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Dramatis Personae:
>Ser Mervyn Reynold, 25, Our MC.
Ser Mervyn grew up the son of a bastard hedge knight who did not know his father and a blacksmiths daughter. After his mother passed at the age of 5, his father began travelling the westerlands to sell his sword to anyone who would hire him. Eventually, the man passed away to a pox when Mervyn was 17, but not before knighting his son. He than took his fathers horse and mule and travelled in the same way. Eventually, he heard of a tourney for a young maiden’s hand, he attended and won handily over many much nobler knights. He now serves the Lady of the House, Elleanor Reynold as her sworn shield.

>Alyssa Reynold, 17, Mervyn’s Wife
Alyssa is a pretty young girl, and mother to hers and Ser Mervyn’s infant son, Marqus. She is driven and tenacious, if not impatient and occasionally jealous, and she has been reared to be a player in the game by her mother. While not considered beautiful as her elder sister might be, her red curls and sea green eyes certainly make her comely. She is gifted at weaving through the art of noble intrigue and has a knack for remembering heraldry and house history.

>Tyrus Reynold, 15
Tyrus Reynold is Ser Mervyn’s squire and the second son and fifth child of Lord Titus and Lady Elleanor. He has the makings of fearsome fighter and knight, although his temper can be dangerous and difficult to control. He is the same height as his sponsor and looks to soon over take him in size, if not skill, and resembles his father in looks but his mother in colouring. Soon to be a father to a bastard child, and is in love with a common girl from the kitchens of Ember Peak by the name of Rose. .

>Lord Titus Reynold, 46
Lord Titus was born Titus Lantell of Lannisport, and grew up to be a knight who swore his sword to the Lannisters. During the Reyne/Tarbeck Rebellion, he was commanded by Tywin Lannister to march with 300 men to confine the Lady Elleanor, then a maiden of 16 years, and prevent House Reynold from aiding the Reynes and Tarbecks in rebellion as a favour to her father, the late Lord Marqus. A relatively oafish man who cares not for the workings of his house, he is not without a degree of cunning and ultimately seeks to usurp his wife as the true head of the house.

>Lady Elleanor Reynold, 36
Lady Elleanor is a woman who remembers. Once betrothed to Ser Reynard Reyne, she endured losing both her father and betrothed in the span of a year at the age of 16, and was subsequently married off to a lowly knight of Lannisport. She endured the dishonour, even providing 6 children to her husband, all in the memory of her father and Reynard. She is the true power in Ember Peak, and seeks to retain control of her house by any means necessary.

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--- 26/10/281 ---

The remainder of your time on Fair Isle had been a sombre affair. The majority of the guests had left, leaving the castle and surrounding area surprisingly tranquil when factoring in the funeral service and the negotiating a new marriage ceremony between Lord Farman and Joanna. Lady Elleanor had not seemed to rest for the entirety of the time, constantly being seen moving from Lord Farman’s solar to the Septon and various servants and she had seemed the woman you knew her to be. Supremely confident and utterly sure of herself and what she was doing. To your relief she had left you out of these negotiations for the most part, apart from the single meeting she had insisted on you accompanying her to a meeting with Sebastian Farman to apologize for his sons death which had proven an uncomfortable one. You’d lied through your teeth regarding how Sebaston had died, and left all of the details as vague as possible which had only served to infuriate the grieving father.

Elleanor had taken over the talks after that to ensure that her plan was a success, although Lord Farman had insisted that the wedding be postponed for at least 6 months to ensure that Joanna was not carrying his grandson in her belly. The Lady of Ember Peak had agreed to this on the agreement that Joanna stayed on Fair Isle as the Lady of Fair Castle to which Lord Farman had eventually and tentatively agreed and you had soon after been dismissed to allow the Lord and Lady to discuss other matters in private.

The funeral had taken place in the Farman’s ancestral sepulchre that sat on the castle grounds near a cliff face that overlooked the sea. The walk there was a quiet one through a well tended forest that was kept free from wildlife other than birds and you could see beneath the gloom of the canopy many white stone cenotaphs and mausoleums. The eldest of them were crumbling and covered in moss and creeping vines, the chlorophyll staining the white stone green. Tygon and Titus had been chosen to bear his coffin, as well as Lord Farman and three of his men. Ser Gareth had not returned for the service and remained at Clifton, although whether or not that was from his own shame or Lord Farman’s decree you could not be sure.

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You followed, dressed in all black with Alyssa on your arm and you could feel her squeeze your arm tightly as the septon who had performed Ser Sebastons marriage not two weeks before was now performing his funeral rites. You looked out past the white stone into the sky and avoided the gaze of any and all the attendees as you waited for both the funeral and your time on Fair Isle to come to an end.

Joanna had looked as beautiful in black as she had in white, although her face had remained the same. You saw more than a few glances between Tygon and his twin sister, and you could see Tygon attempting to comfort his sister with distant looks although it did little to change the sadness that was clearly visible on her face. She had even wept as the septon had droned on, although you hadn’t been able to tell if the tears had been because of her disappointment, her frustration or just because they had been expected of her. Your thoughts run to Marqus and think that you will one day have to arrange for his marriage and are thankful that he was a boy. The idea of sending off a potential daughter of yours to marry a man she despied seemed anathema to you. It was a conversation that you were dreading to have with your wife, and although it was many years off for any children the two of you might have, she had mentioned it in passing that she would have to start looking for potential matches for your son. She had mentioned House Lantell in passing, stating that he cousin Ser Caleb already had two daughters, and a fourth child on the way but you had brushed aside the topic of conversation as it was something that you had no desire think about. Marqus was a long way off from being off the teat, let alone ready to be finding himself in his future wifes.

The septon finally finished his service and you had begun to walk back towards Fair Castle for hopefully what would be the final night…

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--- 08/11/281 ---

The family had left Fair Isle the day after Ser Sebastons funeral, and all but Lady Elleanor, yourself and a few select men from the Loyal Reins had taken ship back to Lannisport. Elleanor however had a different destination in mind and had ordered the ships captain to head north to the seat of House Westerling which you learned was known as the Crag. The ship had pulled into a small port and you had looked up to the cliff face to see what looked more like a small ruinsat upon a cliff face than a castle and Elleanor had been quick to have yourself and your escort quit the port town and put to the road in your wolf skin cloaks as you headed south east along a dirt road. You’d travelled for two days at a consistent pace, setting up and tearing down camp each evening and morning and to her credit, Elleanor had not muttered a word of complaint. She ate around the fire with you and your men, eating the same soup and bread that you had purchased from the town and she slept on a sleeping mat on the hard ground as well.

It was on the third day that Elleanor had stopped you as you came to a river that cut through the hills and forests and Elleanor looked off to your left up into the distance. You could see a bridge up ahead that allowed for the crossing of the wide and ambling river and your lady rode off of the main path and began to make her way alongside the water. You had ridden for an hour until the trees had begun to get smaller and you eventually came to an overgrown clearing that sat beside a small, crystal clear lake and stood before what appeared to be a ruined tower carved into the very rock in a similar fashion to your own home of Ember Peak. You guided your horse through what remained of a ruined outer wall and could see the foundations from twin towers that stood beside what was likely once a gatehouse. Elleanor commanded that your men began to make camp to which they set about immediately and they soon had tents set up, along with a cook fire over which Ser Jeremy had begun to cook a brace of rabbits he had caught the day before while you sat beside the lake and began to throw stones into the clear blue water. You watched them sink all the way to the bottom of the pool and you were surprised at just how deep the water was considered you could see the bottom. Small fish could be seen swimming amongst the rocks and old logs that sat on the bottom and as you dipped your fingers into the water you found it to be nearly as cold as ice.

Elleanor had isolated herself from you and your men, and had not taken a meal with you as she instead walked off to a separate point on the water and sat and stared into it’s depths, watching as the moon reflected off of it’s surface long past the life of the fire as you and your men had gone to sleep. She had awakened you before the sun had risen however, and she had instructed you to bring a torch as she walked in a path towards the ruins.

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What appeared to have once been the main gate had been sealed with rock and rubble as only the top of the door was visible to your eye and the water line stood at least three feet above as it lapped against the boulders that had fallen in front of the door. This did not deter Elleanor however, and she hiked up her dress and began to wade through the water towards a small stone staircase and you soon followed her through the freezing water and up the stairs as her eyes began to search the wall of the crumbling tower. She ran her hands over a particular piece of stone and a look had come over her face that looked as if she had come upon a grand realisation as she led you further amidst the empty and lifeless stone. Eventually she spys what she was looking for and leads you to what likely once served as a cunningly hidden postern gate. It was hidden behind a wall of rock that faced outwards towards the path, but as you approached it you found that the rock face was hollow with a small concealed opening and the hollow housed a wooden door although it had since gone to rot, with only a few planks of rotten wooden clinging to the hinges that you soon cleared away. Elleanor nodded at you and you brought your torch to life and took a step into the inky blackness of the the world under the surface to which she soon followed.

You followed down a case of stairs before you came to the main floor, which was evident by the water that now crept up past your knees and you crossed the threshold of what you had assumed to be the tower and you walked into what was an absolutely massive entry chamber. The light from your torch barely managed to illuminate the gorgeously carved sealing that you estimated must have been nearly fifty feet tall and you could somehow hear the ever present movement and drip of water under ground even over the pounding of your heart.

“Ser Mervyn.”

Your head snapped about as she called your name and you turned to face her.

“Ser Mervyn do you know where we are?”

--- Can I get get 2d6 for knowledge please? ---

Rolled 4, 6 = 10 (2d6)

>>3917748
God damn it Ellanor why’d you bring us to Castamere!

https://1drv.ms/w/s!Am-XCwIRrb9HhmaYB1rgiV8V4frH?e=WmvM07

Character sheets because I fucked up the links

FUCK HEAH

Rolled 5, 5 = 10 (2d6)

>>3917748

>>3917748
How confident she is to be alone with us. People die, old castles crumble practically over their heads at times.

>>3917773
I'll say this, she is extremely confident and is not scared to be alone with you at all.

