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In order to help entice anyone who is interesting, have a picture of our proud, loyal son! Isn't he handsome?

>>24607932
That's a winner if I ever saw one. I'm in.

>>24607980
I'll post more important stuff. Hopefully it'll be another to attract more attention.

A collection of important characters, for those who like the little details:
>http://pastebin.com/PsCVnNnv

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Westpass. This is your land, your territory, your home. It's a harsh and unforgiving place, sparsely populated by evergreens and hardy shrubs. It's a steep valley filled with sudden falls, treacherous cliffs and unexpected gutters and furrows. Anyone who lives in this part of the Vale of Arryn quickly learns to walk softly and with great care.

Splitting Westpass in half is a great river just as unimaginatively named, the Westflow. Born from a great sheet of water that descends from the mountains, the small stream quickly transforms into a great raging current, with many muddy little rills and brooks contributing to its size. Despite the dangerous pace at which it flows, there are a few safe places where the river can be forded.

Clinging to the mountains on either side of the Westflow, the road for which the region is named winds and bends, a well-worn path of gravel and dirt that it is your duty to protect and maintain. One of the few routes in and out of the Vale, many merchants use the Westpass for their trade routes for a certain fee. To the North, the road leads to Strongsong. To the East, the road leads to Crown Crag.

Finally, there are the great structures of Westpass. The hub of civilisation is High Harrock, a grim and foreboding structure that brings comfort to the inhabitants of the region as the sole provider of protection, boasting an iron mine and great solid stone walls. Then there are the two towers that guard it; Skycliff built amongst the peaks and Wetrock built upon a solid stone foundation beside the Westflow.

But what about the people who live here? There are a few thousand smallfolk scattered throughout the land, in huts and hovels that dot the rocky landscape. It's a hard life but honest life, where they harvest and farm what they can, whenever they can. Some keep herds of hardy mountain goats for their meat and milk, while others farm lettuces, berries and edible ferns.

This is your land and these are your people. Treat them well.

>MONTH 2, DAY 12

Awakening on another cool spring morning to the sound of the wind howling outside, you climb of your bed from beside your happy, satiated wife to clean and dress yourself. As the weeks pass the air gradually becomes warmer and the snow and ice at the highest peaks begins to shrink back. The river Westflow is faster and more dangerous than ever and when the rains come, it has a habit of spilling over the banks and flooding into nearby farmland. Thankfully most of your territory is safe from the rising waters.

Joining your uncle down at the feasthall for your breakfast, you're comforted by a hearty meal of a warm, freshly baked bread roll and a grilled fillet of trout. After the exodus of the Milk Snakes, your smallfolk are gradually becoming braver and more productive and you can afford a few little luxuries. Opposite of you is your uncle, tucking into the same meal. He seems a little grim and depressed but he has for quite a while; you're aware that he doesn't really approve of your leadership. However, he is more than willing to assist you and once the two of you clean your plates, you begin to discuss your options.

“You recently asked me to compile a list of the economic options available to us, Artys. If you want more information about any of these choices or think of one that I missed, please say so.”

>”First and foremost, we could try to alter our existing trade deals, primarily with the Houses Belmore, Egen, Frey, Erenford and Terrick.”
>”Now that we have access to the Egens' port, we could begin our acquisition of a merchant fleet. There are many freelancers who may be willing to serve for a price.”
>”There are a few key investments that we could make, from the purchase of cattle to arranging a feast.”
>”We could also increase the basic taxes we're placing on all traders that use Westpass.”
>”These four options are the most simple to begin with – if you can think of any other possibilities, please say so.”

>>24607932
...should we suggest he think about getting a beard?

Might help.

>>24608089
Beards are for mountain fucks.

>>24607844
Fuck yea I'm interesting in continuing!

What will buying cattle actually do for us?

>>24608058
I think we should look into developing our lands. Put a mill in at that meadow we took control of, land one or two of our knights and give them estates to settle, maybe start clearing the forest the Milk Snakes inhabited and look into our Maester creating charcoal from the wood, a valuable commodity.

>>24608058
We could try renegotiating with Houses Frey, Erenford and Terrick - I think we're sorted with Egen at the moment, and if we try to do stuff with Belmore, we're just gonna end up with them not trading with us at all.

Otherwise, trying to expand our resources for trading might work, like bringing in some sheep and cattle to breed and sell.

>>24608161
I like this - we need to develop what we have, before we start expanding.

>>24608125
"They're useful for supporting our growing population - we can't rely on food from outside sources forever. This land of ours is hardly suitable for growing crops but certain breeds of cattle like the mountain goat or aurochs can be herded in these parts. This could make for a wise investment if you seek to diversify.”
>5 Wealth to purchase a cattle herd. Provides +2 to our House Fortune and +1 to Population increases. After 12 months, you will be able to trade the resources that cattle produces - leather, cheese and such.

>>24608230
How are we looking on the wealth side of things?

>>24608230
That's probably the best we can do at the moment, since we can't afford to increase our mines at the moment, to my knowledge.

>>24608161
"Mills are another possible investment."
>10 wealth to build a wind or watermill. Provides +5 to our House Fortune and +2 to Population increases. In addition to this, you'll be able to produce large amounts of grain for trading.
>>24608245
"Unfortunately, we don't quite have the gold to invest in much."
>At this moment in time, you have 2 Wealth.

>>24608281
I think that cattle sounds tasty, should we save up for that?

>>24608264
Your uncle Alric speaks, listing off all of the possible options in monotone.

"Well, we could work at expanding the capacity of our mine and make it more productive. While I doubt we will ever match the production of Bilesworth – or 'Morderengrad' by its current name – we could still make ourselves invaluable to weapons production in the East Riverlands.”
>20 Wealth to upgrade to a Mine Complex. Doubles your bonus (to +2) to Power and Defence increases. Increases the amount of iron available for trading. Takes 6 months to build.
“If you'd rather break off your current deal with House Egen and create a port of your own, that is another possibility – there are many benefits to gain from build a port of our own. Unfortunately, we'll also need to claim the rights to build at the right part of the Westflow.”
>10 Wealth and 3 Land to build a port. Provides +5 to our House Fortune and will be able to operate our merchant fleet from here instead. Takes 8 months to build.
“Finally, there's the possibility of organising a feast. An expensive affair, but economic power means nothing with politics to back it up. You shall need friends Artys, and arranging events such as these is one of the easier methods of getting them.”
>5 Wealth to arrange a feast, although you will be able to invest more as you organise it. Gain +3 Influence at the end of the feast. Takes 1 month to organise.

"Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to delve into any of these options at the moment - but what would you like to focus on, when we have the available resources?"

>>24608319
>>24608281
>>24608230
And that teaches me for posting out of thread.

>>24608319
I think the Mine would be best. It'll take more time to save up for but it'll be a constant source of income rather than an annual one. Plus it won't offend House Egen like opening our own port would.

What are our options for raising gold?

>>24608174
“After Ulrif's... treachery, some of our trading partners took advantage of our weakness and altered our agreements to their benefit. Perhaps it is time that we make a few of our changes, now that we have room to negotiate.
“From House Frey, we purchase most of our grains. The supplies we purchase from their house are what keeps our military afloat, at least until we can make our lands more self-sufficient. In exchange, we provide them with iron.
“House Erenford and House Terrick both purchase our iron with coin. The Riverlands makes for poor mining and as a result, they obtain most of their metal from their neighbouring kingdoms.”

“Of course, some of them might take some offence to our meddling and decide to withdraw their custom entirely if we push them too hard. Which trading deals would you like to try and improve?

>You have 10 units of iron to use for trading purposes.

