go targ hair when we go to Dorne

>>42869257
We can't move against the fuck yet though. We don't have the men, the power or the political backing to do anything to him yet. We bid our time, build back up and when we are ready WE TRAMPLE THE UPSTART BASTARD

>>42869253
yes YES!!!

>>42869257
Build a legal case and demand a trail by combat & pull a viper minus the skull smashing of course

>>42869253
Solid Idea.

We should also see which sell sword band Prince Oberyn Martell was apart of, just to make sure it was not a rival band. If not then i suggest we bring some kind of gift from the free city's.

>>42869257
Since our debt is now under acceptable terms, we're no longer in a rush to get it. We can afford to take our time. Cementing ourselves as one of John Arryn's Men is a much more immediate priority. (And personally I don't think being John Arryn's Man is even an act, he's a good dude who's done right by us, if he's still alive when whichever targs are still around to invade do so I'd definitely have us speak for his life.)

>>42869279
Yeah that's what I was saying. Targ hair for dorne, some third color that's not the black we've been dying it or targ-hair when we get back, so we can pretend we're dying our hair because we want to.

>>42869279
>>42869286
I thought we were going to, you know, joust him for it or something. Like, bait him into a joust and tell him he'll give us the egg if we win. But then we'd have to put something up

>>42869345
>Yeah that's what I was saying. Targ hair for dorne, some third color that's not the black we've been dying it or targ-hair when we get back, so we can pretend we're dying our hair because we want to.

No one is going to buy that. They all know why we are doing it.

>>42869361
>No one is going to buy that. They all know why we are doing it.

do they really I sincerely don't think so, who knows what weird habits we developed as a sellsword!

>>42869361
Of course anon, but since we have an excuse, even a poor one, they can be fobbed off if anyone tries to bring it up against us.

>>42869393
>>42869387
Anons. It wont fool anyone. And it wont be a issue.

>>42869421
Right, I don't think Robert is petty enough to be upset that we have white hair anyway.

“Tell me of the local affairs Benjin,” you respond sitting back and pouring yourself a glass of wine, offering your maester the same which he refuses.

“There are several things of note my Lord. First and foremost, the news upon our borders. It would appear our neighbor to the north Lord Langward, is to be married soon, to a Lady of House Blount,” he says while digging into his robe for a scroll, his notes in flaired styling strewn about it.

“That would explain Ser Boros Blount championing the cause of the Queen,” you respond slowly. They likely petitioned heavily for the chance and to perhaps rob you of Dontos, a poorly thought plan in the end given the shame your Uncle had brought the Kingsguard member.

“Agreed my Lord. I worry the alliance may bring a third House against our own, the Blounts are not far off from our own lands, to the Northeast of Hemgrove if memory serves me correctly. Your history with the Blounts would do us little good as well my Lord, I am sorry to say,” he says with a dour look. Three Houses to one, your own the lone Valyrian House upon the mainland, no longer with the Targaryens at your back, your stomach churned. Thoughts turned to the Celtigars, had you not been wise in your spurning of the old Lord?

>>42869421
who cares I like it anyway it sells our persona as a foreign and exotic sellsword

>>42869436
I think so

“Ser Wilson Celtigar is also a large topic of note my Lord,” Benjin continues, almost reading your mind, “He was brash bringing such accusations to the Crown’s attention at your trial. Likely a calculated risk of the elder Lord. As far as I am aware, they have not attended, only Ser Wilson and his sister who is married to Lord Monford Velaryon. However the Houses of the Crownlands seem ill at ease at learning the Valyrian Houses are forming a coalition of sorts. Surprise remains yourself and the Longwaters have not joined. If I may suggest my Lord, the Longwaters would make an excellent ally in these coming days.”

“The Longwaters… Welcome council Benjin, thank you. Have you any news of them Benjin?”

“Not much my Lord. They suffered little during the Rebellion, though they sided with the Targaryens all the same. The elder brother’s marriage to a Volantense Noblewoman appears to have settled their debt with the Crown and strengthened their older blood ties. I believe they are one of the few producers of iron in the Crownlands as well, their trade ties have died down recently. Perhaps an item of note.”

Benjin continues on little trivialities of the Crownlands, word of your Melee has spread throughout, and it is generating a fair amount of chatter. your House has always been known for their martial tradition, that you are holding such a Melee and the other events is viewed as your House resurging to their former strength. Word speaks of your House bending knee to the Crown, but in truth being loyal to the Hand. Word spreads fast in your little corner of the world it would appear.

“Of the Redwards Benjin?”

“Nothing of extreme note I’m afraid. They have no Maester. Though the lands surrounding them continue to lawlessness with the proper lack of leadership. Their neighbors to the south are growing discontent with bandits beginning to leak into their lands. I believe he was married not long ago. Rumors of her being with child are about as well. But nothing concrete my Lord. I am sorry I do not know more. Perhaps news of the Free Cities would help raise your spirits? Or should we attend to our guests who are likely soon to come?”

>Heard enough for now?
>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad

>>42869462
>Rob ''the Stag'' Baratheon
>Anything other than Gregarious & Gluttonous

its the queen who's the petty one

>>42869487
>>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad

>>42869436
>Robert not getting upset by anything Targish

>>42869087
>You had not heard as much of her daughter, some Knight of the Lannister army as far as you aware, and he had disappeared after the events, a thought you felt ill at ease with.

Bordain reference?

>>42869487
>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad

We go Targ colour when we go to Dorne then we colour it back to black when we return. Seriously, it is not that big an issue.

>>42869487
>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad
Also when is our man set to return with his brother?

>>42869487
>>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad
But Benjin try and find out who would marry a man such as that bastard redward speak to my men and see if you can't get anyone sneaky to do it.

>>42869525
4months

>>42869421
I'm not expecting it to CONVINCE anyone but it might introduce some doubt

>>42869436
I don't think it would singlehandedly get us in trouble but it might color his perspective during other interactions with him. Like say we end up going through with the plan to compare Royce Redward to Rhaegar. If we showed up with silver hair we'd probably put him in a little bit of a bad mood from the moment we showed up. Not angry at US, but in a bad mood. Which might actually be a GOOD thing in that case, make him blow up even more at Royce, but it could also make him more likely to go "yeah and where was YOUR father and brother during all of this?" Not the best time for him to be volatile.

>>42869487
>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad


Hmm, with the rising bandit problem in the redwood lands, we might be able to petition the crown to return some of our land due to harmful governance. But it would have to be pretty bad, and we would need to ally with the neighboring lords around redwood to petition beside us. Food for thought if that bastard lets his lands rot further.

>>42869521
I'll hold a vote on that when we come to the lead up in our voyage to Dorne. I do like the debate over it though.

>>42869525
Per the House spreadsheet, 4 months. I'm considering running an Illiad POV thread where we delve into his adventure about Myr and gaining his brother's freedom. I think it would be fun.

>>42869520
Perhaps.

>>42869551
What plan to compare Royce Redward to Rhaegar

>>42869552
It will be after Dorne. We can convince Arryn that it would best and make him bring it up to the King.

>>42869487
>Speak of the Free Cities and what news comes from abroad


If we could arrange some trade with Longwaters Iron we could perhaps set up a smithing hub of some sort, also the fact the Redwards & their army are annoying the southern lords is something we could put to use

>>42869552
Might be worth talking with the other lords on his border, yeah. Though I think it might be smarter to wait until it's gotten a bit worse first.

>>42869558
They both kidnapped a sister and raped her. We bring up the similarities between our sister and Lyanna in order to make him sympathise with us

>>42869555
>I'm considering running an Illiad POV thread
YESSSSSSSS

>>42869575
Though this is a player plan, and not bryndon's plan, because only the players know that his wife is our kidnapped, raped sister.

File: Spoiler Image (16 KB, 500x99)

16 KB JPG

>>42869555
Oh shit you liked that idea? Also nice trips.