>>3917788
Those persuasion rolls saved Merv's bacon

Rolled 1, 1 = 2 (2d6)

>>3917811
That's an understatement.

And I also forgot to -1D for being underground so my bad. Writing here guys.

>>3917755
Btw Joe you can turn separate files into sheets of the same one.

>>3917816
Our only weakness! (Does she know?)

--- Ser Mervyn’s Knowledge Test ---
Rolled 5 vs DC: 9
Result: Test Failed

Your eyes darted about the shadows that the torch you gripped like a lifeline was casting, and stared out further into the inky void that threaten to swallow even the torch light and you swallowed heavily and closed your eyes to regain your composure. Somehow even with your eyes closed it seemed brighter as the warm orange light from the torch could be sensed even through your eye lids and as you begin to calm you searched your mind for where you might be but your mind seemed to be as empty as the black hall you found yourself in.

“I…no my Lady. I don’t.”

Elleanor looks at everything the light touched in an almost child like wonder and an equally conflicted look as she explained…

“Castamere.” The word was almost at a whisper. “I have waited nearly twenty years to see Reynard’s home. When we were both living in Casterly Rock he used to tell me all sorts of tales about the wonders of his home. Of the subterranean ballroom, of this grand entry hall, of the postern gate we came through…”

She walked towards the back of the chamber and you followed and soon you could hear her gasp in the eerie quiet as your eyes focused in the torchlight on a plinth where was carved out an impressive stone seat out of the stone itself. Twin lionesses served as it’s arms and another two lions roared side by side to form the back. Elleanor reached out into empty air as if to grasp something to hold on to and you are soon at her side and she clutches at you with a strength you would never expect for a woman of her breeding or position.

“M…Mervyn. My…my Reynard sat in this seat in his f…final days.”

She climbed the plinth slowly and she hesitated to actually touch the throne that stood before the two of you. Now that you were closer you could see the eyes of the lions were all made of large rubies and the stone was expertly carved. Elleanor’s hand finally reached out and rested on the head of the life size lioness and as she looked back at you, you could see a single tear resting on her cheek in the orange glow of the flame.

“I’ve waited. I’ve…I’ve done my duty. I gave my husband children, even when I felt like throwing myself from a tower. When…the only thing that kept me alive was the thought of him…and that one day…one day I might avenge his…his…his…”

The proud and stern Lady of Ember Peak wept in the dark beneath the earth, sat upon the throne that her once betrothed sat and you watched it in silence in the torch glow. It was a horrible sound. Decades of anger, betrayal, fury and spite all came pouring out from her, punctuated by screams of what you imagined were regret, agony and hate, until she had vented twenty years of emotions and the only sounds inside of Castamere were once again the soft rippling of waves against stone and she looked up at you with eyes that almost resembled Alyssa’s. Soft, delicate and gentle…

--- Any questions and/or comments for Elleanor Reynold? ---

Open prompt here guys. I felt like Elleanor needed an opportunity to her explain her cause, so if you guys have any questions...now is the time to ask.

>>3917856
Why change the anger of the one who did this then? Why endanger your entire House with plans of vengeance?

>>3917856
I want to be blunt with her, but it's unlikely to be supported.

What did she think threatening a man such as us would achieve? Can't she read that we won't be cowed into blind obedience.
Does she honestly take Mervyn for a dullard?

>>3917856
>comfort her

>>3917866
Can you clarify "Why change the anger of the one who did this then?" I just want to make sure I understand what we're going for here.

>>3917873
That is a bold move. If there is support for it we can absolutely ask away.

I'm going to let this sit for a while and wait for a little more input from anyone else who might show up. I'll be in and about for the next hour to clarify anything and I'll be back later tonight to go ahead with what we have

>>3917873
do you want us to choke on our soup?

>>3917853
Just offer her some comfort

>>3917905
Chance not change using phone and it decided to autocorrect. Basically ask her why take a risk in pissing off Tywin.

>>3917905
She would rather blackmail us than satisfy our growing ambitions in exchange for loyal service? We're her daughter's husband and the father of her grandchild.

>>3917907
We're not admitting anything, but I feel that Mervyn is a bold man and would want his displeasure over that treatment known.

>>3917909
She has already answered in the previous thread. Because she thinks she can get away with it. And she thinks the law will be on her side. She is JUST restoring a house to which the future child will have the claim.

>>3917853
Make sweet sweet love on the floor

>>3917951
I could back this as well.

Alright well I'll put this to a vote while I'm gone.

>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance

>Ask her what she thought threatening us would achieve?

>Comfort her With a platonic hand on the shoulder, and maybe a side hug

Any other further suggestions can be voted on by linking your posts, and the floor is still open for questions

>>3917988
>all of it

>>3917988
>comfort her

I get that anons just want to get this over with and overthrow her but it is weaksauce.

You can confront her without raising suspicion. You think she doesn't expect some kind of reaction after threatening you?

>>3917988
>Ask her what she thought threatening us would achieve?

>>3917988
>>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance
>>Ask her what she thought threatening us would achieve?

>>3917988
>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance
She has seen what Tywin is capable of - she risks the ruin of her new House and family in an impossible quest for vengeance

>Comfort her platonically
...all I can picture is the hug between Danny and Jon in S8, before the dirk to the heart

>>3917856
And why are you trying to drum up sympathy after threatening my son Elanor? I know you well enough that I'm only seeing what you're letting me see, like I know you had a variety of meanings and implications with how you handled my son. Is the Ruin of a dead house worth your family? Because you already said you'd be willing to sacrifice you heir and only child who could lead the house decently for this, and you're forcing onto Joanna what Tywin forced to you. Everyone else in the house can see it, but perhaps you. I am loyal to House Reynold, but I am not going to follow blindly when I see disaster coming. I'd choose to make sure Tygon survived fighting with that monster of man over Sebastion every time. Likewise, your seem to be wasting your chance at revenge against Tywin by making him sit up and take notice of you now, and risking everything for a Burned out ruin that is beyond this house's means to maintain.

>>3917988
>all of the above

And tell her that all of her plans she's executed since bringing us in has done nothing but bring more pain and suffering for her own family. She needs to see that she is simply doing Tywin's work herself destroying another house linked to castamere.

>"If you ever threaten my son again, you will rot along with Castamere on that throne."

>>3917988
>if sebastion had lived and tygon had died would you still weep or is your dead lover the only thing that matters

>>3918036
Adding to this, We were raised by a man who lost the love of his life, and he was an utter bastard who damn near killed us on purpose more times than we care to count. We see her making the same stupid mistakes writ on a far far larger scale. Our father was not a smart man, or a good man, but we know she is at least quite brilliant, if she chooses to be.

>>3917988
>>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance
''Its already done my lady, too many enemies and too strong. Even if you continue with this, you will not live to see Castemere alive again, it will take years.. perhaps I might not even get to see it. Is it vengance that you want or is it just the castle?''

Perhaps there are other ways to fuck with Tywin, Castemere is just too big of a score, no way he is going to give it away

her threatening our son was clearly a bluff, she needs us, that's why she tried to scare us.

>>3917988
>>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance
>>Ask her what she thought threatening us would achieve?

>>3918036
I like it, anon. Well-put, if a little too reasonable

>>3918036
This seems:
- too smart for us
- very risky for us

We’d basically be unambiguously showing her that we’re more perceptive than she thinks, while simultaneously less loyal than she believes.

I also don’t think reasoning with her will work. While she is coldly logical in many of her plans and dealings - this quest for revenge is highly emotional and illogical.

If the idea of revenge is the only thing which has kept her going and prevented her from committing suicide - then some small speech from us isn’t going to change that

tl;dr - risk of speaking to her outweighs the reward

>>3917988
>>Ask her why she is so hell bent on vengeance
>>Comfort her With a platonic hand on the shoulder, and maybe a side hug

Not this >>3918036

>>3918836
I agree with you. The less we say the better. The more we speak the more we show our hand. The only person that gains is her. Chances are she is too strong willed/determined to change her plans and we just help her realize we are much more of a threat than she realizes.

>>3918846
I'll back this anon

>>3917988
The fact that we cant plough the redheaded milf is an outrage!

But if i have to choose i would say all of the above

>>3919014
Agreed. It's at least more in character than all this monologuing.

>>3919014
>Just lie back and think of Reynard, Elly!

Sorry for being a scab guys. I forgot I had a birthday to attend to today. Just got home and am whipping up some food and then I'll get to writing!

J-Joe?

The silence was awkward and you reached out hesitantly to place your hand on her delicate shoulder. She looked at you with eyes that held in them raw emotion and she wiped her eyes free from the tears that had overwhelmed her and she dipped her hand down into the water to wash her face with the ice cold water and you judged now would be the time to get the truth from her if you were ever going to.

“Why my lady? Why are you so hell bent on gaining this castle? On getting revenge against the might of Casterly Rock?”

She looked at you and the look you received was one you had not seen from her before, and in truth you could not say what emotion she was displaying. It was almost as if every emotion she had supressed for so many years was now warring to control her face.

“Would you simply lie down and accept what was done to me Ser? Had you been in my place?”

“No, no I suppose I wouldn’t.”

“And yet you are a man, trained in the arts of combat. For you, revenge is a simple thing. I however, have been planning my own revenge since the hall we now stand in first flooded. You love my daughter, that is plain to see to all. If someone were to kill her, I am sure beyond all doubt that the person who did so would be living on borrowed time. Time that when it ran out I am sure would find your hands wrapped around their throat. But I am only a woman, and we must make do with other means to get out revenge.” She looked at you carefully with a raised eye brow. “And yet I can see doubt writ clear upon your face. Go on Ser, voice your doubts.”

“My lady, I was raised by a hard man. My father was cruel, and a drunk. If I’m being honest, I hated him. But I didn’t risk my life by antagonising him. I let him grow old and eventually he died. He was a vicious fighter. Cut throat and merciless, with a mean streak a mile wide. The man refused to fight in tournaments because he believed a man should only fight to kill.”