>Current deals with House Frey take 5 units of iron and provide us with 5 Population and 8 Power.
>Current deals with House Erenford take 1 units of iron and provide us with +2 to our House Fortune.
>Current deals with House Terrick take 2 units of iron and provide us with +2 to our House Fortune.

>You can choose to improve a deal or end a deal. Improving a deal will require a roll; if the roll is failed, there's a chance your trading partner will either end the deal or worsen it. Some trading partners are easier to convince than others.

>>24608363
I think we should invest in smaller things first. We need to become more self sufficient. The cattle sounds like a realistic short term goal.

Also, what can we do with our 9 billion law?

>>24608230
>>24608281
>>24608319
We need to make ourselves more self-sufficient, I think, before we try to expand. The mill also isn't much use when we don't have the land to grow decent crops.

Once we can make ourselves more self-sufficient food-wise, then we can expand our mines and start claiming land to build a port, or try to claim our rightful land, now held by House Belmore.

>>24608363
Building the mine now would require a lot of resources we don't have, which means taking out loans.

Unless Egen is wealthy enough to help, and we agree to share some of the iron with them?

>>24608461
Hmm... how likely would House Frey be to allow us to alter the deal? Increasing our population and power might be well worth it, for the increased bonuses it'll give us for wealth and our military.

>>24608474
Agreed. And probably we can exchange law for something else or our law helps our fortune rolls (probably).

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>>24608461
fuck them, if they choose to bail it shouldn't be hard to find another buyer for iron. Everyone wants that.

Also inquire about the cost and getting some goats. Goats are brilliant and I shall continue to bring them up every thread until we have some

>>24608517
Start herding goats on the newly liberated mountain scrub-land we took from the Milk Snakes? Sounds like it could work.

>>24608461
Have terrick pay 2 wealth for 1 iron. It's not unreasonable, it's what the other house pays. We just need to frame the raise well.

Ohhh.... I was going to ask, how would we go about building a tower in the lands we claimed up near Belmore? We could then give each of our three sworn swords the land surrounding one of the towers, and also means we have an advance guard keeping an eye on Belmore, in case they try anything funny.

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>>24608552
nigga we can put goats anywhere and they will be fucking happy. If we buy them as a sort of stimulus package then our small folk will love us and we get food, milk and possible wool.

>>24608552
>>24608517
Seconding this. We could also look into building a keep there for warding against any mountain clans wandering about.
>>24608585
I was thinking that's where the Mill could be built since it lies on a river IIRC.

>>24608319
>>24608058
>>24608174

I say we leave the Freys alone, whatever our agreement with them is, we are such an insignificant blip on their radar that they could easily afford to not trade with us.

Requesting trade details with Erenford And Terrick.


We need to get the maester writing a letter to Egen, strongly thanking them for their help, consoling them on their loss and seeing if they need our military for anything at the moment. Like I said last time if they start to depend on our protection it can only help us.

I don't agree with giving our sworn swords all this land. We barely have any ourselves and now we want to reduce the little profit we make from those by letting our knights get that dosh?
Giving them farms or something so that they can buy their armour is one thing, but anything larger I think is a no no

>>24608611
Fair enough, that sounds like a decent enough idea.

>>24608574
Seconded.

I still don't get why so many tripfags. The only one necessary is OP you attention whoring fagets.

>>24608641
Also seconded. We're still too weak, and all they did was slap some savages.

>>24608585
>>24608603

Towers cost 10 Defense which we don't have currently.

>>24608641
The idea is that we give them land to turn into their personal estates, attracting smallfolk to work their fields and produce resources for our economy directly underneath us where we can influence them more. The land still belongs to us, but it's leased to our sworn swords out of thanks for their service.
>>24608672
If you're not going to contribute you can just fuck off.
>>24608690
Damn.

>>24608474
>>24608516
"The current state of order in our land makes it easier for us to build our infrastructure, Artys."
>The Law statistic cannot be spent on anything. Combined with the Population and Influence stats, it affects your House Fortune rolls.
>>24608489
"Some call the Freys the tenth great house of Westeros, Artys. They're a very powerful house and our contribution of iron is only one of many. Nor is old Walder Frey known for being pushed about. I would not trifle him."
>>24608574
"House Terrick is currently in a safe financial situation, more so than the Erenfords. They have little need for our iron but perhaps you might be able convince them to accept the changes we shall impose on the deal."
Taking a quill, a piece of parchment and a small vial of ink from one of his servants, Uncle Alric begins writing out the basics of the trade agreement. Once the little details are sorted, he slides the letter towards you. If you wish to go ahead with this hand, feel free to put your silver tongue-- er, fingers, to use and write a persuasive new proposal.
>Are you interested in trying to improve your current deal with the Terricks? They currently buy iron from your household at quite a low price. There's a chance that you might upset them and worsen the deal - or break it altogether.

>>24608574
Thirded

>>24608690
I'd say leave the defenses for the moment, we have an architect out on loan to egen. If we wanted to start building defenses it would probably be worth recallnig him.

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>>24608672

>>24608714
Yes.

>>24608690
Or 10 land/wealth, but we don't really have that to spare either.

>>24608574
Thirded

>>24608703
I've been contributing since day 1 you cock-sucking mongrel, unlike you I don't need a pat on the head everytime I participate, so you fuck off.

>>24608714


Quick question: is that new land allotment fully populated already or should we spread word in Gulltown that we are looking for settlers.

>>24608703
Tripfag pls

>>24608714
Sure, what's the worse that can happen.
>>24608746
You're the only calling attention to yourself. Stop derailing the thread.

>>24608714
Perhaps increase it to 5 iron, for +4 to our House Fortune. That way we get a better deal, and they still get more iron, and cheaper than the average rate.

I think it's unpopulated, which is why we should buy goats. When people hear about goats they will come flooding into our territory to be our serfs

>>24608746
>>24608729
>>24608703
>>24608672
>Everyone's equal here. That's my only comment.
>>24608585
>>24608690
>>24608603
>>24608728
"An interesting proposal. There's actually an old Belmore ruin near the Northmarsh Fields. It was a tower that was destroyed over a thousand years ago, they call it Bleakfaith. Perhaps if we claim the rights to that land, we'll be able construct a tower at a lower cost."
>If you claim Bleakfaith and build atop the ruins, you will only need to spend 5 Land and 2 Defence.
>If you build a tower entirely from a scratch, that will cost 10 Defence.
>Since you lack the resources at the moment, this is not currently an option - but it's a possibility in the future.
>>24608745
>>24608722
>>24608657
Taking in a breath, you begin to write a letter, aiming to be as convincing as possible. Would you rather try to be sycophantic and apologetic, making yourself seem poor and unworthy, would you rather try to be friendly and appealing with the hopes that this could strengthen a partnership between you or would you rather be intimidating and hostile, to force your will upon this House Terrick and ensure that they accept your demands?

>>24608714
>>24608746
I suggest we slay this foul troll before meeting Terrick, presenting him with it's head as a sign of our power

>>24608745
>>24608714
>>24608657
>>24608574

Maybe we should explain that we have had a recent influx of hostile clans in our area thus driving up both the costs of our military and the usage of iron. The best bluff is telling the truth.

>>24608799
>You're the only calling attention to yourself.

Says the guy who uses a secure tripcode with no other reasoning than "LOOK AT ME GUISE I HALP". Fuck off

>>24608827
I suggest you get back to sucking dick. Does that sound fair?

>>24608824
Let's just be friendly and mention that we've had hardships in fighting the mountain clans - surely the tales of our dealings with them have reached the wise heads of House Terrick. Just say that we're very sorry for the inconvenience but we'll have to be charging a higher fee for our iron considering the damages we've taken from the barbarians.
>>24608835
Cry more.

>>24608828
Something like this, and friendly and appealing, I'm sure they have to deal with river bandits just as much as us.

