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Dramatis Personae

Ser Ardrian Borlund
The Knight of Stonegrove, Our MC
Ser Ardrian Borlund is the first Knight of Stonegrove and the secondborn son of his late father, Lord Atticus. He is a man proud of his noble blood and heritage and considers it his duty to bring House Borlund to it’s proper power once more. He was a pious man in his youth but his faith was shattered when the Blackfyre Rebellion took his lands, titles and father, House Targaryen took his brother and eldest daughter, and the Great Spring Sickness took his wife and youngest daughter. He aspires to bring the rule of law to his lands but has failed as he fought to bring his house into good standing with the Crown. Finally free from the yoke of his debts, he is now free to pursue his goals as he sees fit…

Broderick Borlund
The Steward of Stonegrove, Ardrians younger brother
Master Broderick Borlund is a man who is happy in his elder brothers service. He was the youngest of the seven children sired by Lord Atticus and was hardly more than a boy when the First Blackfyre Rebellion came to pass. There he showed an aptitude for sums and a sharp eye and assisted the Kings Counter until he was released to rejoin his brother in Stonegrove.

Amelia Borlund
Heir to Stonegrove, Ardrians eldest daughter
The eldest daughter of Ser Ardrian and his late wife, Lady Helen Horpe. A beautiful maiden of sixteen with a taste for the finer things in life, having become accustomed to them during her time in the Red Keep as a ward of the crown. A girl who holds the ideals of chivalry dear to her heart and aspires to marry a knight who can save her from the destitute dreariness she finds herself in.

Adalynn Borlund
Ardrians youngest surviving daughter
The secondborn daughter of Ser Ardrian and Lady Helen. A girl of fourteen with a fragile constitution after surviving the Great Spring Sickness that took her mother and younger sister, but her will is anything but delicate. A fierce and uncomplaining girl who aspires to take an active hand in rebuilding her houses fortune.

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--- 27/05/217 ---
--- The Rainwood ---

“My lord, look.” Jurgen pointed a finger upwards into the branches of the trees where a small owl was observing you with an uncomfortably intelligent look in its eyes. It hooted and bobbed its head in a curious manner before flying off into the darkness. It suddenly reappeared on a lower branch and let out a call again as if it were trying to speak with you.

“It wants us to follow Ser. It’s her.”

The owl…is her?

The butt of your poleaxe jabbed into Ulfs ribs as you bid him to stand to his feet. He struggled to rise with his hands tied behind his back and you wrenched him up awkwardly before giving him a sharp blow to the shoulder to get him walking.

“Wait. I thought you said…you said you wouldn’t give me to her.”

“No, I only implied that. You are a criminal and my prisoner and rest assured I won’t let her kill you out of hand. If she finds you guilty of a crime however….we are on her land, not mine. Who would I be to stop her?” Your tone was even and your face even as his voice cracked from indignation and rage but he was silenced with a thwack on the back of the head.

“I suggest you be quiet unless you’d prefer to have Jurgen here gag you.”

A slurry of curses came forth from Ulfs mouth and Jurgen was quick to take a piece of cloth and stuff it into the mans mouth, careful to avoid his gnashing teeth. Together the three of you began to slowly follow in the direction that the owl had flown as the sun began to rise and light flooded your vision. You walked for nearly two hours and no less than three times the owl had reappeared only for it to lead you endlessly onwards along game trails, beside a creek bed and finally into a small glade where the trees gave way to bushes and tall overgrown grass.

At first the glade seemed empty in the morning stillness but you could almost feel the tension as if it were the morning dew hanging heavy in the air. Human shapes began to take form out of the mist and trees and surround you in a loose circle. You instinctively raised your weapon and turned on the spot warily to try and prevent any one man from gaining the advantage of having your back but Jurgen placed a hand on the end of it.

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“Don’t Ser, lower your weapon. They mean us no harm…” His voice was a quiet whisper that could barely be heard through the morning air.

They were a common enough looking people asides from their refusal to wear anything but leather and furs. A few of the assembled men had painted their faces blue and white with woad and ash and when combined with their crude weapons of stone and wood it gave them a savage visage. One man, their leader you presumed, stood before you with a fire hardened spear in his hands and a bow slung across his back. He was a thin, rangy man and his eyes had the look of a hungry wolf inside them as they looked you up and down before staring into your own. His eyes were of a similar cast to your own, dark brown with small flecks of amber speckled within, and the dislike within them was palpable.

Try me you savage. Make a move. I’ll have the head of my poleaxe buried in your guts before you can blink…

It was Jurgen who broke both the silence and tension.

“Good morrow Sean.”

“Jurgen. This is him?”

“Yes. Ser, this is Cian. He is the Green Lady’s right hand. Cian, this is Ser Ardrian Borlund, the Knight of Stonegrove.” The man stared at you again if only briefly before speaking to Jurgen further.

“I thought he’d be taller. Come, let’s get this over with. Follow me.” Cian clicked his tongue and two men quickly snapped to so as to take Ulf off of your hands. After exchanging an irritated look with Jurgen you handed off the end of the bowstring to the man on your right and pressed on following Cian. Another man had offered Jurgen his shoulder to lean on as the party began to disappear into the surrounding woods. You walked in silence with a tight grip on your weapon through the ancient forests of oak, ash and pine before coming to another glade but this one however was decorated with the ruins of a stone structure.

It had once been a round hall of sorts but it had long been reduced to it’s foundations. More than like the smallfolk for miles around had stolen away the stone for the building of their hearths and homes for hundreds of years leaving only the clearing and ruin behind. A breeze whispered through the leaves and a soft voice could heard quietly on the wind. It was the voice of a woman, high and gentle, but the sudden flap of feathers caused you to duck your head. When you looked up again a woman was sitting calmly on the ruined stones with a familiar looking owl perched on her shoulder and a veritable flock of songbirds flitting about her. Her fingers scratched the head of a fox that was sat by her feet and was staring at you with an intelligence that no animal had the right to possess. The rest of the group, including Jurgen, knelt before her as she stood and a small smile crept on her face…

“I bid you welcome, Ardrian Borlund. It has been far to long since my humble home as played host to a man of the Stonegrove.”

--- How would you like to respond? ---
>Haughtily – My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund, and I see no home here. Only a ruin…
>Courteously – Thank you my lady. It is an honour to meet with you.
>Piously – Tell me witch…how is you come by my name. I know you not...

Time Limit: Voting will be open until 3pm MST

>>4650439
>>Courteously – Thank you my lady. It is an honour to meet with you.

>>4650439
>>Courteously – Thank you my lady. It is an honour to meet with you.

>>4650442
>Haughtily – My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund, and I see no home here. Only a ruin…

>>4650442
>Haughtily – My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund, and I see no home here. Only a ruin…

>>4650442
>Piously – Tell me witch…how is you come by my name. I know you not...

>>4650442
>Piously – Tell me witch…how is you come by my name. I know you not...

Nice. A three way tie to start the thread haha.

Alright I'll extend the time limit until 3:30 if anyone wants to change their vote, or someone else throws an option out there.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>4650580
Alright times up and the whims of fate will decide.

1,2 - Haughtily
3,4 - Courteously
5,6 - Piously

>>4650442

>Haughtily – My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund, and I see no home here. Only a ruin…

I know the vote is decided, just throwing in what I would've voted for and establishing ID.

>>4650442
>Haughtily – My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund, and I see no home here. Only a ruin…

too late but hust getting my id out here

“Tell me witch…how do you come by my name? Some sort of sorcery or scrying stone? I have made no introductions to you.” Your tone was both chilled and wary as you made the sign of the seven pointed star. Could this woman see the world through the eyes of birds and beasts like so many old wives tales said that witches could? Thoughts ran to the animals that called Stonegrove home, to the rats that haunted the abandoned halls and the birds that nested and sung in the ancient and mossy gardens.

The Green Lady responded with a delicate laugh and a smile. She was younger than you would have thought being no older then five and twenty, and she had a certain comeliness to her face that you found uncomfortable. She had a series of markings on her face but from this distance you couldn’t be sure if they were tattoos or paint. The hair that fell to just below her shoulders was a ghostly white that mirrored the skin of her small hands that the owl was nuzzling gently with its beak.

“Did you have no grandmother to tell you tales of witches and hedge wizards as a child?” Her dark eyes were opened wide as if to draw forth an answer from you but your tongue was silent. “I shall take that as a no. I thought every man of the Rainwood knew about the Green Queen and her animal familiars.” A breath of air filled your lungs as your lip curled upwards in disgust and your fingers instinctively curled into fists around your weapon.”

Her laugh was a more forceful thing this time and full of mirth. “Fear not Ardrian Borlund. Although I can see things that men such as yourself may not I have no eyes inside your home. The grove your castle was built on was once a holy place but when the weirwood there died an aeon ago and turned to stone those with the greensight lost our vision there. No, I know your name because your man Jurgen told me of you. I believe that you can help me, and that I can help you in return.”

You shot a look of anger towards Jurgen but he did not meet your gaze. He was still kneeling with the rest of the men present.

“And what is your name witch, and not some half cursed name bestowed upon you by your followers. What is the name your mother gave you?”

“Is the Green Lady not enough?”

You did not even bother to respond to such a question…

“Jurgen, you did not mention that your liege was so serious. If you wish to know my name Ardrian Borlund you must walk with me a spell. Come, the trees are waiting…” She extended out a hand towards you and smiled but you found yourself mistrusting her…

--- Accompany the Green Lady into the trees? ---
>Yay, even if she had the powers of folklore she was still just a woman born of common stock and no danger to you
>Nay, if she wanted something from you she could tell you her true name here and now

>>4650776
>Yay, even if she had the powers of folklore she was still just a woman born of common stock and no danger to you


But be wary for any attacks and do mention she is wearing our patience thin

>>4650442
>Yay, even if she had the powers of folklore she was still just a woman born of common stock and no danger to you

>>4650776
>Yay, even if she had the powers of folklore she was still just a woman born of common stock and no danger to you

>>4650776
>Yay, even if she had the powers of folklore she was still just a woman born of common stock and no danger to you

Looks like we are playing ball. What could Ardrian have to fear from a woman?

Can I get 4d6 for Cunning (Logic) please and thank you.

DC: 12

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

>>4650833

Rolled 6, 3, 4, 5 = 18 (4d6)

>>4650833

Rolled 2, 4, 3, 5 = 14 (4d6)

>>4650833

>>4650834
11

No dice. I'll be writing shortly here

>>4650839
"im gonna stick my penis in that!" -Ardrian

Father, judge me justly. Warrior, guard me against every evil. Smith, armour me in faith.

