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--- 23/05/217 ---
--- Stonegrove’s Solar ---

The sound of rain lashing upon wood and stone was a comforting sound to you when mixed with the crackle of a small fire in the hearth. The room itself was dark but for the hearth and three small tallow candles that had just enough light to allow you to read. You pored over the piece of parchment that rested on your desk as you had everyday since it arrived…

Ser Ardrian Borlund, it is the pleasure of King Aerys I, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men and Protector of the Realm to inform you that the debt placed upon your family by the late King Daeron II has been repaid in full. In return for your dutiful repayment and loyalty, King Aerys and his Small Council have decreed that your firstborn daughter will be returned to Stonegrove post haste by way of the Kings Road and Storms End. She shall be given an armed escort to Storms End where she will wait until you are ready to collect her.

Lord Cormaic Celtigar, Master of Coin

King Aerys’ Master of Coin had a fine and elegant script that flowed evenly at every word, and you had received many letters from the man over the years regarding the payment of coin. Lightning flashed in the night sky and was followed by crack of rumbling thunder that revealed through the glass windows just how much you had sacrificed to keep yourself from faulting on those debts. Your Lord-Fathers solar was once richly furnished with both Myrish and Qohorik carpets and tapestries, fine stained glass windows, and beautifully carved furniture. Now it’s walls were bare, the glass was thick and almost opaque, and it was sparsely furnished but for a small desk, a table and a few chairs. A single banner displaying the arms of your house hung above your desk. A speckled and redcapped woodpecker, on a field of green.

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A rumble from your stomach echoed the thunder and your attention turned to the plate of food a servant had delivered to you hours ago. Brown bread and day-old butter sat upon a wooden plate, and within a similar wooden bowl was a thin onion soup. You tore a piece of bread off and chewed it thoughtfully as you picked at your signet ring. It was the single piece of jewelry you owned, and silver at that. A polite knock sounded at the door that was recognizable immediately.

“Come in, Broderick.”

Your younger brother opened the door as you moved to the table in the centre of the room. The two of you looked much alike although he kept his beard and hair shorter and they had yet to begin to show signs of the grey that cursed your family so early. His hand were clasped together and were wringing themselves as you gestured with a hand for him to sit down.

“Good evening Ardrian. I’ve come to remind you th-th-that you are to hold court on the morrow. There are a number of people here to see you brother that I thought you might like to kn-kn-kn-know about.”

Broderick had always been a shy boy. Your Lord-Father had done everything in his power to make a soldier of him but his blood was weak. He despised conflict and anger, and his stutter only became stronger once he was nervous. He was not made to hold a sword or lance but he had a knack for numbers and coin. He had served as a hostage in King’s Landing before your eldest daughter was born and had served the Master of Coin as a page. Had it not been for him, you may have never been able to pull your house out of it’s debts that it accrued at the Battle of the Redgrass Field.

“I would, Broderick. Thank you.”

Kind words to put him at ease. You loved your brother despite his cowardice and you had learned the ways to talk to him to make him feel more comfortable. He swallowed and relaxed slightly but his disposition was still unsettled.

“The f-f-first is a holy man.”

“A wandering septon perhaps?” It had been some months since a septon had made it’s way to Stonegrove and your sept had stood almost empty since.

“N-n-no. He claims to-to be from the ab-ab-abbey.”

You kept your face carefully neutral. House Borlund had once been famed for it’s piety, boasting not only a sept within it’s walls but an abbey deep within the forests it’s lands where monks would toil to create beautiful idols of the Seven. You had spent much time there in your youth, when your faith served as your shield. Stonegrove itself had survived the attack by those loyal to King Daeron II, the abbey had not been so lucky…

“Surely it was not Father Boniface?” The abbot when you had left Stonegrove to foster with your grandmothers nephew in Nightsong had been an old man even twenty years ago.

“No b-brother. He was-was much too young. He did not introduce himself how-how-however.”

“Broderick, your stutter is getting worse. What are you afraid to tell me?”

His hands shot up and covered his mouth, as if to hide his stutter that had given him away. He swallowed and closed his eyes briefly before staring into yours.

“There is a S-S-S-Ser M-Micah Morr-Morri-Morrigan to see you as well.”

A wave of heat washed through you and your anger flared. Hands became fists and for a brief moment you wanted to curse but you bit your tongue.

So the crow descends from it’s nest to scavenge whatever it can.

House Morrigan had swallowed up a portion of your former lands, particularly the hilly regions to the north where House Borlund’s former mines and quarries once were. Your Lord-Fathers first wife had been a Morrigan and that gave her nephew, Lord Miles Morrigan, the idea that somehow he had a claim on Stonegrove. The thought of losing your family home was almost too much to bear. House Borlund had been a lordly house once, among the principle bannermen to House Baratheon. Your father even held the title of Lord of the Rainwood before his death. Now you held the distinction of being the first “Knight of Stonegrove”, your lands were hardly a tenth of what they once were and you swore yourself to Lord Martyn Mertyns of Mistwood as his bannerman.

“And did Ser Micah announce his purpose here?”

“He-he d-d-id.”

“Relax Broderick. It is best I know of this now instead of in court. He is hear with some sort of marriage proposal I imagine?” Broderick nodded his head quickly.

“Yes I thought he might. Amelia is of age, beautiful and has little prospects being the daughter of a landed knight.” And Lord Miles will know that as well, before making me an offer that I can hardly refuse without insulting him.

“There are also the us-usual smallfolk, although there are le-less these days. Also…there have been two ravens in the past th-three days. One is f-from Lord Martyn and the other is from…”

“You know I do not read her letters Broderick, no matter how many she sends.”

“I-I-I-I t-th-hought you might like to r-read this one. She mentions that L-L-Larten has…”

“Do not say his name. Men may know he is mine, but I have not acknowledged him. His name has no presence in my hall. Now, what news does Lord Mertyns have for us?”

“He is organizing a t-t-tournament in three months t-t-time.”

It took some small amount of willpower to not roll your eyes. It had been almost five years since you had last competed in a tourney and that had only ended in humiliation as you had lacked the funds to ransom back your destrier and plate.

“I have not jousted in years. I have no desire to repeat my experience in Broad Arch.”

Broderick shook his head, leaned over the table, and placed the two letters in front of you. You sighed but picked up the first letter which still bore half of the horned owl seal in grey wax of House Mertyns.

Ser Ardrian Borlund, you have been formally summoned to appear in Mistwood no later than the first day of the ninth month of the year 217 to discuss matters of industry and infrastructure. Additionally, you have been formally invited to participate Lord Martyns tournament to celebrate his grandsons tenth nameday of the same dates. As prizes he offers the overall winner the title of “Warden of the Mistwood” as well as six hundred golden dragons. The runner up four hundred gold dragons and two hundred dragons each for the joust, melee and archery contest.
Jakob Buckler, Steward of Mistwood

“I suppose I shall be going to Mistwood regardless.”

“Will you be competing?”

“That would mean purchasing at least a suit of plate and a horse…”

“Your brigandine may serve for the melee, and you need no armour for archery. Besides, living as we have and not having to repay back debts for the past few months have allowed our coffers to fill some. I can find coin enough for a suit of common plate and a steed more worthy of a knight if you wish…”

--- Shall you risk competing in the Tournament at Mistwood? Vote time limit: 1:30pm MST ---

The Joust
>Yay
>Nay

The Melee
>Yay
>Nay

The Archery Contest
>Yay
>Nay

>>4585861
>Yay

>Yay

>Nay

Archery tournies are for lowborns and sellswords!

>>4585861
>Yay
>Yay
>Yay
We need to try all the things we can get. Also we can meet a diverce group of men. Archery may be for the lowborn, but some lowborn are very talented and more important cheap.

>>4585861
>Yay
>Yay
>Nay

>>4585861
>joust
>Yay
>melee
>Yay
>archery
>yay

might as well see what Ser Borland can do.

>>4585852
>I'll be experimenting with only allowed 1 post Id's to be counted for the first 24 hours of the thread.
Sadly this means that I would not be able to participate after tomorrow. You should make it count if 1 post ids linked to their previous votes.

So is the history/fortunes to be discussed or are we broke as a joke?

>>4585861
>Yay
>Yay
>Tentative nay

>>4585861
>Yay
>Yay
>Yay
I'd also like to check between any cushions for spare change. Do we have a sigil?

>>4585922
>Do we have a sigil?
>>4585854
>A single banner displaying the arms of your house hung above your desk. A speckled and redcapped woodpecker, on a field of green.
I'm going to guess woodpecker

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>>4585898
I would be tentatively alright with linking back Id's if they are proving to be active. Still leery about it it though.

>>4585910
I'm working on getting an Excel Spreadsheet put together. But as it stands, House Borlund has 200 gold dragons to it's name.

It's wealth holdings are a sept and a steward (Broderick), as well as the Standard of Living: Poor.

>>4585922
>>4585926
Correct. The picture included here is what I'm imagining, but I'm awful with art and haven't been able to get anything up to an acceptable standard.