>>42869562
How long do you think it will go before his men starts plundering towards the West ?

Tywin "Tar the Becks" Lannister wont be pleased.

>>42869487
>Redward
>Married
to who?

>>42869609
>>42869595
Wait, what?

>>42869625
Yep redward bastard has kidnapped and been raping Bryndens sister for months now.

>>42869604
having half the crownlands & Tywin ''typhoon'' lannister pissed at him is going to screw him over considering he doesn't have even a decent head for diplomacy

wait is he east or west to our holdings?

>>42869656
Woah, when was this discovered?

He is west. On the other side of the river i believe.

>>42869672
Unknown to the character in quest, but the players are pretty damn certain it is, and the QM is not saying no very hard.

>>42869672
Brynden doesn't know this. Only us players do. Two or three threads ago I think? But as I said Brynden doesn't know. So any action that acts upon it is metagaming.

>>42869672
Papa revealed it a few weeks ago

Brynden doesn't know yet

>>42869672
Dontos previously made mention of stuff that Bryndon didn't understand, but indicated to the players that he helped smuggle out the Vys and Dany. Which means he wasn't actually protecting our mom and sister and can't really know what happened to them.

Also, Royce had been making claims to the rest of our lands before we showed up, which he actually would have a legitimate claim to if he married our sister and we weren't around.

TheFather also basically confirmed it.

>>42869691
>>42869692
>>42869693
>>42869699
I meant we as in players, not in character. I will not act upon this knowledge though

>>42869733
Some people don't understand separation of player and character knowledge.

>>42869733
Well, fortunately the main way to act upon it is to try to find it out IC, which means spying on Royce, which is fairly IC even if we didn't know about this.

>>42869762
Which is why all should laugh at those people and not play with them in real life

>>42869699
>Bryndon
It's Brynden, anon, Brynden. You're getting too damn close to Brandon teritory. Do not go there unless you want to get sued by Brandon Stark #147

>>42869789
Yes. And that is my suffering as anyone who plays any rpg around me can't keep the two separate. I try not to but I have a shit poker face and invariably give shot away.

>>42869699
>>42869662
>Someone gains early success, only to lose it due to incompetence and thinking with their dick

This is Westeros, all right. Seriously, if this thing about the sister is true, it's the worst possible thing Redward could have done. Sooner or later, people are going to ask questions about this wife of his that no one has heard of at this wedding no one went to, and if it gets out, nothing could be better calculated to bring down Robert's ire.

>>42869819
The problem is that we now know IC that Redward is married so we aught to want to know who he's married to, in case he got some strong alliance. But we can't try and find out because now we have OOC knowledge about that.

>>42869819
My condolences

>>42869865
We can still try to find out. It'd be absurd not to do research into what sort of alliances our greatest and nearest enemy is making.

>>42869861
No it would've gone pretty well as long as we hadn't shown up. He got half the Malroy territory through service, he would've been able to get the rest through marriage as long as a rival claimant didn't pop up.

>>42869861
Redward is an idiot, hence why he has a big army and still a land rife with banditry.
Even if he can fight, that army is doomed as soon as his food stores start running low. Which since no fucker can spend time farming due to bandits, will happen in a few years with or without our intervention.

>>42869865
>But we can't try and find out because now we have OOC knowledge about that
Also Because Dontos is a insufferable cunt going about "muh honor".

“We’ve a moment longer Benjin. Tell me of news of the Free Cities. Though I will say I’m surprised to hear it there is any,” you respond pouring another glass and leaning back further.

“As am I my Lord. But it is not of particular truth I should warn,” his voice is hushed at this note and you tilt your head to the side, Benjin is so rarely secretive of his words.

“Surely nothing so terrible as I have not heard before, six years amongst the Essosi tends to change perspective maester,” you respon with a small laugh though his face remains serious in doing so quieting your laughter.

“Rumor my Lord. I need remind you of this, purely rumor of the younger Maesters. But there is word that there are Targaryens yet still alive across the Narrow Sea. Viserys and Daenerys supposedly. Where, I have the faintest of clues, but if they were to live… I’ve no doubt the Crown would know and wish them dead,” he whispers and sits back looking a ruffled owl in his way. Benjin hated speaking rumors without concrete truth, but this seemed important to you so he spoke.

And while it was such there was little you could do with the information, any act to find its truth would be treason, any acts further drawing your far too much attention from peoples you hardly wished it from, “Rumors though?”

“Yes my Lord. I do not expect you to act upon them. But rumors all the same.”

“Of course, anything else of the Free Cities?”

Benjin seeming less disturbed by the rest of his news continues into his small bits of the world as you knew it. The Free Cities sat quiet, though many had sent feelers to the new King across the sea, Lys and Pentos specifically. The sellsword companies were rounding about as they do, the Second Sons recently accepted a contract in Myr you learned, and the Golden Company were as of now without one. Notes you could do little with, but interested you all the same.

>>42869936
We're not going to sabotage, we're not going to assassinate, we're just going to get information, which is honorable enough that I think we can convince him to shut up.

Having said all he knew Benjin excuses himself to prepare for the evening, Maester Artys of the Longwaters had agreed to come along as well and they were to speak of the Narrow Sea and trade routes about it. Boring items of note to yourself but you allowed Benjin his joys.

You take a moment alone in your solar, reflecting on the day, the cruel face of Royce sat etched into memory, the shard of lance buried deep into the neck of the Riverlands Hedge Knight. For all the good the day brought, it also brought a deeply unsettling feeling to the pit of your stomach. You push idle thoughts away when Lorry knocks upon your door and informs you that Ser Jon Longwaters and his family have arrived. Feeling a poor host you rush him off and follow after to greet your guests.

“Ser Jon Longwaters, I apologize for my actions earlier, I had not meant offense in ignoring your summons.”

Ser Jon looks almost entirely like his brother Lucas, had they not cut their hair differently you would not be able to tell the two apart, the former keeping his high and tight to his brother’s long. He goes to take your outstretched hand with a smile not unlike Lucas’, “No worries my Lord. Your invitation of dinner more than made up for any slight, as nonexistent as they were.”

He releases his strong grip and motions to a woman with a small child holding her hand, “If I may introduce my Lord. My Lady wife, Sereya Vollion. And our son, Aenys Longwaters. Say hello to the Lord Brynden Malroy, Aenys,” the boy buries his face in his mother’s skirts and you laugh. Lady Sereya offers her hand that you take and kiss with a delicate touch and you kneel to Aenys level and offer him your hand that he takes with a nervous look. Ser Jon introduces the rest of his small household. His brother, Lucas, introduces a Lady of the Reach, Maester Artys, and five other knights besides Ser Haldan Rambton.

You invite your guests into the dining hall and introduce them to your own Household in a grand fashion, Benjin smiles to your words, being happy your vocabulary has expanded beyond cursing people to the Seven Hells. You take your place at the head of the table and invite Ser Jon to your side, and his brother taking the other with his lady.

>Speak with Ser Jon Longwaters
>Speak with Ser Lucas Longwaters

>>42870014
>>Speak with Ser Jon Longwaters

>>42870014
>>Speak with Ser Jon Longwaters
Wouldn't that be Lord, since he's the head of the House?

>>42869861
Robert knows of Royce's wedding. He gave it his graces. Lord Langward and Lord Blount attended as well.

If a House is without male heirs. Such as the Hayfords during the books, a marriage may be arranged by the Crown with whomever is left, incorporating that family into the new one.

>>42870052
No actually, they are a Knightly House. They are sworn directly to the Crown. They are a minor, MINOR House in the Crownlands.

>>42870070
...Interesting.

>>42870070
Does Jon Arryn know about our sister?