It was an old prayer from your childhood that came unbidden to the forefront of your mind. You’d forgotten that you even knew it so long had it been but it brought you some small amount of comfort all the same. If this witch sought to cast some sort of spell on you than you would at least have the gods watching over you.

“Let this farce be done with witch. I warn you now that my patience grows thin. Godly people, my people, have died because of your inaction.” Her face was betrayed no emotion and she simply beckoned you forward and the two of you walked away from the clearing and into the trees. She walked tall and unafraid, sure of her place even in the deep and savage woods of the Stormlands. It was whispered that bears still haunted these woods when they came down from the mountains, and there were other predators that called the forests home.

Everywhere she walked a path seemed to open up before her and the undergrowth came alive at her passing as birds and rodents came forth almost as if they were trying to greet her. She eventually led you to a weirwood tree with an old and wizened face. She sat on a stone that could have been carved as a stool and she bid you stand closer with a dainty hand. You obliged her only so much, stopping well short of arms reach.

“Do I frighten you so terribly? I promise that I mean you no harm. Do you know why I brought you here?”

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Cunning (Logic) Test ---
Rolled 11 vs DC: 12
Result: Test Failed

Silence was your answer. Stonegrove may have had an old stone weirwood but you knew little and less of the strange folk religion that had once ruled over Westeros before the Faith of the Seven had come across the seas from Andalos. A sigh of disappointment left the Green Lady’s lips.

“I suppose that this is part of the reason that Jurgen suggested you, but it is still a shame to see a man of your ancient bloodline have no connection to the faith of his ancestors.”

“My ancestors were good and faithful men of the Seven witch. Now, I asked for the name your mother gave you. If you have no intention of dealing openly with me I will be on my way.”

“I do not know what my mother named me. I was given over to my master when I was a child when I showed the signs of the gift, but she gave me the Siobhan.”

“Why has Jurgen brought me here? It seems you and Jurgen have spoken about me at some length.”

“I noticed that you had brought a bound man with you. Do you know anything about this man?”

“Only that he is a bandit, and some of his fellows have been murdering my smallfolk.”

“And that is why I need you, as well as your men. These men have preyed on my people as well and though my own men harry them as best they can, these vermin equip themselves with steel and have holed themselves up in a place that I and my own men cannot go…”

--- What to speak of first? ---
>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?
>What is your relation with Jurgen? Why does he take such an interest in your lands when his own home is impoverished
>What do you mean when you speak of my bloodline
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4651019
>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?

>>4651019
>What is your relation with Jurgen? Why does he take such an interest in your lands when his own home is impoverished

>>4651019
>>What do you mean when you speak of my bloodline

>>4651019
>>What do you mean when you speak of my bloodline

>>4651019
>>What do you mean when you speak of my bloodline

Speaking about the line of Borlund it is. I'll need 4d6 for Persuasion (Convince) please and thank you

>>4651087

Rolled 6, 1, 4, 1 = 12 (4d6)

>>4651090

“And yet I can go where you cannot. Tell me…does this have anything to do with this bloodline you speak of?”

“Are you curious about your forefathers? I do not blame you. The trees have long memories, and they sing of your forefathers deeds done before the coming of the Andals.”

“My family was founded a thousand years ago, and even then the Andals ruled these lands.”

“The Andals may have ruled their castles, the fields, and coasts but do not fool yourself Ardrian Borlund. The trees rule the deep wood still. It may also be that your house was founded by an Andal but the blood that flows in your veins is much older that.”

“Make your meaning clear witch. I have no time for your vague omens and portents. Any prophecy can come true if it is shrouded enough.”

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Persuasion Test ---
Rolled 11 vs DC: 12
Result: Test Failed

The wind rustled through the trees and Siobhan looked towards the tree with the wizened face and cocked her head. After a brief moment she shook her head sagely. “It is not my place to tell you such things. I can open your ears so you can hear the weirwoods sing the song of ages but such songs are forbidden to pass my lips.”

“Trees cannot sing.”

“Not to those who are deaf to their songs. Many call the gift the greensight, but I hear it as a song that can be heard upon the wind rustling the leaves and the babbling of a brook. The wierwoods sing to me, and I respond in kind. If you wish to hear this song I can open your ears…”

“I can hear leaves rustling without your help. Keep your mystery’s to yourself, I have my houses history written on vellum and parchment.”

“As you say. My offer still stands if you should change your mind…”

“Enough of this. I would speak of other matters…”

--- What to speak of next? ---
>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?
>What is your relation with Jurgen? Why does he take such an interest in your lands when his own home is impoverished
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4651134
>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?

>>4651134
>>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?

Vote will be open until tomorrow morning when I pick back up again. See you guys then

>>4651134
>>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4651134
>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?
I think I'll still use the trip for this, as my IP tends to change a lot.

>>4651134

>You mentioned that you could help me. It seems these men are closer to your lands than mine. How is it you can help me?

I really wish we didn't fail that last test. Sweet sweet lore, gone.

>>4651134
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4651134
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

Lol we're going to fail another check and not get any answers. I don't know why we're bothering. These best of 1 quests have soured on me.

How is it you can helo me? - 4
>>4651136
>>4651141
>>4651384
>>4651449

Why is it you cannot go yourself - 3
>>4651264
>>4651488
>>4651489

>>4651449
It's not gone, but if you want to explore that route it'll involve having to trust Siobhan a bit more.

Alright can I get 6d6 for Persuasion (Bargain) please

DC: 12

Rolled 3, 2, 2, 6, 1, 1 = 15 (6d6)

>>4651509
>>4651509

Just realized that last Convince Test was a success with that 12. I had gotten myself confused with the cunning test that was previous to that. I'll include the information about Ardrians bloodline in this next post.

“What do you wish to speak of?”

“I’m no fool witch. I can piece together that you want me to deal with these bandits who are plaguing both are lands. It seems to me that you need me more than I need you. What said you could help me in return for my aid. How is it that you can help me?”

“You seemed so curious about my name and yet you still continue to refer to me as witch? You confuse me Ardrian Borlund, but yes I can help you in many ways.”

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Persuasion (Bargain) Test ---
Rolled 13 vs DC: 12
Result: One Degree of Success

“How?”

“I am a witch as you say. I can listen to the trees and they speak to me of you. If you wish I could tell you what the future holds for you.”

A cheap price for risking the lives of my men

“I think not. I will not risk my life and those of my soldiers for the promise of some backwater woods witch and her supposed gift of prophecy. There was a time that I would have had you hanged for even mentioning the subject of witchcraft.”

“And yet here we stand. Perhaps food will make a more appetizing offer. Jurgen has told me that your lands are poor and your harvests meagre, I will provide you and your people with enough food to fill your bellies for three months.”

“A year.”

“Three months. Venison, hare and fowl. Good meat to fill your spits and stew pots. My people have a love of hunting.”

Your people…how can they be your people when you are nothing more than a common born woman and a heathen besides…

“What if it is not my stomach that is empty? I have supped on little else than bread, oatmeal and water for the past many years. I am not afraid to continue to do so.”

“You speak of coin. Neither I nor my people have any gold or silver to give you. These men I would have you rid me of may carry such however. What my people do have is amber taken from the Greenrun. Even I know that such stones can be sold for what you seek.”

“Amber would require me to sell it onwards, transport it and risk having it stolen. Surely you have something more to offer than what you are suggesting…”

She gives you a hard stare and her dark eyes stare unflinching into your own. “Gold is a curse Ardrian Borlund. Those who have tasted it soon find the hunger of greed inside their bellies and that it is never satisfied. I can offer you the services of some of my men should you wish to raise mor of your own. They can help instruct your men in the ways of stealth, treelore and tracking.”

--- What would you like in return for your aid? ---
>You may not believe the words she spoke but you would hear of what she knew of the future… (A telling of your future)
>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food)
>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth)
>If you wanted to bring law and order to your land having men that could root them out from the forests would aid you dramatically (-1 Power cost to one unit of either Geurillas or Scouts)

You may select any and all of the above option, but the difficulty will increase from a starting DC: 9 for each additional request.

I also mispoke, I'll include the bit about heritage at the "feast" scene because it makes more sense

>>4651648
>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food)

Not starving is a plus, also the girls would probably like to have actual meat on the menu

Establishing ID

>>4651648
>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth)
>If you wanted to bring law and order to your land having men that could root them out from the forests would aid you dramatically (-1 Power cost to one unit of either Geurillas or Scouts)

I'm intrigued by the prophesy, but I think that may be something we could work on separately from this deal. The food is also very important with how little we have, but the amber could be traded for more food than what she can provide with a little legwork on our part.

>>4651648
>>You may not believe the words she spoke but you would hear of what she knew of the future… (A telling of your future)
>>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food)

>>4651648
>If you wanted to bring law and order to your land having men that could root them out from the forests would aid you dramatically (-1 Power cost to one unit of either Geurillas or Scouts)
Sounds like the only choice that will benefit us long term.

>>4651648

>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth)
>If you wanted to bring law and order to your land having men that could root them out from the forests would aid you dramatically (-1 Power cost to one unit of either Geurillas or Scouts)

Still torn on which unit we should end up acquiring. Leaning toward Scouts.

>>4651648
>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food)
>>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth)

>>4651648
>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food)
>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth)

food and money are things we desperately need

Alright so how I'm going to do this is tally the amount of voters and then the votes. I'll be including the options that get at least 50% of the voters.

>You may not believe the words she spoke but you would hear of what she knew of the future… (A telling of your future) - 1/7
>Your food stores had run empty and the prospect of meat had your mouth watering (9 Food) - 4/7
>With the prospect of buying new armour and a horse, coin was something you had a need of (40 Common Amber = 1 Wealth) - 4/7
>If you wanted to bring law and order to your land having men that could root them out from the forests would aid you dramatically (-1 Power cost to one unit of either Geurillas or Scouts) - 3/7

Food and Coin take it.

I'll need 6d6 for Persuasion (Bargain) please. DC: 12 again

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

>>4651835
pls

>>4651835

I'm guessing the extra Degree of success has no effect here, since it's kind of a flat yes or no to what we asked for?

>>4651838
Two Degrees of Success

Huzzah. Alright I'm writing but I might get pulled away for an hour or so so expect a post up in about 2 hours

>>4651844
Siobhan will give you a small gratuity for the second degree. 12 food as opposed to 9.

Whilst the idea of having some witch read your fortune was abhorrent and raising a force of scouts to patrol the forests of your domain was a tempting one there were more pressing matters at hand. Broderick had informed you of the dire situation of your stores and another three months of food would allow you the time to travel to Mistwood and negotiate some sort of terms with Lord Martyn. The amber could also likely fetch a good price and the coin from such things could be used for a number of things. A new set of plate, a horse and tourney lances were all necessary before the tourney and they were costly besides. Winning a joust or two could allow for you to pocket further coin and allow you to ransom the steed and plate back should you lose in the tilts.