“And you believe that my grudge against Tywin Lannister is the same as the hate you bore your father? Well Ser, I can say that like you I fully intend to outlive Tywin Lannister.” Her voice is mocking and full of bile. “Ser, have you ever been to King’s Landing?”

“No my lady, I haven’t. I’ve never travelled past the riverlands.”

“I have not been there either, but I know, and am in contact with, people who have. These people tell me that if you wish to gain the favour of our noble King Aerys, that one need only ensure that you can vex his hand. I have been in talks with the Master of Coin, and by association, the king. After explaining how gifting the rights to resettle Castamere, along with a loan to rebuild that would see coin flow to the capitol, would twist the lions tail well…”

Her smile was a cunning and convincing one and she was regaining her composure at every passing moment and she gathered herself and began to walk back towards the way you came. With one last look back into the empty dark of the underground halls and you stood in the doorway, holding the torch for her…

--- Bring up her threat to Marqus before you leave? ---
>yay
>nay

>>3919973
>nay

>>3919973
>>nay

>>3919973
>>yay

>>3919973
>>nay
I still think you guy's suck for changing sides. Not a rational feeling but just sucks. She is to wild a card for us to rationally stick with her. But clearly she had safety nets. In place to shield her which is reassuring. Shame she will likely never see it to fruition.

>>3919973
>>yay

>>3919973
>nay

She didn't mean it, a bluff

>>3920060
Safety nets months away, Tywin is not going to give away his legacy just like that. We got no army, these people don't play fair, we can't expect them not to crush us the moment we make claims

>>3920093
If we have the coin master and the King on our side, Tywin can't cross the king directly. If the king's profit is being directly hit, he would have more of a say in the matter for sure.

>>3919973
>yay

>nay takes it 4-3

Next post will be up tomorrow morning! Thanks guys

>>3920104
If we didn’t know the future it almost sounds like a decent safety net...

@Joe, is there any chance we can influence the outcome of the Rebellion?

>>3919973
>>3920157
Yay (european anons want to vote too, Joe!)

>>3920060
I am having doubts too, my man. It sucks that she antagonized us so well it forced our hand. I want to see the metaphorical match of cyvasse between our lady and Tywin.

>>3920065
We gathered as much but I wanted to tell her that it was a mistake. What, we can't show discontent now that we decided we're going to betray her? It'd be fishy if Mervyn is totally complacent under these recent circumstances.

>>3920104
Clearly we should kill him and take his wealth for ourselves. No strings attached

>>3920104
If we can pull off some bullshit and assassinate a Lord's son without being caught Tywin can do much worse.

Secondly, Tywin liking our house doesn't make Aeyrs hate us whereas this potential trade deal that might bear fruit in the future will infuriate Tywin. Bad move

>>3920245
Will Mervyn be able to change the entire outcome of the war? Realistically no. Things like the Battle of the Trident or the Sack of King's Landing are still going to happen. However, there will be some things that would within Mervyn's sphere of influence.

Say for example that Mervyn earns Robert Baratheon's respect during the melee at Harrenhal? It would be possible to cuase him to have a more favourable view of the Westerlands in the aftermath.

Things of that nature...

>>3920464
>Mervyn is the reason why Robert was willing to marry Cersei due to his more favourable view of the Westerlands

>>3919973
>yay

>>3920272
Also, I'm going to stick by the decision to call it at 4-3. I'll be sure to leave future votes open overnight however.

>>3920464
Real talk: Would Bobby B and Mervyn hit it off?

>>3920483
I dont think Mervyn is boisterous enough. He would need to enjoy drinks and women more.

Though Mervyn do have the fighting part.

“One day Ser Mervyn, and one day soon, I will remind Lord Tywin that even the mighty lion kneels before the dragon. Lord Farman’s will was waivering, and so I informed him I would take the risk and that House Farman’s good name would be kept free of this. In return, I will take Castamere as my own seat and Titus, or preferably Tygon, can rule from Ember Peak. Castamere will pay a dividend to Fair Castle from it’s mines, and eventually a son of Tygon’s will marry a daughter of Joanna’s and House Reynold’s claim on Castamere will be water tight. Lord Qarlton Chelsted is no fool and can see that reopening some of the largest gold mines in Westeros is far more important than continuing to feed Lord Tywin’s reputation, and wise King Aerys agrees. Harrenhal shall prove to be a momentous event for things besides it’s scale and grandeur.”

Elleanor turned her back on the darkness and began to ascend the stairs to the tower that led to the sally port and you were soon greeted by the blinding morning light as your eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden change from complete darkness. You went to lead her down the stairs back to your group of men but she stopped you with her lack of footsteps to follow and you turned to look at her and found her staring at you.

“Ser do not think I have forgotten you or your words. You are an ambitious man and I can see that now. I will need to have a man to guard this tower one day. Perhaps you have heard of the Eyrie in the Vale? The home of House Arryn?”

You nodded your head vaguely as you remembered your lessons with Alyssa as she had tried to instruct you in the great houses of Westeros. She’d been partly successful although the task had been arduous but you could name the great houses and their castles by name from memory. Baratheon and Storm’s End, Tully and Riverrun, Stark and Winterfell. The Eyrie was supposed to be an impregnable spear that shot out from the mountains, made of white stone where the Arryn’s resided during the warmer parts of the year.

“So you know about the fortress at the base of their mountain? The “Gates of the Moon”?”

Another slow nod from you encouraged her to keep going…

“I would see you in a similar position as Ser Nestor Royce, only I would see it as a hereditary position. Reynard used to tell me how the tower was once called the Lonely tower for it stood alone as the castle was built underground. When I am the lady of this castle, I will name you the Knight of the Lonely Tower, and Marqus will inherit it after you, and so on and so forth. You will be the strong right hand of Castamere’s military Ser.

Her words shocked you and you blinked back confusion and no small amount of doubt…

--- How does Ser Mervyn respond? ---
>Graciously
>Dutifully
>Hesitantly
>Write in (Something Else)

>>3920538
>Dutifully

Good. Now everyone is promising us towers. Will still continue with the plan though. But it means that we have a fallback no matter what happens.

>>3920538
>Hesitantly

>>3920538
>Dutifully

Being promised towers is a good start. But we should also demand one that is in a livable condition.

>>3920538
>Graciously
How else is one to respond...

We also know that this promise will never come to fruition. Either own plan works and hers fails - or our plan fails and she gives us nothing but a traitors death.

Why not act gracious now.

>>3920538
>>Dutifully

>>3920538
>>Graciously

And a dutiful tone takes it. Alright cool, I'll get to writing here

You dropped to a knee and lowered your gaze before your lady, as you had the very first time you had sworn yourself to her service. This struggle for the future of House Reynold was coming to a crossroads, one that would require you to ultimately choosing what could be the future of the house. The irony of the fact that said future was dependent on someone who was born with the name Hill as you were was not lost on you. Both sides had promised you what you wanted and, more importantly, had earned and the future of the house was in your debt as well. Tygon and yourself had not spoken of your reward for ensuring that Ser Sebaston had fallen, and you thought it wise to not broach the subject so soon as Joanna instead having been betrothed to Sebaston’s father in place of Ser Leroy Lannister had put the twins in a dour mood.

You hear Elleanor tut and when you look up she gestures for you to stand. “Save the bowing for when Castamere is restored to it’s former glory Ser, for now there is work to be done. We ride for Ember Peak now, and once there we shall prepare for Harrenhal. I believe Alyssa will have taken care to pick up your new garments, and I took time to ensure that a new pavilion was ordered before we left the city. House Reynold must impress during this tournament after all. The opportunities that await Ser…”

She explained further as the two of you returned to the camp, that King Aerys had not left the capital in nearly five years and that there were rumours about the state of the royal family. She also spoke of the death of a Ser Harlan Grandinson, one of the White Swords of the Kingsguard, and how he had fallen in his sleep. Talk of the man’s replacement was everywhere in the the more eastern regions of Westeros such as the Riverlands and the Crownlands. She spoke of men from families that you had never heard of or hardly knew. House Blanetree and House Justman were both mentioned, as well as House Graves from the Reach, although she said her connections spoke of a House Malroy being the most likely candidate as she last heard it. Lastly, she spoke of the sheer wealth and extravagance of the event and how the prizes were numbers that were nearly unheard of. The prize for the first place in the joust was to be 25 000 gold dragons and winning the melee would net the victor 10 000. Archery contests, equestrian races and all other manner of competitions all with ludicrous amounts of coin to be won. She looked at you and you knew she would expect you to make a name for yourself, and by extension House Reynold and herself at this tournament.

The sheer amount of rumours and plots and information she spoke of was almost head spinning and upon arriving at your camp and finding your men up and about she informed them that you were all leaving for Ember Peak at once, and you saw Ser Cardyn look to you and you gave him a slight nod and you all set about packing up your tents and putting out the fire as you prepared to return home.

--- 18/11/281 ---

You had ridden through the Westerlands with little trouble. No bandits or ne’erdowells had bothered you and the fact that a group of heavily armed and dangerous looking men tended not to be bothered whilst on the road.

As you had ridden up the gold road you had passed through Headwaters and found the small village bustling with people and found the Blackfeathers patrolling the town. The men that stood watch and saluted you as you rode forward you did not know, but you recognised the bows you had bought for them and had earned their captains loyalty, a man known as “Blackfeather Fred”.

You had continued through the town and began to ascend the hill that led to Ember Peak properly and you found a strange sense of calm begin to settle over you. You realize that you had missed your home, and it’s hallways and courtyard and defenses had become familiar to you after your time there and you cannot help but begin to feel a smile creep up onto your face as you grew closer and could see the eagle banners flapping proudly in the mountain wind. Ember Peak itself was just as bustling as Headwaters and you could see men labouring on two walls that appeared to be growing out of the mountain itself that would seal off the Ember Pass and allow for it to be much more easily defended. The stone was being quarried from within Ember Peak itself as the holdings underneath the earth to provide the building materials. Your suggestion to build a bridge of stone over the Lesser Mander was not yet realized, but when you asked Lady Elleanor she had assured you that it was not forgotten, she simply had not the materials or manpower at the moment but would soon commission it’s construction.