>It turns out our sister really is dead and Father's implying otherwise to fuck with us

>>42870119
Eh, I don't think that changes anything. That was at the height of Robert being pissed at the targs and at our house for supporting them. We weren't at all involved, which is a point in our favor, and have pretty constantly made a good impression on him, and ALSO have been snuggling up with Arryn. All in all, I think even if he DOES support Royce when we make the claims we still won't face anything bad for having made the attempt.

>>42870235
We're still going to kill him though. I'd prefer to do it with a assassin, just so we have plausible deniability if he fails. If we do end up fighting him, we should do it soon, before he can get better with lances.

I'm all for going into the mile for the sole purpose of "accidentally" killing him.

>>42870354
>Assassin
But that's not climactic and it doesn't really seem in character. Please roleplay, thanks

>>42870354
This is personal not some arbitrary political intrigue, its going to be long, its going to be bloody, its going to be violent & it's going to involve at least one case of rape and/or flaying

Assassins wont bite it

>>42870380
Is it really out of character to want to stop a rapist intent on stealing our lands with minimal loss of life? Especially if we find out IC that his wife is our sister. While I love the idea of righteous revenge killings, they would only make us out as a villain. A simple poisoning would stop the encroachment on our lands, allow us to kill the bandits, and save our sister.

>>42870354
*melee

Signalling your servants to begin you begin to take word with Ser Jon Longwaters, his wife holds his attentions for now. In truth she is a gorgeous woman, hair of black silk, her eyes a deep blue, in the right light no doubt they would look purple, the old blood of Valyria flowing through her veins as many of Volantis did. Your memories of the city were little having only spent a fortnight there in your early days with the Second Sons, the only major note being a woman you spent much of the time with.

The servants place large platters of fresh oysters upon the table other smaller platters of Hor D'Oeuvres following after, you pick at one, a dainty little bite, it tasted of truffle but not so much so to ruin the other flavors that played. “Ser Jon, it is good of you to join me this evening. I am happy to host talks of what little your brother told me.”

Ser Jon slides an oyster from its shell and slurps it down in full motion, “And I am glad to come my Lord. The food of your Household is far better than inn fare,” he says with a laugh, “No doubt Lucas spoke to you more of his interest in your melee than of interests of our House.”

“To an extent Ser Jon.”

“Jon will do, Brynden if I may?”

“Of course, Jon,” you were glad for the lack of pleasantries for once, “He did speak lightly of such topics. Of trade, horses, iron, alliances. Brief, but to the point.”

“As he usually is, though not so much so when it comes to women,” he says indicating the flirtation Lucas was laying onto his companion, “Perhaps a topic of a more serious nature my Lord. Your child, I was told she was baseborn. My family is small my Lord, and the marriages of the Celtigars and Velaryons worry me intensely. If you would allow it, perhaps… Your daughter may be married to my son upon a day? I do not ask your protections Brynden, but the future is bleak for Houses of the old blood. Even if the match is poor, it is better then allowing the Celtigars, Velaryons and Lukens have their way with the seas about me with no alliances.”

Your… daughter? He knew you had a child, but apparently was wildly misinformed regarding their gender, his little island likely received less news. Poor Victus, a good thing he was with your Uncle you thought. Ser Jon did not seem entirely desperate, perhaps a bit hasty, but he spoke to a greater future between your Houses and the Longwaters were no stranger to shrugging off the stigmas of bastardy.

>How would you like to respond to Ser Jon Longwaters proposal?

>>42870473
It isn't about honourable vengence or anything like that, I figure Brynden would want to do it himself. Hell, if he knows his siter is being raped then he could probably get permission from the crown to get vengence

>>42870523
Unless we keep sucking up to the Crown and the Hand(which I'm all for), I doubt Bobby B is going to allow it. Hell, he's the one that fucking decided that our sister should marry her rapist. Unless we conquer the Summer Islands for him, he's not going to let us kill the fucker.

>>42870511
>How would you like to respond to Ser Jon Longwaters proposal?

''prehaps if you do not mind him being of bastard birth, but isn't she a little.....young for such a future endeavour?''

>>42870511
"Sorry, you're misinformed. I have a son, not a daughter."

>>42870511
Well that's embarrassing. Inform him off his mistake in a tactful way.

If he wants marriage maybe we can offer him a future child? That's a pretty big promise but still, maybe a second daughter?

>>42870511
"You seem to have been drastically misinformed Sir Jon. My child, while baseborn, is male."

>>42870511
Just politely correct him. Maybe make a joke about how isolated his home is.

>>42870511
That might be a bit difficult as I have no daughter only a son who is squiring for my uncle at the moment.

>>42870604
Well, we do have another bastard on the way. That's a 50/50 chance of a daughter.

>>42870511

Correct Ser Longwaters.

Also, how old is Aenys?
>The seamstresses' daughter gives birth to a daughter
>Jon Longwaters confirmed for greenseer

>>42870604
Hey. If Cecillia gives us a daughter we could maybe use her.

>>42870604

He is selling himself pretty short with wanting to marry his son to a bastard. Maybe Cecilia's child will be a girl? But it would be nicer of us to suggest a possible future match with a trueborn child.

That shit remind me of the Egen house back in Harrock.

>>42870653
Nah he is trying to get connection and a relationship between our families. He is a Knightly family and we are a noble so it really isnt selling himself short.

>>42870672
Yeah, if he was making the offer for a trueborn daughter we'd probably be without our rights to take it as an insult.

>>42870653
No, trueborn would not be in our favour, if our second bastard is a girl i see no problem marrying her to his line. Its a better station in life than what she would otherwise be expected to have.

>>42870636
Aenys right now is 2. He is looking way into the future, probably hoping to foster them. A marriage to your House would be a real elevation for his, as little as it is.

Alright politely inform him otherwise, a little joke about it. But I see some support for possibly suggesting a future match? Couple things with that, if Cecilia has a girl you'll need to recognize her, and raise her properly in Steadhold to make that match a reality. It wouldn't elevate them much, just attaching them to yourselves. Offering a possible future trueborn child, a second born is the most acceptable given their status, would be far more prestigious for their House and would elevate the House a good bit. A better positioned House is a better ally. I'd remind they are a House born from bastardy, but from that of a Velaryon and Targaryen.

So let's do a little vote:

>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours
>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter
>Offer him neither, steer away from the topic

>>42870715
Usually it wouldn't be in our favor, but honestly it could be worth it to counterbalance the celtigars a little. We also could see about marrying Victus to a future daughter of theirs.

>>42870653
>>42870672
two words Paternal succesion

if we have a potential accident it would be their line that would inherit

>>42870771
>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours

It would actually be a really good match.

>>42870771
>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours

>>42870771
>>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours
If not then
>>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter

>>42870771
>>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter

>>42870829
>>42870818
he'll be pissed marrying a common bastard that isn't our first

>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours

but sus him out on his actual reasons not whatever excuse he may be using

>>42870829
This

>>42870771
>>Offer him a future child if Cecilia's ends up being a girl and yours
And if not possible
>>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter

>>42870771
>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter

I'd rather have a strong ally that is in our debt for such a match then just marry off a bastard to get them. Besides Dontos would be pissed if we recognized Cecelia's kid

Giving him a trueborn daughter instead of our bastard is a bit of a overkill. They are still just a knightly house.

>>42870771
>>Offer him a future trueborn child, likely a second born daughter

Alliances are worth more then bastard's hands.

>>42870771
I don't want to straight up admit to having another bastard on the way, I'd honestly prefer to be noncommittal about who exactly will be marrying who, just make a statement that surely at least one of us will eventually have a daughter.

>>42870904
It would still be an alliance even if it is a bastard anon.

If he knows we treat our first born as if he were trueborn then surely he'll be willing to believe we'd treat our second like a trueborn and thus there'd still be an alliance between us

>>42870911
Yeah but a shitty one. Hell we could use this in the future to position them as our sworn house rather than the crown.

>>42870945
A bastard would still do that anon. You dont bring a canon to hunt sparrows.

>>42870964
Yeah but
>A better positioned House is a better ally.