I’ll need to win at either the joust or the melee in order to win the title of Warden of the Mistwood. Ser Ardrian Borlund, Knight of Stonegrove and Warden of the Mistwood.

A small smile threatened to creep on your face at the thought of hearing yourself heralded as such. While Warden of the Mistwood was a far cry from the ancestral title of Lord of the Rainwood it was a step in the right direction.

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund’s Persuasion (Bargain) Roll ---
Rolled 18 vs DC: 12
Result: Two Degrees of Success

“The food and amber shall be sufficient. The amber for my own needs, but the food shall go towards my people. I am sure that you can understand my concern at ensuring that my people are fed. The Seven who are One teach that giving alms is a noble act.”

“The Gods of the Forest and Streams are no different Ardrian Borlund, a community must help one another in times of strife. If you shall give the food to Jurgen and your people, I shall extend to you another month worth of food for a total of 12 units, along with the amber. Is this sufficient?”

“It is.”

“In the sight of the Old Gods do I swear that when these men are dealt with I shall deliver upon my word.”

“And in the light of the Seven I swear that I shall purge these men from your lands.”

“We are in agreement.”

“We are.”

“Come with me, I am sure that you are both tired and hungry. We shall feast tonight.”

You followed Siobhan back towards the ruin with a queasy feeling in your stomach. A foul taste seemed to envelop your mouth and you spat to trying and cleanse yourself of it but it was to no avail. Something about this situation seemed off to you…

--- What would you like to speak to her about next? ---
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves
>What is your relation with Jurgen? Why does he take such an interest in your lands when his own home is impoverished

>>4652113
>>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4652113
>>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4652113
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves
now how are we going to explain this situation to the septon?

>>4652113
>>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

>>4652113
>Why is it you and your men cannot go where these wretches have hidden themselves

Writing

“You walk in these woods with confidence…”

“Why shouldn’t I? These are my woods and I have many eyes. None may trespass here without my knowledge.” She lifted an arm to allow a small bird to swoop down from a tree and perch on her wrist. A pleasant twittering came forth from it that Siobhan whistled back.

Domesticating birds is no proof of magic. Men tame far more impressive birds for hawking every day…

“So why is it that you need me? Why is it you can not root these men out yourself?”

“That man you brought with you, he told you of the stones that surround their encampment.” She did not phrase it as a question but as a fact. A hesitant nod was your reply.

“Then you have your answer. Those stones are carved with the runes of your Seven, stars and other symbols. It is a place where those with the gift cannot go.”

“Why?”

“It is a cursed place. The weirwoods were cut down and burned there thousands of years ago but the trees still remember. If I should cross that threshold I will lose my gift. My men are a superstitious bunch and they refuse to go where I cannot see.”

“What do you mean you cannot see?”

It is a clearing. There are no trees there and even the birds and beasts shun the place. Imagine if you were asked to fight somewhere where it was dark. Where you could not see but your enemies could. You would not dare venture there either Ardrian Borlund.”

--- Any questions regarding this place where the men are camped? ---

>>4652433
How many are there and where is it? Are there any good places to setup a vantage point?

>>4652433
Are there any rumors of nasty surprises? Traps?

>>4652433
she says these stones have the markings of the seven, are these holy men? This isn't some zealotry group I hope

>>4652540

Nah, I don't think the bandit group is responsible for the creation of this Seven blessed area. I think their leader managed to figure out or heard about the special properties.

One thing we know is that they are led by a Knight(?) who defected from service.

>>4652433

Any approach routes that could obscure 200 men using some tree magic trickery?

How often do they scout? How many do they send out? How is the main group and/or the scouts equipped? How long have they been there? Do any other apparent outsiders visit them?

How covertly scoutable is the place, are they on a nice defensible hill or is it mostly flat? Are these inscribed stones small obstructions or more like large fortifications?

What would happen if some of the stones were removed? Are they small enough to move?

>>4652625
>Any approach routes that could obscure 200 men using some tree magic trickery?
We’re not relying on heretical magic anon

I'll get a post up up tomorrow morning with the Green Lady's answers. If there are any more suggestions feel free to shoot them out, if not, see you all tomorrow

>>4652968
Ask her if she knew our father or grandfather

>>4652968
wouldn't it suffice for us to drive the men into the forrest, so that her archers can take care of it?

>>4652113
>A foul taste seemed to envelop your mouth and you spat to trying and cleanse yourself of it but it was to no avail. Something about this situation seemed off to you…
Is that our remaining piety leaking after striking a deal with a heathen witch?

>>4652433
I don't like this situation or her at all. I hope we didn't inadvertently sell our soul, our firstborn or something.

>>4653239
No. The terrible price we have to pay is. That we will have to sleep with her

>>4653244
That's how she'll steal your soul anon.

>>4652482
"You already know the answer to that Ardrian Borlund. Two hundred men, three days days north of your own home. As for a vantage point, the stone circle is set upon a low hill in dense forest. such as this."

>>4652501
"If you are strong in your faith you have nothing to fear as I do from those old stones. These men are not clever but their leader is no fool. Thw few men I have who dare even look upon it say hey have built a stockade around their hill, as well as a ditch to deter attackers.

>>4652540
"Some of these men may believe in your Seven, but I do not think these to be holy men. The hill is simply defensible and deep in the places that lords and knights rarely go."

>>4652625
"The woods are deep and dark. Two hundred men could be swallowed by the trees and dissapear for a time.

They send men out in groups now, but the size of the groups is never the same. Sometimes it is five and other times twenty.

As for their steel, I know not of such things. Iron corrupts the gift. Their bows seem to be of middling quality however.

I know of no outsiders that have come, but as I said I am blind in that place. I have heard the trees sing of stars however, of the coming of a dawn and a raven waiting patiently to feast on the dead.

The stone are worn and old, but they are massive and their roots go deep. They are not fortifications but some of them have had their stockade built around them.

I cannot say what might happen if the stones were removed. It may be that the ground is consecrated or it could simply be the stones. Regardless, that would require many men, tools and horses that we do not possess.

>>4652970
She laughs. "How old do you think I am Ardrian Borlund? I was hardly knee high when your Father still ruled these lands. My master once knew your father though."

>>4653033
"I think it unlikely they will abandon their stronghold, but if you flush them from it my men will ensure that any who flee do not survive."

File: stonecircle.jpg (64 KB, 768x485)

64 KB JPG

Unfortunately I have to go to a breakfast this morning, and my afternoon is largely busy but I'll be back later tonight to continue with another update or three.

>>4653109
Precisely.

>>4653239
Your soul is safe, as is Amelia. But Ardrian knows to be careful when dealing with matters of fae. He knows the fairy tales of the forest.

>>4653244
There are things she claims that she can do but such spells command a heavy price. A child for instance. The question is would Ardrian risk damning his eternal soul?

>>4652625
I forgot the pic for my idea of the stones

>>4653417

>>4652625
Me from a different phone


>I have heard the trees sing of stars however, of the coming of a dawn and a raven waiting patiently to feast on the dead.

I feel like there is useful intelligence here but I can't decipher it. My lore fu is weak.

>>4653588
Could be a refrence to Church of Starry Wisdom

>>4653588
It could be the stars from the stars and swords Like the smallfolk branch of the faith militant.

Also, are the morrigan arms a crow or a raven?

File: 545px-House_Dondarrion.svg.png (79 KB, 545x600)

79 KB PNG

>>4653661
A raven. Also the only noble house in the Stormlands with stars is house Dondarrion

>>4653588
There could be, or there could not be. Prophesy is a tricky thing, and even if Siobhan is a skinchanger that doesnt mean she truly has the green sight.

>>4653593
No need to worry about that. Ardrian would never even have heard of it, nor would Siobhan.

>>4653661
According to the wiki the sigil of House Morrigen is a crow in flight on storm green. Pretty similar arms to House Borlund actually.

>>4653669
This is true. They share a mostly friendly rivalry with House Caron. They were also tentative supporters of the Blackfyres like most of the Lords of the Dornish Marches though.

>>4653661
>>4653669


Okay. Operating on some of these assumptions, House Morrigan waiting to "feast" might be them being ready to claim the remains of House Borlund's holdings.

Are these men here in service of a rival House (Morrigan), here to undermine our authority over the smallfolk? Maybe someone in that house is making the case that we are unfit to rule given that we can't control our own limited lands.

Dondarrion being involved confused me.

>>4654261

On a side note, I love the setting and characters you've created for this quest.

It seems like you've put a lot into fleshing out this world, and I'm excited to see where it goes.

>>4654261
So, when is it evening at your place ?

“When should I bring my men?”

“The moon will be gone from the sky in eleven days, I would strike then unless you wish to face them in open battle. I know that many high lords enjoy the sound of swords and warhorns.”

A high lord indeed. Although there is more glory and honour in facing your foes openly…

“I will feast both yourself and Jurgen this evening. A small band of my men will escort you back to his village, and I shall wait for you and your men to return.”

“If you think for a moment I will allow my men to even know of your existence, let alone your involvement, you are gravely mistaken. Are you aware of the septon who travelled with me to Jurgens village? I know his type, and he would have me slay your men and have you crucified or sent to the stake to burn. There was a time that I would have agreed with him, and should you betray me I will set your pyre alight myself.”

Siobhan smiled and let out a small laugh that was closer to a girlish giggle. “My my, you are a fierce one. Jurgen told me that you might not approve of us. We may be few, even in the depths of the Rainwood, but we are everywhere and rest assured our roots are sunk just as deep as yours.”

“Are you implying that my people worship trees? That good and seven fearing folk are nothing more than pagans worshipping some heathen god?”

“Oh I know of no men of the true faith amongst your lands. Even Jurgen still believes in the divinity of your Seven, although he also knows that the trees are still worthy of respect.”

“Just how is it that he came to know you?”

A thin white finger tenderly stroked the head of the songbird that was perched on her opposite arm before pinching its beak lovingly and sending the bird of flitting back to the trees. It flew off singing a pleasant song and the bright blue blur faded into the green and brown of the forest as if it had never been there.

“The forest is quite old Ardrian Borlund. Did you know many of the small folk claim descent from the Storm King Ronald Storm?”

“His name was Ronard Storm, and he is also known as Ronard the Bastard. Yes, I’m well aware that he fathered many bastards and that many smallfolk enjoy telling tales of their ancestry to him. I fail to see what that has to do with Jurgen.”