The gates were opened and the portcullis raised as you rode through into the courtyard and you were greeted by men training dutifully in the yard, including your squire who was quick to spot you and came forward quickly to assist you off of your horse. “Seven above” you thought to yourself. He was able to look you in the eye now when he stood, and was likely still growing, and he would soon be taller than you. He had escorted you to the armoury after the stables and aided you in removing your armour to which he set about to cleaning and polishing immediately.

This left you free to do as you please…

--- What to do now? ---
>Find Alyssa and Marqus
>Find Tygon
>Find Titus
>Something else (Write in)

I should say we will be doing all three of these things, just letting you guys choose the order of them before we leave for Harrenhal

>>3920973
>Find Alyssa and Marqus

>>3920973
>>Find Tygon

Alyssa last so we can get all the info together and plan.

>>3920987
You make a good point. I'll switch to this.

>>3920973
>>Find Tygon

Might be an idea to talk to fred too

>>3920973
>Find Tygon

Him and Titus really need to have a good talk

Alright well that sounds good to me. We'll start with Tygon. Anything you guys would like to speak to him about in particular?

>>3921010
We could call up Fred and have a chat with him. Anything you guys want to say?

>>3921025
Is it time for father and son to unite and work on bringing down Elleanor once and for all?

>>3921072
Just give him some positive words, let him know we feel safe leaving the castle with him in the garrison etc.

Can't just but him some bows and expect him to be grateful forever

Little slow today. I'll throw up a vote instead of a prompt.

--- What to talk to Tygon about? ---

>Joanna being married to Lord Farman
>The topic of your "payment"
>Harrenhal
>Potentially uniting with Ttus
>Potentially uniting with Elleanor
>Your visit to Castamere
>Something else (Write in)

Please choose 3

>>3921169
>>Potentially uniting with Ttus
>Potentially uniting with Ttus
>Your visit to Castamere

>>3921169
>>Your visit to Castamere
>Joanna being married to Lord Farman
>Harrenhal

>>3921072
>>3921169

>Harrenhal
>Your visit to Castamere
>Potentially uniting with Ttus

Can we make a little comment about Tyrus while we talk about Harrenhal? kid is growing up fast
I feel sorry for Elleano

>>3921169
>>Potentially uniting with Ttus
>Harrenhal
>Joanna being married to Lord Farman

>>3920969
>House Malroy being the most likely candidate as she last heard it
Wait a minute is that supposed to be Dontos?

>>3921295
Yes. He never got appointed, but Father has mentioned he very well could have been.

>>3921169
>Potentially uniting with Elleanor
>Harrenhal
>Joanna being married to Lord Farman

Alright

>Harrenhal - 5
>Your visit to Castamere - 4
>Potentially uniting with Titus - 3
>Joanna being married to Lord Farman - 3

I think I'll try to mix in the last two into one point of conversation.

>>3921295
Rumors travel when a Kingsguard position opens up, especially when you've been in contact with important people in King's Landing.

All Elleanor knows is that a knight from House Malroy is supposedly very skilled at arms, and a favorite of House Targaryen.

Strolling into Ember Peak properly, you soon track down a servant and ask after where you might be able to find Tygon. The young woman informs you that he is most likely in his chambers and so you made your way to where you hoped the young lordling was. You climbed up three flights of stairs and walked down a long hallway before finding the heavy oaken door and giving the firm iron knocker three swift strikes. Another servant opens the door and you walk into the lavishly furnished room and are greeted by Tygon sitting behind a small table that had been set aside for him to practice his strategy and war games. The young man was deep in thought as his eyes scoured the table looking for a weakness in the strategy and he rested his chin on top of interlaced fingers as he hummed and hawed.

The servant announced your presence and Tygon finally looked up from the table and smooths out the furrows in his brow and bids you to sit with him.

“Ser Mervyn. Please, sit and join me. I could use a fresh set of eyes on this.”

You did as you were bid and pulled up a second chair and looked over the table with him. “What do you think Ser Mervyn?”

“What do I think?”

“Yes. What would you do if you were in such a situation?”

“Tygon I have things that are more pressing than you practicing your strategy. Your mother and I we…”

He looks up from the table and interrupts you. “Ser Mervyn, it can wait. I need to hear your thoughts on this problem that Maester Aethan has layed before me…

--- What to do? ---
>Tell him that this cannot wait (Persuasion – Intimidate)
>Help him try and solve the war game (Warfare)

>>3921463
>Help him try and solve the war game (Warfare)
sure why not

>>3921463
>Help him try and solve the war game (Warfare)
We’re to be his main General after all

>>3921463
>>Help him try and solve the war game (Warfare)

Alright can I get 3d6 for Warfare please

Rolled 1, 4, 4 = 9 (3d6)

>>3921497
fighting and warfare need an upgrade

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

>>3921497

Rolled 6, 3, 6 = 15 (3d6)

>>3921497

>>3921505
nice

>>3921505
Well you're no fun. Merv seeing the forest for the trees it is. Writing!

--- Ser Mervyn’s Warfare Test ---
Rolled 17 vs DC: 15
Result: One Degree of Success

You sighed and rubbed your eyes before blinking and putting your fresh eyes on the problem that was currently plaguing your friend. You knew he could be stubborn and proud, and once he set his mind to something he could be difficult to convince otherwise. You looked and saw the battle that was layed out on the table before you and you could see the problem. Tygon’s “forces” we hemmed in and danger of being overrun. He was outnumbered as well but you saw there was an opportunity to retreat to a secure location that comprised of a natural bridge over a painted blue river.

“The only option I can see is to retreat. If you retreat to the bridge here, you can force your opponent to give up his advantage and he will have to fight you on a reduced front. It will also eliminate the advantage he gains from his cavalry.”

“Yes but Ser, there has to be another way. Retreat…retreat cannot be the answer. You cannot claim victory from retreat.”

You looked at him and could see the frustration on his face, but surveying the table you saw there was no other option. Forward, left or right would only result in his forces being wiped out or forced into the river and drowned.

“Tygon, listen to me. You aren’t wrong. A retreat isn’t a victory. But neither is a retreat a loss either. Sometimes you have to give ground in order to gain it.”

He looks at the table, not at you and his eyes look from one edge of the table to the other as he was still trying to find a way out but you reached over and moved his infantry and archers to the positions you stated and brought the enemy forces to the bridge and you looked at him.

“It’s a stalemate.”

He shook his head in irritation as he began to see the truth of your words and you give a short and audible laugh to which he looks up at you and his scowl only makes you laugh again as you fall back into your chai, shaking your head.

“That’s the problem with both of you. You and Tyrus are both stubborn as mules. You have to learn to be able to change with the flow of battle.” He begins to puff himself up in indignation at being compared to his fiery younger brother but now it was your turn to cut him off. “Relax Tyg, you aren’t nearly as bad as Tyrus, but look at yourself. How long have you been at this table overthinking a simple problem? I know for a fact you know that when fighting someone with greater numbers you have to fight them on a smaller front. You’re a smart man, but you need to realize that not every battle needs to be won, and not every victory needs to be pretty.”

Tygon slumps into his chair and runs his hands through his long blonde hair and he half sighs and half growls as he admits defeat. “Fine, fine. You’re right Ser. I can see that now. I only thought that there was some clever way to overcome the odds…”

--- Break ---

Thread will be continued in a little bit here. Something came up that I have to take care of, but I shouldn't be more than two hours.

>>3921587
>"Well you could have all of your men strip naked and run toward the enemy screaming like madmen. There's a small chance it would freak them out and make them retreat."

>>3921731
That is hilarious

“Sometimes you just have to know when you’re outmatched. A lot like something else I want to talk to you about…”

The heir to Ember Peak perks up at this and his hazel eyes flash in the light for a moment and appear almost golden brown and he leans in to whisper. “I’m assuming that this has something to do with my mother and whatever the two of you went instead of returning to Lannisport with us?”

You nodded in the affirmative and he beckons you to elaborate with a hand gesture after dismissing his servants and you are soon telling Tygon of your trip to Castamere in it’s entirety. He listens intently while you speak and he seems to digest what you tell him thoughtfully before he responds. “She’s bold to even visit that place. It’s cursed, or so the rumors say, and I can’t imagine Lord Tywin approving of anyone visiting the halls that he personally drowned. It explains why she refused to tell anyone where she was going, and why she was so insistent on Joanna marrying Lord Farman after Ser Sebaston’s death. That still sits ill with me, but I suppose father could not refuse such a thing without arousing suspicion. There was a raven awaiting me upon my arrival here from Joanna although I’m not sure what I can do to help her. We can’t risk another plot like we did with Sebaston, and now apparently Lord Farman is refusing to leave Fair Isle, even for Harrenhal.”

You turned the topic towards that of the tourney and elaborated on what Elleanor had told you regarding her plan about petitioning the king and “twisting the lions tail” which gets you a much more serious response from Tygon.

“You’re sure about this Mervyn? You’re positive beyond a doubt?”

“Beyond any doubt. She told me very clearly what she means to do.”

Tygon stands and begins to pace and you can hear him mutter the word “no” over and over again.

“Ser Mervyn we cannot allow this to happen. I can appreciate what she wants to do, and the way she seems to be going about it might even be legal. But I am the future of this house, and in order for this house to have a future it cannot be allowed to get involved with the memory of House Reyne and Tarbeck or gain the deliberate ire of Tywin Lannister. The extermination of two noble houses was not legal by the definition of the law, but who was there to gainsay him? Who would gainsay him now if he marched on Ember Peak and starved us inside the mountain. It might be a slower death than drowning but it’s just as assured when the Lord of Casterly Rock is concerned.”