Why would we want the first and only ally we presently have to be just attached to us by a bastard born child?

>>42870994
Because they are still just a knightly house and a bastardborn daughter is fine enough for that. Its like throwing diamonds to pigs. A bastard daughter is enough.

>>42870994
If we decide we also want to better them we could eventually ALSO have a trueborn marriage. Personally I think getting any marriage at all promised as quickly as possible is the best thing here.

>>42870964
Summer Islander or Westerosi?

Okay so that's a three way tie.

We'll go with the intention of Cecilia's child if it's girl, if not then we can possibly offer a trueborn child. Marriage proposals are a pretty big deal anyway, putting it off a bit and building relations first doesn't hurt.

Is that acceptable to everyone? And yes, Cecilia's child's gender will be entirely up to chance. If it's a boy, you could still foster him with the Longwaters.

>>42871038
We do need friends. Langwards and Redwards and now Blount. a promise of marriage with even a bastard daughter will grant us some strength in the crownlands.

>>42871061
Yes

>>42871061
Yes, that's good

>>42871061
All good father.

>>42871015
That's the sort of attitude that would endear them to us though, if we treat them like that how is the marriage at all helping us? They're landed at least, not just the Kettleblacks being a bunch of dickass sellswords

>>42871061
I'd also like to bring up the possibility of Victus and a longwater daughter, but yeah that's good.

>>42871124
Giving them a bastard daughter is not treating them badly. Heck they even came and asked for it. It wont be an insult.

>>42871076
>>42871086
>>42871101

Good, good. I'll go with this, >>42870910, noncommittal sort of response for now. We'll do some relationship building, but the intention on our end is to see Cecilia's child first.

>>42871159
>they are still just a knightly house
>Its like throwing diamonds to pigs.

That's not the way to treat allies. And since when has Brynden ever cared about station?

>>42871222
Damnit man the alliance is in both our houses favours, but thats no reason to give away something so valuable when we could potentially use it better elsewhere, while the option of using something less valuable, which is on par with what they asked for anyway, will do.

Not to mention we do not know these guys full intentions beyond what they have stated. Full trust has yet to be earned here.

>>42871222
What are you talking about ? I didnt say we should be rude or insult them or act as if we are so above them. Just that a bastard daughter is more than enough.

Giving them a trueborn would be like buying a candy bar with a 100 dollar note and tell them to keep the change.

You try to stifle a laugh and Ser Jon gives you an odd look before keying in the moment you begin to speak, “Jon I believe you were misinformed. I do indeed have a child, but he is my son. I have no daughter, as I am aware of yet.”

Jon’s face turns red for a moment and his wife rolls her eyes and begins to take care of their son, perhaps that had been a topic of discussion between the two before coming to you with the proposal. You could see Lady Sereya wishing her son to marry to someone of status, maybe even a noblewoman of Volantis like herself. If anything Jon was more desperate to keep his son at home, rather then sent abroad, a marriage to the mainlaind would likely secure that, even if it was a poor match for the young Knight.

You thought for a moment, Cecilia’s unborn child comes to mind, there was a chance she would give birth to a daughter. But you would need to properly raise her, recognize her, and Dontos would be irate at the mere mention. And this child was not like Victus, born of lust, not love. It ate at you the wrong way to think of selling off a child you did not have as of yet. Cecilia’s tear stained face sat in your mind as well.

And they offer of another child. One of a trueborn nature, ate at you even more. You were not married, the thoughts still being off putting after the entire Celtigar incident. You would be making promises without even having the chicken to lay the eggs necessary to count. No, neither of these would do for now. It pulled at you the wrong way, Ser Jon might even be in league with the Celtigars and you too blind to see it. For now, perhaps best to put it off, get to know the man better, judge his and his family’s worth.

“My Lord, I am incredibly sorry, if I had known, I would not have been so-”

“Forthright? No worry Jon. A simple mistake, I assume your lands receive little and less news?”

He laughs attempting to push the topic off, “Little and less is correct. Long Isle is but a smudge of green on the maps of the Westeros. And it has been a long while since I was upon the mainland not since the Rebellion. Thank you Brynden, for your…” he trails off attempting to find the words.

“Think not of it. Perhaps one of our families would have a daughter before long. Then we’ll speak of the thought in earnest, later, yes?”

“Ah yes, of course. A good thought” he spins out picking at his food and casting eye to Aenys. The love of a father to his only child was strong in the look, he worried for the choices he had made in indebting himself to Volantis royalty.

The next course of the meal is served you swing topics to something of greater and more immediate note, “Jon, I am told by my maester your House is in need of trade?”

The Knight cuts away at the meal and serves it to his wife before himself, “Yes my Lord. Iron specifically, a rarity amongst the Crownlands usually we need to import it from the Westerlands, Vale, or elsewhere. Even so, my own trade partner presently is the Velaryons, and it is for table scraps, my people need food. Not leftovers.”
The Crownlands were plenty fertile, and with your agricultural program in full swing you had food to spare now, hardly a difficult trade. Really it depended upon how you wished to go about this. Food held the most worth between the two items, hungry for iron as you were, and you still noted Lucas’ mention of his brother’s need of Horse, no doubt just as rare on his island and the amount of Knights he had with him spoke to the power he preferred to keep.

>How would you like to approach this?

We could go just for food for iron?
Maybe attempt to throw some horses in there to get a better deal?
Or just keep the horses for another deal entirely? They would likely buy them straight out.

Damn captcha eating the rest of my post.
Damn storm eating my trip.

>>42871533
Trade 2:1 iron for food? Is that substantial and not fucking us over too bad while giving a slightly better deal for them? A horses weight in iron for his brother?

>>42871561
I'd be good with this. Builds up connections and gives us a resource we need

>>42871533
2/1 ration as >>42871561 pointed out

>>42871533
Just trade fair, I don't want to cheat poor Jon

>>42871561
Think that is fine.

>>42871561
To clarify, as I've never really explained how I do trade deals.

My real group we do trade deals with other Houses on a by year basis. So in this case let's take a 2:1 Iron:Food ratio.

For every two years of iron he provides.
You would supply a years worth of food.

I will note a 2:1 ratio is steep, in 5 years he'll owe you a decade of iron, that's a lot, and you will need to convince him of it. Throwing in a reduced price for the Horses, or using them to sweeten the pot would likely help.

Further note, the Horses are a base cost of 2 Wealth, for 40 Horses. Enough to equip his unit of trained Cavalry+Personal Guards.

>>42871642
Just give him a fair deal for Iron using food. Maybe see if we can push the edge towards us. But nothing insulting

>>42871642
I'd say do this for five years and throw in enough horses for his men. We can renegotiate after that point

>>42871677
A 'fair' deal would be 1.25:1, Iron:Food
Edging it to our favor, 1.5:1, Iron:Food

As you increase in your own favor the rolls will get harder and really, Jon would prefer to get it, .75:1, Iron:Food.

>>42871642
Do a straight up iron for food deal.
We should not put a dependency on our horses until we have our stock back in order or shit could go south fast if something happens to the herds.
Giving him enough to outfit his men is fine though, in exchange for an immediate lump sum of gold or iron.

>>42871720
Go with a fair deal 1.25:1

>>42871722
I do like his idea for a lump sum of gold or iron.

Alright let's put it to a vote.

>1:1 Iron:Food
No rolls required, horses not used.
>1.25:1 Iron:Food
Rolls required, horses not used
>1.5:1 Iron:Food +
Rolls required, failure will result in Jon attempting to gain .75:1 Iron:Food, horses may be used

Horses will be used in a separate deal, if either of the first are used. It won't be any sort of rolling for it, just a flat sum of 2 Wealth.

>>42871722
we really should establish a smithing guild or something to draw business our way, hell Illiads brother would help establish it with his Myrish crossbows

>>42871819
>>1.25:1 Iron:Food
And horses on the side

>>42871819
>1.25:1 Iron:Food

Let us haggle like the sellsword we are.