>>24608801
We could also give them this option.

>>24608824
Friendly and appealing - the first way makes us seem weak, and they're more likely to screw us over more, and with the third, they might be more likely to call the whole thing off.

Best go for the middle option, and state that we hope that this will go towards an expansion of our iron mining facilities, which can only benefit them by providing more iron to them.

>>24608824
Be friendly and honest. We are having trouble with the mountain clans and we're forced to increase our military expenditure to keep both our mines and our roads safe. We can add a full report written by our maester about our recent escalating run ins with the savages. We don't want to increase the cost of our iron, we don't have much choice. We do what must be done to keep our roads and subjects safe.

>>24608824
What do we know of Terrick, about its power and wealth?

>>24608905
>and state that we hope that this will go towards an expansion of our iron mining facilities, which can only benefit them by providing more iron to them.


Yessir, I'm on board with this.

>>24608801
You currently have no iron free for trading; due to your deals with the Houses Frey, Egen, Erenford and Terrick, you have no spare resources. What little you're not trading is used on keeping your military and your household running.
>>24608816
>>24608781
It's not that populated. Most of the migrants entering your land are currently filling in the void that was left by your recruitment frenzy, in which you created the Woodsmen and the High Harrock Guardsmen. A goat herd would certainly help in populating the region.

>You can focus your shepherds on creating their own goat herd over the course of the next 6 months, or you could purchase one at the cost of 5 Wealth and have your shepherds focus on herding them.

>>24608950
Ahh, fair enough. In that case, just try to get them to pay the standard rate for the iron, explaining it to them like >>24608905

>>24608950
We only have 2 Wealth, right? We can't afford to purchase a goat herd right now but should consider it as a short-term goal.

>>24608883
>Cry more

Strong points defending your position right there. I clearly can see the use of your trip and why everybody should be using one.

>>24608950
I say we have the shepherds create their own, and then once we have the resources, buy another.

>>24608998
Seconded.

Though I want to know whether having our shepherds create their own has any negative consequences.

>>24608998
This is a good idea. Two is better than one.
>>24609016
I also like the idea of finding out if negative consequences come with encouraging the smallfolk to make their own herds.

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>>24608912
>>24608905
>>24608883
Very well then. Give me a roll of 4d6. I'll accept the second roll.
>>24608917
Their wealth is reasonable, as is their military power. They mostly provide Riverrun with archers and food, in the form of chickens, cows and pigs. They have some little fame as hunters but it's nothing worth speaking of. They're a little house of little importance with little problems. They're comfortable and cosy in their current position and when that comfort is threatened, they'll likely conform to your whims.

>>24609037
Yeah but we're too weak and far away to be any real threat to them.

Rolled 1, 4, 4, 1 = 10

>>24609037
it begins.jpg

Rolled 6, 3, 1, 3 = 13

>>24608998
YES, double goat time

>>24609037

Rolled 1, 6, 5, 6 = 18

>>24609037

>>24609064
Not bad!

>>24609079
Cock, that'd have been better, but eh, 13 isn't bad at all.

>>24609064
13. I'll take it.

>>24608115

Nah man, a properly groom beard could serve. Just look at Robert.

>>24609141
Robert ain't from the Vale, son. We like to keep ourselves separate from those filthy bastards that roam the mountains.

>>24609016
>>24609033
>>24608998
While the shepherds are focusing on making their own herd, they won't be able to handle the additional pressure of keeping a second herd of that size under control. Many of the goats would likely be lost as would many of the advantages. Perhaps if you had a larger population, your smallfolk would be able to handle multiple tasks at a better rate.
>>24609064
Scribbling a few last notes, you're satisfied with what you've written but the results are unpredictable. You hand it over to your uncle who adds a few additional details just to make it all the more convincing and with one last read-over between you, you hand it across to a servant so the Maester might send it off.
>>24608781
Do you wish to send an advertisement to Gulltown? Perhaps a crier or someone else along with a cart or caravan for escorting smallfolk to your land. In the best case scenario, this could lead to a boom in population. In the worst case scenario, this could result in bandits, smugglers and other individuals looking for opportunities to take advantage of the low population.

>>24609141
Robert doesn't live neat mountain clans nor does he trace his ancestry back to them. In our lands, beards are for barbarian clansmen

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>>24607932
And as comparison, have a portrait of yourself.

>>24609177
>In the worst case scenario
that's ok, our military could use some new enemies

>>24609177
Spread the word to GUlltown. We have the military muscle now to beat back some bandits.

>>24609177
I think we have the military to deal with any bandits that might show up. Perhaps send some of our rangers or infantry with the caravans, to show that they will be safe in our lands?

But yea, I think we should go for getting some settlers.

>>24609189
god his son is fat. how did that happen?

>>24609220
>>24609211
>>24609204
Agreed. We get new settlers first, THEN we set our shepherds to gather a new flock of goats in a couple of months.

>>24609177
Does our increased cunning from a thread or two ago increase the odds of us pulling off the new trade agreement by the way?

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>>24609237
He married this.

>>24609252
It gives us an extra dice to roll, so yea, it'd help.

>>24609237
Basically we didn't give a shit about him until recently, as we were busy making money to care. Now our bastard brother rebelled, we're having to deal with a lot more of the running of the land, and care about our family more.

>>24609177
>>24609204
>>24609211
>>24609220
Yup, let's get some settlers. We can have our goatherders start a flock now and once our population and wealth is up we can get another one.

>>24609237
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Wyman_Manderly
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Wylis_Manderly
http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Wendel_Manderly

This is our wife's family

At the end of the current day, we should have our uncle join the family for dinner. To show him that we appreciate his help and what not

>>24609220
>>24609211
>>24609204
>>24609241
You have one of the servants go to fetch some of your couriers and a small escort of Woodsmen and rangers. They are brought before you and your uncle and with care and precision, you inform them of their duty. After having their provisions packed and a cart prepared, you send them on their way.
>Give me another roll of 4d6.
>>24609252
>Awareness and Cunning and Will are all used in a defensive capacity, to protect yourself from the wiles of others. Persuasion and Deception are the skills that you use to persuade others - and you have both of those at four. I'm counting the letters and the settler message as a Persuasion test.
>So, a roll of 4d6.
>I'll accept the third roll.

>>24608611

I do not agree entirely, we should try to alter the deal with the Freys. We don't need more power now that our trouble with the Hill tribes is over(for now) so we should try to modify the deal, of Power they give us grain or coin instead in exchange for 5 units of iron. Not unreasonable.

>>24609284
doesn't seem to bad

>>24609177

If Terrick gets all butthurt and stops trading, maybe we can see if we can start trading with the Manderlys?

Rolled 6, 1, 2, 2 = 11

>>24609337

Rolled 2, 4, 6, 1 = 13

>>24609337

Rolled 4, 5, 1, 6 = 16

>>24609337
PLease dice don't fail me now.

>>24609361
Meh, dice are being distinctly average again. Suppose it's better than failing.

>>24609350
I suppose, though that requires a trading fleet really.

>>24609380
How about we go for the third roll, eh?

>>24609335
I like this idea.
>>24609380
Good roll.

>>24609361
>>24609373
>>24609380
Sage your rolls FFS

>>24609350
"In order to trade with White Harbour, we would need ships. Such a journey would be long and unreliable when done on foot. Perhaps we could hire a privateer at House Egen's port.
“If you like, I shall go to the Egen port at the nearest possible date and see what I can do about acquiring a list of the available privateers, and any information about them. They shall likely be quite expensive so I suggest you save some coin if you wish to purchase a ship the services of a captain.”