That is a yay to both the joust and the melee, and a tie to the archery contest. I'll extend the vote time until 1:50pm Mst and if there are no more votes and/or changes, I'll roll for it.

>>4585933
>I would be tentatively alright with linking back Id's if they are proving to be active. Still leery about it it though.
You shouldn't, you can spot if something is afoot easily if everyone links back to their previous votes.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

Alright still a tie so...
Evens = Yay
Odds = Nay

>>4585960
We don't really know what are Ardrian's strong sides to make an informed decision. Social conventions side, he wouldn't assume to participate if he weren't good at it?..
So are we building the character here or he is decent at all three options?

>>4585978
If I remember the write-up in the update thread, he was billed as a jack of a trades, which following the saying means that he is a master of none.

>>4585960
Just checking Joe, but I don't think there is actually a link for Character sheets in the OP.

https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am-XCwIRrb9HiTSROoUNuxR0hBO0?e=dz6jHD

Odd. Well hopefully this link works for you guys.

He isn't bad at anything, but nor is he exceptional either.

“How much coin do we have on hand Broderick?”

“At last c-count we had two hundred dragons. However, the end of the month is approaching and I will soon need to count the incomes once more so we may well have more.”

“Write back to Lord Mertyns if you please, and tell him to reserve a spot in both the melee and the joust for me. I shall not be participating in the archery contest.”

You had been fostered in Nightsong in the Dornish Marches, and there you had learned how to bend a bow and shoot. The longbow was a noble weapon and it took skill to use one, yet archery competitions such as these were places where common men and sellswords gathered like flies. You would not risk sullying your reputation by associating with men of such low birth. Even the melee gave you cause for thought, but any man who could afford the armour required to compete would at least be somewhat wealthy and therefore not some common-born swineherd.

“As you say brother.”

“I would like to have our monthly meeting sooner rather than later. The night after the morrow.”

“I will inform S-S-Ser Dominic this evening. Is t-there anything else?”

“Send a servant up. I would have them collect my weapons and armour from my armoury and deliver them to the yard. It would seem I must scour myself of rust.”

“Of course. Have a-a good evening Ardrian.”

Broderick left quietly without so much as another word. He had left the second letter on the table and you eyed it before picking it up and turning it over in your broad hands. The seal bore the nightingales of House Caron in black wax. Two or three of these letters came every year, and every year they went unread. You had distanced yourself from her memory since becoming the Knight of Stonegrove, as well as from the shame of your youth. Your heartbeat quickened in your chest as you looked at the broken seal. Curiosity began to grow and before it grew too large you stood and made for the hearth to throw it in the flames but you were interrupted when a servant knocked on the door.

“Enter.”

“You asked for me Ser?”

“I did. You are familiar with arms and armour yes?”

The man nodded his head hesitantly. “I know what sword is Ser…”

“That is good. I shall need my arms and armour brought from my personal armoury to the armoury nearest the yard.”

“Is there anything in particular Ser?”

--- What is Ser Ardrian’s preferred melee weapon of choice? ---
>Sword & Shield
>Greatsword
>Axe
>Greataxe
>Mace
>Warhammer
>Polearm

--- What to do with the letter from Nightsong? ---
>Burn it. You had buried your feelings long ago, and intended for them to stay that way.
>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...

Vote will be open until 4pm MST

>>4586012
>Polearm
Many knights fought with this because it was effective against other knights.
>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...
Don't keep your emotions cropped up like Mervyn.

>>4586012
>Greatsword
>Burn it. You had buried your feelings long ago, and intended for them to stay that way.

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>>4586012
>Polearm

A Poleaxe to be exact

>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...

Do not let bitches and whores control you like that

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>>4586020
view video of poleaxe fighting. I think it are the same guys as in this image (not sure). Poleaxes are almost the go to weapon of armoured footknights.

>>4586012
>Polearm
>Burn it. You had buried your feelings long ago, and intended for them to stay that way.
Hoes to the ditch

Since this is a BO1 quest, there is a decent chance of us dying prematurely. If such thing were to occur would the story continue, if so who shall we play as?

>>4586008
>animal handling 2
oof maybe we should have stayed out of the joust

>>4586010
Liked how the voting turned out playing into his haughtiness.
On the other hand we obviously won't be beating any tourney regulars.

>>4586012
>Sword & Shield
A generalist combination for a generalist character.

>Burn it. You had buried your feelings long ago, and intended for them to stay that way.

>>4586038
Indeed yikes.
Archery and foot combat would be our strength.

>>4586035
If Ardrian dies there will be a vote to choose who the POV shifts to. Currently I have three options, one of whom is Broderick. The other two will be announced once they have been met.

>>4586038
Ardrian was never an excellent rider. Growing up in the rainwood kind of defeated the point and his fostering in the Dornish Marches didn't help much either. He's an infantryman at heart who's also gotten rusty from not jousting in years.

>>4586055
Is one of them Amelia? Is she our daughter or sister?

>>4586012
>Sword & Shield
because shield
>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...
Adrian can put on a front to his brother and others while still wanting to know of his bastard

>>4586055
Yeah... Can we fight in melee before the joust so we can spare some money to buy back our armour later?

>>4586059
Joust will probably be the last part of the event as it will be the grand main attraction

>>4586058
What's with everyone and shields. Plate armour made shield as good as obsolete. Your armour is your shield.

>>4586061
>shields ain't actually for pussies

>>4586039
I'll change to
>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...

>>4586057
Amelia is Ardrians firstborn daughter. I'm always hesitant about doing FeMC's but she could be. I'll keep her in mind if it ever comes down to it.

>>4586059
>>4586060
Correct. The Archery Contest is the opener, followed by the melee, and the joust is the finale.

>>4586012
>Polearm
>Burn it. You had buried your feelings long ago, and intended for them to stay that way.
Shields r gay, poleaxe or bust

>>4586063
>>4586061
>>4586058
you know what, fuck it. I'll change to polearm because it'll be interesting. I hated when we switched Shryke to sword to shoehorn in the all fancy gear.

>>4586012
>Mace
best choice against armored enemies, good with a shield.
>Read it. You were a man grown and there was nothing to fear in a letter from a woman once loved...

I have dynamic IP so I'll get a trip for this quest, hope it's OK?

>>4586086
This would simply be Mervyn 2.0. Everyone knows what a mace is, but forgets polearms are really interesting. Also we are an older guy passing his prime so mace may be a bit too exhausting. We also went to Dorne where they use spears more.

Poleaxes. Neat, I don't think we've really had a character who used them except Aurion for a short stint. Helps make it clear that Ardrian is definitely more of a foot soldier as well.

And regarding the letter...

Burn it - 3
>>4586025
>>4586035
>>4586078

Read it - 5
>>4586020
>>4586027
>>4586058
>>4586064
>>4586086

>>4586086
I'm not overly concerned about trips, but if you want to just link back your posts I'll accept it.

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>>4586030
This is the one. From 2015. Really nice video about the usage of a poleaxe.

“I shall need my both my brigandine as well as my poleaxe. I would have them there tonight as well.”

“Your will Ser.” He left and closed the door behind him.

Your family had once owned a sword of valyrian steel that your umpteen great grandfather had named Judgement, but as a second son you had not be trained to wield her. Abner had trained everyday in the use of the longsword but even in your childhood you had known that you would never wield such a weapon and instead focused on a weapon of your choosing. You chose the poleaxe. A tricky weapon to use that depended largely on keeping your opponent at the correct reach, but if used correctly could prove dangerous to any man on a battlefield regardless of his armour or if he was mounted. You had trained alongside your elder brother but he was five years older and never once did you manage to best him. But even when he had been defeated, after he had taken the black for his loyalty to your father and the Blackfyre cause, Judgement had still not come to you. It had been lost on Redgrass Field. Further salt in an already horrible wound. Your eyes fell on the rack where Judgement used to hang and in a way you felt almost lucky. You had no son to give such a sword to when you finally met your end. Although you did have a son…

She had named him Larten. From what Broderick told you he had grown to be a capable and pious young man. A son whom you had never met. Your last words to her were a loving good bye when you had left with Lord Dustin Caron to fight Dornishmen seeking to enter the marches by way of the Prince’s Pass. He’d made no declaration for either Daeron or Daemon, he only saw an opportunity to fight with his ancestral foes and he had taken it. You had soon after been summoned to King’s Landing to swear fealty to true King and once you had become the Knight of Stonegrove you forced yourself to leave her, and your unborn child, behind. It would prove difficult enough to find a match for a man whose family had fought for the blacks, let alone if he had a bastard from another house of unproven loyalty.

Larten…Larten Storm. Your son.

A deep breath filled your lungs as you unfurled the letter and sat back down at your desk. The candlelight seemed to have grown weaker and your eyes strained at the letters that she had written. Her script was as lovely as she had been in her youth, delicate and smooth when compared to your own tall and spidery hand.

