Looking forward to this

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After the last session's success, I will using this rule again.
>Anyone who posts with a tripcode or a name will be ignored. If you wish for your contributions to the quest to be read, then you will post anonymously.
If this idea continues to be a successful part of the quest then I shall make it a permanent rule. If it does not, I might scrap it.

Sounds good Plasma!

I is here

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>>24884707
>>24884630
Two's what we started with last time and that turned out to be a success. So two is what we'll start with again today.

A collection of important characters, for those who like the little details. I'll try to update this over the weekend:
>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.

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>>24884833
The fragrance of cooking meats and foreign spices fills the air as the banquet commences. A long table has been arranged beneath the cloudless clean sky where the jousting tilt was only a matter of minutes ago – the servants of House Belmore work at a hurried pace. Many of the participating knights and lords have replaced their shining armour with fine clothes of velvet and silk, dining with the spectators. It is a pleasant and jovial atmosphere and the perfect opportunity for intrigue.

Who would you like to speak to, during or after the meal?

>Loras Egen and Ser Crowlys. The foppish lord and his sworn sword are having quite a lengthy discussion off to the side, both yet to join the feast.
>Bronze Yohn. The burly man is currently laughing with his son, playfully taunting Andar about how he lost to a woman, with his bannerman Royce Coldwater.
>Lord Benedar Belmore. The bulging ginger lord is currently sat with his four knights, each of them having won their respective jousts. They're quietly speaking with one another at the head of the table.
>Lord Palfrey Badics. He is easy to identify by his vivid red head of hair, far too colourful to be natural. He's currently enjoying a pleasant conversation Lord Egen's wife and son, while Loras is away from the table.
>Others. There are many other lords and knights at the table although you don't know them quite so well. I shall provide a list if this option is selected and you may speak to one of them if you like.

>>24884858
Egen first. Then together to Bronze Yohn, he seems to be in a jolly mood, it might be a good time to get this whole "rebuke" thing done.

>>24884858


Alright, House Harrock Quest! Aww Yeah!

I say start with Bronze Yohn then move to either Egen or Badic.

>>24884858
I vote on Yohn, small talk from the tourney.

SPORTS! MAN! And such.

>>24884858
I'd like to see that list of other lords and knights.

>>24884977
There are many other lords and knights sat about the table.

>The landed knights and sworn swords that came to the tournament to represent lords too busy to attend have a table of their own and the coats of arms upon their surcoats are quite varied. A field of red and white diamonds, a winged chalice on pink, a broken wheel on green and other, stranger symbols. One of the two knights carrying the winged chalice is a woman, although you only just manage to recognise her as one.
>A gruff, broad-shouldered man with black stubble and wild black curls of hair sitting with his son and his knight. With dozens of little green serpents embroidered on to his velvet doublet, he seems to be focusing on soothing himself after the jousting and calming his nerves with wine.
>Beside the snake-lord is another man who you haven't met before, slender and stunningly handsome yet practically dressed in clothes that would suit a huntsman better than a lord. Although he is trying to console the other man, he does not share the same heraldry – nor did he participate in the joust.
>At the far end of the table, the hedge knights and retainers are assembled, some of them quietly chattering amongst themselves while others are hunched over and shunning all conversation. Somehow you suspect that this infamous 'Lady Delayis' falls into the latter category but it's difficult to spy her amongst the filthy masses at that end of the table.
>>24884953
>>24884947
>>24884944
Bronze Yohn first. One moment.

>>24884947
>>24884953


We both did almost kill another man.

Almost?

>>24885035
Almost. Well the almost still stands right plasma? No confirmed kills yet?

>>24885068
Nope, Lord Corbray is still alive at the moment, unless Plasma is hiding this fact.

>>24884944
>>24884947
>>24884953
It's hardly difficult to eavesdrop on the group as you make your approach. Lord Yohn Royce continues the playful mockery of his son, slapping the lad on the back while he jokes. It is difficult to believe that young and brawny Andar was defeated at all, let alone by a woman but the bruises and his scowl tell the truth.

"... you should have seen the look on your face when that helmet came off! I'd paid a thousand gold dragons to see that again. Perhaps I should arrange a marriage between the two of you, the Seven know you need a woman who can fight and talk back to you! Ah, Artys, the man of the hour! You and Lyonel put on quite the show! The drama, the chivalry! Good show! You should introduce me to your family, they must be proud of what you've achieved!"

>What would you like to speak about with Lord Yohn Royce?

>>24885024


This Huntsman fellow intrigues me, we do love us some rangers at High Harrock.

>>24885161
>>24885068
>>24885035
The only confirmed death is that of Ser Naptys, Sworn to No House. He bled out shortly after his tilt with Ser Lyn Corbray.

As far as you are aware, Lord Lyonel Corbray is still alive.

>>24885222
"You are too kind Lord Royce. I pray the Seven that Lord Corbray will get better. He is a tough one." Is our family close? Perhaps we could introduce him.

>>24885222
Thank him for his praise, and congratulate him on his own victory. Then yes, introduce him to our family, it'd do Brock well to begin meeting the high-up nobles of the region.

>>24885222

Semi-modestly: Corbray is in truth a valiant man, thanks to the seven I did not injure him more grievously.

Call over the family, introduce them?

>>24885314


Yeah, probably should congrats him too. He put on a very impressive display.

>>24885314
>>24885390
Thirded.

>>24885308
Double agreed.

>>24885314
>>24885308
>>24885344
Your family is nearby, your wife quietly whispering to little Katrin while Brock sits beside Lorenna Egen and speaks with her, more animated and cheerful than usual. It's rare that you see a light like this in his eyes - is it pride? Nonetheless you call them over, with the two women immediately rushing to join you while Brock reluctantly parts from Lorenna's side. The Egen girl slinks off to her mother's side without so much as a farewell, wounding your boy's ego ever so slightly. Nonetheless, your wife and children come to your side and you happily introduce them to the Castellan of the Vale. Deyya is eloquent and polite, Katrin is exceptionally sweet and polite and Brock is respectful and blunt. Thankfully, Bronze Yohn seems to admire bluntless.

"Good to meet you, lad. If you're half the fighter your father is you've got a damn good future ahead of you! Then again, you might end up like my boy here! You've raised a good brood here, Artys and there's no need to be so modest. You won fairly and you should be proud of your accomplishments. Lyonel knew the risks when he joined the joust. Perhaps he shouldn't have, his brother's certainly the better knight. As for my own victory? Pah, I fought a nobody knight that hails from Pebble. There was no honour or glory in that tilt, but thank the Seven that the good Ser Osney is going to live. I hope he'll learn from this defeat."

>Anything you wish to discuss with him?

Just got off work and have been looking forward to this all day. LET'S GET IT ON

>>24885559
Just discuss the rest of the matches with him to make small talk and get us ourselves in the mood.

