HOLY FUCK GUYS, IT"S GAME OF THRONES QUEST!!You are Lord Dustain Karban, bannerman of House Redwyne and loyal knight of the Arbor. Perhaps a descendant of a luck deity, you have been kicking all kinds of ass and making bank. NOW WE BEGIN EPISODE FOUR!Previous Episodes:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/19661849/http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/19663876/You are sitting in your solar, drinkinging a small glass of a decent red while Terris is looking over a map of the Arbor, doing his best to commit it to memory. Every few minutes or so, you quiz him on what he has been reading to make sure he isn't just looking at the beautiful inkwork and illuminated script. In your lap is the last raven from Lord Portain, asking about your accompanyment to the Tourney of Vines. He suggests a full honor guard and retinue, so as to best make an impression amoung the other lords. He also advises you to bring any gifts that you might want to use to impress your fellows.
Fuck yeah! I thought you had died on us Princely.
CURRENT STATSDefense – 11Influence - 47Lands - 0Law - 41Population - 40Power - 12Wealth - 23Defense – Castle Salt (small castle) that has five round towers at 45 feet tall, a curtain wall that is twelve feet thick and thirty five feet tall, a river-gate, and a relatively spacious yard around the central keep. It can survive for 3 months under siege, hold 4 units, and has plenty of space for our household.Power – Currently, we have five war galleys: each a 60-oar ship with a veteran crew, with a unit of trained sailors to provide extra punch. A unit of well-trained Garrison watch over Castle Salt and the town of Saltmouth, and our personal guard, a veteran group of warriors, bravos and knights, is called the Steel Guard.
>>19767607Ask someone what kind of gifts are customary.Ask someone else to prepare them.
>>19767658Is there any serious threat, that we might have to use our castles, galleys and soldiers for anything beyond impressing the neighbours ?
>>19767658Power Continued - We also have two units of standing soldiers: a company of archers being trained by Gray Thom, our master archer, and a unit of heavy infantry in bright helms and mail, bearing tall spears.Wealth – Currently, our coffers are a bit bare, as we have purchased the development of an iron mine along the banks of the Windingwater some leagues from the sea, an extensive set of docks and a bustling port, a well-stocked marketplace in the center of Saltmouth, and the services of our maester.
>>19767709As of right now, no. Open warfare on the Arbor generally is a bit of a rare occurrence, since it has the chance to stop the flow of money into the island. However, it is our job to protect the smallfolk and the shipping lanes. To do that, we need soldiers.>>19767675No gifts are really expected or demanded, but it could be a good way to show our generosity, wealth, power, or just general level of niceness.
>>19767607Fuck yeah, GoT quest. Well the Steel Guard ought to make a good honor guard, if we need more we can sift through our other men. Given our port location we should be able to find some gifts, preferably exotic and interesting ones. We can become the Arbor's main supplier of cool stuff from far away. The Mad Maester, we should get men investigating the two wineries we know were stolen from, starting with a plainclothes investigation and if more suspicions come to light a more formal, detailed and overt investigation might be called for. Also we have enough Defense to pump our castle from a small castle to a larger one, so we may as well get that started.
awww yiss I have been waiting for this all week.We're not going to the tournament without the Steel Guard. Bringing additional knights is hard because, as far as I know, we don't really have any. We could bring some of our infantry, I guess. It's not as if a five-year-old house is expected to ball like a Lannister or a Tully.
>>19767750>No gifts are really expected or demanded, but it could be a good way to show our generosity, wealth, power, or just general level of niceness.Yeah, but what is gifted and to whom ? Is a bottle of great wine to someone sufficient ? A horse ? A great number of goods ?
Looking ahead, we may have to fight the clawwaters(sp?). Getting some more men and ships might be a good idea.
Considering the Mad Maester, he should be connected to house Clawwater (if thats the smuggler houses name).We should advise our maester to skip through the archives and search the Maesters in service of the Clawwaters in say, the last 50 years, he should search for ones that disgraced themselves later or had... unusual biographys. And compile a report. Via Raven. I goddamn hope those Ravens are safe.
>>19767716Can we exchange defense for any civil stat ?
>>19767810Anything, really. Some could be symbolic, like a single bottle of wine from a great vineyard (provided that Lord doesn't own the same vineyard), could be used to convey esteem and respect. A cask of fine wine would be like it, but with just a taste of bribe thrown in. A horse, blade, or expensive piece of jewelry is clearly given to impress someone, and (most likely) earn a favor, or at least a private conversation.>>19767774Good point. Our castle is currently quite respectable, but we have enough resources to begin to expand and upgrade it, turning it from a Small Castle to a full-blown Castle, and giving us rolls on the defensive upgrade chart.Who votes that we start castle upgrades now?
>>19767835>>19767827Yeah, the Clawwaters are a family that has been weighing on your mind as of late. They haven't been outright implicated, but they are definitely looking guilty of something. An investigation into the House's maesters might bear fruit.>>19767853Just Law and Influence, on a 1:1 basis, or 2:1 if we rush it.
I vote for the castle upgrade. I also advise looking into converting money and influence towards lands, if we get 10 lands (6 Influence, leaving us at 41 and 8 Wealth, leaving us at 15, both good numbers) we can upgrade Saltmouth into a large town, which should boost our trade volume and make it more likely for traders to settle here. Also, we are a freaking boomtown.
>>19767937Anyone else down for the Castle upgrade?
>>19767892I suppose getting some more law could be nice. What would our people get from, say, 4 more law points ?
>>19767937Could work, one of the best things about House Korban is that during House Fortunes we can turn +1 from it into +1d6+1 Wealth so we should use wealth as much as possible for purchases as we regain it quick. I'm slightly iffy on burning through Influence as that is harder to get and while we're not actively using it, it is one of the reasons why we're so respected despite being so young.>>19767955Let's upgrade this Castle something fierce.
>>19767955I'm against it. It won't see much use, it can wait for a later time. I want more productive investments.
So we have two votes for, and one vote against. Pile in here and lets decide this.
>>19767892Ben is still in Oldtown though, would there be anyone else to ask about their Maesters.
>>19768015What exactly are the benefits of spending it on the castle, or spending it elsewhere like Law ?
>>19768046An upgraded castle can garrison more soldiers during a siege, last longer during a siege, is harder to attack, can hold more guests, looks fuck-all imposing, and is all the things a big castle should be.Law, conversely, is an abstract measurement of the lawfulness of your citizens, the behavior of visiting sailors, and the number of criminals that hide within the mass of your smallfolk. The higher your Law stat is, the generally safer and more orderly your lands are.
>>19768044Not that you can think of, off-hand. Then again, you could always send him a letter with a ship heading for Oldtown. He is at the Citadel, so he would really be able to do some hardcore research for you.
Well, our law wont upgrade for another 10 points or so. i dont think we should increase it just now. We wont get any benefit from it.We could also safe the def points for the time we get made watchlord by the old lord, we will get new land on which we could build a tower to guard it.I personally am for imposing large castle though.
>>19768096Next ship to Oldtown have someone on it who we trust to hand deliver the message and hand deliver the reply and the fruits of his research back to us. No ravens, only one middleman who we trust completely. >>19768082Let's do a Castle, we ought to have an imposing building around, also you never know when we're going to have company. Given our rise we're likely to end up throwing large parties for big groups of people. It's also a good just in case measure.Another argument for it is that Law we can upgrade anytime, but upgrading the Castle will take a while so we should get started on it ASAP.
>>19768132I second the content of this post.
You call Brown Tim to your solar as you finish writing a message to Ben. You turn to him, saying "Trust no one on the journey, Tim. This message is for Ben's eyes only, and you should give it to no one other than him. Catch the first ship towards Oldtown tonight, and leave with the tide. Safe sailing, my friend. Get back in time to ride with us to the Tourney, eh?" Tim smiles, his weathered face reminding you of old, salt-stained leather. "As fast as the fucking wind, ser. I'll be back before you even knew I had left."Meanwhile, you call Coyle to you to discuss the upgrades you think Castle Salt should have.
>>19768181>Crunch TimeWall Option Upgrade: Cunningly Hidden Sally Ports, Strengthen the Wall, or Add an Additional Wall
>>19768195More details on the Cunningly Hidden Sally Ports please, it seems interesting.
>>19768202These would be a small number of doors, either reinforced wooden ports or cleverly designed stone doors on hidden sliders. This would allow a small force to launch a surprise counter-attack on enemies beneath your walls, and could really fuck up an enemies plans. However, they are also a bit of a weakness, since you are cutting holes in your wall. Which is why the words "Cunningly Hidden" are important here.
>>19768195Costs ?
>>19768283Included in the upgrade of the Castle. No additional cost. We have Tower and Keep upgrades as well.
>>19768195More Walls is always a good idea. Also, we can then position more troops in the castle. This is more worth then stronger walls.Also, i'd like to remind ppl of my idea to upgrade Saltmouth from small to large town. Ideas to that? Good, bad, horrible?
>>19768311It is a fair idea. ALSO! Since we have roll-checked this rules change, I will introduce it now. Population centers can be upgraded in numerous ways. Initially, when a Land is bought, you pay for population centers with the Land stat. However, population centers that already exist can now also be upgraded through the Population stat, not just the Land stat.But we can get to that after this business with the castle.
>>19768235I like having those Sally Ports. I can't really imagine us getting as much out of the walls as our position makes the long protracted sieges where they would be most helpful less useful, this is useful against all types of sieges and lets us fuck up the enemy force instead of sitting behind our walls while they burn Saltmouth.>>19768311I'm always a fan of improving Saltmouth.I'm not sure about burning influence but our next House Fortune rolls should go towards Land and converting Wealth to more Land.
>>19768311I'm okay with it.Also, additional wall before Sally Ports.
>>19768341Your reasoning is sound. I just want to remind you that adding the sally ports (if i understood it right) does not allow our castle to support more units. Thats the main reason i want more walls. We already have 4 fighting units + our marines, any extra we get will have to sleep outside of the castle...
So it seems Additional Wall is the winning choice, yes? That is what I will record then.>Crunch TimeTower Upgrade: Add Additional Towers, Reinforce Towers, or Construct Bastion Towers.Adding additional towers is self-explanitory, and reinforcing the towers makes their walls thicker, and raises them higher. Bastion towers are designed to be self-contained fortresses with miniature storehouses, barracks, and armories located far about the ground floor, and reinforced doors.
>>19768457If we constructed Bastion Towers would they be centralized at Castle Salt or spread throughout the city?
>>19768457Bastions.
>>19768457I'd favor the Bastion Towers. Self sufficient defense positions sound like a major boon. And we can house more troops, like, every regiment in one tower. Then we name the regiments after the towers.
>>19768457Bastion towers for sure.
Ok, inputting Bastion Towers.>CRUNCHDefensive Option: Moat, Drawbridge and Causeway, Improved Barbican, or Emplaced Siege Engines?
>>19768576Improved Barbican
Well, that was no contest now was it? Barbican Towers will be our upgrade.>Crunch TimeDefensive Option: Moat, Causeway, Improved Barbican, or Emplaced Siege Engines?Both the Moat and the Causeway (a raised ramp towards the main gate, that forces enemies to expose themselves and approach in narrow file) will have drawbridges.
>>19768576Improved Barbican.It will funnel any attackers into a single file and we can then kill them dead with Murder Holes. Also we can decorate it to make it look nicer for any guests.
So Barbicans seem to be pulling away. >Crunch TimeKEEP OPTIONS: Expand the Keep, Strengthen the Keep, Add Dungeons. Add Covert Escape Tunnel
>>19768682Dungeons.
Seconding Improved Barbican, but we'll eventually want all of those things.Remind me, isn't Castle Salt already separated from the island proper?
>>19768682Expand the KeepWe'll have more room for the small folk, next upgrade we can strengthen.
>>19768682Expand the keep, so we can house more guests and soldiers. We aren't likely to have that much in the way of prisoners.
>>19768733We can house soldiers in the dungeons if we have no use for them.
>>19768682Expand the keep, dungeons should be high on our list of priorities though.
Yes, Karban is back! I can't stick around, heading to a medieval festival, but I'll know you guys are doing a great job while I watch the jousts with the other peasants.>>19768682Expand the Keep.