>At the end of each month, every privateer beneath your command will cost you a single point of Wealth. If you cannot pay them, they will continue their work for a time before they leave. Any privateer that leaves in these unhappy circumstances will likely speak of your poor capacity as an employer. However, the locations that ships can trade at are usually much more profitable than trading with neighbours.
>>24609380
You get a good feeling about this idea. One of your better plans, to say the least. For once your uncle seems quite satisfied as well.

"One last thing on the agenda then, Artys. We could increase the taxes on merchants that use the Westpass to travel between the Riverlands and the Vale. It's a dangerous road and one that could alienate us from many houses. At the same time, it's the easiest route to success. The higher we raise our taxes, the less merchants we're likely to see using our roads. It's a much riskier business but also a more lucrative one.”

>You can choose to add a positive modifier on to your Wealth increase, from +1 to +5. However, you will have to subtract the same number from your House Fortune rolls and the same number from your Influence.

>>24609430
I'm not sure we can afford to decrease our Influence, if we want to be able to eventually claim our lands back from House Belmore.

Perhaps look at doing this later, if our discussions with House Terrick don't go as planned.

>>24609430
We will choose a +5, and actually we want to raise taxes. We will make all the merchants come to us by force.

>>24609430
what are our house fortune modifiers at the moment?

>>24609430

If we have to I guess we should only ingress it by 1, we should encourage more merchants to use our pass not less. Advertise how we deal with the milk snakes and keep the rangers patrols up.

>>24609512
Persuade more to use our roads, rather than tax fewer more? Not a bad idea, and we could perhaps try to build a village on the road at some point, to tend to the needs of the travellers.

>>24609417
Is there a specific reason? I'm rather new to the rolling thing.

>>24609430
Is this a decrease in influence every month? Also what is our current House Fortune modifier?

>>24609380
Nice!

>>24609512
I'm in favor of building a hamlet, probably around the castle. It should be 10 land or equivalent.

Sigh, so many plans, so little resources.

>>24609512
I agree with this, let's try to get more using our roads than upping the price on those that do come through.

Also, how about a waystation of sorts? I'm not sure if there already is one at each of the towers, but a mini-tavern for travellers at each tower could be useful and be used to charge other expenses without raising the taxes.

>>24609508
>Influence is between 11 and 20, so it's a standard 3d6 roll.

>Law is between 11 and 20, so a -2 modifier.
>Population is between 11 and 20, so a +0 modifier.
>You have a mine, which is a +5 modify.
>You have a Maester, which is a +3 modifier.
>You have the Head for Numbers benefit, which converts Cunning to a modifier - so, a +3 modifier.
>You have a -1 modifier from placing standard taxes on House Belmore.
>So, 3d6+8.

>As for your Wealth increase modifier:
+1 due to your Head for Numbers benefit.
+2 due to your taxes on House Belmore.
-1 due to your easing of taxes on House Egen.
>Final result is a +2 modifier when you increase your Wealth at the end of the month.

>>24609605
One of the handful of buildings in High Harrock is a small inn. It's quite a dull building that serves dull drinks, dedicated more to providing beds and sustenance than providing entertainment or alcohol.

>>24609589
Is Grimarbour a hamlet + port or simply port?

By the way guys, if we're going to go about taking it back from Belmore hands than we'll need both military power and political clout. Lord Arryn wouldn't be too pleased with a small turf war erupting in his backyard, so the military might should be there only to back up our claim not enforce it to the hilt.

>>24609605

An Inn/tavern on the road, relative near one of the towers could serve well enough. Keeping the rangers on patrol will serve as well. A little advertising on how the Hill tribe was root out of our lands on how our roads are now not only the easiest and now safest into to vale could do wonders.

>>24609681
So if we were to support the building of a small inn at both of our towers for travelling merchants, how much would that cost and what might we gain from it?

>>24609690
Which is why we need to keep our Influence up, so we will eventually have more than Belmore. Persuading Lord Arryn that we should have it will need as much Influence as possible.

>>24609681
>>24609706
>>24609709
Let's expand our inn, or make it better, next month then. We can't do everything now, so let's just stick with getting settlers and renegotiating trade agreements for the moment.

>>24609740
Stop wasting dosh on shit. We need dat cattle and dem peasants.

>>24609690

Of course if we have a decent military we become much more important to the Arryns.

>>24609681
How much to improve it?
Is there any other ways we can increase traffic through our little corner of Westeros?

>>24609772


If we don't have much else to do right now, can we have the Llewelyn draft that letter to Egen? Also do we know of anyone in our lands that can make small whistles or other musical instruments for improved battle communications?

>>24609765
Exactly, which is why we need to put everything else on the back-burner.

>>24609772
We need the money for the cattle at the moment, we can boost the inns later.

>>24609829
>>24609765
Seconded. Save up our money for now.

Let's get in touch with Egen. See how weak he's become because of our little expedition.

>>24609829

Agreed, just taking stock for future expansion.

>>24609849

Right there with ya.
>>24608611

Just brainstorming here, our military forced should be focused around a solid infantry and archer core, that's just the basics of any medieval army since cavalry does us no little here. The rangers should be our trump card, any foe we face on the field should have been subjected to days, weeks and even months of harassment from the rangers. We should go about arming and equipping even further than what we have, including bodkin arrows for armour peircing value. We won't be chasing mountain men all our lives.

Our rangers should become what we are recognised for. As our son suggested we could hire them out to allied, provided they cover their expenses of course.

Earlier someone mentioned finding out what the crows view sacred, such as means of preventing their corpses from joining the afterlife. I don't know what they believe, but an example could be chopping their feet off after death means they are forever crippled in the afterlife. Our rangers should play to these superstitions, becoming the terrors in the night. By day though, they should mingle and integrate with the people going so far as to help with tasks and escort where needed. This will ensure further loyalty from our own populace, and help prevent guerilla warfare from any territory we expand into.

>>24609922
We are the bat, the night is ours.

>>24609690
Grimarbour is a thriving island town, small but bustling with visitors, with a crowded harbour and a colourful market place where goods are bought and sold in bulk. One of the boasts is that beneath House Belmore, it has been turned into the third largest port town in all of the Vale.
>>24609496
>>24609491
>>24609512
>Settling on increasing by 1.
>Wealth increase modifier is now +3.
>House Fortune modifier is now +7.
>Influence is reduced to 12.
>>24609772
>>24609740
>>24609706
Making a better, more substantial tavern designed to not only host dozens of passing merchants but also entertain them with wine, song and sex, will cost a little investment, around two hundred gold dragons. As for the benefit, well. It'll grant you a bit of custom and it'll make the trade route more reliable. It might even get High Harrock a bit of a reputation as a helpful host.
>2 Wealth in exchange for +1 House Fortune modifier. Just writing it down for now because it was asked about - saving it because there's a little protest against it.
>>24609814
You can have Llelewyn work on developing some sort of flammable, colourful powder for communication purposes or another method of battlefield communication. The idea popped into your head but you are not a scientific man. If it can be created, he can do it, not you. This will not cost you anything and it will simply be something for the odd man to do when he hasn't been given another task.

Is there anything else you wish to mention or discuss or are you willing to move on with the day?
And if so, what do you wish to do with the rest of the day that lies before you? The sun's always climbing higher.

>>24609913
>>24609849
We could visit him. We owe him an awful lot, really. Could give us another chance to show off the Brock to that Bravosi whore of a daughter.

>>24609814
We need sometthing distinctive but portable enough that a ranger could carry it without hindrance. A whistle could be suitable for a number of situations I think, from secret signals to immediate battlefield communication.

Would we really need a specialist to construct them?

>>24609922
Oh and that's me there

>>24609964
i say we expand that tavern.

>>24609964
Looking back, I would like to change my mind about the cattle. Invest in the inn. If we have enough population from the settlers, they can gather a new flock of goats for free, while we get a good trading name for upgrading the inn.