>>24885559
Tell him that not every tilt can be against another lord or veteran, but that hopefully he'll find the next match more to his liking, more of a challenge. Tell him we're looking forward to tilting against one of the hosts, that it should be interesting to go against him in front of his home crowd, as it were.

>>24885559


"You might want to keep an eye on Brock during the melee,"

I'm trying to think of some sort of joke about the ferocity of that chick knight, but failing.

>>24885559

Usual smalltalk fare, the tilts, the coming melee(whilst mentioned our good son shall be competing), and then bring up the point of concern.

As a side note Plasma, this is a grand festival yes? Is there a possibility of merchants and journeymen peddling their goods and services? I ask this because as a house with a large employ of rangers who search mountains, we seem to be lacking in hounds and a kennelmaster. Perhaps something worth looking at if it is a possibility.

>>24885711


Nah, we'll just train some of our goats to do tracking.

>>24885688
Not sure we want to take the piss out of his son, though.

>>24885734
I approve of tracker goats.

>>24885760
>>24885734

While the next best solution I would say this, perhaps the noble hound and the training of such would be something our good son would be interested in as well? And be proxy the Egen lass who happens to like animals and given more time around our good son and his training of them perhaps it would help her be more at ease and open up to him? Goats might work too.

>>24885734
>>24885760
LET SLIP THE GOATS OF WAR!

>>24885819
If she doesn't like goats she's not good enough for our son.

>>24885667
>>24885601
>>24885688
>>24885711
"Aye, there's honour in every battle and in every tilt but I prefer a challenge and so I'll be getting one, I hope. You're facing Marwyn Belmore next if I remember properly? Watch out for that one. He was captain of the guard at the Eyrie 'fore Ser Vardis took his place and he's a damn good tourney knight as well. Lost a few tilts of my own against the fellow, he's one to be wary around. Bit too serious for my tastes but we live in a harsh land and a harsh time."

His gaze shifts to Brock.

"He'll be participating in the grand melee? That'll be something interesting to see. I'm not so sure about how our good host will set it out but I hope to participate myself. I pray to the Seven that I'll be able to participate in it myself once the jousting has come to an end! I've never been too fond of this horse-fighting, it's a tired old ritual. Then again, I'm a tired old man so who am I to comment on such things, eh?"

You continue in casual conversation after that, with his son occasionally piping up to join in. Andar's a pleasant young man but perhaps a bit too eager to meet his father's expectations. You gradually become unsure of just how joking Bronze Yohn's mockery really is. As for Royce Coldwater, the square-faced man simply eats his meal and listening in cool silence. He's a grim, stony shadow, never laughing at any joke or offering any input, simply lurking and taking in every word that is uttered.

>Anything else or do you wish to move on?

>>24885916


I say we move on to one of the Essosianish lords.

>>24885711
>>24885734
>>24885760
>>24885819
>>24885827
>>24885870
The entire island is effectively a giant marketplace bursting with merchants, the third largest port in the Vale. While there are no reputable salemen selling their wares at this time of the day, you could certainly search for an appropriate merchant tomorrow.

>>24885916
Move to the Egens to have a little talk too, we need to keep ourselves in the bidnes, maximum social overdrive!

>>24885827

It's not the size of the goat in the fight but the size of the fight in the goat!

I like the idea of getting some dogs, either hunting or herding dogs, as far as a i know we won't be able to get a breed that can do both in Westeros.

Also i want to see at least a little bit of scheming going on while we're here. How about trying to get our next foe really drunk?

Maybe see if we can get Yohn here to go over and have a drink or two with him, in a bury the hatchet type of way. We'll see if we can't get other guests to share a drink with him also.

>>24885916

Request private audience once the events are done, to discuss the "rebuke" and see if we can drain further details of the mysterious woman. Otherwise nothing of note.

>>24885959

Certainly a point of interest. Perhaps one our son would take an active interest in. I feel while he is blunt and eager to prove himself, that the gentle yet stern hand of raising a pup and training them would do him a degree of good.

>>24885959
Sounds good to me, getting some warhounds would be pretty cool.

I also think we should move on to the Badics, talk to them of jousting, trade, and gauging their view on the Belmores.

>>24885916
Let's move on to Lord Badic. It seems he's already gotten friendly with the Egens.

>>24886035
>>24886074
This - Badic seems to get along with the Egens, and our wife seemed to get on with them, so they could be decent allies against the Belmores.

>>24886035
>>24886015
>>24886001
>>24885950
>>24886074
During your conversation with Bronze Yohn, the environment has changed.

>Ser Crowlys have brought his conversation with Lord Egen to an end and has disappeared into the night. Although he seems slightly stressed, the good lord Loras has joined the rest of his family.
>Bronze Yohn moves over to have a jolly old conversation with Benedar Belmore and his wife, giving his knights the opportunity to chatter.
>The snake-lord and the handsome fellow dressed like a hunter have ended their conversation, eating their separate meals and simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Going ahead with the Egen-Badics encounter.

>>24885870


Agreed wholeheartedly!
>>24886089
>>24886074
>>24886035

Let's do it.

>>24885959

So um... What kind of salemen off ill repute would be offering their services at this time of the night?

>>24886315
Whores.

>>24886348
we should spend all of our money on them

>>24886315
pimps, poisoners and the like, I'd say

>>24886144
Lord Palfrey Badics is an intimidating sight. He easily towers above everyone from both House Harrock and House Egen, his sun-darkened skin rippling with muscle. Like Lord Egen he seems to be wearing fashion from Essos although his has a more practical flair to it. The most striking feature about him has to be his hair however, unnaturally stained with the colour of blood. You hear that in the Free Cities this form of dying is popular but you are yet to form an opinion on such fashion.

Beside him is his beautiful wife, a Lysene woman wearing a dress of Myrish lace that reveals much of her considerable assets. With her ghostly blue eyes and shining silver hair, Lady Ilarya almost seems to be of Valyrian descent. The twin children that clutch to the skirt of her dress seem almost identical, a handsome young boy and a beautiful daughter both barely old enough to read. The Badics seem to be quite the interesting family and the man that leads them is the first to notice you, a broad smile on his face.

"Ah, Lord Harrock is it? Congratulations on your victory. It was quite entertaining to watch. I only wish that I had your fortune in the tournament but alas, there are few knights in the Vale who can rival those on House Belmore on horseback. How may I help you?"

>Roll 3d6. I will accept the SECOND ROLL.

>>24886383
Poisoners, eh? Hmm....

>>24886315


Probably selling dragon dildos

>>24886381
No, we're faithful to our wife.

Rolled 1, 4, 4 = 9

>>24886390
All rightey, let's get down on the rolley-polley.

>>24886315
You'd expect to find women of the night, smugglers, thieves looking to pawn off their steals, heartless mercenaries and the sort of people who would do anything for a gold dragon.

Rolled 5, 6, 1 = 12

>>24886390

Rolling.

>>24886381

Yes because the possible creation of bastards who have plagued this soon to be glorious house is the best possible idea.