Seems that Expand the Keep is the winning choice.>Recap:Adding a secondary wall, converting and strengthening the towers to make them Bastion Towers, improving the Barbican, and now expanding the keep to make it taller and larger.Coyle and you break from going over the blueprints, and begin to discuss workmen and cost. >Roll 10d6 for time.
>>19768780Drink some mead and ogle some women in historically inaccurate but still quite hot period dress for me. Glorious tavern wenches with cleavage.
rolled 5, 6, 4, 4, 1, 4, 5, 6, 6, 4 = 45>>19768801comeon Karban luck hold out....
rolled 2, 3, 6, 3, 3, 2, 3, 5, 2, 2 = 31>>19768801Rollan. Is high bad?
>>19768780See ya later Hanza, I will be running this all night, so don't fear. >>19768709It is on the main island, but it directly abuts the Windingwater on the west side.>>19768807Dem titties.
rolled 5, 3, 2, 1, 5, 2, 2, 6, 3, 2 = 31>>19768801I know enough about GoT past the novels to fill a mouse's teacup, but I do know how to roll dice!
Coyle starts tabulating numbers in his head as you examine costs and look at the amounts of iron, stone, and mortar such an undertaking will require."My lord, a rough estimate of the time required would be just over five years. The cost outlays will be extensive, but the new fortifications and defenses should prove to be incredibly formidable."
>>19768866Make it so, we may as well get it started.
With the Castle upgrades beginning.... NOW!, Coyle heads down to the docks to begin looking for a promising merchant willing to bring in the huge timbers of the Reach to your port, so that the initial scaffolding can be constructed.>What's left to do:Decide what your party will be when you venture to the Tourney next month, just before the harvest.Begin the conversion of any stats.Roll for the end of the months House Fortune.
>>19768866Can we ask for architectural elegance ? I'd like to have stones of a nice shade (white, yellow and red are best, associating two colors too), and pretty arches
>>19768682Dungeons. Probably the least useful option, but we're not really owning a castle without them.
>>19768960That might be beyond us as of right now. However, if we get an Architect (Artisan) or a Stonemason's Guild (Guild), then we could really go into making some crazy stuff, with impressive artistry as well as solid construction.As for arches? Those are known to basically everyone, and a little bit of artistry will go into the construction.
>>19768920What will it take to improve Saltmouth? As we should focus on that.Have we already sent out men to investigate the two wineries on the Vintner river?How large of an honor guard is expected of us? We'll be drawing it from the Steel Guard of course. We'll also bring our new squire along.I say we drop 8 wealth into 4 land to improve Saltmouth so we can make it even bigger and better and get even more income from it. Princely, what is the conversion from Land to Awesomer city in this?
So people were, earlier, talking about converting stats.... Are we going to do that, or let things lay for now?
>>19768960White and black is nice too.
>>19768920Hmm... well for our party I say we try for Ben, Iylaria, Terris, Ser Bushy and Ser Wallgrave maybe... would it be weird to just bring the whole steel guard?
>>19769025How much defense did we spend on the castle ?
>>19769024Jorge Caswell is already sending a few of his best agents to check out these wineries, hiding as day laborers and silently, stealthily checking things out and making sure that the conspiracy isn't overly huge.As for an honor guard, the Steel Guard would be considered good enough, if they wore their best clothes. Coyle suggests purchasing surcoats or cloaks with your house's colors, to give the Guard a more cohesive look.As for increasing the size of Saltmouth, it happens naturally at a slow rate (Saltmouth Fucking Roll), it can be increased by using 10 Population as you move smallfolk from the country and farmsteads into the city by hook or crook, or enhanced with 10 Land, as you invest into the territory and the attractiveness of the city draws in more and more people.
>>19769025I'd like to increase our population, and law.
CURRENT STATSDefense – 1Influence - 47Lands - 0Law - 41Population - 40Power - 12Wealth - 23We spent 10 Defense.
>>19769136Drop 7 influence for some power?
Heh, still waiting on my brothers to get their act together so I have a few minutes yet.>>19769136Focus on wealth, I want me some lovely lavish septs.
Yes, let's get a sept. Who else will hear Bushy's sins if we don't have a septon or septa?
>>19769167Trading in Influence for power? Or maybe for Law or Population?
>>19769193Know what, lets drop the influence on wealth. Karban needs a new pair of septons.
>>19769191>>19769168The Sept idea has been around since the last session. It will definitely bring a lot of prestige, and will help enhance our image and the image of Saltmouth.
>>19769209Can we drop just enough influence on wealth to afford a lavish septon, and then put the rest in Power?
>>19769223A Lavish Sept is 35 Wealth, while a Sept is 25.
>>19769270Lavish, take 22 from influence?
>>19769193I think that increasing population, as the fundation of all that belongs to us, is better in the long run than jumping to increasing our wealth or military power. It gives more opportunity for growth, logically.
>>19769270Damn, we should save up for the Lavish one. Don't transfer Influence to wealth yet, we'll just keep on building up Wealth and get it when we can. Also last thread you said Lavish was 25, prices went up.Also when are we going to get the decision of what benefits to get from the Brotherhood of Bearers that we convinced to start using Saltmouth?>>19769299I'd rather not drop that much right now, it'll take a long time to build it back up and we make absurd amounts of Wealth each month.
>>19769299Max is 10 per month, total.>>19769303Population is always good.
>>19769270How much would it cost to buy a Sept and then later expand it into a Lavish Sept?
>>19769299>>19769303And so I think we should wait until after the harvest to build a lavish sept on the money we earned then, and spend influence now to get more people (for the harvest too, among other things, if it can be done that fast).
>>19769330Your right, on both points.Sept cost is 15, a Lavish Sept is 25, and a Cathedral is 40. Was trying to guess prices off my head, and wasn't looking at my notes. Good catch, anon.The Brotherhood benefits will occur in (secretly rolled) 1d6 months when your faction arrives.
>>19769332in that case 10 influence to population, then we shall roll for teh earning of the month.
>>19769369Cathedral seems a bit much, but we can pull a Lavish Sept. Transfer enough Influence for 2 points of Wealth to Wealth, buy the sept and we'll make more Wealth next month. If we can't start the Sept this month we may as well not do that and instead throw Influence as population and buy it with the money we will almost certainly make this month.
>>19769393seconded.
>>19769369Go for Lavish Sept then. Might as well.
>>19769393>>19769423Ok then, roll 2d6 guys.
rolled 4, 2 = 6>>19769454Rollan 2d6.
rolled 2, 3 = 5>>19769454
>>19769472Coyle leaves a note behind that the work in the Sept can begin immediately, if you don't mind the town being completely flooded with workmen. It reads:"The work can begin immediately, lord. A suitable location has already been picked, near the small hill on the western side of the river. The initial designs are sketched out below."The building will be made of heavy, grey granite, with large arched windows and columns that support the front face and interior arch. The floor is set to be done in tile and marble, with extensive use of copper, bronze, and silver. It will cost a small ransom to pay for it, but it should be worth it.
>>19769552Excellent, we shall have a mighty Sept.Perhaps Hot Dornish Septa shall occur.
>>19769569Yes, please yes...
Welp. Why dont we just drop 10 Population to increase Saltmouths size? as far as i know high population is bad anyways as it gives us - on our fortune rolls. We hit two birds with one stone.
>>19769619>Turn 10 of our population into moneyimplications... unsettling...
>>19769592She will either be the most licentious Setpa ever or the single most frigid Dornish woman to walk the land. I hope for the former. Also should we put special focus on any of the Seven in our new Sept, I'm thinking some special attention to the Smith could be nice, but the Mother could also work.
Defense – 11Influence - 44Lands - 0Law - 41Population - 40Power - 12Wealth - 0Currently, your castle is set to be worked on, with masons already mapping out initial improvements meeting your cursorily approval. The dirt that will form the foundation of the Sept is being excavated, the foundation already planned out.Additionally, a tailor has been hired to produce cloaks for the Steel Guard.>Roll d6 for this months House Fortune
>>19769643It's more that we'd be moving them from the countryside into Saltmouth. We're not making flesh bricks or anything like that.
rolled 4 = 4>>19769665Karban money machine go!
>>19769690That is two +1 bonus to to any two Stats of your choice.
>>19769745>>19769665Defense was supposed to be 1, not 11.
>>19769745Power and defence?
>>19769745Well we aren't allowed to double up like a madman in Wealth with 2 +1s anymore. So 1 point in wealth to get the +1d6+1 awesomeness and the other in I dunno, Population or Land so we can work towards getting the 10 to drop into Saltmouth.
>>19769745Law and population.
>>19769745Put at least 1 in wealth, we get more mileage out of it due to our Port/Marketplace Combo which increases it from +1 to +1+1d6.
>>19769782>>19769818in that case Wealth and Law then.
So Wealth gets two votes because of our awesome dickery... Everything else is basically at one vote each. Decide guys.
>>19769841Powah!
So it seems that Wealth and Power are the winners. Roll that d6 for our Wealth guys.
>>19769841I vote for Population, but Power also works. We get to 20 we might be able to buy a Banner House. Maybe when we take down the Clawwaters and someone new gets installed they'll become our bannermen. I can't wait for Ben to get back to add even more bonuses to our House Fortune stuff. And I think a Sept, in addition to all the other awesome stuff it grants it also gives another bonus to House Fortune rolls.
rolled 1 = 1>>19769892MONEYS.
rolled 2 + 1 = 3>>19769892I think it's 1d6+1, but it might be different without Ben around so I'm not sure.
rolled 6 = 6>>19769892dice rolls, go!
Defense – 1Influence - 44Lands - 0Law - 41Population - 40Power - 13Wealth - 4Current stats after the monthly roll.
So are we ready to move to the next month?
Shit, I am late for the game. Btw Princely I made a couple of coat of arms for you. The quality isn't that good in this one.
>>19769995I believe we are, we have a tournament to get to, results from investigation both on the home front and from Ben trawling through Maester records.When is the Septa/Septon going to show up anyways?
>>19769997For this one, there was no ship among the options so I had to use the next best.
>>19770018Alternative using white
>>19770032And alternative with green border. I can make changes if requested. Now To catch up with the thread.
>>19770051To be frank, I for one love your work good ser.
>>19770051You are a scholar and a gentleman.
>>19769997>>19770018>>19770032These are... Wow. I am impressed.Anyways, we have a lot to do before leaving for the Tourney at the end of the month. Which of these do we want to handle first?>Handle Ben's reply.>Hear Caswell's report.>Be awesome.
>>19770110Well we're always awesome, it's a passive bonus much like our absurd luck. It finds its way into everything we do, no need to put special work into it right now.Lets start with Ben's reply.
>>19770056>>19770073Not at all, I have just happen to dig up this Heraldry Generator from the archives. Even the first one is just the Coat of arms of House Seaworth edited on paint. Also link to the Heraldry Generator here for everyone to use.http://rpg.uplink.fi/heraldry/?template=main
Has there been any bites when fishing for a hot little wife to snuggle up to?And does the mine grant a +5 to wealth rolls?Anyway, let's get the reply out of the way.
>>19770141>>19770171The Mine section is being heavily redone. But it gives a +5 to House Fortune, and other gameplay bonuses based upon the metal.Anyways, it is a windy afternoon when Brown Tim comes knocking on the door of your solar. Judging by his apparel, he just came off a ship, probably one of the three Tyroshi cogs that were making the return voyage from Oldtown. He cloak is half-soaked, and he looks like it has been a rough voyage. "It took more than a little doing, m'lord, but here is that little bit of script from the Maester." He hands you a thick scroll, sealed in heavy white wax. Tim doesn't look to good.
>>19770284Thank you Tim. You did a good job.Now get yourself into some dry clothes, grab something hot from the kitchen and sit by the fire for a while. If you don't take care of yourself I will make the head chef do it for you. So I suggest you get some rest, you deserve it, if there is anything you need just ask.
Breaking the seal, you begin to read the words. In smooth, flowing letters, Ben tells you what he has learned. Apparently, a man named Maester Herstylle served the Clawwater family nearly thirty years ago. He was said to have died when his ship was sunk during a storm near the Skalpstones, off the coast of the Arbor. However, no other maester was ever asked for, and the family seemed content without one.However, that isn't the biggest discovery. Ben has apparently heard word that the Tyroshi that you dealt with previously, the portly Bhaarissio, has become a rising star among the merchants of Oldtown, somehow procuring dozens of casks of Arbor wines at low costs, enabling him to sell them for a huge profit to various traders from the Free Cities. He has thugs and mercenaries protecting his ships, perhaps more than is necessary, and they walk the docks with a swagger that only confident assholes can.