Having a nice tavern might also increase the chances of attracting settlers.

>>24609964
Invest in the Inn I say.

>>24609964
How much custom are we talking, from thetavern, I mean.

>>24609964
Check on our soldiers, after the hard fight they went through against the Milk Snakes -especially the Rangers, who took fairly heavy losses. We'll have to get on with recruiting and training the replacements for them.

>>24610026
I guess so, since we can afford to upgrade the tavern now, and it'll get us the extra travellers we need to get money to help us elsewhere.

So yea, now we know the inn is cheap, invest in it now.

>>24609964
I guess the inn can wait, we have a dozen potential projects here.

That said, I think we should invest in expanding the inn if the merchant traffic flow seems to be waning after the rise in taxes.

>>24610059
I think that's the +1 HF modifier.

>>24610084
The tax increase is justifiable if we upgrade the inn. It's an actual benefit for merchants. It'll attract more of them, increasing our revenue. And as said before, if we have enough population, we can get goats for free.

>>24610084
>>24610061
>>24610039
>>24610026

On second thought I change my mind to expanding the inn now.

>>24608611
>>24609913
>>24609849
>>24609978
You begin to work on that letter, offering your greatest condolences regarding their situation, as well as offering a hand to help them whenever they need it. In truth, you do feel a little bad for what happened. It was your battle that they were fighting in and they lost almost half of their forces that fight on your behalf. You somehow doubt that Lord Loras in bitter; he didn't care about military matters one bit. Perhaps his more practical master-at-arms might have a bone to pick with you though. That's something you'd rather not deal with and what the letter's designed to handle. You hand it off to the Maester, considering the possibility of visiting again some time.
>>24610113
>>24610059
>>24610084
>>24610012
Expanding the tavern, you commission the construction of several new attachments, as well as a fresh lick of paint on the inside and the outfit. Better food, better cooks, better wine and ale and better workers whether they're bards or whores. By the beginning of the next month, your tavern should as fresh as new and although the extensions won't be finished that soon, it'll be ready to serve the passing merchants as best as possible. It might even attract some of the native smallfolk, that'd be a great boon.

You insist on inviting your uncle along to dinner with your family later, although he clearly seems quite against it. He's a lonely man, one who never married despite his noble position. Sometimes your bastard brother joked that he was a degenerate or a eunuch but you doubt both of those possibilities.

Leaving your uncle for the time being to pay a visit to your loyal soldiers in the military tower, they salute you as you pass. Some of them even cheer you on as you pass, although they don't say 'Artys' or 'Lord Harrock.' Oddly enough, the word on their lips seems to be 'Hangman.' How bizarre.

>>24610254
"Hangman Harrock?"

"Artys Harrock, the Hangman of Westpass?"

I like it.

King Joeffrey arrives on his carriage.

"Good morrow", he is tall and pouting. He looks at your daughter for a second then heads up towards you, he is at least a head taller than you.

"Mind if we speak inside the carriage, I have a matter of kingdoms to discuss"

>>24610254
we should not allow the men to call him that in his presence. a nickname is nice, but it's also insolence.

>>24610308
I have to say that I like it as well.

>>24610333
Joffrey ain't even born yet, I don't think.

>>24610254
Also, as a tripfagging attention whore, I would like to point out that Captcha told me to build an inn in the last thread. Good Job captcha.

>>24610308
I can dig it.

>>24610338
Berate the men for cheering us with a moniker? Sure, that'll work. Soon it'll be 'Hardass Harrock'.

>>24610333
Joeffrey is 5 or 6 at this point.

>>24610333
>that terrible attempt at trolling
And I just got back from dinner guys, what did I miss?

>>24610333
maby a bit too ambitious for the king to come in person to a house this small and just out of nowere?

>>24610390
Man, captcha gets the credit for the idea?

>>24610338
Everyone calls robb, "The Young Wolf", davos takes pride in being known as "The Onion Knight". Seems to be acceptable for anyone to call him that.

>>24610308
>>24610363
Same, we could have worse nicknames, and at least this one suggests law and order.

Perhaps we should execute our criminals by hanging, rather than decapitation?

>>24610392
He's not even born yet, not for another 2-3 years.

>>24610254
It'll do our uncle good to see his family, we should try to do so more often, as he might help us shape Brock into the son we want.

I think we should check with our rangers, since we sent some of them after the remnants of the Milk Snakes - did they catch them, or did they leave our lands first?

Joeffrey the Inbred looks at his mother, Cersei.

"Mamma, who is my dada? Why I no look like king Wobert".

Cersei blushes and looks at Jaime, he gives a grim nod.

Cersei picks up Joeffrey, "You don't look like Robert because he is old, but you will grow to look like him as you age"

>>24610423
I can see it now, the "Hangman" and the "Halfman", the only one in the realm too short for our rope.

I can just see our peasants debating whether or not you could hang the Mountain with rope.

>>24610409
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24532547/#p24538140

Sad but true.

Suddenly, Arya Stark appears from under the carriage wielding needle. "In the game of thrones, you either win or you die" and with that, she plunges needle into the heart of Joeffrey and penetrates Cersei's lung.

"This is vengeance, for the death of my father - NED STARK"

>>24610423
a wolf is an awesome beast.
the onion knight revers to a heroic act that gave him knighthood.

hangman? really? it's only a skirmish with a mountain clan and it might damage the reputation of house harrock

>>24610363
>>24610338
>>24610308
>>24610392
A quick visit to Ser Tenry clears things up. He's still recovering from all of the men he lost beneath his command. You catch him staring out of a window with a hundred yard gaze, only snapping him out of his stupor by clearing your throat. He's unshaven, slightly odorous and grasping a bottle of wine. A sloppy salute is immediately given and you ask him to explain the situation, how the men are.

"Uh, just fine m'lord. I heard the name from up here. Hangman Harrock, right? Think it was Aparys who came up with that one. Anyway, they're doing just fine. Gettin' a little bit lazy without any fucking mountain shits to kill. If you don't like that little moniker they gave you, I can try to beat it out of 'em. Names spread fast y'know. All it takes is for a soldier to say it to a merchant and a merchant to say it to a lord and the next thing you know, all the Vale will be calling you Hangman."

>>24610449
We could do with a signature form of execution, but there's no need in my opinion. We got the name from hanging up the corpses after the battle. We can make that the standard fare with an mountain men we encounter, though it'd be viewed as awfully barbaric if we start doing it to more civilized folk.

That said, I think we should send a few fellows to cut down and bury the corpses after a while. No one will want to settle our land with hundreds of rotting corpses dangling over their heads.

>>24610453
Mate, cut it out.

Joeffrey instantly ages to age twelve, as shadows consume Arya. Shadowbinding ages the user, and so was used by Joeffrey (a powerful shadowbinder) to age and make himself stronger.

"None shall defeat me, I shall sit atop the iron throne"

He heads into House Harrock and sits on the throne. "I proclaim this a temporary house of the king, bow before me weaklings"

>>24610512
Tenry needs a vacation.

I like the nickname, and think we should continue hanging people.

>>24610512

Let the name hang Tenry, I kind like it. It will be bandits and hill men something to think about if they get near my lands.

>>24610479
I'm just saying I'm pretty sure I'm the one who proposed it here >>24609605. No matter, us bastards never get recognition anyway.

>>24610512

do not worry yourself about it, truthfully I find it slightly endearing

>>24610508
If we make it our moniker, when we conquer belmore we can hang all the house around their keep like some cruel parady of an abbatoir.

You need to start somewhere, small beginnings...

>>24610573
How do I know you're not me?

I'm not trying to do you a disservice, just thought it was kind of a funny coincidence.

>>24610635

>conquer belmore

5 generations to soon to even think about man.