Rolled 4, 6, 4 = 14

>>24886390
>considerable assets
Noice.

Discuss trade and his opinion of Belmore.

>>24886452
Could have been worse!

Rolled 2, 6, 4 = 12

>>24886452


Yes, take that!

>>24886470
The dice really want to roll 12, 12 it is.

>>24886470


Welp, I need to remember to take my dice off more.

Ask how things are in his part of the Vale.

>Plasma, what exactly do we know about how things are in his part of the Vale?

>>24886446

Doubtful of any interest or use then? Damn shame. Though I would assume they would be of different customs and locales yes? Perhaps send a servant, if we have one, with a few coins to press into hand to see if we can discover anything about the women(whose name and origin apparently allude me at this moment) who passed through our house with her strange "investment" or at the very least the supposed royal house she pledged loyalty too. Just a thought, it is a port town after all.

>>24886452
>>24886443
One thing that you notice is that Lord Palfrey Badic's wife not only doesn't speak - but she cannot speak. No matter what shapes her mouth seems to make when you introduce your family to her own, no sounds seem to come out. So unfortunate that such an attractive woman is mute - surely if she could speak, her voice would be as beautiful as her body?
But that is not all. It is clear to you that her lack of voice is not a natural trait that she was born with. There are a faint markings around her throat, either signs of strangulation or welts left by some form of tight collar or choker, as worn by slaves found throughout Essos. Either could have been the source of the Lysene woman's mute state.

Now, what would you like to discuss with Lord Palfrey Badics and Lord Loras Egen?

>>24886559
>Good lord, them typos.

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>>24886559
Oh mai gaaaaaaaaaaaaaad he fucking married a slave.

>>24886559
So his wife was a slave? I wonder if he bought her, or saved her...

I'd like to discuss the possibility of House Badics increasing trade with us and House Egen, and see Badics' opinion of House Belmore, and if it matches ours, potentially offering some sort of alliance between our houses, since we would do well to work together for our mutual benefit, and the detriment of our rivals.

>>24886559
>Silent wife


Lucky man.

>>24886499
This, see if what he says lines up with what we know. Maybe throw in a comment about how it's easy to have the best knights when you have more money than anyone in the region? Talk up the excellent port facilities under construction in Egen's land, see if he has any possible trade. Compliment his family.

>>24886618
It's his love slave, with 'assets' like those.

And quiet too, like a woman should be.

>>24886535
I think I might second this. What became of the Qohorik, actually? I left the thread where she showed up shortly after she retired to sleep

>>24886559

We should discuss the possibility of trade with their house through the Egen's newly refurnished port. And broach the possibility of moving his goods through the Westpass without going through the lands of our gracious hosts.

>>24886682
Not coo' bro, not coo'. Besides it would creep me the fuck out, I can't stand mutes

>>24886618


So he's open minded? Sounds good.
>>24886668
>>24886639
Also, talk about our mutual protection pact and see if he would like to join.

>>24886687
She left our lands, traveled to Egen's lands, and left for the Free Cities on a ship.

It's why Royce wants to talk to us and Egen, he thinks we might have let a slave convoy through our lands and off out of our reach.

>>24886706
>>24886668
>>24886639

Let's go with these!

>>24886639
>>24886499
>>24886458
What do you know of his territory? It is called Moonsgrey. Where the Virgin River and the Westflow connect, the vast river of Greatgorge is created. Crown Crag of House Egen lies on the South bank while Moonsgrey of House Badics lies on the North bank. It's a mountainous and treacherous area that used to belong to a vassal of House Tollett who turned against the Vale during Robert's Rebellion. Due to his service to Lord Jon Arryn, Palfrey Badics was made lord of that region.

"Quite well. My men and I are eliminating the last traces of mountainfolk in the Mountains of the Dawn - and speaking of trade, that is exactly what I deal in; men. When I was knighted, I looked to King's Landing found myself disgusted by the rule of the Mad King so I left for Essos. I joined a mercenary company and by the will of the Seven, I managed to rise up the ranks and claim the company as my own. Now I have a thousand of the finest soldiers of the Free Cities serving beneath me and I am happy to sell their services to the highest bidder within the Vale. Loras Egen is kind enough to provide my house with lumber used for the creation of many fine arrows and spears and as for Lord Belmore? I have something to discuss with him. The good lord seems to have a habit of inspiring rebellion and dissent in my men."

>>24886719
>>24886687
>She left our lands, traveled to Egen's lands, and left for the Free Cities on a ship.

This is correct.

>>24886877


Well, so much for aspiring to be the most militarily strong house in the region, but he seems like he'll fit right into our anti-Belmore crew.

Should we tell him that we suspect Belmore was behind our mystery archers?

>>24886962


Also, should we mention that we are planning on expanding our iron mining facilities? Any member of a mutual protection pact would probably get a discount.

>>24886877
He has done the same with us - he even had the audacity to request us to spit on our vows to House Arryn and bend the knee to him.

We would be willing to trade iron and food with House Badics, to aid with the supply of weapons and supplies.

>>24886877

>something to discuss with Belmore

Nice an in. I wouldn't press advantage too far, given the jolly circumstances that surround us. But, the idea that we could potentially hire some men to perhaps guard our/Egen's newly renovated port as a sign of good will and to essentially say, "We trust our trade, with yours" would be advantageous to our cause. Overall, an interesting point to be considered and I would suggest we make mention of the possibility of trade that can be discussed later away from listening ears.

>>24886962

We have absolutely no evidence, other than the fact he'd be better off with our lands, that the archers were his doing. It could equally be our brother provoking a response from us to see what kind of ruler we've become.

I think we should keep it to matters of trade at this meeting.

>>24886962
Yea, we should tell him that we believe him to be linked to attacks in our lands, and potentially being linked to our bastard brother, since there isn't really anywhere else he could be hiding easily.

>>24887016
>>24887006
>>24886962
Mention the mystery archers that ambushed your rangers back when you were fighting the Milk Snakes, yes or no?

>>24887006

Agreeing with this entirely. To do that would reveal our hand far too much. We are a lord with internal affairs that need to be kept internal. The man may have things to discuss with Belmore but we do not know his true intentions.

>>24887032
Yes, mention them. If he believes them to be linked to Belmore, that's him thinking it, not us telling him so. Just leave it open.

>>24887032
No

>>24887032

Nay.

>>24887032

Good heavens no.

>>24887032
Yes, but don't explicitly say that they were from Belmore or our brother, leave it open to his interpretation.

>>24887032
Yes.

>>24887073
>>24887066
>>24887052
>>24887049
>>24887045
>>24887016
>>24887006
>>24886962
>>24887080
Going with a no on this one. You can always tell him later.

>>24887049


I think this is the best course.
>>24886993
This might be something to bring up with Royce.

>>24887114
>This might be something to bring up with Royce.