>>19770373He nods his thanks as you read, before promising to be in a better mood in the morning, after a good knight in a bed that isn't "jumping and bucking like one of those girls from Gulltown."Returning to the scroll, Ben has more information. He looking into the genealogies of the Clawwaters, The family has held sparse holdings on Clawwater Bay, the Skalpstones, and Horseshoe Rock for a century. They have traditionally been fishermen and crabbers, and never wealthy.
>>19770437Very interesting, a dead maester and the Clawwater never asking for another one, but the time is thirty years ago. That's a long time. Lets hear Caswell's report before drawing any conclusions.
Also, what page are we on?
>>19770513First(0) or second(1), we are good.
>>19770437>>19770501Interesting, we have a possible candidate for the Mad Maester but nothing concrete. It's pretty obvious from this that Damien is trying to improve his fortune, get some money through a different route as there isn't much money in crabbing. We don't know yet if this is a family endeavor or if Damien is doing this without them knowing, I suspect it is Damien alone but I am not sure. We also don't know who is actually in charge of the operation, the Maester or Damien.Bhaarissio might not know about the source, though he probably suspects and just doesn't care that much as long as it is making him rich. Hear Caswell's report.
>>19770501never wealthyThe shoe is starting to fit, but its not enough to bring an accusation before the Redwynes.
Caswell has something a bit more solid. He flops into a chair across from you, and pours a glass of wine. "So, m'lord, it turns out that all that coin and wind I have been pushing around the wine sinks seems to have turned up something... Finally. A Lysean trader called 'Lady's Breath' put in five weeks ago, and has just made the loop back to us this week. Her captain is bragging about making a pile of coin trading with some fat-assed Tyroshi in Oldtown, and the crew has more than a little silver to push around down there."He smiles, looking all the world like a pirate who just spotted an unprotected spice ship. "And a certain... old friend of mine says that they were trading wine. Arbor wine. It may have cost to loosen his tongue, but I trust him. He is the only honest smuggler I have ever met."
>>19770618Me thinks a few dragons can be spared to looses this man's tongue.
>>19770618"Currently, that captain has rooms in the Breakwater Inn with some of his men. It wouldn't take more than a moment for me to talk to Rory and send a few of the guards down to bring them here for a... A little talk."
>>19770654Do so, though please have them be extremely polite about it, leave a round or two of drinks for his men and don't make it known that he's coming to meet me specifically.An honest smuggler, even if I wasn't looking into anything I'd have to meet such a unique person.
>>19770682this!
>>19770654Do so, but try to be gently with them, also make sure that their ship does not leave port.
>>19770682Caswell gets up, downing the rest of the wine in a single long pull. "I will gather up Ser Rory and some of the garrison. We will go collect this Lysean captain and bring him here, polite like. We can put a few of the men by the ship as well, just to make sure she doesn't try to slip out without us knowing. As for my friend... I will let him know to make himself known. He won't come around till that captain is gone, I can assure you of that. He doesn't want to be known as the kind of man who owes favors to men who enforce the laws of the Arbor. Wouldn't do him any good, that bit of talk would.">What kind of "welcome" do we want to give the Lyseans?
>>19770739A cordial one, with refreshments. Guards will of course be discreetly on hand.
>>19770739Cordial, we'll have scary men on hand and discreetly about, but we'll be polite, warm and welcoming. If we need be we'll intimidate him, but until then we may as well try getting this with kindness instead of scariness.
You meet your "guests" in the great hall. Half a dozen steps behind you are Iylaria and Ser Crane, both of them with swords within reach. Gray Thom is hidden away in the rafters, idly thumbing a longbow of yew and watching your guests, silent and invisible as a shadow. A few servants bring chilled wines, a large bowl of fruits, and a plate of sweetmeats. You spread an arm in welcome, showing off your new necklace and the freshly-polished pommel of your sword. You give them a welcome, thanking them for meeting you. The captain sits down, enjoying a few of your rare treats and a glass of wine before starting to speak. "You have asked us here... Why?"
>>19770856 Cont.>Wat say?
>>19770856"Why to discuss the wine market, and house Clawwater's recent successes."
>>19770911At that, he goes a little stiff. "I don't know what this House Clawwater is, but I have done nothing wrong. I am an honest wine merchant, and I have done nothing Illegal in your lands. I swear.">roll 4d6 to see if he is lying.
>>19770856It was come to my attention, that you recently did bushiness involving wines with a particular individual in Oldtown I was hoping to invite you here so you could share the details.
rolled 1, 5, 1, 3 = 10>>19770963Of course you haven't. I am just interested in your recent dealing in Old Town with a certain merchant and your esteemed supplier.
rolled 4, 6, 2, 4 = 16>>19770963You have nothing to fear from me if you told me what you know.
You can hear the lie in his words. While some parts of what he said were probably true (probably the part about doing anything illegal in YOUR waters), he is definitely covering up something.>How to push him?Bribe him? Threaten or intimidate?Play good cop?
>>19771057Play good cop/bribe.Good Captain, you personally don't interest me. It's the people you work for and deal with who have piqued my curiosity. If I get what I am looking for after this we get to part ways peacefully and you with enough gold to buy your men enough of the wine you transport to lay them unconscious.
>>19771057>>19771057Play good cop. No need to threaten the dude, just tell him that you're after his suppliers. Beside, the wine he's been smuggling isn't the real stuff, and sooner or later the people he's dealing with are going to want answers to why they've been shafted.The people who do this are probably going to hang the captain out to dry, cause nobody knows fuck all who they are. He helps us out, we could make a legitimate trader out of him.
>>19771057>Threaten or intimidate"Stealing from my lord is a serious crime. I'd hate for the full weight of punishment to fall upon a single Lyseani merchant..."
>>19771151>>19771114The idea of getting gold seems to get his attention. "What would you... require from me?"
>>19771223For now, all I would require that you tell me everything you know about your suppliers, who you sell it to, and the Clawwater family.
>>19771223The wine and your supplier captain, tell me everything about them, be honest with me and you and your crew will to sail very happy from my port.
The man refills his cup. "What exactly would you like Sollario to tell you? The idea of spending some time in one of your Westerosi prisons is not something I would relish. So what can I do to ensure that I am... Free to leave, when the time and tides are right."
>>19771323You can tell me what I want to know, and to inform no one of our arrangement.Tell me about the Clawwaters, Damien Clawwater, Bhaarissio and the Mad Maester.
>>19771357"Bhaarissio? That fat Tyroshi pig is the man who I should be blaming for all this. He is the one who first told me about the 'discount wines of the Arbor' as he called them. The leavings of minor lordlings like yourself, cheap wines that I could bring to Oldtown for him. They would be brought to my and my brothers ships by couriers of his, and we would bring them to Oldtown."
>>19771323Oh it will not be prison if you were to play me false, but no need to fear I am a man of my word and should you share with me about your dealings with the Tyroshi in Oldtown, the wine, its origin and supplier you will be free to depart my port save and sound...and properly rewarded.
>>19771409"And who oversaw your loading of these... leavings?"
>>19771409Interesting. So you've been dealing with the Clawwater house correct? Who from that house have you been dealing with? Tell me about them.
>>19771409 Cont."The Clawwaters are minor lordlings like you, yes? I know nothing of them. Or this 'Mad Maester.' I don't make a habit of associating with crazy men in chains."
>>19771409The couriers, tell me everything about them and how and where they deliver the to you.
>>19771465How, when and where do you pick up the wine that you ship? Tell me about the couriers that bring it to you.
>>19771440"Some swarthy Westerosi did, a man with a striped beard of grey and black." This matches, nearly perfectly, the description of the guy who Lord Portain beheaded for being a leader of the smugglers some months ago in the engagement that touched off all this.
>>19771507When was the last shipment that you picked up?Have you seen or met anyone other than this man, especially anyone who seemed to hold authority over him?
>>19771496>>19771466"They would signal us with lights on the sea, little boats stuffed with casks and barrels. We would meet them there, taking the wine and escaping the taxes of men like you."
>>19771527"The last shipment was not less than five weeks ago. We took wines from a small scooner off the shores of Horseshoe Rock, and took them to Oldtown. I sold them off to Bhaarissio there."
>>19771577Did you meet anyone there or was the scooner left unattended?
>>19771546Tell Terris to bring a map of the sea around the Arbor from our room. "You will show me where you receive signals, now tell me how many they were and the number of boats they use."
>>19771577we should ask when he will recive the next supply of wine
>>19771597>>19771594Terris runs to your solar, to fetch maps and sea charts. The Lysean continues to talk, pausing only to pop a few sweet olives into his mouth. "The little scooner had fishermen in it, by the smell of their cloth and their hands. They loaded the cargo for us, and we left them behind in the dark as they extinguished their torches. I always assumed Bhaarissio payed them, or perhaps a partner we did not know about."When Terris comes back, the Lysean points to the spot where they met, a spot just south of the reefs along Horseshoe Rock. "It was here, or close enough abouts to matter not."
>>19771625"The next shipment is not for some time. Bhaarissio said that he must wait for your harvest, so that he could have some of the choicer wines, rather than just your lordly leavings. It is a sound idea, no?"
>>19771577I sold them off to Bhaarissio there>>19771672And the couriers gave you the wine with no word spoken or coin taken between you? Don't play me false or take me for a fool captain, you will regret it.
You sit back, thinking about all that you have learned. The Lysean looks at you, with a bit of expectation. "So, everything you wanted to know is known, yes? I am free to leave now?"
>>19771683Interesting. Did anything ever go strangely with the meets? Did you see anyone of authority aside from the Swarthy Westerossi?
>>19771772 The free captain balks at this. "I assure you, I am not lying. They asked for no coin, and I gave them none."
>>19771781He just shakes his head. "That man, the bearded man, I believe him to be the leader. I have no other idea who would be in charge."
>>19771777Before you leave, is there anything you can think of that would be of help?Don't tell anyone about this. I would like our relationship to remain cordial. Have a nice evening, enjoy your drinks.After he leaves we should probably have someone keep an eye on him for a bit, see if he goes to anyone, even if he betrays us we might get another lead out of it.
>>19771792"And with your ship full of free wine you could sail on to Oldtown where Bhaarissio, the only person in Oldtown that knew how cheap you got your wine from his couriers was waiting to buy from you without fear of you going off and sell them in some other port? Tell me how much did it pay you for you to keep faith with him."Keep the pressure try to catch him on a lie.
>>19771989"This is true. Bhaarissio was the one I was told to meet. He had your brands, you see. Those markings on the wine. He had the brands so that they could be sold, and not known to have not been from lords like you, yes? You see why I had to bring them to him?"
>>19772106I do, thank you for your cooperation in this.
>>19772106Didn't we find brands on this side of the ocean last time? In the smuggler camp?Press a bit further on that point, don't accuse him of anything quite yet. But we found branded wine on this side.
>>19772106"And who could care the brands back at your home in the Free Cities while the wine tasted true?"
>>19772167care about the brands*
>>19772171>>19772167>>19772165"Oh, the brands are for your cities, Westerosi. Places like Oldtown and Three Towers. My people do not care for your brands unless they are needing the assurance it is your fine Arbor wines, but one taste is all they will be needing, I think."
>>19772295Well, this was not the big break I hoped it would be.Tell him to enjoy his evening and to not talk of this meeting with anyone else.We should have someone tail him in case he is going to inform someone of this.
So are you guys satisfied with him?
>>19772295For how long have you been doing this?
>>19772295And how much did Bhaarissio pay you for the wine?
>>19772363>>19772357You send him on his way, and have Caswell send a few of his most trusted guys with Gray Thom to watch him all the way back to his ship, and to keep tabs on him tonight.Meanwhile, you sit back to wait for Caswell's smuggler and think. You wait for around two hours until eventually a man, weathered by the sea, presents himself at your main gate. He has a hood and cloak, hiding his body and his face.>Wat do?
>>19772369>>19772388Bhaarissio was paying him a small cut, probably a little over ten percent if you guesstimate how much it would be worth. He has been up to it for nearly three years now.
>>19772443Invite him in, offer him refreshment, snacks and a warm place by the fire.