>>24610512

truthfully I like the name, it will strike fear into the hearts of any brigand who would dare to stalk our lands

>>24610559
By vacation you mean lengthy campaign, right?

I think we should get him to snap out of it, a few harsh words right now will do him some good. It wasn't his fault he lost those men, and the time for mourning the fallen is behind us. Remembering them is fine, but not at the expense of the living. If this continues much longer he'll be a disgrace.


Proposal
Erect a stone plaque in the castle coutryard, enough room for hundreds of names to written upon it. We engrave the names of the fallen there, starting with the rangers we lost to those archers. The soldiers will appreciate it and it'll help bring the populace (especially the families) together in support of the region. I wouldn't mind foking out a bit of wealth as well if it's good quality stone.

>>24610512
I like the nickname and we should really get something for Tenry to do.

>>24610639
Dude, I know. I was playing along with the whole bastard thing.

How do I know you're not me?

>>24610512
I don't mind the name, to be honest.

For Tenry, give him a few words of encouragement, and get him something to do - letting him stew does him and us no good at all.

Still, if the soldiers are all alright, and we've dealt with the economic stuff now, is there anything else to do but spend some time with our family, and wait for ravens to return?

Also, I think we need to talk to Brock - what he did in the battle was reckless, but brave, and it worked, so we could do with praising him personally.

>>24610674
A memorial monument? Not a bad idea at all, I approve.

>>24610674
Isn't he currently crippled with a fucked up knee? A bit of R & R would do him good.

>>24610674

>I wouldn't mind foking out a bit of wealth

we must horde our wealth for now, please don't go spending what meager amount we have on things that won't be generating more wealth in the future.

>>24610674
I think the plaque is a good idea, and we probably have plenty of stone to work with around here.

>>24610675
Maybe have Tenry start working on training the rangers in our new-fangled methods of communications? I'm not sure we have anyone to lengthily campaign against at the moment.

>>24610692
Now I'm starting to get freaked out.

>>24610675
Our men should never be lazy. One of the keys to Rome's successful expansion is that the soldiers acted as workers, builders and even engineers when they weren't campaigning. We should adopt a similar (but less extreme) approach. Rangers should always be lending assistance to the populace, from helping rebuild torched homesteads to looking for lost kids. And the other half of them should be practicing daily, be that practicing their shots or hiking in the mountainside.

>>24610773
Brock the Rock did suggest lending our forces to Manderly to help fight against wildlings. But I think we should invest in them and keep our own region secure for a bit more before we send our boys off that far from home.

>>24610559
>>24610563
>>24610449
>>24610618
"Yes, m'lord. I'll let them carry on with it then. As for the Milk Snakes, we managed to catch up to the slingers. The little shi-- uh, the savages paid for every death they caused us, m'lord. Never managed to find all of their civilians though. They're likely still out there, hidin' out in the mountains. It'll take years for 'em to get back to their full strength if they'll ever get back to that at all. For all we know, other mountain men kill 'em off for us first. And... thank you m'lord but I don't need no break from my work. Just getting used to it is all. Second time I've had so many men die under my command. Beginning to think I ain't competant. Maybe Ser Morys knighted the wrong ranger, y'know?"

Twisting himself away from you, your sworn sword raises the neck of the bottle to his lips and drinks deeply from it. He gives a wry smile at the words of encouragement but not a word is believed, that much is clear. You'll give him a little while to snap out of it. If he doesn't get his head straight soon, you'll likely have to take action.
>>24610674
>>24610717
Such a memorial would require the work of your artisan mason who is currently working in the Egen Port and would take two months. You could always do it without him, but the work would likely cost 1 Wealth, rather than being free. You decide to hold off on this for the time being; you can handle this at a later date.
>>24610773
Maester Llelewyn is currently researching methods of communication. They have not properly been developed yet.

Any suggestions for what the military should be doing with their time? Right now they're just doing occasional patrols and the appropriate drills - just remaining practised and prepared. Beyond that, they're enjoying this time of relaxation after a month of war.

>>24610822
Keep them doing their drills and patrols, we need to stay vigilant for those mysterious archers. Otherwise, have them help in the construction of the inn - it might help speed things up, and knowing they'll have better drink and whores for it might boost their moral even more.

>>24610822
I say let the men relax for now, maybe set the Infantry to patrolling the streets with the Garrisons.

>>24610822
>Memorial
Gathering a roster of the fallen should be sufficient for now, but this should be the first thing we get our mason on when he gets back.

>military
I suggest we get them doing more domestic work as I mentioned before. It's been a long time since our smallfolk have had the opportunity to work without immediate fear of raids, and a workforce will help immensely and gain their trust. Like baddass hangman boy scouts.

>>24610775
I was actually mulling over that exact idea. Freaking out intensifies.
>>24610822
Help build the Tavern? Tell them the sooner it is finished the sooner they can enjoy its benefits.

>>24610821
As I said in the last thread, if we can mercenary them around our neighboring lords it could have all sorts of benefits.

>>24610918
Aye I agree we should lend them out, but for now we should solidify our own region and consolidate, at least for this month.

>>24611021
Of course. hell, I would like to get an extra unit of Infantry before doing any serious merc. work.

Do we have anything else to do here or could we timeskip to the Ravens etc.?

>>24610900
Pretty much this, at least when they aren't out on their patrols or doing drills, like I suggested in >>24610864

>>24611071
Other than praise Brock, no, I think we can timeskip.

>>24610918
>>24610900
>>24610869
>>24610864
While Tenry's rangers rebuild their numbers, their work is simple. Drill, practice and remain competent. Help with domestic work; hunt predators and pests, help with the construction of the tavern's expansions and whatever else they can manage. They're not just soldiers, they're men of Westpass and they're going to perform their duty both in combat and out of it. Meanwhile, the rangers of Ser Boros remain proud and vigilant in their patrols throughout the wilderness, always searching for any trace of bandits or mountain men. Occasionally they actually find one or two, strays without clans or Milk Snakes that lost their way. Never any sign of those mystery archers, from what seems like so long ago. The Woodsmen drill and train with the High Harrock garrison, guarding the castle and patrolling its ins and outs alongside the dedicated castle guard. You do your best run a tight and efficient ship, where every man is doing something useful while still granting them a little rest. They deserve it after all.

You pass the day by tutoring your daughter in the delicate science of stewardship, something that she is confused and uncertain about. She's coming to terms with the mathematics of it, easily grasping the basics when it comes to calculating taxes and such but she doesn't seem to understand some of the details of economics. Oh well, King's Landing wasn't built in a day and your children shall never be perfect. Hopefully you'll be able to mold them into something that's good enough. In addition to your teaching, you handle the little problems of smallfolk and tax the merchants that seek to carry their product through your lands. A simple day's work.

>>24611087
Dinner is a lukewarm affair. Your daughter's mood is dimmer than usual and you are aware that the sweet girl doesn't enjoy the mechanical intricacies of economics and mathematics, no matter how quick a learner she is. In addition to this, your uncle is present. Despite Deyya's attempts to treat him as pleasantly as possible and include him in every conversation, Alric is cold and stand-offish and never offers a kind word to your son Brock - or even a word at all. He refuses to even look at the boy. That cold tension remains throughout the evening meal and even afterwards, putting a dampener on your bedroom activities. A shame that such a productive day had such a poor end to it.

Is there anything else you wish to do before we move on and skip through time?

>>24611100
skip away

>>24611100
I say timeskip, but what is Alric's problem against Brock? What did the lad do?

File: 1367625141724.jpg-(45 KB, 500x529, Timewarp.jpg)

45 KB JPG

>>24611100

>>24611100
Skip to more interesting days!