Good point, as it suggests Belmore is making a power play, which could destabilise the Vale.

>>24887114
I don't think so. If we bash another house for trying to get bannermen then we will be bashed too because of our hypocrisy if we ever get one by Royce. Don't mention it.

>>24887151

I agree with this. Houses falling and rising is the name of the game. We don't want to be known as a hypocrite, nay we are the Hangman of Harrock.

>>24887151


It's not what you do, it's how you do it, and I don't think he was going about it in the right way.

>>24886993
>>24886999
>>24886992
"Forgive me for being so direct Lord Harrock but iron is hardly a rarity in the Vale. It is a plentiful metal with many providers - but if you are willing to purchase my services then I am willing to purchase your iron above other providers. You must understand that in a position where I must pick and choose, I shall select my closest friends and allies above all others.

"So when these expansions that you plan are complete, I would be happy to offer the service of my men in exchange for your iron. There is no need for coins to exchange hands - simply my services for yours. I am sure you could use a few hundred good soldiers, yes?"

>>24887196
Aye, making people bannermen is fine. Requesting fellow lords to become vassals, when they owe the same oath to Arryn as we do, isn't fine.

>>24887196
Royce is not a spider. He would bring it up very bluntly.

>>24887226
We ARE trying to get a fellow lord to be our vassal.

>>24887196

At the time we were struggling, our lack of military might and funds as well as the disgrace of our Bastard brother and the mountainmen harrying us made it an opportune time for Belmore to finally take us over. He was playing the game as well as us, nothing more. How he was doing it was exactly as we would, as intent is within the eye of the beholder.

>>24887218
Definitely, seems fair to me.

I don't think we'll get a proper ally out of him though, he's too much the mercenary for that.

>>24887246
By tying our families together through marriage, not by telling them to bend to us.

>>24887218

Hrm. Blunt and honest man. Works and gives insight into the man himself. The deal is something to draw up post celebration away from others eyes and drunken hand.

Layout of the celebration now? How is our family doing?

>>24887218
Sounds good. Can we try to bait him to tell us more about how Belmore encourages rebellion among his troops?

>>24887313
But means we can't always rely on him, as he may get better allies in future.

>>24887373
THIS!

>>24887390

And perhaps we up the offer in due course to remain the best? That is a valid point and something worth remembering though. He is a merc afterall, they do like their coin.

>>24887438
Aye, worth it in the short term, at least.

>>24887313
While you're speaking with the good lord Badics, Deyya is busying herself trying to communicate and get along with Ilarya and introduce their children to each other. Both women are eloquent and courteous but the fact that one can't speak makes conversation quiet difficult. As for Brock, he's immediately taken up the opportunity to go back to speaking with Lorenna. He seems to be doing everything he can to avoid the Badics, in fact.

>>24887373
>>24887410
Would you like to try and bait him? Anything in particular you like to try and say?

>>24887508
Say that the wealth that Belmore have accrued would seem appetising to mercenary troops, regardless of the skill in blade and negotiation their leader has.

So does Brock have the hots for Lorenna or is he giving her all this attention because he knows we want him to marry her?

>>24887565
This, but say that it'd be appealing to anyone, not just mercenaries. We don't want to insult him.

>>24887575
I think he has fallen for her.

>>24887575
Both, I believe. He really seemed to like her when we asked him a few threads ago.

>>24887575

It might also play into his desire to prove himself. She is a gentle thing, filled with mystery and seemingly contempt. It is the first thing in his life he was encountered that cannot be solved by A. Punching the shit out of it, or B, Eating it into submission. Combine that with his earlier speech of wanting us to be proud of him perhaps this is just another test he is putting himself through to do so.

>>24887587
>>24887565
"If that were the case, I am sure my men would have shown loyalty to Lord Belmore. They have not. A hundred good soldiers disappeared into thin air. A hundred. No signs of violence, no sign of struggle. It was mutiny, they abandoned his service - and mine. For over a month now he has insisted that he paid them them the correct amount but I have my doubts. This mystery needs to be resolved and sooner rather than later."

>>24887587


That would probably do.
>>24887621
Where
s all the brock haters now?

>>24887699
Were they archers, by any chance, using arrows made with Egen wood?

Lads, we may have found our mystery archers.

>>24887699

Ask about their particular training, if any among them had a specialty of outstanding renown. Yet again do not reveal our hand on our mystery archers, but inquire further under the guise of curiosity would serve our needs.

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>>24887714
Incoming plots and treachery

>>24887714
seconded

>>24887738
>>24887714
"I have said too much already. Forgive me Lord Harrock but this affair does not involve you - I would rather resolve this matter in privacy. It is between me and Lord Belmore. May I ask you why you're so interested in the relationship between my house and that of the good Lord Benedar?"

Although Palfrey Badics was frowning before, his expression has become a smile as he turns towards you. Now the bloody-haired mercenary lord is the questioner.

>>24887819
Casually change the topic to our our sword. Ambition.

>>24887819

Ah hell, over stepping our bounds. Don't want to slight him by dropping the question nor can we talk of our internal affairs and desires far too much.

I'd suggest bringing up your steward background simply stating matters of coin and men interest your desires and it was a curious thing. And apologize for over stepping your bounds by blaming a loss tongue drawn from alcohol.

>>24887819
It just so happened that a band of trained marksmen, a stealthy lot, attacked my men several weeks back - it could be that these were your turncoat men, and I would be happy to find them and return them to you for justice, if we were to become friends.

As for you and Belmore, I only ask because the prosperity of my House, and those of our friend Egen, relies on gauging and understanding my neighbours' strengths and weaknesses, as you no doubt understand, being a military man.

>>24887886


How about nope.

>>24887819
"It is just that we have been attacked recently by a group of that size. They were not Mountain Men either."

>>24887948
I like. We might get a favour from him if we returned these men to him, and pleading to his pride at being a mercenary captain, and suggesting he knows how politics works better than us, might get us in his good books.

>>24887943
I don't think apologizing is the best option here, that's a sign of us backing down. Playing coy works better for us, especially since he doesn't seem to be 100% happy with Belmore at the moment.

It's too soon to act on an alliance here really, we need Egen as our bannerman first. That will give us the political clout we need. Speaking of which, we should speak with him now.

>>24887948
>>24887943


Both seem like good choices.

>>24887948
Why would we mention the archers? We don't trust this guy at all yet.

>>24887948
Thirded.

>>24887985


Egen's with us right now I think. And the whole making them bannermen was originally slotted to help him out if Bronze Yohn decided to punish him.

>>24888000
Because they might well be his men.

>>24888000

I agree with this sentiment, everyone is way too over zealous about telling him of our internal affairs. For all we know he could be working with Belmore and the talk he has to have with his in exchange for more coin/goods in exchange for services rendered beyond original intent and agreement.

>>24888020
For all we know they could have been acting on Belmore's orders. Possibly with his consent.

>>24888037
I agree.