“Only that many and more share blood if you look back far enough. The blood that runs in my veins also runs in Jurgens. He caught his daughter sneaking off into the woods to speak with the beasts and he knew that she had the gift. He brought her to me nearly four years ago now. That is why he brings me tribute, as payment for teaching his daughter. You will meet her tonight. I expect that he did not tell you himself for fear of what you might say or do.”

And justly so. Jurgen you and I shall have words…

The Ruined Hall

Narrow benches surrounded a long open pit of coals where both men and women mingled drunkenly to the sound of drums and flute. You had been given a place of high honour at the head of the fire place beside where Siobhan prevailed over the festivities. She sat in a crude throne of twisting vines and branches as she watched her people frolic. As of yet neither her nor yourself had been offered food nor drink but instead watched as her people consumed dark beer and mead by the horn.

A man and a woman approached her pathetic attempt of a high seat and offered her an entire leg of venison. It had no seasoning but for salt but the juices flowed from the meat made your mouth water. Two horns were brough forth as well and the woman handed one to you. It was filled nearly to the brim with a dark ale so thick that you could have chewed it. Siobhan stood and raised her horn to a raucous applause.

“TODAY WE FEAST SO THAT WHEN THE NEW MOON RISES THE FOREST SHALL BE OURS AGAIN! THE SON OF THE FOREST SHALL FIGHT WITH US AND TOGETHER WE SHALL DRIVE THESE MURDERERS BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME! BOR! LUND!”

“BOR! LUND! BOR! LUND!” Her people had taken up the cry and were shouting it in a rhythmic fashion to the beat of a heart. Siobhan pointed her horn to you as if expecting you to clash the horns together to her toast. You found yourself hesitating as you recalled the stories of witches and spirits from your youth. It was to doom oneself if you accept the food or drink from the fae and yet this woman seemed more human than spirit…

--- Accept the toast and drink? ---
>Yay
>Nay

--- Make a speech of your own? ---
>Yay
>Nay

(If yay, please specify what you would like to say)

>>4656303
>Yay
>Nay

>>4656303
>Yay
>Nay
just give them Ardrian's best glare

>>4656303
>Nay
>Nay

>>Nay
>>Nay

Seven preserve our soul from the malefic hands of these heretics and witches.

>>4656323
this

>>4656303
>Yay
>Nay

>>4656323
+1. And only one horn of mead.

>>4656303
>>Yay
>>Nay

>>4656303
>Yay
>Nay
It doesn't look like we're being tricked.
I say they are free to their paganism so long as the murders stop. We've got bigger issues on our plate than some treehuggers.

>>4656323
Seems like something he might do. Lets see just how scary that glare is.

4d6 for Persuasion (Intimidate) please

I'll be looking to continue on Friday Night at roughly 6pm MST

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

>>4657763
Roll mediocre!

>>4657772
pretty mediocre anon, good call

one glance of medium scariness please.

>>4657803
Dont want to overdo it

>>4658107
that's right. mild annoyance

Just got home from working late. Currently writing!

You were reminded of a memory from your childhood. You could not have been older than six when your father had hosted Lord Boris Baratheon at stone grove for nearly a moons turn. You had been standing with all of your siblings that still called Stonegrove home to the side of your fathers seat as he welcomed the Lord of Storms End. Your half sister Melyssa had nearly been a woman grown. She’d spoken at length of what dress she would wear when Lord Baratheon arrived and how she might style her hair. It had bored you half to death but she had been beautiful in a green and russet dress with her hair tied elegantly into a long braid in a similar fashion to your grandmother. Abner had been two and ten, proudly clad in a surcoat of the colours of House Borlund with the woodpecker sigil richly embroidered on the breast. Meanwhile your elder sister Ada had still been alive and she had held your hand to ensure that you made no trouble. Lastly there was your infant brother Broderick, who was quiet in your mothers arms beside your father.

Your father had summoned a servant who brought forth a plate of bread, cold chicken and salt as well as a goblet filled with what you imagined now would have been the best wine he had in his cellars. You’d thought it strange to have an entire court watch as the Lord of the Stormlands ate a mouthful of food and drank a swallow of wine before being properly welcomed and the two lords had left the hall to discuss their business privately. In the days afterward you had asked your father about the significance of what had transpired.

“Our house has existed for over a thousand years Ardrian.” He had pulled Judgement forth from its scabbard and showed you the razor-sharp blade with a near religious reverence. “The Lord of Stonegrove has borne this sword for nearly eight hundred. Pride can be found in such ancient and storied history my son. Many younger houses have forgotten or have never known the old ways but we remember them. Bread and salt is a tradition that goes back to the First Men and the Age of Heroes and consuming a mans food and drink beneath his roof grants you guest right. You may do no harm to a guest Ardrian, even if he offends you, even if he is Abners guest when he rules Stonegrove and I am entombed beneath the sept. Do you understand?”

If these people worship the Old Gods then if I drink their beer and eat their meat they can do me no harm…

You did not clang your horn off of Siobhans but instead looked out at the assembled crowd as they stared at you in turn. Your bushy eyebrows furrowed into a scowl and the raucous celebrations dimmed, even the pipes and drums subsided until you brought the horn to your lips and took a swallow. Cider was your preferred drink of choice and wine a close second, there was a certain appeal too both beer and cider when brewed properly. The brew provided to you was of such a dismal vintage that it almost took effort to keep it down.

Seven save me. If this is what these folk serve at feasts…no wonder they are such savages…

The people of the hall didn’t cheer when you took your seat again. An awkward quiet filled the hall instead as Siobhan looked at you with a look of irritation.

“You truly are a most inspiring man. Excuse me a moment while I try and stir my peoples spirits.”

She took her leave from her own seat of tangled roots and made for the groups of men and women that were feasting in front of you. She moved like a wraith through her people, as if she wasn’t even there. No matter where she went there was space and slowly the ruined hall began to come to life again as the dull roar of feasting resumed. A child brought you a slab of flank off the spit on a wooden plate and although the only flavouring was its own juices and salt it still made your mouth water. As she walked away you took a double take as you looked at an almost splitting image of Jurgen.

“Wait a moment girl.”

“Yes m’lord?”

“Are you…”

“Yes m’lord. I’m Jurgens daughter.”

“How did…”

“I know? The trees told me you’d ask.”

“These trees..do you they speak to you often?”

“Sometimes. I’m not as good at listening to them as Siobhan. Sometimes all I hear is the wind. They told me about you though m’lord, and how your family were the kings once.”

“My family were never kings, girl. Lords once, and powerful ones, but never kings.”

“No m’lord, kings. Before the Andals came.”

“My family is a thousand years old girl, but the coming of the Andals was a thousand leagues before Lord Nicos Borlund was given Stonegrove for saving Lord Durran Durrandon from a dornish spear.”

“Trees have better memories than men m’lord. They don’t lie either. Do you know what Borlund means? It means forest son, or son of the forest. Once upon a time a king called Gebicca and he ruled the great forest that covered all of Cape Wrath. The children of the forest and him lived together for years because he wasn’t like other men. They wanted the land without trees to farm but Gebicca wanted to live in the forests. He protected the children from men who wanted to break their peace and they taught him how to listen to the trees. When the andals came he fought them but they caught him in a trap and he died. Gebicca had a son though, a baby, and the Andals found him. One of them brought him home and named him Hugor and eventually he wed that andals daughter and…”

“Aoife are you interrupting Ser Ardrian’s meal?” Jurgen had somehow managed to eavesdrop on your conversation and made it over to your end of the hall.

“No father, I am telling him about King Gebbica and how he…”

“Ser Ardrian has no time for such tales dear. Now go on, I am sure you have others that are in need of meat and mead.”

The young girl looks to you with a pleading look, her large brown eyes opened wide as she asked permission to stay and speak without actually asking…

--- How would you like to proceed? ---
>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story
>Allow the girl to stay but tell her the true telling of the origins of House Borlund
>Allow Jurgen to send her away and speak with him instead

>>4660958
>Allow Jurgen to send her away and speak with him instead

>>4660958
>>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story

>>4660958
>Allow Jurgen to send her away and speak with him instead

>>4660958
>>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story

>>4660958
>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story
this is interesting.

>>4661201
forgot trip

>>4660958

>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story

Assure Jurgen that his daughter will not face consequences for sharing information with us.

>Allow the girl to stay and continue the telling of her story

Alright letting her stay and finish wins. Writing

>>4661428
I'll include this too to put Jurgen at ease

“As it happens I have all evening to hear such tales Jurgen. I can scarcely believe that I shall find any other interesting conversation amidst these people. Aoife is it?” The girl nodded her head enthusiastically. “Please continue. Rest assured Jurgen, she has not spoken out of turn. I’ve not heard this telling of my family’s history and I would hear the full telling of it.”

A blank look was his response and you reassured him that there was nothing to worry about. “Be at peace. The Seven smile upon children Jurgen, and you need not fear her speaking something you wish I’d not hear.”

Although you obviously thought to keep her a secret from me. Did you think I would have you put to the flames for siring a witch? Or did you fear I’d put her to the flames? Distasteful as it might be the worship of the Old Gods is not heresy enough to have them put to death…although Septon Medwick might disagree with that edict.

The protection of the Old Faith had been enshrined into law during the regency of Lord Torrhen Manderly on account of his lieges faith. Perhaps too much power had been extended to the North, just as King Daeron had extended too much power to Dorne…

“So please continue Aoife…”

“Of course m’lord. So Hugor wed his wife, but it wasn’t a happy marriage. The trees sang to him too and they told him his name. Hugor Borlund was a first man and an andal but he chose to listen to the trees and fight the others who tried to break the pact. He worshipped the Old Gods like his father did and they helped him fight the andals but eventually they caught him. The children of the forest buried Hugor on a hill and planted a weirwood atop it but the andals didn’t stop. When they found his grave they were scared of his ghost so they brought stones to his burial mound and carved their runes and stars in them to keep Hugors ghost in his grave.”

“This hill…these stones…are these the same places that Siobhan cannot see?”

“Could be m’lord. She doesn’t tell me those kinds of things, she says I still have to learn what the trees are saying, and how to see through the eyes of animals. I’m not so good at that yet m’lord.”

The queasy feeling came back like a hammer blow to your stomach. Such open, pagan talk of speaking to animals and trees so near to your own lands…perhaps a decade ago you would have raised your banners and driven these heathens out into an even deeper part of the woods if any survived. Did you now even have the conviction to do so?