>>24611126
It seems like natural animosity above all else - at the very least, you can't understand what problem that Alric would have with Brock beyond his unimpressive capacity as an heir.
>>24611124
>MONTH 2, DAY 14.

A letter from House Egen arrives.

>Lord Artys Harrock of Westpass,
>Thank you for your condolences and consideration - due to our greatly weakened military, we would like to make use of your forces. I humbly request the use of your infantrymen to assist in the patrol of our lands. I would appreciate it if you could send one of your sworn swords to lead this company of soldiers as well; my household possesses few men capable of leadership beyond Ser Crowlys. I thank you for your cooperation and I hope that our alliance shall remain strong.
>Lord Loras Egen of Crown Crag.

Do you choose to accept these demands from your ally and if so, who do you send to oversee them while they work in Crown Crag?
>Ser Morys, the elderly knight that has served your house for generations.
>Ser Tenry, the grim ranger elevated to knighthood and with a habit of drowning his sorrows.
>Ser Boros, the Dornishman who uses a spear like no other man, who you suspect is no true knight.
>Ser Lyn Corbray, the proud knight from another house who is focusing mostly on teaching your son and the private tuition of his own squire.
>Captain Bonaris, the Tyroshi mercenary captain who trains and drills the Woodsmen, an efficient and hardworking man.

>>24611245

I'd say Boros or Bonaris. Bonaris is the natural leader of the woodsmen, but if Boros is gone, Tenry would lead the wetland rangers and keep himself busy.

>>24611245
Send Morys, he'll give a good representation of our house. Not sure a Tyroshi magpie is good as the face of our family.

>>24611245
>Captain Bonaris, the Tyroshi mercenary captain who trains and drills the Woodsmen, an efficient and hardworking man.
He's the rightful leader of the Woodsmen.

>>24611245
If it's our infantry he wants then we should send Captain Bonaris since he is the natural leader of the Woodsmen.

>>24611245

We should accept I am torn between Ser Morys and Bonaris. Bonaris is a good captain but Egen might take offence by the Tyroshi. So go with Ser Morys, also tell Morys to keep and eye and ear open at all times, no need to actually spy on anyone but his men should be attentive in what they hear that's all.

>>24611245
send 20-30 men under the command of ser Morys.

>>24611342
Remember, Lord Egen is obsessed with Bravoos and the Free Cities in general, I bet he'd be happy to swap stories with the Tyroshi captain.

>>24611297
Why not send both then? Bonaris in charge of the men while Boros keeps an eye out for anything "interesting" while in Lord Egen's lands.

Guys...guys...

What about we send Bonaris and BROCK

Brock can do something nice with the daughter or something

>>24611355

You are right, wait talk with Bonaris first how are is Tyrosh and Bravoos doing this days?

>>24611245
Why don't we send Bonaris, as their rightful captain, and Ser Tenry, as having one of our knights go will show how much we value our friendship with House Egen, and it'll get Tenry out and about doing stuff, and not feeling sorry for himself and drinking himself into an early grave.

It'll also show how much we trust him, which might help a lot.

>>24611403
This is a good compromise. Send Bonaris to lead the men, send Tenry to represent us in an official sense.

>>24611403
A good idea I have to say.

>>24611403
I agree with this.

>>24611403
Fine with me.

>>24611403
I'm down. Egen seemed to be impressed with Tenry's markmanship before. We need to order him to stay mostly sober while representing us though.

Have we decided what to do with that shadowcat pelt yet?

>>24611560
Gift to Brock, for his work in taking down the chief.

Let's assume he only did it unarmed in order to take him prisoner.

>>24611333
>>24611321
>>24611302
>>24611297
>>24611342
>>24611355
Plucking out Captain Bonaris to lead the Woodsmen, you reason that he's the natural leader of the company. After all, he was the one who trained them and he's likely the commander that they're most familiar with. He has a certain affinity to the infantrymen that all of your other officers lack. Unfortunately, you have a brief argument with the officer. It's an issue of contract, it's you who leads him and provides him with orders, no other. In the mercenary's mind, the same applies to the Woodsmen. It doesn't take too long to convince him that you shall send Ser Tenry along as well, to operate simply as an extension of your authority until you say otherwise and that to refuse your command would lead towards the end of the alliance with House Egen and the decline of House Harrock. It's enough to get him to shut up and listen and for once, Tenry seems to be happy to have something to do with his life. Together with the ranger-knight and the mercenary commander, the ninety-something infantrymen carrying mail and poleaxes march out to assist your ally with their own mountain man problems.

>MONTH 2, DAY 17.

A response arrives from House Terrick, containing their response. From the looks of it, they've agreed to the trade deal that you've proposed even though there's little advantage to it - they hope to build up trust with you so that the trade deals might be expanded further in the future and the two of you might share a very beneficial relationship.

The next event is quite a strange one. A pleasant midday meal in the comfortable confines of your office is suddenly interrupted by Ser Morys stepping inside, a perplexed and uncertain expression on his face.

"M'lord Harrock, a guest has arrived at the gates of High Harrock. They seek refuge within your castle for the night; specifically your castle. They refuse to rest in the tavern amongst the lowborn. At least, those are the words of their translator."

>>24611618
it will set a fine example of how courage and skill in battle will be rewarded
>>24611560
Or giving it to Egen

>>24611618
That sounds like a good assumption to me, and yea, it'll make a pretty fucking awesome cloak for him.

>>24611665

I think we need more details. Maybe we can meet them at the gates?

>>24611665
Translator? What language are they speaking?

Are they male or female? But yes, regardless, let them in, but keep the garrison alert for treachery.

>>24611665
Translator? Who are they?

>>24611711
Not so, if they're just another merchant (and a foreign one at that) we shouldn't bowl over just to accommodate them.

>>24611665

Get the Maester and we might need him to translated for us. Now lets see about his guess.

>>24611665
>translator
Let them in and lets greet them.
This should be interesting.

>>24611727
Well, it depends on who they are - for all we know, it could be Lord Egen's wife or daughter or something, since we know they don't speak the Common Tongue.

>>24611665
best let them in then,
sit them by the fire and give them food and drink

>>24611747
They'd arrive with a whole party with them, and Ser Morys would know who they were.

>>24611727
I doubt it's just some merchant and even if it is it wouldn't hurt making new friends

We can at least go to meet them
>>24611742
bringing maester Llewelyn is probably a good idea.

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>>24611665
Come and greet them yourself.
>>24611087
Wait, Mystery Archers, what now?

>>24611727
>>24611714
>>24611711
>>24611708
>>24611742
>>24611746
>>24611747
"Unsure of the language, m'lord. It's some sort of bastard Valyrian. It ain't Braavosi or Lyseni though. Not soft enough to be either of them. They carry a banner, gold outline of a goat's head against a black background with a gold border. Looks expensive. Then again, so do the clothes they're wearing m'lord."

>Roll 3d6 to make an intelligent guess. Will accept the first roll.

Rolled 5, 6, 2 = 13

>>24611821

Rolled 2, 6, 1 = 9

>>24611821
We Brace Companions now?

Rolled 4, 6, 1 = 11

>>24611821

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>>24611839

>>24611821

From Qohor? The hell?

>>24611820
We certainly shouldn't meet them ourselves. That'd imply desperation or appeasement on our part. We only do so for other nobility, and even then only people we like.

>>24611839
Good show, old bean.

Even if we don't like the mystery visitor. we can kill them and give the fancy clothes to Egen

>>24611909
>killing an emissary
Not a good idea

>>24611820
When the Milk Snake Clan was still a problem, you sent your rangers every night to harass their grove and slowly wear them down. During one of these nightly raids, several of your rangers were killed and exposed by a shower of arrows from an unknown source. This mystery has yet to be solved.
>>24611884
>>24611839
A goat? No, a black goat. The Black Goat of Qohor, that is likely what is referenced. Qohor is one of the Free Cities, land-locked except for its access to the Qhoyne, a tributary of the river Rhoyne. What is an envoy of Qohor doing in Westeros, let alone this part of the continent?