Let's say that we've heard 'rumours' amongst the smallfolk of a band of mercenary archers plying the hills. But we're not sure if there is truth to the stories or if they are mountain men or even simple fabrications.

This gives him some info to work off, but not too much.

>>24887948
>>24887943
>>24887886
>>24887886
>>24887948
>>24887974
>>24887981
>>24887987
>>24888004
>>24888019
>>24888020
>>24888029
>>24888037
>>24888125
You go ahead and admit what happened. Your rangers were attacked by a group of archers, skilled in both stealth and marksmanship and you have been unable to identify them, other than the fact that they are certainly not mountain men. In addition, you're interested in the mercantile affairs of neighbouring houses as a steward and you cannot help but be interested in such matters of trade.

After admitting the truth of the situation to the mercenary lord, you find that Palfrey's mouth is still smiling but his eyes are not. A glance is given towards Lord Egen, who is thankfully distracted and locked in discussion with his wife. For a few brief moments the red-haired man is silent but then he speaks with slow and carefully calculated words.
"This gives me much more to discuss with Lord Belmore. Not only have my men disappeared into the wilderness but they have turned against a lord of the Vale. This has suddenly become a much trickier matter. I trust that you shall not mention these archers to anyone outside other than Lord Belmore or I? If this gets out it could not only impact your reputation but mine and that of the good lord Benedar."

>>24888145

Whooooooooooooah

So they were Badics men working for someone else and Egen has come under attack too?

*low whistle*

Can we go talk to the snake lord at some point soon? I think he'd make a great sworn sword...

>>24888145
Of course.

>As-fucking-if

>>24888165
Seconding a talk with the Snake Lord. If he is a potential sworn sword he's perfect for our rangers.

>>24888145

That's a good combination of the answers given. Good on you Plasma, excellent GMing.

Anyway. I'd say best to honor such an agreement with the man. He is a merc, those men are dangerous, far more then a man such as ourselves presently. Suggest a private meeting post his discussion with the Good Lord Belmore to draw up your future agreement and perhaps discuss the matter more privately and with more knowledge.

Also perhaps time to move on from this conversation? Our wife is due for a "bestowing of favor" seeing as her's helped us win that tilt. Also our son may need a quick chat, see his view on the days affairs and to offer ours on tomorrow's melee(have we given him the new flail we had commissioned?)

>>24888168
Second this.

I think a chat o Lord Egen is needed before we move on to anyone else.

>>24888165
This is perfect!

If we can convince Egen that other Lords of the Vale are behind such attacks (which is easier to swallow than being beaten by Mountain Men) he will come running into our arms at the very mention of protection as a bannerman!

The hard part will be convincing him and Crowly not to confront the Lords responsible (whether they are not) immediately.

>"Patience, Lord Egen. Vengeance will be ours in due course."

Clearing up a few misunderstandings.
>>24888165
>Not only have my men disappeared into the wilderness but they have turned against a lord of the Vale.
He means you. You are a lord of the Vale and his men have attacked you. That is what he meant.
>>24888199
>>24888165
The man with the doublet embroidered with snakes is a lord as mentioned, so he can't become a sworn sword.
I think you mean this guy instead?
>Beside the snake-lord is another man who you haven't met before, slender and stunningly handsome yet practically dressed in clothes that would suit a huntsman better than a lord.

>>24888225
We should be careful not to mention this now. There's a chance he might blow up and either confront them or go straight to Bronze Yohn. This should be done after the tourney, when we finally ask him to swear to us.

For now, I say we should work on improving our relationship with Ser Crowlys, since we aren't set on offing him.

>>24888216
Damn straight, exceptionally well done, Plasma!

But yea, I second this - honour the agreement with him, and organise a meeting with him after he has spoken with Belmore. In fact, ask him not to mention him knowing they attacked us, as Belmore might just be telling him that they have gone rogue, but he is still paying them, and paid them to enter our lands and attack us, and he'd be able to deny all involvement with it, because they're renegades.

>>24888281
>as Belmore might just be telling him that they have gone rogue, but he is still paying them, and paid them to enter our lands and attack us, and he'd be able to deny all involvement with it, because they're renegades

Fffffff.....

That's genius, entirely deniable soldiers doing raids in our lands, weakening us before Belmore attacks, or forces us to become his bannermen.

Well thought of, anon.

>>24888243
Ugh. I'll try and word what Palfrey Badics meant a little better.

>"I have more to discuss with Lord Belmore. It seems that these mutineers are the ones who attacked you. I suggest you don't speak to anyone but me and Lord Belmore about this."

I hope that is a bit clearer. I apologise for giving the wrong impression as I did not wish to implicate Lord Egen in anything there.

>>24888259
Ah well, a huntsman-type works well enough. We should talk to them now.

Besides, whether or not Lord Egen has actually come under attack from these fellows is irrelevant. All we need do is convince him that he was the intended target...

As I recall he already knows about the attack (we told Ser Crowlys before we went after the Milk Snakes), we just have to put the right spin on it.

>Mysterious Archer
>Attacked us
>We reveal that they were Badics men
>Probably after Egen
>Acting on Belmore orders
>Enemies surround Egen
>Comes running to his only friend/liege

>>24888259

Yes sorry, that guy. We should speak to him.

>>24888281
I'm sure we've already told Egen and Crowlys about the archers.

>>24888352
>>24888324
>>24888243
>>24888225
>>24888165
You move to speak with Lord Loras Egen.

What would you like to discuss?

>>24888281
Yeah, I'm with anon here. If Belmore is behind these attacks, it would be unwise for us to show our hand to him.

Organize a meeting with Badics for early tomorrow morning before the joust recommences.

>>24888352
Should we mention that to Badics? We can at least promise not to tell him that they were Badics' men.

>>24888352

Even so Crowly would be the man to talk to about it in serious detail. The Good Lord Egen has no mind for wargames, the mentioning of it should happen once Crowley stands in our corner on the matter and we can levy it into position. Including but not limited to him becoming our bannerman.

>>24888281
>>24888310
>>24888376
Seconding what these guys said.

>>24888371

Talk about our friendship and make nice social chatter with him.

We don't need to reveal anything just yet

>>24888379
He doesn't need to know.

>>24888371
>Good evening, Loras. How is your family enjoying the tourney? Has Ser Crowlys recovered from his bout in the joust?

>>24888388
Sounds good to me.

>>24888397
Yea, we don't want to spook him. Discuss the tourney so far, and how Crowly is doing.

>>24888371
Can we roll back a tad and finish that conversation with Badics before moving on, using what anon has said about the archers/ future meeting.

As for talking to Egen, ask him how he's going and small talk. Then move to talk to Ser Crowlys.

>>24888371

Egen has no mind for war and its prices. He is enjoying his cup and we all know it. I would only move to assure him of well being, joking with him with drunken tongue to keep his mood high, and then be on our way to the huntsmen.

>>24888388
Good point. This is just more leverage to convince Crowly that we're what's best for House Egen.