“You may leave us Aoife. Thank you for the tale, it has given me much to think about. Jurgen, stay a moment. I would have words with you…” Your tone was calm but cold. Aoife left you with an almost comical attempt at a bow before going on to serve other people in the hall while Jurgen stayed behind…

--- What would you like to speak to Jurgen about? ---
>Matters of Faith and Piety
>Matters of Duty and Loyalty
>Matters of Battle and War

>>4662440
>>Matters of Duty and Loyalty

>>4662440
>Matters of Duty and Loyalty

>>4662440
>Matters of Duty and Loyalty

>>4662440

>Matters of Duty and Loyalty

Duty and loyalty it is. Writing

“I can only assume that it was for the love you hold for your daughter that you did not tell me she is a witch.”

Jurgen could not meet your gaze and looked at the dirt and stone floor of the hall. The revelries were beginning to grow louder around you but the mood in your immediate vicinity was deadly serious.

“I will remind you that I am your liege Jurgen. You are sworn to me, to serve and fight for me when called upon, and you will answer my questions truthfully.”

“I…yes…I feared for her.”

“This is also why you have been paying this witch tribute.”

“There is always a price for such things Ser.”

“Who is this witch to you? I have seen no fighting men about and look what passes for her hall. Stonegrove may be empty and poor but it is still proud. This hall is little more than a ruin fit to house horses and livestock. I am your liege. You owe your loyalty to me, not some heathen witch.”

“I have a duty as a father to keep my daughter safe Ser.”

“I am a father to daughters as well Jurgen. I know what it means to have their interests and safety at heart, but I am still sworn to serve my own liege and those vows are just as binding. I have not asked much of you in my time as the Knight of Stonegrove but I expect your loyalty to be to me and me alone.”

His mouth hardened into a thin, tight line as he held his tongue. There was clearly something he wished to say but he knew better than to speak out of turn to you.

“I am sworn to you Ser.”

“You are. And for that reason these men who have preyed upon your people, my people, will face justice for their crimes.”

“And what of the Green Lady Ser? What of my daughter? I remember when Stonegrove was a hub of the faithful and your faith shone like a beacon amidst the rainwood. I believe in the Seven Ser, but the Green Lady has told me things that only gods could know. Will you allow them to live in peace?”

“They do not live on my land Jurgen.”

“This was Borlund land once, who is to say it won’t be again. If this land should become yours once more will you allow them to live in peace?”

--- What is Ardrians response? ---
>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)
>You would allow them to live in peace so long as they converted to the Faith of the Seven or otherwise left your lands. They would be your people, and your faith would be their faith (Arrogant)
>If you came into possession of these lands then they would become a beacon civilisation once more, not some rural backwater. They would be asked to leave and if they refused, they would be forced to leave (Prestige)

>>4662809
>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)

>>4662809
>>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)

>>4662809
>You would allow them to live in peace so long as they converted to the Faith of the Seven or otherwise left your lands. They would be your people, and your faith would be their faith (Arrogant)

>>4662809
>>You would allow them to live in peace so long as they converted to the Faith of the Seven or otherwise left your lands. They would be your people, and your faith would be their faith (Arrogant)

>>4662809
>>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)

>>4662809
>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)
BUT nobody is allowed to pay them any kind of tribute. Hands off our serfs and benefices!

>>4662809
>>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)

>>4662809
>You would allow them to live in peace so long as they converted to the Faith of the Seven or otherwise left your lands. They would be your people, and your faith would be their faith (Arrogant)

>>4662809

>The worship of the Old Gods may have been distasteful but it was lawful. Should this Green Lady pay you homage you would leave her and her people be (Just)

4d6 for Persuasion (Convince) to see how genuine the words come across please.

DC: 9

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

>>4663193

>>4663194
Nice. Good work.

Alright I'll have a post up in a few hours. Just have to bang out some Sunday chores and what not first and I'll get to writing

“I will not hide my distaste of this worship. The Seven shall judge these people when they try to ascend to the Seven Heavens, but it is not my place to judge them when the law states that they have done no wrong. If someday I retake control of this land, and these people pay taxes to Stonegrove as is their rightful duty, then I shall leave them well enough alone. You have my word Jurgen.”

“And what of that Septon who preaches of fire and brimstone? What if he feels that their worship of the Old Gods is not the kind protected by the Kings Peace?”

“Septon Medwick is a godly man, but he is not sworn to myself or Stonegrove. He is here on a mission from the Great Sept of Baelor to see what has happened to both the abbey and sept upon my lands. He will not be staying much longer.”

“He’ll ask where we went when we return to the village…will you lie to a Septon? A man of the cloth?”

“No, I won’t lie to him. But neither will I allow him to put your daughter to the torch. She may no longer live on my lands but she still your daughter and my vassal, and as such he has no right to do so.”

“If you say so Ser. I still worry.”

“Worry as you will, but know that you have my word and that my word is iron.”

“Of course Ser Ardrian. M’lord, do you plan to return to my village on the morrow?”

--- What course of action would you like to take? ---
>Yes. I will return to your village, and by extension Stonegrove, as soon as possible. I want to catch these murderers without a moon to see us by.
>No, I will scout ahead and find where these men are encamped. I would look upon their camp myself and see it with my own eyes.
>Something Else (Write in)

>>4663430
>>Yes. I will return to your village, and by extension Stonegrove, as soon as possible. I want to catch these murderers without a moon to see us by.

>>4663430
>Yes. I will return to your village, and by extension Stonegrove, as soon as possible. I want to catch these murderers without a moon to see us by.

>>4663430
>>No, I will scout ahead and find where these men are encamped. I would look upon their camp myself and see it with my own eyes.

>>4663430

>Yes. I will return to your village, and by extension Stonegrove, as soon as possible. I want to catch these murderers without a moon to see us by.

>>4663430
>>No, I will scout ahead and find where these men are encamped. I would look upon their camp myself and see it with my own eyes.

>>4663430
>No, I will scout ahead and find where these men are encamped. I would look upon their camp myself and see it with my own eyes.

>>4663430
>Yes. I will return to your village, and by extension Stonegrove, as soon as possible. I want to catch these murderers without a moon to see us by.
We know where they are holed up. time to take action and not get ourselves caught trying to be a scout

Lets go get 'em lads. But first, a return to the village and a chat with Medwick.

“We depart at dawn. I have seen what I need to see, and heard what I need to hear. The longer we delay the more opportunity we lend these cravens to kill again, discover our intentions or flee.”

“I will be ready to depart before the sun rises Ser.”

“As will I.”

You concluded the attempt at a feast alone. You turned down any further offers of ale and mead but you did take a certain pleasure in the meat that was served. It was fresh and well salted and more than once you looked about for some sort of napkin to wipe your mouth so as to not have grease and juices running down into your beard. In such savage company you made do with the cuff of your sleeve despite your misgivings and helped yourself to more of the venison.

Siobhan appeared in your eyeline from time to time flitting between benches and groups of revellers. She laughed and drank as loudly as any of them but she managed to stay composed as if she were only acting drunk. One group of young men caught your eye for a time as well. There was perhaps a score of them that cleared the centre of the hall of benches, drunks and other such obstacles as they set to prove their manhood. You watched them for a time but soon grew bored of their antics. The quaffing of beer, fisticuffs, and drunken dancing soon lost what little rural charm it may have had and the ear splitting noise from the bladder pipes was making your head feel like an anvil being used by an especially diligent smith. Catching a passing serving girl by the arm you asked after where you would be sleeping.

“The Green Lady told us that you’d be staying inside the hall. I can show you to the room she chose for you.”

She led you into a small tunnel that may once have been a route to a sally port or some sort of subterranean cellar. Dirt covered most of the floor and the walls were uneven and unmortared in places but you kept the disdain off your face even when your boot squelched into a puddle of water. The room you were ushered into smelt like mouldy bread and stale water. There were no rushes on the floor and what passed for a bed was a large slab of stone over which had been placed a mattress of loose moss and a thin woolen blanket.

“Thank you. You may leave me.”

The woman departed and left you to your privacy. The sounds of the feast could just be heard if you focused on them but there was an ever present drip of water on stone that grated on your nerves. You were a proud man and you would not give these people reasons to snigger behind your back by demanding different accommodations more appropriate to your station. You laid on the bed and in the dark cursed the stone and moss until sleep finally overwhelmed you.

--- 30/05/217 ---
--- Jurgens Village ---

It had rained for the entirety of the journey back to Jurgens home and a deep chill had sunk into your bones. Every bit of clothing you wore was sodden and soaked and when the village finally came into view you wrung the water out of your beard and shook your head to shake the water from your face. A soldier caught sight of you and raised a shout at your arrival.

“SER ARDRIAN RETURNS!”

A small commotion came from the cry as other soldiers came to see the two men that were approaching their line. They had been busy during your absence and had made stakes to surround the village in a ring of sharpened wood. You crossed the threshold into the village and were greeted by the soldiers that were currently on guard duty and marched quickly towards Jurgens home. Even the thought of peeling off your wet clothes and warming your hands by a fire was enough to nearly make you skip. Septon Medwick was standing out in the open giving a sermon to a few of the faithful. A few of the village folk as well as a soldier or two listened to him speak of the mercy of the Mother and the judgement of the Father. As you passed his eyes followed you until you and Jurgen entered his home.

It was blissfully warm and the fire was roaring in the cobblestone hearth. Cloaks and boots were soon torn off and placed in front of the fire to dry and you dressed yourself in a fresh change of clothes from the bag you’d left behind. You waited until the both of you were warmed before you ordered Jurgen to go and find Ser Dominic and tell him to get the men ready to march. Tell him that we’ll be returning to Stonegrove to gather our archers and put these bandits to the sword. “

“At once m’lord.”

Jurgen made for the door but as he was leaving you heard a small commotion. Septon Medwick had been entering the home at the same time Jurgen had been leaving. Jurgen bowed his head and apologized as he let the Septon enter his home before ducking out quickly to avoid any further confrontation.

“Ser Ardrian. I am gladdened to see you return. You disappeared quite suddenly and I feared the worst. I see my prayers have been answered.”

“If you prayed for my return and success then they have been answered. I believe I know where these murderers have hidden themselves.”

“This is good news Ser Ardrian. It would seem that the Light of the Seven has struggled to pierce the Rainwood in recent years. I am gladdened to know that some of the rot is soon to be purged. However, there is another plague that threatens you. I have heard troubling rumours of a malicious woods witch that calls the forest home. Have you heard such talk Ser?”

“I have Septon.”

“Surely such things anger you Ser. The talk of foul blood sacrifice and the worshipping of trees…it is an abomination in the eyes of the Seven.”