And now you were truly at the cross roads as you mention Lord Titus. He had been appointed by Lord Tywin to ensure Elleanor stayed out of the Reyne/Tarbeck rebellion, and to ensure her continued compliance. Elleanor however was to indominable and fearless to be cowed and she had taken near complete control of her house in spite of her husbands best efforts. The ensuing years had seen Titus grow lazy and lax in his duties but as Elleanor had finally begun to take the first steps of her vengeance he had been reminded of his duties. Being a child of their union had given Tygon, as well as the rest of their children, blinders when it came to their parents relationship and you explain how it may very well be time to speak to Titus and ensuring that Elleanor would be stopped. You told Tygon of your conversation in the stables at Fair Castle and he had a pained look on his face as you told him of the details of the plan that Titus and yourself had come up with.

Upon seeing his distress you mention Alyssa’s idea that perhaps once Tywin was made aware of Elleanor’s plan that she might be given a warning and given the chance to escape to exile across the Narrow Sea to Essos. That seemed to ease his unease slightly but he still looked unconvinced.

“She…she’s still my mother Ser. The love between us is as strong as any bond between a mother and her son. I’m sorry Mervyn this is just…difficult.”

--- What to say to Tygon? ---
>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon
>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you
>Tell him that is was for the future of the house and his family
>Something else (Write in)

The Difficulty Check will change dramatically depending on the answer chosen, ranging from 9-18

>>3921910
>>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon

>>3921910
>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you

>>3920973
I am kinda disappointed that Mervyn didn't get an opportunity to develop martially to have a chance at taking a truly respectable position in the tournament. The battle with Gaemon left a bitter taste. It honestly should've been a 1vs1 and yet we got severely battered 3vs1.
If the better Harrenhal opponents (yes, I am excluding the obvious heroically statted characters) have a stat pool like the ironborn, they will wipe the floor with us. Embarrassing

>>3921910
I too am unconvinced. Elleanor hasn't betrayed us (yet). And since thread 1 "we're dutiful, but our duty is to ourselves and to our family" silliness has been chafing me.
I get it, we're doing it out of self-preservation and none of that duty nonsense. Still doesn't sit well with me.

Idk, Joe, perhaps you've created a moral dilemma I don't want to be part of because Elleanor's vengeance is fully just and warranted. And she was molded into that role as a character. I have the feeling that it is Mervyn who is the wrong character in this situation. His family ties are bringing him down so he is betraying his convictions.

>>3921910
>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon

>>3921938
Mervyn is still a very respectable fighter, and I'm expecting him to do rather well myself. Gaemon Saltcliffe was a rather ridiculous character who I made specifically to try and counter Mervyn. The "Massive" benefit is ridiculous, and being able to use two handed weapons and a shield at the same time...yikes. Gaemon had Rank 2 in everything except skills that applied to personal combat.

As for Elleanor, I'm kind of glad there are some anons that feel that way. I stated it before but in my opinion it's easy to stay loyal to a benevolent and extremely rational character. Staying loyal to someone who is haughty, cold and has a grudge against possibly the most powerful in Westeros? Now that takes loyalty and dedication.

I think you are spot on regarding the last point as well, and Mervyn is absolutely going to be in the wrong regarding his honour if he chooses to betray Elleanor. I think that's part of the trouble of questing in a setting like this because there are multiple people who come in and out. We could be in a totally different position had different anons been present for certain votes. But when it comes down to it, Mervyn is a shit heel. His virtue is Loyalty, but his vice is Merciless. I think it kind of creates an interesting dynamic that allows for Mervyn to try and bury his convictions to do what he needs to, but I can assure you that even Mervyn can only compress so much "evil" before he loses control. The dream where he could have hurt Alyssa or Marqus for example.

>>3921731
>>3921842
>Samefagging to call yourself funny

>>3921910
>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you

It feels like this should be a major shift in Mervyn's character, this whole triple loyalty and betraying family, extended or not, should chafe really bad.

I'm still not convinced that betraying Eleanor is the correct choice. Abusing her trust to let other people know the hole she's digging for them all is fair, but I don't want to completely turn away from her. Finding a better way for her scheme to succeed even if it means thwarting the immediate plans can still be considered loyalty, it's for everyone's best

>>3921991
Maybe we could say both ?

>>3921996
Yeah.

I'm worried we're going to turn Mervyn into yet another middle of the road kind of PC that always happens in quests.

>>3921958
>>3921938
I know I said this last thread but I'm really enjoying the moral conflict involved in betraying El. As players we're experiencing the same war of loyalty to El vs fear of Tywin vs personal ambition that Merv would be. I think that's a sign of some really good writing.

Ultimately I don't want to betray El but I think we have to for the sake of our family and the rest of the Reynolds. Though maybe we can get away with Castamere and goddamn what a coup that would be.

>>3921991
>Finding a better way for her scheme to succeed even if it means thwarting the immediate plans can still be considered loyalty, it's for everyone's best
I like it and we should attempt to work towards that goal.

>>3921910
>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you
Even if it is not the most optimal DC-wise. Her threatening our child was the deciding factor in changing camps after all.

>>3921991
Persuade Elleanor that she should marry Lord Farman.
Kill Titus.
Tygon becomes the new Lord of Ember Peak.
Elleanor fucks off to Faircastle and focuses on producing an heir for a while instead of involving us up to our necks in plotting.
Ally dies during childbirth.
Fug Joanna.
???
Tygon lands us + beautiful kids.

2ez

>>3922089
If that ain't a success story i don't know what is

>>3921938
>And since thread 1 "we're dutiful, but our duty is to ourselves and to our family" silliness has been chafing me.
Yes, that is retarded. It's how the character has been played up to this point, though, so I will continue playing him like that.

>>3921910
>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon

>>3921958
Is "evil" only stuff that is anti loyal? Because Elleanor ordering us to kill a village off if the most evil thing we have done. If you just mean evil in general then maybe its good to get away from Elleanor. Also, I think we have been pretty loyal to Tygon.

>>3922089
>Persuade Elleanor that she should marry Lord Farman.
That ship has sailed.

>>3922121
>Also, I think we have been pretty loyal to Tygon.
Not as much proof of loyalty to him as betrayal of Elleanor to survive what's coming

>>3922089
Too late for this, we already involved Titus

>>3921910
>write in

"of course it's hard that means it's important, you are the heir, you need to think on everyone Tygon. Not just you but your family, your people and so on, her thirst for revenge is... She was digging a hole for all of us behind our back"

>>3921910
>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon

>>3921991
I agree that this should chafe quite badly. It's not an easy decision to say the least. Also, you guys might experience some difficulty in stopping Elleanor from meeting with Lord Qarlton Chelsted and stopping her plan. OOC, with the knowledge that Tywin resigns his position as hand, Aerys is going to be very likely to grant Elleanor her request. How Tywin will react is still a secret though

>>3921998
Ideally the voting doesn't go that way. I've actually enjoyed writing the merciless enforcer a lot more than I thought I would, and I hope he stays that way.

>>3922023
I feel like I should comment that it is possible for Elleanor to succeed. Difficult? Yes. Dirty? Yup. Dangerous? Absolutely. Worth the risk? That's up to you guys.

>>3922043
I love that involving Marqus prompted such a strong reaction out of you guys, I really do. I think that was one of my favourite pieces of dialogue to write, because the question is there. Did she actually threaten Marqus? Or did she bring in your son because she wanted to emphasize that the future of the house was on your shoulders? It's not for me to confirm one way or another but I feel like the pot needs to be stirred.

I mean that's a plan alright. Joanna isn't married to Lord Farman yet so it could happen but that'll come down to a vote which I imagine will be hotly contested, and I've got some plot hooks coming that might take precedent over that. As >>3922128 said, the ship kind of sailed.

>>3922121
"Evil" isn't the right word choice, but it's a bit of everything. Breaking with his personal code will give him grief. He stayed with his father until he died for gods sake, and his father beat and abused him for his entire life. Then you can add in the slaughter of innocents and children, killing Sebaston and what not. Really the only death I think Merv would be completely unaffected by would have to be Ser Herman Swyft's only because the guy was a cunt.

Alright well I have some things to take care of this morning and what not, but I'll be back later in the day. Voting is still open until I get back. See you all tonight.

>>3922043
Supporting this.

I think this is a harder DC, but this is the issue which pushed us to change camps - so it is the right in-character choice.

>>3922253
I would argue we are loyal to the house and are doing what we consider best for it even if it ends up going against our lord or lady's wishes. So our loyalty for our family means loyalty to the family house.

>>3922600
I view Mervyn ‘s loyalty as
Alyssa
Marqus
The rest of the Reynold house = himself


Eleanor fucked up the moment she involved our son.

I wish she wasn't such an arrogant cunt about it, it's such a cool thing to do, be part of retaking and rebuilding caastamere. Since we're not a key player we play hide and seek with tywinn's attention. being involved enough that we can set up others to rise and fall by ruthlessly murder people on and off the battlefield while everyone underestimate us as a lowborn brute.

I really want to do that, being the one who keeps the family from falling but without having the proper skillset for it that the only recourse is to smash the right skulls at the right time

>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon - 4
>>3921931
>>3921949
>>3922107
>>3922171

>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you - 4
>>3921936
>>3921991
>>3922043
>>3922532

>Write in - 1
>>3922162

Tie game currently. If there is no change by 4:30pm I'll roll a die for it

>>3921910
>>Tell him of her threatening Marqus in front of you

>>3922871
>>Tell him of Elleanor’s words about saving Sebaston over Tygon

Alright can I get 3d6 for persuasion please

Rolled 5, 4, 2 = 11 (3d6)

>>3922931

Rolled 3 (1d6)

....fuck's sake.
Odds: About Marqus
Evens: About Sebaston

Rolled 6, 1, 1 = 8 (3d6)

>>3922931

Rolled 3, 4, 4 = 11 (3d6)

>>3922931

Rolled 3, 2 = 5 (2d6)

>>3922990
Rolling the 1's for attractive

And with 3 11's, we failed. Want to roll once more for lucky?

>>3923012
sure

Yeah I can't see why not. Roll it up folks

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

>>3923024

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>3923033
Attractive activated again.

One point shy of the mark with 14.Alright I'm writing here

Rolled 5, 2, 2 = 9 (3d6)

>>3923024
make some space for my six

>>3923041
Well damn. Dice gods did not want us to succeed here.