My dearest Ardrian, I write to you yet again. I know you ignore my letters for your love of duty and your house but I pray to the Seven that this shall be the one that reaches your eyes. I still wait for you. I have known no other man and have not forgotten the promises that we made in the sept together the day before you left so may years ago. Larten, Seven how he reminds me of you, has been given a command. He is now the Knight-Lieutenant of the Caron 2nd Infantry. I pray that one day that you may meet him. He may have my look but he is you in temperament. Not a day goes by when he does not visit the sept, and he has your voice. The people of Nightsong even call him the Singing Storm for he sings hymns to the Warrior as he fights. I hope to receive a letter from you but have learned to not expect one. My love remains yours, and yours alone, Delphine Storm

The memory of her mismatched green and brown eyes sprung forth unbidden in your mind as her words struck you like a hammer blow. You had loved her once, even promised to marry her in the foolishness of youth. A second son of a proud and ancient house could not marry a bastard. Broderick had tried to tell you more than once that such a marriage would be a boon for a landed knight but you had refused to consider it. Your family had sunk low and you had refused to let it sink further for something as ridiculous as love, no matter how your heart ached for it. But you’d had a son with her, and Broderick would bring up your lack of a male heir nearly every meeting of council that you had.

Lords with second and third sons, as well as those with meager holdings had begun to eye your daughters greedily. Your late wife, Lady Helen Horpe, had given you three daughters before passing away from the Great Spring Sickness. Broderick was hardly the type of man to make a capable heir given his fear of conflict. You had never met your bastard son but by all accounts and rumours he seemed the type of son a father would be proud to have were he trueborn. None of that mattered so long as his name was Storm. The only way for him to become a Borlund was by royal decree and you were in the good graces of neither King Aerys nor his hand, Bloodraven.

Your hands found themselves absent mindedly reaching for quill, ink and parchment before you stopped yourself short…

--- Reply to Delphine Storm? ---
>Yay
>Nay

Vote will be open until 7:30pm MST as I need to cook dinner and what not.

>>4586178
>Nay

Dismiss any foolish thoughts

>>4586178
>>Yay

>>4586178
>Nay
Let's see some other options. Perhaps this tournament will show us other options for furthering our house.

btw Joe, whose bastard daughter is this? Lord Caron?

>>4586178
>>Yay
be toxic

>>4586200
Delphine Caron is the bastard daughter of Ser Dillon Caron, the half brother of the current Lord of Nightsong.

I'll have to check their exact relations but I believe that Delphine and Ardrian are second cousins. Which to be fair in todays view is kind of icky but for the setting is well above the board when it comes to the incest issue.

>>4586218
I got a couple of seconds cousins I would bang of they said yes, just saying.

>>4586178
>Yay
Welcome back, Joe!

>>4586227
Based.

>>4586178

Establishing ID.

I only phone post, so if ID changes I will link back to this post.

>Nay

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>>4586178
>>Yay
Good to see you again man. How close is this to our arms? Also, we’ve gotta find that sword.

>>4586287
sword gone only poleaxe remains

Nay - 3
>>4586182
>>4586200
>>4586273

Yay - 4
>>4586189
>>4586217
>>4586236
>>4586287

>>4586273
Roger that, thank you for clarifying.

>>4586287
That's pretty damn close. I hadnt imagined it with the green and grey cross but I like it.

>>4586305
The sword is long gone. If you all want to try and find it, Lord Mertyns might be worth talking to. He was the man who slew your father, and also the last man you know who might have seen it.

Anyways, moving onwards...

--- What to write to Delphine Storm? ---
>A declaration of your own feelings
>The organization of you visiting Nightsong
>The organization of herself and Larten visiting Stonegrove
>Something else (Write in)

Vote closes at 9pm MST

>>4586319
>Something else (Write in)


tell her to stop writing as she is only hurting herself pointlessly over something that will never happen due to promises made out of youthful naivety and wishful thinking

>>4586319
>>A declaration of your own feelings
Visiting one another seems a little sudden given we haven't even been reading her letters for however many years. Let's not act overhasty.

Also, I'm yet another player who posts from a dynamic IP so I'll link back to here if needed.

>>4586319
>>A declaration of your own feelings
Nightsong is a good ways from the Rainwood, I'd hate to miss the tourney. Do want to visit her and our son though.

>>4586319
Glad you like it! I couldn’t find any site where one of the options for coat of arms animals was a woodpecker. Anyway
>A declaration of your own feelings
>The organization of you visiting Nightsong

>>4586305
It’s less about us using it and more about making sure future generations can. It’s a matter of our house’s history. Sounds like we’ll get to ask about it at the tourney.

>>4586319
>A declaration of your own feelings

>>4586319
>The organization of you visiting Nightsong

>>4586334
>>4586319
changing my vote to

>The organization of you visiting Nightsong

>>4586319
>The organization of you visiting Nightsong

A declaration of your own feelings - 4
>>4586340
>>4586345
>>4586356
>>4586363

The organization of you visiting Nightsong - 4
>>4586356
>>4586365
>>4586370
>>4586382

Tie game. Alright well I'll let this go for another 30 minutes. If there is no winner I'll roll for it as before.

>>4586390
If it is still open, then here is your tie breaker.
A declaration of your own feelings

And to get myself into the habit, this is my old post. With any luck, I still have the same IP.>>4585991

>>4586319
>>A declaration of your own feelings

Are bastards of bastards still called Storm?

>>4586411
yes

Alright I'll get writing here. This will be my last update for today but I have tomorrow off so I should be able to get through holding court done tomorrow.

You had denied yourself the pleasure of her company for twenty years. You married a woman whom you had never met without complaint, and while the two of you had been fond of one another in the early years your previous marriage had soured when Lady Helen Horpe had failed to produce a son. You had done all that was expected of you and you would deny yourself no longer.

You were not a man to express your emotions openly. You hid them behind a mask of courtesy and as you began to write you struggled to find a way to express your feelings for her. Soon a small pile of ruined parchment cluttered your desk as you drafted your final copy of the letter.

Delphine, I have not forgotten our promise. You are still, as always, the thunder within my heart. Things have begun to change within the Rainwood. Tell Larten that I am proud of the man he has become and that one day I hope to meet him. I cannot say when but I look forward to seeing the both of you one day soon. Ser Ardrian Borlund

It was short and simple, but your words carried weight. You had called her the “storm of your heart” during your time in Nightsong. You had called her that during your first time together when you had conceived your child together. She had always been a stubborn and devoted woman, and at the very least she deserved to know that you had not lost your feelings for her even if you did not marry her. The boy that yet lived deep within you desired that more than anything but it was not something that was so easily manage. Even if you did decide to ask for her hand you would still need to speak with both Lord Mertyns and Lord Caron and convince them both of the merits of the match. Worst of all you would need to overcome your own feelings of pride. That you loved Delphine was certain, but whether you loved her more than House Borlund you could not say…

Green wax sealed the letter as you carefully affixed your seal to the parchment and blew on the wax to cool it. Broderick would send it on the morrow before you held court. Lightning flashed in the night once more and thunder rumbled across the sky as you blew out the candles that lit your solar so you could retire to your bedchamber to sleep. All the while, a different Storm remained at the forefront of your mind…

--- Break ---

Thanks for playing everyone. I’ll see you all tomorrow around the same time as I started today.

>>4586500
thanks Joe

>>4586500
Thanks for running!

posting so I hopefully vote some time

--- 24/05/217 ---
--- Stonegrove’s Great Hall ---

The lords seat in Stonegrove’s Great Hall was an uncomfortable one. It’s stone base seemed to be carved from the same piece of stone that made it’s floor while it’s back was carved into the shape of an old oak tree. The cushion you sat on was threadbare and worn and though you’d sat on it for hardly a moment you swore you could feel your back getting stiff. Looking outwards you saw how barren your hall looked. There were five hearths in great hall but only the one behind you was lit, leaving those who wished an audience with you to suffer in the damp and cold. No tapestries were hung on it’s ancient walls and the rafters were covered in dust and soot. From the corner of your eye you could even see a bird fluttering amidst them before landing in it’s nest.

You had been the first one in the hall and you would be the last to leave it. People slowly began to trickle in from their various apartments and other places of business. Your younger daughter Adalynn was the first of your family to join you. She glanced about the hall and seeing that it was empty gave you a warm hug by way of greeting. She was a true daughter of the Stormlands, fierce and determined despite the frailty of her health. She had fallen ill during the Great Spring Sickness and fought tooth and nail to survive but it had cost her. She had your look, with dark brown eyes and hair so dark it was almost black. She took her seat in the second chair on your left side and waited patiently with you.

Broderick was next to take his place as your right hand. It was not a position he enjoyed or excelled at but he served as competently as he was able. Then a tall man enter the hall from one of the guest entrances and you immediately took him for Ser Micah Morrigen. He was of an age with you by the wrinkles that were starting to appear on his face. He walked with the confidence and bearing of a man of noble blood and honour. His clothes were well cut and were coloured in rich greens with a dark grey and black cloak that was pinned with a raven broach carved from jet. He stood in place with impeccable posture as he waited for the proceedings to begin.