>>19772443Caswell tells me you have some interesting information for me.
>>19772478three years How the fuck did it this continue for so long without someone taking notice? Also I say we should let him take off port like we promise and then arrest him at sea. Then deliver him to Lord Portain who will want to interrogate him too and hang his crew.
>>19772484>>19772488He is an older man, and he speaks slow and deep, his voice firm as he pulls back the hood. "My friend Jorge promised me that my help in this matter would not go... unrewarded. He also assured me that my past deeds and current employment would not find me spending time in your, assuredly, uncomfortable prison cells. I am here as a favor to him, no more."
>>19772541If we keep him alive we have a contact in on them. Also if we arrest him that is a giant neon sign that we're onto them.>>19772549I assure you that I will keep my word. You will not be gracing my cells with your presence today.May I have your name?
>>19772549A reasonable request, I can promise that and I will not make of Caswell a liar.
"I am Davos Storm... My profession doesn't need to be mentioned, but let's just say that it isn't exactly something a lord like you would smile upon. I heard about these wines less than a year again, and when my friend Jorge came to ask me about them...? Well, I figured I owed him that much at least."
>>19772662Nice to meet you Davos. So tell me what you know about this wine smuggling business.
>>19772695"I cannot tell you much, but I know this. The first points were in Clawwater waters, hidden in the Skalpstones and smaller bits of rock too. The original men are all dead now... Dead or rich in the Free Cities or rotting in the dungeons of King's Landing or Highgarden. I stayed away from it because it was always too dangerous, too risky... The Redwyne's have as large a fleet as any Great House, as many ships as the Royal Fleet. Smuggling here is not worth the risk.""I do not know who finds these wines or who is taking them from your fellow lords... But they come to the coast, and are swept away by men who don't see the risks like I do."
>>19772756Who was it that try to bring you into this?
>>19772756Who tried to hire you?Do you know any more details about the operation?Could you point out on the map where the drops you knew about where?
>>19772808>>19772799"A man, young. Highborn, by the cut of his cloth... He approached me in Oldtown, two years ago. He offered me gold, and more than a little. He didn't tell me his name, but he was broad in the shoulders, with black hair and dark eyes. His nose and jaw were plain."Ser Crane starts to speak up, but Storm cuts him off. "If I was going to look for them, I would sail northwest, towards Crab Harbor and past it. The reefs and shoals up there would be where they are now, nice and safe and distant from your prying eyes and ships."
>>19772863Thank you very much Davos. Does his description of the man fit Damien Clawwater?Davos Storm, I highly doubt I will ever find an honest man with as much knowledge of smuggling and piracy as you. I am also very interested in taking care of those very same things within my waters and ensuring that trade goes smoothly. Would you care for a job?
>>19772924He laughs, long and hard, at that bit. "Thank you, ser. But I think I will just take the gold Jorge promised me and leave tonight. Being in the service of a lord makes me... nervous."
>>19772924The description, however, accurately describes the man you knew as Damien Clawwater in the vaults underneath Bhaarissio's rented villa. >Do you let him go, or do you have more questions?
>>19772972Very well you will be rewarded appropriated talk to Caswell before you leave....and see that I don't catch you will you do your profession.
>>19772972"That is entirely up to you. May the next time we meet, if we ever do, be the first time we meet."
>>19772972If the paranoia of getting caught ever becomes too much for you let me know, the offer remains open. Though keep to your habit of not smuggling anything here, I'd hate to have to punish an honest man.>>19773002Have him mark on a map the places he was talking about and where he asked us to go to seek them out.Tell him that if he hears anything more about this to inform Jorge and he will be properly rewarded.
>>19773010>>19773038>>19773047He nods, and thanks you on his way out, the small, heavy purse Caswell put into his hand at the door clanking lightly.Turning to the map, you have a lot to take in. He had indicated the northern tip of Horseshoe Rock, and mentioned that anywhere in the shallows around Crab Harbor would be ideal spots to continue the pick-ups. You eventually stumble to bed, with Terris passed out, asleep at the great table in the hall. The next morning, you wake up feeling still weary, but happy that at least no one is beating down your door.>Its a new day. Wat do?
>>19773080Wake up, get some breakfast, check in with Grey Thom on if the Lysean did anything suspicious or went to someone last night.We got some information last night, I wish we had gotten more but we got some good locations to check out and a better idea of the scope of the operation and where drops would be.
>>19773080Train for the Tourney and teach Terris the protocol and what his duties will be will be went we ride and get their.
You break your fast on fried eggs, fresh bread, a huge blood orange, and several slices of sizzling ham, washed down with some watered wine. Gray Thom says that, last the garrison checked, the Lyseani sailors are still drinking away their cash near the port. You thank him, and he goes off to get some sleep since he had spent most of the night sulking around wine sinks.You take Terris out to the old lists you had made for Lord Portain's little visit. There, you and Ser Bushy practice a few tilts, while Terris practices running back and forth, bringing you water, new lances, and taking your helmet for repairs. Afterwards, you and he practice the longsword. He has a firm grip, but he oftentimes gets excited. It is hard work teaching him to control his cuts and stabs, to channel his enthusiasm and strength into outlasting his opponent before unleashing a decisive blow. When you get back, Coyle is waiting with a raven for you.
>>19773140Speaking of the Tourney it could be a bad idea taking Iylaria if Damien Clawwater is attending as he could recognized her. We should also try to change our appearance a little like growing a beard or changing our haircut. Btw is Damien Clawwater the Lord of Clawwater or just a member of the house?
>>19773211If she wears a helmet and the clothing of a fighter instead of that of a lady I doubt he'd recognize the strange beautiful woman he met in a dark tunnel. Though we should grow a beard or something, just in case.>>19773204Lovely, what message does the raven have for us?
>>19773204 Cont. It is the official message, inviting the Lord of Castle Salt and Head of House Karban to attend the Tournament of Vines. There, he is invited to compete for his honor, and the honor of his house. The Tourney begins in twelve days time.
>>19773211He is, according the the bloodline scribed for you by Ben, the son of the current Lord Clawwater, eldest and most promising.>>19773231Fair idea... She does have a veil of Myrish silk she only wears on special occasions. It might be worth asking her to bring it.
>>19773234Cool, official invitation. We were going anyways, I suppose this means that we might be officially inducted into the Order of the Vine.>>19773258I suppose this tourney counts as a special occasion, it helps the disguise, and women in veils are hot. Sadly she would probably eviscerate us if we tried anything and we're rather focused on Dalyna.
>>19773204See that the boy tries other weapons than the sword. A sword is symbol of status but a mace or a hammer win battles just as good. >>19773242May not a true disguise, but simply growing a beard and shaving our head might throw him off.
You check with Coyle, and if you are going to arrive for the pre-Tourney ceremonies, you would need to leave within two days.The Steel Guard can be ready to ride within one, and they have all been instructed to polish their arms and armor, pack those nice, new expensive cloaks you had made, and bring their good shirt. A small contingent of your infantry, about twenty or so, would be needed to man the wagons filled with supplies, tend to additional horses, and generally round out your numbers.
>>19773344Excellent, we ride as soon as we can.I hope that I'm the only one who expects a Police Squad style shoot out against Clawwater, except using crossbows.
Which brings us to an important question: Who do we leave in charge while we are gone? Do we take Ser Wallgrave with us, or leave him behind with Ser Cargill, Jorge Caswell, and Coyle?
>>19773373What would he like to do best?
>>19773373Fair question: Roll 1d100
>>19773373Let Rory come along if he wants, I think the House will manage without him for a while and he might want to watch and/or participate in the tournament.
>>19773397Rolling
rolled 96 = 96>>19773397
rolled 17 = 17>>19773405Damn it
>>19773373Well Cargill will be in charge of the garrison and so on as Castellan, Caswell in charge of the navy and Coyle deals with the day to day stuff and keeping Saltmouth running smoothly.
Rory definately wants to come. "Are you kidding, lord? I can't wait to knock some pretentious Merrywind cock off his horse."Current party is now: Ser Wallgrave, Terris, the Steel Guard, and a handful of infantry. Along with that group will be five wagons and twelve additional horses. Unless you want to include anyone else, Ser Cargill and Coyle will keep everything running in your absence.
Unless anyone can think of anything else to do, I will go make myself a sandwich and then it is time for us to go be a badass tourney knight.
rolled 78 = 78>>19773467Go a head.
>>19773467>>19773435I think we good.
>>19773435Can't really think of anyone else. Ben is still in Old Town, what's the estimated time of him coming back?Also make sure we have the gifts we talked about earlier, some wine, some exotic cool stuff from overseas, some jewelry and the like.
>>19773495Ben is still in Oldtown, although his last message said that he was almost ready to forge the link.As for gifts, we are bringing four casks of a rich, full red that we found in the cellar, three cedar boxes stuffed with spices like cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg, a jade and mother-of-pearl comb, and four castle-forged daggers made by Marl.Now time to go and make sure that there is still mustard in the fridge. It makes turkey taste so much better.
>>19773523That does sound good. What type of mustard? What type of sammich?
>>19773533Sliced turkey and italian pastrami with iceburg lettuce, brown mustard, swiss cheese and thick rye bread. Got a handful of cashews and a tiny bag of Sunchips too. Planning on washing it down with a couple 312's. The gf is a dancer and the head of the diet police, so when she isn't around (like this week), I can eat like a king and not be yelled at.All right guys, roll 1d100 for weather during our travels.
rolled 79 = 79>>19773591Sounds like a nice sammich. I find that just a tiny bit of mayo can help make it all blend together, not much, just a very thin layer on the bread.
>>19773613Agreed, but that calorie nazi won't let me bring any in the house... And I refuse to be the guy who hides mayo from his wench, because that makes it seem like I have a whole different load of issues.The weather is a bit stiff on the ride. We are talking six days of off and on showers, normally a few hours of drizzle in the mornings, and occasionally a cold wind. However, the sun eventually breaks through and traditional Arbor weather (warm, dry, and slightly breezy) takes back over as you approach the tourney. As you get closer, you start to enforce the dress code. Iylaria starts to wear her veil, you wear your helmet more often than not, and those new, fancy cloaks of black, blue, and thread of silver look damn fancy.
>>19773523>not having dijon mustardi srsly hope you guys don't do this. Also try mixing dijon with mayo, it's delicious.
>>19773655 Cont.The Tourney grounds are deep within wine country, past Honeybridge and into the rich, dark soil that House Redwyne has held for nearly seven hundred years. Riding towards the tourney grounds as you crest a small hill, you see dozens of brightly-colored banners rising above pavillions, tents, and impromptu stables. You can pick out the banners of Cargill, Rowan, Merrywind, and Portain. You can also pick out lesser banners from the smaller houses, like Dormer, Penshurst, Cavill, Beylin, Frain, Boiler, Rosewood, and Hayes. These are arranged around the central tourney grounds, which feature twin lists, a leveled patch for a melee, archery competition fields, a place for horsemanship to be demonstrated between obstacles, and dozens of merchant stalls and food vendors.
>>19773660Oh, you know I am. It goes so great with pastrami.Further back than the other pavillions, you can make out the banner of House Redwyne flying over several huge tents. And flying next to it is.... Mother fucker, that is the banner of House Tyrell.
>>19773674We should try to find out what Portain is up to, and possibly see if we can talk privately about the information from the smuggler and captain.
>>19773655I suppose that makes sense, I'd feel pity for you except your girlfriend is a dancer.>>19773690Holy flying balls, the Tyrells are here. Is Grey Thom allowed to participate in the archery portions? We should set up our tent where we're supposed to, and find Portain.
>>19773690Tyrell...
You and your guard make your way towards your designated area, a cleared field near the Cargill encampment and just west of the lists. Your men begin to pitch tents and unload furniture, supplies, and foodstuffs. You send Ser Ben Cargill to go tell Portain you have arrived, and help settle everything into place.>Wat do first?
>>19773749Can we go watch a saucy puppet show?
>>19773758You know what? Why the fuck not. Roll 1d100 and let me know its for the puppets.>>19773731I only complain because i love the damn broad. Also, Grey Thom is totally going to compete. He is smiling already, and asking random squires passing by about the purse to the grand champion.
rolled 51 = 51>>19773783fuck yea Futurama.
rolled 44 = 44>>19773749Get everyone settled, take a look around the area see if there's anything interesting.>>19773783Hot Dornish Puppeteer?