>>42871819
>>1.25:1 Iron:Food

>>42871819
>> 1.25:1 Iron:Food

And captcha has me select the food

>>42871819
>1:1 Iron:Food

>>42871819
>1.25 Iron:Food

Looks like we'll do some bargaining then. Sorry about the poor explanations on my end. I had forgotten I really didn't go into that yet.

I'll try to present trade deals better in the future. I haven't quite figured out how to do it in the quest yet to drive interest in the topic, always seems to fall a little flat.

Anyway, writing.

I was thinking. Considering Brynden he most likely got a small horde of children back in Essos he knows nothing about. I mean with all the whores, common and noble women, married and otherwise he has been with. There got to be a few that got pregnant from it.

That married woman Brynden spent time with in Volantis gives birth to the child Varys is pretending to be Aegon

You felt the sellsword in your rise at the mention of trade, iron was a resource you were entirely starved for, in your merc days new arms and armor was a resource always worth trading for. You had food, to spare even, in days past your family used the Blackwater Rush to float barges of grain and other foodstuffs to the capital and sold it there, others would take it by ship further abroad. Ser Jon would likely provide the transportation of his iron to King’s Landing and switching it with your products for the return. An easy trade. However the terms not so much.

Your topic had turned slightly, he spoke of Long Isle, and invited you to his home someday if you ever wished, a thought for the future perhaps. You steer it back as the third course is served. Ser Lucas to your side has won his prize for the night and has wandered off with his young lady, bidding you farewell for the moment but promising to be among your villa’s grounds if you wished to speak later. Mason has taken his place by your call and it feels odd, it was usually Illiad that took that spot when you were dealing in trade. He had left a month prior, provisions for the trip upon him, with Sallo Rhod and Asher by his side. It had been years since he was gone from your side and it was an empty feeling.

Pulling a servant’s attention you gather a piece of parchment and a pen and begin to scribble estimates of your production out, Benjin had told you as much in your last council meeting and it still sat fresh. And began to convert pounds of iron to grain upon a yearly basis, Ser Jon looks on and corrects figures to his favor when he sees it, often leading you to start new lines of math when he would. In the end you come to three ends, and point to the one in the middle.

“I propose this Ser Jon, for every year of food House Malroy provide, House Longwaters will provide a year and quarter of iron, or fifteen months. A fair trade yes?” you question.

Ser Jon scratches at his beard and instead points to the line of math he had prefered, for every year of food he would provide nine months of iron, “I would much prefer this my Lord. The Velaryons, already take much of my supply as it is.”

Roll 3d6 for Bargain.

>>42872014
I'm a sucker for canon, I couldn't do that. Maybe.

Rolled 6, 3, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>42872235

Rolled 3, 6, 4 = 13 (3d6)

>>42872235

Rolled 3, 1, 6 = 10 (3d6)

>>42872235

>>42872286
>>42872287
>>42872294

That 13 saved you. Success.

Rolled 4, 5, 1 = 10 (3d6)

>>42872235

>>42872351
>>42872294
>>42872286

All these 10s

>>42872329
DC 12? Damn, that's pretty challenging

>>42872329
Eh, I wouldn't have TERRIBLY minded a deal slightly favoring him.

>>42872014
Hope the Essosi woman are enjoying having their beautiful white haired children, atleast they'll get easy lays when they grow up

>>42872654
>One of the married women is going to have really hard time explaining why their child has silver hair when they are both black haired

>>42872750
Albinism

“A term of 3 years then perhaps?” you suggest, “In the future we may reevaluate our positions and perhaps come to another deal yes?”

He wavers for a moment and he rocks in his chair, Mason speaks to you of his Knights, they’re a good lot. One is from Dragonstone, claiming to be a Velaryon bastard. The other few of small Knghtly Houses, one as from afar in the Westerlands. They seemed impressed by his knowledge of the Joust thus far, and spoke to further tilts as the day wore on. Ser Selmy unhorsed his opponent in one pass, Lord Tywin made an appearance by his daughter’s side for a moment in the grandstand, a Knight of his family honoring him in his tilt.

Ser Jon catches your attention again and gives you a nod, “An acceptable deal my Lord. The term will bring us together in the future as well. I would hope upon Long Isle.”

You catch his hand in a firm shake and agree to the notion, and he smiles a good bit. If his brother was any indication the act of Lording was just as new to the elder twin as it was to you. He was likely a Knight fighting in the war and called to home to take his place, perhaps he lost a father in the war as well. You did not think to pry, being an ill topic for a night of feast.

The final course is served in short order and Ser Jon begs tour of your villa, Mason and Elionwy have taken Sereya’s attentions and he decides to bring Aenys alongside him. The boy whines for his mother a moment before being called to attention by his father’s firmer hand, as you walk he is silent but his eyes inquisitive of the world about him. He bore the look of Valryia, hair like his father, deep blue eyes of his mother, it was a strange thought to see their blood was stronger than your own in some regards.

>>42872763
Perfect
The child is diagnosed with part albinism, especially in the hair

“Brynden, might we see your stables? It has been far too long since I’ve seen the horses of House Malroy, the Trident was the last. And that is a thought I ill savor.”

“Of course Ser Jon, were you amongst the Prince’s armies then?”

“Indeed, served under Ser Jon Darry of the Kingsguard, he was a good man. I barely survived the fight and returned to Long Isle soon after. I watched as your brother’s vanguard was… Smashed. I’m sorry.”

“No worries, it is rare I am told of the events. Rarer still to met someone there that survived.”

Jon speaks briefly of the battle of the Trident, watching the destruction and routing of the royal army, how he retreated afterwards and almost blacked out from loss of blood only staying ahorse by being tied to her. As you round to the stables you can see Lucas and his lady on the other side, speaking quietly.

Your stablehand is quick to your call and pulls Goldsong over as well as a few of the coursers you had brought for such a meeting, you explain their pedigrees, he asks questions he knows the answers to, such as their sale and of what costs, “400 gold dragons for 40 my Lord. A typical price and order. 2 per knight, usually the better of the Horses is used for Tourneys, riding into war, etc. The other being their horse of choice for riding or other simple matters, or replacement should the first be lost.”

“I would think to have them then my Lord. Would you be able to send them with the first shipment of grain?”

“Easily Ser Jon. Your payment with the iron?”

“Aye, absolutely.”

You shake again and continue your chat, Lucas and his lady draw over from the other side and the elder brother pokes at his younger, who tries at conversation with you ignoring him, “My Lord. I am glad to see such topics met happy conclusion. Boring as they are, I would dismay to not speak of you of the melee and archery contest in the coming days. Are you to compete?”

His Lady interrupts, “My lord would be better served watching the Equestrian Competition. I am surprised to hear his House does not attend nor compete.”

>Answer Ser Lucas
I’m assuming the answer is still yes to both.
>Answer his Lady

>>42872842
Yes to both

>>42872842
Yep

>>42872842
It is.

>>42872842
Yes to melee and archery(in what order are they?), and depending on the outcomes, we might compete in the Equestrian event

>>42872842
"I'm eager to see how the foreign tricks I've picked up measure up here at home, and must admit I've always loved archery. Never much of a jouster despite my family's horses, though I can fire a bow from horseback near as well as a dothraki."

>>42872986
Archery is first. It's actually the next thing I'll be doing after this scene.

I'll assume yeses all around.

>>42873019
We will be competing with Jalabhar Xho and Anguy. I cant wait.

>>42873053
Just the former, this isn't the Tourney of the Hand. Anguy isn't even born yet.

Anyway, I updated the House Spreadsheet real quick. You guys now get a full 1d6 to Wealth gains now. Making all that money.

>>42873103
You also forgot that 1d6 from last time and those +2. Gotta remember that by the end of the thread.