We should find the guy, and make mention of how the soft lad who knocked him off in the joust wouldn't look so fancy with a mountain man bearing down on him.

>>24888415
Ser Crowlys isn't present anymore.

>>24888145


Hory sheet! I've got to sign off for the most part and head to work, good working with y'all tonight, and I'll check the archives later tonight.

>>24888416
Second

>>24888416


Thirded, besides promising to keep it a secret, there's not much more to be done with Badic, and Crowlys is the real guy we need to have on our side in the Egen camp. I say we meet the Huntsman.

And I'm out.

>>24888412
>>24888403
>>24888397
"I am very well, thank you. I'm afraid that Ser Crowlys is interested in remaining at this tournament any longer and has taken the first galley back to Crown Crag. He dislikes competitions such as these and believes them to be nothing but distractions. I do think he's been quite worried about the state of my house's military situation ever since we left, so much so that he likely threw the joust on purpose. A shame; Ser Crowly is far too serious and pragmatic for my tastes but he has served my family well throughout the years."

>>24888479
"He's a good man, it'd be remiss of him to not be concerned about the welfare of your estate. But enough of that, tonight is a night for celebration!"

Toast, then ditch him to talk to huntsman guy.

>>24888479
Seems like Crowlys is more bothered about House Egen than Egen is.

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Oh, and something I should have posted earlier. House Badics heraldry.

>>24888516

Going with this. Egen should be kept happy and ignorant in his own way, though I do suspect he doesn't reveal half of much of himself as we know.

Anyway. Recruiting time. Let's get dat Huntsmen.

>>24888216

He's been put in a very very bad spot. He's asking us to keep it to ourselves because it looks like he's in bed with our host to directly fuck us up with intent and military action. That's the kind of situation that would draw the lord of the vale in to start breaking heads.

Seems to me like the Belmore's wanted to make the Badics house into an enemy of ours with out either of us knowing. If we hadn't revealed that is was his men attacking us, he might have had to side with the Belmores, or been used as a scapegoat. The Belmores have pretty openly claimed that Badics men deserted, as to make it seem like they have nothing to do with the actions of a few rouge archers. Why wouldn't underpaid archers try some illegal actions in the lands of somewhat weak lord. If Badics men are found still in Belmores employ we might be able to use that.

Now that Badic is aware of what's going on he ca take steps to distance himself from Belmore. By the time we come to blows with the Belmores. They'll either be a neutral third party, or will help us because they tried to play them the fool and scapegoat.

We don't gain any leverage over the Belmore's with this, as we still have no direct evidence, but i like scheming.

>>24888479
Just fear-mongering here, don't mind me...

Do we need to worry about something happening at home while we're away? With Crowley going back, it just makes me wonder whether something is about to go down there. Between having some forces at Crown Crag, the (less-)mysterious archers and our brother.

Feel free to ignore me if I seem too paranoid.

>>24888550
Well put, anon. It's to our benefit that Badic remains neutral in the (likely far) future conflict we'll have with the Belmores. I can't see them as an ally though unless they stand to gain something very enticing. He's a mercenary at heart after all.

>>24888576
They would have sent a raven if anything was up.

Too bad Belmore is in charge of the ravens here in Grimarbour

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>>24888526
>>24888516
>>24888542
Consoling Lord Egen about the return of Ser Crowlys, you leaving the faux-Braavosi sod to his affairs and leave to speak with the strange, practically dressed fellow who has since ended his conversation with the snake-lord and simply enjoying a quiet drink by himself. You intrude and the man pushes himself to his feet, offering a courteous smile and a deep bow. With bright blue eyes and coarse golden hair, he's an attractive fellow who would draw the eyes of many women if only he was more out-going and direct - and perhaps if he wore finer clothes, rather than those suited to a retainer or servant.

"Lord Artys Harrock, am I correct? Forgive me for making such an assumption; I like to know who is attending a prestigious event such as this before I get the opportunity to speak with them. I would like to congratulation you on your victory in the joust today, your tilt against the good Lord Lyonel Corbray was excellent to behold. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Alesandor Saul, the head of House Saul and the lord of the Scorched Vale. How are you finding Lord Belmore's hospitality?"

Could someone throw up the /tg/ map of the Vale with all of the Houses and their positions?

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>>24888746

>>24888726

'Yes you are correct Lord Saul, and thankyou for your courtesy. I am finding Lord Belmore's hospitality quite comfortable, and they seem to be gracious hosts. But I wonder if that will change if I beat one of them in the lists tomorrow?'

'What can I do for you, Lord Saul?'

>>24886877
Arrows. Finest men.

Seriously this is where they came, the fucks that shot us to hell and back.

>>24888762
Thanks.

>>24888726

"You flatter me my good lord." And with that continue to press claim of victory to your good wives favor. Do not act as if you were unaware of his Lordly status. Admit admiration of him knowing you by glance.

As a note, this man is a man of practicality and watcher before action, if his manner and dress are any indication. Certainly a man who would be of interest in making friends with.

>>24888726
The hospitality is most excellent, though I have found that company counts for more than location, and the company have been exceptionally friendly. How about yourself, Lord Alesandor? I noticed you have been fairly quiet this evening.

>>24888787
Mention that we couldn't help but notice his dismay?

>>24888808
>>24888797
Voting for a mix of these.

>>24888840
Sounds good to me.

>>24888840

I can get behind that.

>>24888827
>>A gruff, broad-shouldered man with black stubble and wild black curls of hair sitting with his son and his knight. With dozens of little green serpents embroidered on to his velvet doublet, he seems to be focusing on soothing himself after the jousting and calming his nerves with wine.
>>Beside the snake-lord is another man who you haven't met before, slender and stunningly handsome yet practically dressed in clothes that would suit a huntsman better than a lord. Although he is trying to console the other man, he does not share the same heraldry – nor did he participate in the joust.

They're two different people. Just so you know.

>>24888840
Why not >>24888787 as well?

>>24888857
Erps.

>>24888862
That as well then!

>>24888797
>>24888787
>>24888808
"Truly your honour and chivalry is great and I am certain that you shall at least provide quite a fight for Ser Marwyn when your tilt finally comes. As for myself? I have been most well, thank you. I find that I make for poor company and prefer to watch rather than participate in discussion. Besides, I am not an important lord in this region or an important lord at all. So I do what I can to learn about those who are by watching and listening. Speaking of such things, I am surprised that you attended. According to records in the Eyrie, this island has been hotly contested by House Harrock and House Belmore for centuries. It seems strange that you show respect to their claim by attending this competition. Forgive me for asking such a foolish question but has this rivalry between your houses come to an end or do you have overriding reasons for attending this tournament?"

The practically dressed lord takes a sip from his gauntlet, patiently waiting for a response and watching you almost hawkishly.

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>tfw all ways late to Harrock quests, even though I love them.