Blood sacrifice…

Your thoughts suddenly run to Ulf. You’d left him in the charge of Siobhan and somehow forgotten about him completely. His life had been forfeit for his crimes but did he deserve to be sacrificed like the Septon claimed? Did the Green Lady even practice such brutality? You would need to ask her what happened to him when you returned with your soldiers.

“Such things are… distasteful, Septon.”

“Distasteful is too lenient a words Ser Ardrian.”

“As you say Septon. My people are good Seven fearing folk. Places such as the Rainwood do breed superstition.”

“Yes, backwaters without leadership and reminders of their faith often do fall to such heresies. That is why you must ensure that the abbey that once stood on your lands is rebuilt. My time here draws to a close but I would look upon the sight of it once more before I depart. I hear you are returning to Stonegrove to gather more men. I would stop and visit with Father Boniface on your way there before I depart for Kings Landing once more.” A grimace crept on your face. With the new moon approaching you had little time to stop and visit such a place.

“Septon, I have little time. I plan to use the new moon to move my men into place and to attack them without mercy. If I am to wait until the next new moon who is to say that more of my people will not be slaughtered like lambs before wolves. A good shepherd protects his flock.”

“You speak truth Ser Ardrian. A good shepherd protects his flock and takes the fight to the wolves that plague them. In that case, I will accompany you back to Stonegrove and take my leave for the ruined abbey to wait for your return.”

--- Speak to Septon Medwick about the Andal ruins on the hill? ---
>Yay
>Nay

>>4664059
Being the fire and brimstone man of faith that he is, Septon Medwick will insist on accompanying you to the hill to see such ruins. His presence will give your units a +1B to their first fighting rolls.

Of course he may also become aware of Siobhan if you arnt careful so you'll have to be mindful of that as well, or you can simply send him on to the ruined abbey and he can wait for you there

>>4664059

>Nay

In my opinion, our relationship with Siobhan moving forward is more valuable than a one time bonus in a fight.

Plus we get to stay cool with Medwick.

>>4664059
>Nay

As useful as he could be in riling up the men, he's a complication. I also think a proud man like Ardrian might chafe at Medwick potentially stealing the spotlight in front of the men with his oratory.

>>4664059
>Nay
>>4664083
I agree but the faith can be a powerful ally in other ways. Still, now is not the time to have a confrontation with the Septon about Siobhan

>>4664059
>>Yay
We're lying to both of them either way, and I'm thinking that the longer the lie with Medwick goes on the worse it gets. If he find out a little bit now but we refuse to engage with them for practical reasons at least we can say we didn't lie. If he finds out later that we've known of heretics all along and haven't done anything he'll be really pissed.
I can deal with him being mad at us now, as it stands they don't live on our land, so we have no real jurisdiction.

>>4664140
A lie by omission certainly.

Too be fair Medwick is an extremely conservative man and a very different type of septon than what Ardrian grew up with. Not to mention that if he had his way there would be a crusade through the neck into the north to convert the Starks or put them to the sword. He is not an easy man to placate but that can work to Ardrians advantage as well if the right things are said

>>4664059
>Yay

>>4664059
>Nay
we need to get rid off this asshole ASAP. "backwater without leadership", my ass!

>>4664059
>>Naw
this guy sucks, maybe if he bums around the broken abbey long enough he will give us some money to fix it up.

>>4664059
>Nay

>>4664059
>Yay

>>4664059
>Nay

>>4664059
>Nay
Even though we have a different religion. Slaughtering people just because they have a different religion and these people do not bring harm unto your land? Nah. Even the seven would disprove.

>>4664950
In pratical terms, we dont even have the resources or manpower to do this even if we wanted to

>>4664059
>Yay

>Nay - 8
>>4664083
>>4664101
>>4664111
>>4664393
>>4664423
>>4664677
>>4664768
>>4664950

>Yay - 4
>>4664140
>>4664296
>>4664744
>>4665429

>>4664393
He's not really wrong though. Stonegrove is deep in the Rainwood, and the nearest large town of note would be the Weeping Town and it's nearly a two week journey to get there. Other small towns and hamlets exist but theyre largely irrelevant to anything but local trade. As for the eladership, Ardrians presence hasn't really been felt in recent years.

>>4664423
I wouldn't count on it. Impress him somehow and start climbing the ranks of the faith though? Possibly.

Alright well I'm going to close the voting here. I'll be continuing the thread this weekend either friday night or saturday morning. I'll be checking in to answer any questions you all might have, if any. See you all then!

>>4665573
I take it that Ardrian is a faithful but is a bit more pragamtic inclined compared to the septon.

How about our daughters ?

>>4665678
Thats a fair assessment. As I've said in previous posts he was a very devout man in his youth but he's began to lose that pious spark that once motivated him after the first Blackfyre Rebellion, and then had his faith shattered from the Great Spring Sickness. In his younger days he might have even taken a liking to Medwick but I think his character needs a more sage type of Septon rather than fire and brimstone.

As for his daughters, Amelia is only religious in the sense that she believes in the gods. She'll attend mass rarely and will most often be found praying in times of need or despair but otherwise she isn't very devout. Adalynn is a dutiful daughter and she'll attend mass whenever her father does, but she isn't an exceptionally pious young woman. She is more religious than Amelia though.

“As you say Septon. I shall join you when this is all over.”

“Gather your flock to you Ser Ardrian, the wolves shall not wait and night is drawing near.”

Septon Medwick left curtly after his ominous warning and you were quick to follow. You changed into fresh garb and savoured the feeling of dry wool against your skin. You had no desire to go forth back into the torrential rain but you fastened your damp sealskin cloak about your shoulders and made for the door. The cloak had not dried out from it’s previous use and already you could feel the damp seeping into your dry clothing. When you had received the cloak from your late half-sister it had been nearly completely water proof but nearly a decade of use had allowed rain to soak the long, black and grey cloak if it was in the rain for more than an hour or two.

After walking out into the rain you saw your men already beginning to tear down their tents and camp. Mud squished beneath your boots as you drudged towards the main camp where Ser Dominic could be heard barking out orders. He was berating one soldier in particular for his sloppy attempt at preparing the small baggage train. A small smile crept on your face although it was hidden behind your beard. Your soldiers may not have been veteran soldiers but nor were they green boys fresh from crofters huts within your domain. It pleased you to see Ser Dominic enforcing such discipline and keeping the standard at least passably up to snuff.

“Do you think we have provisions enough to let them go to waste? Our stores are running thin and you want to let this damnable rain soak into our flour?”

“I…no Ser.”

“Repack the lot. Go over ever bag and make sure that it’s packed properly. If I find even a single bag ruined from this rain it’ll be you going without. Understood?”

“Yes, of course Ser. My apologies.”

“Save your apologies. You are not some swineherd driving hogs, but a soldier in service to House Borlund. Such work will not be tolerated.”

The soldier noticed you before Ser Dominic did and he snapped off a salute that brought Ser Dominic’s attention to you as well. He mirrored the salute but it was a more polished and refined gesture that spoke of a lifetime of military service. He dismissed the soldier with a wave of his hand and a look of palpable relief was on his face.

“Ser Ardrian. A lovely day for a march, apart from this blasted rain of course. I don’t reckon I’ll ever get used to this.”

“It is named the Rainwood for a reason Ser Dominic. How long will it take the men to be ready to march?”

“Shouldn’t be more than an hour or two Ser. I take it you found out where the scum are hiding?”

“I have. They’re holed up on a hill three days to the north.”

“I do not even wish to ask how you came by this but if you’ve found them we will beat them. We are returning to Stonegrove to gather Will and the archers yes?”

“Correct. I believe they have near enough to two hundred men so we’ll need our archers to help balance the numbers.”

“I know I need not remind you Ser but if you take all of the archers away that’ll leave Stonegrove without any form of defenders. I’d recommend leaving at least a score of men behind but if we are only going to be gone a short time…”

He point was a valid one, and one you had been considering your entire journey back to the village. On one hand there was little reason to believe that any force would attempt to besiege your ancestral home while you were away, but at the same time it was a foolish man who would leave such a seat unguarded.

“Additionally Ser, that Jurgen fellow has asked me to inquire after whether or not you will consider leaving behind a token force of men here to help stave off any attacks. If those bandits number two hundred though we could use every man we can get…”

Perhaps it might have been worth scouting ahead and getting a better measure of these men but it was too late for such thoughts now…

--- Leave behind a token force of Infantry at the village? ---
Effects: +1 Discipline Modifier for the battle
>Yay
>Nay

--- Leave behind a token force of to garrison Stonegrove? ---
Effects: +1 Discipline Modifier for the battle
>Yay
>Nay

--- If Yay, whom? ---
>The Archers (Discipline 9 – 10)
>The Infantry (Discipline 6/7 – 7/8)

>>4672238
>Yay to infantry at village
>Yay to archers at Stonegrove

>>4672238
>Yay
>Yay


>The Archers Stonegrove
>The Infantry Village

>>4672238

>Yay Infantry at village
>Yay Archers at Stonegrove

I voted against the scouting because it felt like a totally unnecessary risk for us personally to take when we could be much more useful organizing our troops as fast as possible.

Can Jurgen not take a couple of his hunting buddies and scout the location for us ahead of the army? They should be better at doing that anyway.

I do think we should have more info going in than that they are on a fortified hill and their bows are of middling quality.

>>4672238
Two hurrahs for Stonegrove!

>>4672376
Sure that sounds reasonable to me. It'll require him to do a couple of tests but it seems reasonable.

Have Jurgen go ahead and scout the hill?
>Yay
>Nay

>>4672473
>Yay
Did the trees tell Aoife how her father would die?

>>4672473
>Yay

>>4672473

>Yay

Dice be with you, Jurgen

>>4672473
>Yay

>>4672473
>>Yay

>>4672473
>Yay

>>4672238
>Yay to archers at stonegrove
>nay to infantry at village
>yay to Jurgen scouting ahead

Alright so to sum everything up Ardrian will be leaving behind a score of infantry to patrol the village, a score of archers to defend Stonegrove and have Jurgen go scout out the area.

I have to go run some errands fast but I should be done in an hour or so and will be able to start writing. Expect a post up in about 3 hours

“You are correct Ser Dominic. I have thought about the issues of defending Stonegrove while sallying out to destroy these men since I learned of their numbers. We shall leave a score of men behind under Williams most capable, and more importantly trustworthy, man.”

Ser Dominic nodded his head sagely at your decision. He was a man of defense in both his demeanor and fighting style and it reflected in his opinions.

“A prudent decision Ser. And what of the village?”

“I am his liege. I am honour bound to protect him and his people. We shall leave a score of men here as well to help keep my people safe, but just as I am sworn to protect him Jurgen is sworn to serve me. Tell him that he will heard north to scout out the area and report back to me with his findings.”