--- Ser Mervyn’s Persuasion Test ---
Rolled 14 vs DC: 15
Result: Test Failed

“Tygon, you’re going to be a father soon and I’m sure you already love your unborn child don’t you?”

He looks slightly confused, but he nods. “I suppose Ser. Andrea and I…well…I often fall asleep with my head on her stomach listening to the baby move. But I fail to see how that pertains to what we are talking about.”

Your hands flex as your fingers curl and uncurl before rapping on the table softly. “Well, what I mean is you would do whatever you needed to do to protect both Andrea and your unborn child?”

“Of course I would. I would put the entirety of Ember Peak, including myself, in between anyone who wished either of them harm.”

You nodded your head slowly, as if to show him that the question had been rhetorical. “So would you blame me if I was trying to protect Marqus from someone who had threatened him?”

Tygon blinks back shock and his brow furrows heavily as he asks you to elaborate on your meaning, and you begin to tell him of how Elleanor had summoned you at Fair Castle. How she had shattered glasses in her rage and how she had Marqus brought in to the chamber by a servant while she spoke of loyalty and legacy. “So you see Tygon? She threatened my son because she suspected my involvement in Ser Sebaston’s death. I believe I managed to convince her otherwise, but the point remains that she was willing to use my son as leverage against me.”

Tygon’s face had grown more and more severe as you continued on before he eventually called for you to stop, with both his voice and a wave of his hand.

“Ser Mervyn, enough. I am well aware that my parents quarrel for position and power in Ember Peak. By the seven there are times that I am certain the only reason she hasn’t had him poisoned is so she does not have to compete with me for rule over our home. I also know that my mother holds a grudge against House Lannister, and that she is playing a dangerous game in provoking him. Do not consider me some child Ser, unpracticed in the ways of politics. My mother is a viper, and one with enough cunning to get in bed with dragons it would seem, but I refuse to believe that she would threaten her grandchild in such a manner. Have you seen the way she looks at him when she holds him? Tyrus is nearly a man grown, Elyse is married and damn near the Lady of Silverhill and James may still only be ten but he is leagues away at Goldengrove. Why would she wish to hurt Marqus? She loves him. Besides, you just told me she intends to land you herself? Why would she do such a thing if she had doubts of your loyalty.”

His voice had risen and he sounded exactly as one would expect a proper lord to sound. Stern, clear and precise. There was anger in his tone, along with as indignation and confusion as well and he stopped you before you had an opportunity to respond to his line of questioning.

“Ser Mervyn let me make something explicitly clear. I was willing to help plot against my mother for my sister, and would do so again to protect those I care about. But make no mistake, that I will absolutely not be privy to any plan that would have my mothers blood, nor any other members of this family, on my hands. Is that understood?

Your eyes stared into his own for a moment and to his credit he does not look away, but instead dismisses you.

"If that is all Ser, you may go. I have many things to attend to. Good day Ser Mervyn."

--- Any parting words for Tygon? ---
>Write in
>No, just leave him in peace

>>3923126
>refusing to see the truth wont make it go away

>>3923126
"And it's exactly that sort of underestimation of her willfulness that has lead to your father playing second fiddle to your mother."

>>3923126
>I think you may just be the only one of your blood with that mindset.

>>3923126
"Remember that vipers care not who's hand they bite."

>>3923126
You're overestimating yourself, ser. You've been raised by a viper, but you're not one yourself.
Know that I will choose Marqus over anyone else, including you, your mother, and your father.

>>3923137
Supporting this.

Don’t wait for his response, just walk away.

>>3923179
Doesn't need to be said and doesn't help us

Any favorites here? I see >>3923137 has the support of at least one other person so if there are no objections I'll go with that. I'll begin writing at 7:15pm so you have until then to throw your opinion at something.

>>3923126
Fuck sake, Tygon. We fucking killed for you. You're going on my shitlist. FUCK the Reynolds! Tywin is my new friend!

>>3923234
I will support as well.

>>3923236
Tywin: "Hey Merv, wanna help be write a new song?"

>>3923236
It’s the noble attitude.

My problems are huge and need to be solved. Your problems aren’t and can be dismissed.

Short and simple. Works for me. Alright I'm writing here.

You stood and made your way to the door and you make to leave but before you cross the threshold you turn back…

“Refusing to look at an ugly truth won’t make it go away Tygon…”

He makes to respond but you slip out of the door and instead of slamming it closed, you leave it ajar as you begin to walk down the hallways. As you listened to your footsteps echo off the walls you heard the latch of the door slam closed which brought the smallest of smiles to your face momentarily. It was something Alyssa would do to you when she was frustrated with you and it irritated you to know end but with the sound fresh in your ears you could understand why she found it so satisfying. Knowing that Tygon had been forced to get up from his seat to close the door was a small victory you supposed but his refusal to accept your telling of the events had rankled you. The two of you’d had no cause for quarrel before and you had mixed feelings about his reaction.

On the one hand, it meant the man had principles and honour after a fashion, although you knew that could be a double edged sword. The fact that he viewed blood as something worth protecting would lead you to believe that he would be a good lord one day. On the other hand though, sometimes good lords, and good men for that fact, were not what the world needed. Sometimes it took monsters to keep the world safe. You of all people in this castle would know.

As of late you’d often found your dreams plagued by visions of death. The most recent had been a strange one. You’d ridden to your castle. You weren’t sure how you’d known it had been yours but you were. It was a picturesque view, with the stone building perched on a rocky bluff with a small track leading up to it. It was summer and the warm wind was at your back as you returned home but as you got closer you found the road watched by sentinels. They stood at the side of the road and you realized they were all dead. Men, women and even children watched you as you rode up and your head turned to look at each of the corpses that were watching you. Many had their heads smashed in, other had their throats cut or had wounds that looked as if they were from a lance or sword. You had recognized some of the faces and as you approached your gates you once again found your father standing before your gates with hate in his eyes. In his right hand he held a handful of red hair that you realized was attached to Alyssa. She was kneeling beside him and as you sprung off of your horse to run to her he stopped you by pulling her hair upwards and you could see she was crying with fear. In his left hand, Ser Orlick Hill held your son who was also crying. It was the angry type of cry that spoke of a child who was in distress and you had pulled forth a hammer and made to walk with purpose but as you approached, so to did two of the dead man who sat near your father and he handed off your family to them and he cracked his neck and walked forward to you.

“Hello again my son. Tell me, how’ve you been? Do you remember all of your friends here?”

You recognized the man that now held your wife. Or rather you recognized the ruin that served as his head. He’d been the first man you’d ever killed. A bandit near Crakehall that had tried to rob your packmule while your father had been distracted and you’d cracked him in the side of the head with the club your father had given you. You couldn’t have been more than thirteen at the time and the blood and brain was still leaking from his skull onto Alyssa’s red hair.

“What do you want father?” You had asked brusquely.

“What do I want? Oh come now Mervyn does a father need an excuse to see his boy?”

He was just as you remembered him. He had grown sickly with the pox, and you could see the slightest tinge of purple creeping up the mans neck above his collar and you tightened your grip on your hammer and your father looked at you, clearly unimpressed.

“You’d best drop it boy. We all know what kind of monster you are. Aye, a real cold bastard you are Mervyn. The question is does your pretty little wife? Or will your son grow up knowing all the bad things his daddy’s done. Yes that’s right Merv. You’ve killed all of us, so what’s one more name to the tally? That’s your choice to make though. You can kill your pretty wife and leave your son motherless, or you can kill your son and have your wife hate you. And I know what you might be thinking…that she’ll love you if you choose her, but trust me Merv. Your mother insisted I save our coin to save for your apprenticeship instead of paying for a barber to leech her and she died for it. So now you’ll have to make your choice…”

That had snapped you awake under the stars on your return to Ember Peak and had left you with a foul taste in your mouth, just as being rebuffed by Tygon had. As you were walking the halls a servant you recognized as on belonging to Lord Titus had dropped a piece of parchment in front of you and had given you a look as he kept walking and you’d bent down to retrieve the note. Cracking the seal next to a nearby alcove and you found a short message that was not addressed to anyone and contained a very short message.

Cannot be seen to talk in person. Opportunity will be found at Harrenhal. Titus.

You cursed under your breath and rubbed your eyes in frustration. You altered your choice of route and instead made your way back to the familiar hallway that your own chambers sat in and upon throwing open the door you are nearly tackled by your wife who squeezes you as tightly as you imagine she is capable of and as you separate you can she that she is visibly upset, and as she looks up to you her face grows almost fearful upon seeing that you were in a foul mood yourself…

--- What to talk about first? ---
>Your problems
>Her problems

>>3923482

>Her problems

This is how you make em love ya

>>3923482
>Her problems
This should make us forget father and be more clear once get to talk

>>3923482
>Her problems
Did Mervyn give his old man the ol' pillow to the face on his sick bed?

>>3923482
>>Her problems

>>3923482
>Her problems

Definitive vote for listening first. What a good husband Mervyn is. Writing!

>>3923532
>and you could see the slightest tinge of purple creeping up the mans neck above his collar

Seems like the good old 10 imprints on the pipe

You wrap your arms around Alyssa and and squeeze her softly in return before pulling away as you grabbed her by the shoulders and smiled at her before she sits you down on the side of the bed.

“I…Merv…this is all to much. I’m so glad your home I…”

Her hand was placed over her stomach while she was talking and while you were patiently waiting for her to get out what she was trying to say a pit began to grow in the middle of your stomach.

“I…I missed my second moon’s blood. Maester Aethan examined me when I returned and he think’s that I’m most likely with child again Merv. He was kind but he said that…well he said that he feared for my life Mervyn. He said that there is a considerable chance that I could lose the child, or that I could die from childbirth, or perhaps even both.”

You held her hand tightly with a grave look on your face and she begins to weep openly and buries her face into your chest and you hold her as she cries. It goes on until her tears run dry and although she struggles to get the words out she finally manages the courage.