>>42873120
Oh no I've added the 1d6 to House Fortunes, that's in there, you were rolling a 4d6 now it'll be 5d6. The two +2s will be applied the next you guys decide to invest in power or wealth

“In both Ser Lucas, and I had not thought of the Equestrian competition, Lady..?”

“Lady Racheal Conklyn. Of the Reach, my Lord. My father breeds his own horses, though none so beautiful as your golden ones. I believe he intended to watch the contest at the very least. A few of our men will be competing.”
“Boring event as it is,” Lucas yawns and she playfully bats at his chest, “Lord Malroy would be better served Jousting I am surprised to see he is not.”

“Not one for jousting Ser Lucas. Never learned the form, and Dontos would be irate if I were to mount without plate,” you laugh and they join along, “I am eager to see how the tricks of a sellsword will do me in the events though. I’ve little doubt a finer archer than myself exists.”

Lucas scoffs and points to his own chest, and Jon laughs at him clarifying of the two of them he was the better archer and had intended to compete as well. Meanwhile Jon intended to compete in the melee, much to his Lady wife’s chagrin. The former begs leave again, having had enough of Lady Conklyn’s playfulness. She throws to you before they leave off, “If you do not wish to compete my Lord. I’m sure my father would delight to meet you, matters of horse are always a well spoken topic from his lips.”

“I thank you for the invitation my Lady, I will think upon it. Good night,” you say nodding them off. Aenys had grown tired in the meanwhile and his father held him on your return trip.

As you watch them ready to leave you think on what Jon had saidf earlier, the meals of an inn. It likely was they were staying there rather than a villa, they no doubt did not have the money to afford such luxuries. Your family had built an addition for the Redwards when they were attending them in court, and it stood empty now, it was likely large enough to house Ser Longwaters and his family if you were so inclined.

>Invite the Longwaters to stay for the duration
>Allow them leave thinking better of the idea

>>42873352
>Invite the Longwaters to stay for the duration
Gotta grind up that loyalty

>>42873352
>Invite the Longwaters to stay for the duration

We have the space. Might as well.

>>42873352
>>Invite the Longwaters to stay for the duration

>>42873352
>Invite the Longwaters to stay for the duration

Why not, you had the space, it would do better for his House to be seen among those more prominent, and you would enjoy the company of the twins, enjoyable as they were. The younger like yourself with matters of woman, the elder as uneasy about politics and lording as yourself. Good relations with other Westerosi never hurt, no doubt Dontos would approve as well.

You catch Ser Jon as he hands Aenys off to his wife, “Ser Jon. I would extend invitation. My family’s villa has a western wing, dedicated to our former bannerhouse. As of now it remains empty, if your family wishes they may use it for the duration. A gesture of future goodwill between our Houses, yes?”

Ser Jon looks at you silently and turns to Sereya, she nods happily with relief on her face, no doubt she disliked the idea of living in an inn for a month no more than anyone else, “Lord Brynden. You do me and mine a great honor. We would be happy to accept.”

Smiling broadly you call to Rickard and tell him to prepare the rooms in the western wing for our guests, they would be staying with you for the next few weeks, and to perhaps gather more food with the larger household to feed. He notes these and is quickly off, escorting the Longwaters off. The night winds down further and you watch the servants tear down the dining hall as they usually did, Wesley comes to your side during this, looking no worse for wear.

“You’ve the worst luck cousin.”

He laughs and then holds his ribs, “At least I broke a lance against Ser Jaime Lannister, one, but damnit I’ll take that victory.”

You pat him on the shoulder and leave off for the evening, sleep coming easily on full stomach. Your dreams are not wild and filled with fear as they had been previously, instead quiet and peaceful. Rarely pulling you from sleep barring once with a dream of a lovely woman that made you ache with want.

The next few days go by quickly, you mostly spend time watching the joust with the Longwaters twins, you receive a more formal invitation to join Lord Conklyn to watch the Equestrian competition later in the week. At the villa you practice your archery and keep yourself limber for the coming event. The morning of it you find yourself in a field filled with various competitors, Solhas and Mors stand with you having put their names in as well. Lucas finds you and you chat about the field, taking guesses on who will drop out first.

The King makes an appearance and the herald announces the competition and the prize. First is 5000 gold dragons, second 2500, and third 1000. You take in a sharp breath at the sums, the first place prize would take a solid fourth of your debt away in well motion, the others just as helpful in Steadhold.

“My Lord, take ease. The field is weak,” Solhas says, though he eyes a fellow Summer Islander across the way with a bow not unlike his own.

“And yet we find surprises in every corner,” you respond nodding to Mors to your left.

They call those competing to their respective fields, four separate fields to clear out the fields before moving to the longer one where the real competition will be. The four of you are sent to different fields and you take your position among the many other would be hopefuls. You're up in a quick moment, the first dozen missing their mark and you can’t help but laugh at the easy target.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

Rolled 2, 6, 1, 4, 3, 6 = 22 (6d6)

>>42873773
I got a good feeling

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

>>42873773

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

>>42873773
PEW PEW

Rolled 1, 6, 4, 2, 5, 6 = 24 (6d6)

>>42873773

>>42873803
Pew pew indeed.

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>>42873803
Pew pew indeed

>>42873786
>>42873797
>>42873803

That 27, minus 3. Gives you a solid 24. Which is a success of four degrees against challenge of 6. Which is hysterical.

>>42873828
>>42873830
pewpewmind

>>42873837
Did we just commit a robin hood?

>>42873837
Every single shot is bulls-eye. We just picture it has Royce's head

>>42873837
Are we Grey Thom now?

Success, 4 degrees.

Your stance is almost lazy, such a pace being so simple you almost underestimate it for a moment. Almost. You take in a breath and hold, then loose. You sink it dead into the center of the target and smile as the shaft shakes steadily in its place. You notch the next two in rapid succession and sink them just as easily. You’re announced for the next round and you cast a glance to the grandstand. The King and Queen had left, likely to watch more of the Joust, or other activities, however you could see Lord Arryn in his usual place, he nods slightly your way and you return the gesture.

The field lessens to about 200, Solhas, Mors and Lucas all proceed, as does the other Summer Islander. Mors did better than Lucas did who missed one shot and Solhas is giving him a hard time over it a thought you laugh at. Separating to two fields this time with roughly twice the distance you find yourself with Lucas, who is right before you.

He sinks another two into the target, further off each time, and the last misses to the far left. He tisks but proceeds to the next rough regardless.

Your name is called next and the crowd murmurs for it, the Malroy name is still fresh on their minds, and it is rare to see a ‘Lord’ compete in such a contest. You take your position and notch your first arrow.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

Rolled 2, 5, 3, 1, 1, 1 = 13 (6d6)

>>42873971
Good feelings

Rolled 6, 3, 2, 2, 4, 4 = 21 (6d6)

>>42873971
Let's push our luck

Rolled 5, 2, 6, 5, 6, 5 = 29 (6d6)

>>42873971
PEW PEW

Rolled 1, 2, 6, 4, 6, 5 = 24 (6d6)

>>42873971
please don't fuck up

Rolled 5, 4, 1, 4, 2, 1 = 17 (6d6)

>>42873971

>>42873995
>>42873999
>>42874004

>29
>Minus 2, 27

Jesus fucking christ.

Another four degrees of success against a challenge of 9.

>>42874004
Well then

The bullseye is red like Royce's stupid face.

>>42874023
We're getting a fucking nickname out of this.

>>42874023
Grell-tier marksmanship

>>42874064
The amount of gossip will be fill the halls and streets of kings landing. Everything from we sold our soul to a Dothraki witch to that there is actually Summer Islander blood in our family.

Success, 4 degrees.

Your stance is far more serious this time. The pace is easy but now you have a crowd to rally to your name. Get them into this competition for real. You loose and easily sink your first, dead center as the first three. You notch again, loose. Dead center. A third time, loose. Dead. Fucking Center. The crowd has taken noticed and cheer loudly for each shot and you play it up to them on your third. The herald calls your name over the noise and you proceed to the next round.