>>19773793I think you mean Hot Dornish concubine
>>19773804Well she isn't a concubine yet, assuming she even exists.
>>19773793>>19773789You do see a puppet show, depicting Prince Rhaegar defeating Dornish raiders before... umm... claiming Princess Elia. Rather roughly. While singing about dragons and how his manhood breathes fire. It is pretty funny, but not laugh-out-loud so.Currently, it looks like everyone else is just getting settled. Most of the individual camps seem to be getting themselves settled for the big deal, and nothing lively seems to be going on yet. However, Ser Ben Cargill does return with news from Lord Portain. It seems that Portain has some "information" as well, and that after the opening feast, you two should talk about it.
rolled 71 = 71>>19773789Yes please hahahaha
rolled 89 = 89>>19773838I guess we should check out some of our competitors. Win or lose this is a good opportunity to look at possible friends and allies as well as potential rivals.
>>19773838excellent, we should head back to our tent and bathe, and have terris lay out our best clothes, we must look smashing for all the lords and potential wives. Also see if someone can scrounge up some info on the happenings in king's landing and westeros in general, and any changes within the Arbor and Highgarden.
>>19773838Excellent, we'll talk to him after dinner. For now we should walk around, mingle with people, chum it up with other nobles, take a look around at the proceedings.
The pageantry is kinda intimidating. Some lords, like the Merrywinds across the camp, have trumpeters, tumblers, and singers to announce their presence. One of the pavilions of House Cargill is made almost entirely from bright crimson silk from Myr. The Rowan's have a bodyguard of twelve identical knights in shining plate, their breastplates enameled with the sigil of their house in yellow, red, and orange. But perhaps most intimidating of all is the area claimed by the Tyrells. Their main pavilion is black silk, with huge roses stitched into it entirely with thread-of-gold. Their area alone is the size of yours and House Portains, along with half of the Cargill's turf as well.>Anything else to do before the opening feast?
>>19773893Admire the pomp, wander around a bit, chat it up with other nobles. Ask who to watch out for in the Joust. Let Terris enjoy the revelry some, get him something nice from the food vendors. Show off our swag a little bit.
>>19773912second
We wander for a short while with Terris, quizzing him on the banners of noble houses, their heads, and tourney protocol. The two of you munch of honey candies you buy from a short, old woman down by the lists, and wander the vendor stalls, listening for gossip. Apparently, Prince Rhaegar has been discussing holding a tourney, a grand event that would eclipse anything in recent memory.
>>19773869>>19773863Afterwards, you retire to your pavilion to prepare for the feast. The sun is beginning to set, and you send Terris for water. There is plenty of fresh, if cold, water from the streams nearby. Terris lays out an outfit as we clean ourselves from the road. Dressing, we put on pants of flared black linen, lined with brilliant blue silk that can be seen in the boot slits. The boots themselves are your finest pair: black leather with brilliantly polished silver buckles. A shirt of blue silk goes on next. Our jacket is black, with shining silver for buttons, and brilliant green thread tracing vinework along the cuffs, collar, and shoulder. Finally, we throw on our good cloak of black silk, the one with the vine patterns around the edge. To complete the outfit, we secure the cloak with the Valyrian steel pin, and underneath lay our necklace of white gold and opal. Belting our sword on, and secreting a few dirks and stilettos about our person, we look every inch the lord we are.>Who should be our honor guard for the feast?
>>19773947Shit bros, the war is getting pretty close, shouldn't be more than a year away now or so. We should discuss possible alliances at the culmination of tonight's thread.
>>19773966You are undershooting a bit man. Don't worry, it is coming. I just wanted to have enough sessions pre-Rebellion so that afterwards, you players could feel the change in the tempo and the mood.
>>19773959Damn, we got swag. How many is customary for Honor Guard?
>>19773983Four to six for a lord of our stature would be a good number. Of course, Terris isn't counted for that, as he will spend most of tonight waiting on us and (hopefully) keeping his mouth shut.
>>197739834 or so? Just take the Steel Guard imo, and perhaps a few house guards.
>>19774000Remember, the Steel Guard numbers twenty in total. We basically need to pick the people who will serve as our "face," representing to the other lords what kind of man we are by showing them the company we keep.
>>19774015Ok, Martin Crane, he won the joust during Redwyne's visit.Benjemmen Cargill because the Cargill family is important.Iylaria to show that we admire competence over all else, because it's useful to have someone who people underestimate around you and to show that we don't mind being a tad nontraditional.Doros to showcase strength as he is a huge fucking northerner. Rory Wallgrave as he ought to be a respected man-at-arms and he deserves some time in the spotlight. Grey Thom because he shows some versatility among a pile of sword swingers.We might want to consider replacing Thom with someone more knightly like Cordwayner of Bushy but I think he ought to work.
>>19774056Works for me
You walk to the feast with your honor guard in tow. Sers Rory, Ben, and Martin all our wearing clothing in their house's colors, but still wear the black, blue and gold cloaks as a sign of respect and service towards you, their lord. Three knights bearing your sigil on their backs definitely makes you feel good. Immediately to your right is Doros, huge and imposing with his beard trimmed for once (you asked nicely). Behind you, Iylaria and Thom are chatting about all the wealth on display, and just how many rounds of wine just one of those lordly tents would bring them, in between fits of laughter at several young lordlings up ahead of you in ridiculously bright green hose.Entering the feasting tent, your breath is actually taken away. The feasting tent is huge. Dozens of heavy tables, each capable of sitting forty or more, have been laid out. A raised table at the head holds Lord Pason Redwyne and Lord Mace Tyrell, along with their families. Lord Pason is chatting with his daughter, Alerie, who is the bride of his liege Lord Mace and the small boy at her knee, who you can only assume to be Willas Tyrell, heir to the Reach. All around you, lords and ladies and knights sit and chat and drink, the accumulated wealth and power of the Arbor sitting together.
Ok, its just like high school all over again guys:>Who do you sit with?
>>19774132fuck, alerie got married to that fat sot Mace Tyrell? What a waste, idiot did nothing but sit outside Storm's End the entire rebellion, then get his shit wrecked at the blackwater and raided out the ass by Greyjoy. Alas, we'll have to find another wench eventually. Perhaps we should make our way to the head table and pay our respects? Or if that's rude then find a suitable spot at the tables for our station.
>>19774140we gotta sit with our best bro portain, he's our nig!
>>19774140Well it'd be presumptuous to sit by Pason of course. What would etiquette say on stopping by to pay our respects? We'll probably sit by the Portains as we're close, but what other major families are available and what terms are we on with them?
>>19774161Sorry bro, but they were betrothed when we were still squiring in the Vale.And at least, for right now, Mace doesn't seem so bad. In fact, he looks every bit the lord he is. He is still young, his frame big but not fat, with a tight beard and a head of hair that would make Fabio jealous. He is wearing more gold than a Lyseani whore-queen, and he has everyone in his orbit laughing or cheering or toasting or drinking. He clearly is a man with power.
>>19774165>>19774176Nothing is stopping us from going to say hello to Lord Redwyne. In fact, that should probably be our first stop.Portain is at a table near the middle, surrounded by his knights, his lovely wife, and her ladies. The other Houses are around, but we aren't really known to them (personally, anyways) yet. Although you can see the Cargills, our immediate neighbors to the south and east.
>>19774180We aren't cool enough to hang out with Mace Tyrell are we? This makes me sad.Maybe we can change history later and get him to keep exercising and diet when he gets older. But that's for later.Also is Dalyna about?
>>19774180oh my apologies, i got alerie confused with dalyna, dat fine piece of ass. >>19774189I say we head to the head table, pay our respects to Pason and Tyrell like a proper lord, and make sure to complement Dalyna and Alerie on their ravishing beauty, and greeting Pason's son. We should then proceed to greet the Cargill's, then sit with Portain.
>>19774192As you stride towards the head table, you spot her talking with her brother. She looks gorgeous, with golden roses holding back her hair, accentuated by the red of it just so...... Basically: Damn. Next to her, Paxter is popping olives into his mouth and clearly sharing a secret with her, that turns her face as bright red as her hair as she hides a laugh behind a huge wine glass. As we approach, Paxter gives us a head nod and Dalyna gives a gentle wave. Lord Pason stops talking for a minute, turning to give you his full attention.>Wat say?
>>19774216Lord Pason Redwyne, it is an honor and a joy to see you again. From what little I have already seen I expect a grand tournament and I am proud to be a part of it and honored to have been invited.
>>19774216"Greetings my Lords, it fills me with joy to see you all in good health at this glorious occasion to share our bountiful wealth and good company. I thank you both for gracing this tournament with your presence. I wish all of you well in the tourney in the coming days, and hope your lances strike true." did i miss anything?
>>19774239>>19774242Both of them seem happy for your greeting and kind words. Lord Tyrell speaks first: "You are a sworn man for my Lord Pason, are you not? It is always good to see the men of the Arbor..." He pauses for a second, looking half confused. "But you are not a son of the Arbor, and your coat of arms is unknown to me. Tell me of yourself, ser."
>>19774262"My lord, my name is Dustain Karban, Lord of Saltmouth and sworn bannerman to House Pason. I have the humble privilege of shipping the exquisite wines of the Arbor to the Free Cities and other customers across the Narrow Sea"
>>19774262I confess that I am not of the Arbor. I was born in the Riverlands as Dustain Terrevan. I squired in the Vale under Ser Kervin Gallan and when 17 I saved the life of his brother in a Mountain Clan raid, Ser Gallan mentioned me to Ser Gregroy Redwyne and I was tempted to the Arbor by his promise of fertile land and the bountiful port of Saltmouth. I took the name of Karban and the words of "Like waves upon rock".Since then I have served as Lord of Saltmouth and have done my level best to ship the wines of the Arbor and to care for my city and lands ensuring that they grow strong.
He smiles, seemingly forgetting the words and their meaning even as you say them. "Good, good. It is a pleasure to meet you, ser." He turns back to listen to something his wife says, before offering an older woman some wine.Lord Redwyne looks at you with a bit more interest. His voice, when you hear it, is definitely a touch weaker, perhaps quieter, than you remember it just three months ago. "It is good to see you, Lord Karban. I hear you will be inducted into the Order tonight, and that you plan on competing... Well done. I will look forward to seeing you on the field." He nods you to step back, and you do, before bowing gracefully and retreating from the high table.
>>19774348 Cont.So were we going to sit with Lord Portain, or go schmooze a bit.
>>19774362Let's scmhooze a bit, say hi to the Cargills, give them the latest on Laurence and Benjemmen, praise their service. Get to know the lords and ladies of the Cargills a bit better, then if there is anyone else it'd be important to talk to do so.
>>19774373Agreed.
>>19774373indeed.
>>19774373You swing by the table that is serving as the center for the Cargills. They are a large family, after all, with many branches and more children. An entire table is taken up just by the immediate ruling family, with a little bit of the overlap spilling onto a neighboring one as well. Walking up, an older man stands to greet you, raising a toast in your honor. A glass of dry red is pressed into your hand, and you raise it in return, tasting the fine Dornish wine within. As you finish, the man speaks. "Don't tell any other the other lords, but I have found myself growing more and more partial to the grapes from Dorne these last years. The speaker is a burly man, wide in the shoulders, with a beard of white, streaked with red. "I am Lord Cargill, ser. You are my neighbor, I believe, hmm? Allow me to introduce my daughters." He motions with a hand, and three girls stand. "These are Veronica, Bella, and Lizbeth." On his other side, a woman of comparable age slaps his thigh. "They aren't cattle, Harolt. Stop trying to sell them like it."
>>19774404"Please, these ravishing young ladies could never be mistaken for cattle"yah, somthin smooth liek dat.
>>19774404About how old are they?I could never mistake them as anything other than visions of beauty masquerading as ladies. It is a joy to meet the three of you.Talk about how impressed we have been by the service and honor of Laurence and Benjemmen.