Next to enter the hall was the septon Broderick had told you about. He wore the simple habit of a man of faith and a scowl like had been given a roach to break his fast. He strode forward towards the centre of the hall and crossed his arms impatiently. Last were the smallfolk to trickle in through the great doors. They had not been given residence within the castle itself but instead in some of the empty timber structures that were nestled within. They numbered no more than seven. Four men, two women and a child, and they were all malnourished and thin. The shuffled forwards carefully with their eyes pointed towards the floor.

The last person to enter the hall was your eldest daughter, Amelia. Her face was a mask of carefully neutral and flawless porcelain while her eyes sparkled like the sapphire waters between Cape Wrath and Tarth. You caught yourself tapping your fingers on the arms of your seat impatiently as she slowly walked and took her seat to your immediate left. She had worn the rich fabrics that the court of Kings Landing had bought for her during her time as a hostage there, as well as a rope of delicate rose coloured pearls about her thin neck. It was a flagrant display of wealth in an otherwise impoverished castle that did not sit well with you when your people looked as hungry as the smallfolk before you did. Your father had taught your elder brother, and by extension yourself, that the smallfolk were destined for short lives with few luxuries, but as a man of noble birth and a knight it was your duty to see that they were protected from the worst of their sufferings.

Your entire court stood before you and it numbered a grand total of twelve souls inside a hall that could fit two hundred, plus another fifty or so if crammed. The small crowd looked as if it could be swallowed up by the empty space. You snapped your fingers and a servant brought forth a small wooden plate with a scrape of bread and pinch of salt…

--- Who did you wish to hear from first? ---
>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy
>The unnamed Septon, a man of the gods should be held in reverence
>The smallfolk, they may have been of low birth but they were still your people

>>4586971
>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy

Voting will be open until 1:30PM MST

>>4586971
>>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy

>>4586025
me

>>4586971
>>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy
Mostly because he's the only one expecting to be heard first. The others are probably used to lords treating them like this.

>>4586971
>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy
We can't be a jackass against him. Also he was the first to enter so it is only reasonable that he is the first to be heard.

>>4586971
>The smallfolk, they may have been of low birth but they were still your people

>>4586971
>>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy

>>4586971
>>The smallfolk, they may have been of low birth but they were still your people

>>4586971
>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy
First by station is heard first. Simple.

>>4586971
>Ser Micah Morrigan, a man of noble blood deserved such courtesy
get the unpleasantness out of the way

“Ser Micah Morrigan of Crows Nest, present yourself.” Your tone was neutral but polite. Ser Micah strode forth from the crowd and approached the dais where you sat and kneeled at the base of the four steps. The servant with the plate brought forth the bread and salt and Ser Micah took a small pinch of the salt and sprinkled it on the crust before eating the small piece of bread in a single bite.

“Ser Micah, I welcome you as a guest within my halls.”

Although I expect you shall make me regret my courtesy…

Ser Micah bowed his head low and you could see the crown of his head through his thinning light brown hair.

“Ser Ardrian, I thank you for the bread and salt. It is good to know that you are a man of honour and tradition, even despite the reputation of your family.”

For how could a man, destitude and descended from traitors, possess honour…

“You are too courteous Ser Micah. Now what business brings you to Stonegrove?”

“My Lord-Brother has sent me with the offerings of a marriage pact between our families. He seeks a betrothal of your firstborn daughter so recently returned to you and that of mine own nephew, and his thirdborn son, Ser Cassius Morrigan.” Ser Micah turned his eyes on Amelia. “I can see that the rumours about your loveliness were lies my lady. You exceed them in every capacity. Ser Cassius is a good man, and of a similar age as you my lady. Strong, chivalrous and handsome. He sends you this as a token of his affection…”

Amelia began to blush prettily and brought up a hand to cover her smile in a polite fashion as Ser Micah climbed the four steps to present her with a broach that was of a similar make to his own. A fashionable silver pin in which was set a piece of jet resembling the crow of House Morrigan. He retreated back to his place below the dais and looked to you once more…

“Ser Ardrian, I hope I do not presume to much but my nephew is smitten with tales of your daughters beauty…”

Or perhaps he is smitten with the thought of her inheritance…

“Of course not Ser Micah. It may be improper to point out but my house is impoverished. It would be most discourteous to accept such a betrothal without making clear the financial state House Borlund is in. The dowry…”

“Can be discussed at a later date with Lord Miles. My Lord-Brother only wishes to make his intent known and a betrothal is not yet a marriage. He will expect you to travel to Crows Nest to discuss terms as well as meet Cassius if you should accept his offer of betrothal…

--- How does Ardrian respond? ---
>You would offer to host Ser Micah for another evening, and speak with him privately about the matter (Persuasion Test)
>You would not betroth your daughter to a man you had never met, let alone never heard of. You would decline.
>The offer was a generous one and such things were difficult to find. You would accept.

Vote will end at 3:00pm MST

>>4587107
>>You would offer to host Ser Micah for another evening, and speak with him privately about the matter (Persuasion Test)

>>4587107
>You would offer to host Ser Micah for another evening, and speak with him privately about the matter (Persuasion Test)
If this man were to inherit our land. It should be a man we deem worthy.
Of course don't tell him this, but we don't need a shit husband for our daughter and a shit lord for our land.

>>4587107
>You would offer to host Ser Micah for another evening, and speak with him privately about the matter (Persuasion Test)

We will need time to think and maybe even see the lad ourself first.

>>4587107
>The offer was a generous one and such things were difficult to find. You would accept.

>>4587120
>If this man were to inherit our land
that's providing we don't have a son later or... there is the bastard

>>4587126
Good luck with getting a bastard to gain our lands with a king and other lords actively disliking us.

>>4587128
it's the first thread, things can change

>>4587126
I thought about this option. It's unlikely, so we need a back-up. We are in a bad position so we need to play our card right and keep an eye open for option.

>>4587143
Go to the tourny. Meet a girl with a HUGE inheritance, Put a baby boy in her. Profit,

>>4587146
by inheritance you mean tits right?

>>4587153
ofcourse

>>4587146
Another bastard. Good idea. First find a woman who would marry us (has to be of birth so our prospects aren't great.) We already have a bastard that we would be proud of. It may be better to put our chips on him.

Also don't forget. We pious.

>>4587159
we marry her ofcourse you dummy

>>4587159
Best case I could think of would be a still of age widow. We could have Broderick do some investigating to see who might be available.

>>4587159
I wouldn't say Ardrian is pious anymore. In his youth he was very, very devout. But between having his father die, his elder brother being forced to take the black, his family sword being lost, losing one of his daughters as a hostage and both his wife and his youngest girl to the Great Spring Sickness...his faith was shattered. Is it something he could regain? Sure, but it's going to take some work.

>>4587107
>>The offer was a generous one and such things were difficult to find. You would accept.

>>4587169
The name "Borlund" strikes me as more First Men than Andal. Maybe we could convert to the Old Gods?

>>4587169
a pious woman could do the trick with huge tits

>>4587107
>>The offer was a generous one and such things were difficult to find. You would accept.
given our poor state and terrible reputation, there would be few offers for her.

How about we dont just promise her away like that from the first meeting without knowing anything about the guy.

Place your votes everyone on which women we should have.
>Tits
>Ass

>>4587196
anon, you're going to start a samefag war on the very first thread

>>4587196
Woman*

>>4587181
I haven't completed the House History yet because House Borlund of Stonegrove was founded during the Rhoynar Invasion nearly 1200 years ago but you are onto something there about the name anyways.

Stonegrove actually has a weirwood but it's been dead for a thousand years and has long since turned to stone. That's actually where the castle got it's name from.

Alright looks like inviting him for a longer stay is going to take it. One last short vote before I get writing here.

--- What specialty to use for the persuasion test? ---
>Bargain (speaking about matters of coin. Ardrian's forte but does little to improve relations)
>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah)

I'll call this vote at 3:30pm MST

>>4587202
>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah)

>>4587198
Ow shit. Didn't expect samefag war to happen so fast.

>>4587202
>Bargain (speaking about matters of coin. Ardrian's forte but does little to improve relations)
Can't risk it. These fucks already took from us.

>>4587202
>>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah)
Was it not a tie joe?

>>4587202
establishing ID vote

Nice to see you back Joe!

>>4587199
you had it right the first time

>>4587202
>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah

>>4587202
>>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah)

>>4587107
>You would offer to host Ser Micah for another evening, and speak with him privately about the matter (Persuasion Test)

>>4587214
That's our Dornish influence talking.

>>4587220
gonna marry a redhaired riverlander girl with huge tits and childbearing hips. You just wait and see

>>4587202
>Bargain (speaking about matters of coin. Ardrian's forte but does little to improve relations)
CREAM

>>4587211
Yup I just cant count past the fingers on one hand apparently.

>>4587113
>>4587120
>>4587122

>>4587126
>>4587173
>>4587187

My bad. In that case I'll combine the two in order to make that work. Gotta shake some of the rust out here.