“Maester Aethan…he…he recommended that I…that I take…m…moon….that I take moon tea. I told him I would never but…Seven above Mervyn I’m scared, and I don’t know what to do.”

You struggled to find your tongue. If another child of yours was growing inside your wife it would normally be cause for celebrating but as of right now…it was something that was a concern instead. The fact her first instinct had been to tell Aethan no spoke of how badly she wanted to bring more children into the world, and yet she was still scared. But if she were to get rid of the child…how would she handle losing the death of a child?

--- What does Mervyn do? ---
>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan
>Ask her what she wanted to do
>Inform her there would be no moon tea
>Inform her to send for Maester Aethan and she would take moon tea

This is your overnight vote for today. Feel free to ask any questions you guys might have and I'll answer until I fall asleep

>>3923740
>Ask her what she wanted to do

>>3923764
She can't decide for herself.

We should
>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan
and get the facts without the emotional component. Like we discussed previously, perhaps he knows another maester who may help her better.

>>3923740
>Inform her to send for Maester Aethan and she would take moon tea

Seriously.

>>3923740
>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan

>>3923740
>>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan
>>Ask her what she wanted to do
Both of these

>>3923740
>Inform her to send for Maester Aethan and she would take moon tea

>>3923805
This

>>3923740
>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan
>Ask her what she wanted to do

>>3923740
>Ask her what she wanted to do

What new info is the maester going to have? Skip.

>>3923931
We will threaten him to change his diagnosis. That will sort things out

>>3923740
>Inform her there would be no moon tea
Pray to the Mother. Mervyn will either become a religious man or a fedora tipper by the end of it.

>>3923740
>What new info is the maester going to have?
He might be able to give us a better idea of how likely this 'considerable chance' actually is.

>>3923740
>Inform her you would meet with Maester Aethan
He has to know something a healthy potion or something, maybe send a raven for advice or medicine formula

>>3923952
>>3923978
This isn't a modern setting. You sit back and wait for it to happen. That's the only option. Medicine isn't advanced and the so-called expert here is just an old man peaking up her skirts with the opinion that this is too soon after the last difficult birth. She's only 2 or 3 months pregnant so what more can he say? "May as well get another look?"

Given the foreshadowing here:
>>3923480
It seems like Merv has to choose between wife and child at some point. Maybe that's now or maybe that's 6 months from now. Both choices suck, but that's life. Especially with the meta knowledge of twins.

Alright so heres the deal. I just got informed I have to head out of town for work today, so I'm going to try and bang this scene off and leave us in good shape to head off to Harrenhal.

I'll also throw in asking her opinion after speaking to Maester Aethan about it. Writing

But find your tongue you did as you grabbed her by the hand and stood. “Come on Ally. I want to speak with Maester Aethan. We’ll get through all of this together.” A squeeze of her hand was followed by her clasping onto your own as she wiped away the tears with her free hand and the two of you made your way to the Maesters “Tower”.

The walk seemed to take forever as the two of you climbed the circular stair case that lead directly to the maesters domain. You passed by what served as his classroom, with the long shelf of books, tomes and scrolls. You were familiar with this place, as it was where Alyssa would instruct you in the knowledge of letters, noble houses and heraldry. You do not tarry however, and you pass by the rookery where you could here the numerous ravens quorking and shuffling softly.

Lastly you come to the final door where Maester Aethan’s personal chambers were and you knock firmly on the iron banded door. A small metal slide opens up and you can see the maesters eyes through and the small slide slams shut once more and you can hear a series of locks being fumbled with before the door is opened and Aethan beckons you inside.

“Ah, Ser Mervyn. I was expecting to see you once you’ve arrived. I see you’ve brought your wife as well. Well, please come in and take a seat. I can’t imagine this visit is regarding anything else than your wifes condition?”

You nodded and soon took a seat and soon had an arm around your wifes waist as the stormlander rummages through a desk with various drawers and before pulling forth a sheet of parchment which he had scribbled various things on that he reads from to you.

“I suppose I’ll cut straight to the point Ser. I would say the odds of your wife being pregnant would be rather high considering she has not had her moons blood in the past two months. It is not unheard of for such a thing to happen after child birth but she informed me of your tryst, and when combined with her recent bouts of nausea and other symptoms…”

You looked to your wife and she struggled to meet your eye, looking almost ashamed of her symptoms and you pulled her closer to you in a show of solidarity.

“I would conclude she is very likely pregnant. As for what to do about it…well I already informed her that I am capable of brewing moon tea for her, she refused the suggestion immediately.”

“So what is going to happen Aethan. What is going to happen to my wife and child if she keeps it?”

The man scratched at his shaven head and gave you a small grimace. “It is hard to say Ser. You were not present for Marqus’ birth, but let me tell you that it was a difficult one. The fact that you were able to engage in your marital duties so soon after should speak volumes of my ability, but I will remind you that I advised waiting for a period of a minimum nine months to allow Alyssa to heal and strengthen herself again. But I fear that this pregnancy will carry some considerable risk. I cannot speak to odds, but I would find it likely that there will be some complications with a birth so soon. I cannot say if it would be the child at risk or Alyssa. That, unfortunately, is in the hands of the gods and they don’t seem keen to be sharing their knowledge.”

“Is there anything else you can tell us Maester?”

“Only that the longer you wait to try and use moon tea, the less likely it will be to work.”

You could feel Alyssa squirm at the mention of moon tea again, and when you looked over to her you see that her normally cream coloured skin had instead gone as white as snow and her face was completely blank as she stared off at the room.

--- Crunch Explanation ---

So essentially what happened was when I rolled for the pregnancy, the 16 was one of 3 “Special Rolls” that I had added to my pregnancy chart. What is going to happen if Alyssa goes through with the pregnancy there will be another roll at the time of the birth. The chart has options for death and life. The specifics I’m not going to reveal but I will reveal what it looks like without numbers if you all would like to see it. You can also try to convince Alyssa to take moon tea, but it will require a persuasion test. If you guys haven’t clued in, she does not want to take moon tea at all, but she is nervous and understandably scared.

--- What to do? ---

>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924137
>>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea
I want the twins OOC but no way in shit does Mervyn take that risk himself. Alyssa is his lifeline in the plotting game, he needs her alive, as well as the more disgusting fact that he loves her and wants to hold her hand

>>3924144
>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea

This is tough, gonna wait a bit before i vote.

>>3924144
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

Come on, it can't be that bad,we were just unlucky with the roll last time

>>3924205
Im gonna say that in a medieval setting like this, dying in childbirth is a pretty common worry

>>3924144
>>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea

>>3924137
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>You can kill your pretty wife and leave your son motherless, or you can kill your son and have your wife hate you. And I know what you might be thinking…that she’ll love you if you choose her, but trust me Merv. Your mother insisted I save our coin to save for your apprenticeship instead of paying for a barber to leech her and she died for it. So now you’ll have to make your choice…”

Made me think. Have to go with lets hope.

>>3924144

>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924144
>>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea

>>3924144
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

I get the risks are what they are, but why would he damage his relationship with his wife by pushing an abortion in an era/setting where that is 100% not okay to do.

>>3924282
Is it not okay to do, though? I think in this era it's actually a pragmatic choice, considering maester aethan pushed it as a reasonable option.

>>3924144
>>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924150
I'll switch
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924144
>>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924144
>>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924294
It's pragmatic, but that doesn't make it socially acceptable. I would imagine it would need to be kept secret at the very least and it may poison their relationship.

>You can kill your pretty wife and leave your son motherless, or you can kill your son and have your wife hate you. And I know what you might be thinking…that she’ll love you if you choose her, but trust me Merv.

Not that dream-dad is infallible, but I can see things getting toxic fast.

>>3924137
>Convince Alyssa to take moon tea
Losing her would destroy us

>>3924618
Having her hate us would probably be worse

Just giving you guys a head up that I should be at my destination around midnight tonight (MST) and should have a post up by about 1am give or take.

>>3924144
>Accept that it's in the hands of the gods

>>3924144

What happened to asking A what she wanted to do?
I'd like to know why she refused the moon tea, if it's just something as simple as she was afraid we'd hate her for it then that's an easy fix.

>>3925106
Agreed.

Can we get her opinion on this before we make the big decision?

>>3925106
I don't know. From reading her body language, it looks like she doesn't want to do it and asking her is a fucking landmine/trap. If we ask her, we're basically saying we're all right with it if she is, which I don't think she will be okay with? I think we should just be decisive now and give her reassurance, since I believe that's what she wants. At least that's my take. Might be wrong.

Hey guys, just arrived at my destination and I am absolutely bagged. Driving long distances in freezing rain is terrible Looks like a pretty strong leaning to leave it in the hands of the gods, so that is what we will do. I'm honestly in no shape to write right now but I'll have a post up tomorrow. Thank you for your patience!

I hate everything about this

>>3926148
what do you suggest

Well Alyssa is weak and the baby will start to weakening her pretty soon, would it be weird to suggest that from now own she eats more food. Baby eats the fat, once labor comes she is not that weak, Mervyn is a warrior so he should know all about preserving strength and energy

>>3924282
>>3924294
>>3924432
>>3925106
>>3925125

I'll clarify this because it's something I think Mervyn would be aware of. In my interpretation of the setting, moon tea would be something that is frowned upon by a very large percentage of the populous, and I imagine that the Faith of the Seven takes a similar view as early Christianity on the matter. That's not to say that it didn't happen, and you've already seen someone else take it, but I imagine it would be a rare thing most people would shy away from.

As for Alyssa's feelings on the subject...

If she were left to her own devices she would insist on carrying any child to term, although to say she is worried would be an understatement. That worry is what would allow Mervyn to convince her to take it, but she would be affected by it quite harshly. Gaining the "Haunted" drawback for instance. Failing that test would have some serious consequences on their relationship. Not to say that this way doesn't have it's own risk as now the life of both the twins and Alyssa are at stake. To be honest this isn't really a situation that has a "Win" option.