>>19774405You compliment the beauty of his daughters, assuring his wife that nothing so beautiful could never be sold, as it is impossible to put a price on such ladies.Veronica is probably close to 19, and attractive in a common sort of way. Her hair is a mess of jet-black curls that go down to the middle of her back, and a sizable set of tits are barely being held in by her dress of blue velvet and pale Myrish lace. Her eyes are big and brown, and her full lips looks pretty tempting when she smiles at you.Her sister, Bella, has flaming red hair and the same dark brown eyes. Her lips are a brilliant red, almost a match to the hair that comes just past her shoulders. She is small in frame, her head barely coming up to the middle of your chest, and she can't weigh more than six stone. Her skin is a brilliant white, and looks great next to the red and blue of her dress.Furthest down the line is Lizbeth, who cannot be more than ten. She has a split lip and a small gap between her two front teeth. She also is the only daughter to look you in the eye, seemingly unphased by the timidness her sisters have.
>>19774417So black haired lady with great stonking titties, petite redhead and tomboyish 10 year old. Interesting. Dorne has some competition when it comes to ladies.
>>19774417 Cont. We mention Ser Ben, at which Veronica picks her gaze up and stops staring at her wine. "How is my dear cousin? When he left Barleyhall, it was a sad day...." You assure her that he has done well, and that no finer knight exists in all the Arbor, while making a mental note to send him by to visit.At mention of Ser Laurence, Lord Cargill snorts. "I am surprised that dour bastard is allowed inside your castle at all. One night listening to him drone on and I would have thrown myself from the battlements... Still, he is my cousin's son, and was always a boy you could trust."
>>19774433>>19774417Got anything else to mention to the family, or did you just want to say hi?>>19774431I never said Dorne was the only place to pick up a hot bitch.... It just makes it easier to find them, as apparently there aren't many ugly women in Dorne. Or maybe they just eat the ugly ones at birth. Idk, it is a strange place, and all that sand can do weird things to a man.Also, part of me wants to make the perfect HDW and save her until after Karban is married off, so that I can introduce some tension to the marriage.
>>19774433Oh right, we should thank him for the invitation he sent us a while back.I have not found him too dour, perhaps his time in the company of my house has lightened him some, and he has served with great skill and loyalty.>>19774447It might work depending on who we were married to. Dalyna, we wouldn't even consider it, someone we were forced to married due to politics and didn't like or find attractive, probably, everything else is an individual case.
>>19774447You are an evil evil man.I suggest waiting until the war is over before getting married. That way, we can marry someone from a house that is in favour with whoever wins.
>>19774447I think we've said what we've needed to? Wish the Cargill's luck in the tourney, bountiful harvest, usual trivialities, now it's time to see our home boy Portain, and party like it's the unification war.
>>19774458Also talk a bit about wine. Their wine travels down the Windingwater and we sell it for them, we should get a bit closer. Talk about this years crop, economic success, the differences between Arbor and Dornish wine, that sort of thing.
Portain is currently carving into a side of venison as you sit down. "By the Seven is it good to see you here, Karban. The rest of these old bastards are no fun at all." He jestures around with the carving knife while his wife yells at him about the dangers of poking an eye out. "So try this, would you? They baked it, I am told, after soaking it in beer. Whatever they did, it smells delicious!" The two of you don't even talk much after than for the next half hour or so as an orgy of consumption develops. Together, you, Portain, and the assorted knights and men around you tear through several stuffed ducks, freshly fried river perch caught that morning, huge bowls of steamed clams and mussels, trays of fresh bread and sweet butter, that huge side of venison, a half dozen trenchers filled with stewed prawns, onions, carrots and cod chunks, several small bowls of mashed turnips and sweet olives, and Father knows how much wine. By the end of it, you are half-leaning against the table, so stuffed you can barely move. Portain pours the two of you more wine, and points towards one of the doors. You follow, pocketing an orange on the way out. The two of you walk, mostly silent until you are wandering the perimeter of the feast, just outside the light of the massive bonfires. He breaks the silence first. "So, how do you like your first tourney feast, eh? Something you won't soon forget, I wager. The food is definitely better than last time I was here.... And the wines? Well, they are always exemplary."
>>19774497"Certainly, with the whole wealth of the Arbor pouring into this tournament it's hardly surprising to see such fine dining. Tell me, who should i look out for on the pitch in the coming days?
>>19774509He smiles at that. "Well, my Ser Flowers will be riding, and he is the finest horsemen I have ever met. Some of your men as well, like Ser Crane and Ser Cargill are also set to joust. I was impressed by their performance this year... As for the big names? Lord Mace Tyrell will be riding, as will Lord Paxter, Ser Justin Cordwayner, and Lord Ambrose Merrywind. All of them are fine men with a lance, and can be difficult foes to unseat."
>>19774528I hope that I can make a good showing against such worthy opponents, I have been practicing for this day.Make sure there isn't anyone around before we start to actually talk business.
>>19774528"I'll keep a note of them, especially your Flowers, hopefully this time will go smoother than the last"
>>19774417Introduce Lisbeth to Terris. They'll get along like a house on fire and she'll be riding him by the time they're 14. Somehow I don't think our old friend will be happy if we send him his son home with grandchildren.But actually this could be a way for us to make nice with our neighbours; request that we train Terris' etiquette jointly with the girl.Also, regarding post-war plans... LET'S STEAL AEGON TARGARYEN!Also, good to see you Princely. I was F5-ing all of Tuesday.
>>19774538Sorry, the woman kept me far away from the computer.>>19774537>>19774536Portain chuckles at that. "You should do just fine. No one expects you to be tournament champion your first time here. Just don't die and everyone will consider that a success."
>>19774538http://catalog.neet.tv/tg/thank me later.
>>19774550"Oh i'm glad my friend has such confidence in my abilities, but I digress, I have some new information on our... 'problem' that you may find interesting"
>>19774538That's actually a good idea, we ought to have time for that. It'll bring us closer to the Cargills which is useful and we get to see inexperienced squire and tomboy shenanigans. Princely, what do we know about the Cordwayner house?>>19774550That reassures me somewhat. But enough of jousting.What have you uncovered since last we talked?
>>19774551Twas cool, participated in a lot of good threads. Picked up some Shadowrun game templates. I tend to read the sup/tg/ archive more than I come here, so it was a good experience.Also we are so screwed in this joust. We've been practicing, but did that do anything for our stats?
>>19774538I like the idea of Terris and Lisbeth training in etiquette together. What could possibly go wrong? Princely: Is there a melee event too?
>>19774557He listens to your information silently, clearly weighing the options presented to you two. "We cannot go to Lord Pason yet... Not yet. We could still be wrong, and I refuse to be remembered as the man who bore false witness against a fellow banner to my liege lord. I will not have my son inherit that from me." You two weave between several tents and lashed-down bales. "We have to get to the bottom of this though, and soon. That smuggler of yours said that it has been going on for years? Gods above, how much have they stolen? They could probably afford to buy my lands by now. And all before anyone noticed... You should knight those damn crabbers that started all this. Without them, we would still be standing around with our cocks in our hands, looking foolish."He scratches his head for a bit. "However, I do have some good news. Damien Clawwater is here, at the tournament. Perhaps someone could... give his belongings a look-see when he is competing?"
>>19774561House Cordwayner is a house from the mainland, but it has extensive holdings along the Redwyne Strait. Many of their sons are fostered in the Arbor, just as many Arbor knights squired for lords all across the Reach. The Cordwayners have numerous members of their family scattered throughout the Arbor as landed knights and pledged knights, like your Ser Brandon.>>19774566I am so far keeping our stats hidden, to prevent rollplaying. As we become more complex and advanced, I will eventually need to turn them over to you guys though, I think.>>19774570There is, scheduled for the second day. It is open to anyone, not just knights who are members of the Order of Vines.
>>19774572We need to find a way to grow some eyes and ears, or perhaps find ourselves some extra shadows.In this scenario I have an idea that the rest of the players will kill me for: Terris. Dress him in 'claw colors and send him for his master's bags. The greatest downside is that this would teach him some lessons that we'd need to spend years unteaching him, or roll very high on "mold clever bastard" checks.
Also, just archived the thread.
>>19774572"No, I agree that we must gather more evidence, and as for the 'look-see', i'll find someone discreet, do not feel so glum, if they've been doing it this long it must be a very efficient system they're working, it will take time to unravel all of this."
>>19774572That seems prudent.We have have a number of men rotate through the area, keeping an eye on the place and ensuring that no one else is watching it or remains inside, we should probably have the watchers be from both of us so that no one is confused by there always being a Portain or Korban outside there, then we have our sneakiest man go in and search through them. I would suggest Grey Thom for that task unless you have another suggestion. >>19774596That might work, though I don't know if he's skilled enough at lying or deception to pull it off, and he wouldn't know what to look for. As for the moral considerations, a knight must choose the weapon best suited for a task, whether it be sword, lance, words or cunning. It's all part of rounding out his education.
>>19774596best not use Terris, if he's implicated it will look very, very, very bad if a squire for a minor house is snooping in another's tent. I say we get lyleria (sorry forget how it's spelt) to do it, have her dress up as a serving girl collecting laundry? we should also perhaps hire a harlot on the side to distract the guards outside, or some other way to give her time to get inside and out quick.
>>19774608We'd also be giving him a practical lesson in going behind brother knights back on spurious suspicions, theft and falsity. We're supposed to be role models... Ugh.Also, we'd send him to take Damien's bags and look around the room, not get what he could.If we've got time tonight we ought to meet Damien in our knight persona. Let's try and act dignified and bold. No comments about hunting a smuggling ring, but mention we found bandits operating in our lands.>Captcha: proceedeth avauntEven captcha agrees!
>>19774615Oh harlots, such a powerful resource for those who tap you. Ten points to whoever enjoys the pun.The two of you continue to walk the perimeter, discussing potential leads and avenues of inquiry. It all keeps coming back to the Clawwaters, though. Portain swears on the Crone more than once because of the convoluted nature of all this, and the two of you once again decide on a plan of cautious, very subtle patience. You agree that watchers should be placed, but that any direct "intervention" should be handled carefully and with incredible care. You retire for the night, your tent comfortable in the cool night air.
Hmm... Witcher and Witcher 2 soundtracks make great BGM for this quest. Listening to Vergen By Night from the W2EE ost if anyone cares.
>>19774629I'd rather not meet with Damien for any reason other than chance at this juncture. We don't have enough evidence to implicate him, and if he suspects that we're onto him he might just collapse the operation and leave us chasing shadows. >>19774632Good ol' harlots. There ought to be a couple running around what with this being a tourny. We can have someone not affiliated with us ask them to show the Clawwater guards and so on a good time, though only if the other options wouldn't work as this adds more people to the mix and having the guards say that random harlots went up to them, and then the harlots saying some guy asked them to spend some time with those guards might make Damien suspicious.
The next day, you are awaken by the brilliant sun. You leave the tent, accepting a plate of sausages and scrambled eggs from 'Ol Nick while watching Terris prepare your armor. He is polishing it so hard that you are afraid he might wear a hole in it, but enthusiasm is good.You have some time before the jousts start. Anything you want to do?
>>19774645We ought to meet some other Arbor noble families. Make some new contacts. Alternatively, introduce Terris to the Cargills.
>>19774643which is why i'm also reserved about using whores for this task, a girl in that position is usually a loose lipped idiot.
>>19774645Will Damien be competing in the joust? If so this might be a good time, the joust attracts a lot of attention, so sending someone, probably Grey Thom or Iylaria, in common garb to look for clues would probably go unnoticed. Other than that introduce Terris to the Cargills, try to set him and Lizbeth off to have some fun before the joust. It'll be fun.
>>19774650We wander the camp again, making some introductions to other minor houses like Dormer, Boiler, Hayes, and Cavill. All of them are happy to have a lord of your stature visit, and it is a pretty pleasant experience.Making your way back towards your camp, you stop by the Cargill's area. Veronica is sitting out in a modest dress of yellow and green, only the necklace of pearls hinting at her father's wealth. She waves to you as you approach, shoeing away a handmaiden who was brushing her hair. You motion for Terris to leave, which he does. You watch him wander over near the horses, somewhat near Lizbeth. >Wat say?Also, roll me 1d100
rolled 52 = 52>>19774672Good morning Lady Veronica. I do believe my squire and your little sister are about to become acquainted. Would you care to share your thoughts on how this is going to turn out? I am guessing she will insist he shows her how to use a sword and he will eagerly comply. Maybe after some time of that she'll teach him more etiquette.