And if he can find some woods witch than he should be able to find nearly two hundred mens…

“Your will Ser.”

--- 04/06/217 ---
The Rainwood near the Haunted Hill

No time had been wasted when you had returned to your home and though you spent a single night in the comfort of your own bed now you’d spent the past few days marching out to do battle with a hundred and fifty men behind you. Looking over your shoulder you saw your banner flapping in the slight breeze that came forth through the trees. The woodpecker flapped on the green fabric and although it was worn and patched it still made your chest swell with pride.

You’d seen neither hide nor hair of the men you sought to vanquish. Even in the night you’d only allowed as few fires as possible and there was no raucous activity around the fires. There was an eerie stillness to the forest that made the men speak in whispers and you swore you could hear a familiar owl off in the distance each night. After three days of travel you were close to your goal now though. Night was setting and you’d made good time despite the rain and though you were soaked to the bone the fire in your heart flared at the thought of battle.

Three days north…we must be nearly upon them now.

“It’s been three days Ser. Are we close?”

Ser Dominic broke the wet patter of rain with the question. His scowl had become a near permanent fixture to his face in the rain and he had become irritable.

“Oh relax Ser Dom. We’ll get there when we get there.”

William, or Will as he was more affectionately known about Stonegrove, of Brambleton was a man you had mixed feelings about. He was a capable man despite his common birth but his past troubled you. He’d been caught abed with a smiths daughter and when confronted he had fled instead of facing the girls fathers wrath. He wound up in Stonegrove and quickly climbed the ranks of your archers before ultimately becoming their captain. You would have preferred a noble born man to lead them, or at the very least a knight, but he was competent despite his lacking pedigree.

“Three days. We must nearly be there now. Has Jurgen found us?”

“Have you not actually laid eyes on this damned hill Ser?” Ser Dominic probed.

“I have not, but I was told by a source who stands to benefit from their destruction as well.”

“As you say Ser. I’ve had no word of Jurgen yet. Will?”

---

Can I get 3d6 for Awareness, as well as 3d6 for Stealth please. DC: 9, DC: 6

Rolled 5, 2, 1 = 8 (3d6)

>>4672995

Rolled 1, 6, 5 = 12 (3d6)

>>4672995

>>4673000
Well it looks like Jurgen didn't find out much.

>>4673052
But he also didn't get caught so there is that at least.

Writing

“That’s the man who you left Stonegrove with a fortnight ago? Haven’t seen him, but I’ll go and check with the lads if you’d like Ser.”

“Please look after it William. I shall remain here.”

Will disappeared into the gloom and off towards some of the smaller encampments of hastily thrown together canvas in a vain attempt to keep the rain off of both men and the pitifully small fires. He had not been gone for more than an hour before he returned with a familiar face in tow.

“Jurgen.”

“Ser Ardrian.”

“You found us I see. Report.”

A look that spoke of failure and the slump of his shoulders told you all that you needed to know but you wished to hear his retelling of events regardless.

“The rain has kept them holed up on their hill Ser, asides from the occasional patrols but they are half hearted at best. I couldn’t get close without leaving tracks or risking getting caught so I can’t tell you much besides that they’re only a few hours away. My apologies Ser.”

If you need a job done, always do it yourself…

“Thank you Jurgen, you are dismissed.”

He left with a bow and your mouth puckered as you considered your options. You could attack now and try to catch these men sleeping and unawares but there was something that rankled you about such dishonourable tactics. Your men were not at full strength however and you could use every advantage you could get, even at the expense of greater glory…

--- Plan of Attack ---
>In the shadow of night
With a successful sneak test, enemy forces will start with a Discipline modifier of one stage less then normal to represent their rude awakening
>In the glory of the dawn
If successful, gain an additional point of Glory (Glory can be used to add an additional bonus dice to a failed roll, or be spent during House Fortunes to gain 1 of any resource)

>>4673096
>>In the shadow of night

>>4673096
>>In the shadow of night

>>4673096

>In the glory of the dawn

This is the way

>>4673096
>In the glory of the dawn
delicious glory

>>4673096
>In the glory of the dawn

>>4673096
>In the shadow of night

Glory and Honor is for knights and highborns and not common bandits

>>4673244

We are a highborn Knight

>>4673250
Yeah, i meant them.

>>4673096
>>In the glory of the dawn

>>4673096
>>In the shadow of night
We're too closely matched and need an edge.

>>4673096
>In the shadow of night
Those beasts preying on women and children deserve no treatment of honor.

>>4673096
>In the glory of the dawn
Money money money

>In the shadow of the night
>>4673143
>>4673153
>>4673244
>>4673542
>>4673555

>In the glory of the dawn
>>4673174
>>4673176
>>4673242
>>4673511
>>4673650

Tie game. I'll let this sit until 10am MST. If it's still a tie by then I'll ask for a roll to decide

Alright it's in the hands of fate now. Can I get a single d6 please.

Odds: In the shadow of the night
Evens: In the glory of the dawn

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4673879

>>4673883
In the shadow of the night.

Alright I'll need 2d6 for sneak please.

DC: 6 on account of it being a new moon and it raining

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d6)

>>4673885

>>4673886
Two Degrees of Success

That'll get everyone into position without being noticed. The guards have been lax as of late.

Lastly, I'll need 3d6 for the Marksmanship attack from the archers, 3d6 for the charge from the Infantry, and 3d6 for Ardrians charge as well

Rolled 3, 5, 2 = 10 (3d6)

>>4673913

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

>>4673913

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

>>4673913

>>4673917
Arrows? Nocked.

>>4673921
Spears? Readied.

>>4673927
Poleaxe? Sharpened.

Sorry for being so roll heavy here but I forgot to ask for Ardrians Warfare roll, so I'll need 2 seperate rolls of 4d6

Rolled 2, 5, 5, 6 = 18 (4d6)

>>4673933

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

>>4673933

>>4673941
jesus christ

>>4673936
The archers follow their orders to the letter

>>4673941
But the infantry...not so much

>>4673947
Joe, I'm actually loving the bo1 system. gives some extra excitement to the rolls

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4673917
I forgot about the concealed bonus of +1D, so I'll be including this roll to this score.

“Get the men ready. Ser Dominic, William, we march within the hour. I want that hill encircled. I don’t want a single man slipping through our lines, understood?”

“Yes Ser.” Your two captains spoke in unison before disappearing into the gloom to prepare your soldiers while you looked after yourself. Your brigandine was kept away inside your canvas tent so at least it was dry. Dressing into your brigandine without a squire was an awkward task and you only half managed to dress yourself when Ser Dominic returned to inform you the men were ready to march.

“The men stand ready Ser. May I assist you?”

“You may.”

His fingers were deft and well practiced and you were soon clad in your armour and ready to make war. It was common steel and small patches of rust could be seen on the exposed metal but it could stop a blow well enough. A new suit of armour was something you needed but there were no smiths hanging about the depths of the Rainwood to your knowledge.

Seven Above I truly do need a squire…

You placed your half helm on your head and gave Ser Dominic a nod. It was time.

“No horns, drums or marching songs. Let us put an end to this.”

You marched at the head of your small army through the darkness of the forest. Your men were as silent as a hundred and fifty men could be and the sound of rain covered your approach. That damnable owl had at least disappeared as you approached the hill. Small glowing orbs of torch light could be seen through the trees. They were largely stationary instead of properly patrolling the stockade as a proper sentry would have and you intended to make them pay for their laxity. Your soldiers spread out around the hill in good order and you made a crude attempt to mimic an owl to signal the attack.

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Command (Attack) Order ---
Rolled 16 vs DC: 10
Results: Borlund 1st Archers Attack

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Command (Charge) Order ---
Rolled 4 vs DC: 7
Result: Order Failed

The clatter of arrows nocking was barely audible over the sound of the weather but the whir of arrows sailing through the air was an unmistakeable sound. Looking to the men around you and nodding you hefted your poleaxe into position before charging up the hill. You had positioned yourself to align with the crude gate that these vermin had constructed in their stockade. The path ahead of you was well worn and stone had been placed in the hillside to allow your steps to gain purchase. The steepness of the slope and the rain had turned the ground into a slippery quagmire and your men struggled to keep up with you as they slowly clambered upwards. The stockade came closer into view and you selected your target as you approached. The stockade was a crude assortment of wood and stone that stood no taller than eight feet tall and the reach afforded you by your weapon would allow you the ability to strike.

--- Borlund 1st Archers Marksmanship Attack ---
Rolled 15 vs DC: 9
Two Degree of Success
4 Damage x 2 = 8
8 Damage – 1 = 7 Damage
6 Health – 7 Damage = -1 Health
Result: Enemy Archers Disorganized

Screams erupted from atop the hill as arrows rained down upon their targets. You pushed yourself harder to reach the stockade and soon left the rest of your men behind. The sounds of confusion and panic were audible even from the other side of the stockade. The man you’d targeted had fallen victim to the arrow storm but another man had rushed to the wall to gain the measure of the situation and you made him pay for the mistake.

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Fighting Attack ---
Rolled 14 vs DC: 9
Two Degrees of Success
8 Damage x 2 = 16
16 Damage – 1 = 15 Damage
6 Health – 15 Damage = -9 Health
Result: Enemy Archer Slain

As you approached the stockade your poleaxe swung up with a vengeance and the axe blade caught the man squarely in the face as he peered out off the misleading safety of his camp. His scream was horrendous and in the dark you were unsure if it was blood or rain that poured down onto your face. Moving quickly you moved for the crude gate as your enemy began to wake and haphazardly run for the battlements to defend themselves…

---

I will need 5d6 for Ardrians Athletics (Strength) Test, followed by another 4d6 for command

Rolled 6, 5, 6, 3, 6 = 26 (5d6)

>>4674158

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

>>4674158

>>4674163
Jesus. Well Ardrian might be slowing down with age but he's got some old man strength coming in.

>>4674166
And a bit of shouting has got the infantry moving too.

Alright I'll need 3d6 for the Archers again, 3d6 for the Infantry Charge as well as 4d6 for Ardrian himself

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

>>4674195

I asked about what would happen if we drive them into the woods, because that would mean we don't need to encircle, a full frontal assault would do. Just drive them into the woods and let the witches men pick up the scraps. But oh well.

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

>>4674195

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

>>4674195

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

>>4674195
Whoops, missed the 2nd 3d6.

Rolled 6, 2, 3, 4 = 15 (4d6)

>>4674195

>>4674209
I must have missed that, or elsewise forgot about it. The encircling of the hill is more just fluff, as is the slipping in the mud to make the failed order make sense. The "track" Ardrian charged up is little more than a couple cobble stone and the "gate" is hardly wide enough for two men to ride through on horseback.