>>4587202
>Charm (a weaker specialty but if successful will build relations with Ser Micah)

Time for smooth talk

>>4587221
Lot's of girls with daddy problems in the riverlands.

>>4587214
Also I LOL'd

>>4587227
>>4587219
he was a bit late but if you count him then it breaks the tie towards the persuasion

>>4587236
Just combine both by tentatively agreeing and get a lower charm DC for him to stay.

Charm - 5
>>4587203
>>4587211
>>4587216
>>4587217
>>4587231

Bargain - 2
>>4587209
>>4587225

Alright I'll need 4d6 for Persuasion Charm.

Ser Micah Morrigan Disposition: Neutral
Persuasion Modifer: +/- 0
DC: 12

>>4587220
>>4587221
>>4587234
Is nobody considering a Reach girl with VAST tracts of lands? My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.

>>4587251
Would settle with a Reachgirl if she has the same quialitíes

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

>>4587251
bo1 here we go

Rolled 1, 2, 2, 3 = 8 (4d6)

>>4587251
>Is nobody considering a Reach girl with VAST tracts of lands? My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
How vast of land tracts are we talking?

Rolled 5, 4, 4, 3 = 16 (4d6)

>>4587251

>>4587255
Please ignore my roll. Thank you!
>>4587254
Please consider his. Thank you!

>>4587254
Nice.

Alright cool. I'm going to get writing!

>>4587255
big, fertile valley to call our own

>>4587263
KEK

>>4587263
with two large mounds to nestle between

>>4587269
Maybe we are Cooming too hard?

>>4587276
We are just having a bit of fun while we wait for the update

>>4587279
Then it's okay.

>>4587279
it sure would be funny if our chosen woman with large tracts of land is infertile

>>4587290
Fermented crab can help with this.

>>4587297
It would help with us, but not the woman.

The offer was a generous one. Perhaps almost too generous but it would be a foolish thing to turn it away all the same. For the son of a Lord, even a third son, to marry the daughter of a landed knight. It was a boon…

And should this Cassius Morrigan be anything less than Ser Micah claims him to be…it is as he says. A betrothal is not a marriage.

“Ser Micah, I would be a fool if I were to turn away such an offer.”

The man smiled and bowed courteously exposing the bald crown on the top of his head once more. A small squeak of delight came from your daughter but she soon regained her composure and smoothed down her dress.

“Not a fool at all Ser. I could hardly find fault in a man for wishing to protect a daughter as lovely as her.”

“Indeed Ser Micah. So while I accept your offer of a betrothal I must also extend you an invitation to stay in Stonegrove for another night. The weather in autumn makes for miserable travel and I would speak to you at length about the man to whom may daughter should marry.”

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Persuasion: Charm Test ---
Ser Micah Morrigan Disposition: Neutral
Persuasion Modifier: +/- 0
Rolled 16 vs DC: 12
One Degree of Success
Result: Test Passed

As if on cue a thunder clap threatened to shake the walls of the great hall and Ser Micah looked about as if to find an excuse not to stay. He soon conceded to stay another night in Stonegrove.

“You honour me Ser Ardrian. I should be happy to stay within your halls for another night.”

“Excellent. Broderick, if you would be so kind as to escort Ser Micah back to his chambers and inform the kitchen that I shall require food for two tonight.”

Broderick was on his feet at once so as to carry out your will but Ser Micah protested in a polite a matter as might be expected.

“There is no need Ser Ardrian, I can find my own way back to my chambers with little difficulty.”

And allow you to see just how empty and barren Stonegrove truly is? I think not.

“And I would be a poor host to allow you to do so. Broderick, if you will please.”

He nodded and walked by you but not before you could whisper in his ears that you would need the freshest food in the kitchens for the meal you would sup tonight. Broderick simply nodded sagely and beckoned for Ser Micah to follow leaving the septon and the smallfolk…

--- Whom to hear next? ---
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.
>The smallfolk, surely your own people must come before a stranger, even one of faith.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.
I know we're not that pious anymore but it still would feel wrong to not listen to the septon first.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

This is just the natural order.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.
It is sadly the pecking order we must follow.

Fuck I keep forgetting to include the timefare. Gotta start making it a habit.

Voting stops at 4:45pm MST

>>4587311
>>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

>>4587311
>>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

>>4587339
id changed again, this is me >>4587173

>>4587311
>>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

>>4587311
>The septon, surely a man of faith should be seen before those of common stock.

A universal showing for the septon. Alright I'll get writing

“Septon, it has been too long since a man of the Seven was blessed Stonegrove with their presence. Please come forward and speak.”

The man looked older than you but that could have simply been from the furrows in his brow from his scowl. His habit was a simple one of good wool and well-made leather boots that told you immediately he was no begging brother. His beard was thin and scraggly and his hair was uncut but he was still a handsome man in spite of his disheveled appearance. When the serving man came forth to offer him bread and salt he away the plate with the palm of his hands.

“I will not be needing that my child, I have no intentions of being a guest here.”

The servant looked back to you and you nodded your head for them to retreat to their proper place.

“Ser Ardrian Borlund, my name is Septon Medwick and I serve at the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing. Many holy sites were left abandoned or in ruins following the Blackfyre Rebellion and my most recent task was to investigate the abbey that once prospered on your lands.”

“I am familiar with the state of the Abbey, Father. It was sacked when Stonegrove was under siege during those rebellions. There has been no coin to spare in my coffers to rebuild it.”

“Yes, I am aware that it remains a ruin. Did you know that your people believe it to be haunted by the spirits of the holy men slain there?”

“I did not.” You said the words flatly. The mans tone was accusatory and the hairs on the back of your neck began to bristle. You were a man of old and noble blood, and the Knight of Stonegrove besides. Even a septon should take care to speak respectfully to a man such as yourself.

“I take it that you are unaware of the hermit who has been living there for the past twenty years then?”

Your only answer was a curt nod of the head.

“A holy man, ancient and wizened but kept alive by his faith in the Seven. He claims to be the former Abbot. He spoke most highly of you in your youth and gave many a reason why you had not come to see his home rebuilt…”

Your mouth moved on it’s own accord and mouthed the words Father Boniface. The septon nodded his head in a short and jerky motion.

“Yes, that is his name. He may have the Mothers mercy in him to forgive you, but I have only the Fathers judgement. You possess a sept and the ruins of an abbey in your domain and yet the sept remains empty. Your servants say that you no longer pray as you once did. They say that you are no longer a man of faith. I will hear your confession in your sept this very evening Ser, is that clear?”

--- Ser Ardrian’s response? ---
>You would humbly accept Septon Medwick’s decree
>You would accept the decree, but in your own time
>You would deny him. No man, be he holy or not, commanded you in your own home

Voting will be open until 6:30pm MST

>>4587450
>You would accept the decree, but in your own time

>>4587450
>>You would accept the decree, but in your own time

>>4587450

>>4587450
>>You would accept the decree, but in your own time
ma bad

>>4587251
HDW is dead. Long live HRW and her massive, fertile, nourishing tracts of land.
>>4587450
>>You would humbly accept Septon Medwick’s decree

Alright I'll need 4d6 for Persuasion: Convince there please.

DC: 15

>>4587450
>>You would accept the decree, but in your own time

Rolled 5, 3, 5, 3 = 16 (4d6)

>>4587522

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

>>4587522

>>4587450
I think we should be humble

>>4587528
we are just a grumpy middle aged man who has serious economic, social and family problems

>>4587526
And a single degree of success takes it. Septon Medwick won't be happy bout it but he'll live with it. Cool. Just going to eat dinner fast and I'll get writing!

>>4587526
Nice

I looked at the character sheets and the only person not on it is us

>>4587589
it's the first tab. It probably opened on the secondary characters tab

>>4587592
Ahh. Got it, thanks. Yeah it opened up on the secondary characters tab

Your eyes blinked almost as if in shock. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to speak to you in such a manner. Your father had commanded you in such a way when he still lived, as had your elder brother Abner when his temper flared. Lord Mertyns had spoken to you like that before as well as was his right as your liege, but he was an old man now and it had been years since you had heard him raise his voice. You felt your face flush red with embarrassment at being talked down to and were briefly thankful that Ser Micah was no longer present in the hall.

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Persuasion: Convince Test ---
Septon Medwick’s Disposition: Dislike
Persuasion Modifier: -3
DC: 12 - 15
Rolled 16 vs DC: 15
One Degree of Success
Result: Test Passed

“Septon, I suggest you speak to me with more care in the future. You may be a man of faith but I am the Knight of Stonegrove and while under my roof my word is law. You may take up residence in the sept for the time being but I will come when I see fit as is my right. If you wish to hear my confession it shall be at a time of my own choosing.”

The furrows in the septons brow deepened even further and the muscles in his jaw flexed as he ground his teeth in irritation. His exhale was almost an audible growl that continued on into his words.