Milady Veronica, a pleasure to see you again. Though we met but last night, I hope that in the future we might become better acquainted.I hope you do not mind, but I brought my squire, Terris, with me this time. I fear that there are no children of his rank his age in Castle Salt, and I must confess I had hoped he might make the acquaintance of your youngest sister.
rolled 52 = 52>>19774700Augh, forgot dice.Question: Is Princely taking 1st response and roll, or average, or best response he sees?
>>19774695>>19774700She smiles at you, in a kinda sweet-yet-not-innocent way. "He is a charming boy... I am sure that my sister will take to him. Or she will try to find a sword to fight him with." She points as Terris is busy tying a length of rope into a complicated knot and Lizbeth is looking on with rapt attention.Veronica smiles again. "I apologize for my father, last night. He had perhaps a bit too much of that Dornish wine he likes so much. I cannot help but sympathize for him. He wanted sons, but had only my sisters and I. Now, he is worried about the fate of our house... It must be a terrible burden to bear."
>>19774720I usually go with first or third, depending on posting volume. Sometimes though, I average if the responses are really pouring in. It would be simpler if I only used first, but I want to make sure that everyone gets to add input when I can.
>>19774720>>19774695It doesn't matter in this case.I think he generally takes first roll or chooses one roll, but I could be wrong. He doesn't go and pick the highest as then we would have no chance of failure. Also I'm guessing that we get bonuses if we say something clever.>>19774724It is quite alright. One must put one's house and family above all else, I understand. Even though I have seen little of you and your sisters I would say he still has quite a lot to be proud of.Well, they are a good fallback marriage option should Dalyna not work. It may be a bit callous to view it this way, but that's politics.
rolled 5 = 5>>19774720>>19774695>52Holy shit.>>19774724I think I know some of what you feel. My father had two sons when daughters might have brought him greater fortune. And now my brother is all he has. It simplifies things for all involved, but I find myself wondering of late it must have been like for him,,,
>>19774724She continues, slowly turning her hair brush over in her hands. "And then there is me... I am a woman grown, almost eighteen years old, and yet I have no husband. That alone must keep the poor man awake at night." She looks up at you, suddenly looking surprised with herself. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to blather on like that... Please, forgive me, my lord."
>>19774754There is nothing to apologize for milady. A beautiful woman can choose whichever topic she wishes to converse upon.
>>19774754My response can work here as well.Also, really Princely? The girl next door type as a literal girl from the next fief over? If it weren't so cliche I'd shake your hand.
>>19774754I think we're well in there lads.
>>19774776I couldn't resist. It seemed just too fucking easy to put that into the story. I am a slave to my inner, lazy-writing/dumb-writing demons sometimes.>>19774772>>19774772With that, you can start to see the red creep up her neck and into her face. "M.. My lord is too kind. You shouldn't say such things, they make me turn the same color as my sister's hair. It isn't a very kind thing to to, teasing me like that. Not a very knightly thing to do at all." She wasn't lying: by the time she is done speaking, she is nearly the same shade as Bella's hair. However, she puts a little emphasis on that last sentence, and you are happy to know that she is at least playing the game.
You know who Lizbeth would absolutely adore, Iylaria.Also this family is actually remarkably good for marriage prospects, they don't have any sons so a marriage would net us a fuckton of land.How old is Bella by the way, just curious.>>19774802Then I must be a rake of the highest order, I blame the company I keep.
>>19774829By your guess, Bella would be anywhere between 14-17. It would be little easier to tell if she wasn't so fucking small. She is basically 4'11 when she isn't wearing shoes.At your response, she turns a touch darker, if that would be even possible. "My lord, I didn't mean to imply... I am not saying..." You can't help but chuckle at this point, and she points the brush at you like it is a rapier. "You are teasing me again, aren't you, my lord? It isn't nice at all, coming all fifty feet down this way from your tent, just to make japes at a poor girl like me. A true knight would apologize for such a thing, perhaps even undertake a quest to restore my good name." This time, she is smiling too.
>>19774854Sadly Milady there are no dragons left for a brave knight to embark upon a quest to slay in your honor, so there is no quest great enough for me to redeem my good name. Oh woe is me.
>>19774865The brave men didn't slay the Dragons, the brave men RODE them.
>>19774872Damn you, the traditional image of the knight jousting the dragon is far too ingrained for me to not imagine it.
>>19774865Her smile never leaves her lips. "If my lord requires dragons to redeem his name, perhaps a goodly woman such as myself should find more... Appropriate company." She stands, and her handmaiden comes back, taking her arm. "Good luck today, my lord. While there are no dragons here, there are a few roses, cups, and sturgeon for you to defeat. Mayhaps those will make you worthy of me?" She and her handmaiden retreat to the pavilion, giggling the whole way.... And while you can't be sure, there definitely appeared to be a bit of rolling motion to her step you didn't remember from last night.>Anything else to do?
>>19774872And, given the impending political turmoil, suggesting otherwise could very well put us in hot water.>>19774854This is very interesting. Materially, a marriage with the Cargill's daughter offers us WAY more than a marriage with Dalyana would. Has anyone seen the patch of land we would very likely have control over? We have to be smooth as fuck here, keep our options open.Jovially ask her ladyship what we might do to redeem ourselves.
>>19774890We are just too charming. See how Tarris and Lizbeth are getting on, if they're having fun just remind him that the Joust is happening soon and not to tarry too long.After that maybe we should visit the Cordwayners, one of them is in our Steel Guard. Also we can get some connections on the other side of the Strait.>>19774906It's a really good option I will admit, but they just like ourself are bannermen to the Redwyne family. We won't get as much straight land right out of the box, but we'll be as close as you can get to the single most powerful family of the Arbor and probably the most powerful banner of the Reach.
>>19774915>>19774906I am thinking threesome with the two elder sisters.who is thinking threesome with the Redhead and the Brunette?
Second checking out how Tarris and Lizbeth are doing. Talk the lad up a bit in front of the girl.>>19774915It would definitely be the most immediately influential marriage we could possibly achieve. I'm not advocating swapping our priorities to the new girl, though I do like her, I'm just pointing out that this new prospect is both achievable and has an immediate reward, both in land and securing us an ally. Cargill is friendly, but marrying his daughter forges an iron alliance with our other powerful neighbor and puts us in a strong position. Only saying this avenue is very exploitable and, not to mar her lady's name, but likely much easier to achieve.
>>19774930As a fantasy, yes, as a practical reality it probably won't happen. It would be frowned on by society and it is much less likely to get two sisters in on a threesome than porn would have you believe. But if we're going all out fantasy we can for for a fivesome with Bella, Veronica, Dalyna and Hot Dornish Mistress. And if we really want to throw reality out the window we can have Iylaria in there as well.
>>19774943Best not. Not only do I think fantasizing about one of our closest guards is a bad idea in general, but I worry that our fantasy Iylaria will end up stabbing us anyway.
>>19774942I agree completely, as I said it's a really good option. It's easier to achieve and has a much larger benefit than marrying to a house of that size would usually grant due to the lack of male heirs. If we do end up going that route we may end up getting Tarris married to Lizbeth which would probably make his father rather happy. >>19774957I know, it's not going to happen, there was a brief glimpse of hope when we pretended she was our darling for the investigation, but it was quickly dashed.
>>19774957>>19774942Oops. Those were both me.
>>19774964>Tarris wedding LizbethI don't think its a good idea really. We're only squiring him, aren't we? Do we even have the option to ask for his permanent service?I think it's good to foster relations now, but only so the lad doesn't look like a complete dunce in front of the girls and gets some confidence. Thinking about marriage for him is a bit out there, he's got years where he might develop love interest of his own.
>>19774999We'll only really be actually setting it up, if we choose to do it in, in at least 6 years, maybe more. We'll see how it goes, probably have correspondence with his father about it by then. We aren't going to start ringing any church bells for a while. For now we should just focus on helping them get along. Also at some point introduce Lizbeth to Iylaria, she's would probably be her idol, more or less.
>>19775022Good idea. Though not now, don't want to have her ignore Tarris in favour of our Bravossi Xena.
...Hello?
>>19775183I hope he comes back.We need to see how Terris and Lizbeth are getting along. Though he has been running this for 15-16 hours, damn that's impressive.
>>19775190True, I guess I'm being greedy by beseeching for more.
>>19775208I want more too. Given the lack of a farewell I'm guessing he either crashed like a brick, there were technical difficulties or he needed more food and got distracted for a bit.
>>19775215Want to discuss schemes or anything while we wait?
>>19775228I think we should upgrade saltmouths size twice before the War. We know its coming, and all wars come with refugee influx... Which we could funnel into our stable and secure city that has just rose to power. Besides we would have a city the size of lannisport and that would be bitchin.In the war we have to stick to our liege, no way around it... But i doubt we can do much. Maybe put down some traitors and contribute to the siege of the stormlands. At the end the Baratheons will win anyways, there isnt much we could do to change this.
>>19775228Sure.We really seem to be exhausting all of the available subtle leads on the Mad Maester case, we're probably going to have to end up sending a few ships to the locations that Davos pointed out and lying in wait for the smugglers. The Mad Maester is good, no one knows more than they need to so putting together actual evidence is going to be really damn tough.We may end up getting enough to level charges but I wouldn't be surprised if we don't have enough to stop him Damien from pulling Trial by Combat. On the marriage front we have two girls who obviously dig us, one who we will really have to work for to be of high enough station but gets us a fuckton of political power, and another who we can pull of a marriage pretty easily and there is still a lot of power and land. We'll have a much closer part in making the wine if we end up going for the Cargills. It'll raise our position as well.I say we try to go for Dalyna and hope she remains unmarried long enough for us to catch up. But keep Veronica available, it is a bit callous and rude to say she's a backup option, but compared to Dalyna she is, though she does have dem titties in her favor. We should keep upgrading the hell out of Saltmouth, take points from Land or Population and make it even better. We just got a Lavish Sept going which is nice.
>>19775246Getting Davos in our pocket could change a lot. At the least we might somehow manage to have an heir of the Targaryens spirited away. Perhaps the Arbor could be a place of refuge.I don't think refugees will be an undue problem, how are they going to access our land? But I do agree that we should stick with our liege, and also work on expanding our town. Even if we make extensive land gains in the future, Saltmouths should remain the beating heart of our realm. And I think we had agreed to expand some of the harbour or something for whatever faction of the Brotherhood we managed to convince to set up here.
>>19775274Getting Davos also has other benefits. We get a good adviser, and who better to curb smuggling than someone who knows every single trick in the book and wrote a number of them himself. We might be able to turn him into the head of our anti-smuggling and piracy taskforce. And incidental benefit that we don't know about is that this means Stannis will starve to death in Dragonstone, which could be utterly hilarious.
>>19775258I'm actually thinking Veronica is looking like a more attractive prospect right now. The kiss with Dalyana was sweet and all, but what does marriage with her, which is going to be bloody difficult to secure as it is, really get us? We already have a lot of influence, too much for such a minor house. But beyond a boatload of influence it doesn't get us a whole lot. Cargill lands on the other hand...
>>19775339Sadly it probably won't change the war. Actually it might. It will give the Tyrells and Redwyne's a WAY stronger position after the the Battle of the Trident.Rhaegar will still die by Roberts hand, but the outcome of the war won't be as certain as it would have been before. Didn't we have a map of the battles during the civil war? I should have saved it.
>>19775340It means we're extremely connected to the Redwynes, the most powerful house in the Arbor. The benefits from that are pretty damn huge. We'll be a big part of administrating the entire Reach.A good solution if we don't end up marrying Dalyna is to simply bro it up to an absurd degree with Paxter and marry Veronica, we get a good percentage of the benefits from marrying Dalyna and also the lands of Cargill to add to our own. They're next to us which makes integrating it convenient.
>>19775381Damnit me again.
I say we give up on Dalyana, we are already on pretty good terms with the Redwynes. has anyone considered that we could side with the Dragons during the war?
>>19775388All that does though is add to our already absurd influence. And we don't need to marry his sister to become one of Paxter's closest confidants. In fact, Cargill lands would make us all the more important as we suddenly have a lot more swing behind our political connections.
>>19775397Urgh, I had a retard moment there. What I meant was, is there a way for us to get House Karban to the Trident and possibly change the war?