Across the way you hear that crowd cheering for a name you do not know and see the Summer Islander sinking his shots just as easily, his mantle of rainbow feathers giving him a distinct look, exotic as it was. You scoff and leave off, waiting for the rest of the field to finish. By your estimation an hour before noon the field is reduced to 75, your two men and Lucas all moving forward to the final field. Jon Arryn remains watching, his Royce Knight by his side.

Your name is called and the left side of the field cheers as you take your place, the noise hardly bothers you. You fired a bow aride a charging horse, the field of war and battle deafening in your ear, the simple sounds of a crowd meant little to you. Playing up to the crowd again you take a steady position and focus in on your task, the bloody red of the center being the only care of your eye.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship

Rolled 4, 4, 1, 4, 6, 1 = 20 (6d6)

>>42874188

Rolled 6, 2, 1, 1, 5, 1 = 16 (6d6)

>>42874188
PEW PEW

Rolled 2, 1, 2, 4, 3, 6 = 18 (6d6)

>>42874188

Rolled 6, 5, 1, 3, 2, 6 = 23 (6d6)

>>42874188
PEW PEW

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

>>42874188
PEW PEW

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>>42874064
Brynden ''Hawkeye'' Malroy

>>42874206
>>42874221
>>42874222

20-1 = 19. Two degrees.

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>>42874221
>>42874231

>>42874252
Hey I can't be perfect all the time.

>>42874248
We are still in this.

he had fled to Essos and raised a child with her briefly before her abrupt disappearance.

My money is she got tired of being on the run and found someone else to be with when she found out her gold-digging had only gotten her a has been noble. That or she got captured and sold to a whorehouse

Success, 2 degrees.

You sink the first as well as the other six and the crowd cheers again, you notch with a cockiness and loose your second and it errs to the left side a mite, just outside of the middle. They still cheer but with a lessened enthusiasm until you quick notch the third and drive it into the center by your first. Your brow furrows at the seconds spot, but you will be proceeding all the same.

You watch Lucas after you and he misses two of his shots, the last just barely sinkinging into the top of the target and he’s eliminated. Solhas and Mors fair better and drive in two apiece staying alive for now. The field empties out considerably until the other Summer Islander finishes the round. He drives his first two shots much like your own, the last straddling the line of center and second ring. Only a few others made all three shots. From what you could figure a Knight from the Westerlands was among them, and a man-at-arms from the Reach. The latter surprised you considerably, he seemed as plain as Mors but shot just as well, if not better.

A few hours later of midday you find your field to be of 15, and the pace being roughly 5 times that of the first. Mors is called before you and only hits one of his shots, the other two sailing high, and he is eliminated. Solhas is next and misses his first, the next two sinking into the outer rings of the target, but keeping him alive all the same. Your name is called next and you shake yourself out, playing less to the crowd that still roars its approval of you. You notch and take in a sharp breath.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

Rolled 2, 1, 6, 3, 6, 6 = 24 (6d6)

>>42874431
Lets win lads

Rolled 6, 3, 1, 1, 5, 3 = 19 (6d6)

>>42874431

Rolled 3, 4, 6, 6, 3, 2 = 24 (6d6)

>>42874431
please don't fuck up

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

>>42874431

Rolled 3, 6, 6, 6, 3, 4 = 28 (6d6)

>>42874431
>>42874445
Winning is over-rated. Let's come second.

>>42874469
FIVE THOUSAND DRAGONS, lad

>>42874445
>>42874464
>>42874466

First 24-1=23. Two degrees again. Solid showing.

>>42874492
>Solid

No 5000 dragons for us

>>42874513
We might still have another round

>nat36

I think Bryden should just start making up bullshit about his time in Essos, in case anyone asks or he doesn't something that he probably shouldn't be able to do

>>42874609
You mean that isn't an accepted part of medieval storytelling?

Are we going to have to stop telling the one about how we out-shot a Dothraki Khal and rode his horse to Asshai on a road of silver starlight?

>>42874645
Mate I think your confused about it. It was GOLDEN light not silver.

>>42874609
We totally got our archery skills from a beautiful Dothraki Amazon who taught us at day and made sweet, hot, passionat love to at night.

We gotta take some artistic liberties.

>>42874645
Then we fucked his wife

>>42874673
That would be rude and unromantic. We fucked his DAUGHTER

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We were once pursued by an entire Dothraki horde for stealing the Khal's wives.

Success, two degrees.

Your first drives home, though it is outside of the center as it had been the first time. The second hugs the line of the second ring and is ruled there while the last drives home close to the first. You shake your head but rally to the crowd again and they cheer. Lord Arryn is taking a goblet of wine during your celebration and he inclines it to you, this time earning a flashing smile. The field was emptying nearly to none by the time the other Summer Islander finishes you find yourself one of only four. The Westerlands Knight had missed his first shot and Solhas just barely edged him out in their rings. The Reachman, yourself, Solhas and the other Summer Islander remained.

“My Lord. I know this man. His name has been spoken to me before,” Solhas tells you as you take a brief break in the afternoon sun.

You take a deep swig of water and wash your face with the rest and regard your man, he had taken his shirt off and was going to compete in only his mantle and pantaloons, he would be competing against the man he knew, while you the Reachman.

“He is an exiled Prince of the Summer Islands, his name Jalabhar Xho,” he continues, taking your offered skin of water and drenching himself in it, “My mother once spoken his name to me. He was attempting to win a Free City to his cause many years ago. It would seem he’s doing the same here in Westeros.”

“And a win here may solidify his case, hm?”

“No doubt my Lord.”

“I’m not so inclined, shall we?”y say and rise to his level and hug him with a firm fist upon his shoulders and take for your respective side of the field.

Your name is announced as is that of the Reachman, Curtis Flowers. A noble bastard. Being first you line up and take a deep breath, the crowd has quieted now waiting for your shots before reacting. You notch and inhale sharply.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

>>42874694
Yeah, I think that's how all Brynden's stories should end. Daughter or Sister

Rolled 5, 1, 4, 6, 3, 3 = 22 (6d6)

>>42874719
Turn off our targeting computer and let the force guide us

Rolled 6, 1, 6, 6, 2, 3 = 24 (6d6)

>>42874719
Come on second place!

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

>>42874719

Rolled 2, 2, 1, 3, 1, 4 = 13 (6d6)

>>42874719

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

>>42874719
So close

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

>>42874719
bullseye

>>42874741
>>42874743
>>42874746

24-1=23, Just barely two degrees. Very good.

We're a Lord competing against a summer islander and a bastard

I imagine literally every onlooker is cheering us on

>>42874816
Christ roberts going to be miffed he missed such a show of talent

>>42874816
Two summer islanders. One of whom works for us.

File: Zaeed.png (287 KB, 532x450)

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>>42874725
The Zaeed of Westeros, instead of Krogan it's daughters/sister.
>This takes me back.

>>42874856
>"On one side an Unsuillied on the other a Dothraki Blood-Rider. The Myrish Crossbowman readied for another shot as i raised my sword..."

>>42874845
He can watch us win the melee and the equestrian show :^)

>>42874725
whynotboth.jpg

I take it the -1 is for that beating Dontos gave us at back in steadhold. Havnt healed completly yet.

>>42874934
Kek, we can make sure to end the story with 'Don't tell my uncle though'

>>42874960
No it's removing the lowest roll
We have 6d6 drop the lowest, not 6 straight dice

>>42874983
>No it's removing the lowest roll
So my triple sixes and a one was the perfect combination? Get in. I don't even know the system we're using.

You drive home your first, a mite too far left of the center but there all the same and the crowd goes wild. You sigh and begin to wonder how much further you could take this.

Curtis lines up his first shot and it is not unlike your own, hugging into the center ring just barely.