“Your roof lies beneath the open sky and that is the roof of the gods. Everything, and everyone, falls under their laws. Yet I would hear why this place has fallen to godlessness when it is known by the Most Devout that it was once a beacon of piety in the Rainwood. I shall await you in the sept Ser Ardrian, but do not tarry long for my patience already grows thin.”

Septon Medwick made the sign of the seven pointed star before turning on his heels abruptly and leaving by way of the large main doors. He flung the two of them open and left them as they lay as he made his way out into the storm to find the sept. A servant looked to you questioningly and after a quick nod he took off to escort the Septon to the seven sided stone construct within the walls of Stonegrove. He could stew in the sept for the rest of the night for all you cared. No man spoke to you in that way beneath your own roof. The small joy you had from the thought of Septon Medwick sitting in the cold and dark of the Sept was taken when out of the corner of your peripheral vision you saw one of your smallfolk beginning to creep back into sight.

“Yes, come forward. I grow tired of this already. Come forward….”

The whole group shuffled forward shyly and one man in particular seemed to lead them after a fashion. He was the first to take the pinch of salt and crust of bread and he coughed into his hand to clear his throat before introducing himself.

“Good day Ser Ardrian.”

“Good day. What is your name?”

“Jurgen, Ser.”

“And what brings you to my hall today Jurgen?”

“If you don’t know already than I’m guessin’ our last two men never made it here.”

“You are among the first to visit Stonegrove in sometime. Is there trouble within my lands?”

“There is Ser. There’s been something takin’ people in the night Ser.”

“Something? Do you know what this something is? Or that it simply isn’t people wandering off in search of more prosperous lands?”

Many and more have left over the years in search of service to other lords and knights. Why should you and yours be any different…

“Tell him Curt.”
A thin and gangly looking young man came forward and wrung his hands together in a nervous fashion that reminded you of Broderick. He struggled to find his words until Jurgen smacked him on the back softly.

“I’m…well I’m a hunter Ser. I ain’t never take no deer mind you, only grouse and squirrel. But not a month past I found the last two who went missin’. A pair of girls from our village. They were…”

“They were mangled. Torn apart Ser.” Jurgen finished the sentence for the younger man.

“And I assume you believe these other disappearances to be connected?”

“I reckon they are Ser.”

“How many have gone missing?”

“The children started going missing ‘round eight moons past. It’s only been children and women so far. That why we brought ours with us Ser. Please, we need your help…”

---Any further questions for Jurgen? ---

--- What to do about the missing women and children? ---
>Send Jurgen and his neighbours back to their village with your unit of Trained Infantry
>Send Jurgen and his neighbours back to their village with your unit of Trained Archers
>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry
>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Archers

Vote will be open until 10pm MST

>>4587641
>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry

Some killing of outlaws might cheer us up

>>4587641
>>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry

>>4587641
>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry
seems to me that we can ill afford to lose population due to inaction. We need everything we got.

>>4587641
>>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry

>>4587641
one question for Jurgen
If people started going missing 8 moons ago why did they wait this long to come for help? seems like after a couple people going missing they should have came forward

>>4587670
My apologies if I didn't make that clear enough. Jurgen's "village" (it's a small community made up of three families and about 30 people) has sent two people to Stonegrove over the past eight months. For whatever reason, neither of them made it to meet with Ardrian.

I'll be plugging away at the House Fortunes/Stats sheet this week for you guys, but Stonegrove is very thinly populated. Overall, the rolling for the house went quite poorly with it's defense being the only solid stat that it had.

Defense: 30
Influence: 10
Lands: 13
Law: 20
Population: 5
Power: 15
Wealth: 11

I lied, more questions
How many have gone missing?
These last two are the first that have been found?
Lastly, we should inform Curt he's going with us to show us where they were found. We may need his sense of the land.

>>4587678
ah yes, I get it now, they did send emissaries that also went missing. thanks Joe

>>4587678
Ouch on the stats, House has been through some rough times it seems

>>4587678
Did you have the idea for the story and family in mind before you started rolling or was it based on the stats?
I'd have assumed the former but mostly low except a high defense is just a perfect coincidence for a formerly great house reduced near penury left with just the empty shell of the family castle.

>>4587641
>>You would accompany them back personally with your unit of Trained Infantry

>>4587687
Haha no I came up with the idea once I'd rolled for the stats and events. It all fell together quite nicely actually. For those curious there were 5 "Events" which were as follows...

Glory
Invasion
Ascent
Infrastructure
Defeat

The most recent defeat obviously meant the house had to have fought for the Blackfyres and lost.

“How many have gone missing?” Jurgen strains to think for a moment before counting on his fingers and muttering names under his breath.

“Eleven, Ser. Five women and four girls. Plus the two young men that was sent to tell you about it.”

“And these last two girls that were found? Were they the first bodies you discovered?” The whole group of peasants nodded solemnly.

“They were. At first we thought it might be wolves but we ain’t heard much howlin’ as of late.”

“I ain’t never seen a wolf leave a body like that…” Curt chimed in meekly, almost as if he hadn’t meant to speak at all.

“Tell me what you mean by that Curt.”

His eyes sprung open when he realized that you were speaking to him and he looked to Jurgen until the older man nodded towards him.

“It’s just… they were ripped apart like it were some wild beast but…no meat was gone.” He had grown pale talking about it but he continued. “No wolf leaves a corpse like that, nor a bear, nor even a fox.”

But men do…


Amelia gasped horrifically at the description and had gone an even paler shade of white than she normally was, meanwhile Adalynn was sat beside her in stoic silence. It was a source of pride to you that your younger daughter was so strong. If you had to choose who would make a more worthy heir it would almost certainly be Adalynn even despite her frail health.

The difference a childhood can make…

You stood from your seat and raised your voice so that there would be none in the hall who did not hear. You had been blessed with a deep and masculine voice. A true bass the septon at Nightsong had told you, something few men were blessed with. It was as deep as a warhorn and when roused to anger sounded like stone cracking beneath a mountain.

“Here me now Jurgen. Your people have no need to fear any longer. I shall escort you and your people back to your home personally at the head of my infantry and we shall not leave until whatever or whomever is caught and your people are given justice. We shall leave in three days time at dawn.”

Jurgen and the rest wore no smiles but Curt looked back at you with hope in his eyes.

“Curt, when we arrive there I will need to see the place where you discovered the bodies. Prepare yourself for that. Understand?”

“As you say milord.”

I am not a lord, only a landed knight…

A fire was burning in your chest as you called your court to an end. You left without so much as another word to your daughters and instead headed to remnants of your library to search for any maps you could find of your lands…

--- Break ---

Alright I'm going to call it quits here for tonight. Thanks for playing as always!

It feels really good to be back writing again, and thanks to all of you who have welcomed me back. The next run will likely be on this coming Sunday, but I'll be popping back in to drop the links to any documents I manage to finish this week for you guys.

If you have any questions for me I'll answer them then, if not, I'll see you all on Sunday so we can begin with a dinner with Ser Micah.

File: feels-good-man-circle-102(...).png (230 KB, 1024x1024)

230 KB PNG

>>4587731
thanks joe

I take it from our daughters reaction she is well aware who her betrothed is?

Might wanna question her how she is so familiar with him

>>4587731
We will need plate or half plate armor for the joust. Right?

>>4587731
thanks Joe. Really nice having an asoiaf quest again

Establishing ID
This is neat, not personally familiar with ASOIAF but this kind of stuff is always fun.

>>4587738
She is actually somewhat aware of who he is. He served in the Red Keep as a cup bearer and squire, but the two of them only ever met a single time. Her reaction is more because of how much she wishes to return to a more luxurious life. Returning home to an impoverished, wet and damp castle was a large culture shock for her.

>>4587748
That is correct. The choice will be up to you guys but Mistwood has a smith. Nothing fancy mind you, but you'll be bale to purchase a suit of common level armour there.

Alright I have the House Fortunes sheet made up for you guys so feel free to take a look! If you have any questions feel free to ask.

House Fortunes/Stats - https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am-XCwIRrb9HiTzBU0oqe5yQDAOe?e=Dj69tZ

Additionally, I'll be using both of the following resources for the quest.

Out of Strife: Prosperity - https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Z39XLNclENr5L24d43jnU7jNLvwWmbfs5rPwi_FVHs/edit#heading=h.hufs7198wrzc

Fathers Homebrew - https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Z39XLNclENr5L24d43jnU7jNLvwWmbfs5rPwi_FVHs/edit#heading=h.hufs7198wrzc

Please let me know if those links aren't working for you guys and I'll see if I can get them up and running.

>>4588155
Girl think she is too good for her father and his home then ?

Out of Strife: Prosperity - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r9UdFUTu_N3elim-1T2X7HV1WJQ2IMu7/view?usp=sharing

I copied the homebrew link twice.

>>4587678
man that is miserable even for a landed knight. That Cassius boy might truly be smitten at our daughter instead of her paltry inheritance.

>>4588181
He is a third son and might have the backing of his family.