>>24888945
>The practically dressed lord takes a sip from his GOBLET, patiently waiting for a response and watching you almost hawkishly.

>This is my punishment for running quests until 3AM.

>>24888974
tfw they start at 5.30 in the morning

>>24888945

The watcher watches. Called it.

As he is not important in the region, give him an answer of a "peace" has come between your two houses, but make off hand mention of further claim beyond perhaps. He is a curious man that is for certain and I would believe if he had the opportunity to become important through a new ally, he would take it. But only if we allow the watcher to watch what we want him too.

>>24888945
I attended to represent my House, for we would not wish to harm our reputation in the Vale by rejecting the invitation. As for this island, you respect your knowledge of the situation, for you are correct. I do not see how representing my House is the same as acknowledging Belmore's claim to my House's island, however.

>>24888945
I think we have someone fishing for an ally in this region...or an ally of Belmore trying to trip us up.

Let's respond very carefully to this.

>>24888974
Unlucky man, they start perfectly for me.

Glad you read it though, good to have more people involved.

>>24889023
Seconded.

>>24889032
We could get an ally, I think.

>>24888998

AdelaideBro?

BrisBro here?

On topic:

I was summoned here by Lord Royce to represent my house in matters both martial and otherwise, Lord Saul. unfortunately I cannotcomment on the state of my houses affairs at this time without knowing yourself a little better, I hope you understand

>>24889023
This.

We can't have a tourney at Grimarbour without a Harrock there.

>>24888945
"It would be impolite of me to attend a tournament hosted in my lands"

>>24889032
>>24889015
"Oh? Forgive me for misunderstanding the situation. The Scorched Vale is quite remote, making it difficult for me to practice and learn the art of diplomacy. However, I would have thought that it is an act of balance. By attending an event located on this island, do you not admit that Lord Belmore has the right to host said event? After all, you are here as guest and he is here as host. It could be taken as a declaration that Grimarbour is his, by some. But I am blathering. Is there anything else that I can assist you with?"

>>24889207
Let's discuss trade opportunities with him, what he thinks of the Belmores and his opinion on the free cities.

It's time we regained the initiate in this conversation.

>>24889207

Compliment Lord Saul on his knack for asking intriguing questions, and that he would make a great master of whisperers for the right house. Ask him if instead, is there anything High Harrock can do for the Scorched Vale? Trade, Men-at-Arms, things like that?

>>24889207

Hm. An interesting situation. Ask him if he has a family, child, a second son/cousin/younger brother perhaps. We could offer to foster him and to help the Good Lord Saul in keeping better tabs on our region and to foster good will between Harrock and the Burned Vale. Perhaps a bit of our shrewd diplomatic skills could be taught to the lad.

Otherwise I would make mention with a laugh that the peace brokered is more of an act of balance in terms of your further claim. No tourney on your land shall be without its master.

>>24889269
He's a Lord in his own right.

But I agree, time to change the subject.>>24889250

>>24889287

Lords still become masters of whispers to other Lords. Look at Baelish as an example

>>24889308
We're not exactly the head of Westeros here.

>>24889308
Lord Baelish didn't have any land, and even so a lord would only work in the court of his liege

>>24889346

>Baelish
>no land

Um, yes he did. His Grandfather was a hedge knight that had been given a keep in the fingers that Baelish inherited

>>24889374
my mistake, nonetheless my second point remains

>>24889250
>>24889269
"Trade? Oh, I wish we were capable of such a thing. The Scorched Vale is as barren as its name makes it out to be. The few men that live on our lands subside off of goats and fish and what little metal our house possesses is passed from father to son. It is a humble way of life but a sustainable one. I admit, the meteoric rise of your house is one that I greatly admire and wish that I could replicate in my own territory. From losing all of your military might to a traitor and almost disappearing into the annals of history to effortlessly eliminating a clan of hillfolk in your territory and besting far more reputable lords in a contest such as this. Admirable, to say the least. This traitor, this... Ulrif Stone? Ulric? Ulrif? I forget. Would you like to know how he was thwarted after our good Lord Arryn was warned of his betrayal?"
>>24889286
>>24889182
"Ah, very good. That makes much sense and it would be quite the statement if you - or one of your sworn swords - bested House Belmore in this contest. However, it would also be a statement if they bested you."
>>24889286
"I have a younger brother, Lord Harrock, but only two years younger than I. Not young enough to become a ward or a squire I am afraid. I appreciate the offer however, and I shall try to think of any idea in a similar vein."

>>24889418
Dangerous ground here, but I am curious.

>>24889418
Plasma, what exactly is the basis for our claim to Grimarbour? How did our house lose it?

>>24889418
Plasma, from our own knowledge, is what he is saying about the Scorched Vake true; or is seriously playing down his own power and influence?

He seems...crafty.

>>24889418

Make mention of how you trade with House Frey and suggest that you are in the same place as he in terms of it. There is always the bigger fish, but do not imply you are bigger.

Given jest at being the one to now listen with great attention and insist upon hearing such detail. Do not reveal your true intentions of it or give away how sober you might be upon hearing it.

Also a damn shame about the lack of family, though it was mostly a show of goodwill and to glance thoughts of total soberness. Perhaps it will come up again though.

I like this guy. The way he talks isn't particularly lordly but it stems from a curiosity fueled by his ever watchful eyes. He is a predator that has yet to reveal itself.

>>24889452
It used to belong to House Harrock. It has been traded between House Harrock and House Belmore several times. During your grandfather's reign, the two houses engaged in some of the bloodiest warfare in the Vale's recent history that resulted in the near destruction of your house and the loss of Grimarbour in the process, thanks to the political influence of House Belmore and the old man's inability to defend it after many skirmishes.
>>24889490
You know very little of that region. All you know is an old legend that a thousand years ago, a wild dragon flew from Essos and made its den in the hills that border the Bite Coast, scorching and devastating the landscape. Hence the Scorched Vale. However, the entire Northern coast of the Vale has always been unproductive and unwanted, little more than moors were only the hardiest shrubs and toughest trees dare to grow.
He's probably being honest but he does seem just a little crafty.

>>24889620
Hmph, well know we have all the more reason to hate the Belmores. Grimarbour shall be ours.

>>24889527
Second this.

I like this guy.

Ask Lord Saul what he would do to strngthen Grimarbour from this constant back and forth. Also ask about Lord Sauls family. Maybe a match for Katrin or Brock?

>>24889527
>>24889490
>>24889452
>>24889445
"Very well, Lord Harrock. I wasn't there personally but I frequently ride to the Eyrie whenever I can, to read and listen to records of events both recent and old. If I remember correctly, there was a hedge knight - a Reachman, I believe - that confronted Lord Jon Arryn when he left the Vale to join the Battle of the Bells. Accompanied by a thousand men from a hundred nations, he asked no price and demanded nothing. From our liege. He simply pleaded, begged for the chance to serve Jon Arryn against the Mad King and he was accepted.
"His first role in Robert's Rebellion was to guard the very rear of Jon Arryn's army when he received news of a traitor seeking to ambush his forces. When Ulrif Stone finally arrived with his soldiers in tow, the hedge knight ruthlessly crushed him and his men, leaving almost none alive. It was a massacre and one that greatly impressed our liege lord, just enough to give the landless knight more opportunities to prove himself. Unfortunately your brother was never found but I believe that you have Lord Palfrey Badics to thank for his defeat."