He gives you a smile as you pass by and you return it with a nod, you line up your second shot, and loose. It seems to fly well but then you recognize its path and it strikes low. Far outside of anything, your first miss of the day. The crowd gasps and you shake your head in frustration.

Curtis takes up his spot after you, and cracks his neck before planting another into the target, though high left in the third ring. The crowd is unsure of how to react but some cheer regardless pulling others with him. You cast a glance to the other side of the field and it would appear they are done. Solhas shakes his head in a way to say no and you respond with a lipped, “I’m sorry.” He points to your won field and nods his head encouraging you on.

Taking you position you notch with a serious face, inhale, and loose. Just inside the second ring on the right and the crowd roars to life again for your name. You were ahead now, if he missed you would win.

The boy takes his spot and notches quickly, drawing in a breath and firing. The path seems good for awhile but it slowly flies upwards and barely misses the target flying high. The crowd cheers as you had won and you play it up to them, a certain amount of happiness in it. Guaranteed at least second place now.

>>42875009
We're actually using the wrong bow for this competition.

Our Marksmanship is 7d6 drop 2 lowest, but we use a Double-curved Bow, which is more powerful at the cost of reducing our skill to 6d6 drop 1. In a competition like this where only accuracy matters we should be using a Superior Hunting Bow for 7d6+1 drop lowest. We didn't bother/couldn't afford to do that though.

“A fair showing my Lord. It was an honor to compete against you,” he says shaking your hand after missing his last shot, “Do be sure to beat that Summer Isler in the final round. It would be an embarrassment for Westeros to lose to such a man.”

“A fair showing yourself Curtis Flowers, allow me to buy you a cup upon my victory,” you respond shaking firmly.

He leaves off with a nod and you find yourself face to face with a man the same height as Solhas but with none of the features you knew, he looked serious in his way, not gentle. His movements while graceful were coarse in their execution. He offered a hand and you took it, the crowd coming to life as you took your places for the final round.

The pace was, ridiculous to say the least, if you sunk even one into the middle it would be by divine intervention. Jalabhar Xho takes his position first, and stretches his goldenheart bow to a length you envied, and fired. It errs high and misses entirely, his first miss it would seem. You moves past you unhappily and the crowd murmurs, you take your first arrow and notch. Inhale. Ready.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

I’m rolling for Curtis, that was literally one point under your shot and Jalabhar Xho too, he missed terribly. But this is a hard as hell shot. Each one will be its own roll.

Rolled 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, 1 = 16 (6d6)

>>42875150

Rolled 1, 5, 5, 5, 2, 3 = 21 (6d6)

>>42875150

Rolled 4, 1, 1, 5, 3, 5 = 19 (6d6)

>>42875150
PIERCE THE HEAVENS WITH OUR BOW

Rolled 3, 2, 2, 1, 5, 1 = 14 (6d6)

>>42875150

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

>>42875150

Rolled 1, 6, 4, 3, 6, 2 = 22 (6d6)

>>42875150
>You moves past you unhappily and the crowd murmurs

>>42875163
>>42875173
>>42875176

That 21-1=20 is a miss. By 1.

>>42875163
>>42875173
>>42875176
>>42875178
>>42875183
A SHAMFUL DISPRAY

>>42875173
1 point below the DC for a Heroic action

>>42875202
Literally a miss because of our lack of proper equipment. A Hunting bow would have been a 5/6 chance to get it. A Superior Hunting bow would have gotten there

Rolled 6, 5, 1, 2, 1, 5 = 20 (6d6)

>>42875202
Fuck. On to the next one.

Rolled 2, 3, 3, 6, 6, 5 = 25 (6d6)

>>42875202
Do we just keep rolling?

Rolled 2, 2, 2, 5, 2, 6 = 19 (6d6)

>>42875202
>>42875252
I guess.

>>42875252
No we wait.

>>42875252
PLEASE SAY YES
CAUSE I NEED TO KNOW

Unsuccessful.

You loose and your arrow goes a far left, missing by just a hair and you curse internally. The crowd is almost entirely quiet now and you leave the position with a wave that attempts to give them life and it brings some noise from them. Xho passes you by almost in a hurry, and takes his position, stretching out his bow to such lengths again you wondered how he could miss.

He fires and catches the outer ring in the far right. Barely sticking, but enough to land him a point and put him in the lead. Smiling as he moves past you this time, you take the position again and draw. Inhaling sharply, lining up your shot.

Roll 6d6 for Marksmanship.

Jalabhar Xho rolled a 25 on that. Giving him one degree of success.

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

>>42875310
I want to look at him all smug if we get this

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

>>42875310
The numbers on that don't check out. He needs a 26 to get a degree of success on a 21 DC

Rolled 2, 5, 6, 1, 4, 3 = 21 (6d6)

>>42875310

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

>>42875310
PEW PEW!

>>42875338
FUCKING YES! TAKE THAT YOU SUMMER ISLANDER SWAN CANNOE!

>>42875344
0-4 one degree
5-9 two degrees
10-14, three degrees
15+ four

I'm literally looking right at it.

Speaking of
>>42875338
28-2=26, two degrees.

Holy shit this is the most tense I've ever been at a quest's rolls

I want the crowd to start chanting WES-TER-OS! WES-TER-OS!

>>42868396
Is this the same Lord Malroy who Ser Gregor drowned in the first fight with Dondarrion?

So it sounds like the current consensus is we'll say we learned to shoot this well from a dothraki princess? To make it a sad story because sad stories are always the best we were later hired to defend against that horde and killed her father, she was never willing to see us again.

>>42875453
That is unlikely, Most likely shouting Brynden's name or last name.

> To make it a sad story because sad stories are always the best

No anon. The story is going to be one you can talk about in taverns. With lots and lots of details.

>>42875458
That sounds fine, I don't know if Dothraki even have princesses or not so we might want to check our facts before we go telling everyone

>>42875486
This isn't a tavern story this is a nobility story. Everyone brags, what gets the nobility to spread it further is TRAGEDY.

>>42875507
A dothraki khal's daughter is not technically a princess but I don't think anyone in westeros would call us out for localizing

Success, two degrees.

And… loose. It flies true, but shifts upwards to the left a mite too far for your liking but striking the target in the third ring. giving you a solid two points and the lead for now. You exhale deeply and play it up with a swift motion and the crowd comes to life fully again. Pasing Xho by you give him the smuggest look you can manage with a smile upon it for good measure, he in return spits to the side. Lovely man he was.

The crowd quiets again and he takes his position, the wind catches for a moment and he holds, his mantle of feathers dancing about his body and coming to a still a split moment before he fires. The arrows flies high to the right but still straight and sinks into the third ring, giving him 3 points and a single point lead on yourself. The exchange between the two of you this time is a straightforward glare as you take up your stance and your final shot. You roll your neck and stretch out your bow a moment, before notching and aiming. Ready.

Roll 6d6 Marksmanship.

Xho rolled a 26. I can’t make this shit up anymore.

Rolled 2, 4, 4, 6, 4, 2 = 22 (6d6)

>>42875542
Glory! For 5,000 Dragons!

Rolled 5, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5 = 27 (6d6)

>>42875542

Rolled 3, 4, 6, 4, 5, 2 = 24 (6d6)

>>42875542
C'mon second place!

Rolled 5, 1, 4, 2, 3, 4 = 19 (6d6)

>>42875542

>>42875530
Bullshit. It is going to be a story for the common folk the ones who are cheering for us right now, a raunchy one.

>>42875566
FUCKING HELL YEAH!

>>42875566
I hope this is enough

>>42875553
>>42875566
>>42875568
Terrible way to get a 27.
27-4=23. One degree of success. That's a tie folks. We sudden death now.

>>42875542

>>42875566

It all depends on the summer islander. If he misses I think we win

Rolled 2, 2, 2, 4, 6, 3 = 19 (6d6)

>>42875597