>>4588181
Well it definitely isn't great, but such is the price of treason.

Also because I don't have a family tree completed I thought I ought to show you guys Ardrian's siblings and his relations with each of them.

Allicent Borlund - his eldest half-sister. She was married to Lord Melvyn Swann before House Borlund fell from grace. Their relationship is icy at best seeing as she was married at 16 when Ardrian was only 4, plus she doesn't want to associate with her former name.

Megain Borlund - his next eldest half-sister. She passed away before Ardrian was born.

Melyssa Borlund - his youngest half-sister. She was married to the second son of the lord of House Follard in the Crownlands. Her marriage was miserable as Ser Terrence is a philanderer. She passed away a few years ago but was always friendly with Ardrian.

Abner Borlund - Ardrian's elder brother. In many ways he was the perfect heir for Lord Atticus. He fought alongside his father during the Blackfyre Rebellion and survived, but was forced to take the black where he now serves as a lieutenant to the First Ranger at the Shadow Tower.

Ada Borlund - his elder sister. She passed away at the age of eleven the year before Ardrian was sent to foster in Nightsong.

Broderick Borlund - his younger brother and only sibling he has close relations with to this day.

>>4588197
so he has one living sister that doesn't like him, a shamed brother in the Night's Watch, and the stutterer. Talk about feeling alone in this world.

>>4588198
And his oldest daughter want nothing to do with the place they live and is looking for the first chance to get away and his second daughter is of poor health. Not to mention he lost his third daughter to the sickness.

And for what it seems, his relationship with his wife was not warm

Also I forgot to include one thing that would be common knowledge for Ardrian which is the political make up of the Stormlands following the rebellion.

So to my understanding there are three main regions to the Stormlands. The Rainwood, the Kingswood, and the Dornish Marches.

The Dornish Marches almost universally leaned towards supporting Daemon Blackfyre because of their hatred for Dorne.

The Kingswood region was the opposite, containing Storms End and being close to Kings Landing they largely supported Daeron Targaryen.

The Rainwood however was largely divided on the issue and the loyalty of the houses varies wildly.

Of course there were exceptions to the rule, but as far as a general sense goes...that is how the political battlefield lies.

>>4588158
Can't really blame her, since we also think we're too good for this.

>>4588187
Status wise, we're just barely above hedge knights. He must have some feelings for her to agree to it.

>>4588313
Not true, we are above unlanded knights as well. The fact that we own land in itself is worth something

>>4588313
For a third son anything is better than nothing

>>4587687
>>4588668
Damn dynamic IP

Just posting before I start reading so by the time there's a run I can participate in my votes count

Happy New Years there everyone! I'll be doing a run tomorrow at about 2-3pm MST. See you all then

>>4591121
Happy new years. You got any character or land sheets you could update us with ?

>>4591730
+1

>>4591730
I've got the character sheets here >>4586008

The holdings of the house are in the House Fortunes/Stats sheet that can be found here >>4588155

If you are looking for anything more specific information and/or descriptions I'll answer as best I can.

An unfamiliar vigor possessed your step as you strode the empty halls of Stonegrove. The tension could be felt in the air, as if you were waiting for the next bolt of lightning during a particularly fierce storm. Men from the other regions of Westeros said the temperament of the lords and knights of the Stormlands were as dark and stormy as their weather and there was a certain truth to that. You’d let your enforcement of the law slip in recent years as you had focused all of your efforts on ways to rid yourself of your reparations, but such things were at an end now. Whomever these sadists were, they would be found and they would face justice.

The library of Stonegrove was an impressively sized room on the third floor of the Old Keep. Wooden shelves complimented stone grooves cut into the wall although they were largely filled with empty space and cobwebs instead of old tomes and scrolls. Three alcoves jutted out of the north facing wall where there had once been desks and chairs so that a scholar might read by the natural light let in by the arched windows set into the stone. There was even a small set of chambers for a custodian hidden towards the back of the room but the door remained shut and the rooms within as empty as the shelves.

A finger trailed on one shelf leaving a trail through the dust as you searched for a map of the domains of your house. You found a few scrolls pertaining to various subjects that contained a detailed family tree of House Borlund since the time of Aegon the Conqueror but a map momentarily eluded you. After the better part of twenty minutes you found a lonely piece of vellum on the bottom of a corner shelf and when you unrolled it found what you were looking for. It was an old map from the time of your great grandfather , Lord Gawain Borlund, who was known as the “Roadmaker” for his construction of the Rainroad that crossed much of his domain. A shot of shame and anger ran through as you placed the map on a small and uneven table and you stared at the extent of the land your family had once controlled.

The domain of House Borlund had once controlled a vast majority of the interior of Cape Wrath. It’s western border extended to meet House Swann’s and the River Slayne while in the east it met, and surpassed in size, those of House Mertyns of Mistwood and House Rogers of Amberly. Finally in the North it stretched towards the mountains where House Morrigan’s seat of Crows Nest was nestled amongst the cliffs of the eastern reaches of the Red Mountains. Your family had once been the Lords of the Rainwood, a title that now belonged to your liege, and your lands now extended only for a day or two in any direction from Stonegrove.

Your finger traced the map from Stonegrove to a few of the hamlets and small towns that were rightfully yours but the village that the smallfolk had hailed from was absent as you had suspected it would be. Such unnamed villages and crofters didn’t make it onto the maps of cartographers being of such little importance. You would have remember to ask Jordan if his village even had a name.

I think his name was Jordan…or perhaps it was Jarvis?

It was an unimportant detail, they were beneath you on a personal scale. What mattered was that they were yours and someone was preying on them like a stray wolf on a flock of sheep, and like any shepherd it was your duty to protect your flock and eliminate the threat. This map wasn’t as detailed as you would have liked but you noticed that there was a cave drawn to the north of Stonegrove. If the village was in that direction then it may be a spot for these vermin to hide whatever they may be. If this village was any other direction than you would simply have to root them out with fire and steel as your father would have done.

--- Stonegroves Solar ---

The bread that was placed on the clay plate was still warm when a serving girl entered the solar and placed one before you and one before Ser Micah Morrigan. A small spot of mould could be seen on the butter that had been smeared over the thick crust but seeing as your orders had been followed this would be the freshest butter you had in your stores. The boiled pork had been vaguely seasoned with a small crack of black pepper but it wasn’t nearly enough to cover the taste of the salt that had been used to preserve it. Lastly the vegetables, a medley of carrots, peas and cabbage, had boiled and far too soft for your liking but Ser Micah ate the humble meal without complaint.

“I must extend my thanks once more for your hospitality Ser Ardrian. This storm is most ghastly…”

“You may stay as long as you wish Ser. I should say at least until this storm breaks.” A thunder clap rumbled overhead. This storm was but a mild one for this time of year but you saw no reason to correct your guest. Crows Nest was farther north and hidden away to the north in the eastern reaches of the Red Mountains where storms rarely gathered.

“My most humble thanks once more Ser. I do not know how you deal with such weather, I feel as if the damp has sunk into my very bones.”

It’s named the Rainwood for a reason you fool. It’s simply a part of life here.

“I shall make sure that there is a strong fire in your chambers hearth when you return Ser. It is the best way to drive the damp chill from your bones.”

And wood is nearly the only thing that I have a plenty to spare on you

The niceties went back and forth for a time before you were brought a bottle of wine from your cellars. It was a tart wine of no particular vintage that you recognized as being from the riverlands. You’d always had a knack for such things and you let the wine sit on your tongue for a moment before swallowing. It was not the cider that you preferred to drink but your stores had long run dry of such luxuries and you made do.

“If you will excuse my saying so Ser Ardrian, your daughter truly is a lovely sight to behold. My nephew spoke of their chance meeting in Kings Landing and said she was the most beautiful maid in Kings Landing. I can see the worth in his words now.”

“She is a beautiful young maiden. She takes after her mother in that regard.”

Ser Micah laughed politely at that and raised his wine cup to you before taking a swallow of the wine. You watched his face carefully but his features did not betray him if he found the vintage poor.

“Ser Micah, I would hear the story of this fateful meeting between Ser Cassius and my own dear Amelia. If you have daughters yourself I am sure you well know how they refuse to tell their fathers anything after a certain age.”

“I am all too familiar Ser. I once had two but one died in the spring. Jocelyn is my eldest and she is my treasure. A lady of eight and ten. She serves in Crows Nest as a Lady in Waiting for my Lord-Brothers wife Lady Sybelle Mallery. But as for the tale of their meeting, I can only repeat the tale as my nephew told me.”

“I should hear it all the same Ser.”

“As you wish Ser. To hear Cassius tell the story it was in his final days in King’s Landing. He had won his spurs during a squires tourney at the hand of King Aerys himself a month before hand and was attending his king in court as a new made knight when he called for wine. A royal cupbearer brought it forth and he was smitten by the young maids beauty. When he asked her for his name she told him and he vowed that one day he would marry her.”

Ser Micah Morrigan shook his head and drained his glass of riverland wine before continuing.