The decision's in your hands. Do you wish to deny this Qohorik stranger, allow them access or go out to meet them yourselves? Or perhaps another option.

>>24611909
hey lets go to the castle which kills it's visitors for their clothes

>>24611909
>>24611923

What are we, Freys?

The Guest Right applies to anyman.

>>24611947
>'
invite them in!

>>24611947
have them taken into out office or study or whatever and offered food. We shall meet with them shortly.

>>24611947
Allow them access, we can invite them to dine with us.

>>24611947
I say let them in to dine with us, assuming they don't make an ass of themselves they can stay the night.

>>24611947

Lets go meet them at the gates. Bring the Maester and Brock along

>>24611947
Meet them are selves these are probably some important people

>>24611990
No. You understand the social importance of a Lord running to meet someone at his gates no?

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>>24611897

They have a banner that makes them someone important or rich likely both. I say we meet ourselves. See who they are and possible give them our hospitality.

Also picture

>>24611991
If just letting them in is seen a friendlier I change my vote to that

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>>24612008

Or this one.

>>24612006

I don't quite understand what you are trying to say. Elaborate?

And I'm genuinely curious, not trying to troll.

>>24611947
Invite them in, we need to see what's going on here...

>>24612052
not him but we are a lord. We have people who answer our doors and lead people inside. When someone mildly important walks into a corporation's hq, the CEO does not run down to the lobby and greet them.

>>24612086
>>24612024
>>24611988

Aye

>>24612006
Listen they're probably filthy rich with unsullied guard these people warrant hospitality and our respect

>>24612052
It would be considered catering to them. Even for a Noble, unless we liked them or they were of sufficiently higher standing them us, meeting them in person is a courtesy.

For a non-Noble, especially a foreigner, it would be considered almost grovelling. You *could* play it off as being welcoming, but only if we did so to every guest that came our way. Which we don't. Not meeting them immediately also reminds them that they wait here on our pleasure.

>>24612161
Yes, and allowing them inside to dine with us is sufficient.

Meeting them ourselves immediately is below us.

>>24612161
which they will have, there is still no need to greet them ourselves as >>24612182 pointed out

>>24612052

Went two people meet the one who approaches the other remains unmoving gives the impression of a supplicant. Let them come to us as they should.

>>24612182
>>24612129

Okay, but they have asked to see us. I'd take it like that scene in Lord of the Rings where the mouth comes out to meet the heroes at his gate

>>24612221
What?

>>24612221
No, we are not the mouth of Sauron.

>>24612221
I found that a lot funnier that I should have

>>24612008
>>24612006
>>24611991
>>24611990
>>24611988
>>24611982
>>24611978
>>24611976
You make the decision to allow them access to the feast hall, where you shall meet them. You order the servants to prepare a meal for your guests, one worthy of nobility. Although your household hasn't been prepared for this situation, many fine foods are produced and the small feast is laid out. Your wife arrives to join you, as befits the lady of the house and she's quite insistent on this matter. Perhaps even curious.

Entering the grand feasthall and seating yourself with your wife on one side and your uncle and castellan at the other, you eye your guests. The leader of the strange envoy is a woman just slipping past her prime. Buxom would be a polite way of phrasing it, wearing a grim dress of dark, shadowy silk wrapped about her figure in many layers and an odd shawl of black goat's hide hung about her shoulders. A veil of similar fabric to the dress covers the lower portion of her face, not doing anything to conceal the dark, tawny skin or the hair like waves of golden sand, least of all the colourless grey eyes she has.
Wrapped in a cloak made of goat's hide is her advisor, or translator sat beside her. A bald almost twice her age with the same dead grey eyes and swarthy skin, pitted and dotted with moles and marks. His neck is carefully concealed by a scarf of black silk.
Accompanying the pair are ten spearmen who stand to attention, five on either side of the entrance of the feast hall. They do not move, or waver, or blink. Their exotic armour is designed for the heat of the deserts of Essos but it still protects them quite well. The oddest thing about the warriors are the braids of hair that are wrapped about their spear-heads like trophies.

The woman speaks in a foreign tongue you don't understand.
The 'translator' speaks after she does.
"You are Lord Artys Harrock, the owner of this territory. Is this correct?"

>>24612221

We are NOT taking someone's eyes and lips to make him the Mouth of Harrock.

>>24612320
Oh, your maester is also present.

>>24612320
Yes, we are. It is a pleasure to have a visitor from across the Narrow Sea, even at this hour. What brings you to our land?

>>24612320
"In a sense. Please, be seated and


I know slavery is outlawed, but do we allow slaves owned by others in Westeros? If not, these Unsullied are technically ours to free. That or we can warn them of the social faux pas.

>>24612320

It is so, who now stands in my hall and ask for my hospitality?

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>>24612329
It'd be like a version of Reek. With a noose around his head.

>>24612320
eh, why are we letting armed men which we don't know what purpose have into the keep? I'm pretty sure that people don't let in armed soldiers in, except when they are highborn/knights/important for some reason.

>>24612397
What's the sense? This is our territory.

>>24612433
I think this is the best answer, allow them to introduce themselves while reminding them they are here out our leisure.

>>24612433
third

>>24612456
I would think a rightful lord is different from an owner. I forgot that it's entirely possible for a Lord to sell of his lands entirely.

>>24612360
I like it, keep is short and to the point.

>>24612451
If they have unsullied they are important

>>24612397
>these Unsullied are technically ours to free
This is a brilliant plan and I can see nothing wrong with it

>>24612508
We'd have to get the whip before they kill us all though.

>>24612508
I know right? We should do it right now, Brock can punch out each of them himself.

That said, I'm just saying this IS leverage we hold over them. Sure our garrison is on hand and outnumbers these guys?

>>24612501

Very important considering they serve as sole city guard of Qohor. This is probably an important noble or some official emissary. What the hell is he doing here is beyond me.

>>24612508
Hahaha couldn't agree more.

In other news it's about time for me to start getting ready for my night job, so I must bid ya'll adieu. I'll check the archive at 3 AM when I get back home.

It has been a pleasure gentlemen, and thanks a lot Plasma.

>>24612611
See ya, man.

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>>24612320

dumping relevant pictures to stop the thread dying

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>>24612731

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>>24612731
>to stop the thread dying

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>>24612778

>>24612451
You are free to demand that they leave if you wish. You have easily double the men standing guard throughout the room as you and your guests eat and drink. This does not count the number outside, waiting for the first sign of trouble to storm the feast hall if your guests cause trouble.
>>24612397
>>24612433
>>24612397
The elderly man quickly murmurs towards the woman and she replies, taking her seat and placing her hands in her lap.
"Maahira of Qohor wishes to thank you for your hospitality. You are truly a generous host, a rare thing to find in such a harsh land. Maahira of Qohor has come from the North, where she spoke with an ally of our great city. She seeks quarters in which to rest for the night and passage through these mountains so that she might be able to obtain passage across the Narrow Sea and return to the city of Qohor. She has great riches to offer in exchange for this and in return, expects no harm or hinderence to come of her. Maahira is generous, as are all the highborn of Qohor."

>>24612831
>>24612778
>>24612731
My apologies for the delay - something came up.

>>24612851

All good, just trying to keep interest in the 'in-between' times

>>24612851
S'okay, we all gotta take dumps from time to time.

>>24612833
No need to make a big deal out of it accept her offer and try to network or something

>>24612833

Thank Maahira and offer her quarters. Additionally, maybe we can call in the captains of each regiment so she can assess which one to accompany her on her ride east?