Anywhores, writing here

You looked at your wife and when her own sea green eyes looked into your own you saw her answer. You saw the look of iron in them and you knew that convincing her to take the life of your second child would be a difficult proposition to say the least. Your lips tightened into a tight lipped line and you nodded shortly to her as your hand took hers in a tight squeeze and the two of you come to an agreement together silently.

“Maester, I appreciate your council and I believe I speak for my wife when I say that we understand the risks, and this is in the hands of the gods now. If they’ve decided to give us another child, another child we shall have.”

The man shrugs softly before bowing his head. “As you say Ser. My lady, if that s your decision perhaps you will allow me to prepare you a tonic as I did for your first pregnancy? I will do everything in my power and ability to aid you.” He was idly playing with one of the silver links that he had in his chain.

Alyssa nods thankfully to the man. “I would appreciate that Maester Aethan. I don’t suppose you could possibly prepare something that might help with the morning sickness?”

“At once my lady. I shall bring it to your chambers with haste once it is finished if you wish to return somewhere more comfortable.” He was soon rummaging once again through a cupboard and making his work with his mortar and pestle at a small bench and you and Alyssa stand and leave the man to his work and you’d made your way back to your own bedchambers in silence arm in arm. When you enter your chambers you can see that all of our belongings have been left packed away in their respective boxes and you let Alyssa go to recline on a chaise while you open the boxes and begin to unpack your own belongings. The first thing you find was your new raiment folded neatly in a small separate box. The doublet was expertly made and easily the most expensive garment you owned, made of grey silk and other such expensive materials that you were not familiar with and you make a point of putting it down softly for a servant to hang and see to later, and upon opening the second box you find the gifts you had bought for your wife while in Lannisport.. You unwrapped the first and found the engraved hand mirror and soon had ivory handled hair brush in your hand and you turned to walk towards your wife.

You handed her the mirror and she takes it in her hands with a delicate smile. “What’s this for Merv?”

You shake your head at her while giving her a playful grin of your own to try and lighten the mood.

“Come on now Ally. I know when your name day is.”

She looks at herself in the mirror before giving you a mock look of horror. “Merv I’m an absolute mess and you let me walk about the castle like this?”

“Well perhaps you’ll let me help you with that?” You speak as you pull out the hair brush from behind your back and take up behind her and begin to brush her hair and comfort her as you do so.

“Everything is going to be fine Ally. You already had Marqus, and this time around you’ll know what your doing. And don’t forget you’ll have Maester Aethan and anything else you need.”

She turned around and kissed you tenderly with her hand on your cheek and you looked into her eyes and she looked into yours as you took comfort from each others company…


---Alyssa gains 30 Exp from turning 18---

Any suggestions on how to spend her new experience?

>>3927230
endurance

>>3927230
>Persuasion
Harrenhal is soon.

>>3927230
Persuasion

>>3927230
Endurance

She and the babies get too strong and they're shoot out at Merv, killing him.
Ghost dad: "Well I was hoping for your children to kill you like you killed me, but I didn't imagine this."

>>3927230
If it actually makes a difference for the pregnancy, I’d vote Endurance

Otherwise I’ll back Persuasion

>>3927230
Yeah I'd say all these testing situations have tempered her.
>Endurance (or Will)
A QM like breezy wouldn't leave it to luck of the dice alone, r-right?

>>3927230
>persuasion.

>>3928271
I hope he does.

Alright well seeing as endurance isn't going to help with surviving the pregnancy, Persuasion takes it 4-3. Logically I'm going to say it's her becoming more mature as she gets older, and as such she is better at intrigue.

>>3928271
>>3928451
I've got some things planned, and when the time comes you guys will get to be the ones to roll those dice.

Alright, and I forgot to give Mervyn his experience so he is sitting at 20, which is enough for two specialties.

Some suggestions would be:

Strength (Athletics) - Increased damage using weapons such as lances, warhammers etc

Persuasion Specialties - Intimidate, charm, convince. Any of those are going to be fairly useful as Mervyn will be looking to make some friends and charm some lords.

Reputation (Status) - I like this one because it makes sense that some people would have started to hear about Mervyn's exploits. Defeating Tygett Lannister in a single pass for example.

You could also throw some stuff at bludgeons, spears or ride. Feel free to throw any ideas out there.

>>3929385
Lets get bludgeons up

>>3929385
Bludgeons + Strength
I want to ace Harrenhal

>>3929397
This sounds good to me.

>>3929397
yeah, I was thinking about that, lets go with those two

>>3929397
I like it

>>3929385
BANK IT

>>3929397
>>3929385
>Charm
>Strength or bludgeon


Strength only helps with the lance and the warhammer ... we're not going to win the joust anyway and we're more likely to be using the cavalry hammer + shield in the melee.
Bludgeon on the other hand ... we've already got 2B in it. With a Bo3 system, how likely are we to get 3 rolls low enough to really benefit from the bonus dice? I feel like the first 1 or 2B are the most valuable.

With that in mind, we should put 1 point in charm. We're not always going to be able to rely entirely on Alyssa and we'll be talking to a lot of bigwigs at Harrenhall - we want to make a good impression.

>>3929385
>>3929964
>Charm
for the reason anon outlined above
>Rep status

>>3929964
>>3929385
Two questions for you Joe
1. Do you not track damage during jousts? I don't remember us dealing or taking any damage during the last tournament and if that's the case then strength is even more useless at Harrenhal.
2. Initiative. Similar question, I don't recall us testing agility to determine initiative at the start of combat. If we do (and I've just missed it) then we may want to meet in Agility (Quickness) - the 1B might be just what we need to go first in a melee and injure our enemies before they're able to strike us.

>>3929385
>>3929869
Seconding banking it. These specialties are so inferior to something like another rank in persuasion/endurance.

>>3929397
Bludgeons 3 is literally +1 on the roll on average. I'd safely discard it until we decide to get Bludgeon Fighter 2 which has it as a prereq.

>>3929964
I too would like to get Status (Rep), lets sempai notice us better.

As for the second one, anons, come on, we just barely slithered through with plain Deceive of 3. We _should_ get Bluff.

>>3929869
Support this

>>3929869
support

>>3930141
>lets sempai notice us better
If we do better we get noticed better.

>>3930258
>what is the point of status.pdf

>>3930141
Reputation seems very niche desu. Bluff and charm would likely serve us better imo.

>>3930053
>>3929869
Nooo. We need every advantage we can get before Harrenhal.

>>3930310
>We need every advantage we can get before Harrenhal.
This. We won't get any exp before Harrenhal and it is a monumentally important event for us.

By this logic only combat stats and persuasion are ever worth getting. That's lame

Reputation seems nice but let our actions speak for ourselves

Strength and bluff is good enough

Shame we couldn't get that sweet fighting 6 before the tourney. Ah well, at least we've got that destiny point.

>>3929987
>1. In previous tournaments I haven't tracked damage during jousts in order to keep things just a little more streamlined. I'm thinking I might try and use the full rules during Harrenhal if I can get enough prep work done for it though.

>2. Same rule applies. I use passive agility to determine who goes first, adding in bonus dice for quickness as well as subtracting bulk, and rolling behind the scenes if it's a tie. I figure my fight scenes have enough crunch behind them normally that it's not another roll you guys want to do, but again seeing as this is going to be the big leagues I might put it all out on the table.

>>3930266
Reputation is a tricky one. You guys could use reputation to try and gain audience with more powerful lords, could use it to intimidate people if people have heard of your exploits etc. It will also affect the type and quality of any personages ifwhen? Mervyn gets landed and is looking to staff his holdings.

Athletics/Strength - 5
>>3929397
>>3929501
>>3929682
>>3929831
>>3930523

Fighting/Bludgeon -
>>3929390
>>3929397
>>3929501
>>3929682
>>3929831
>>3929964

Those are going to be the winning votes looks like. Mervyn going further down the road of being an absolute murder train.

Alright and now as a last bit of prep before Harrenhal. Would you guys like to spend Mervyn's last destiny point beforehand to gain a benefit?

Keep in mind that this will mean accepting the whims of the dice for a fair amount of time, but I figured I'd give you guys the option.

I'll do the yay/nay vote first before posting the various benefits that might be useful here.

--- Spend a Destiny Point to gain a benefit? ---
>yay
>nay

>>3930708
>nay

>>3930708
Every time XP/DP vote is won by plain old fighty stats it feels increasingly pointless to participate in such. Despite making an insignificant difference, the crowd still picks it, making every character look and play the same.

I liked what Boggs, the other QM, did with specialties, awarding them narratively for things achieved. That way they don't get in the way of the competition with bludgeons and whatnot.

>nay

>>3930708
>nay

>>3930718
It is disappointing. It's ironic how tg and qst complain and make fun of rollplayers when it always turns out that the majority are just that themselves when it comes down to it

>>3930708
>>nay

>>3930708
>>yay

>>3930708
>Yay

>>3930708
>>nay

>>3930708
The questions about jousting damage and initiative were mine.
Personally I'd like to see some damage dealt during the joust this time for the sake of not wasting our improved strength.
The way you deal with initiative works fine though, as you say the fights already have plenty of rolling, I'm happy for that to be dealt with behind the scenes. Though maybe include it in the write up for the first round, that way anons would know that our failure to upgrade agility or quickness is having an impact and make them more likely to consider it for future XP.

Alright I'm going to call it here for nay, and we are saving the destiny point.

>>3930718
While I can appreciate how Boggs handles the specialties, I don't want to take away any player agency, as well as giving out 10 point chunks of experience. If players want to save them for ability increases or what have you, I don't have a problem with that. That being said though, I'll go on record and say that if anon wants to invest in a skill (even a niche on) I would do my best to try and include that skill in some facet of the quest.

>>3930941
This tournament is going to be fun, what with it being described having a seven sided melee that started on horseback. I'll try to make everything as transparent as possible, as well as to include the benefit of "Strength"

>>3930975
>I don't want to take away any player agency, as well as giving out 10 point chunks of experience. If players want to save them for ability increases or what have you, I don't have a problem with that.
I appreciate that. If we're too shortsighted to save xp then so be it.