“It’s a most whimsical story Ser and in truth, at least to my ears, sounds more like a song. But that is the tale I was told.”

A most whimsical song indeed. Could a man as foolish as that truly be a worthy “heir”…

“I shall have to inquire after Amelia’s telling of the tale. But Ser, if I may in turn be so bold, I would ask you of your opinion of this betrothal and of your nephew…

--- Can I get 4d6 for Persuasion please ---
DC: 9

For each degree of Success, Ser Micah will answer one additional question

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

>>4592702

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

>>4592702

>>4592707
One Degrees of Success

Alright so Ser Micah will tell you his rough opinion on the betrothal and his nephew, as well as one other specific question.

If you guys have any suggestions for him feel free to throw them out. It will be open to suggestions until 3:00pm MST

>>4592702
fuck it ill roll

>>4592711
A question for you Joe, in the event Amelia inherits the house which name will she take?

>>4592714
Now that is a question I can't really answer yet.

For this "betrothal" to become a marriage Ardrian will first have to speak with his liege and make sure Lord Martyn consents, and then travel to Crows Nest to negotiate with Lord Miles Morrigan.

It isn't unheard of for men to take the name of their wife to prevent a family from dying out but that won't be an easy thing to bargain for.

>>4592711
Maybe we could ask about setting up a trade deal with this new found marriage alliance. Ardrian remarked that about all he has to offer is wood to keep the room warm. But we do have a Dense Forest in our domain. Maybe we could start selling off some of that to generate some wealth, help us get back on our feet.

If they already have access to that kind of thing, perhaps they could introduce us to a house further inland that doesn't.

>>4592714
Not gonna happen.

>>4592702
Ask about dowry, How much would we expect to pay ?

>>4592726
We should work on it then. It's more feasible right now than hoping that our bastard son gets legitimized.

>>4592738
Something about trade and strengthening relations is good. We do need the money.

>>4592738
>>4592752
The only problem is that Ardrian currently has no estate holdings to actually produce said goods. Some that might make sense for the holding could be:

Animal Husbandry: 10 Wealth
Apiary: 5 Wealth
Fur-Trade: 10 Wealth
Timber: 5 Wealth

Keep in mind I've included the necessary food requirements on the second tab of the House Fortunes Excel Sheet, and will be using the trade and production homebrew rules from this document here https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Z39XLNclENr5L24d43jnU7jNLvwWmbfs5rPwi_FVHs/edit#

House Fortunes will be taking place after this where Broderick will inform you guys further about what Ardrian can do

>>4592702
how old are we is it to late to try to pump out another son?

>>4592767
We are 35. So it is not too late. There were talks about remarry after all and try for a son

>>4592767
35. Not too late at all.

Essentially there are three options, all with their own difficulties.

1. Marry Amelia to a man willing to take the Borlund name, or have his children take the Borlund name.

This option can vary in difficulty depending on who Ardrian chooses to deal with and their own status/ambitions.

2. Legitimize Ardrians bastard son, Ser Larten Storm. It's risky because he's never met his son so what kind of man he is remains up in the air, and turning a bastard into the heir of Stonegrove will bring further scorn down onto House Borlund. Whether Ardrian can deal with that is up to you guys.

3. Get Ardrian a new wife. It's possible, but being from a family that supported the blacks makes it harder. Not to mention he's haughty and will likely be unwilling to take a wife that is beneath him. There is a reason he has avoided speaking with Delphine Storm for so long, despite still having feelings for her.

Just bluntly ask if his nephew could not make a more advantageous match for his house.

>>4592778
Isn't the main problem with 2 is that it would require a decree from a King who has no reason at all to help a traitor's house?

>>4592778
we could also just name our bastard our heir. but that would invite challenges from anyone with a vested interest in our lanfds

>>4592765
right, sorry, i forgot how holdings work.

Maybe we should ask him to tell us more about his nephew, no doubt he'll put a good spin on it but, it would at least give us a measure of this guy. I know Awareness isn't our strong suit but I don't know what else to ask about that would be useful.

>>4592765
oh, and i'm not seeing the tab that talks about food holdings. I only see House Fortunes and Power Units tab

>>4592786
That is the large problem. Your liege is married to a Lady Isabelle Penrose, who happens to be the aunt of the current Queen however so he has an "in". That still won't be an easy feat seeing as Bloodraven is the Hand of the King and legitimizing bastards is still a sore spot in Kings Landing.

>>4592788
Also possible.

>>4592816
Hmm. Well here try this new link instead!

https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am-XCwIRrb9HiT4Jf06EpgSaZ6Om?e=4tp4j6

>>4592833
We can always go with Plan Incest and put a son in our own daughter!

Thereby killing two birds with one stone!

>>4592836
HEEEEYYYY, there it is, thanks Joe.

oh shit, we have no food production, thats going to become a problem quickly.

>>4592836
yeah, Targs are into that, we're honouring them

>>4592836
or or or we could plot the return of the Blackfyres, make them win, have our lands restored to us and marry a princess! This time it'll work surely.

>>4592849
The Blackfyre defeat was just a fluke. They will win the next time, i am sure of it.

>>4592848
Perfect!

>>4592849
I feel like I should address this in saying that when the Third Blackfyre Rebellion comes around the winner will be determined depending on a vareity of factors. But House Blackfyre could win against the odds.

Alright well I'll put these suggestions to a vote.

>Ask about the expected dowry
>Speak about the possibility of trade between Crows Nest and Stonegrove
>Ask if there could not be a more advantageous match for Ser Cassius

>>4592861
>Ask if there could not be a more advantageous match for Ser Cassius

>>4592861
>Ask about the expected dowry

>>4592861
Vote ends at 3:45PM MST

>>4592861
>>Ask about the expected dowry

>>4592861
>>Ask if there could not be a more advantageous match for Ser Cassius

>>4592861
>>Ask if there could not be a more advantageous match for Ser Cassius

Writing

--- Ser Ardrian’s Persuasion Test ---
Ser Micah’s Disposition: Amiable
Persuasion Modifier: 3
DC: 12 to 9
Rolled 13 vs DC: 9
One Degree of Success

“I would call you a poor father if you did not Ser, you give no offense at all. I myself am only a second son however so I cannot speak too much on my brothers thoughts behind his offer.”

“Of course Ser Micah, but please make your thoughts known.”

“As you say Ser. I believe the match to be good one for both our houses, as well as Cassius and Amelia. Cassius may be a third son, he is still the son of the Lord of Crows Nest. It is not an easy thing for a third son to marry well and despite your own fathers loyalties to House Blackfyre your own bloodline is quite noble. I believe your fathers first wife was a Morrigan, and my aunt no less. So there is certainly precedent for such a match. As for Cassius, he is everything a third son should be. He is a knight and able fighter, with a dab hand at jousting as well. He is a loyal man who serves his father well and he holds the code of chivalry in high regard.”

“He sounds like a son any man would be proud to have.”

“He is Ser Ardrian.”

“He sounds almost too good to believe.”

That brought a small laugh to Ser Micah’s lips and he smiled at you genuinely.

“He is not without his own vices, but what man is? He may sometimes enjoy a touch too much wine and he is not a learned man. Instead he prefers to spend his time about the yard training as a knight ought to do don’t you think?”

“A knight should be trained at arms, but there is no shame in training the mind as well.”

“That is true Ser Ardrian.”

“Ser Micah, I must confess that I struggle to see the sense in such a betrothal from the view of House Morrigan. Surely there must be a better match for Ser Cassius than my own daughter, despite her loveliness?”

A brief silence followed as Ser Micah placed down his cup and coughed into his hand before wrapping them together and placing them both on the table. You could see his mind working behind his eyes as he chose his answer carefully.

“A third son cannot expect much more in regards to inheritance than a place to call home and a name. Crows Nest is large enough to house him, and Morrigan is valuable name to have and yet…my brother aspires to give his son more. All of his children have married well, except of course for his second daughter who joined the faith and Cassius who remains a bachelor. If Cassius were to marry Amelia and she inherits Stonegrove, then by extension, Cassius would be given a place to call his own and give to his own children.”

As I thought. It is Stonegrove that Lord Morrigan desires, not Amelia. House Morrigan of Stonegrove…that shall never happen

“Such things must indeed be taken into account during the negotiations. I travel for Mistwood within three months time and I shall speak to Lord Martyn about the match, and from there I shall travel with haste to Crows Nest to discuss things further.”

“My Lord-Brother will be glad to hear it Ser Ardrian.”

--- What to do next? ---
>Go to the Sept to see Septon Medwick
>Have your council summoned to discuss House Fortunes

Voting ends at 5:45pm MST

>>4593005
>>Have your council summoned to discuss House Fortunes

>>4593005
>Have your council summoned to discuss House Fortunes

>>4593005
>Go to the Sept to see Septon Medwick

>>4593005
>Go to the Sept to see Septon Medwick

>>4593002
>>Have your council summoned to discuss House Fortunes

>>4593005
>Have your council summoned to discuss House Fortunes