>>4674206
By the skin of the teeth.

>>4674220
Success

>>4674227
Also successful!

I'm just whipping up some lunch and I'll get to writing

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

>>4674239
Back writing here, I also need 3d6 for Warfare to see who goes first in this round.

DC is the dice roll on this post

Rolled 3, 4, 2 = 9 (3d6)

>>4674344

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Strength (Athletics) Test ---
Rolled 23 vs DC: 15
Result: Two Degrees of Success

The gate was hardly anything more than some haphazardly thrown together pieces of timber with a log used to bar the door from inside. A deep breath filled your lungs as you brought your weapon down hard into the wooden framework. The wood was half rotten from rot that plagued anything built in your native lands and it splintered wetly from the force of the blow. A great gash was rent into the wood with the second blow punched a large enough hole into the door that it allowed you to thrust your weapon inside and hook the blade against the remaining wood. You pulled with all your might and a sharp crack erupted and split the length of one half of the gate. One last pull brought the door down as the wooden log that served as a bar fell down into the mud. Shouldering the remnants door you barged through and into the compound.

--- Warfare Initiative ---
Ser Ardrian Borlund: 9
Ser Dillard Greenwood: 5
Result: Ser Ardrian Borlund goes first

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Command (Charge) Order ---
Rolled 16 vs DC: 7
Result: Two Degrees of Success

“STONEGROVE!”

Your voice was loud enough to sound down the hill over the rain and your men took up the cry as their own shouts of Stonegrove filled the air. Your house words were not a battle cry but instead a promise to endure. The rain shall pass. So your battle cry was your home, and your home was your battle cry.

[g]--- Borlund 1st Archers Marksmanship Attack ---[/g]
Rolled 9 vs DC: 9
One Degree of Success
4 Damage x 1 = 4
4 Damage – 1 = 3 Damage
6 Health – 3 Damage = 3 Health
Result: Enemy Archers Damaged

[r]--- Enemy Archers Marksmanship Attack ---[/r]
Rolled 11 vs DC: 5
Two Degree of Success
4 Damage x 2 = 8
8 Damage – 3 Armorur = 5 Damage
9 Health – 5 Damage = 4 Health
Result: Borlund 1st Infantry Damaged

[g]--- Borlund 1st Infantry Charge Attack ---[/g]
Rolled 13 vs DC: 9
One Degree of Success
3 Damage x 1 =3
3 Damage – 1 Armour = 2 Damage
6 Health – 2 Damage = 1 Health
Result: Enemy Archers Damaged

Arrows flew in every direction as both your own archers got off a last volley before your infantry closed with the enemy and the bandits began to fire at the coming charge to take some of the sting out of their attack. Screams of pain echoed in the night but your men pressed on as they collided with their target. Their spears stabbed upwards towards the sky while others began working on dismantling the crude defenses. The logs were pulled down or pried apart as the ground gave way to the force of your soldiers attentions. In the dark it was hard to tell but the bandits were beginning to organize. One mans shouts could be heard above the commotion of battle, a hard and angry voice that ordered his men out to the walls.

“THAT WITCH WANTS OUR SKINS LADS! DRIVE THEM BACK! DRIVE THESE HEATHEN BASTARDS BACK!”
More men were coming out from the centre of the camp but from the look of them they were hardly trained soldiers. They looked like common men dressed in soldiers garb with the way they hurried to get into position. Your own infantry were gaining a foothold and other were following your lead through the gate although it was not without cost. You watched as one of your men got an arrow in the throat as he attempted to try climb the barricade. A crude war cry brought your attention back to the task at hand as one of the laughable attempts at a soldier charged at you wildly.

--- Ser Ardrian Borlund Attack ---
Rolled 12 vs Combat Defense: 6
Two Degrees of Success
8 damage x 2 = 16 Damage
16 Damage – 2 Armour = 14 Damage
9 Health – 14 Damage = -5 Health
Result: Trained Criminal Slain

His charge was a careless thing that reeked of desperation and fear. A crude wooden mace with an iron band wrapped around it’s head was raised high above his head as he screamed unintelligible words of fury in his battle lust. You dug your heels into the mud and thrust forward driving the point of your poleaxe clean through the leather jerkin and nearly out through his back. The blow was strong enough to stop his momentum and he fell backwards with a wet slap into the muddy ground.

A man dressed in battered splint armour was in the centre of them shouting commands. His raiment appeared black or dark burgundy but there were small flecks of a dirty white that appeared closer to a grey or yellow. He was an ugly man as well, with hardly a strand of hair on the top of his head and a bulbous broken nose in the middle of his face. When his eyes fell upon you shock was clearly written on his face.

“You ain’t those fuckin’ heathens. Who in the name of the bleedin’ stranger are you?”

“My name is Ser Ardrian Borlund and I am the man who is going to see you brought to justice.”

“Borlund? Ha. I’ve heard of you. Some hermit knight who fought for the black dragon. Shame you’ll be dying in this rainy shithole you call home.”

“You must be Ser Dillard? How a man so discourteous as yourself became a knight is beyond me. If you are so eager to die then come meet my steel.”

“Just killed the right cunts. You can just walk away and leave us be.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that Ser Dillard. Your men have murdered my people and I intend to bring them to justice.”

He spat a wad of phlegm into the mud and pulled an axe out of his belt loop and clanged it off his wooden shield.

“I’m gunna get you like a deer Borlund and leave you for the witch to eat…”

--- I’ll need 4d6 for Ardrians Fighting Roll, as well as an additional 4d6 for the Infantry’s fighting as well please

Rolled 1, 6, 1, 6 = 14 (4d6)

>>4674672

Rolled 2, 6, 3, 1 = 12 (4d6)

>>4674672

>>4674680
Schizo roll

Duel Round 1

--- Agility Rolls ---
Ser Ardrian Borlund: 7
Ser Dillard Greenwood: 11

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Attack Round 1 ---
Rolled 14 vs Combat Defense: 11
One Degrees of Success
8 damage x 1 = 8 Damage
8 Damage – 7 Armour = 1 Damage
12 Health – 1 Damage = 11 Health
Result: Ser Dillard Greenwood Damaged

--- Ser Dillard Borlunds Attack Round 1 ---
Rolled 9 vs Combat Defense: 5
One Degree of Success
4 Damage x 1 = 4 Damage
4 Damage – 8 Armour = -4 Damage
9 Health - -4 Damage = 9 Health
Result: Ser Ardrian Borlund Undamaged

Ser Dillard was faster than you. He kicked at the ground and sent mud flying upwards towards your face. You shielded it with a hand but by the time you opened your eyes again he was on you with a series of quick blows with his battle axe. You used the butt and haft of your weapon to block most of the blows but he managed to land two blows. The first one was a glancing blow off of your shoulder but the second connected firmly in your trunk and threatened to knock the breath from your lungs. Your armour stopped most of the blow but it still stung and you gulped down a breath of air before retaliating.

The hedge knight that stood before you was sloppy. He may have had the advantage of speed but his style of fighting was crude and far from practiced. You had learned the arts of fighting at the hands of The hedge knight before you may have been faster than you but his style of fighting was sloppy and predictable, likely the result of having learned how to fight with sticks as a boy. You on the other hand learned at the hands of veteran master at arms and lords and you would show him the error of his over confidence. You stabbed at him using the butt of your weapon to create enough space to bring your weapon to bear and although he used his shield to defend more than one blow managed to land. His shield was a small one and was largely unpainted but for a single green tree in the centre of it but even that was heavily chipped and flaking. You brought your poleaxe back for a heavy handed swing and Ser Dillard committed to the feint. The iron butt struck forward again and found Ser Dillards mouth beneath his kettle helm. He spat out a bloody tooth and roared in both pain and frustration…

---

I need 4d6 for Fighting once more for both Ardrian and the Infantry. I’m doing the Unit fighting behind the scenes as Ardrian is now pretty focused on the task at hand. If you all would like I can include the crunch for them but if there isn’t a call for it I’m going to try and streamline things.

Additionally, I’m fading pretty fast here so I’m going to run tomorrow and finish up this fight scene before continuing properly next weekend.

Rolled 4, 1, 1, 5 = 11 (4d6)

>>4675066

Rolled 4, 1, 5, 1 = 11 (4d6)

>>4675066

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

>>4675066

I'm home and writing but wanted to take a minute to apologize for the abysmal state of that last update. Holy hell that was hard to read. No more writing while falling asleep for the sake of an update for me.

>>4676181
>>4675066

>Ser Dillard Borlund

Our long lost little brother?

>>4676186
Haha yeah it was pretty damn bad.

Dillard Borlund instead of Dillard Greenwood, the use of blow 5 times in as many sentences and the repeating sentences. Not my best work haha

Duel Round 2

--- Agility Rolls ---
Ser Ardrian Borlund: 4
Ser Dillard Greenwood: 8

--- Ser Ardrian Borlunds Attack Round 2 ---
Rolled 11 vs Combat Defense: 11
One Degrees of Success
8 damage x 1 = 8 Damage
8 Damage – 7 Armour = 1 Damage
11 Health – 1 Damage = 10 Health
Result: Ser Dillard Greenwood Damaged

--- Ser Dillard Greenwoods Attack Round 2 ---
Rolled 16 vs Combat Defense: 5
Three Degrees of Success
4 Damage x 3 = 12 Damage
12 Damage – 8 Armour = -4 Damage
9 Health - 4 Damage = 5 Health
Result: Ser Ardrian Borlund Damaged

Perhaps it was because of his anger or that he simply expected you to be prepared but he didn’t attempt the same trick again. Instead he charged and bowled into you trying to get inside your guard. You used the steel point to keep him on your outside but he feinted to the left and darted inwards on your right. Ser Dillard committed and his axe swung across your field of vision and a sharp, sudden crack told you that he had connected. Your head was suddenly on fire and you vision clouded over but you were still standing and that meant you were still alive. You fully intended to stay that way and you reacted purely based on instinct.

Scrambling backwards you brought your weapon down with a savage strike that forced Ser Dillard to parry with his shield as well as side step to take the sting from it. You then brought it up and back to deliver the same feint a second time. It was a blow that he could not help but react to for if he didn’t it would surely be fatal and his shield was brought out of position that allowed you to strike at his knee with the lower half of your own weapon. It wasn’t a blow to end a fight but part of a more elaborate ploy that required patience and skill…

4d6 for Ardrian Borlund, and 4d6 for the infantry

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

>>4676277

STONEGROVE