Hey Plasma perhaps time to pack it in for the chatting? Seems a bit slow because of waning interest in that particular field.

>>24889784
>>24889527
"Perhaps we can discuss the details of trade another day - and the details of an alliance. I have no daughter or sister to marry to your son but my brother and I are both unmarried - if you truly believe you can find no better suitor for a lady such as her. We can speak on both topics at another date. Is there anything else that you would like to discuss?"

>>24889809
That's fishy. Our brother wasn't one to be trounced so easily. Did he trust Lord Badic to side with him?
It doesn't actually change anything though, unless we hear something different from Ulrif himself.

>>24889816
I think after this I'm fine with a timeskip. We shouldn't forget to thank our Lady Wife though.

>>24889809
>>24889854

Thank him for both the account of your brother's defeat and for such an offer. You shall keep it in mind.

With that bid him farewell. I would assume festivities are winding down a bit? Anything of note to see?

>>24889884
>>24889869
You'd be correct in assuming festivities are winding down. Most of women and some of the men are excusing themselves and leaving to catch some sleep for the night - or to do other things beneath the cover of darkness.

Is there anything that you would like to do before sleeping and preparing for tomorrow?

>>24889902
'Thank' our wifey, of course. Her token was probably all that stopped us winding up with our arse on the ground.

>>24889809
That is...extremely suspicious. I'm not sure if this guy noticed us talking to Badics before and is trying to get into our head, since this entire account could be falsified.

Or if Badics is the real threat to our power here, and not the Belmores. I mean, he could have been behind the 'mysterious' attack on us.

Either way, I like this Lord Saul. Let's invite him to dine at High Harrock sometime in the future.

>>24889902
pleasantries with the children, sex the wife and then sleep.

>>24889936
Why should we care who defeated our brother? After all it was us who warned the eyrie of his treachery.

>>24889902

Tell our son we wish to speak to him upon the morrow about the upcoming melee and help him gather thoughts about that, the lady he is courting(poorly), and his thoughts on the entire tournament. (Also gather response on his interest in hounds, don't want that cool idea to be forgotten).

Otherwise time to bestow our favour upon our dear Lady Wife. If the seven are good they will bless us with a child born from a day of victory.

>>24889936
>Lord Saul
>Not Proto-Littlefinger

Jokes aside, he doesn't really gain anything by lying to us about the circumstances of our brother's defeat. We could find that out from a number of sources.

These mystery archers though, I doubt that Belmore and Badic aren't connected in some way.

>>24889954
It's just the ease in which he did it. Our half-brother took the entirety of Harrock's strength with him and was massacred? It's likely nothing, but Ulrif may have thought he had more friends than he ultimately did.

>>24889978
I'm not too bother about him failing to woo Egen's girl. There's not that much to be gained from a marriage that we probably can't acquire in due course anyway. I say save our children's hands for a more crucial time.

>>24890044
We cement our alliance to house Egen and create the possibility of inheriting it with Brock's heir. I'd say we gain a far amount

>>24889928
>>24889936
>>24889954
Sneaking away from the night after learning all sorts of different things and meeting many different people, you leave for the quarters where you will be staying. Your lodgings for the course of the tournament is a tavern commandeered by House Belmore for the purpose of bedding the many lords and ladies and for that purpose alone. Thankfully it's a rather fine establishment, clean and tidy and quite frankly luxurious, with little in the way of whores or shady characters. Informing Brock of your desire to speak with him in the morning and enjoying several long, private minutes with your wife in a strange and unfamiliar bed, you settle down to sleep and prepare for the next day.

And due to my inability to type or think coherently, I'll call it a day. Thank you very much to everyone who has attended, we can continue next Monday at 9PM GMT. Any comments, compliments, criticism, conspiracies?

>>24890044

So we take the wind out of our son's sail? He is attempting to conquer this new enemy he can neither punch nor eat, and when he is failing we tell him, "Give it up, not worth it."

That is neither fatherly nor the way to continue the relationship we've begun to build with our son.

>>24890076
We don't really want an alliance, we want a bannerman. And to ensure Brock inherits we'd have to act against Egen in a way that could very well blow up in our face.

>>24890083
Thanks the thread as usual Plasma!

>>24890083

Everything is a conspiracy.

Good job on the quest Plasma. This one was no doubt a bit of slog for you, but it was enjoyable regardless. Looking forward to further tilts and the grand melee.

>>24890092
I'm not saying we should tell him to give up. I'm just saying this marriage doesn't work for us. There are other girls at this tourney.

>>24890083
Good job, Plasma. As others said, this was clearly a swim upstream.

>>24890151
>>24890129
>>24890115
Thanks. I'm just glad that some mysteries have been resolved. Of course, there are still a few secrets you're yet to discover and a few little (and big) things you're yet to notice whatsoever.

>>24890211

Oh that just isn't fair.

I demand a hint. Of small proportion but something for us to think upon until Monday.

>>24890211
> Paranoia Level Rising

>>24890312
Fucking hell, who isn't out to get us!

Probably onl Lord Egen....unless its all an act!

>>24890338
I doubt Lord Egen is as crafty as some people here are suggesting.

We really need to work on that front. It's almost like everyone sees Egen being our bannerman as a given, but we are nowhere near that stage yet. We need to get his master-at-arms on our side, then we need something more to give him that final push.

>>24890404
I don't see him ever becoming our vassal. He could become a pseudo one of sorts but actually becoming his liege lord is a very big thing.

>>24890404

This is why I encourage following through with Brock's marriage to the his daughter. Even if it is a difficult task.

Giving him that last bit of incentive to see his dear daughter take a commanding jump up status might be enough to fully commit to swearing to us as Bannerman. That and if Brock manages to break her silence and she loves him, then it would be a harder idea to not allow such a thing to occur.

But yeah we really need to back off on that idea, only 3 months in, and we need to gather ourselves again and expand Harrock before we insist upon making others kneel.

>>24890472
I think it's manageable but will take a lot of time.

Like >>24890472 we need to focus on our internal affairs and get the Harrock lands up and running. We need a solid armed force, a land that is ridiculous productive and coffers full to the brim. And that's before we can convince Egen to become our bannerman, let alone making a move on the Belmores.

>>24890514
>>24890444
Well, I got my responses all muddled up.

Plasma here. I'd appreciate it if someone took the time to archive this. I find it's rather ridiculous if the person who created a thread is the also the one who archives it.

>>24890630
Done.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=House%20Harrock