>>19775429Possibly, but IIRC the Arbor's fleets are sent to blockade the fuck out of Stannis at Dragonstone so it's not that likely. Also I'm perfectly happy to sit back on our ship, drinking wine and eating nice food while we watch Stannis starve to death. It sure as hell beats getting into an actual battle, because those are rather fucking deadly, and I don't want Dustain to get a sword in his gut.
>>19775397I think the assumption is that we will do that anyway, given that the Tyrells and Redwynes did and its not like we're going to take a dump in their face over something like that.Siding with Robert's crew, down here in the Arbor, does us absolutely no favors even in the long run.
>>19775429It's a thought, but I agree with >>19775444 for a number of reasons.As he pointed out, there are far too many pointy things being waved around at the Trident for us to feel comfortable.Furthermore, IC we couldn't possibly foresee the stunning victory of Robert and death of Rhaegar at the Trident, so we wouldn't really have a reason to intervene.Thirdly, that doesn't stop us from helping another heir escape, though not that little shit Visery's, unless we can beat some sense into him."Awaken the Dragon? No young lord, it's training with the other squires for you."Lastly, again pointy things.
>>19775409You make a good point. As long as we remember to bro it up a lot with Paxter we should be okay. If we get the Cargill lands, I think she's the main branch, not the Western Brach, add that to the land along the Windingwater that we're getting when Pason dies, we'll have a fuckhuge continuous chunk of land, containing an important shipping lane, piles of vineyards and Saltmouth. We'll be a serious player in the Arbor if we get that.Add being Paxter's closest adviser and we'll probably be the second most powerful lord in the Arbor. However I don't think we know everything about the situation yet. How in the name of the Seven have none of those girls been married yet? There has to be something seriously strange going on.
>>19775495Hmm, that battle looks like there will be pointy things aimed at me, this siege looks like an extended vacation. Which one should I choose?
Guys, I just realized something. We managed to miss the opportunity to make a joke about "Great Tracts of Land" when talking about Veronica. How did we not see this earlier?I am ashamed of myself for my part in this failure.
>>19775497It is a little odd. I doubt it's anything sinister, it might just be OP trying to throw an enticing prospect our way. I think we can expect rivals in either case.>>19775508'If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rainIf you're not into large battles, if you have half a brainIf you like making love at midnight in the dunes on the capeThen Storm's End is the place you've looked for siege with me and escape'
>>19775586Maybe I'm just paranoid. Though this is aSoIaF, paranoia is a good thing, it keeps you alive.That is such a romantic idea, us on our ship with our lady by our side, giving her a loving kiss after a lovely repast accompanied by excellent wine, all as Stannis sits by his window slowly starving. Poor Stannis.
>>19775602It does sound quite nice actually.Though if we could somehow find a way to quicken the outcome of the siege that would give the Tyrells and Redwynes time to meaningfully contribute to the rest of the war effort, perhaps even forstalling the intervention by Twyin.
>>19775602If Princely is anything like GRRM Its probably incest.
>>19775627If that was well known enough for other suitors to be actively avoiding her then we would definitely have heard the rumours as well.And wasn't some *just* talking about how sweet it would be to get both of the sisters in bed?
>>19775627That doesn't even make any sense. They don't have any brothers, their dad is trying to marry them off, and none of them are pregnant. I just don't see it. Unless you're talking lescest, which honestly I don't mind.Bella and Veronica, I couldn't care less as long as it doesn't get out. We'd get Great Tracks of Land and Petite Redhead, assuming you're right, which seems a bit too much of an assumption to make at this juncture.We still should investigate further, see if there's anything about the Cargill family we don't know about that explains this.>>19775619I think the idea of Stannis watching people eat great food and drink the best wine in the kingdom as this happens is what really brings it together.I don't hate Stannis, I just relish the possibility of him dying and canon going way off the rails. Maybe, that could be interesting. Though assaulting Dragonstone is about as dumb as assaulting the Eyrie. Unless we can get a guy on the inside to help us, promise him that we'll stop starving them if they let us take Dragonstone and boom.
>>19775690That's the trouble though. Even when Stannis' men were starting to look at some corpses in a new light they didn't break and betray him. We might weaken them to a point where they can barely stand at the walls when we assault, but by that point another week or so of waiting would see them starve to death anyhow.Stannis will be dead, and canon irrevocably changed, but the conclusion of the war will likely be the same. Could we convince Paxter (I imagine he will have succeeded by then, upon hearing of the Trident, to spare us as we spirit them away from Kings Landing?
Confound it, I fell asleep in my chair and slept through 3/4 of the only quest thread I actually follow.
>>19775724I think our PrincelyDM has nodded off as well, and bless him after such a quest he deserves it.I have to sleep soon myself anyway, though I hope to see more happy funny Karban times soon.
>>19775721The Targaryen heirs I mean.
Point of interest for future consideration: anyone else feel like throwing a post-harvest festival for our smallfolk? Honestly, aside from our insane luck regarding our crops, they're what keep our money rolling in, and showing them we appreciate it would cement us as best lord ever. Maybe even call in the heads of the most productive farming families/the mine and give them a small cash bonus as a token of our appreciation for their hard work, and the honor of sharing a fine glass of wine in a personal setting with their lord.The festival would probably also net us a small boost in births/new arrivals down the line (yay drunken smallfolk!) and putting our subjects in a position to trust us implicitly could yield more clues about clawwater/other hidden problems in our lands.
>>19775721Damn them and their inconvenient loyalty. Ok, we turn Davos to our side, have him "smuggle" things in, but the onions are full of poison. To preserve our reputation and to actually get him to do it we'd probably want to be something not lethal, just knock out everyone, take Dragonstone, maybe kill Stannis, I don't care.It'd be interesting to try and save the Targaryen kids, though convincing Paxter would be hard and we'd have to find somewhere to put them.
>>19775801Yes, we definitely should. Harvest is pretty soon and it would be easy to work in with the post-harvest festivities that almost certainly occur, no matter where you are people party hard after harvest season.
>>19775802We don't even know if Stannis didn't check the onions for poison in canon-ASOIAF. And even then, how much time would we have to squander before they get desperate enough to fall for it?As for the heirs, if we managed to convince Paxter (and Tyrell I suppose...) that would lead to a new and bloody extension of the conflict if their survival was widely known, one in which Dorne, Tyrell and Redwyne would be united against the Northern Kingdoms. Who knows what the outcome of that would be.
>>19775801Beautiful idea.It also gives us an excuse to invite our buddy Lord Portain over, and his children if he wishes. And also the same for Lord Cargill and his daughters. We've been pretty fortunate with our neighbors so far, we should capitalise on that.I'm looking forward to shopping for gifts already.
>>19775339or we keep davos on retainer as a smuggler in those periods to get a spy ring amongst smugglers and pirates and know who is smuggling what and when and where pirates strike and rest.>>19774957actually i would not fuck Iylaria out of a professional sense , and because she stabbing us would be a definite part of any sexual fantasy. but if we do have to attend a orgy in game for real, i want no other partner than Iylaria. She is beautiful, someone who will turn heads and most importantly, if someone does bring knifes the two of us will be the ones most likely to use them regardless.>>19774943Dunno about the fivesome, but a threesome with sisters is not as hard as you imagine to engineer. it is rather contingent upon the personalities of the two, and the laxness regarding premarital sex, but it can be done. Its not easy, but not as hard as you would think. - still hard though.
>>19775888>threesome requires a certain laxness regarding sex>noble daughter>medieval agesSorry man, even with those trips I don't think it's happening.
>>19775690>>19775721actually we could have Davos as our Anti piracy and smuggling taskforce relive Stanis in Dragonstone, and on the return or on their way there , extract the Taergaryan children, and ship them over to Bravos or somewhere in one of our trading enclaves (I do plan to have foreign trading enclaves by then) under assumed names.This would also change cannon, since Stanis would be endebted to lord Karban through Davos, who will serve lord Karban not Stanis.although I dont know how we intend to kidnap the royal children before Tywin starts killing
Well given this discussion, when the time comes to ask for a lady's favor we should probably go for Veronica. We may even get laid, finally. >>19775842Dunno, it might work. I was just throwing suggestions as the wall and seeing what stuck. It won't be easy to get Stannis out of Dragonstone and it's pretty much impossible by normals means.As for the Targeryen kids, we probably shouldn't keep them on the Arbor, it is way too risky. If we do get them out of there, we don't tell anyone outside of a trusted few and use our contacts that we're developing across the Narrow Sea and keep them over there. I know it's what happened in the books, but it's a smart decision.>>19775888He doesn't do any smuggling by the Arbor, it might be seen as odd if he started integrating himself with the people here. That and if someone else found him it'd be difficult to get him off the hook. Still worth considering though.>>19775888You know you want to try and seduce the single most dangerous woman with a sword in the Arbor.Possible, we'll reevaluate this after learning more about the two of them. >>19775902This would be so much easier with Dornish girls. It probably won't happen, but people, especially those in power, are often much different than their public personas suggest.
>>19775916Stannis is opposing the Targaryens, who our leige-lord Redwyne is likely to side with. Why on earth would we help him?
>>19775902regardless of those its all contingent upon circumstances, more than anything.Actually its quite more likely to get a threesome if both of them are married.
>>19775922I still don't understand why you're set on helping Stannis. There's no way we could do that without betraying the Tyrells and Redwynes.
>>19775941>Actually its quite more likely to get a threesome if both of them are married.This is Westeros, not harem/swingers-party central. I think this is a pipe-dream we need to put to rest. We're Dustain Karban, not that Butler fellow.
>>19775947I meant get out of Dragonstone as in keep him from holing up there while we sit around laying siege to him, not save him. I really should get some sleep.Killing him or otherwise neutralizing him, in a method other than just waiting him out, is difficult when he's hiding out in one of the toughest fortresses in the world.
>>19775977Didn't he virtually start the war already in Storm's End though? By the time we even hear of the civil war in earnest, let alone pick a side by our lord, he will already be holed up there.
>>19775990Yeah. We could just happily sit in the siege, but it is interesting to think of ways to off him while he's holed up in there. If the fleet extricates itself from the siege then everything could change, the rebellion might fail. We could use our contacts and wealth to get a faceless man or another assassin if that is a bit too pricey. Poisoned food could work, though getting it there and making it believable would be hard.It'll be hard to find someone in there who'll betray him but don't write it off just yet.
Aww man, if we do fight in the war, do we go for the rebellion or against?Or, do we do our own thing and influence Redwyne to go after Lannister territory?
>>19776346you know i think there is something there. with the Lannisters.>pirate who wants to fuck cerseihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJT3aS9zywkYes! Lets fuck the Lannisters in the ass so hard during the rebelion until they marry Cersei to Lord Karban for the anal rape to stop.there a good way to fuck up cannon. - prevent Cersei marrying in the Baratheon family, and the Jaimie Cersei relation.
>>19776575There will be no lube for Tywin!
>>19776591Nor for Cersei for that matter...you also have to admit that this is far bolder than Hot Dornish Wife or Dalyana, eh?
Why the fuck does the thread not show up on the first page?What the fuck is happening here?Foul! Foul I say!
The whole Ceresei Jamie incest thing was happening even before Robert's rebellion. She convinced him to join the Kingsguard by having sex with him.If we married Ceresei, we would basically be cuckolded/cheated on, which is something that I do not want.Besides, the Lannisters basically waited out the entire war until Jaime killed Aegon. If the Redwynes fought against the Lannisters, we could have minimal impact in the war.Also, this quest is very amazing PrincelyDm. keep it up.
Holy fucking shit. Sorry about that guys. Damn internet went down on me. I had to cycle through three browsers and a hardline just to finally get back to my sweet, sweet /tg/.Going to catch up and read what I missed really quick.
>>19776871rampant speculations only.we basically waited for you to drive it onwards.please do so.
>>19776624We are in autosage. It happens to threads with 420 posts. If princely wants this to continue and not sleep, he should probably start up a lifeboat.
I dont understand why we want to destroy canon. I mean... Canon is good for us (at least till roberts tourney, if im not mistaken)! The Arbor isnt attacked in the Rebellions, our lieges dont loose power, everything is going smoothly. Why risk fucking it up?
>>19777016 Lifeboat launched.
>>19776962Mostly because Rheagar are pretty cool guy or maybe thats just my view of things.
>>19776962>I dont understand why we want to destroy canon. Because we want to be the one anally raping Westeros instead of just being a pawn.
